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''1. Are you taller or smaller than 6'/1,80m?'' <<listbox "$mcsize" autoselect>> <<option "~I'm smaller than 5'7." 1>> <<option "~I'm around that size." 2>> <<option "~I'm taller than 6'5." 3>> <</listbox>> ''2. Are you missing an eye?'' <<listbox "$mconeeye" autoselect>> <<option "~No, I got both my eyes." false>> <<option "~Yes, I'm missing one eye." true>> <</listbox>> ''3. Are you wearing glasses (whether or not you have both eyes)?'' <<listbox "$mcglasses" autoselect>> <<option "~Yes, I am wearing glasses." true>> <<option "~No, I'm not wearing glasses." false>> <</listbox>>\ <<listen>> ''4. What's the color of your skin?'' <<listbox "$skincol" autoselect>> <<option "~Black." 1>> <<option "~Deep Brown." 2>> <<option "~Brown." 3>> <<option "~Olive." 4>> <<option "~Tan." 5>> <<option "~Copper (reddish brown)." 6>> <<option "~Ochre (yellowish brown)." 7>> <<option "~White/Pale." 8>> <</listbox>> <<when>> <<redo>> <</listen>><<nobr>> <<do>> <<if $skincol <=1>> <<else>> ''4-A. Would 'Authorities' and 'Official Documents' consider you 'Caucasian/White'?''<br> <<listbox "$cau" autoselect>> <<option "No, they would not." false>> <<option "Yes, they would." true>> <</listbox>> <</if>> <</do>> <</nobr>> ''5. How do you wear your hair?'' <<listbox "$mchair" autoselect>> <<option "~I have long, straight(ened) hair." 1>> <<option "~I have medium length, straight(ened) hair." 2>> <<option "~I have short, straight(ened) hair." 3>> <<option "~I have long, wavy hair." 4>> <<option "~I have medium length, wavy hair." 5>> <<option "~I have short, wavy hair." 6>> <<option "~I have long, curly hair." 7>> <<option "~I have medium length, curly hair." 8>> <<option "~I have short, curly hair." 9>> <<option "~I have long, coily hair." 10>> <<option "~I have medium length, coily hair." 11>> <<option "~I have short, coily hair." 12>> <<option "~I shaved my head." 13>> <<option "~My hair is so short, it looks like I shaved my head." 14>> <<option "~Long, straight(ened), shaved sides and/or an undercut." 15>> <<option "~Mid-length, straight(ened), shaved sides and/or an undercut." 16>> <<option "~Short, straight(ened), shaved sides and/or an undercut." 17>> <<option "~Long, wavy, shaved sides and/or an undercut." 18>> <<option "~Mid-length, wavy, shaved sides and/or an undercut." 19>> <<option "~Short, wavy, shaved sides and/or an undercut." 20>> <<option "~Long, curly, shaved sides and/or an undercut." 21>> <<option "~Mid-length, curly, shaved sides and/or an undercut." 22>> <<option "~Short, curly, shaved sides and/or an undercut." 23>> <<option "~Long, coily, shaved sides and/or an undercut." 24>> <<option "~Mid-length, coily, shaved sides and/or an undercut." 25>> <<option "~Short, coily, shaved sides and/or an undercut." 26>> <<option "~I'm bald." 27>> <</listbox>> ''6. Do you drink alcohol?'' <<listbox "$mcdrinks" autoselect>> <<option "~Yes, I do. Cheers." true>> <<option "~No, I don't drink. Thanks for asking." false>> <</listbox>> ''7. Do you smoke?'' <<listbox "$mcsmokes" autoselect>> <<option "~I smoke and use chewing tobacco." 1>> <<option "~I smoke, but don't use chewing tobacco." 2>> <<option "~I use chewing tobacco, but don't smoke." 3>> <<option "~I don't indulge in either." 4>> <</listbox>> ''8. Are you fine with physical contact (hugs etc)?'' <<listbox "$hugs" autoselect>> <<option "~I am fine with it." 1>> <<option "~Please ask first if I'm alright with it." 2>> <<option "~I am not fine with it, thank you." 3>> <</listbox>> ''9. Do you swear?'' <<listbox "$mcnoswears" autoselect>> <<option "~I usually swear." false>> <<option "~I do my best not to swear." true>> <</listbox>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|introcheck]]</div>

<<set $namedone to false>> <<set $mainchar to true>> <<set $name to "???">> <<set $Name to "">> <<set $fname to "???">> <<set $nick to "???">> <<set $moniker to "">> <<set $title to "">> <<set $addr to "">> <<set $paddr to "">> <<set $overnightaddr to "">> <<set $gender to 1>> <<set $they to "">> <<set $them to "">> <<set $their to "">> <<set $theirs to "">> <<set $self to "">> <<set $They to "">> <<set $Them to "">> <<set $Their to "">> <<set $Theirs to "">> <<set $Self to "">> <<set $plur to false>> <<set $tr to false>> <<set $opentr to false>> <<set $gf to false>> <<set $tatas to 0>> <<set $job to 0>> <<set $strong to 0>> <<set $weak to 0>> <<set $isac to "">> <<set $skincol to 0>> <<set $cau to false>> <<set $nat to 0>> <<set $natio to "Probably Earth">> <<set $names to 0>> <<set $mcdrinks to false>> <<set $mcsmokes to 1>> <<set $mcsize to 1>> <<set $mchair to 1>> <<set $mconeeye to false>> <<set $mcglasses to false>> <<set $quiettype to false>> <<set $hugs to 0>> <<set $mcnoswears to false>> <<set $letcharliedothework to false>> <<set $charliedoesit to 0>> <<set $feelingsorry to false>> <<set $solvemystery_robstart to false>> <<set $overnighttitle to "">> <<set $outlawchoice to false>> <<set $age to 0>> <<set $ages to "">> <<set $skeptic to false>> <<set $whyyahere to false>> <<set $back to 0>> <<set $married to 0>> <<set $hname to "">> <<set $hnamelong to "">> <<set $hthey to "">> <<set $hthem to "">> <<set $htheir to "">> <<set $htheirs to "">> <<set $hself to "">> <<set $Hthey to "">> <<set $Hthem to "">> <<set $Htheir to "">> <<set $Htheirs to "">> <<set $Hself to "">> <<set $hgen to 0>> <<set $horseis to "">> <<set $breed to 0>> <<set $hbreed to "">> <<set $hcolor to 0>> <<set $hcoat to "">> <<set $solidcoat to false>> <<set $horsedone to false>> <<set $rudehorse to false>> <<set $horsewithaname to 0>> <<set $knowother to false>> <<set $wounds to 0>> <<set $dclues to 0>> <<set $dream1 to 0>> <<set $dream2 to 0>> <<set $dream2_choice to 0>> <<set $dream2_extra to 0>> <<set $dclue1 to false>> <<set $dclue2 to false>> <<set $d2gift to 0>> <<set $warn_dream1 to false>> <<set $charlieknowsdream1 to false>> <<set $charlieknowsdream2 to false>> <<set $knowsdreams to 0>> <<set $charlieworrieddreams to false>> <<set $interlude1 to 0>> <<set $pol to 50>> <<set $bold to 50>> <<set $tac to 50>> <<set $tru to 50>> <<set $imp to 50>> <<set $cur to 50>> <<set $sel to 50>> <<set $gun to 20>> <<set $card to 20>> <<set $talk to 20>> <<set $ride to 20>> <<set $med to 20>> <<set $surv to 20>> <<set $sean to 25>> <<set $mead to 25>> <<set $fin to 25>> <<set $tom to 25>> <<set $charlie to 50>> <<set $prea to 10>> <<set $preaname to "'Preacher'">> <<set $flo to 25>> <<set $blay to 25>> <<set $lyn to 25>> <<set $jo to 30>> <<set $low to 25>> <<set $tess to 30>> <<set $isaac to 30>> <<set $charom to 0>> <<set $charom_shy to 0>> <<set $charom_maybe to false>> <<set $charom_hurt to false>> <<set $char_fam to false>> <<set $char_friend to false>> <<set $serom to 0>> <<set $tomrom to 0>> <<set $tomrom_shy to 0>> <<set $prearom to 0>> <<set $meadrom to 0>> <<set $florom to 0>> <<set $josierom to 0>> <<set $lynrom to 0>> <<set $romance_charlie to false>> <<set $romance_sean to false>> <<set $romance_tommy to false>> <<set $romance_preacher to false>> <<set $romance_meadows to false>> <<set $romance_florence to false>> <<set $romance_josie to false>> <<set $romance_lynwood to false>> <<set $active_romance to false>> <<set $knowsean to false>> <<set $knowfinn to false>> <<set $knowtom to false>> <<set $knowmead to false>> <<set $knowmead_2 to false>> <<set $knowflo to false>> <<set $preasecret to false>> <<set $knowprea to false>> <<set $metse to false>> <<set $mettom to false>> <<set $metmead to false>> <<set $metfin to false>> <<set $metprea to false>> <<set $metblayne to false>> <<set $metflo to false>> <<set $metlyn to false>> <<set $metjosie to false>> <<set $metlow to false>> <<set $mettess to false>> <<set $metisaac to false>> <<set $shotsean to false>> <<set $fooledsean to false>> <<set $inspectsean to 0>> <<set $seantru to false>> <<set $seanmask to "journalist">> <<set $rats to 0>> <<set $angryrats to false>> <<set $day1talk to "">> <<set $finalscore to false>> <<set $weirdhorse to 0>> <<set $decch3 to 0>> <<set $dec2ch3 to 0>> <<set $dec3ch3 to 0>> <<set $ch3followed to "">> <<set $keepdistance to false>> <<set $dismisslyn to false>> <<set $askmead to false>> <<set $ch3end to 0>> <<set $ch4path to 0>> <<set $knowwatch to false>> <<set $knowwatch_full to false>> <<set $lynwar1 to false>> <<set $lynscar to false>> <<set $worriedforlyn to false>> <<set $lynwatch to false>> <<set $ch4path1 to 0>> <<set $ch4p1out to 0>> <<set $stillwary to false>> <<set $stilldoubts to false>> <<set $hugcharlie to false>> <<set $leftcharlie to false>> <<set $tell_lynbright to false>> <<set $pol7 to 50>> <<set $bold7 to 50>> <<set $tac7 to 50>> <<set $tru7 to 50>> <<set $imp7 to 50>> <<set $cur7 to 50>> <<set $sel7 to 50>> <<set $gun7 to 20>> <<set $card7 to 20>> <<set $talk7 to 20>> <<set $ride7 to 20>> <<set $med7 to 20>> <<set $surv7 to 20>> <<set $mc7 to 0>> <<set $charmead to 45>> <<set $charlyn to 40>> <<set $meadlyn to 55>> <<set $seanc to 75>> <<set $tomc to 70>> <<set $finc to 50>> <<set $floc to 40>> <<set $seanm to 35>> <<set $tomm to 35>> <<set $finm to 75>> <<set $flom to 50>> <<set $lowm to 65>> <<set $seanl to 30>> <<set $toml to 30>> <<set $finl to 40>> <<set $flol to 40>> <<set $lowl to 55>> <<set $readbonus1 to 0>> <<set $charlie_scared to false>> <<set $charlie_tell_mc to false>> <<set $charlie_donttell to false>> <<set $robclue1 to false>> <<set $brightwellwasthere to false>> <<set $solvemystery_rob to false>> <<set $match_lm to 0>> <<set $match_ml to 0>> <<set $nearend_hamelin to false>> <<set $almostend_hamelin to false>> <<set $trainingch4 to 0>> <<set $ouchie to false>> <<set $sawlynout to false>> <<set $commentonit to false>> <<set $riddle1 to 0>> <<set $riddle2 to 0>> <<set $riddle3 to 0>> <<set $boost to 0>> <<set $forest_bonus to false>> <<set $salomesveil_hint to false>> <<set $salomesveil_hint1 to false>> <<set $knowofisaac to false>> /* 1: Name your Horse Charlie */ <<set $achievement1 to false>> /* 2: Bad Ending: Abandon the posse over fighting with Tommy */ <<set $achievement2 to false>> /* 1: Name your Horse Charlie */ <<set $achievement3 to false>> /* 1: Name your Horse Charlie */ <<set $achievement4 to false>> /* 1: Name your Horse Charlie */ <<set $achievement5 to false>> <<set $doublefname to 0>> <<set $doublenames to 0>> <<set $doubled to 0>> <<set $doublecharlie to 0>> <<set $doublemeadows to false>> <<set $artommy to ["tommy", "tommie", "tommi", "tomas", "thomas", "tom", "thom"]>> <<set $artommysur to ["burke", "burg", "bourke"]>> <<set $arsean to ["sean", "seán", "shawn", "shaun"]>> <<set $arseansur to ["o'brian", "o'bryan", "o'brien", "o'briain", "o’brian", "o’brien", "o’bryan", "o’briain"]>> <<set $archarlie to ["charlie", "charley", "charly", "charles", "charli", "charlee", "charleigh"]>> <<set $archarliesur to ["mulligan", "mullygan"]>> <<set $arquinn to ["quinn", "quin"]>> <<set $arquinnsur to ["o'reilly", "o'reileigh", "o'riley", "o’reilly", "o’reileigh", "o’riley"]>> <<set $arothers to ["florence", "robert", "ada", "matt", "matthew", "grace"]>> <<set $arsurnames to ["hodgeson", "stainthorpe", "beauchêne", "beauchene"]>> <<set $arlynwood to ["giles", "gyles"]>> <<set $artess to ["therese", "tess", "terese", "tessa"]>> <<set $arlynwoodsur to ["lynwood", "linwood", "lynwod", "linwod"]>> <<set $arfinn to ["finn", "finley", "finlay", "fynn"]>> <<set $armeadowssur to ["meadow", "meadows"]>> <<set $armeadows to ["lien", "lian", "leanne", "liane", "lianne"]>> <<set $arjosie to["josephine", "josie", "josy", "josefine", "josey", "josee", "josée"]>> <<set $arjosiesur to ["mckee", "mcgee", "magee", "mckey", "mackee", "macgee", "mackey"]>> <<set $arblayne to ["emmett", "emmet", "reuben", "ruben", "rouben"]>> <<set $arblaynesur to ["blayne", "blayn", "blaine", "blain", "blane"]>> <<set $arisaac to ["isaac", "isaak", "isak", "izaak", "izak", "delgado"]>> <<set $arnamenocharlie to [... $artommy, ... $arsean, ... $arquinn, ... $armeadows, ... $arjosie, ... $arothers, ... $arlynwood, ... $arfinn, ... $arblayne, ... $arblaynesur, ... $arisaac, ... $artess]>> <<set $arnamenomulligan to [... $artommysur, ... $arseansur, ... $arquinnsur, ... $arquinn, ... $armeadowssur, ... $arjosiesur, ... $arsurnames, ... $arlynwood, ... $arlynwoodsur, ... $arfinn, ... $arblayne, ... $arblaynesur, ... $arisaac]>> <<set $arnpcs to ["ISIAHHONEYSETT", "PHILLIPABNEY", "PHILIPABNEY", "FINLEYO'CONNOR", "FINNO'CONNOR", "ETHANMURDOCK", "ETHANMURDOCH", "CYNTHIAHAYTON", "POLLYTHORN", "HOSEAMATTHEWS", "MICAHBELL", "ISAACDELGADO", "ISAAKDELGADO", "GODFREYFOSTER", "WYATTKELLY"]>> <<set $arfunky to ["ARTHURMORGAN", "DUTCHVANDERLINDE", "DUTCHVAN DER LINDE", "DUTCHVANDERLIND", "DUTCHVAN DER LIND", "JOHNMARSTON", "KIERANDUFFY", "SADIEADLER", "SEANMACGUIRE", "JAVIERESCUELLA", "CALEBQUINN", "EDACLAWTHORNE", "EDALYNCLAWTHORNE"]>> <<set $arrdr to ["ARTHURMORGAN", "DUTCHVANDERLINDE", "DUTCHVAN DER LINDE", "DUTCHVANDERLIND", "DUTCHVAN DER LIND", "JOHNMARSTON", "KIERANDUFFY", "SADIEADLER", "SEANMACGUIRE", "JAVIERESCUELLA"]>> <<set $arhorses to ["wicklow", "bullsnot", "caboose", "cahoots"]>> <<set $arhorsehorse to ["alasa", "alogo", "asb", "at", "bre", "bronco", "cabalo", "caballo","cabbyl", "caddu", "cal", "capall", "cavaddu", "caval", "cavall", "cavalo", "cavallo", "ceffyl", "cheval", "each", "est", "hebo", "hest", "hesp", "horse", "kabayo", "kale", "kin", "kobyla", "kon", "konik", "konj", "loshad", "ma", "mal", "margh", "merin", "mustang", "opono", "paard", "paerd", "pferd", "ross", "rumak", "siwek", "zaldi", "zherebyonok", "zherebec", "zirgs", "zosse"]>> <<set $doublehorse to 0>> <<set $councilofcharlies to false>> <<set $horsereaction to 0>>

<<nobr>><<if $cau>> <<if $skincol is 8>> <<set $skincol to 9>> <<elseif $skincol is 7>> <<set $skincol to 10>> <<elseif $skincol is 6>> <<set $skincol to 11>> <<elseif $skincol is 5>> <<set $skincol to 12>> <<elseif $skincol is 4>> <<set $skincol to 13>> <<elseif $skincol is 3>> <<set $skincol to 14>> <<else>> <<set $skincol to 15>> <</if>> <</if>><</nobr>>\ Now, here's a little overview of you: <<if $mcsize is 1>>You are smaller than 5'7'.<<elseif $mcsize is 2>>You are about 6' tall.<<else>>You are taller than 6'5.<</if>> -- <<if $mconeeye is true>>You are missing an eye.<<else>>You have both eyes.<</if>> -- <<if $mcglasses is true>>You are wearing glasses.<<else>>You are not wearing glasses.<</if>> -- <<if $skincol <=9>>You have<<else>>A long time of being outside gave you<</if>> <<if $skincol is 1>>black<<elseif $skincol is 2 or $skincol is 15>>deep brown<<elseif $skincol is 3 or $skincol is 14>>brown<<elseif $skincol is 4 or $skincol is 13>>olive<<elseif $skincol is 5 or $skincol is 12>>tan<<elseif $skincol is 6 or $skincol is 11>>copper<<elseif $skincol is 7 or $skincol is 10>>ochre<<elseif $skincol is 8>>pale, white-ish<<else>>white<</if>><<if $skincol is 8>> skin, but you're not 'White'<<elseif $skincol >=10>>-toned skin<<else>> skin<</if>>. -- <<if $mchair is 13 or $mchair is 14 or $mchair is 27>>\ <<if $mchair is 13>>You shaved your head<<elseif $mchair is 14>>Your hair is so short, it looks like you shaved your head<<else>>You're bald<</if>>.\ <<else>>\ You have <<if $mchair is 1 or $mchair is 4 or $mchair is 7 or $mchair is 10 or $mchair is 15 or $mchair is 18 or $mchair is 21 or $mchair is 24>>long<<elseif $mchair is 2 or $mchair is 5 or $mchair is 8 or $mchair is 11 or $mchair is 16 or $mchair is 19 or $mchair is 22 or $mchair is 25>>medium length<<else>>short<</if>>, <<if $mchair is 1 or $mchair is 2 or $mchair is 3 or $mchair is 15 or $mchair is 16 or $mchair is 17>>straight(ened)<<elseif $mchair is 4 or $mchair is 5 or $mchair is 6 or $mchair is 18 or $mchair is 19 or $mchair is 20>>wavy<<elseif $mchair is 7 or $mchair is 8 or $mchair is 9 or $mchair is 21 or $mchair is 22 or $mchair is 23>>curly<<else>>coily<</if>> <<if $mchair >=15>>hair, with shaved parts at the sides and/or an undercut<<else>>hair<</if>>.\ <</if>> -- <<if $mcdrinks is true>>You drink.<<else>>You don't drink.<</if>> -- <<if $mcsmokes is 1>>You smoke and use chewing tobacco.<<elseif $mcsmokes is 2>>You smoke but don't use chewing tobacco.<<elseif $mcsmokes is 3>>You don't smoke but use chewing tobacco.<<else>>You neither smoke nor use chewing tobacco.<</if>> -- You <<if $hugs is 3>>are not<<else>>are<</if>> alright with physical contact such as <<if $hugs is 2>>hugs, as long as people ask first<<else>>hugs<</if>>. -- You <<if $mcnoswears>>try not to swear, if you can avoid it<<else>>tend to swear<</if>>. Is everything correct? <hr><div class="choice">[[~Yes.|Chapter 1 start]]</div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~No, let me fix this." `previous()`>><</link>></div>

<div align="center"> <div class="specfont">~Chapter 1~</div>\ <h4>''~Trouble's Brewing~''</h4>\ </div>\ "Ah, what a night!" you announce, dropping back on the bed. The 'Ruffled Owl' Saloon is packed, and you and your companion have been <<if $mcdrinks is true>>drinking up the atmosphere and various spirits.<<else>>severely enjoying yourself.<</if>> After all you had something to celebrate. As odd as the job was, it was a success and you haven't ever been paid this graciously in your life. But as you retreated to your rented room upstairs for the night, your companion began to grow more and more gloomy. Now he just murmurs a response as he sits down on his own bed. You cock your head, sitting back up. "What is it, Charlie? Worried we'll have burned through that money by the end of the week?" you joke. Charlie raises his head slightly before shaking it. "Naw. I made sure we won't." You know you can trust him with that. "It's just..." He frowns and smacks his lips in thought. "Don't ya think there's somethin' wrong here?" "With the job?" Charlie nods. "Like, sure, they called on ya 'cause they needed... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>...a reliable doctor...</q>">> <<set $job to 1>> <<set $med to $med + 20>> <<goto hotelsetup1>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...an experienced outrider...</q>">> <<set $job to 2>> <<set $ride to $ride + 20>> <<goto hotelsetup1>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...a strong fella able to guide them through the wilderness....</q>">> <<set $job to 3>> <<set $surv to $surv + 20>> <<goto hotelsetup1>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...a cunning cardsharp...</q>">> <<set $job to 4>> <<set $card to $card + 20>> <<goto hotelsetup1>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...a skilled gunslinger...</q>">> <<set $job to 5>> <<set $gun to $gun + 20>> <<goto hotelsetup1>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...a silver-tongued priest...</q>">> <<set $job to 6>> <<set $talk to $talk + 20>> <<goto hotelsetup1>> <</link>></div>

Charlie pauses. "Well, they got //you// and I instead..." "Too kind, Charlie," you murmur a little sourly. "C'mon, what's wrong? Sure, <<if $job is 4 or $job is 6>>yer more o' what they called for than I, but<<else>>neither o' us is entirely what they called for, but<</if>> we did a bloody good job nevertheless, now didn't we?" "I ain't denying that." "So cheer up. The job's done, we got paid and these guys are none the wiser." You flash Charlie a smile. He doesn't smile back, though, but instead folds his hands and furrows his brows as he gazes darkly at you. "Listen, yer a clever... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>...lad.</q>">> <<set $gender to 1>> <<set $They to "He">> <<set $they to "he">> <<set $Them to "Him">> <<set $them to "him">> <<set $Their to "His">> <<set $their to "his">> <<set $Theirs to "His">> <<set $theirs to "his">> <<set $Self to "Himself">> <<set $self to "himself">> <<set $Isac to "Lad">> <<set $isac to "lad">> <<goto "hotelsetup2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...lass.</q>">> <<set $gender to 2>> <<set $They to "She">> <<set $they to "she">> <<set $Them to "Her">> <<set $them to "her">> <<set $Their to "Her">> <<set $their to "her">> <<set $Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $theirs to "hers">> <<set $Self to "Herself">> <<set $self to "herself">> <<set $Isac to "Lass">> <<set $isac to "lass">> <<goto "bindcheck">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...lad.</q> (Charlie knows how happy I am that moving out here gave me the chance to live like it...)">> <<set $gender to 3>> <<set $tr to true>> <<set $They to "He">> <<set $they to "he">> <<set $Them to "Him">> <<set $them to "him">> <<set $Their to "His">> <<set $their to "his">> <<set $Theirs to "His">> <<set $theirs to "his">> <<set $Self to "Himself">> <<set $self to "himself">> <<set $Isac to "Lad">> <<set $isac to "lad">> <<goto "bindcheck">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...lass.</q> (Charlie knows how happy I am that moving out here gave me the chance to live like it...)">> <<set $gender to 4>> <<set $tr to true>> <<set $They to "She">> <<set $they to "she">> <<set $Them to "Her">> <<set $them to "her">> <<set $Their to "Her">> <<set $their to "her">> <<set $Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $theirs to "hers">> <<set $Self to "Herself">> <<set $self to "herself">> <<set $Isac to "Lass">> <<set $isac to "lass">> <<goto "bindcheck">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...bastard.</q> (That's Charlie's way of respecting 'lad' and 'lass' don't apply to me...)">> <<set $gender to 5>> <<set $Isac to "Bastard">> <<set $isac to "bastard">> <<goto "pronouns">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...bastard.</q> (That's Charlie's way of respecting 'lad' and 'lass' don't always apply to me...)">> <<set $gender to 6>> <<set $gf to true>> <<set $Isac to "Bastard">> <<set $isac to "bastard">> <<goto "pronouns">> <</link>></div>\

"Listen, yer a clever $isac. So ya gotta notice there's something amiss here." "Yer still goin' on about that, huh?" You lean back on the bed and sigh. "Have I ever been wrong trusting me gut?" Charlie asks. Well, there's that. He hasn't. If there's one thing you can be certain of then it's that if Charlie Mulligan says he's got a bad feeling about something, he's usually right. You loll your head a bit. "Yeah, maybe. But, c'mon, Charlie. We've done weirder jobs." "No we didn't." Charlie kicks off his boots and lays down. "Even the bloody shite that cost me an eye wasn't like this." As if to put even more emphasis on his words Charlie taps the embroidered eye-patch sitting over where his right eye used to be. "All I'm sayin' is..." "Ya got a bad feeling about it. I get you. But it's a bit too late to back out. The job's over. We got paid." Charlie frowns and crosses his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling. "Still..." You sigh gently. "Look, what d'ya reckon's gonna happen? I can't imagine how..." You get cut off by a knock on the door. You and Charlie exchange suspicious glances and Charlie sits up, reaching for his revolver. So do you before getting up and heading for the door. Taking care to not stand in the line of any potential projectile being fired through the, admittedly thick, wood, you grumble a "Yes?" "I'm looking for Mr. Charles Mulligan," a voice sounds from the other side, "I...err..." You exchange another glance with Charlie. The two of you have run into your fair share of policemen and bounty hunters that tried all sorts of tricks to get their hands on you, after all. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~I think we're in the clear. I'll open the door and let the visitor in.">> <<set $tru to $tru + 10>> <<set $tac to $tac - 10>> <<goto "shootseanoptions1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I don't trust this. But let's get the visitor in and see if I'm right that we ought to shoot them.">> <<set $tru to $tru - 10>> <<set $tac to $tac + 10>> <<set $shotsean to true>> <<goto "shootseanoptions2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Shoot whoever it is through the door.">> <<set $tru to $tru - 10>> <<set $tac to $tac - 10>> <<set $shotsean to true>> <<goto "shootseanoptions2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I //think// we are clear, but let's open the door and see what we're dealing with first.">> <<set $tru to $tru + 10>> <<set $tac to $tac + 10>> <<goto "shootseanoptions1">> <</link>></div>

''(It's great to know Charlie has your back with these things, and it's refreshing to see most people respect it when you tell them to address you with...)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~He/Him.">> <<set $They to "He">> <<set $they to "he">> <<set $Them to "Him">> <<set $them to "him">> <<set $Their to "His">> <<set $their to "his">> <<set $Theirs to "His">> <<set $theirs to "his">> <<set $Self to "Himself">> <<set $self to "himself">> <<goto "bindcheck">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~She/Her.">> <<set $They to "She">> <<set $they to "she">> <<set $Them to "Her">> <<set $them to "her">> <<set $Their to "Her">> <<set $their to "her">> <<set $Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $theirs to "hers">> <<set $Self to "Herself">> <<set $self to "herself">> <<goto "bindcheck">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~They/Them.">> <<set $They to "They">> <<set $they to "they">> <<set $Them to "Them">> <<set $them to "them">> <<set $Their to "Their">> <<set $their to "their">> <<set $Theirs to "Theirs">> <<set $theirs to "theirs">> <<set $Self to "Themself">> <<set $self to "themself">> <<set $plur to true>> <<goto "bindcheck">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Something else entirely...">> <<goto "pronouns2">> <</link>></div>\

''(Please write all in lowercase)'' For He/She/They I use: <<textbox "_theytemp" "">> For Him/Her/Them I use: <<textbox "_themtemp" "">> For His/Her/Their I use: <<textbox "_theirtemp" "">> For His/Hers/Theirs I use: <<textbox "_theirstemp" "">> For Himself/Herself/Themself I use: <<textbox "_selftemp" "">> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<set _theytemp to _theytemp.trim()>> <<set _themtemp to _themtemp.trim()>> <<set _theirtemp to _theirtemp.trim()>> <<set _theirstemp to _theirstemp.trim()>> <<set _selftemp to _selftemp.trim()>> <<if _theytemp != "" and _themtemp != "" and _theirtemp != "" and _theirstemp != "" and _selftemp != "">> <<set $they to _theytemp>> <<set $They to _theytemp.toUpperFirst()>> <<set $them to _themtemp>> <<set $Them to _themtemp.toUpperFirst()>> <<set $their to _theirtemp>> <<set $Their to _theirtemp.toUpperFirst()>> <<set $theirs to _theirstemp>> <<set $Theirs to _theirstemp.toUpperFirst()>> <<set $self to _selftemp>> <<set $Self to _selftemp.toUpperFirst()>> <<goto "pronounscheck">> <<else>> <<run UI.alert("You missed one.")>> <</if>> <</link>></div>

''(So you use '$they', '$them', '$their', '$theirs' and '$self', right?)'' <hr><div class="choice">[[~Yes.|pluralcheck]]</div>\ <div class="choice">[[~No. Lemme fix that.|pronouns2]]</div>

''(And would the verbs used when talking about you be singular or plural?)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Singular. Is/Was.">> <<goto "bindcheck">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Plural. Are/Were.">> <<set $plur to true>> <<goto "bindcheck">> <</link>></div>\

You take a deep breath and reach for the doorknob, stopping as Charlie steps up to stand beside you. "What?" you question in a hushed voice. "Nothin'," Charlie whispers back. "Just havin' yer back." "So, no bad feeling about this?" "Not at all." Charlie grins. "And as we just figured, it never lets me down." "We still oughta be careful," you hush. Charlie nods and steps out of view. You exhale and open the door. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|hotelsean]]</div>

You feel your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> twitch a little as you reach for your gun, but before you can do anything you (and especially the visitor) could regret, Charlie's at your side, his hand on yours. "I don't think ya need t' shoot anyone," he says in hushed tones, nudging your hand away from your six shooter. You grumble a little. "Yer gut again?" "Yeah. And as we just figured, it never lets me down." "We still oughta be careful," you hush. Charlie nods and steps out of view. You exhale and open the door. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|hotelsean]]</div>

What greets you is the sight of a freckled young man with curly, tousled blond hair and quite nice clothes. He blinks at you. <<nobr>> <<if $gender is 1 or $gender is 3>> "Mr. Mulligan?" the guy asks, giving you a scrutinizing glance. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Oh, yes. That would be me.</q>">> <<set $fooledsean to true>> <<set $title to "Mr.">> <<set $addr to "sir">> <<set $paddr to "mister">> <<goto "fooledsean">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Naw. 'Mr.' is correct, but I don't think I am who yer looking for.</q>">> <<set $title to "Mr.">> <<set $addr to "sir">> <<set $paddr to "mister">> <<goto "honestwithsean">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $gender is 2 or $gender is 4>> "Mrs. Mulligan?" the guy asks, looking at you a little surprised. <br><br> You notice Charlie holding back a cackle, and you roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Oh, yes. That would be me.</q>">> <<set $fooledsean to true>> <<set $title to "Mrs.">> <<set $addr to "ma'am">> <<set $paddr to "ma'am">> <<goto "fooledsean">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>'Mrs.' is right.</q>">> <<set $title to "Mrs.">> <<set $addr to "ma'am">> <<set $paddr to "ma'am">> <<goto "honestwithsean">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Oh, it's 'Miss'.</q>">> <<set $title to "Miss">> <<set $addr to "miss">> <<set $paddr to "missy">> <<goto "honestwithsean">> <</link>></div> <<else>> "Are ya... <<if $they is "she">>Mrs<<else>>Mr<</if>>. Mulligan by chance?" the guy asks, giving you a scrutinizing and mildly confused glance. <br><br> You loll your head in thought for a moment and sigh. <hr><<if $they isnot "she">> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Oh, yes. That would be me.</q>">> <<set $fooledsean to true>> <<set $title to "Mr.">> <<set $addr to "sir">> <<set $paddr to "Mister">> <<goto "fooledsean">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Oh, yes. That would be me.</q>">> <<set $fooledsean to true>> <<set $title to "Mrs.">> <<set $addr to "ma'am">> <<set $paddr to "ma'am">> <<goto "fooledsean">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Oh, it's 'Miss'.</q>">> <<set $title to "Miss">> <<set $addr to "miss">> <<set $paddr to "Missy">> <<goto "honestwithsean">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>It's 'Mx.', actually,</q>">> <<set $title to "Mx.">> <<set $addr to "mair">> <<set $paddr to "mate">> <<goto "honestwithsean">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link `$they is "she"?"<q>'Mr.' would actually be correct, but I don't think I am who yer looking for.</q>" : "<q>'Mr.' is correct, but I don't think I am who yer looking for.</q>"`>> <<set $title to "Mr.">> <<set $addr to "sir">> <<set $paddr to "Mister">> <<goto "honestwithsean">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link `$they is "she"?"<q>It's 'Mrs.', yes.</q>" : "<q>It's 'Mrs.'.</q>"`>> <<set $title to "Mrs.">> <<set $addr to "ma'am">> <<set $paddr to "ma'am">> <<goto "honestwithsean">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

"Oh yes. That would be me," you joke, looking at your visitor all seriously. You don't need to look at Charlie to know he's rolling his eye amused and a little exhausted. Your visitor knits his brow. "No, it wouldn't. <<if $title is "Mr.">>Mr. Mulligan's a tall, thin man with chin-long auburn hair, good cheekbones, nice muttonchops and missing his right eye. Sports an eye-patch with an Ace of Spades on it. One-of-a-kind thing."<<else>>Mr. Mulligan never married."<</if>> "Are ya sure?" you ask all innocently. <<if $title is "Mr.">>"Not entirely, but at least that much."<<else>>"He's earned a bit of notoriety for still being a bachelor." Your visitor sighs defeated. "So, have you by chance seen Mr. Mulligan? Tall, thin man, chin-long auburn hair, good cheekbones, nice muttonchops, missing his right eye? Sporting an eye-patch with an Ace of Spades on it? One-of-a-kind thing?"<</if>> You nod and grin, and Charlie steps into view. "I think I've seen someone like that," you <<if $mcglasses>>quip, casting the stranger a cocky, playful glance over the rim of your glasses<<else>>quip<</if>>. Your visitor grumbles a little having been played like this, but Charlie gives him a small reassuring nod. "I take yer description as a compliment," he says. "Much appreciated." "My pleasure." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Hold Up!</q>">><<goto "fooledsean2">><</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $title is "Mr.">> <<if $gender is 1 or $gender is 3>> You shake your head. "'Mr.' is correct, but I don't think I am who yer looking for," <<else>> "...'Mr.' <<if $they is "she">>would actually be correct, but I don't think I am who yer looking for<<else>>is correct, but I don't think I am who yer looking for<</if>>," <</if>> <<elseif $title is "Mrs.">> <<if $gender is 2 or $gender is 4>> "'Mrs.' is right," <<else>> "It's <<if $they is "she">>'Mrs.', yes. But<<else>>'Mrs.'." And, no,<</if>> <</if>> <<elseif $title is "Miss">> "Oh, it's 'Miss'," <<else>> "It's 'Mx.', actually," <</if>> you say and look the young man up and down. <</nobr>>\ "What d'ya want? Who are ya?" Your hand wanders to your pistol again, and the guy takes a startled step back. "Never got why they don't allow guns downstairs but up in them bedrooms," he murmurs, and the worry on his face speaks volumes. "To not leave guests defenseless if some stranger spells trouble for'em," you say. "Now, again, //what do you// want?" "What I said. I am looking for Mr. Mulligan." Your visitor pauses. "This is the right room, isn't it? If not, have you by chance seen Mr. Mulligan? Tall, thin man, chin-long auburn hair, good cheekbones, nice muttonchops, missing his right eye? Sporting an eye-patch with an Ace of Spades on it. One-of-a-kind thing." You grin and Charlie steps into view. "Yeah, I think I've seen someone like that," you <<if $mcglasses>>quip, casting the stranger a cocky, playful glance over the rim of your glasses<<else>>quip<</if>>. Your visitor grumbles a little having been played like this, but Charlie gives him a small reassuring nod. "I take yer description as a compliment," he says. "Much appreciated." "My pleasure." <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|honestwithsean2]]</div>

"It's '$title'," you say. The guy nods curtly. "Alright. Thank you." You let a moment pass by. "Now," you then say, voice a little sterner. "Who are ya?" The guy holds out his hand. "Seán O'Brian, $addr. Journalist. Oh, and it's Seán with one o' them fancy dashes over the 'a'." "A journalist, eh?" You note, looking at Charlie. You trust Charlie and his intuition, but you really don't know what to make of this guy. "Could I come in maybe?" O'Brian ventures. "It's about Mr. Mulligan's... err... abilities..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...//Oh//...">> <<goto "hotelsean2">> <</link>></div>

"Hold up a moment," you say. "If ya know <<if $gender is 2 or $gender is 4>> that Charlie ain't married, why did ya ask that?" <br><br> Your visitor squirms a little. <br><br> "Temporary confusion. I didn't expect a woman to be here." <br><br> Well, that //is// good enough an answer, you figure. Especially looking at how frazzled the guy appears. <br><br> <<elseif $gender is 5 or $gender is 6>> <<if $they is "she">>that Charlie ain't married<<else>>what Charlie looks like<</if>>, why did ya ask that?" <br><br> Your visitor squirms a little. <br><br> "Temporary confusion. I didn't expect someone like you to be here." <br><br> You muse for the briefest moment if you should be upset about the 'someone like you', but the guy doesn't sound as if there was any ill intent. Just a lot of confusion. <br><br> So, well, that //is// good enough an answer, you figure. Especially looking at how frazzled the guy appears. <br><br> <<else>> what Charlie looks like, why did ya ask that?"<br><br> Your visitor grumbles and nods soberly.<br><br> "Better safe than sorry, right?"<br><br> <</if>> And his look only gets a little more baffled as he then looks you up and down. <br><br> "What's the matter now?" you ask, becoming a little bewildered yourself. <br><br> The guy blinks at you. <br><br> "Well, if you're not... umm... how am I to address you?" <hr><<if $gender is 1 or $gender is 3>> <div class="choice"><<link "...//What kind of question is that?//...">> <<goto fooledsean3>> <</link>></div> <<else>> <div class="choice"><<link "...//Excellent question//...">> <<goto fooledsean3a>> <</link>></div> <</if>>

"Oh, it is 'Mr.', alright," you say. The guy nods curtly. "Alright." "Now," you say, voice a little sterner. "Who are ya?" The guy holds out his hand. "Seán O'Brian, $addr. Journalist. Oh, and it's Seán with one o' them fancy dashes over the 'a'." "A journalist, eh?" You note, looking at Charlie. You trust Charlie and his intuition, but you really don't know what to make of this guy. "Could I come in maybe?" O'Brian ventures. "It's about Mr. Mulligan's... err... abilities..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...//Oh//...">> <<goto "hotelsean2">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> "Well, you do deserve an answer to that question, Mister," you say. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>It's 'Mrs.'</q>">> <<set $title to "Mrs.">> <<set $addr to "ma'am">> <<set $paddr to "ma'am">> <<goto "fooledsean3b">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>It's 'Miss'.</q>">> <<set $title to "Miss">> <<set $addr to "miss">> <<set $paddr to "Missy">> <<goto "fooledsean3b">> <</link>></div> <<if $gender is 5 or $gender is 6>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>It's 'Mr.'</q>">> <<set $title to "Mr.">> <<set $addr to "sir">> <<set $paddr to "mister">> <<goto "fooledsean3b">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $gender is 5 or $gender is 6>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>It's 'Mx.'</q>">> <<set $title to "Mx.">> <<set $addr to "mair">> <<set $paddr to "mate">> <<goto "fooledsean3b">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <</nobr>>\

<<set $metse to true>>\ With a frown Charlie drags the young man into the room and rather roughly makes him take a seat on one of the beds. "Cards on the table, mate," Charlie grunts as you close and lock the door. "What do you want?" "You're a medium, right?" Charlie sighs. "I do have a bit of a reputation." "That's what I mean, sir. There is a person I need to talk to." "Deceased one, by the sound of it," you add. O'Brian nods. "Naturally. I'd send a telegraph otherwise." He takes a deep breath. "It's a quite urgent matter, and your reputation precedes you, Mr. Mulligan." "Charmin'," Charlie says and pulls up a chair. "Yer aware I'd be charging more than yer down-the-street medium?" "If you can deliver what I'm asking for, I'll pay any sum, gladly." You lean against the door, cross your arms and try to make sense of this Mr. O'Brian. Something's amiss. Charlie said the guy means no harm, but you can't shake off the feeling that there's just <i>a little</i> more than meets the eye. <hr><<nobr>> <div class="choice"><<link "~Well, as Charlie didn't have any bad feeling, there's nothing to worry about, and I'm not one to snoop around.">> <<set $cur to $cur - 10>> <<set $tac to $tac - 5>> <<set $inspectsean to 1>> <<goto "inspectsean">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Charlie might not have had any bad feeling about this, but I'm curious. I'll rather see if I can spot something off.">> <<set $cur to $cur + 10>> <<set $tac to $tac + 5>> <<set $inspectsean to 2>> <<goto "inspectsean">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Well, Charlie didn't have a bad feeling about the guy, and I trust that. And I'm no one to snoop around, but taking a quick look at this guy might still be a good idea.">> <<set $cur to $cur - 10>> <<set $tac to $tac + 5>> <<set $inspectsean to 3>> <<goto "inspectsean">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "~As Charlie didn't have a bad feeling, I don't see a reason to worry. Though I //am// a little curious.">> <<set $cur to $cur + 10>> <<set $tac to $tac - 5>> <<set $inspectsean to 4>> <<goto "inspectsean">> <</link>> </div> <</nobr>>\

<<nobr>> <<if $they is "she">> Then the young man grimaces. <br><br> "Why the heck did I even ask if you're 'Mrs. Mulligan'?" he mutters sourly. "I know Mr. Mulligan ain't married. He's kinda notorious for still being a bachelor." <br><br> As your visitor collects himself you <<else>> You <</if>> scrunch up your nose.<br> <</nobr>> <<if $they is "she">>"Yeah, why did ya ask that then<<else>>"If ya know what Charlie looks like, why did ya ask that then<</if>>?" you question, and shake your head, not waiting for an answer. "Who are ya?" The guy holds out his hand. "Seán O'Brian, $addr. Journalist. Oh, and it's Seán with one o' them fancy dashes over the 'a'." "A journalist, eh?" You note, looking at Charlie. You trust Charlie and his intuition, but you really don't know what to make of this guy. "Could I come in maybe?" O'Brian ventures. "It's about Mr. Mulligan's... err... abilities..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...//Oh//...">> <<goto "hotelsean2">> <</link>></div>

body { color: #362c19; background-color: #c8a66c; } <<if settings.achievements>><<notify 3s>>Achievements active!<</notify>><</if>> /* creates a div that contains the links as shown in the passages - if you don't use a div container for your links, feel free to delete this css up to the ui bar styling and make sure to adjust the hover colours of the link css */ .choice { border: 1px solid var(--accent); border-radius: 5px; background-color: transparent; color: black; padding: 1em; margin-top: .1em; } .choice:before { content: ""; padding: 1em; } .choice:hover { background-color: var(--accent); transition: .5s linear; } .dm .choice { border: 1px solid var(--dm-accent); } .dm .choice:hover { background-color: var(--dm-accent); }

<div class="spechead2">__Achievements General:__</div> <<if $achievement1>>~Ya Gonna Ride That?~<<else>>???<</if>> <<if $achievement5>>~Third Times A Char-...m~<<else>>???<</if>> <<if $achievement4>>~Only Fools And Horses...~<<else>>???<</if>> <<if $achievement3>>~Oh, Just One More Thing?~<<else>>???<</if>> <div class="spechead2">__Achievements Endings:__</div> <<if $achievement2>>~Bad Ending: To Be Alone or To Be Lonely.~<<else>>???<</if>>

<div class="specfont">__You:__</div> <<if $mainchar is true>> Name: <<if $namedone is true>>$title $fname <<if $nick is $fname or $nick is $name>> $name<<else>>$name, '$nick' to $their friends<</if>><<else>>???<</if>><br> Age: $age<br> How to address: $They/$Them<br> Nationality: $natio <<else>> Name: <<if $mc7 is 1>>Charles Mulligan, 'Charlie' to his friends<<elseif $mc7 is 2>>Lian Meadows<<else>>Giles Lynwood<</if>>.<br> Age: <<if $mc7 is 1>>39<<elseif $mc7 is 2>>35<<else>>43<</if>> <</if>><br> <div class="specfont">__Your Horse:__</div> <<if $mainchar is true>> <<if $hname isnot "">> <<if $horsedone is true>><<if $hnamelong is "">>'$hname'<<else>>'$hnamelong', commonly called $hname<</if>>, a $hcoat $hbreed $horseis<<else>>Name: <<if $hnamelong is "">>'$hname'<<else>>'$hnamelong', commonly called $hname<</if>><</if>> <<else>> ...You know you have one... <</if>> <<else>> <<if $mc7 is 1>>Wicklow, a Frame Overo Paint stallion<<elseif $mc7 is 2>>Yun, Bay Morgan stallion<<else>>Nettie, Grey Missouri Foxtrotter mare<</if>>. <</if>><br> <hr><div class="specfont">__Your Reputation:__</div> <<if $mainchar is true>> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="extreme-left">Bold: $bold</div> <div class="visual-spectrum"><progress @value="$bold" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="extreme-right">Timid: <<print 100-$bold>></div> <div class="extreme-left">Selfish: $sel</div> <div class="visual-spectrum"><progress @value="$sel" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="extreme-right">Altruistic: <<print 100-$sel>></div> <div class="extreme-left">Tactical: $tac</div> <div class="visual-spectrum"><progress @value="$tac" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="extreme-right">Rash: <<print 100-$tac>></div> <div class="extreme-left">Trusting: $tru</div> <div class="visual-spectrum"><progress @value="$tru" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="extreme-right">Doubting: <<print 100-$tru>></div> <div class="extreme-left">Polite: $pol</div> <div class="visual-spectrum"><progress @value="$pol" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="extreme-right">Blunt: <<print 100-$pol>></div> <div class="extreme-left">Wroth: $imp</div> <div class="visual-spectrum"><progress @value="$imp" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="extreme-right">Patient: <<print 100-$imp>></div> <div class="extreme-left">Curious: $cur</div> <div class="visual-spectrum"><progress @value="$cur" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="extreme-right">Uncaring: <<print 100-$cur>></div> </div> <<else>> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="extreme-left">Bold: $bold7</div> <div class="visual-spectrum"><progress @value="$bold7" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="extreme-right">Timid: <<print 100-$bold7>></div> <div class="extreme-left">Selfish: $sel7</div> <div class="visual-spectrum"><progress @value="$sel7" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="extreme-right">Altruistic: <<print 100-$sel7>></div> <div class="extreme-left">Tactical: $tac7</div> <div class="visual-spectrum"><progress @value="$tac7" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="extreme-right">Rash: <<print 100-$tac7>></div> <div class="extreme-left">Trusting: $tru7</div> <div class="visual-spectrum"><progress @value="$tru7" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="extreme-right">Doubting: <<print 100-$tru7>></div> <div class="extreme-left">Polite: $pol7</div> <div class="visual-spectrum"><progress @value="$pol7" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="extreme-right">Blunt: <<print 100-$pol7>></div> <div class="extreme-left">Wroth: $imp7</div> <div class="visual-spectrum"><progress @value="$imp7" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="extreme-right">Patient: <<print 100-$imp7>></div> <div class="extreme-left">Curious: $cur7</div> <div class="visual-spectrum"><progress @value="$cur7" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="extreme-right">Uncaring: <<print 100-$cur7>></div> </div> <</if>> <div class="specfont">__Your Skills:__</div> <div class="statsborder"> <<if $mainchar is true>> ''$med/100''://Medical Knowledge//<br> ''$ride/100''://Riding//<br> ''$surv/100''://Survival & Brawling//<br> ''$card/100''://Gambling & Sleight-of-Hand//<br> ''$gun/100''://Gunslinging//<br> ''$talk/100''://Smooth-Talking//<br> <<else>> ''$med7/100''://Medical Knowledge//<br> ''$ride7/100''://Riding//<br> ''$surv7/100''://Survival & Brawling//<br> ''$card7/100''://Gambling & Sleight-of-Hand//<br> ''$gun7/100''://Gunslinging//<br> ''$talk7/100''://Smooth-Talking//<br> <</if>></div>

by Melting Penguins

A Weird West Adventure

🙞The Ballad of Devil's Creek🙜

<<link "Stats">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("~Repute~"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("stats").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Relationships">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("~Relationships~"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("posse").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Achievements">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("~Achievements~"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("achievements").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Warnings">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("~Warnings~"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("warnings").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Glossary">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("~Glossary~"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("glossary").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Credits">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Credits"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>

<div class="specfont">__Author:__</div>\ MeltingPenguins <a href="https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs/">Sugarcube 2 Documentation</a> <div class="specfont">__Images & Macros:__</div>\ * <a href="https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2">Chapel - custom macros collection</a> * <a href="https://github.com/cyrusfirheir/cycy-wrote-custom-macros">Cycy's custom macros</a> * <a target="_blank" href="https://github.com/MalifaciousGames/Mali-s-Macros/tree/main/listen-macro">Maliface's listen macro</a> * <a href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a> for sidebar & background images ** <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/IggtIiOpeFU">torn paper base</a> ** <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/7YZuTR-C7yw">grainy paper background (altered)</a> <div class="specfont">__Support the Game__</div>\ * <a href="https://www.patreon.com/MeltingPenguins">Patreon</a> * <a href="https://ko-fi.com/meltingpenguins">Ko-Fi</a> <div class="specfont">__Special Thanks:__</div>\ (Beta-Testers, SRs and general supporters etc go here)

<div class="specfont">__Warnings:__</div>\ * Death * Blood * Violence * Alcohol * Smoking * Swearing * Mindsets and Vocabulary of the late 19th century North America/Europe * Mentions/Discussions of ** Sexual Violence/Abuse ** Spousal/Parental Abuse ** Racism, Sexism, other forms of bigotry ** Miscarriage ** Infertility ** Murder ** Animal Death/Animal abuse * Guns * Spiritism * Mediumship * Ghosts * Supernatural events * Capitalism * Pinkertons

<div align="center">''Good to know.'' <br> ''Now then, sit back and listen to...'' <br><br> <div class='fade-in' style='--delay: 0.7s; --duration: 3.5s'><div class="titlelink"><<link "🙞The Ballad of Devil's Creek🙜" "storystart">><</link>></div></div></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $inspectsean is 1>> You glance briefly at O'Brian while he's speaking to Charlie.<br><br> He's young, with short blond curls, pale skin and myriad of freckles. Quite nice clothes.<br><br> And, try as you may to not care, something about them strikes you as off. <<elseif $inspectsean is 2>> You slightly cock your head and give O'Brian a scrutinizing glance while he's speaking to Charlie.<br><br> He's young, mid-twenties, maybe. Short, tousled, blond curls, pale skin, myriad of freckles. In combination with the name it's almost certain he's Irish. The accent doesn't fit though. Very posh and he seems a little strained talking. The clothes are quite nice.<br><br> The more time you spent looking at him, however, the more little oddities you notice. There's a scarred patch of skin on the left side of his face, and the top of his ear on that side is missing, and there's little scars and burns on his hands. Upon a closer look his clothes seem a little too new, especially the shoes. Not many marks of use.<br><br> You begin to wonder if this isn't all just show. The look, the way of speaking... It's all a bit strange. <<elseif $inspectsean is 3>> You give O'Brian a short but scrutinizing glance while he and Charlie are talking.<br><br> He's young, maybe in his twenties. Freckled, pale skin, with short, tousled blond curls. Nice clothes, even though you get the feeling something's wrong with them in particular. <<else>> You glance at O'Brian while he's speaking to Charlie. He's young, maybe somewhere in his twenties. Short, tousled blond curls, pale skin and myriad of freckles. Quite nice clothes. And odd scar one the left side of his face, and the top of his ear on that side is missing. His voice sounds a little strained when speaking, and not from a sore throat.<br><br> You don't really know what to make of that though. <</if>> <</nobr>> "Now, you see," Mr. O'Brian continues his tale, "I am working on a missing person case, and I fear time's running out." "Sorry to hear," Charlie notes dryly. "And ya figure a medium's the best help ya can get?" O'Brian frowns. "Yes. The person I'm looking for //and// the person who asked me to do this wouldn't like if I'd get any lawmen or the bloody Pinkertons involved." Charlie nods. "I think I already told ya it won't be cheap. But ya know this can be a dangerous endeavor?" "So I been told." Suddenly Mr. O'Brian sits up straight, and looks at you. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry," he says. "In this whole time I entirely neglect to ask your name." "Uhm..." You are admittedly caught off-guard, but you do feel a little amused. "It's..." <hr><<nobr>> <<if $gender is 2 or $gender is 4>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Elizabeth.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Elizabeth">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Margaret.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Margaret">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Sarah.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Sarah">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Dorothy.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Dorothy">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Isabella.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Isabella">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Carmen.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Carmen">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Alma.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Alma">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Elena.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Elena">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $gender is 1 or $gender is 3>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...William.</q>">> <<set $fname to "William">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Henry.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Henry">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Frank.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Frank">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Arthur.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Arthur">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Diego.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Diego">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Miguel.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Miguel">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Felipe.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Felipe">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Emilio.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Emilio">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Aubrey.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Aubrey">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Lupe.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Lupe">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Ainsley.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Ainsley">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Parker.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Parker">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Sam.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Sam">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Taylor.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Taylor">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Evelyn.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Evelyn">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Bao.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Bao">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Yaling.</q>">> <<set $fname to "Yaling">> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...</q>">> <<goto "hotelseannamesown">> <</link>></div> <</nobr>>

"Well?" O'Brian goes. "It's... <<textbox "_tempfname" "(your given name, please)">> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<if _tempfname.toLowerCase() is "(your given name, please)" or _tempfname is "" or _tempfname.toLowerCase() is "a given name" or _tempfname.toLowerCase() is "a given name, please">> <<run UI.alert("Enter a given name, please.")>> <<elseif _tempfname.toLowerCase() is "prescott" or _tempfname.toLowerCase() is "prescot" or $arhorses.includes(_tempfname.toLowerCase())>> <<run UI.alert("Use a different name, please.")>> <<else>> <<set $fname = _tempfname.toUpperFirst()>> <<goto "fnamecheck">> <</if>> <</link>></div>

O'Brian pauses, quirking a quizzical brow at you. "You //do// have a last name, right?" You glower a bit. "I do indeed. It's... ^^''//(Note: Please write your name with the correct capitalization)//''^^ <<textbox "_tempname" "(your last name, please)">> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<if _tempname.toLowerCase() is "(your last name, please)" or _tempfname is "" or _tempfname is "your last name, please" or _tempfname is "your last name" or _tempfname is "(your last name)">> <<run UI.alert("Enter a last name, please.")>> <<elseif $arhorses.includes(_tempname.toLowerCase())>> <<run UI.alert("Use a different name, please.")>> <<elseif _tempname.length > 35>> <<run UI.alert("That's too long a name. Sorry.")>> <<else>> <<set $name to _tempname>> <<set $Name to _tempname.toUpperFirst()>> <<goto "lastnamecheck">> <</if>> <</link>></div>

<<if $arseansur.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<if $arsean.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> ''(Please use a different name)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>></div> <<else>> O'Brian snorts. "Well, it //is// a bloody common name, isn't it? Or are you pulling my leg now?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>I'm not.</q>">> <<set $doublenames to 1>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Yeah, sorry. It's actually...</q>">> <<goto "fixinglastname">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<elseif $artommysur.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<if $artommy.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> ''(Please use a different name)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>></div> <<else>> O'Brian looks wistful for a moment. "Is... Is that yer name?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>It is.</q>">> <<set $doublenames to 2>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Actually... It's not, sorry.</q>">> <<goto "fixinglastname">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<elseif $artommy.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<if $artommy.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> ''(Please use a different name)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>></div> <<else>> O'Brian looks wistful for a moment, then a little baffled. "That's your name? Last name I mean..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>It is.</q>">> <<set $doublenames to 2>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Actually... It's not, sorry.</q>">> <<goto "fixinglastname">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<elseif $arsurnames.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> ''(Please pick a different name.)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $archarliesur.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<if $archarlie.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> ''(Please pick a different name.)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>></div> <<else>> O'Brian pauses. "But you're not related, right?"<br><br> "We aren't," Charlie <<if $name.toLowerCase() is "mullygan">>answers. "Oh, an' it's 'Mullygan' with a 'y'."<<else>>answers.<</if>><br><br> O'Brian nods, but then quirks a suspicious brow. "And you're not pulling my leg either, right? That //is// your name?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>It is. Odd, maybe, but it is.</q>">> <<set $doublecharlie to 2>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Actually... It's not, sorry.</q>">> <<goto "fixinglastname">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<elseif $archarlie.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<if $archarliesur.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> ''(Please pick a different name.)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $archarlie.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> O'Brian pauses, lips moving a bit akin to a fish on dry land, as he's trying to process that information. "... Gotta admire your parents' sense of humor there." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Yeah, tell me about it...</q>">> <<set $doublecharlie to 11>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Actually... That isn't my name, don't worry.</q>">> <<goto "fixinglastname">> <</link>></div> <<else>> O'Brian pauses, lips moving as he works through the information. "So your last name is very much the same as Mr. Mulligan's first name? That's gotta be confusing at times..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>It is. Sometimes...</q>">> <<set $doublecharlie to 5>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Actually... That's not my name, sorry.</q>">> <<goto "fixinglastname">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<elseif $armeadowssur.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<if $armeadows.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> ''(Please use a different name)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>></div> <<else>> "Like a field?" O'Brian asks.<br> You blink, a little baffled.<br> "How else would you spell it?"<br> "...Right, right..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...//What a strange person//...">> <<set $doublemeadows to true>> <<set $mead to 15>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<elseif $arquinn.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<if $arquinn.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> ''(Please use a different name)''<br> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <<else>> <<if $fname.toUpperCase() is "CALEB">> ''(So your full name is '$fname $name'? Is that correct?)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Everything is correct.">> <<set $whyyahere to true>> <<set $doublenames to 3>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "~No, something is wrong.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <<else>> O'Brian looks a little befuddled for a moment, cocking his head. "Is that your name? Or are you pulling my leg?"<br> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>I'm not. That's my name.</q>">> <<set $doublenames to 3>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I am, sorry. My name's actually...</q>">> <<goto "fixinglastname">> <</link>> </div> <</if>> <</if>> <<elseif $arquinnsur.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<if $arquinn.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> ''(Please use a different name)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <<else>> O'Brian stiffens for the smallest of moments.<br> Curious...<br> Then he clears his throat. "Well, that //is// a common name, isn't it? And your name, too, right?"<br> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>That's my name.</q>">> <<set $doublenames to 3>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>No, sorry. My name's actually...</q>">> <<goto "fixinglastname">> <</link>> </div> <</if>> <<elseif $arjosiesur.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<if $arjosie.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> ''(Please use a different name)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <<else>> O'Brian looks utterly baffled for the briefest of moments.<br><br> Curious...<br><br> Then he clears his throat. "Well, //is// that really your name?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Yes?</q>">> <<set $doublenames to 4>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>No, sorry. My name's actually...</q>">> <<goto "fixinglastname">> <</link>> </div> <</if>> <<elseif $arlynwood.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> '(So your last name is '$name' or '$Name' in case it usually starts with a lower case letter (e.g. 'de Vries')? Is that correct? Is the capilization correct?)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Everything is correct.">> <<set $doublenames to 6>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "~No, something is wrong.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <<elseif $arlynwoodsur.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<if $arlynwood.includes($fname.toLowerCase()) or $artess.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> ''(Please use a different name)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <<else>> ''(So your last name is '$name' or '$Name' in case it usually starts with a lower case letter (e.g. 'de Vries')? Is that correct? Is the capilization correct?)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Everything is correct.">> <<set $doublenames to 6>> <<set $lyn to 15>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "~No, something is wrong.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <</if>> <<elseif $arfinn.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> ''(So your last name is '$name' or '$Name' in case it usually starts with a lower case letter (e.g. 'de Vries')? Is that correct? Is the capilization correct?)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Everything is correct.">> <<set $doublenames to 7>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "~No, something is wrong.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <<elseif $name.toLowerCase() is "prescott" or $name.toLowerCase() is "prescot">> O'Brian stiffens for the smallest of moments.<br><br> Well, you can guess why...<br><br> Then he clears his throat. "Well, that //is// a common name, isn't it? And your name, too, right?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>That's my name.</q>">> <<set $doublenames to 8>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>No, sorry. My name's actually...</q>">> <<goto "fixinglastname">> <</link>> </div> <<elseif $arblaynesur.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<if $arblayne.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> ''(Please use a different name)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <<else>> O'Brian stares at you, rather taken aback.<br><br> Curious...<br><br> "Like the bounty hunter?" You don't miss how his voice cracks, just briefly. Then he clears his throat. "I mean, //is// that really your name?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Yes?</q>">> <<set $doublenames to 9>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>No, sorry. My name's actually...</q>">> <<goto "fixinglastname">> <</link>> </div> <</if>> <<elseif $arblayne.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<if $arblaynesur.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> ''(Please use a different name)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <<else>> ''(So your last name is '$name' or '$Name' in case it usually starts with a lower case letter (e.g. 'de Vries')? Is that correct? Is the capilization correct?)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Everything is correct.">> <<if $fname.toLowerCase() is "ruben" or $fname.toLowerCase() is "reuben" or $fname.toLowerCase() is "rouben">> <<set $doublefname to 10>> <<else>> <<set $doublefname to 9>> <</if>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "~No, something is wrong.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <</if>> <<elseif $arisaac.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> ''(So your last name is '$name' or '$Name' in case it usually starts with a lower case letter (e.g. 'de Vries') ? Is that correct? Is the capilization correct?)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Everything is correct.">> <<set $doublenames to 11>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "~No, something is wrong.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <<elseif $name.toLowerCase() is "delgado">> <<if $arisaac.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> ''(Please use a different name)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <<else>> ''(So your last name is '$name' or '$Name' in case it usually starts with a lower case letter (e.g. 'de Vries') ? Is that correct? Is the capilization correct?)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Everything is correct.">> <<set $doublenames to 11>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "~No, something is wrong.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <</if>> <<elseif $artess.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<if $artess.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> ''(Please use a different name)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <<else>> ''(So your last name is '$name' or '$Name' in case it usually starts with a lower case letter (e.g. 'de Vries') ? Is that correct? Is the capilization correct?)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Everything is correct.">> <<set $doublenames to 12>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "~No, something is wrong.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <</if>> <<elseif $arnpcs.includes(($fname + $name).toUpperCase())>> ''(Please pick a different name.)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <<elseif $arfunky.includes(($fname + $name).toUpperCase())>> ''(So your full name is '$fname $name'? Is that correct?)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Everything is correct.">> <<set $whyyahere to true>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "~No, something is wrong.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <<elseif $name.toLowerCase() is "morikawa">> <<if $fname.toLowerCase() is "kaede">> ''(Please use a different name)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Alright.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <<else>> ''(So your last name is '$name' or '$Name' in case it usually starts with a lower case letter (e.g. 'de Vries')? Is that correct? Is the capilization correct?)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Everything is correct.">> <<set $doublenames to 14>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "~No, something is wrong.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <</if>> <<else>> ''(So your last name is '$name' or '$Name' in case it usually starts with a lower case letter (e.g. 'de Vries')? Is that correct? Is the capilization correct?)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Everything is correct.">> <<if $name.toLowerCase() is "bellegarde">> <<set $lyn to 15>> <</if>> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>> </div> <div class="choice"><<link "~No, something is wrong.">> <<goto "fixinglastname1">> <</link>> </div> <</if>>

<<set _checkname to $name>>\ ''(Please enter your correct last name, spelling and all.)'' <<textbox "_tempname" "(your correct last name, please)">> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<if _tempname.toLowerCase() is "(your correct last name, please)" or _tempfname is "">> <<run UI.alert("Enter your correct name, please, spelling and all.")>> <<elseif _tempname is _checkname>> <<run UI.alert("Enter your correct name, please, spelling and all.")>> <<else>> <<set $name to _tempname>> <<set $Name to _tempname.toUpperFirst()>> <<goto "lastnamecheck">> <</if>> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $whyyahere is true>> <<if ($fname + $name).toUpperCase() is "CALEBQUINN">> O'Brain squints at you, suspiciously<<else>>"$fname $name... Have we met before? I'd swear I heard that name somewhere...?", O'Brian murmurs<</if>>, before shaking his head and <<elseif $doublenames is 9>> "Is it spelled the same, too?"<br><br> <<if $name.toLowerCase() is "blayne">> "Yes. B-L-A-Y-N-E."<br><br> <<else>> "No, it's spelled <<if $name.toLowerCase() is "blayn">>without the e<<elseif $name.toLowerCase() is "blaine">>with an i<<elseif $name.toLowerCase() is "blain">>with an i and without the e<<else>>B-L-A-N-E.<br><br><</if>> O'Brian nods, albeit a little uncertain, before shaking <</if>> <<else>> O'Brian nods curtly, shaking <</if>> <</nobr>>\ your hand. "Pleasure to meet you, $title $Name." "Likewise," you begin, <<if $tru > 50>>enthusiastically<<else>>albeit a little reserved<</if>>. "Well then," O'Brian says, claps his hands and whips out a small notebook, beginning to scribble things down. "Hey," you begin protesting. "Oh. I'm just making notes. I mean, if things go well, this will make quite the article. You don't want you name to appear?" You simply roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. "I haven't made up me mind yet." O'Brian nods. "Say, what do your friends call you?" He inclines his head towards Charlie. Again you roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Charlie calls me by my last name.</q>">> <<set $nick to $Name>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Usually people use my first name.</q>">> <<set $nick to $fname>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Usually I'm called...</q>">> <<goto "nickname">> <</link>></div>

<<set _checkname to $name>>\ <<set $doublecharlie to 0>>\ <<set $doublefname to 0>>\ O'Brian cocks his head at your hesitation. "Look, I don't mean any harm to you," he assures you. "You can tell me who you are." <<textbox "_tempname" "(your correct last name, please)">> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<if _tempname.toLowerCase() is "(your correct last name, please)" or _tempfname is "" or _tempname.toLowerCase() is "your correct last name, please" or _tempname.toLowerCase() is "your correct last name">> <<run UI.alert("Enter your correct name, please, spelling and all.")>> <<elseif _tempname is _checkname>> <<run UI.alert("Enter your correct name, please, spelling and all.")>> <<elseif arhorses.includes(_tempfname.toLowerCase())>> <<run UI.alert("Use a different name, please.")>> <<elseif _tempname.length > 35>> <<run UI.alert("That's too long a name. Sorry.")>> <<else>> <<set $name to _tempname>> <<set $Name to _tempname.toUpperFirst()>> <<goto "lastnamecheck">> <</if>> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $name.toLowerCase() is "mulligan">> "Ya might laugh, but it actually is 'Mulligan'. No relation, however."<br> O'Brian gives you a long cold look of disbelief and mild disgruntledness.<br> "It's a very common name," Charlie chimes in, and a sigh follows, but <<else>> "Ya'll laugh, but it actually is 'Mullygan'. With a y, though."<br> "We heard all the jokes 'bout it," Charlie chimes in. "And then some..."<br> <</if>> O'Brian nods curtly. <</nobr>>\ "Pleasure to meet you then, $title $Name." "Likewise," you begin, <<if $tru > 50>>enthusiastically<<else>>albeit a little reserved<</if>>. "Well then," O'Brian says, claps his hands and whips out a small notebook, beginning to scribble things down. "Hey," you begin protesting. "Oh. I'm just making notes. I mean, if things go well, this will make quite the article. You don't want you name to appear?" You simply roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. "I haven't made up me mind yet." O'Brian nods. "Say, what do your friends call you?" He inclines his head towards Charlie. Again you roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Usually people use my first name.</q>">> <<set $nick to $fname>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Usually I'm called...</q>">> <<goto "nickname">> <</link>></div>\

O'Brian looks at you expectantly. "I hope you're not trying to come up with something as your nickname's too embarrassing?" You glare, though only midly. "No. And it's not. I'm usually called... ^^''//(Note: This is for nicknames, monikers will come later down the line. Nicknames will be capitalized)//''^^ <<textbox "_tempnick" "(your nickname, please)">> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<if _tempnick.toLowerCase() is "(your nickname, please)" or _tempnick is "" or _tempnick.toLowerCase() is "(a nickname, please)" or _tempnick.toLowerCase() is "(a different nickname, please)" or _tempnick.toLowerCase() is "(a nickname)" or _tempnick.toLowerCase() is "(a different nickname)">> <<run UI.alert("Enter a nickname, please.")>> <<elseif _tempnick.length > 15>> <<run UI.alert("Enter a shorter nickname, please, spelling and all.")>> <<elseif _tempnick.toLowerCase() is $fname.toLowerCase() or _tempnick.toLowerCase() is $name.toLowerCase()>> <<run UI.alert("Enter a different nickname, please.")>> <<else>> <<set $nick to _tempnick.toUpperFirst()>> <<goto "nickcheck">> <</if>> <</link>></div>

<<if $shotsean is true>>\ <<set $sean to $sean - 5>>\ <</if>>\ You sit back and <<if $pol > 50>>cock your head curiously<<else>>angrily narrow your gaze at O'Brian<</if>>. "And only now ya think of contacting the dead for help," Charlie says, rubbing his chin in thought. Then, with a smirk he catches your eye. "Y'know," he addresses O'Brian, "I think ya might wanna come clean. <<if $pol > 50>>$nick is too nice to say anythin', but<<else>>Judging by the look $nick is givin' ya,<</if>> I'm certain $they<<if $plur is true>>'ve<<else>>'s<</if>> caught on to how yer tale sounds a little odd. An' I absolutely agree with $them. <<if $shotsean is true>>And $they wanted to shoot ya already, so<<else>>So<</if>>..." O'Brian looks at <<if $shotsean is true>>you alarmed, but ultimately<<else>>you and<</if>> sighs deeply. He says nothing however. "Look," Charlie goes. "I don't think ya got any ill intent against us, so how about ya tell us what's actually goin' on?" With another long and defeated sigh O'Brian looks from Charlie to you and back. "Yeah..." he begins, leaning back and staring at the ceiling for a moment. "Yer right. There's no third person, and I'm no fancy journalist." You admit him dropping the posh accent at the drop of a hat was a bit surprising. "The whole story," Charlie says. "If ya'd be so kind, Mr... Is O'Brian even yer real name?" The young man nods. "It is. I'm a... novelist. Well, tryin' to be. So, I'm at least a writer." "Why did ya lie?" you ask, and O'Brian snaps around. "'Cause I figured I'd have a chance to get Mr. Mulligan's help if he thinks I'm a respectable journalist." He glowers. "An' not just some wannabe author looking for a missin' friend." "So at least that part's right?" Charlie asks. "It is." "Then I ask ya again to give us the whole story," Charlie continues. For a moment O'Brian squirms a bit, scratching his arm. "Alright..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "//+That moment someone knocks+//">> <<goto "troublecbhotel">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>><<set $namedone to true>> <<if $archarlie.includes($nick.toLowerCase()) or $archarliesur.includes($nick.toLowerCase())>> <<if $doublecharlie is 6 or $doublecharlie is 9 or $doublecharlie is 10>> O'Brian looks at you with an expression of thorough disbelief.<br><br> "You got a weird sense of humour..."<br><br> "I didn't name myself that," you say, and O'Brian <<elseif $doublecharlie is 11 or $doublecharlie is 12>> <<set $achievement5 to true>> <<notify 4s>> <div align="center"> <div class="specfont"><u>//Achievement Acquired!//</u></div><br> ''//~Three Times a Char-...m~//''<br><br> //You gotta admire the dedication to the bit...//</div><</notify>> O'Brian looks at you blankly.<br><br> "Man, your parents were //dedicated// to the bit, weren't they?"<br><br> You catch the tone of deep-seated respect for such high-grade shenanigans in his voice, and O'Brian <<elseif $doublecharlie is 13>> <<set $achievement5 to true>> <<notify 4s>> <div align="center"> <div class="specfont"><u>//Achievement Acquired!//</u></div><br> ''//~Three Times a Char-...m~//''<br><br> //You gotta admire the dedication to the bit...//</div><</notify>> O'Brian looks at you blankly.<br><br> "Man, your parents were //dedicated// to the bit, weren't they?" Then he looks from you to Charlie and back. "And so were you..."<br><br> You catch the tone of deep-seated respect for such high-grade shenanigans in his voice, and O'Brian <<else>> O'Brian pauses. "Well, that's gotta be confusing..."<br><br> "That's half the fun of it," you lilt.<br><br> O'Brian <</if>> <<elseif $doubled is 1>> O'Brian looks at you, and you get the feeling his brain is trying to rearrange itself around the idea of this being what friends call you.<br><br> You can't fully blame him, though.<br><br> "I didn't name myself that," you note, nonchalantly, and O'Brian <<elseif $doubled is 2>> You can't shake off the feeling O'Brian <<if $artommy.includes($fname.toLowerCase()) or $artommysur.includes($name.toLowerCase()) or $artommy.includes($name.toLowerCase())>>looks for worse to wear every time your name comes up, and<<else>>flinches at the name, but<</if>> you can't think of why.<br><br> O'Brian takes a deep, maybe calming, breath and <<elseif $doubled is 3 or $doubled is 4>> O'Brian looks at you, and you get the feeling his brain is trying to rearrange itself around the idea of that being what friends call you.<br><br> "Y'alright there?" you ask, and he <<else>> A nod and O'Brian <</if>> shrugs, almost reverently.<br><br> "Once again, pleased to meet you," he says, with a broad, friendly smile, closing the <<if ($arsean.includes($fname.toLowerCase()) and $artommy.includes($name.toLowerCase())) or ($artommy.includes($fname.toLowerCase()) and $arsean.includes($name.toLowerCase())) or ($arsean.includes($fname.toLowerCase()) and $artommysur.includes($name.toLowerCase())) or ($artommy.includes($fname.toLowerCase()) and $arseansur.includes($name.toLowerCase()))>>notebook.<br><br>Though, you get the impression that his gaze lingers on your name a little longer than strictly necessary, with an odd mixture of bewilderment and wistfulness<<else>>notebook<</if>>.<</nobr>> "Now," Charlie settles down in an armchair and crosses his legs. "I believe ya ought to tell me yer story, Mr. O'Brian." "Certainly." "And make it quick," Charlie adds. "It's not a story to tell quickly," O'Brian says, and flexes his hands. "Ya gotta be patient with me, sir." Charlie frowns softly and you sigh as you sit down on the bed. "Well," O'Brian starts once he has both your attention. "It happened up in New Hamelin, three years ago. One evening a man entered the post office and handed over a small parcel, with the strict instructions to deliver it to a certain address on a specific date five months later. Odd enough itself, sure, but there's fellers who got some weird bets running. That's what the people at the post thought too. But the man gave some further instructions. He said that if the parcel can't be delivered to bring it to another address and tell the person there to 'Not come looking'. Paid a nice little sum to make sure things happen like he said and then left. Never to be seen again. "Months passed, and when the set date came 'round, they tried to deliver the parcel as instructed. Only to be told the man renting the rooms at the boarding house they went to hadn't been seen for months. So they went to the second address, and well..." O'Brian stretches slightly. "The person they met there was quite devastated when they got the package and were told not to look for who sent it." "I assume," you say, "that person decided to go lookin' anyway?" "Yep." O'Brian pulls a battered brass pocket-watch from his coat. "This was in the parcel." "That surely's seen better days," you comment, and O'Brian nods. "Sure has," he says, looking down at the watch lost in thought. "Anyway," he snaps out of it, "Obviously the person who got the package now is trying to find the watch's owner. Which is why they contacted me, and for the past two years I have been trying to locate that man." You can't help it, something's //really// fishy about this Mr. O'Brian. And <<if $cur >50>>you<<else>>while you usually keep your nose out of other people's business, you<</if>> want to know what. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Call him out on it and demand he puts his cards on the table. Now!">> <<set $imp to $imp + 10>> <<set $pol to $pol - 10>> <<goto "seancallout">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Call him out and ask him to tell the truth.">> <<set $imp to $imp + 10>> <<set $pol to $pol + 10>> <<goto "seancallout">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Wait and see what happens, but make it clear I'm not happy how this is going.">> <<set $imp to $imp - 10>> <<set $pol to $pol - 10>> <<goto "seanwait">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Wait and see what happens, and observe quietly.">> <<set $imp to $imp - 10>> <<set $pol to $pol + 10>> <<goto "seanwait">> <</link>></div>\

<div class="spechead2">__Relationships:__</div> <div class="specfont">The Posse:</div> <<if $mainchar is true>> Charlie: $charlie<br> <<if $metse is true>>Seán O'Brian: $sean<<else>>???<</if>><br> <<if $metlyn is true>>Agent Lynwood: $lyn<<else>>???<</if>><br> <<if $metmead is true>>Mrs. Meadows: $mead<<else>>???<</if>><br> <<if $mettom is true>>Tommy Burke: $tom<<else>>???<</if>><br> <<if $metisaac is true>>Isaac Delgado: $isaac<<else>>???<</if>><br> <<if $mettess is true>>Therese Lynwood: $tess<<else>>???<</if>><br> <<if $metjosie is true>>Josie McKee: $jo<<else>>???<</if>><br> <<if $metprea is true>>$preaname: $prea<<else>>???<</if>><br><br> <<else>> $fname $name: <<if $mc7 is 1>>$charlie<<elseif $mc7 is 2>>$mead<<else>>$lyn<</if>><br> <<if $mc7 isnot 1>>Charlie Mulligan: <<if $mc7 is 2>>$charmead<<else>>$charlyn<</if>><br><</if>> Seán O'Brian: <<if $mc7 is 1>>$seanc<<elseif $mc7 is 2>>$seanm<<else>>$seanl<</if>><br> <<if $mc7 <3>>Agent Lynwood: <<if $mc7 is 1>>$charlyn<<else>>$meadlyn<</if>><br><</if>> <<if $mc7 isnot 2>>Mrs. Meadows: <<if $mc7 is 1>>$charmead<<else>>$meadlyn<</if>><br><</if>> Tommy Burke: <<if $mc7 is 1>>$tomc<<elseif $mc7 is 2>>$tomm<<else>>$toml<</if>><br> <</if>> <div class="specfont">Others:</div> <<if $mainchar is true>> <<if $metblayne is true>>Emmett Blayne: $blay<<else>>???<</if>><br> <<if $metfin is true>>Finley O'Conner: $fin<<else>>???<</if>><br> <<if $metflo is true>>Florence Beauchêne: $flo<<else>>???<</if>><br> <<if $metlow is true>>Sheriff Lowell: $low<<else>>???<</if>><br> <<else>> Finley O'Conner: <<if $mc7 is 1>>$finc<<elseif $mc7 is 2>>$finm<<else>>$finl<</if>><br> Florence Beauchêne: <<if $mc7 is 1>>$finc<<elseif $mc7 is 2>>$finm<<else>>$finl<</if>><br> <<if $mc7 isnot 1>>Benjamin Lowell: <<if $mc7 is 2>>$lowm<<else>>$lowl<</if>><br><</if>><</if>> <<if $mainchar is true>> <hr><div class="spechead2">__Your Posse & Other People of Note__</div><br> <div class="specfont">Charlie Mulligan</div> Your oldest friend and partner in crime. Part-time Medium, full-time cardsharp.<br><br> <<if $metse>> <div class="specfont">Seán O'Brian</div> A <<if $seantru>>young grifter who pretended he's a novelist. Loudmouthed, bit scatterbrained and incapable of lying outside of a con<<else>>fledgling $seanmask seeking Charlie's help with contacting the dead<</if>>.<br><br><</if>> <<if $metmead>> <div class="specfont">Mrs. Meadows</div> A doctor working with Blayne. Doesn't seem to like you. Doesn't seem to like anybody.<br><br><</if>> <<if $metfin>> <div class="specfont">Finley O'Connor</div> A young pickpocket Blayne put under your wing. Doesn't talk much, very fidgety when he's not stealing things. Good with knives.<br><br><</if>> <<if $mettom>> <div class="specfont">Tommy Burke</div> A young arsonist you picked up in New Hamelin where he was about to be hanged. Has some history with Seán.<br><br><</if>> <<if $metprea>> <div class="specfont">$preaname</div> A mysterious gunslinger who's following you since New Hamelin.<br><br><</if>> <<if $metflo>> <div class="specfont">Florence Beauchêne</div> Robert Brightwell's fiancée who nearly killed Seán in New Hamelin in an act of revenge.<br><br><</if>> <<if $metisaac>> <div class="specfont">Isaac Delgado</div> Ex-Pinkerton and friend of Lynwood's. On the trail of a cold case of jewelry theft.<br><br><</if>> <<if $mettess>> <div class="specfont">Therese Lynwood</div> Lynwood's sister, whirlwind. Declared herself part of your group to keep an eye on Isaac and her brother.<br><br><</if>> <<if $metjosie>> <div class="specfont">Josie McKee</div> Saloon-owner in Potter's Springs, old friend of O'Reilly.<br><br><</if>> <<if $metblayne>> <div class="specfont">Emmett Blayne</div> Famous bounty hunter. Currently bed-bound in Clementsburg. Enlisted you to see to things in the ghost town of Devil's Creek.<br><br><</if>> <<if $metlyn>> <div class="specfont">Giles Lynwood</div> An agent of the Pinkerton Detective Agency who's trying to arrest O'Brian for murder.<br><br><</if>> <<if $metlow>> <div class="specfont">Benjamin Lowell</div> The sheriff of New Hamelin. A perpetually overworked lawman and old friend of Mrs. Meadows.<</if>> <<else>> <<if $mc7 is 1>> <hr><div class="spechead2">__Your Posse & Other People of Note__</div><br> <div class="specfont">$fname $name</div> Your dearest friend and partner in crime. Long time <<if $romance_charlie>>crush. Recently confessed $their love for you<<else>>crush, doesn't seem to share your feelings<</if>>. Looking eagerly for a way to start a new life.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Seán O'Brian</div> A young grifter who pretended he's a novelist when seeking your help to contact the dead. Loudmouthed, bit scatterbrained and incapable of lying outside of a con. Has the heart in the right spot. Rode with O'Reilly. Screwed you over in New Orleans.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Mrs. Lian Meadows</div> Widowed doctor working with Blayne. Cold exterior. Good heart, but too disillusioned and worried to allow herself to show it. Doesn't believe in ghosts.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Finley O'Connor</div> A young pickpocket Blayne put under your wing until you bring him to his father in Potter's Springs. Doesn't talk much, quite fidgety when he's not stealing things. Very good with knives. Also extremely good at sneaking around.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Tommy Burke</div> A young arsonist you picked up in New Hamelin where he was about to be hanged. O'Brian's lover. Rode with O'Reilly. Rough exterior, hot-headed, good heart, but scared of a line of things that happened in his past.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Florence Beauchêne</div> Robert Brightwell's fiancée. Believed O'Brian is responsible for Brightwell's death. A little scatterbrained, extremely bright, and generally optimistic. Scientific mind, but would also love to be able to communicate with the hereafter.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Emmett Blayne</div> Famous bounty hunter. Currently bed-bound in Clementsburg. Enlisted you to see to things in the ghosttown of Devil's Creek. Had a son, Reuben, who died in an accident a couple of years ago.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Giles Lynwood</div> A Pinkerton agent who's been trying to arrest O'Brian for murder. Might still be trying to. Not a bad person per se, but seems to carry a heavy burden. Quite an entourage of ghosts on his tail.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Benjamin Lowell</div> The sheriff of New Hamelin. A perpetually overworked lawman and old friend of Mrs. Meadows. Seems to have feelings for her. Lynwood's ghosts know him. <<elseif $mc7 is 2>> <hr><div class="spechead2">__People of Note__</div><br> <div class="specfont">$fname $name</div> Partner to Charles Mulligan. Grifter. Blayne enlisted $their assistance with tracking down this doomsday cult. <<if $mead >=60>>Might be<<else>>Not much of<</if>> an agreeable person overall.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Charles Mulligan</div> Cardsharp, grifter. Blayne enlisted his assistance with tracking down this doomsday cult. Supposed medium.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Seán O'Brian</div> Former member of O'Reilly's gang. Grifter and burglar, currently suspected to be responsible for the death of Robert Brightwell. Loudmouth, obnoxious.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Finley O'Connor</div> A boy Blayne took under his wing. Skilled pickpocket, avid reader. Supposed to be reunited with his father in Potter's Springs. Mother deceased. You took a liking to him.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Thomas Burke</div> Arsonist, former member of O'Reilly's posse. Was supposed to hang in New Hamelin, blew up the gallows. Not a man of many words. Only other reasonable member of the group, unfortunately not very often.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Florence Beauchêne</div> Robert Brightwell's fiancée. Believes O'Brian is responsible for Brightwell's death. Bright mind.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Emmett Blayne</div> Famous bounty hunter and trusted friend. Enlisted you to track down and eliminate a doomsday cult. Said cult is responsible for his current dismal health.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Giles Lynwood</div> A Pinkerton agent who's been trying to arrest O'Brian for murder. Met Benjamin during the war. Something dire happened between them. Met you through Benjamin a while back.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Benjamin Lowell</div> Current sheriff of New Hamelin. A good friend. <<else>> <hr><div class="spechead2">__People of Note__</div><br> <div class="specfont">$fname $name</div> An outlaw you are currently tracking. Partner to Charles Mulligan. Grifter. Is working for Emmett Blayne for unknown reason. <<if $lyn >=60>>Might be<<else>>Not much of<</if>> an agreeable person overall.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Charles Mulligan</div> An outlaw you are currently tracking. Partner to $fname $name. Cardsharp, grifter. Is working for Emmett Blayne for unknown reason. Medium.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Seán O'Brian</div> Former member of O'Reilly's gang. Grifter and burglar, currently suspected to be responsible for the death of Robert <<if $tell_lynbright>>Brightwell. Might not actually be guilty of said crime<<else>>Brightwell<</if>>.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Mrs. Lian Meadows</div> Widowed doctor working with Blayne. Old friend of Benjamin. Helped with Isaac. Quite a pain, but law-abiding.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Finley O'Connor</div> A young man traveling with Mrs. Meadows. Maybe an adopted son?<br><br> <div class="specfont">Thomas Burke</div> Serial arsonist, former member of O'Reilly's gang. Was supposed to hang in New Hamelin, blew up the gallows. Currently working with $fname} $name.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Florence Beauchêne</div> Robert Brightwell's fiancée. Believes O'Brian is responsible for Brightwell's death. Or maybe not.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Emmett Blayne</div> Famous bounty hunter. Has gotten $Name and Mulligan to work for him. Reason unknown.<br><br> <div class="specfont">Benjamin Lowell</div> Current sheriff of New Hamelin. Friend of Mrs. Meadows, and probably in love with her. You met during the war, a meeting you could have done without. <</if>><</if>>

<<nobr>><<if $shotsean is true>> <<set $sean to $sean - 10>> <<else>> <<set $sean to $sean -5>> <</if>><</nobr>>\ "Alright, <<if $pol < 50>>cut it out," you snarl<<else>>that's enough," you interrupt<</if>>. "There's something fishy 'bout yer story, Mr. O'Brian, and <<if $pol < 50>>ya better come clean<<else>>I'd like to know what<</if>>." You rest your hand on your revolver. <<if $gun > 20>>I'm not too bad a shot, mister. I can and will shoot ya from the hip.<<else>>I'm a decent shot. Question is are ya quicker to dive outta the way than I can draw and aim?<</if>>" "Yeah, ya might wanna come clean," Charlie adds, steepling his fingers together. <<if $shotsean is true>>"$nick wanted to shoot ya at the door already. Don't test $their patience<<else>>"$nick's not a patient person. Don't test $them<</if>>." O'Brian flinches briefly, hands tightening around the watch. He looks from you to Charlie and back, then to the door. You guess he remembered you locked it before as he smacks his lips in a grimace of defeat. "Yeah..." he begins, leaning back and staring at the ceiling for a moment. "Yer right. There's no third person, and I'm no fancy journalist." You admit him dropping the posh accent at the drop of a hat was a bit surprising. "The whole story," Charlie says. "If ya'd be so kind, Mr... Is O'Brian even yer real name?" The young man nods. "It is. I'm a... novelist. Well, tryin' to be. So, I'm at least a writer." "Why did ya lie?" you ask, and O'Brian snaps around. "'Cause I figured I'd have a chance to get Mr. Mulligan's help if he thinks I'm a respectable journalist." He glowers. "An' not just some wannabe author looking for a missin' friend." "So at least that part's right?" Charlie asks. "It is." "Then I ask ya again to give us the whole story," Charlie continues. For a moment O'Brian squirms a bit, scratching his arm. "Alright..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "//+That moment someone knocks+//">> <<goto "troublecbhotel">> <</link>></div>

<<set $seanmask to "novelist">>\ You cast Charlie a rather confused glance. "People certainly got an interest in us today," you murmur, then raise your voice at the door. "Yes?" "<<if $doublemeadows is true>>$title... $Name<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>, I assume," a man calls from the other side of the door. From the corner of your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> you see O'Brian stiffen and the color drain from his face. You look at him in confusion. "Don't...," he breaths, hastily pockets the watch and grabs your arm. "Don't tell them I'm here." You open your mouth to respond, when the man outside the door interrupts you. "$title $Name, if you'd kindly open the door, we believe there's a wanted fugitive with you." You stare at O'Brian bewildered, and the young man backs away towards the window. "I... I can't stay here." He lets out a whimper, hazarding a glance out onto the nightly streets. The look you give him only gets more bewildered as he pushes the window open and clambers out onto the canopy below. "Don't tell them I was here. Please." By all means, he sounds scared for his life. "There's... there's a small art gallery down by the river. Meet me there at noon." As O'Brian vanishes from sight, you turn to Charlie rather baffled. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...//well then//...">> <<goto "troublecbhotel1">> <</link>></div>

"Art gallery?" you wonder. "They got an art gallery here?" "It's really more a glorified storage that lets people in, really." Charlie shrugs nonchalantly. "$title $Name?" the man outside calls again and you turn towards the door. Charlie gestures you to buy some time as he closes the window again. "Just... just a moment," you call, <<if $mcglasses>>pushing your glasses askew as if you had just hastily put them on, waiting<<else>>waiting<</if>> for Charlie to sit back down. Only then do you unlock the door. What greets you is the sign of a tall, gaunt man with sharp features and very prominent sideburns. Something about him reminds you of a skinned rat. And he's not alone. The man with him is a stout, grim looking feller with a collar as stiff as a corpse. "Ya caught me gettin' ready to sleep," you say with as much rancor as you can <<if $mcglasses>>muster, meaningfully adjusting your glasses<<else>>muster<</if>>. "Terrible sorry, $addr," the man says, tipping his <<if ($fname + $name).toUpperCase() is "ARTHURMORGAN">> hat and giving you a rather weird but curious look for just a second<<else>>hat<</if>>. "Agents Lynwood and Turnbull. Pinkerton Detective Agency." Pinkertons. Well, there's a turn you didn't expect your evening to take. You don't need to turn to know Charlie is grimacing in disgust. Sure, you had kinda expected and worried someone in town would recognize your faces. But at worst you had expected the sheriff or maybe some wanna-be bounty hunters to cause you trouble. Not a bunch of union-busting, strike-breaking, murdering bastards with a badge that ever since see themselves above the law just 'cause rich people really value their services to keep them rich. "Mind if we come in?" Lynwood asks. Granted, it's not so much a request as a demand. You know people like this well enough. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~You step aside.">> <<goto "itsthepinks">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> "We'll make this quick," Lynwood <<if ($fname + $name).toUpperCase() is "CALEBQUINN">> says, then pauses, casting you a scrutinizing glance. "Has anyone ever told you you look an awful lot like Quinn O'Reilly?"<br><br> Before you can answer to that, Lynwood moves, positioning himself between you (and Charlie) and the windows, while his companion blocks the way through the door.<br><br> <<else>> says, positioning himself between you (and Charlie) and the windows, while his companion blocks the way through the door. <</if>> "We have reasons to believe you are in contact with one Mr. Seán O'Brian." <</nobr>> "Do ya?" you ask. "Yes. Pale young man, myriad of freckles, short curly blond hair, missing half of his left ear." Charlie just shrugs. "We have been informed that he was seen entering this room," Lynwood adds. "How curious," Charlie deadpans. "Now, <<if $mconeeye is true>>$nick an' I only got two eyes between us<<else>>I only got one eye left<</if>>, but that's good enough to see only four people in here. That's one short. Especially one that'd be fittin' yer description." "I noticed." Lynwood eyes the room, gaze wandering from the wardrobe to the window, weighing the chances. The doubt crossing his face is an odd relief. He looks at his companion, nods curtly, and clears his throat. "There is a sizeable bounty on O'Brian's head. Every righteous citizen would have an interest in seeing that man brought to justice." "What did he do?" Charlie asks coldly. "Enough to be a bargaining chip for anyone looking to get their own head out of the noose, to put it like this." Lynwood smiles, without it reaching his eyes. "And yes, this is a one-time offer, to the both of you. I know who you are." You and Charlie take a sharp breath in unison. And Lynwood pulls out a small notebook. "Let's see," he begins casually, "Charles Mulligan, wanted for cheating, robbery, illegal gambling, counterfeiting, manslaughter, disturbance of the dead..." "That one's been dropped," Charlie protests. "Not in Chicago, it has not," Lynwood notes, voice dry as Death Valley, and turns a page. "And <<if $arisaac.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>>I-... $fname<<else>>$fname<</if>> $name, wanted for fraud, robbery, multiple cases of impersonation, resistance of arrest..." You groan. "I get it, I get it. Well, ya haven't arrested us yet, so what do ya want?" "Oh, I thought I had made myself clear. Tell us what you know about Seán O'Brian, and things might go unexpected ways. I know you have been trying to end this life of crime of yours, $title $Name. I can make that happen." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...//sure//...">> <<goto "itsthepinks2">> <</link>></div>

"As if," Charlie snarls, looking away. Lynwood regards him coldly. "Is there anything you wish to say, Mr. Mulligan?" Charlie leans back casually. "Several things. But I'll restrain meself and just ask what exactly this O'Brian supposedly did that got the Pinkerton Detective Agency on his heels. 'Cause, y'know, $nick and I, we're in the area for a while now, as ya no doubt know. And we have gotten no note or rumor of anyone of that caliber. Begorra, when ya come in here and make such an offer ya make this guy sound like a second Deniaud or somethin'." The agent seems to consider this for a moment. "He's a murderer, alright. Cold-blooded at that. Have you heard of Edward Brightwell?" "The tycoon? Who hasn't?" Charlie furrows his brow. "Take it he's dead?" "His son Robert is. Your fine Mr. O'Brian has entered the estate of the family in New Hamelin about three weeks ago, and bashed young Brightwell's head in with a poker." You hazard a glance at Charlie. By the looks of it he's not buying it. Lynwood turns back to you. "You see, $title $Name? Mr. O'Brian is certainly enough to buy you your freedom." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Lie. I don't believe a word and maybe if I stay calm I can buy this O'Brian some time.">> <<set $lyn to $lyn - 10>> <<set $sel to $sel - 10>> <<set $imp to $imp - 5>> <<set $rats to 1>> <<goto "roadtohell">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Lie. That story is rotten to its core, and it pisses me off.">> <<set $lyn to $lyn - 10>> <<set $sel to $sel - 10>> <<set $imp to $imp + 5>> <<set $rats to 1>> <<set $angryrats to true>> <<goto "roadtohell">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Lie. Granted, I //do// believe the story, but I'll deal with O'Brian myself once the coast is clear.">> <<set $lyn to $lyn - 10>> <<set $sel to $sel + 10>> <<set $imp to $imp - 5>> <<set $rats to 2>> <<goto "roadtohell">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Lie. I believe the story, and that they're still looking for this guy pisses me off. Guess I'll have to do everything myself.">> <<set $lyn to $lyn - 10>> <<set $sel to $sel + 10>> <<set $imp to $imp + 5>> <<set $angryrats to true>> <<set $rats to 2>> <<goto "roadtohell">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Rat O'Brian out. I've been looking for a way to start a new life for a while now, and that guy already got on my nerves.">> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 10>> <<set $sel to $sel + 10>> <<set $imp to $imp + 5>> <<set $angryrats to true>> <<set $rats to 3>> <<goto "nogooddeed">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Rat O'Brian out. I've been looking to start a new life patiently, and it'd seem said patience paid off.">> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 10>> <<set $sel to $sel + 10>> <<set $imp to $imp - 5>> <<set $rats to 3>> <<goto "nogooddeed">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Rat O'Brian out. If the agents are so desperate that they come to someone like us for help, there's ought to be some truth to the story, and this O'Brian //is// dangerous. I'll be helpful.">> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 10>> <<set $sel to $sel - 10>> <<set $imp to $imp - 5>> <<set $rats to 4>> <<goto "nogooddeed">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Rat O'Brian out. If the agents came to someone like us for help, I guess that story's true. So, for crying out loud why is that guy not off the street yet? I'm angry.">> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 10>> <<set $sel to $sel - 10>> <<set $imp to $imp + 5>> <<set $angryrats to true>> <<set $rats to 4>> <<goto "nogooddeed">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> You <<if $angryrats is false>> wrinkle your nose. "Goin' by yer description I think I saw the guy downstairs at the bar, but that's it. Whoever told ya he came in here lied. And if yer trying to tell me ya saw it yerself, I must assume that //you// are lying, sir."<br><br> Lynwood gives you the slightest glare.<br><br> "What?" you protest before he can say anything. "Where do ya think this guy went if he'd been here? Please, do feel free to check them beds and wardrobe." You take a step to the side as if to make way and gesture grandly at the small room. "Just don't break anything, I don't think the owner would like that."<br><br> Lynwood casts you a scrutinizing — and no doubt angered — glare, before pocketing his notebook again.<br><br> "I see how it is," he says.<br><br> Sensing this might end badly — very badly — for you and Charlie if you don't throw him off somehow, you shrug dramatically.<br><br> "I mean, //if// I see this man, I will most certainly inform you. No use in wastin' yer good will."<br><br> Lynwood looks at you again. "You are good, $title $Name. I really can't tell if you are being truthful or lying through your teeth right now."<br><br> "Only one way to find out," you respond. "Bugger off an' see how things go. Ya found us once, I am //certain// you can find us again."<br><br> "Correct."<br><br> "See. I assume yer staying either here or at any of the nearby hotels?"<br><br> "At //The Dove//, yes." Lynwood looks around again. "Just a reminder, $title $Name, your cooperation would be a surefire way to end your problems."<br><br> "As would not cooperating, right?" You give him a sour grin.<br><br> "Correct." Lynwood tips his hat again, heading for the door. "I bid you good night. Don't try to cross me."<br><br> And he pulls the door close behind him and his companion. <<else>> grunt angrily. "Ya really got nothing better to do? No, I did not see that guy yer describing." You throw your arms up. "And if yer now goin' to tell me ya saw him here or anythin', well, then yer lying."<br><br> Lynwood gives you a scorching glare.<br><br> "$title $Name," he says coldly. "You might want to cooperate. After all, Mr. O'Brian is not the only one whose head belongs in a noose."<br><br> You glare back. "Cooperate? Cooperate how? Ya see this guy here anywhere?" You gesture around the room. "Where d'ya reckon he's hidin'? The beds? The wardrobe? Feel free to search the room if yer so certain he's here." You take a step to the side as if to make way. "Just don't break anything, I don't think the owner would like that."<br><br> Lynwood casts you a scrutinizing — and without any doubt angered — glare, before pocketing his notebook again.<br><br> "I see how it is," he says.<br><br> That moment you catch Charlie's eye, and he carefully shakes his head at you. And finally it sinks in how badly this might end if you don't manage to throw the agents off.<br><br> "Listen, Agent," Charlie takes up the word after stepping to your side. "It's been a long few days of travel for us. But we don't want any trouble. I can assure ya if we see this man, we will let ya know. Sound good?"<br><br> Lynwood eyes Charlie for a moment, before nodding. "Good to see one of you knows the value of cooperation. However, I am not entirely convinced you are not lying through your teeth, Mr. Mulligan."<br><br> "If yer uncertain 'bout us not havin' seen yer man, how could ya be certain if we'd say we did?" Charlie sighs. "Look, as I said, we don't want any trouble. Yer offer's appreciated, but we cannot help ya. So, all I can suggest is ya leave and we'll see what tomorrow brings, right?"<br><br> Again Lynwood thinks about this, and nods.<br><br> "We will be staying at The Dove," he says and looks around before meeting your gaze. "Just a reminder, $title $Name, your cooperation would be a surefire way to end your problems."<br><br> "As would not cooperating, right?" You give him a sour grin.<br><br> "Correct." Lynwood tips his hat again, heading for the door. "I bid you Good Night. Don't try to cross me."<br><br> And he pulls the door close behind him and his companion. <</if>> <</nobr>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "//+moments tick by+//">> <<goto "roadtohell2">> <</link>></div>

"Bloody Hell, aren't we screwed?" Charlie slumps back in his chair (once you can be certain the Pinkertons are gone) and you exhale heavily in agreement. "Tell ya what," you say, "The bloody Pinkertons were the last people I expected to run into here." <<nobr>> "You and I both," Charlie laments, rubbing his <<if $rats is 1>> forehead.<br><br> "Ya think O'Brian's bounty is higher than ours?"<br><br> Charlie ponders this for a moment. "That Lynwood sure made it sound like it. But I've never heard of this O'Brian..."<br><br> "Could still be a fake name."<br><br> "Taken into account. But ya saw that ear of his? At least that detail's ought to make the round." Charlie's gaze darkens. "$nick, don't tell me yer planning on ratting him out after all?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>After I just lied to the Pinkerton? No. Though it's a once-in-a-lifetime chance...</q>">> <<set $bold to $bold + 10>> <<set $sel to $sel + 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie - 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "helpful">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>No. But... It could still be a genuine chance to start anew, couldn't it?</q>">> <<set $bold to $bold - 10>> <<set $sel to $sel + 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie - 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "helpful">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link `$mcnoswears ?"<q>No! I dunno what to make of that O'Brian, but I know what to make of the blasted Pinkertons.</q>" : "<q>Hell no! I dunno what to make of that O'Brian, but I know what to make of the fucking Pinkertons.</q>"`>> <<set $bold to $bold + 10>> <<set $sel to $sel - 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "helpful">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>No. I'm very worried, though. For you, me, and for this O'Brian.</q>">> <<set $bold to $bold - 10>> <<set $sel to $sel - 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "helpful">> <</link>></div> <<else>> forehead. Then his gaze darkens. "$nick?"<br><br> You know the tone and you don't like it. Charlie's on to you.<br><br> "What?" you grunt.<br><br> "Yer believing that crap, don't ya?" Charlie states. "Ya just lied 'cause ya wanna deal with that O'Brian yerself."<br><br> Yep, definitely on to you.<br><br> You roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> with a groan.<br><br> And Charlie jumps up angrily.<br><br> "Are you mad?" he shouts. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~I know what I'm doing, for crying out loud. And I'm not letting the Pinkertons get in my way.">> <<set $bold to $bold + 10>> <<set $sel to $sel + 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie - 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "selfish">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~I sigh. I need to take the chances I get to make my life better, and I won't let the Pinkertons get in my way.">> <<set $bold to $bold - 10>> <<set $sel to $sel + 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie - 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "selfish">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~I wince. Charlie's right, that was not a good move. And unfair.">> <<set $bold to $bold - 10>> <<set $sel to $sel - 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "selfish">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~I grunt in defeat. Charlie has a point, and I oughta do better.">> <<set $bold to $bold + 10>> <<set $sel to $sel - 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "selfish">> <</link>></div> <</if>>\ <</nobr>>

<<nobr>> <<if $angryrats is true>> "Ya just missed him," you announce bluntly, ignoring Charlie's stare of shock and disbelief. Lynwood meanwhile seems mildly surprised at this.<br><br> "Has he been indeed?" he asks.<br><br> You nod towards the window. "He left. And no, I'm not tryin' to trick ya. There's a canopy underneath the window."<br><br> Lynwood follows your gaze and frowns. "I don't know what you are trying to accomplish, $title $Name, but Mr. O'Brian certainly can't have left by the window. Canopy or not."<br><br> You roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. "Well, then feel free to search the room." You step aside and gesture annoyed around the chamber. "I tried to be cooperative, but if ya don't believe me, that's yer own fault."<br><br> With a pitch-dark glare Lynwood looks around the room again, then shakes his head in disgust. "Alright, I shall take your word for it, $title $Name," he sneers. "Well, has Mr. O'Brian said anything about his further whereabouts or why he came here?"<br><br> "Not at all." Charlie has stepped to your side, his hand on your arm. says "We didn't get to that."<br><br> You catch Charlie's eye and decide it's better to stop talking now.<br><br> "Shame, really," Lynwood notes, tipping his hat and heading for the door. "We will be staying at The Dove. If you receive any new information..."<br><br> "We shall let ya know," Charlie notes coldly. Lynwood smiles and pulls the door close behind himself and his companion. <<else>> "He's been here indeed, but ya missed him," you say casually, ignoring Charlie's stare of shock and disbelief. Lynwood meanwhile seems mildly surprised at this.<br><br> "Has he been indeed?" he asks.<br><br> You nod towards the window. "He left."<br><br> Lynwood follows your gaze and frowns. "I don't know what you are trying to accomplish, $title $Name, but Mr. O'Brian certainly can't have left by the window."<br><br> You wrinkle your nose. "Well, then feel free to search the room." You step aside and gesture grandly around the chamber. "I tried to be cooperative, if ya don't believe me, that's yer own fault."<br><br> With a pitch-dark glare Lynwood looks around the room again, then shakes his head. "I'll take your word for it, $title $Name. Has Mr. O'Brian said anything about his further whereabouts or why he came here?"<br><br> "Not at all," Charlie says before you can, "And we didn't get to that."<br><br> You catch Charlie's eye and decide it's better to stop talking now.<br><br> "Shame, really," Lynwood notes, tipping his hat and heading for the door. "We will be staying at The Dove. If you receive any new information..."<br><br> "We'll let ya know," Charlie grumbles. Lynwood smiles and pulls the door close behind himself and his companion. <</if>> <</nobr>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "//+moments tick by+//">> <<goto "nogooddeed2">> <</link>></div>

"Why the //Hell// did you do that?" Charlie snarls the moment you can be certain the Pinkertons are gone. "'Cause I don't trust this O'Brian," you counter, in a tone somewhere between being defensive towards Charlie and a bit towards yourself. "For good reason I'd say." Charlie frowns and rubs his face, slumping back into his seat. "But ya trust them fucking Pinks, $nick?" He gives you a long cold look. "Do ya really think any good will come of that?" <<nobr>> <<if $rats is 3>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~I know what I'm doing, for crying out.">> <<set $bold to $bold + 10>> <<set $sel to $sel + 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie - 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "selfish">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~I sigh. I need to take the chances I get to make my life better.">> <<set $bold to $bold - 10>> <<set $sel to $sel + 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie - 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "selfish">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~I wince. Charlie's right, that was not a good move. And unfair.">> <<set $bold to $bold - 10>> <<set $sel to $sel - 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "selfish">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~I grunt in defeat. Charlie has a point, and I oughta do better.">> <<set $bold to $bold + 10>> <<set $sel to $sel - 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "selfish">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Perhaps? They want this O'Brian off the streets for good reason, and I'll gladly take the chance to help. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance...</q>">> <<set $bold to $bold + 10>> <<set $sel to $sel + 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie - 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "helpful">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Maybe? It could be a genuine chance to start anew, couldn't it?</q>">> <<set $bold to $bold - 10>> <<set $sel to $sel + 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie - 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "helpful">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>No! But I want this O'Brian off the streets. He's dangerous.</q>">> <<set $bold to $bold + 10>> <<set $sel to $sel - 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "helpful">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>No. I'm very worried, though. For you, me, and for the people in town.</q>">> <<set $bold to $bold - 10>> <<set $sel to $sel - 10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "helpful">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

''End of Current Testbuild''

$argiles $archarlie "alasa", "alogo", "asb", "at", "bre", "bronco", "cabalo", "caballo","cabbyl", "caddu", "cal", "capall", "cavaddu", "caval", "cavall", "cavalo", "ceffyl", "cheval", "each", "est", "hebo", "hest", "hesp", "horse", "kabayo", "kale", "kin", "kobyla", "kon", "konik", "konj", "loshad", "ma", "mal", "margh", "merin", "mustang", "opono", "paard", "paerd", "pferd", "ross", "rumak", "siwek", "zaldi", "zherebyonok", "zherebec", "zirgs", "zosse"

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> "I know what I'm doin', Charlie," you bark back. "I'm tryin' to leave this life behind me an' start anew, you know that."<br><br> "And this O'Brian is nuffin but a steppingstone to ya? Ya don't even know the guy."<br><br> "Exactly. Nuffin to shed a tear <<if $rats is 2>>about. And now the Pinkertons are out of me way."<<else>>about."<</if>> You cock your head. "What, worried I'd rat you out for me own ends? You know I'd never do that."<br><br> "No, I'm worried 'bout us both swingin'. Ya wanna start anew, sure. But ya really think the Pinks will give ya the bounty an' let you and I go on our merry <<if $rats is 2>>ways? Especially after what ya just did<<else>>ways<</if>>? Yer not that naive, $nick."<br><br> You roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> again. "Know what? I don't need this. If <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "I know what I'm doin', Charlie," you defend yourself. "I'm just tryin' to leave this life behind me an' start anew. You know that."<br> "And this O'Brian is nuffin but a steppingstone to ya? Ya don't even know the guy."<br><br> "It's a chance I <<if $rats is 2>>have to take, and now the Pinkertons won't be in the way<<else>>had to take<</if>>." You flinch back as a thought hits you. "Are ya worried I'd rat you out for me own ends? You //know// I'd never do that."<br><br> "No, I'm worried 'bout us both swingin'. As if the Pinks will give ya the bounty an' let you and I go on our merry ways?. C'mon, $nick, yer not that naive."<br><br> You wince. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it." You then shake your head. "Know what? If <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "That was not one of me better ideas, was it?" You smack your lips in thought.<br><br> "No, not at all," Charlie says, crossing his <<if $rats is 2>>arms. "At least ya didn't rat him out //yet//."<<else>>arms. "Damage's done, though."<</if>><br><br> "Yeah. Well, maybe Mr. O'Brian's lucky enough to get out of this unscathed."<br><br> "From yer mouth to God's ear, $nick." Charlie shakes his head. "Ya don't even know the guy <<if $rats is 2>>but ya'll gladly take some Pinks' word about him for granted."<<else>>and ya rat him out to the fuckin' Pinkertons."<</if>><br><br> You sigh sourly and rub your forehead. "I know... You know I want to start anew, and..."<br><br> "Y'know the Pinks won't ever let any of us just walk <<if $rats is 2>>away. Especially when they learn what yer up to."<<else>>away."<</if>><br><br> "I know, I know," you wail, wringing your hands. "I-I need some times to think. If <<else>> "I really <<if $mcnoswears>>messed<<else>>fucked<</if>> that up, didn't I?"<br><br> "Not worse than the thing back in New Rouen, but... yeah."<br> "Don't remind me."<br><br> "Ya don't even know the guy <<if $rats is 2>>but ya'll gladly take some Pinks' word about him for granted."<<else>>and ya rat him out to the fuckin' Pinkertons."<</if>><br><br> You give Charlie a sour look. "I know. I just thought..."<br><br> "Y'know the Pinks won't ever let any of us just walk <<if $rats is 2>>away. Especially when they learn what yer up to."<<else>>away."<</if>><br><br> "I know," you grunt miserably.<br><br> "Ya gonna <<if $rats is 2>>do better?"<<else>>fix it?"<</if>><br><br> "I... Gimme some time to think 'bout this..." you say and make for the door. "If <</if>> ya need <<if $mcdrinks is true or $mcsmokes <3>> me... <hr><<if $mcdrinks is true>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...I'll be downstairs at the bar.</q>">> <<goto "ruffledowl">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...I'll be outside gettin' some fresh air in me head.</q>">> <<goto "ruffledowlporch">> <</link>></div> <<if $mcsmokes <3>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...I'll be outside for a smoke. Get me head back on right.</q>">> <<goto "ruffledowlporchsmoke">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<else>> me, I'll be outside gettin' some fresh air in me head." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "ruffledowlporch">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> <<if $rats is 4>>"Perhaps?" you say, toying with the thought. "They want this O'Brian off the streets for good reason, and I'll gladly take the chance to help. It's<<else>>"After I just lied to the Pinkerton? No," you protest. "Though it //is//<</if>> a once-in-a-lifetime chance..."<br><br> "Are ya mad, $nick?" Charlie glares at you, rising from his seat. <<if $rats is 4>>"They want us off the streets just the same. And ya know they're lying' through their teeth.<<else>>"You know it's not.<</if>> Ya really think the Pinks tell the truth, left alone gonna keep their word?"<br><br> "This agent seemed desperate enough," you say and cock your head. "What, worried I'd rat you out for me own ends? You know I'd never do that."<br><br> "No, I'm worried 'bout us both swingin'. Ya know the Pinks <<if $rats is 4>>are tryin' to make use of ya being an ol' altruistic hen. They'll never<<else>>will never give ya the bounty an'<</if>> let you and I go on our merry ways. Yer not that naive, $nick."<br><br> You groan loudly and a little defeated.<br><br> "Look, how 'bout we go and meet that O'Brian at that gallery, alright? And depending on what happens then, we can always send that agent a note or somethin'..."<br><br> "No, we can't, we shouldn't and we //won't//, $nick. No matter the reasons." You know that tone, and you don't like it.<br><br> "Alright, alright," you wave Charlie off and turn towards the door. "Just gimme some time to sort me thoughts. If <<elseif $continuity is 2>> <<if $rats is 4>>"Maybe?"<<else>>"No,"<</if>> you say, looking <<if $rats is 4>>a little undecided. "It could<<else>>thoughtful. "But... It could still<</if>> be a genuine chance to start anew, couldn't it?"<br><br> "With the Pinkertons involved? No bloody way, and ya know that, $nick." Charlie shakes his head. "And ya don't even know this O'Brian at all."<br><br> "Yes, but...." You flinch back as a thought hits you. "Are ya worried I'd rat you out for me own ends? You //know// I'd never do that."<br><br> "No, I'm worried 'bout us both swingin'. What d'ya propose we do now?"<br><br> You sigh and think about it. "I'd say we meet this O'Brian at the gallery. If something goes awry then... we can always send that agent a note or somethin'..."<br><br> Charlie whacks his finger at you. "Uh-uh. Don't even think like that. I ain't sellin' anyone out. And //you// oughta do some soulsearching if ya think yer own well-being would be worth working with the Pinkertons. Sheriffs? Marshals? Sure, maybe. But the Pinks? You know the answer to that."<br><br> "Alright, alright," you wave Charlie off and turn towards the door. "Just gimme some time to think. If <<elseif $continuity is 3>> <<if $rats is 4>>"No!" you exclaim, alarmed and a little offended. "But I want this O'Brian off the streets. He's dangerous."<<else>><<if $mcnoswears>>No!<<else>>Hell no!<</if>>" you exclaim, a little offended. "I dunno what to make of that O'Brian, but I know what to make of the <<if $mcnoswears>>blasted<<else>>fucking<</if>> Pinkertons."<</if>><br><br> <<if $rats is 1>> "Good," Charlie notes. "I admit, ya got me worried for a moment there."<br><br> "Ya oughta know me better than that, Charlie."<br><br> "I do. An' I know ya would like a new start if possible."<br><br> "Exactly: If possible. An' I don't think the Pinkertons can offer that. Or would want to."<br><br> Charlie nods wistfully and crosses his arms. "So what now?"<br><br> "We <<else>> "You don't know that!" Charlie shouts back. "All ya have is some fuckin' Pinkerton Agent tellin' you a story 'bout a guy ya know for not even ten minutes."<br><br> "If he weren't dangerous the Pinkertons wouldn't be so desperate to come to people like us for help. People will be safer..."<br><br> Charlie groans loudly. "Are ya kiddin' me now?" he grunts. "Ya bloody ol' altruistic hen."<br><br> You get a little defensive at that. "I'm just..."<br><br> Charlie sighs and his face softens as he steps up to you and lays a hand on your shoulder. "Yer worried for the people around ya, $nick. That's good. It's one o' yer strongest qualities. That sets ya apart from people like the Pinkertons. I'd bet that's why what that agent said 'bout this O'Brian and any pardon is very, very likely complete shite. All meant to trick ya ol' altruistic hen into helpin' those wankers. And ya know that."<br><br> You ponder this for a moment and your arms drop in defeat. "Yer right... Aren't ya?" You groan, rubbing your face. "I really messed that up. I'm sorry."<br><br> "Don't apologize to me, apologize to O'Brian. At least the Pinkertons don't know 'bout the gallery."<br><br> You nod. "So let's <</if>> go and meet this O'Brian at that gallery. See what he's gotta say." You shake your head and turn towards the door. "But for now? I need to sort me mind. If <<else>> "No," you say, shaking your head. "I'm very worried, though. For you, me, and for <<if $rats is 4>>the people in town."<<else>>this O'Brian."<</if>><br><br> <<if $rats is 1>> "Makes two of us," Charlie says, stretching. "Yer not believing for a moment this Lynwood was actually offering a chance?"<br><br> "Hell no. And if he thought I'd fall for that he's delusional." You let out an exhausted grunt. "What d'ya reckon we do now, Charlie? Meet this O'Brian?"<br><br> "Best course we can take, don't ya think?"<br><br> "This is certainly not how I expect things to go."<br><br> "Me neither. Woulda warned ya otherwise."<br><br> You smile. "I know. Know what? I need to sort me thoughts." You head for the door. "If <<else>> "The people in town," Charlie echoes and groans loudly. "That's admirable, ya ol' altruistic hen, but ya oughta realize what's goin' on here."<br><br> You get a bit defensive at that. "I'm just... I... Don't tell me ya ain't worried as well."<br><br> Charlie sighs and his face softens as he steps up to you and lays a hand on your shoulder. "Of course I am, but listen: Ya worried for the people around ya, $nick... That's good. It's one o' yer strongest qualities. That sets ya apart from people like the Pinkertons. And I'd bet that's why what that agent said 'bout this O'Brian and any pardon is very, very likely complete shite. All meant to trick ya into helpin' those wankers. Ya should know that."<br><br> You wince. "Yes, but..." Your shoulders slump. "I messed this up, didn't I?"<br><br> "They dunno 'bout the gallery, so we can still do some damage control."<br><br> You nod and turn away. "I need to sort me head first, though. If <</if>> <</if>> ya need <<if $mcdrinks is true or $mcsmokes <3>> me... <hr><<if $mcdrinks is true>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...I'll be downstairs at the bar.</q>">> <<goto "ruffledowl">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...I'll be outside gettin' some fresh air in me head.</q>">> <<goto "ruffledowlporch">> <</link>></div> <<if $mcsmokes <3>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...I'll be outside for a smoke. Get me head back on right.</q>">> <<goto "ruffledowlporchsmoke">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<else>> me, I'll be outside gettin' some fresh air in me head." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "ruffledowlporch">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

Just a little later you stand at the corner of the bar, clutching your drink like a lifeline. <<if $lyn >20>> <<if $sel >50>>Try as you may, you begin to wonder if you did the right thing there.<<else>>No wonder, seeing you started to feel guilty about what you did.<</if>> Having a conscience is such a bugger. <<else>> <<if $sel >50>>You wonder if you made the right decision, all things considered.<<else>>You're getting really worried about whatever Sword of Damocles is now hanging above you.<</if>> <</if>> You gloomily sip your drink and weight your chances. You've never heard of this O'Brian, but unless Charlie is wrong with his feelings for the first time since you know him, he doesn't pose a danger to you. So this O'Brian being a trap is out of the question. Not to mention Lynwood could have very well arrested you and Charlie in your room, no need for some fancy scheming or anything. But if this O'Brian is a small fish, why would the bloody Pinkertons go and try to get you to help? You frown into your drink. It doesn't make sense. You rub your face. The more you think about it, the more certain you get that this is definitely not how you expected the aftermath of that odd little job to go. And you had all sorts of expectations for it, as curious as the whole affair was. You frown again. Maybe the best course of action is to head to bed and see what the world looks like by tomorrow. Downing your drink and paying your bill you get up and... You stop and scan the room. You can't help but feel someone's eyes on you. It's a busy night, there's people everywhere, and you wouldn't know where to start looking. You instinctively search for this Lynwood or the other guy in the crowd, but to no avail. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Back to your room you go.">> <<goto "backtoyourroomcb">> <</link>></div>

Just a little later you stand on the saloon's porch, trying to let the cold night air clear your head. <<if $lyn >20>> <<if $sel >50>>Try as you may, you begin to wonder if you did the right thing there.<<else>>No wonder, seeing you started to feel guilty about what you did.<</if>> Having a conscience is such a bugger. <<else>> <<if $sel >50>>You wonder if you made the right decision, all things considered.<<else>>You're getting really worried about whatever Sword of Damocles is now hanging above you.<</if>> <</if>> You gloomily drum your fingers on the bannister's wood and weight your chances. You've never heard of this O'Brian, but unless Charlie is wrong with his feelings for the first time since you know him, he doesn't pose a danger to you. So this O'Brian being a trap is out of the question. Not to mention Lynwood could have very well arrested you and Charlie in your room, no need for some fancy scheming or anything. But if this O'Brian is a small fish, why would the bloody Pinkertons go and try to get you to help? You frown darkly, shaking your head. It doesn't make sense. You <<if $mcglasses>>take off your glasses and rub<<else>>rub<</if>> your face. The more you think about it, the more certain you get that this is definitely not how you expected the aftermath of that odd little job to go. And you had all sorts of expectations for it, as weird as the whole affair was. You frown <<if $mcglasses>>again, putting your glasses back on<<else>>again<</if>>. Maybe the best course of action is to head to bed and see what the world looks like by tomorrow. You draw a deep breath, exhale, <<if $mcglasses>>push your glasses back up your nose and yourself<<else>>yourself<</if>> off the bannister and... You stop and scan the street. You can't help but feel someone's eyes on you. It's a busy night, there's people everywhere inside and outside the saloon, and you wouldn't know where to start looking. You instinctively search for this Lynwood or the other guy in the crowd, but to no avail. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Back to your room you go.">> <<goto "backtoyourroomcb">> <</link>></div>

Just a little later you stand on the saloon's porch, trying to let the cold night air and a cigarette clear your head. <<if $lyn >20>> <<if $sel >50>>Try as you may, you begin to wonder if you did the right thing there.<<else>>No wonder, seeing you started to feel guilty about what you did.<</if>> Having a conscience is such a bugger. <<else>> <<if $sel >50>>You wonder if you made the right decision, all things considered.<<else>>You're getting really worried about whatever Sword of Damocles is now hanging above you.<</if>> <</if>> You gloomily take a drag from your cigarette, blow a curling line of smoke into the air and weight your chances. You've never heard of this O'Brian, but unless Charlie is wrong with his feelings for the first time since you know him, he doesn't pose a danger to you. So this O'Brian being a trap is out of the question. Not to mention Lynwood could have very well arrested you and Charlie in your room, no need for some fancy scheming or anything. But if this O'Brian is a small fish, why would the bloody Pinkertons go and try to get you to help? You frown darkly, shaking your head. It doesn't make sense. You <<if $mcglasses>>take off your glasses and rub<<else>>rub<</if>> your face. The more you think about it, the more certain you get that this is definitely not how you expected the aftermath of that odd little job to go. And you had all sorts of expectations for it, as weird as the whole affair was. You frown again and put out your <<if $mcglasses>>cigarette and your glasses back on<<else>>cigarette<</if>>. Maybe the best course of action is to head to bed and see what the world looks like by tomorrow. You draw a deep breath, exhale, push yourself off the bannister and... You stop and scan the street. You can't help but feel someone's eyes on you. It's a busy night, there's people everywhere inside and outside the saloon, and you wouldn't know where to start looking. You instinctively search for this Lynwood or the other guy in the crowd, but to no avail. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Back to your room you go.">> <<goto "backtoyourroomcb">> <</link>></div>

Just when you thought things couldn't get weirder... You groan softly and head up the stairs, still scanning the crowd as you go, letting out a sigh of relief as you reach your room. You hesitate at the door for a moment, kind of expecting someone to address you. Nothing of that kind happens however. You sigh again and open the door. The sight that greets you is a familiar one: Charlie's laying on the bed, his collar's unbuttoned as is his waistcoat, his breath shallow. Brows furrowed he's staring at the ceiling, obviously sunken in thought, one hand holding a deck of tarot cards on his chest, his index finger drumming on the back of the cards. "What do yer friends on the other side say?" you say softly after a while, and Charlie turns his head a little. "Not much, but ya know them. At least they ain't warning me against this O'Brian." "That's... good?" "They said nothin' 'bout this Lynwood, so I dunno what to make of it." With a groan Charlie sits up and stretches. "Matt says there's a few newcomers trailing that guy, though, but they're reluctant to show themselves just yet. You sit down on your bed, crossing your arms. "Well, ya can expect a bloody Pink to have some ghosts of his own..." Charlie nods, putting the deck away. "Should we sleep?" You nod. "Not much else we can do." "Well, we can always hope we'll actually get some answers tomorrow." You nod again and pause, rather bewildered, again feeling as if you are being watched. "What's wrong?" Charlie asks, seeing your expression. "Something... But I dunno what," you say. Charlie nods understandingly. "This isn't what I expected of this evening." "Neither." You get dressed for the night, as does Charlie. You lay awake for a little longer before you drift off into an, unfortunately, unsteady sleep. <hr><<nobr>> <<if $gf is false>> <div class="choice"><<link "//+Morning comes+//">> <<goto "day2cb">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <div class="choice"><<link "//+Morning comes+//">> <<set $nextpassage to "day2cb">> <<goto "gfset">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

You awake feeling horrible. Not in any kind of <<if $mcdrinks is true>>sickness or hangover<<else>>sickness<</if>> sense, but the typical results of a bad night. "Didn't sleep well?" Charlie greets you, looking rather worried. "Yeah." "Bad bed?" You snort a laugh. "Ya tell me, I think the beds here are pretty identical." "Ya never know." Charlie grins for a moment before his face softens. "But really, are ya alright?" You just roll your shoulders in thought. You can't tell. "Dunno," you say. "Too much on me mind, I guess." "No surprise there." Charlie sits back on his own bed and flexes his fingers. "It's almost eleven in the morning now. Guess we oughta hurry with things a bit if we wanna meet this O'Brian again." You stretch and disentangle yourself from the sheets. "Guess no breakfast then?" Charlie shrugs. "We can get something on the way." You get up and head to wash your face. "Anything I oughta know for the day?" "Didn't get any warning yet." Charlie pats the box on the nightstand he keeps his tarot cards in. "But I reckon that means we should keep an eye out for them bloody Pinkertons." "Yeah, there's no way they ain't gonna follow us." You dry yourself and hastily get dressed. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Several minutes later...">> <<goto "tothegallery">> <</link>></div>

A new day is dawning. Anything different one should know about you? ((This sets new pronouns and addresses if you want)) <hr><<nobr>> <div class="choice"><<link "~Everything's as it was before.">> <<goto $nextpassage>> <</link>></div> <<if $they isnot "he">> <div class="choice"><<link "~He/Him.">> <<set $They to "He">> <<set $they to "he">> <<set $Them to "Him">> <<set $them to "him">> <<set $Their to "His">> <<set $their to "his">> <<set $Theirs to "His">> <<set $theirs to "his">> <<set $Self to "Himself">> <<set $self to "himself">> <<set $plur to false>> <<goto "gfset2">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $they isnot "she">> <div class="choice"><<link "~She/Her.">> <<set $They to "She">> <<set $they to "she">> <<set $Them to "Her">> <<set $them to "her">> <<set $Their to "Her">> <<set $their to "her">> <<set $Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $theirs to "hers">> <<set $Self to "Herself">> <<set $self to "herself">> <<set $plur to false>> <<goto "gfset2">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $they isnot "they">> <div class="choice"><<link "~They/Them.">> <<set $They to "They">> <<set $they to "they">> <<set $Them to "Them">> <<set $them to "them">> <<set $Their to "Their">> <<set $their to "their">> <<set $Theirs to "Theirs">> <<set $theirs to "theirs">> <<set $Self to "Themself">> <<set $self to "themself">> <<set $plur to true>> <<goto "gfset2">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <div class="choice"><<link "~Something else entirely.">> <<goto "gfsetown">> <</link>></div> <</nobr>>

''(Please write all in lowercase)'' For He/She/They I use: <<textbox "_theytemp" "">> For Him/Her/Them I use: <<textbox "_themtemp" "">> For His/Her/Their I use: <<textbox "_theirtemp" "">> For His/Hers/Theirs I use: <<textbox "_theirstemp" "">> For Himself/Herself/Themself I use: <<textbox "_selftemp" "">> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<set _theytemp to _theytemp.trim()>> <<set _themtemp to _themtemp.trim()>> <<set _theirtemp to _theirtemp.trim()>> <<set _theirstemp to _theirstemp.trim()>> <<set _selftemp to _selftemp.trim()>> <<if _theytemp != "" and _themtemp != "" and _theirtemp != "" and _theirstemp != "" and _selftemp != "">> <<set $they to _theytemp>> <<set $They to _theytemp.toUpperFirst()>> <<set $them to _themtemp>> <<set $Them to _themtemp.toUpperFirst()>> <<set $their to _theirtemp>> <<set $Their to _theirtemp.toUpperFirst()>> <<set $theirs to _theirstemp>> <<set $Theirs to _theirstemp.toUpperFirst()>> <<set $self to _selftemp>> <<set $Self to _selftemp.toUpperFirst()>> <<goto "gfcheck">> <<else>> <<run UI.alert("You missed one.")>> <</if>> <</link>></div>

''(And you're to be addressed as...)'' <hr> <div class="choice"><<link "Mr. and 'sir'.">> <<set $title to "Mr.">> <<set $addr to "sir">> <<set $paddr to "mister">> <<goto "gfcheck">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "Miss. and 'miss'.">> <<set $title to "Miss">> <<set $addr to "miss">> <<set $paddr to "Missy">> <<goto "gfcheck">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "Mrs. and 'ma'am'.">> <<set $title to "Mrs.">> <<set $addr to "ma'am">> <<set $paddr to "ma'am">> <<goto "gfcheck">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "Mx. and 'mair'.">> <<set $title to "Mx.">> <<set $addr to "mair">> <<set $paddr to "mate">> <<goto "gfcheck">> <</link>></div>

''(So you use $they, $them, $their, $theirs, $self, $title and $addr today, right?)'' <hr><<nobr>> <<if $they is "he" or $they is "she" or $they is "they">> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes.">> <<goto $nextpassage>> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $they isnot "he" and $they isnot "she" and $they isnot "they">> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes.">> <<goto "gfpluralcheck">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <div class="choice"><<link "No. Lemme fix that.">> <<goto "gfsetown">> <</link>></div> <</nobr>>

''(And would the verbs used when talking about you be singular or plural?)'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Singular. Is/Was.">> <<set $plur to false>> <<goto $nextpassage>> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Plural. Are/Were.">> <<set $plur to true>> <<goto $nextpassage>> <</link>></div>

It will be a bit of a walk from the //Owl// to the gallery in question, and you and Charlie spent the first few minutes of it discussing if it'd be of any worth to pretend that you are just strolling through the city. After all, this time —unlike last night— you just don't feel watched, you //know// someone's got their eyes on you. So you decide to make the best of things and enjoy the scenery of Clementsburg a little. The last time you have been here it had been your typical outpost on the frontier, but the river and the ever-growing railroad system had the town prosper into resembling something some people deem 'civilization' more and more. Gone are —most of— the wooden buildings and tents, and some the dusty roads. Brick, mortar and cobblestone are rapidly becoming a constant in the city's appearance, even though it still makes for quite a hodgepodge of looks. The parts along the mainstreet and the river could almost make one forget that between here and the next town is nothing but wilderness, rolling hills and dense forest, and patches of dry prairie. That's the climate in these parts, everything smooshed together tightly and making for some nasty weather on a regular basis. Funnily enough the last time you've been here you also had people on your heels that didn't have your best interests in mind, and you don't know if the town being a lot denser — with more dark corners and nooks and crannies — than some years ago is an improvement. At least you got Charlie by your side this time. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~I'm not scared. Charlie and I have gotten away remotely unscathed so often by now.">> <<set $bold to $bold + 5>> <<set $tru to $tru + 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "tothegallery1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I'm still worried. As good a friend Charlie is, I can only trust myself to have my back in situations like this.">> <<set $bold to $bold - 5>> <<set $tru to $tru - 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "tothegallery1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I see no reason to be worried. And though Charlie's a good companion, I rather be able to count on myself.">> <<set $bold to $bold + 5>> <<set $tru to $tru - 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "tothegallery1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~It's a reason to be worried each time. But I'm glad Charlie's with me.">> <<set $bold to $bold - 5>> <<set $tru to $tru + 5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "tothegallery1">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> There have been some upsettingly close calls in the past, but you know Charlie's got your back and you got his, and over the years you've figure there's a good number of things you can tackle together. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You have no delusions about your luck, and scars to prove your worries right. And even after years, you don't know if you can fully trust someone who makes a living through cheating and lying. Then again, you make a living the exact same way... <<elseif $continuity is 3>> At the end of the day you can only count on yourself. Especially if the other person makes a living out of lying and cheating. As do you, coincidentally... <<else>> You're glad Charlie's having your back. As you have his. And as you figured before, you've been in worse situations.<</if>> <</nobr>> You turn a corner and make your way through a narrow street, as Charlie leans closer to you. "Noticed the guy in the striped waistcoat followin' us?" You nod carefully. "Don't think he's alone." Charlie nods back and checks his watch. "Let's hope our Mr. O'Brian is clever enough to guess someone's gonna follow us." He speeds up slightly and so do you, slinking past some stacked crates at the mouth of the alley. You are barely five steps away when you hear a crash behind you and turn. The crates have fallen over and a small group of people is helping the guy in the striped waistcoat out of the debris. You exchange a suspicious glance with Charlie before hurrying along. "Curious," Charlie mumbles. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~This was a welcome turn of events, but not only do we have more important things to worry, I also don't dare looking back and potentially draw attention.">> <<set $cur to $cur - 10>> <<set $bold to $bold - 10>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "tothegallery2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Curious indeed. And something's off about this. But I don't dare risk looking, drawing unnecessary attention...">> <<set $cur to $cur + 10>> <<set $bold to $bold - 10>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "tothegallery2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~How unlucky for our pursuer. Let's rub it in.">> <<set $cur to $cur - 10>> <<set $bold to $bold + 10>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "tothegallery2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Very curious. Somehow, I don't think this was just bad luck for our pursuer. Still, let's rub it in.">> <<set $cur to $cur + 10>> <<set $bold to $bold + 10>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "tothegallery2">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> "A little. But personally I take what I can get," you respond as Charlie hazards a glance back.<br><br> "Sure," he says. "Yer alright?"<br><br> You nod hastily.<br> "Good." Charlie nods back. "I'd say <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Yeah." You exhale a strained breath and keep your gaze to the ground. Charlie gives you an understanding nod and hazards a glance back.<br><br> "Huh," he whispers. "If I wouldn't know better I'd say that little crowd's keepin' that guy from followin' us..."<br><br> "What?"<br><br> "Beats me," Charlie murmurs. "But better <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "Very." You grin mischievously, turn and give a small, cheeky wave at the guy in the striped waistcoat.<br><br> "Just don't blow'im a kiss, $nick," Charlie murmurs and drags you along.<br><br> "Lemme have some fun."<br><br> "Gladly, but not when something's amiss."<br><br> "Bad feeling?"<br><br> "Not like the usual thing, but a little suspicious. If I wouldn't know better I'd say those people are keepin' the guy from followin' us further."<br><br> You blink surprised. "What?"<br><br> "Beats me," Charlie murmurs. "But better <<else>> "Very." You turn and give a small, cheeky wave at the guy in the striped waistcoat, before moving your attention to the people around him.<br><br> "Just don't blow'im a kiss, $nick," Charlie murmurs and drags you along.<br><br> "Not plannin' to. Don't worry." A few steps further you lower your voice. "Did ya see the other people?<br><br> Charlie nods. "If I wouldn't know better I'd say those people are keepin' the guy from followin' us further."<br><br> "Exactly." You nod. "What d'ya make of that?"<br><br> "I'm not sure. But better <</if>> we stay twice as alert now..." <</nobr>> You nod and incline your head towards the crowd on the big street ahead. "Let's get a bit of cover." It is by no means a crowd by the standard of the big cities, but it only takes a few moments until you stop feeling watched. Well, that's not entirely correct. It's more that the feeling changed, oddly enough. The sense of dread that comes from being followed by the law has been replaced by an odd feeling of... you can't put your finger on it. Weird. But at least you are certain the Pinkertons have lost your trail for now. "How far is it?" you ask, and Charlie cranes his neck. "I think it's down the street." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "//+It is indeed down the street+//">> <<goto "atthegallery">> <</link>></div>

A small, inconspicuous building, the windows on the upper floor decorated with flashy garlands. "Tacky," Charlie comments. You snort amused. "Says the one with the embroidered eye-patch." "Uh-uh, that's different, $nick, and ya know <<if $mconeeye is true>>that. Or is that jealousy I'm hearin' 'cause mine's fancier?"<<else>>that."<</if>> You shrug with a grin and make your way into the building, stopping briefly at the entrance to look around. The feeling of being followed hasn't faded away yet. And judging by the expression on Charlie's face he's feeling the same. "More Pinkertons?" you murmur. "Don't think so, but I can't say I like it." "Ya certain we're not in danger?" you ask as you stroll past the artworks and sculpture exhibited here. "Not of dyin' at least, but truth be told, I'm still worried." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...Now... Where's O'Brian?..">> <<goto "atthegallery1">> <</link>></div>

You find O'Brian waiting for you in one of the smaller rooms toward the back, looking at some quite risque paintings. He gives you a curt nod, eying you warily. <<if $lyn >20>> "I'm surprised ya didn't bring the bloody Pinkertons with ya," he grouses. "Charlie already gave me an earful for that," you respond. "So the fact that we're here while they are not oughta be worth something to ya." O'Brian eyes you up and down. "Doesn't mean anythin'. Ya might still try to rat me out." <<else>> "Was startin' to get worried ya wouldn't show up," he says and cocks his head. "Or worse, bring them Pinkertons with ya after all."<</if>> "If this turns out to be some kinda trap, I might reconsider my decisions," you say dryly. O'Brian grimaces and looks away. "Now, we're here," Charlie interrupts. "How 'bout ya tell us why ya came to me. And why this whole nonsense 'bout being a journalist?" "I told ya," comes the answer. "I thought ya'd be more inclined to help a journalist than a novelist." "Ya didn't put much research into things then," you say, "Charlie here tends to be helpful to a lotta fellers if they don't pose a threat." Again O'Brian squirms. It's hard to miss the haunted expression, and how he's worrying the cuffs of his coat. "I know," he says, the bit of bravado he's shown yesterday gone. "It's just... Look, I need ya to trust me on this. I-I know I didn't make much of a good first impression, but..." "The agent said ya killed Robert Brightwell," Charlie states bluntly. O'Brian's face falls and he looks close to tears. "I-I... No. I mean, I did break into the manor, but that's cause I had to get the watch back." You stare at O'Brian, mouth open. What kind of story is that? <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Enough of this shite. I don't have time for this.">> <<set $pol to $pol -10>> <<set $imp to $imp +10>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "atthegallery2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Give him a moment to sort his thoughts.">> <<set $pol to $pol +10>> <<set $imp to $imp -10>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "atthegallery2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~He better comes clean. I'm losing my patience.">> <<set $pol to $pol +10>> <<set $imp to $imp +10>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "atthegallery2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I'll wait, but he better spill the beans.">> <<set $pol to $pol -10>> <<set $imp to $imp -10>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "atthegallery2">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> "Come, Charlie, we're leavin'," you grunt, turning away. "This is absolutely ridiculous."<br><br> "Please wait," O'Brian calls, and it does sound urgent.<br><br> You stop at the archway leading into the chamber. "Why? Gimme one good reason."<br><br> O'Brian sighs defeated and you step closer again. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> Moments ticks by, until you gently gesture O'Brian to get on with it. "Look, mate, ya gotta say something if ya want us to help. Right now all ya do is not making sense."<br><br> O'Brian clears his throat a little embarrassed. <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "Mr. O'Brian," you begin cuttingly, crossing your arms. "Right now all ya do is not making sense. We've just told ya we're willing to help, so ya better tell us what's going on." <<else>> Moments tick by, until you roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> and turn away. "Come, Charlie, if the lad can't open his mouth we're just wasting our time."<br><br> "Please wait," O'Brian calls, and it does sound urgent.<br><br> You give him a cold look. "Why? Gimme one good reason."<br><br> O'Brian sighs defeated.<</if>> <</nobr>> "I didn't kill Brightwell," he murmurs. "Yes, I did break into the manor, 'cause I saw no other way. Brightwell's lackeys stole that watch I showed ya. I dunno why, it makes no sense. But I-I needed to get it back. It's very important to me." He takes a deep breath. "I was absolutely honest with what I said 'bout contacting the dead," he says. "Well, no. Actually no. I... I want to know //if// someone's dead or alive." "So, we're talkin' missing person here?" Charlie asks. O'Brian nods. "I don't think the watch's owner is dead. But... I tried ev'rything, and when I heard ya was stayin' in Clementsburg..." That moment a small group of people enters the room and O'Brian snaps his mouth shut. "I had hoped we'd be alone here," he murmurs sourly, turning away from you to look at the art. Seems the best thing you can do now is to wait for these visitors to leave again. You inconspicuously turn to the artworks as well, when, after a moment, Charlie nudges you in the side, leaning closer. "I don't think they're here for the art," he whispers. You hazard a glance at them. While they don't look like your typical gallery goers, they do look like the type of people you'd expect to enjoy the particular kind of art exhibited in this chamber. But you know what Charlie means. And you can't shake off the feeling that you've seen these people before. Well, all but the woman standing at the archway leading into the room. She's small, a bit gaunt, possibly Chinese and looking like she wants to slap the entire world around the face for having done something stupid. "I think we should leave?" you whisper back to Charlie, who nods softly, and looks around. You frown a little as you realize he's looking for O'Brian. You feel a chill run down your spine as two of the new visitors and the woman from the archway step up to you. <<if $doublemeadows is true>>"Mr. Mulligan and $title... //$Name//<<else>>"$title $Name, Mr. Mulligan<</if>>, I assume," the woman says and you hear the clicking of guns being cocked. "If you'd be so kind as to follow us?" Something presses against the small of your back and you are pretty certain it's a Derringer. "And please don't try anythin' fancy," the woman adds. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Cooperate. I don't like it, but this isn't the right moment to rely on my skills with a gun.">> <<set $tac to $tac +10>> <<set $gun to $gun +5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "atthegallery3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Fight back. These people might not be Pinkertons or anything, but like Hell I'm getting arrested here.">> <<set $tac to $tac -10>> <<set $gun to $gun +5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "atthegallery3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~These people might not be Pinkertons or anything, but I'm not in the mood to get arrested. Maybe I can intimidate them.">> <<set $tac to $tac -10>> <<set $talk to $talk +5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "atthegallery3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Cooperate. We're a little outnumbered, but maybe I can talk us out of the thick of it.">> <<set $tac to $tac +10>> <<set $talk to $talk +5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "atthegallery3">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> You do briefly flick your gaze to her gun and then yours, grunt displeased and glare, but you give the woman a curt nod.<br><br> "Good," she says. "I <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You tense, your hand reaching for your gun, when one of the guys hits you over the head. You stumble forward, grunting and rub the throbbing spot.<br><br> At least you didn't get shot.<br><br> "What part of 'Don't try anythin' fancy' didn't you get?" the woman snarks. "Kindly stop that. I <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You grin darkly amused. "Oh, please. We both know yer not goin' to start a gun fight in an art gallery. No matter how barely it passes for one. So, how 'bout you don't try anything fancy with us, and bug-"<br><br> You don't get further as one of the guys hits you over the head. You stumble forward, grunting and rub the throbbing spot.<br><br> At least you didn't get shot.<br><br> "I've been warned one of you would try to talk your way out of things," the woman snarks. "Kindly stop that. I <<else>> "Just to make absolutely sure," you begin. "Do ya want us to follow 'cause ya don't want to shoot us in here, or do ya need us for something? 'Cause ya don't strike me as Pinkertons."<br><br> "I would absolute shoot you in here, <<if $doublemeadows is true>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>, don't doubt that," the woman says. "But as you wondered, yes, we do need your assistance. So, if you'd kind follow us now. As I just said, I <</if>> have no qualms shooting you in an art gallery, but I'd really hate to have to pull a bullet out of your abdomen then. Mostly 'cause I got better things to do with my time." <</nobr>> "Charmin', really," Charlie mutters, shaking his head. "We can't all be smooth-talking thieves like you, Mr. Mulligan," the woman says. "Hey, Meadows," one of the men standing with O'Brian <<if $doublemeadows is true>>calls, startling you for a moment before you realize he's not speaking to you<<else>>calls<</if>>. "What about O'Brian here?" The woman shrugs. "Didn't expect him to still be here. But... we can't let him go, that's out of the question." You brace yourself for the fatal shot, but instead the two men just grab O'Brian and roughly drag him out of the room. "Well, ain't it nice to see ya don't wanna get blood on the artworks in the end?" Charlie deadpans. "Charming," the woman says with a dry smile. "Now, shall we go?" She steps aside as if you'd actually have a choice whether or not to go with her. You roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> and fall in step behind her as she leads you to the gallery's back entrance and to a carriage waiting in the street. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~This isn't how you expected the day to go...">> <<goto "blaynecarriage">> <</link>></div>

It's not the most pleasant carriage ride you ever participated in, sitting squished between Charlie and O'Brian on one site. Funnily enough, it's also not the most unpleasant one either. "Now," you finally say as the carriage rattles along. "Who are ya an' where are we going? I don't think yer Pinkertons." "Yeah," O'Brian adds. "Them bastards would have announced themselves as such already." "Correct," the woman says. "We're bounty hunters." "Oh joy," Charlie moans. You second the feeling. "So we're as good as dead," you say. "Not necessarily," the woman comments. "If I'd have any say in it you would all swing by the evening. But, alas, my employer needs you." "I guess yer not going to tell us //who// said employer is, are ya?" You cross your arms in defiance. "Why not?" the woman shrugs. "After all, Emmett Blayne is no stranger to you." Your side of the carriage falls silent. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...bugger...">> <<goto "blaynecarriage1">> <</link>></div>

Emmett <<if $doublenames is 9>>Blayne (and you've heard all sorts of comments and jokes at your cost, given your name and field of work)<<else>>Blayne<</if>> is one of the most feared bounty hunters this side of the Atlantic Ocean, and you and Charlie have clashed with him before. And barely lived to tell the tale. You wonder what he might want of O'Brian. Sure, that Lynwood said he's a wanted man, but you wonder if that was the truth at all. Even with O'Brian's reaction to the Pinkertons last night. "Just to make sure," O'Brian pipes up. "We're talking //the// Emmett Blayne. Tall guy, Black, impressive mustache, missing an eye like <<if $mconeeye is true>>Mulligan and $Name<<else>>Mulligan<</if>> here? Strangled a guy to death with the man's own intestines?" "The same," the woman says. "But as a doctor I can assure you the strangulation thing is a rumor." "That's not as reassuring as ya might think it is," you say. "I wasn't trying to reassure you." The woman smiles humorlessly again, and sits back. "And now kindly be quiet. All of you. Mr. Blayne will answer all further questions." You can't say you like this. You can't say that at all. O'Brian, however, has a few choice words about this. "No," he protests. "I already got them Pinkertons on me tail, and if Blayne wants me..." "Not you, O'Brian," the woman cuts him off. "Just those two. And if you know what's good for you, you will shut up now." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Defend O'Brian. He genuinely just came to us for help.">> <<set $sean to $sean + 5>> <<set $mead to $mead - 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "blaynecarriage2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I wonder if we could get a share of O'Brian's bounty, though...">> <<set $sean to $sean -5>> <<set $mead to $mead +5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "blaynecarriage2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Blayne can have O'Brian, but I see no reason to help Blayne.">> <<set $sean to $sean -5>> <<set $mead to $mead -5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "blaynecarriage2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Let's wait and see. Maybe we can help O'Brian out.">> <<set $sean to $sean +5>> <<set $mead to $mead +5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "blaynecarriage2">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> "He's right, <<if $bold >50>>y'know," you growl.<<else>>though," you murmur.<</if>> "If Blayne wants our help, we all got the right to know what's going on."<br><br> The woman just glowers coldly at you. "No, you don't. And if you know what's good for you, you shut up now."<br><br> At this Charlie lays a hand on your arm and shakes his head. <<if $bold >50>>You snap your mouth shut and bite back the response you were about to make.<<else>>You nod silently in agreement.<</if>> <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Any chance of us gettin' a share of the bounty on his head?" you ask. "I dunno what he did, but I heard it's pretty high."<br><br> "Potentially," the woman answers while O'Brian hisses insults at you. "But don't count on it, <<if $doublemeadows is true>>fleabite<<else>>$Name<</if>>." She glances you over. "And now do kindly shut up." <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "I don't see why we should help," you say. "Sure, ya can have O'Brian, but if Blayne wants our help and knew we're in town, he coulda just approached us directly."<br><br> Both, O'Brian and the woman glare at you.<br><br> "No, Mr. Blayne could not have done so," the woman snaps. "You will see why. And now you better shut up." <<else>> "Look," you begin. "I dunno how high the bounty on O'Brian's head is, or why it's there, but if it is as high as the Pinkerton agent made it seem," you look at O'Brian. He doesn't strike you as a killer, and you make a living out of knowing people. "If he'd be dangerous or vile I think ya woulda shot him by now. So..."<br><br> O'Brian blinks at you, and the woman quirks a brow.<br><br> "Are you trying to defend him?" she asks coldly.<br><br> "For all I know Blayne's a clever man. Whatever he needs someone like Charlie and me for, I'd not be surprised if O'Brian might be of use as well. So, let's wait and see."<br><br> O'Brian blinks at you again, and for a moment you get the impression that he's blushing.<br><br> "I doubt that," the woman says. "But I agree, let's wait and see. Now shut up."<</if>> <</nobr>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~You decide to keep quiet now...">> <<goto "blaynemanor">> <</link>></div>

The carriage rumbles along till it comes to a halt at what you figure must be the other side of town. The woman and her lackeys wave you to get out and rather crudely push you into the small townhouse and up the stairs before you can take a decent look around. Now, you don't really know what you expected from the prospect of coming face to face with Emmett Blayne, but you certainly had not expected to find the man bed bound and looking quite miserable. His hands and chest are wrapped up in bandages, there are barely healed cuts all over his body and by the looks of it his good eye is just recovering from being swollen shut. "Any trouble?" he greets you — well, that woman — as you enter. "Not at all," the woman says. "Did you stay in bed as I told you?" "Oh no, I took a stroll through the area," Blayne deadpans, and the woman wrinkles her nose in distaste. "This is no laughing matter, Emmett," she scolds. "I know you tried to get up often enough." "I see you brought O'Brian along," Blayne casually ignores the concerns. "What other options were there? That you'd have approved of, I mean." Blayne harrumphes. "True. Did the Pinkertons cause any trouble?" The woman shakes her head and sits down in a chair by the bed, her gun resting on her lap. Her lackeys position themselves by the door and to your sides, and Blayne clears his throat. "You, sit down," he addresses Charlie and you, and you are rather roughly pushed onto two not too comfortable chairs. "To answer that question straight away," Blayne says, nodding at the woman. "This is Mrs. Lian Meadows. Widow, sharpshooter, and, most importantly, doctor." Mrs. Meadows nods coldly at <<if $doublemeadows is true>>you, and you get an idea why she's calling you 'fleabite'. Charming<<else>>you<</if>>. "She patched me back together after a recent misadventure, and I enlisted her help to see this miserable affair through." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~You think you know where this is going...">> <<goto "blaynemanor1">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<set $metmead to true>> <<set $metblayne to true>> <</nobr>>\ "Let me guess," you say, suppressing a snarl. "You got us here because you want to 'enlist' us as well." "You're a clever $isac, $title $Name," Blayne says without any hint of humor. "And yes. For a good reason. Only recently you worked for the Messrs. Stainthorpe and Hodgeson." You look at Charlie, who simply rolls his eye in annoyance. "Look," he says, "It's no use to beat about the bush. Ya know that already, so whatever ya want us to do has got to do something with it." "Yes," says Blayne and shuffles into a more comfortable sitting position. "And it's no laughing matter. So, if you'd be so kind and tell me..." "Wait, what about O'Brian?" you interrupt. "He's just a novelist. He's got nothin' to do with this." "Novelist?" Blayne tilts his head curiously. "Well, he said 'journalist' first. Wants Charlie to find someone for him." "Does he now?" Blayne shakes his head and almost laughs. "$title $Name, O'Brian couldn't even read or write the last time I encountered him. Or at least he convincingly claimed so. No. Your 'novelist' here is a grifter." "Which is a surprise," Mrs. Meadows chimes in. "He can't lie about the weather overhead outside of one of his cons." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "blaynemanor2">> <</link>></div>

You and Charlie exchanged some surprised and suspicious looks, looking briefly back at O'Brian. "Well, guess that Lynwood didn't talk out of his arse after all..." you mumble. "So..." Charlie begins voicing a thought and Blayne just shrugs. "He will hang," he says unceremoniously. Behind you, O'Brian gives an undignified wince and a yelp as the men at his side hold him steadily. Blayne shuffles around a little to look past you. "What did you expect, O'Brian? "Three dozen cases of fraud, swindling, theft and impersonation across the nation and then some in Canada and Mexico. And all the things you did while riding with O'Reilly." You and Charlie spin around in unison, staring baffled at O'Brian who looks positively miserable. "'Harbinger' O'Reilly?" Charlie asks in utter disbelief. "That... that was a long time ago," O'Brian murmurs, avoiding everyone's eyes. "It was mere three years ago," Blayne corrects. "Till O'Reilly... disappeared." There's a trace of ashamed anger on O'Brian's face, but only for a moment. You turn back to Blayne. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Why is he still alive then?</q> I'm really having doubts about Blayne's judgment.">> <<set $blay to $blay -5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "blaynemanor3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Ya could at least give him the chance to find whatever he needs Charlie for.</q>">> <<set $blay to $blay +5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "blaynemanor3">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> "Well, why is he still alive then?" you ask. "We all know the stories 'bout O'Reilly, so I'd wonder — if they're not actually complete shite — why ya would be so careless to leave one of his men alive? Don't want to admit ya made a mistake or is there something ya don't wanna tell us?"<br><br> Blayne frowns quite disgruntled.<br><br> "Kindly do //not// doubt my judgment."<br><br> "Then explain to me what I'm lookin' at. 'Cause <<else>> "Ya could at least let give him the chance to find whatever he needs Charlie for," you say, and look at O'Brian. "And ya know," you turn back to Blayne. "We all know the stories 'bout O'Reilly — and I think we all wonder how much of'em is true — and <</if>> O'Brian doesn't strike me as one of the outlaws from those tales."<</nobr>> Blayne looks at you thoughtfully. "I just told you he's a skilled grifter, $title $Name," he says. "He makes a living out of giving people the wrong impression." With a sharp inhale he turns his attention to O'Brian. "Y'know, O'Brian, I can't imagine what you'd need a medium for. So, tell me, what is it you're after?" O'Brian simply hisses at Blayne. "Know what? Fuck you." Blayne looks amused, while Mrs. Meadows comes across as offended. "Well, take your secrets to the grave then," Blayne notes, laying back. "If it's any help, they got a good hangman here, so it will be quick." "You are really enjoyin' this, ain't ya?" Charlie interrupts, looking more and more angry. "Ya just said O'Brian can't lie worth shite outside of a con, so are ya telling me the fear I'm seein' on him is not real? 'Cause I think it's genuine." At this Charlie's gaze darkens. "And so does Reuben." There is some satisfaction in seeing Blayne's face fall upon hearing that. While you don't know what it means, you know Charlie long enough to take an inspired guess. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "blaynemanor4">> <</link>></div>

"Who's Reuben?" O'Brian asks innocently. "Doesn't matter," Blayne murmurs, fingers clenching at the bedsheet. "I'd say it matters a lot, Mr. Blayne," says Charlie, taking a bold step closer. "He also says yer bloody well playin' with us." Blayne looks at you and Charlie sharply, then sighs in defeat. "I honestly didn't expect you..." he begins. Charlie harrumphes. "What?" he asks. "That I can //actually// speak with the dead? Mr. Blayne, I believe ya saw weirder things in yer life." Blayne sighs again and falls quiet for a moment. "Is... is he alright? I mean, as alright as..." he tries. Charlie nods softly. "He is. Sorry for yer loss. But how about ya talk turkey now? 'Cause it's not just about the job <<if $nick.toLowerCase() is "emmett" or $nick.toLowerCase() is "emmet">>$nick — mine that is —<<else>>$nick<</if>> and I just did, innit?" Blayne lays back and looks at the ceiling as if the answer might be written up there. "How much do you know?" Charlie shrugs. "Just what I just said. Ya gotta fill us in on the rest." "Maybe you're right, Mr. Mulligan." He looks sharply at Mrs. Meadows. "Mrs. Meadows, you can put your gun away now. Mr. O'Brian, I will only ask you once to not try to make a run for it now." "Hey, why am I bein' singled out?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>'Cause right now yer the only one with his neck half in the noose. How did ya manage to forget that?</q>">> <<set $sean to $sean -5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "blaynemanor5">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>'Cause right now yer unfortunately the one with most to lose, Mr. O'Brian.</q>">> <<set $sean to $sean +5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "blaynemanor5">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> "'Cause yer the only one with his neck half in the noose," you snark. "How did ya manage to forget that?"<br><br> O'Brian glowers at you. <<else>> "'Cause yer the one with most to lose, Mr. O'Brian," you note, and O'Brian squirms a little.<</if>><</nobr>> "Yeah, I know, but... Stop treating me as if I'm dumb. I'm just scared." He kicks at the ground and, as Mrs. Meadows holsters her revolver, he pulls up a chair to sit down behind you. And almost immediately he leans forward, whispering. "No, really, who's this Reuben?" "Someone Blayne holds very dear and who died, that's all I can guess," you whisper back while Blayne seems deeply sunken in thought. "Maybe a child, a brother, a partner, a lover, something like that..." "And Mulligan talked to him just like that?" You catch glimpse of a bit of disappointment fluttering over O'Brian's face. "What?" you murmur a bit sour. "Nuffin'. I just imagined it'd be a bit more of a spectacle." Now you bite back a grin. Blayne flexes his hands, grimacing briefly at the pain, and looks at you again. "Mr. Mulligan is right. Well, I am not so much 'playing' with you, as I am testing the waters." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...Peachy...">> <<goto "blaynemanor6">> <</link>></div>

"You got a fancy way of doin' so." You groan. "Cards on the table please." "Patience, $title $Name, this will need some explanation." Blayne clears his throat. "Well, first of all, yes, you were right, a lot of the grimmer tales about O'Reilly are plainly made up. Usually by the rich tycoons he loved to target. He's still no saint, but if you think that O'Brian isn't the ruthless scum of the earth those stories made O'Reilly's boys out to be... you are right." You glance back at O'Brian, who looks more embarrassed and sad than angered now. Then you remember something and wonder how you managed to forget about //that// all things considered. You snap your head back to Blayne. "The Pinkerton agent told us O'Brian's a murderer." "The Brightwell case, I know." Blayne shakes his head. "O'Brian, what business did you have with the Brightwells?" "None," O'Brian cries out in despair. "I was just minding me own business when Brightwell's lackeys attacked me an' stole a watch from me. I dunno why. But I went to get it back. I dunno what happened." Blayne's gaze is piercing and cold, sending a shiver down your spine. Finally he nods with a rumbling murmur. "It wouldn't have been the first person you killed, O'Brian. But in this case..." "I really dunno what happened." Now O'Brian looks even more miserable than you had ever deemed possible for a human to look. "Don't let it get to your head, but I believe you," Blayne says, and turns his attention to you and Charlie again. "Now, back to that job you took up..." he says. "This might sound absurd, but you might have set the end of the world as we know in motion." Behind you, Mrs. Meadows groans in annoyance, and you... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~I tell Blayne where he can stick that story. I won't let anyone make fun of me.">> <<set $pol to $pol -5>> <<set $sel to $sel +5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "blaynemanor7">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I'll humor Blayne. If he thinks he can fool me...">> <<set $pol to $pol +5>> <<set $sel to $sel +5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "blaynemanor7">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I call Blayne out on this bullshit. Did he really bring us here to make fun of us?">> <<set $pol to $pol -5>> <<set $sel to $sel -5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "blaynemanor7">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I'll humor Blayne. But I'll note I'm not appreciating him fooling us like this.">> <<set $pol to $pol +5>> <<set $sel to $sel -5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "blaynemanor7">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> "The end of the world. Sure. Ya know what ya can do with that bullshit yer tellin', Blayne?" you call out, jumping up from your chair. Just to get pushed back down.<br><br> Blayne waves his men to stand back.<br><br> "I know what it sounds like, but allow me to explain."<br><br> "No. I'm leavin'. Maybe ya can fool the others, but I'm not going to listen to..."<br><br> "Shut up," Charlie snarls, harshly holding you down by the shoulder. "Let him speak. Ya'll see."<br><br> You glower a little and briefly bare your teeth, till it sinks in that you are very outnumbered, so this is not the time for selfishness.<br><br> "Oh, fine," you murmur in defeat and Blayne gives you a small nod. Then he <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "I'm listening," you say, but can't hold back a small glare. "But don't think ya can fool me."<br><br> Blayne shakes his head.<br><br> "That would be far from my intent, $title $Name."<br><br> "Then this better be good."<br><br> "'Good' is certainly not the right word," Blayne says, <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "'The end of the world, Blayne?" you call out angrily, jumping up from your seat. Blayne's mean are quick to push you back down, but Blayne's just as quick to tell them to stand back.<br><br> "Let $them have $their say," he says.<br><br> "Oh, I will have my say, Blayne," you snarl. "What kind of shite game are ya playin' here? All this ruckus to make fun o' us?"<br><br> "I'm not making fun of you, $title $Name. I never would, and especially not in this situation."<br><br> You narrow your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> in thought, and turn towards Charlie. The expression on his face sends a shiver down your spine and tells you everything you need to know. With a sharp exhale you make yourself comfortable again.<br><br> "This better be good," you murmur.<br><br> "'Good' is certainly not the right word," Blayne says, <<else>> "I'd like to note this isn't funny, Blayne," you say, crossing your arms in defiance. "Ya drag us here and all, and then ya try to pull our legs like this?"<br><br> Blayne's expression sends a shiver down your spine. Either he is a really good liar, or actually genuine. You look at Charlie for help.<br><br> "Don't think this is a bad joke," Charlie murmurs, looking miserable. You shudder.<br><br> "I can understand why you feel like this, $title $Name," Blayne says. "But unfortunately..." He <</if>> takes a deep breath and seems to get lost in thoughts for a moment, before his head snaps around sharply and he tells his lackeys to leave. As the door closes, he exhales, his whole frame sinking together a little.<</nobr>> Then he draws another, more determined, breath to speak. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "blaynemanor8">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> "I've been tracking some kind of doomsday cult or something of that kind for a few years now," Blayne begins, glowering at you. "Very elusive bastards. All I know is they're all ill-intent and malicious magic. And I know that several weeks ago a man going by the name of Hodgeson approached you. I know he was looking for <<if $job is 1>> doctor to help with a patient in a remote mining town."<br><br> "Violet Gulch, yes," you say.<br><br> "Didn't you find it weird someone would approach you for a job like that? And please be honest."<br><br> You think about it, but not much.<br><br> "He seemed very desperate. And Charlie didn't get any warning from beyond."<br><br> Next to you, Charlie murmurs darkly. "I didn't get anything, come to think of it."<br><br> You glance at him. "Ya said not to worry 'bout that."<br><br> "I know, because Matt was pissy with me. But I also said afterwards it was fishy."<br><br> You sigh and wave Blayne to continue.<br><br> "Oh, this is the part where I need you to fill me in on what happened," he says. <<elseif $job is 2>> someone trustworthy to guard a stagecoach of his."<br><br> "Well, he found us," Charlie says bluntly.<br><br> "We still took the job," you add. "I mean, ya shoulda seen the sum he offered. Guy was desperate." You grimace as a thought hits you. "I assume we were guardin' some doomsday artifact or something?<br><br> "I don't know." Blayne sighs. "That's where you need to fill me in on the whole story. Maybe I can make an educated guess." <<elseif $job is 3>> someone to guide him through the mountains north of Violet Gulch."<br><br> "Ya might laugh," Charlie notes. <<if $nick.toLowerCase() is "emmett" or $nick.toLowerCase() is "emmet">>"$nick — mine again, of course —<<else>>"$nick<</if>> and I had a bit of a laugh back then 'bout that."<br><br> "Yeah, it's really not that tricky terrain," you agree.<br><br> "I know, I've been there," Blayne says.<br><br> You shake your head. "If they're some evil cult or something, why would they even need anyone to guide'em through the area?"<br><br> "You'd have to tell me what else they ask of you," Blayne says. "There's a couple of options."<br><br> "None good, I guess," you say.<br><br> Blayne nods, and you grimace.<br><br> "Fine then," you say. <<elseif $job is 4>> someone..." Blayne looks up in thought. "For more players in a game of poker, if I've been informed correctly."<br><br> You can't really blame him for being a little confused. So were you.<br><br> "We can only tell ya the story we were given," you say.<br><br> "Then please do." Blayne runs a hand over his face. "I will be honest with you. When I got wind of this turn of events I thought I had been played by my sources."<br><br> You look at Charlie.<br><br> "Yer the better storyteller," you say.<br><br> Charlie flashes you a winning smile. <<elseif $job is 5>> a few more guns to aid with robbing a farmstead."<br><br> "Will this count in our bounty as well, or can we ignore it?" you ask. "I mean, it got pretty bloody."<br><br> "So I heard," Blayne says. "And we'll see."<br><br> "Yer very reassuring," you grumble.<br><br> "C'mon out with it," Charlie takes up the word. "Who did we kill there an' for what?"<br><br> "There's a few options," Blayne says. "My information's limited, unfortunately. I know //what// you were hired to do, but not where or anything. So if you'd kindly fill me in."<br><br> You nod stoically. <<else>> a priest for a wedding..." Blayne pauses and shakes his head. "How did they end up with you?"<br><br> You shrug. "Desperation paired with stupidity, I guess." You wrinkle your nose as if insulted. "I mean, 'Impersonation of Clergy' or somethin' is one of the things figuring into me bounty."<br><br> "Yes, but I'm surprised someone would mistake you for a priest when you're not trying to trick people."<br><br> "Yer too kind." You harrumph.<br><br> "Now, if you could tell me what happened. 'Cause as of now I can't figure how getting a priest from outside their believes involved would be in their interest."<br><br> You stretch a little, uncomfortably.<</if>><</nobr>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...fine then...">> <<goto "blaynemanor9">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $job is 1>> With a huff you sit up straight and sort your mind.<br><br> "Fine," you say. "We met this guy about two days' ride from Violet Gulch. He was frayin' at the seams, and lookin' as desperate as anyone can look. Asked if any o' us was a doctor. I said I gots some knowledge in the field, and apparently that was enough."<br><br> "I still think he was just so desperate that it didn't really matter to him," Charlie adds, and you nod.<br><br> "Maybe. Anyway, he let us through the mountains and up the the town. Led us to a sick gentleman who's name I didn't catch."<br><br> "Neither," Charlie admits and picks up the story. "This Hodgeson offered us quite a hefty sum if we can help that man, and... money's always been a great motivator to us."<br><br> "I'm aware," Blayne notes.<br><br> "Lookin' back," Charlie sighs, "I really shoulda been suspicious as I couldn't get a word from the hereafter 'bout the whole thing, despite me gut soundin' all the alarm bells."<br><br> You nod sourly. "Yeah. Yer always wiser afterwards. But yeah, long story short, we helped them, and this Hodgeson accompanied us back to 'civilization' and introduced us to this Mr. Stainthorpe, who began singing our praises and paid us quite generously."<br><br> "What did they say was up with the sick man?" Blayne asks.<br><br> "Something 'bout an inheritance," you say. Then you quirk a brow. "I take it ya know what it really was?"<br><br> Blayne nods curtly. "While I can only guess, I'd say that man was a high-ranking member of that little cult. A High Priest or whatever they call themselves. All I know is that had that man died we'd not have to worry 'bout them succeeding with their plans."<br><br> You and Charlie groan in unison, slumping in your seats. <<elseif $job is 2>> With a wince you sit up straight and sort your mind.<br><br> "We met this guy over in Emden Valley. He had picked a bloody bad time to be lookin' for, well, mercenaries. What with ev'ryone workin' on the railroad and stuff. Still, ya had some people around. Dunno what he told'em but from what I noticed they all declined."<br><br> "So he approached us," Charlie picks up the story, and then rubs his chin in thought. "Lookin' back I really shoulda been suspicious as I couldn't get a word from the hereafter 'bout the whole thing, despite me gut soundin' all the alarm bells."<br><br> You nod sourly. "Yeah. Yer always wiser afterwards."<br><br> Charlie sighs. "Anyway. He and his partner offered us quite a sum if we'd go and guard a stagecoach from Emden Valley to Badger's Haunt."<br><br> "The mining town?" Blayne asks. You don't know what to make of the relief crossing his face. "Good. Then it was at least not an artifact they were transporting."<br><br> Alright, that is a bit of a relief.<br><br> "But?" Charlie asks.<br><br> "Money, maybe," says Blayne. "For all I know they have some mining operations going in that area. All legal business run without an obvious connection to them, of course."<br><br> "Of course," you deadpan. "So, we technically enabled them to finance their shite further?"<br><br> "Either that, or..." Blayne frowns darkly, "You know the reputation of the area. In the worst case they //are// looking for an artifact there to further their plans."<br><br> You and Charlie groan in unison, slumping in your seats. <<elseif $job is 3>> "This Hodgeson met us when we were camping along the river," Charlie begins. "Struck us as yer usual city dweller with no idea how life out here works."<br><br> You nod in agreement. "Asked us to guide him an' some friends through the wilderness. We figured they were out for 'an adventure' or something. I mean, not one of'em was suited for such a trip."<br><br> "They didn't even realize we weren't all that suited either." Charlie flexes his hands in thought. "Lookin' back I really shoulda been suspicious as I couldn't get a word from the hereafter 'bout the whole thing, despite me gut soundin' all the alarm bells."<br><br> You nod sourly. "Yeah. Yer always wiser afterwards."<br><br> "So, where did you lead them?" asks Blayne.<br><br> "Ya know the springs north of Violet Gulch?" you say. "They wanted to go there. For the scenery an' all that."<br><br> Blayne rubs his chin, but ultimately shakes his head. "They might have been looking for the caves there. Would make for a good hideout."<br><br> You and Charlie shrug, but don't disagree. The springs and the caves are far enough away from other humans to not draw attention, but it's still easy enough to return to 'civilization' quickly.<br><br> "So ya think that's why they wanted to know the way there?" you ask, just to make sure.<br><br> Blayne nods. "It would certainly make sense for their plans to get a good hideout." <<elseif $job is 4>> "'Twas a few days ago, somewhere else in town," Charlie begins. "Slow night, bad weather. We were sittin' at the bar when this man walks up to us, lookin' all frayed at the seams... Asks us if we'd be interested in playing Poker with him. And that there was something urgent and stuff."<br><br> "Charlie and I pulled that trick often enough ourselves, I think ya know," you say, grinning broadly. "So we figured we might humor that guy and test our skills against amateurs."<br><br> Charlie cackles. "And we did rob'em blank."<br><br> "But then the fellers we were playing against with this Hodgeson and his partner started putting deeds an' shite on the table, and then Hodgeson took us aside." Your brow furrows. "Said that this is what they needed help with, taking back some documents... deeds or blueprints or something, don't think he actually told us what, that these guys took from'em."<br><br> "So, long story short, we got this Hodgeson his papers and shite back, and he paid us graciously for it. 'Twas the last we heard of'im."<br><br> You nod, then look at Blayne. "How does that fit with a doomsday cult?"<br><br> Blayne sighs heavily. "I really don't know. But I know these two are with those bastards, so the whole affair's ought to tie into their plans somehow." <<elseif $job is 5>> "This feller Hodgeson approached us outside of Emden Valley, making it pretty clear he was lookin' for people to take on some farmers miles south from town. Said they had it comin' an' all. The promised pay was good, so we rode with him."<br><br> "Came to a farmstead in the middle o' nowhere," Charlie picks up the story. "Just rolling hills an' fields, and some woods in the distance. What happened then was a massacre." He flexes his hands in thought. "Lookin' back I really shoulda been suspicious as I couldn't get a word from the hereafter 'bout the whole thing. Especially not once it was over. Ya know how people can be when ya kill'em."<br><br> You nod sourly. "Yeah. Yer always wiser afterwards."<br><br> Charlie nods back. "In the end thirty-something people were dead. Those that were still standing on our side got paid and told to bugger off."<br><br> "So what happened there?" you ask. "Who did we slaughter?"<br><br> "People that tried to get out of the cult," Blayne says.<br><br> "Ah <<if $mcnoswears>>dang<<else>>fuck<</if>>." You groan and slump in your chair.<br><br> "Good to see you got something like a conscience, $title $Name." Blayne smiles wryly. "But yeah, they are vicious if you don't want to take part in their bullshit anymore."<br><br> "Wankers like that tend to," Charlie notes.<br><br> "At least it'd seem as if some of their numbers got reduced as well, so that might meddle with their plans at least a little." <<else>> "They certainly didn't announce they're a doomsday cult or anythin'," you say and pause. "But these types never do. Anyway... This guy met us a little outside of Badger's Haunt, and asked if we could have a word with a friend of his."<br><br> "Oh," Charlie chimes in. "I just realized ya think we ordained the wedding or anything. Naw. This Hodgeson just wanted 'another priest' to have a few stern words with a friend of his."<br><br> "Y'know," you say, "Lookin' back I think the guy was actually aware neither of us is a priest."<br><br> Charlie ponders this. "True. But damn, he was desperate."<br><br> "And what exactly did he want?" Blayne asks. Not impatient, but more confused.<br><br> "As said, wanted us to talk to some guy," you answer. "The groom I guess. We ought to tell him about the values an' virtues of family, and community and shite. We figured the guy got cold feet." You cock your head questioningly. "What d'ya reckon was actually goin' on? 'Cause this Hodgeson paid us pretty well when we were done."<br><br> "I guess you're right with thinking this man got cold feet. Knowing what I know 'bout these bastards there's likely some bloodlines thing going on."<br><br> You grimace in disgust, then shrug gently. "Well, if it's any help, I don't think the guy actually listened, no matter how good a job we did."<br><br> Blayne perks up. "That's good then. Might put a small hamper to their plans. Hopefully."<</if>><</nobr>> "Well, what exactly are their plans?" O'Brian speaks up. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~That's a good question...">> <<goto "blaynemanor10">> <</link>></div>

"They're a doomsday cult, O'Brian," Blayne grunts. "What do you think?" "Yeah, I got that. But are we talking end for ev'ryone, them included, or some of that Rapture 'only the right people will live' nonsense or somethin'?" Blayne takes a deep breath and looks at O'Brian for a while. "The latter," he then says. "Ah, so that whole 'We decide who counts as human' bullshit." O'Brian grimaces and then sits up straight. "Look, I know ya wanna get the bounty on me head an' see me hang. But if I can utter me last request, I'd like t' help with this." Blayne and Mrs. Meadows look outrageously surprised. "And ya //know exactly// why," O'Brian snarls bitterly before anyone can say anything. Blayne nods at him. You decide not to ask. "Well now," Blayne then says, and gives O'Brian a piercing glare. "I'm still surprised to hear that from you, O'Brian. But I dunno. Is this a trick?" You turn around and judging by the hurt anger on O'Brian's face this isn't a trick at all. No matter how good he might be with acting, something tells you this is genuine. The young man's seething. "Guess it's not." Blayne smiles and waves O'Brian to calm down. "And yes, I know why this means a lot to you. Is that who you wanted to ask Mulligan about?" O'Brian doesn't answer. But judging by the way his face falls and all, you guess that's a yes. Blayne sighs softly. "I'm truly sorry." "As if," O'Brian mutters, turning away. For a brief moment, Blayne looks sunken in thought again. "So," he then begins, "I assume we have an agreement?" "If ya finally tell us what ya want?" Charlie says, looking resigned. "Yeah," you add. "'Cause if ya want us to go up 'gainst some doomsday assholes... We're good, but not that good." Blayne chuckles bitterly for a moment. "No. I wouldn't ask the impossible of you. But... something that comes close." With a resigned sigh Blayne searches your gaze. "I want you to ride to Devil's Creek." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...What?!...">> <<goto "blaynemanor11">> <</link>></div>

Now, there are several places in the nation by this name, but judging by Blayne's gaze and tone the one he is talking about might be the worst. You know the tales. About the settlement at the bottom of a lush valley. About how the Natives of the area warned against going there. About it grew into a prospeing town far quicker than seemed right. About the horrors that presumably occurred there, and how all that is left now is a sprawling ghost town, its winding paths and twisted structures still haunted by those careless enough to venture there and whatever they fell victim to. You've been there, once, and you vowed never to return. You had gone there hoping to get your hands on what people had left behind, thinking it all just silly folktales. You know better now. "Devil's Creek? You mean //the// Devil's Creek. The ghost town over in..." you make a vague gesture into the general direction of where you think the cursed valley is located from where you are standing. "Right?" There's a tremble in your voice giving away that you hope he, after all, might be talking about the one up in Washington. "That one, yes." You scrunch up your nose with a sharp, defeated intake of air. "And //what// exactly do ya want us to risk our physical and mental wellbeing for?" "This cult is out to summon a creature said to be much older than creation, and, according to them, more powerful than any God known to us humans. It's what some believe dwells in the valley of Devil's Creek. An ancient evil." "We know the stories, Blayne," Charlie says darkly. "Ya want us to fight it? "Well, the alternative was hanging, right?" You say cheerfully, getting up. "So, the gallows it is then, innit?" "Sit down," Blayne barks, and you glower. "I'm not ridin' to Devil's Creek, Blayne," you protest. "Come Hell or high water." "Hell //and// high water would be what's coming if you don't, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>," Mrs. Meadows informs you. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...oh for...">> <<goto "blaynemanor12">> <</link>></div>

"This is ludicrous!" You throw your arms up. "I know this is asking a lot..." Blayne begins. "Yes, yes ya do!" you exclaim. "And so far the only thing ya offer is not to kill us yerself. Even that bloody Pinkerton agent made a better offer." "Yeah, but let's be honest, $nick," Charlie says. "Ya never really believed for a second he was actually goin' to make sure we can start with a clean slate." You lower your arms again. "But at least he made an attempt to pretend he's offering us //something//." "It's the same offer I'm making," Blayne declares solemnly. "Minus the not holding up to my end of the bargain part." You frown in disbelief. "Yer a bounty hunter, Blayne. Bloody good one, I give ya that, but ya can't do any of that." "He can't, correct." Mrs. Meadows explains. "Not alone. But //I// have friends in high places who can. And who likely will if Emmett also puts a word in in your favor." Alright, that's unexpected. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~I don't trust them, but I want to hear what story they might have prepared.">> <<set $cur to $cur +5>> <<set $tru to $tru -10>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "blaynemanor13">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I don't trust them, but I don't think there's much of a choice. So let's get this over with.">> <<set $cur to $cur -5>> <<set $tru to $tru -10>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "blaynemanor13">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Blayne has a reputation to be an utterly fair man, so I trust him. I'd just like to know //how// he's going to pull that off.">> <<set $cur to $cur +5>> <<set $tru to $tru +10>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "blaynemanor13">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Blayne has a reputation to be an utterly fair man, so I trust him. So let's get on with this.">> <<set $cur to $cur -5>> <<set $tru to $tru +10>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "blaynemanor13">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> You look at both of them with some interest and a lot of disdain.<br><br> "You don't trust us," Mrs. Meadows notes. "Understandably. I'd like to remind you that Emmett has a reputation of being an entirely just man. And this situation is too dire to mark the first time for him to not honor his words."<br><br> "And Mrs. Meadows //does// have friends in the needed places," Blayne adds. "A lot of her late husband's clients were politicians, tycoons and high ranking lawmen. So, yes, the means to clear your names are present." <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "You don't trust us," Mrs. Meadows notes. "Understandably. I'd like to remind you..."<br><br> You raise your hand to stop her. "Look, I'm aware we don't have a choice. So you can spare me whatever story you prepared, I don't care."<br><br> "It's not a 'prepared' story, $title $Name," Blayne informs you. "Mrs. Meadows //does// have friends in the needed places, as a lot of her late husband's clients were politicians, tycoons and high ranking lawmen. The means to clear your names //are// present." <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "Just... how?" you ask. "I mean, ya just said ya got friends in high places, but... what places are we talkin' about?"<br><br> "Washington," Blayne says. "Mrs. Meadows's late husband had a lot of clients among the men leading our country. And equally as many among the men with enough money to tell our //leaders// how that's ought to be done."<br><br> Next to you Charlie snorts in disdain. You bite back the same reaction.<br><br> Blayne nods at the two of you. "So, we absolutely have the means to clear your names." <<else>> You look at them both with mild confusion, and shrug in defeat.<br><br> "Alright then. I know yer a man of yer word Blayne, so... fine."<br><br> "Just how, Blayne?" O'Brian pipes up. "What kinda friends are ya talkin' about?"<br><br> "The big boys in Washington," Blayne answers. "Mrs. Meadows's late husband's clients were politicians, tycoons and high ranking lawmen."<br><br> "Oh bother..." O'Brian grimaces and shakes his head.<</if>> <</nobr>> You look at Charlie, who looks busy considering all these informations. "I really don't think they're lyin'." He then just shrugs. "Quite a weird situation we're in, innit?" you murmur sourly and sit back down. "So, back to this cult..." You gesture at Blayne. "Did they do this to ya?" Blayne nods, sounding a little apologetic as he answers. "Yes. I tried to stop them on my own. I'm glad I was lucky enough to survive. So I have no illusions about how dangerous these people are. I might not know what exactly their goal is, but more than enough to know that they must be stopped." You wave him to stop. "Blayne, listen to yerself an' what yer askin'. Charlie and I are good, but what do ya think we can do that //won't// have us end up just like that or worse." "I think I know what he means," O'Brian chimes in again, looking more bitter than before. "Well, let's hear it," you say. "Ya know the stories 'bout Devil's Creek, ya said," O'Brian begins. "And ya been there. Ya know that the people that lived there left ev'rything behind when the town burned. That likely includes artifacts, something to put an end to those wankers. An' all o' us but Blayne won't draw attention if they'd go there to get any o' that stuff." You look back at Blayne, who nods curtly. "You're trying to earn a fresh start as well, O'Brian?" O'Brian shrugs. "I take what I can get. But are ya willin' to miss out on the money?" Blayne chuckles. "Still as much a loudmouth as I remember." He stretches carefully. "Now, as the bounty on your head is quite a bit higher than that of those two..." the pause that follows is just cruel, you reckon, "There's something I want you to do in addition." At this Blayne turns to Mrs. Meadows. "Would you be so kind and get the boy?" Mrs. Meadows nods and rises, and you wonder what Blayne means. You don't have to wait long, as she merely needs to pull the door open abruptly to have a young man — a boy, really, he can't be any older than 20 — stumble in. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Well, whoops...">> <<goto "finleyintro">> <</link>></div>

<<set $metfin to true>>\ The young man hastily clambers to his feet, and you take the moment to have a closer look. He's small and scrawny, with tousled dark hair and pale — almost sickly pale — skin. He's got very nice hazel eyes though, as much as he looks like several frightened animals. "Sorry, sir," he begins, looking at Blayne (as far as having turned in that direction and looking at the ground counts as such) and scratching his arm. "Didn't mean to eavesdrop. But with what happened so far, I got curious." Blayne sighs and gestures at the young man. "This here is Finley O'Connor. He's a skilled pickpocket working for me. Finn, don't worry, you're fine." Finley shuffles a little, now worrying his cuffs. "O'Brian," Blayne continues, "I want you to take Finley under your wing until you get to Potter's Springs." O'Brian eyes the young man up and down. "Playin' nanny, is that what ya want me to do? Good gracious, how old are ya even?" "I'm seventeen," Finley answers. With a resigned sigh O'Brian throws his arms up, giving Blayne a scolding glare. "Yer sendin' us to Devil's Creek to take on some doomsday cult, all while playin' nanny?" O'Brian cocks his head. "Ya wanna get the kid killed?" At this Finley flinches. Something tells you the young man is definitely not the bravest addition to the posse currently shaping up. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~This isn't right, it'll only get the kid killed. Blayne shouldn't do this.">> <<set $fin to $fin +5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "blaynemanor14">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~We're not going to drag him along. He'd just be a burden.">> <<set $fin to $fin -5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "blaynemanor14">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> "O'Brian's right, Blayne," you say. "Yer only going to get the kid killed, this isn't right."<br><br> You'd swear Finley gave you a slight thankful smile. <<else>> "We're not gonna drag him along, Blayne," you say. "He'll only get in our way."<br><br> You can feel the mild glare Finley's giving you.<</if>><</nobr>> Blayne however shakes his head. "I planned to accompany him to Potter's Springs myself, $title $Name. Then... this... happened." "I-I...," Finley begins, "Mr. Blayne's just gotten some notes 'bout me da. That... that's all." "Yer father?" Charlie asks. "Can't he pick ya up himself?" Finley shuffles a little. "He don't know I exist I think. I dun even know if that's actually me da in Potter's Springs at all." Seeing the confusion on your faces, Finley takes a deep breath. "Y-you see, I wasn't really planned. Me ma loved me dearly, but she died before she could tell me who me da is. Then Mr. Blayne took me in, and tried help me find him. And he got word that there's someone who might be me da in Potter's Springs." You look at the others. "Well, I don't think that much can happen on the way from here to Potter's Springs," Charlie says, then looks at Finley. "So yer just goin' to stay with us till we reach that town?" The lad nods. O'Brian tilts his head from side to side in thought. "Ah, yeah, alright," he says. "It's not that bad. Silly, but not bad." "Thank ya, sir," Finley murmurs. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~You turn back to Blayne.">> <<goto "blaynemanor15">> <</link>></div>

"So, what's yer plan now?" Blayne sits up. "I'll send someone to your lodgings to retrieve your belongings. You will stay here for the night and leave for New Hamelin by tomorrow." "New Hamelin?" you ask. "That's a bit off the route for Potter's Springs." "It should throw people off for a bit." "Ya really planned this through bloody quickly, didn't ya?" You shake your head. "I can't say I'd appreciate yer sense of humor, just so ya know." "That's fair," Blayne agrees. "Now, Mrs. Meadows will accompany you, as you likely figured already." "Who's gonna take care of ya while she's gone," Charlie questions. "A good friend of mine," Mrs. Meadows answers and straightens her skirt. "Now, if you'd be so kind as to follow me? I shall show you your room." You exchange glances with Charlie, who just shrugs, and look back at Blayne. "Ya shouldn't protest, <<if $nick.toLowerCase() is "finley" or $nick.toLowerCase() is "finn">>$nick," Charlie notes, then looks at the boy, "My $nick that is, lad," he says before looking sternly at you again<<else>>$nick," Charlie notes<</if>>. "Ya always wanted a chance for a new life. Be careful what ya wish for." You frown. "Yeah, an' beggars can't be choosers." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~You get up and follow Mrs. Meadows.">> <<goto "blaynemanor16">> <</link>></div>

The room she leads you to is, admittedly, much nicer than your room at the //Owl//. You look around and almost laugh as you spot the river outside the window. By the looks of it you aren't that far from the gallery. Seems they have been going the long way round to get here. Which, thinking about it, is making things a little more concerning. "I'll send someone to prepare a bed for you, O'Brian," Mrs. Meadows says without any warmth in her voice. O'Brian just grunts in acknowledgment. You're a bit startled by Finley being with you as well, you didn't notice him actually following. He begins to apologize the moment he notices that, but Mrs. Meadows cuts him off. You decide to just settle down on one of the beds, and look at the little group. And you can't say you like what you see, considering the reason you were brought together. "So, what do we got?" you frown. "A doctor, a grifter, a cardsharp, a pickpocket an' me. And we're settin' out to save the world." "Yeah, we're very screwed," O'Brian scoffs. "But, c'mon, we all got more than one talent." "You don't have any talents, O'Brian," Mrs. Meadows states coldly, earning an annoyed glare. "Here I'm tryin' to be nice," O'Brian laments, "And that's what it gets me. Y'know, I was 'bout to say that yer supposedly good with a gun on top of bein' a doctor, Mulligan can talk his way outta Hell, and I'm not bad on a horse. I dunno 'bout the kid..." "I-I'm good with knives, sir," Finley admits. "And I'm pretty good surviving on me own." "See." O'Brian shrugs dramatically and gestures at you. "And <<if $doublemeadows is true>>our $Name<<else>>$Name<</if>> here certainly can do more than <<if $job is 1>>patch up people.<<elseif $job is 2>>be good on a horse.<<elseif $job is 3>>survive in the wild.<<elseif $job is 4>>cheat at gambling<<elseif $job is 5>>shoot people.<<else>>smooth-talk people.<</if>> You sigh heavily. "Ya sure talk a lot when one let's ya," you say, and ponder. "Well, ... <<nobr>><hr><<if $job isnot 1>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... I'm not too bad with patchin' people up.</q>">> <<set $med to $med +10>> <<set $strong to 1>> <<goto "blaynemanor17">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $job isnot 2>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... I'm pretty good on a horse.</q>">> <<set $ride to $ride +10>> <<set $strong to 2>> <<goto "blaynemanor17">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $job isnot 3>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... I know how to survive in the wild.</q>">> <<set $surv to $surv +10>> <<set $strong to 3>> <<goto "blaynemanor17">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $job isnot 4>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... Charlie ain't the only one who knows how to turn the odds in one's favor.</q>">> <<set $card to $card +10>> <<set $strong to 4>> <<goto "blaynemanor17">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $job isnot 5>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... I definitely know how to shoot.</q>">> <<set $gun to $gun +10>> <<set $strong to 5>> <<goto "blaynemanor17">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $job isnot 6>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... I can certainly talk meself out of most sticky situations.</q>">> <<set $talk to $talk +10>> <<set $strong to 6>> <<goto "blaynemanor17">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

"Well, <<if $strong is 1>>I'm not too bad with patchin' people up<<elseif $strong is 2>>I'm pretty good on a horse<<elseif $strong is 3>>I know how to survive in the wild<<elseif $strong is 4>>Charlie ain't the only one who knows how to turn the odds in one's favor<<elseif $strong is 5>>I definitely know how to shoot<<else>>I can certainly talk meself out of most sticky situations<</if>>," you venture. "See," O'Brian says cheerfully, albeit the smile doesn't reach his eyes, "there ya go." "That's nice an' dandy," Charlie says, and you already know what's coming. "But, as good a friend as $they <<if $plur is true>>are<<else>>is<</if>>, $nick is worth shite when it comes to... <hr><<nobr>> <<if $job isnot 1 and $strong isnot 1>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...patchin' fellers up.</q>">> <<set $med to $med -10>> <<set $weak to 1>> <<goto "blaynemanor18">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $job isnot 2 and $strong isnot 2>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...stayin' on a horse.</q>">> <<set $ride to $ride -10>> <<set $weak to 2>> <<goto "blaynemanor18">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $job isnot 3 and $strong isnot 3>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... survivin' in the wild.</q>">> <<set $surv to $surv -10>> <<set $weak to 3>> <<goto "blaynemanor18">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $job isnot 4 and $strong isnot 4>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...gamblin'. Whether honest or not.</q>">> <<set $card to $card -10>> <<set $weak to 4>> <<goto "blaynemanor18">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $job isnot 5 and $strong isnot 5>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...shootin' an' gunslingin'.</q>">> <<set $gun to $gun -10>> <<set $weak to 5>> <<goto "blaynemanor18">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $job isnot 6 and $strong isnot 6>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...smooth-talkin'.</q>">> <<set $talk to $talk -10>> <<set $weak to 6>> <<goto "blaynemanor18">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

"$nick is worth shite when it comes to <<if $weak is 1>>patching fellers up.<<elseif $weak is 2>>riding.<<elseif $weak is 3>>surviving in the wild.<<elseif $weak is 4>>gambling. Whether honest or not.<<elseif $weak is 5>>shooting an' gunslingin'.<<else>>smooth-talkin'.<</if>> Trust me, I've seen $them try. 'Twasn't pretty." "Ain't ya just the kindest today?" you grumble. But Charlie's got a point. If you want to survive this, you got to know where your strengths //and// you weaknesses lie. You sigh in defeat and look out the window. "I just wonder..." O'Brian begins musing out loud and looks at you sharply as you turn to him, "If we //can// work together. I mean, you <<if $rats is 1>>protected me from the Pinkertons<<elseif $rats is 2>>lied to that Pinkerton to deal with me yerself<<elseif $rats is 3>>ratted me out to that Pinkerton for yer own ends<<else>>ratted me out to that Pinkerton 'cause yer worried for ev'ryone... but me<</if>>." You blink. "How the hell do ya know that?" You look at Charlie. "Did ya tell'im when I weren't lookin'?" Charlie shakes his head. And O'Brian looks a little hurt. <<nobr>> "As ya just pointed out, $Name," he says casually, "I'm a grifter. It's me job bein' able to read people an' make good evaluations o' their motives an' such." He sighs heavily. "Look. <<if $rats is 1>> <<set $sean to $sean +10>> Believe it or not, but that ya didn't rat me out an' tried to help means a lot to me. So. Thank ya."<br><br> You smile a little awkwardly. "Yer welcome."<br><br> "Be that as it is," Mrs. Meadows interrupts. "But you //had// been present the night Robert Brightwell died, O'Brian."<br><br> O'Brian frowns. "I'm not denying that part. But I didn't kill'im. Didn't even know he was there till them fuckin' Pinks broke into me room an' arrested me."<br><br> "How did ya escape?" you ask.<br><br> "The horses on the cart got spooked by something on the way an' the whole thing came tumblin' over. Got lucky I guess." O'Brian sighs. "Hey, y'know what? If ya don't mind, I'm gonna take a nap in the next best spot. Haven't really slept since that."<br><br> He turns to leave, but Mrs. Meadows sternly clears her throat.<br><br> "You can nap in the drawing room then. I advice you not to try anything funny."<br><br> O'Brian frowns again. "Doctor's order, I guess," he murmurs and slinks away, looking positively miserable.<br><br> You look at Charlie, who nods softly.<br><br> This isn't how you expected the day to go, and, worse yet, you don't know what to expect of tomorrow at all.<br><br> <div align="center"><div class="specfont">//End of Chapter 1//</div></div> <<if $gf is false>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Onto the next Chapter">> <<goto "ch2start">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Onto the next Chapter">> <<set $nextpassage to "ch2start">> <<goto "gfset">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<else>> <<if $rats is 2>> I appreciate that ya didn't rat me out. But, I swear, that story 'bout Brightwell is rubbish."<br><br> You look at O'Brian. <<elseif $rats is 3>> I get that ya wanna start a new life. But I don't appreciate bein' a stepping stone on yer way there. Or anyone's way."<br><br> Charlie nods at you. "Just what I told ya, $nick." <<else>> It's great that ya care for the wellbeing of others. But, I swear, that story 'bout Brightwell is nonsense. Ya'd have brought me to the gallows for something I didn't //do//."<br><br> Charlie nods at you. "Just what I told ya, $nick."<</if>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Apologize to O'Brian. I did him wrong.">> <<set $sean to $sean +10>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "chapter1end">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Don't apologize just yet. I'm still a little wary.">> <<set $sean to $sean +5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "chapter1end">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Say nothing.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "chapter1end">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Defend my decision.">> <<set $charlie to $charlie -5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "chapter1end">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<div align="center"> <div class="specfont">~Chapter 2~</div>\ <h4>''~Very Troublesome Things~''</h4>\ </div>\ You toss and turn in your sleep, your mind filling with unsettling and otherworldly images. Somehow, though, you are aware you are dreaming. You find yourself standing in a run-down town in the middle of the desert, vultures — something vulture-shaped at least — circling overhead and the wind — much too cold you reckon — whistling in your ears. A solar eclipse is bathing the scenery in a bizarre light, casting shadows in all the wrong directions, and as you briefly squint up at the sky, you get the impression it's not a solar eclipse, but as if something has swallowed the sun whole. And for some reason that makes perfect sense to you. You turn to look around. The town strikes you as one of the many abandoned outposts along the frontier. Little towns with hopeful names like 'Martha's Hope' or 'Serenity Hills' that saw more misery than good times, and are now nothing more than ruins if anything even still stands. Buildings tumble, fold in on themselves at the edge of your vision, only to stand there perfectly fine when you turn to look at them. The air is filled with sounds without a source, a cacophony of groans and humming, creaking of wood and scraping of metal far too loud and wrong to come from the buildings, and underneath it all a sound that frightens you to the core: A whisper-like sound, not a voice yet words that you feel more than hear, nothing discernible yet clear as day, and like the //clack// of a trapdoor and the tightening of a noose. You move, dirt crunching under your feet, the town stretching endlessly to the horizon as you walk. The dusty street twists and turns under your feet but seems to carry you nowhere. And the sound follows. Gets louder here and more quiet there, but it always remains in your ear. You stop in the middle of a crossroads. The town square for all means and purposes. Buildings tower above you, higher than they should stand, looming down like giants. The sound still whispers to you, and you feel like spindly thin fingers brush over your neck. You look around at the buildings, which seem to move in on you, caging you in. You have no choice but to head to one of them. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Head into the hotel. Find a bed to rest and sort my mind... Dream or not.">> <<set $dream1 to 1>> <<goto "dream1p1p1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Check at the livery. Maybe if I can find a horse...">> <<set $dream1 to 2>> <<goto "dream1p2p1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Head for the undertaker. This is where this dream's going to end anyway, innit?">> <<set $dream1 to 3>> <<goto "dream1p3p1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$mcdrinks is true?"~Duck into the saloon. I need a drink..." : "~Duck into the saloon. I need some company other than the one I could find in the bordello..."`>> <<set $dream1 to 4>> <<goto "dream1p4p1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Visit the bordello. Maybe there's company to be found in this town after all...">> <<set $dream1 to 5>> <<goto "dream1p5p1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Go to the church. I need some peace and quiet...">> <<set $dream1 to 6>> <<goto "dream1p6p1">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> You sigh. "Hey?"<br><br> O'Brian looks at you curiously.<br><br> "Sorry. I mean it. What I did was... wrong."<br><br> With a certain wariness O'Brian nods.<br><br> "Ya really mean it? 'Cause... ya know they mainly wanna see me hang for one o' the things I didn't actually do?"<br><br> You nod. "I'm sorry." <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Truth be told, I wanna see how all of this goes before I decide whether I apologize or not," you say.<br><br> O'Brian rolls his head a bit. "Bit unfair, don't ya think? I mean they mainly wanna see me hang for one o' the things I didn't actually do."<br><br> "Well, I can say this much. I don't hold ill will against ya. I'm just..."<br><br> "Wary, I get ya." O'Brian sighs heavily. "Know what, I guess I'd be the same... Hell, I am the same, so... Guess we're even. Let's just make the best o' it..." <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You meet O'Brian's glance and bite your lips. You know he's trying to read your face the same way you try to read his. <<else>> You draw a breath to defend yourself, when you catch Charlie's eye. You know the disappointed, scolding look he's giving you.<br><br> And you fall silent, sighing.<br><br> O'Brian cocks his head at you, but says nothing, and you can't really read his face.<</if>><</nobr>> "Be that as it is," Mrs. Meadows interrupts. "But you //had// been present the night Robert Brightwell died, O'Brian." O'Brian frowns. "I'm not denying that part. But I didn't kill'im. Didn't even know he was there till them fuckin' Pinks broke into me room an' arrested me." "How did ya escape?" you ask. "The horses on the cart got spooked by something on the way an' the whole thing came tumblin' over. Got lucky I guess." O'Brian sighs. "Hey, y'know what? If ya don't mind, I'm gonna take a nap in the next best spot. Haven't really slept since that." He turns to leave, but Mrs. Meadows sternly clears her throat. "You can nap in the drawing room then. I advice you not to try anything funny." O'Brian frowns again. "Doctor's order, I guess," he murmurs and slinks away, looking positively miserable. You look at Charlie, who nods softly. This isn't how you expected the day to go, and, worse yet, you don't know what to expect of tomorrow at all. <div align="center"><div class="specfont">🙞End of Chapter 1🙜</div></div>\ <<nobr>><<if $gf is false>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Onto the next Chapter">> <<goto "ch2start">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Onto the next Chapter">> <<set $nextpassage to "ch2start">> <<goto "gfset">> <</link>></div> <</if>><</nobr>>

<div class="specfont">__Names of Countries in 1886:__</div>\ * Siam ** Thailand * Burmah ** Myanmar * Hayti ** Haiti * Ceylon * Anam * Persia * Kafiristan ** Afghanistan (part) * Beloochistan ** Area spanning parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran Corea Kambodia Nubia Soudan Abyssinia Transvaal Natal ''(This Glossary is incomplete and bound to change)''

You push the hotel's door open and step into a dusty parlor. Filigree vines and flowers of iron and gold snake all over the place, light glinting off the polished petals. You can't shake off the feeling the vines move as you slowly and carefully make your way across the room and up the stairs. The rail's wood feels like it is pulsing under your palm as you ascend, your feet seeming to sink into the stairs as if they are moss or mud, not wood and fabric. As you stand on the landing, the lamps in the long corridor flicker and sway gently in a soft, warm breeze, letting the shadows dance on heavy doors and mesmerizingly patterned wallpaper. You squint into the tunnel-like path, as a door at the very end creaks open, and your feet carry you there. Inside you find a group gathered around the bed. Their faces are hidden in shadows, the only light in the room coming from a candle on the nightstand. "The doctor's here," someone speaks. The others echo, and before you can react strong hands grab you and drag you to the bed. "Heal," someone commands, and you try to find your words as you look at the bed's inhabitant. And you flinch away. It's no human laying there. The being's body might look human, but its arms are too long, the hands are more claws, talons even, a leathery skin stretching over them. The head looks as if someone pulled a human's skin over the skull of a deer, maybe a wolf, its closed eyes bulging and moving under the eyelids. It is breathing steadily, and with every exhale a nauseatingly sweet smell fills the air, making you dizzy. "Heal," the voice commands again. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Refuse, I'm not a doctor.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<if $weak is 1>> <<set $med to $med +10>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<elseif $strong is 1 or $job is 1>> <<set $wounds to $wounds +1>> <<set $cont to 2>> <<else>> <<set $med to $med +5>> <<set $cont to 3>> <<set $bonuscont to 1>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p1p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Refuse, I could but I don't want to.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<if $weak is 1>> <<set $wounds to $wounds +1>> <<set $cont to 2>> <<elseif $strong is 1 or $job is 1>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<else>> <<set $med to $med +5>> <<set $cont to 3>> <<set $bonuscont to 2>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p1p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Go to work. I'll try to help, but this won't end well, though. I'm not a doctor.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<if $weak is 1>> <<set $med to $med +10>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<elseif $strong is 1 or $job is 1>> <<set $cont to 3>> <<set $bonuscont to 3>> <<else>> <<set $med to $med +5>> <<set $cont to 3>> <<set $bonuscont to 4>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p1p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Go to work. Not the first time my medical skills saved my bacon.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<if $weak is 1>> <<set $wounds to $wounds +1>> <<set $cont to 2>> <<elseif $strong is 1 or $job is 1>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<else>> <<set $med to $med +5>> <<set $cont to 3>> <<set $bonuscont to 5>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p1p2">> <</link>></div>

You have seen a fair few livery stables in your time, and stolen from enough of them. But this one sends a shiver down your spine, and would have even without the eerie town around you. It's crooked and creaking, the angle all wrong, the doors looking more fit for a fort than a stable. Paint is flaking off the wood like scabbed skin, the shingles high above rattling in the wind like chattering teeth. The door to the front is locked and it takes some effort to pull the heavy gates to the stable open. As you slip through the narrow gap you feel like you stepped into the heart of the desert. The air is dry and hot and dark, only thin beams of sunlight shining dimly through cracks and holes in the walls, shrouding the hayloft above in shadows. You feel like something's moving up there, watching as you move past empty box after empty box, doors creaking open as you pass, daring you to look to make sure they are really empty. You keep your gaze focused ahead, on the box at the end of the stable. You stop in front of it and as you reach out to open it, the other boxes slam shut in unison, the sound like thunder overhead. A deep breath, and you open the box, coming face to face with what you know is a horse, but every fiber of your being tells you it is not. It's blindingly dark, more hole in the world than horse. It's massive and spindly all at once, and overall just wrong. And it is looking at you, daring you to ride it. You are reminded of the folktales of kelpies and such creatures, your senses calling for caution. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~I'll ride it. I'm good enough.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<if $weak is 2>> <<set $wounds to $wounds +1>> <<set $cont to 2>> <<set $bonuscont to 1>> <<elseif $strong is 2 or $job is 2>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<set $bonuscont to 2>> <<else>> <<set $ride to $ride +5>> <<set $cont to 3>> <<set $bonuscont to 3>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p2p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I'll ride it. It won't end well, but I don't think I have a choice.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<if $weak is 2>> <<set $ride to $ride +10>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<set $bonuscont to 4>> <<elseif $strong is 2 or $job is 2>> <<set $cont to 3>> <<set $bonuscont to 5>> <<else>> <<set $ride to $ride +5>> <<set $cont to 3>> <<set $bonuscont to 6>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p2p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I'll refrain. I'm a good rider, but I'm not getting on that horse.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<if $weak is 2>> <<set $wounds to $wounds +1>> <<set $cont to 2>> <<set $bonuscont to 7>> <<elseif $strong is 2 or $job is 2>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<set $bonuscont to 8>> <<else>> <<set $ride to $ride +5>> <<set $cont to 3>> <<set $bonuscont to 9>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p2p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I'll refrain. I can't ride that horse.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<if $weak is 2>> <<set $ride to $ride +10>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<set $bonuscont to 10>> <<elseif $strong is 2 or $job is 2>> <<set $wounds to $wounds +1>> <<set $cont to 2>> <<set $bonuscont to 11>> <<else>> <<set $ride to $ride +5>> <<set $cont to 3>> <<set $bonuscont to 12>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p2p2">> <</link>></div>

As you step into the crooked building you are greeted with a chamber full of open coffins, the dead on display, more museum than mortician. The air is cold, every step of yours stirring up a cloud of dust, its dull smell mixing with a sharp but sweet smell coming from the plants scattered all over the place, the only thing alive in this abode. Carefully and quietly you move forward, gaze darting from coffin to coffin, and you stop as you realize the coffins aren't lined against the wall, they are part of it. A twisting mass of roots, writhing around the dead, the plants you had thought decoration part of whatever the office is made ...of? ...into? You can't tell. Someone calls for you, and you spin around, finding a tall and impossibly thin man in a black suit standing there in the gloomy light, hands clasped behind his back. No doubt this is the undertaker smiling at you, a smile that looks as sincere as it looks... wrong. It takes one more look, two maybe to see what feels so odd about this man. His skin is wrinkled and cracked, reminding you more of a tree's bark than anything flesh. His eyes are hidden behind dark glasses that seem to small to cover as much as they do, and you wonder if he is actually more part of the building than its inhabitant. He nods at you and holds a hand — gnarled, more a branch or a root than human flesh — out to a small tray full of a broad variety of berries, freshly picked by the looks of it. And you feel yourself overcome by hunger. Your legs shake and buckle, your stomach cramping painfully. You look up and the undertaker nods as if to challenge you to eat. You blink in pain. There's more than enough to quell your hunger, but all your instincts tell you some of them might quell your hunger forever... so to speak. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Eat. I know what I'm doing with wild berries.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<if $weak is 3>> <<set $wounds to $wounds +1>> <<set $bonuscont to 1>> <<elseif $strong is 3 or $job is 3>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<else>> <<set $surv to $surv +5>> <<set $cont to 3>> <<set $bonuscont to 2>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p3p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Grab a handful and hope I'm lucky. Because I really don't know the right answer.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<if $weak is 3>> <<set $surv to $surv +10>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $bonuscont to 3>> <<elseif $strong is 3 or $job is 3>> <<set $bonuscont to 4>> <<set $cont to 3>> <<else>> <<set $surv to $surv +5>> <<set $bonuscont to 5>> <<set $cont to 3>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p3p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Refuse. I'm good at surviving in the wild, and I don't trust this.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<if $weak is 3>> <<set $wounds to $wounds +1>> <<set $cont to 2>> <<set $bonuscont to 6>> <<elseif $strong is 3 or $job is 3>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $bonuscont to 7>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<else>> <<set $surv to $surv +5>> <<set $bonuscont to 8>> <<set $cont to 3>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p3p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Refuse. I don't know how to make the right choice here.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<if $weak is 3>> <<set $surv to $surv +10>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<elseif $strong is 3 or $job is 3>> <<set $bonuscont to 9>> <<set $cont to 3>> <<else>> <<set $surv to $surv +5>> <<set $bonuscont to 10>> <<set $cont to 3>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p3p2">> <</link>></div>

You step towards the saloon, trying to make out the name painted on the building. You are certain those are letters, and you feel like you know what they say, yet it feels like they are dancing shapes, changing whenever you blink or so much as think about their existence. The doors creak on their hinges as you push them open, only to swing silently behind you once you've set foot into the small gloomy taproom. There's glasses and plates on the tables, bottles behind the bar, but not a single soul around. The odd whisper from outside is still there, and if you listen closely you feel as if you hear the piano playing. Carefully and slowly you walk through the room, your reflection in the mirror behind the bar seeming a few moments behind you as you pass by. Voices from the backroom reach your ear, and you approach. The door is left ajar, and as you hazard a glance into the room you find it empty. The air is thick with cigar smoke, dimming the light from the small lamp above as it illuminates what looks like — and you are a bit bothered by the fact that you can tell — the aftermath of an attempt of cheating at Poker gone wrong. The table is pure chaos, chips and money strewn all over it. Chairs have been knocked over, drinks have been spilled. As you slowly move around the table you find that despite the chaos the hands of cards are all laid out neatly in front of the players' spots. And everywhere are splatters of blood. "I didn't cheat," a desperate voice whispers into your ear and you spin around looking for the speaker. There's no one here but you. "Tell'em that I didn't cheat." You blink, a shiver running down your spine. You look at the cards. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Take a closer look and find out what happened. I know how to recognize a crooked hand of cards when I see it.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<if $weak is 4>> <<set $wounds to $wounds +1>> <<set $bonuscont to 1>> <<elseif $strong is 4 or $job is 4>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $bonuscont to 2>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<else>> <<set $card to $card +5>> <<set $bonuscont to 3>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p4p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Take a closer look and see what I can do. I won't be a great help though. Gambling is Charlie's thing, not mine.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<if $weak is 4>> <<set $card to $card +10>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<set $bonuscont to 4>> <<elseif $strong is 4 or $job is 4>> <<set $bonuscont to 5>> <<else>> <<set $card to $card +5>> <<set $bonuscont to 6>> <<set $cont to 3>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p4p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Refuse. Even though I could probably tell what's true, it would help anymore, right?">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<if $weak is 4>> <<set $bonuscont to 7>> <<elseif $strong is 4 or $job is 4>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $bonuscont to 8>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<else>> <<set $card to $card +5>> <<set $bonuscont to 9>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p4p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Refuse. They'd need Charlie's help with this kinda thing. Gambling ain't my strongest suit.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<if $weak is 4>> <<set $card to $card +10>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<set $bonuscont to 10>> <<elseif $strong is 4 or $job is 4>> <<set $bonuscont to 11>> <<else>> <<set $card to $card +5>> <<set $bonuscont to 12>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p4p2">> <</link>></div>

You have been to bordellos from Boston to San Francisco for one reason or the other, and what you step into as you push open the elaborately carved double doors feels as if these are all of them all at once. The parlor is richly decorated with wine-red wallpaper and polished, almost black wainscoting. A small, crystal chandelier hangs overhead, and vases and marble statues hold lush greenery. You're not entirely certain you could afford an evening here if you'd wanted. Yet you feel a shiver run down your spine at the utter lack of anyone else around. Nevertheless you feel someone watching you still. You look around when gentle music reaches your ear from the upper floor. As you ascend the stairs you could swear the flowers below are wilting in their vases and the wallpaper peels and rots as the parlor fades from your focus. Steadily you move along the corridor. Much too long for the house it'd seem, much too dim for all the lamps flickering on the walls. As you walk, following the music, one of the heavy doors creaks open, giving you passage to where the sound is coming from. Carefully you glance into the room to find a lone woman sitting on a small table by the open window, listening to a phonograph playing an unfamiliar, unreal song. As you enter she turns to face you, smiling gently. You flinch back. If you wouldn't know better you'd say she's made from porcelain, her skin too smooth, too pale. But her eyes seem friendly, albeit you feel you are looking into the eyes of several people at the same time. She looks you over and picks up a silver cigarette case. "Mind if I smoke?" she asks, but you are not entirely certain that she actually said anything. "No, go ahead," you answer, trying to assess the situation you're in. You smile a little awkwardly as she picks out a cigarette. And turns to you. "Got a light?" You blink, patting your clothes for a box of matches, but to no avail. And shake your head 'No'. The woman however just smiles and nods at your gun. "I think you do. Come now, don't keep me waiting." She places the cigarette between her lips and turns her head to the side, just as you realize what she means. You hesitate. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~If it's trick shots she wants, I can deliver.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<if $weak is 5>> <<set $wounds to $wounds +1>> <<set $bonuscont to 1>> <<elseif $strong is 5 or $job is 5>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<set $bonuscont to 2>> <<else>> <<set $gun to $gun +5>> <<set $bonuscont to 3>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p5p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~She wants trick shots, I can try, but I don't think it'll end well.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<if $weak is 5>> <<set $gun to $gun +10>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<set $bonuscont to 4>> <<elseif $strong is 5 or $job is 5>> <<set $bonuscont to 5>> <<else>> <<set $gun to $gun +5>> <<set $bonuscont to 6>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p5p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I could make that shot, but I won't risk shooting her.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<if $weak is 5>> <<set $bonuscont to 7>> <<elseif $strong is 5 or $job is 5>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<set $bonuscont to 8>> <<else>> <<set $gun to $gun +5>> <<set $bonuscont to 9>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p5p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I know what I'm capable off, and it's not this kind of trick shots.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<if $weak is 5>> <<set $gun to $gun +10>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<set $bonuscont to 10>> <<elseif $strong is 5 or $job is 5>> <<set $bonuscont to 11>> <<else>> <<set $gun to $gun +5>> <<set $bonuscont to 12>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p5p2">> <</link>></div>

You are a sinner. There's no denying that. But as the church looms over you, its steeple crooked and weatherbeaten, its wooden walls rattling in the wind, you feel like none of that would matter to whomever you might find inside. And you can't tell if that good or bad for you. But be it as it may, you step into the building, the doors creaking gratingly in their hinges. Uneven light filters in through the broken stained glass windows, the scenes depicted shifting and changing in the corner of your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. A lone figure sits in one of the pews, hunched over as if praying. As you pass by the man on your way to the altar, he speaks up. "Out of all the places to go, you picked the church?" he asks, and you feel his grin even if you can't see it. "What makes you do so? Is it remorse? Curiosity? Or arrogance?" You harrumph. "What kind o' question is that?" "An important one," the man answers. "The kind of question they'll be asking at one's final trial. Say, $title $Name, whatever you might believe in or think to know, would you say you could talk your way out of eternal damnation? If that was even possible, that is." You hesitate and ponder this. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~If it were possible, of course I could talk my way out.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<if $weak is 6>> <<set $wounds to $wounds +1>> <<set $bonuscont to 1>> <<elseif $strong is 6 or $job is 6>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<set $bonuscont to 2>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk +5>> <<set $bonuscont to 3>> <<set $cont to 2>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p6p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Even if it were possible, I don't think I could.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<if $weak is 6>> <<set $talk to $talk +10>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<set $bonuscont to 4>> <<elseif $strong is 6 or $job is 6>> <<set $cont to 2>> <<set $bonuscont to 5>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk +5>> <<set $cont to 2>> <<set $bonuscont to 6>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p6p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I could, but I wouldn't try.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<if $weak is 6>> <<set $cont to 2>> <<set $bonuscont to 7>> <<elseif $strong is 6 or $job is 6>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<set $bonuscont to 8>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk +5>> <<set $cont to 2>> <<set $bonuscont to 9>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p6p2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I wouldn't even try. I know I'm not enough of a smooth-talker to have even the slightest chance.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<if $weak is 6>> <<set $talk to $talk +10>> <<set $dclues to $dclues +1>> <<set $dclue1 to true>> <<set $cont to 1>> <<set $bonuscont to 10>> <<elseif $strong is 6 or $job is 6>> <<set $cont to 2>> <<set $bonuscont to 11>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk +5>> <<set $cont to 2>> <<set $bonuscont to 12>> <</if>> <<goto "dream1p6p2">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> "No. I won't. I //can't//," you say. "I'm not a doctor."<br><br> The 'people' around you fall silent, no sounds but the whisper remaining.<br><br> You feel their eyes on you, even though you can't see them. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You rise to your feet. "I won't. I could, but I'm not goin' to." You try to breath steadily, trying to catch anyone's eye.<br><br> The 'people' around you fall silent, no sounds but the whisper remaining.<br><br> You feel their eyes on you, even though you can't see them. <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You turn towards the being on the bed, and roll up your sleeves.<br><br> "I'll try to help, but just so you know, this ain't gonna end well. <<else>> You turn towards the being on the bed, and roll up your sleeves.<br><br> "Fine, I'll try to help," you mutter. "Not the first time me skills save me bacon..."<br><br> The 'people' around you fall silent, no sounds but the whisper remaining.<br><br> You feel their eyes on you, even though you can't see them.<</if>> <br><br> <<if $cont is 1>> "$They <<if $plur is true>>know<<else>>knows<</if>> $self well," voices speak in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they are actually spoken by the people around you.<br><br> Your muscles tense, anticipating what will happen next, still you cry out as the spindly fingers of that being on the bed wrap around your arm, the creature sitting up straight and snapping its head around to face you.<br><br> Its eyes open and you look into what feels like swirling galaxies, looking at you curiously and with a bit of pride.<br><br> "Heed The Writing On The Wall," a voice resounds in your head. "It Bears The Face Of The One Who Has None." <<elseif $cont is 2>> "$They <<if $plur is true>>lie<<else>>lies<</if>>," the voices cry out in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they are actually spoken by the people around you.<br><br> Before you can brace yourself the group advances in on you, twisted fingers grabbing at your clothes, pulling and pushing. Then something else grabs your arm and you turn with a yelp.<br><br> The being on the bed has wrapped its spindly fingers around your arm as the creature sits up straight, its eyes wide.<br><br> You want to cry out in pain and fear, but what you see has any sound die in your throat.<br><br> Sickly yellow orbs, maggots writhing just under the surface, stare angrily at you. Then the tips of its claws sink through your skin and flesh, and you feel like they pierced straight to your heart. <<else>> <<if $bonuscont is 1>> "$They <<if $plur is true>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> trust in $self," voices speak in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they are actually spoken by the people around you. <<elseif $bonuscont is 2>> "$They'<<if $plur is true>>re<<else>>s<</if>> stubborn." voices speak in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they are actually spoken by the people around you. Other words mix into it. 'Scared?', 'Presumptuous', 'Doubtful?' are the ones you can make out. <<elseif $bonuscont is 3>> "$They <<if $plur is true>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> trust in $self. Why <<if $plur is true>>do<<else>>does<</if>> $they not trust in $self?" voices wonder in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they are actually spoken by the people around you. <<elseif $bonuscont is 4>> "$They <<if $plur is true>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> trust in $self," voices speak in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they are actually spoken by the people around you. <<else>> "$They <<if $plur is true>>misjudge<<else>>misjudges<</if>> $self," voices speak in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they are actually spoken by the people around you. <<if $plur is true>>"Are<<else>>"Is<</if>> $they? Should $they?"<</if>> <br><br> Somehow that stings a little.<br><br> Your muscles tense, anticipating what will happen next, still you cry out as the spindly fingers of that being on the bed wrap around your arm, the creature sitting up straight and snapping its head around to face you.<br><br> Its eyes open and you gaze at two pitch-black orbs that seem to swallow all light yet glow warmly from without looking at you with curiosity and... pity?<br><br> "Know Yourself Better," a voice resounds in your head.<</if>> <</nobr>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div>

<<if $continuity is 1>> You move slowly around the table again, looking for the hand with the most blood on it.<br><br> "This yer hand?" you ask into the room as you find it.<br><br> "Yes," the voice responds.<br><br> You look closer at the cards:<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You move slowly around the table again, looking for the hand with the most blood on it.<br><br> "This yer hand?" you ask into the room as you find it.<br><br> "Yes," the voice responds.<br><br> And you sigh. "Y'know, I don't think I'll be a lotta help. I know this is a dream, but... I still don't have Charlie's skills with this kinda thing. He could likely tell ya at one glance if there was any foul play or not."<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 3>> And shake your head.<br><br> "Not to be rude, but... It ain't much use anymore, innit?"<br><br> The voice whimpers. "It'd be more use than ya'd think."<br><br> "Oh."<br><br> "Yes. Please!"<br><br> You look back at the cards. The deck is old and worn, stained from passing through various hands time and time again.<br><br> <<else>> And shake your head.<br><br> "Waste o' time," you say.<br><br> "What... why?" the voice sounds devastated. "Please!"<br><br> "Look, ya'd need Charlie for this. I know this is just a dream, but, still. I ain't got Charlie's skills. He could tell ya at a glance if something was fishy. I can't."<br><br> <</if>> <<if $bonuscont is 1>> Judging by their looks — not counting the blood — you'd say they had been marked. The deck is dirty and worn in general, but you would say that what you see goes beyond the regular wear.<br><br> "Y'know, I dunno what ya thought I'd say, but this looks to me as if ya cheated."<br><br> You hold up the cards, showing off something that looks like stains. "I mean, these are marked, ain't they?"<br><br> The air in the room changes. It grows freezing cold, and thick as mud.<br><br> "I didn't cheat!" the voice cries out in despair and fades away in a scream.<br><br> You sigh, and put the cards back down, as you spot a box of chewing tobacco next to where you've picked them up from. And suddenly things click into place.<br><br> "You Seem Worried," another voice whispers, sounding angry. "It Would Seem You Doomed An Innocent."<br><br> "I... I didn't..." you begin, as the smoke in the room seems to move, wrapping itself around your neck and arms before you can react.<br><br> You struggle desperately, but with every move the grasp grows tighter.<br><br> Then the floor fades beneath your feet and the last thing you hear is the snapping of a noose tightening. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $bonuscont is 2>> The hand before you looks fine. The deck is in general a little dirty and worn.<br><br> "Ya play with this deck often?" you ask. "It's pretty worn out."<br><br> "Ain't got no better one," the voice says, sounding a little ashamed now.<br><br> "So I guess ya weren't called a cheater 'cause o' them, well, markings all of ya knew about?"<br><br> "No. Yes. I mean... Yeah, it wasn't 'cause of that."<br><br> You smile softly and look at the cards again, picking up the deck and shuffling through it. Or well, try. As worn as the cards are it's a bit of a chore. And they're sticky. Your best guess is chewing tobacco, seeing the little box of it sitting on the table...<br><br> "Oh. Were ya dealin'?"<br><br> "I was, $addr."<br><br> "Was any o' yeah havin' chewin' tobacco?"<br><br> "Yes, $addr. Me and...," You can't understand the name, but it doesn't matter.<br><br> "Take it someone thought ya was given yerself a good hand? Lemme tell ya, with how worn these cards are, I'm surprised ya didn't just scatter them all over the table. Or did they say ya marked them differently?"<br><br> "Both..."<br><br> "Oh bother."<br><br> "Huh?"<br><br> "What I mean is, ya didn't cheat, but ya stained'em cards. And <<if $mcnoswears>>dang<<else>>damn<</if>> I can imagine why it mighta looked like ya were giving yerself a good hand, what with how much of a hassle shufflin' musta been, an' all that in this light." You smile gently. "Sorry this happened to ya."<br><br> The room falls eerily silent.<br><br> "Thank ya, $addr," the voice then says. "That... really means a lot."<br><br> You notice a group of voices whispering under the voice you're talking to, mumbling apologies.<br><br> "And...," the voice continues. <<elseif $bonuscont is 3>> The hand before you looks fine. The deck is in general a little dirty and worn.<br><br> "Ya play with this deck often?" you ask. "It's pretty worn out."<br><br> "Ain't got no better one," the voice says, sounding a little ashamed now.<br><br> ou scratch your head in thought.<br><br> "Y'know, with a deck like this, I can't really tell if there was foul play or not. It's really hard to make out any markings that can't be blamed on its wear," you admit. "I'm sorry. Really thought I'm better at this."<br><br> The room falls eerily silent. "Thank ya, $addr," the voice then says. "Ya tried. And yer admittin' to yer flaws. That... still really means a lot."<br><br> "Still, kinda would have liked to <<if $sel >54>>help. I know I'm normally not the kind to do so, but..."<<else>>help."<</if>><br><br> "I think ya got the talent... maybe one day ya can do it easily..."<br><br> The voice fades away and you are left standing alone, wondering what that meant as the light grows dark. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $bonuscont is 4>> There's a heavy sigh filling the air.<br><br> "Y'know," the voice says. "I really hoped ya'd have the skills to help me out."<br><br> "I'd have loved <<if $sel >54>>to. Honestly.<<else>>to.<</if>> But I told ya, I'm nowhere near Charlie's skill."<br><br> "I think you'll get there...," the voice says. "And... I mean, ya know yerself well enough, that's something to be proud of on its own."<br><br> "Still, kinda would have liked to <<if $sel >54>>help. I know I'm normally not the kind to do so, but..."<<else>>help."<</if>><br><br> "That's kind. Thank ya," the voice answers. <<elseif $bonuscont is 5>> There's a sad sigh filling the air.<br><br> "Y'know," the voice says. "I really thought ya'd have the skills to help me out."<br><br> "I'd have loved <<if $sel >54>>to. I know I'm normally not much o' an helpful person, but, I'd still have loved to help here."<<else>>to."<</if>><br><br> "I don't doubt that. I mean yer good."<br><br> "Good, but nowhere near Charlie's skill."<br><br> "That I doubt," the voice says, and fades away.<br><br> You are left standing alone as the light grows dark. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $bonuscont is 6>> There's a soft sigh filling the air.<br><br> "Y'know," the voice says. "I really thought ya'd have the skills to help me out."<br><br> "I'd have loved <<if $sel >54>>to. I know I'm normally not much o' an helpful person, but, I'd still have loved to help here."<<else>>to."<</if>><br><br> "I don't doubt that. I mean yer good."<br><br> "Good, but nowhere near Charlie's skill."<br><br> "Maybe ya'll get there someday. Ya got the talent," the voice says, and fades away.<br><br> You are left standing alone, wondering what that was supposed to mean, as the light grows dark. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $bonuscont is 7>> You realize that, no, you can't tell after all. You hang your head.<br><br> "I'm sorry." You explain the situation.<br><br> "Oh," the voice whispers. "Well, at least yer honest 'bout it. That... itself means a lot."<br><br> You smile <<if $sel >54>>lopside. "I'm full o' meself when awake, might as well be a bit different in a dream, just to try...<<else>>lopsided.<</if>><br><br> "Ya'll get better someday. If ya want," the voice whispers and fades away.<br><br> You are left standing alone, wondering what that was supposed to mean, as the light grows dark. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $bonuscont is 8>> "Ya play with this deck often?" you ask. "It's pretty worn out."<br><br> "Ain't got no better one," the voice says, sounding a little ashamed now.<br><br> "So I guess ya weren't called a cheater 'cause o' them, well, markings all of ya knew about?"<br><br> "No. Yes. I mean... Yeah, it wasn't 'cause of that."<br><br> You smile softly and pick up the deck and shuffling through it. Or well, try. As worn as the cards are it's a bit of a chore. And they're sticky. Your best guess is chewing tobacco, seeing the little box of it sitting on the table.<br><br> "Oh. Were ya dealin'?"<br><br> "I was, $addr."<br><br> "Was any o' yeah havin' chewin' tobacco?"<br><br> "Yes, $addr. Me and...," You can't understand the name, but it doesn't matter.<br><br> "Take it someone thought ya was given yerself a good hand? Lemme tell ya, with how worn these cards are, I'm surprised ya didn't just scatter them all over the table. Or did they say ya marked them differently?"<br><br> "Both..."<br><br> "Oh bother."<br><br> "Huh?"<br><br> "What I mean is, ya didn't cheat, but ya stained'em cards. And <<if $mcnoswears>>dang<<else>>damn<</if>> I can imagine why it mighta looked like ya were giving yerself a good hand, what with how much of a hassle shufflin' musta been, an' all that in this light." You smile gently. "Sorry this happened to ya."<br><br> The room falls eerily silent.<br><br> "Thank ya, $addr," the voice then says. "That... really means a lot."<br><br> You notice a group of voices whispering under the voice you're talking to, mumbling apologies.<br><br> "And...," the voice continues. <<elseif $bonuscont is 9>> "Ya play with this deck often?" you ask. "It's pretty worn out."<br><br> "Ain't got no better one," the voice says, sounding a little ashamed.<br><br> You scratch your head in thought.<br><br> "Y'know, with a deck like this, I can't really tell if there was foul play or not. It's really hard to make out any markings that can't be blamed on its wear," you admit. "I'm sorry. Guess I ain't as good as I thought..."<br><br> The room falls eerily silent.<br><br> "Thank ya, $addr," the voice then says. "That... still really means a lot. And yer admittin' to yer flaws."<br><br> "I guess... Still, kinda would have liked to <<if $sel >54>>help. I know I'm normally not the kind to do so, but..."<<else>>help."<</if>><br><br> "I think ya got the talent... maybe one day ya can do it easily..."<br><br> The voice fades away and you are left standing alone, wondering what that meant as the light grows dark. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $bonuscont is 10>> There's a gently sigh filling the air.<br><br> "Y'know," the voice says. "I really hoped ya'd have the skills to help me out."<br><br> "So do I... But I told ya, I'm nowhere near Charlie's skill."<br><br> "I think you'll get there...," the voice says. "And... I mean, ya know yerself well enough, that's something to be proud of on its own."<br><br> "Still, kinda would have liked to <<if $sel >54>>help. I know I'm normally not the kind to do so, but..."<<else>>help."<</if>><br><br> "That's very kind still. Thank ya," the voice answers. <<elseif $bonuscont is 11>> There's a sad sigh filling the air.<br><br> "Y'know," the voice says. "I was really sure ya'd have the skills to help me out."<br><br> "I'd have loved <<if $sel >54>>to. I know I'm normally not much o' an helpful person, but, I'd still have loved to help here."<<else>>to."<</if>><br><br> "I don't doubt that. I mean yer good."<br><br> "Good, but nowhere near Charlie's skill."<br><br> "That I doubt," the voice says, and fades away.<br><br> You are left standing alone as the light grows dark. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<else>> There's a soft sigh filling the air.<br><br> "Y'know," the voice says. "I really thought ya'd have the skills to help me out."<br><br> "I'd have loved <<if $sel >54>>to. I know I'm normally not much o' an helpful person, but, I'd still have loved to help here."<<else>>to."<</if>><br><br> "I don't doubt that. I mean yer good."<br><br> "Good, but nowhere near Charlie's skill."<br><br> "Maybe ya'll get there someday. Ya got the talent," the voice says, and fades away.<br><br> You are left standing alone, wondering what that meant, as the light grows dark. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $cont is 1>> "I know it ain't much to repay ya, but, I think this might help ya later. Err... //Heed the writing on the wall. It bears face of the one who has none.//"<br><br> "What's that supposed to mean?" you begin, as the smoke in the room thickens, sending you into a horrible coughing fit. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <</if>>

<<if $continuity is 1>> You grab at the berries, eating hungrily.<br><br> "Was That A Wise Choice?" a voice echoes in your head. It's not the undertaker.<br><br> You look down at your juice-stained hands and the tray as your stomach stops protesting.<br><br> <<if $bold >59>>"Yes. What, do you think I can't tell poisonous berries from edible ones?"<<else>>"I think so. I mean, I know I didn't grab any of the poisonous berries."<</if>> You point innocently at the tray. "See?"<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You grab at the berries, eating hungrily.<br><br> "Was That A Wise Choice?" a voice echoes in your head. It's not the undertaker.<br><br> You look down at your juice-stained hands and the tray as your stomach stops protesting.<br><br> <<if $bold >59>>"I don't know. But if I gonna die, I might as well do so not hungry..."<<else>>"I-I don't actually know. But... I was so hungry..."<</if>><br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You take a step away from the tray, holding your stomach and shaking your head. "I ain't eatin' any of that."<br><br> "Why?" voices question in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they aren't actually spoken by the dead people around you. "$They <<if $plur is true>>are<<else>>is<</if>> starving, but $they won't eat."<br><br> Gritting your teeth you glare around, focusing on the undertaker. "I know how to survive in the wild, that's why I ain't eatin' any of that."<br><br> "Is That So?" a voice sounds in your ear. It's not the undertaker.<br><br> <<else>> You take a step away from the tray, holding your stomach and shaking your head. "I-I ain't eatin' any of that."<br><br> "Why?" voices question in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they aren't actually spoken by the dead people around you. "$They <<if $plur is true>>are<<else>>is<</if>> starving, but $they won't eat."<br><br> "I dunno what o' that I can eat," you say, glaring around with growing anger, then frown in defeat. "I mean, I know //could// eat all of it, but I dunno which woulda been a bad idea."<br><br><</if>> <<if $bonuscont is 1>> The undertaker cocks his head at you, and suddenly you begin feeling dizzy. It's a different kind of dizzy from hunger.<br><br> Your knees buckle and you slump to the ground, retching and holding your stomach and mouth.<br><br> "I Can See," the voice notes dryly as the undertaker watches the life fade from your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. "I Can See Arrogance. Hubris. Ignorance."<br><br> With your last thought you admit that he's right. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $bonuscont is 2>> The undertaker cocks his head at you, and you begin to worry that you made a mistake.<br><br> And you begin to feel a little unwell. Not from the hunger anymore. You look back at the tray, letting out a little whimper as you steady yourself against the table.<br><br> "Eh, guess I was wrong," you groan.<br><br> "$They <<if $plur is true>>misjudge<<else>>misjudges<</if>> $self," voices singsong in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they aren't actually spoken by the dead people around you.<br><br> You shake your head and cough, swallowing back bile, as the undertaker steps up to you, handing you a glass with a foul smelling liquid.<br><br> Without wondering if this is to help in a good or a bad way, you knock the drink back, coughing and hacking at the sour taste. But you feel better.<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 3>> The undertaker seems... baffled and a bit amused by your response, and so do the dead around you.<br><br> That moment you begin to feel a little unwell. Not from the hunger anymore. You look back at the tray, letting out a little whimper as you steady yourself against the table.<br><br> "$They <<if $plur is true>>know<<else>>knows<</if>> $self, but still $they <<if $plur is true>>do<<else>>does<</if>> something like this," voices singsong in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they aren't actually spoken by the dead people around you.<br><br> You shake your head and cough, swallowing back bile, as the undertaker steps up to you, handing you a glass with a foul smelling liquid.<br><br> Without wondering if this is to help in a good or a bad way, you knock the drink back, coughing and hacking at the sour taste. But you feel better.<br><br> "Thank you," you murmur and sit back against the table.<br><br> You flinch in surprise as a root that passes for the undertaker's hand is placed gently on your shoulder.<br><br> He smiles a too broad but friendly smile at you.<br><br> "Heed The Writing On The Wall," a voice resounds in your head. "It Bears The Face Of The One Who Has None." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $bonuscont is 4>> The undertaker seems... baffled by your response, and so do the dead around you.<br><br> That moment you begin to feel a little unwell. Not from the hunger anymore. You look back at the tray, letting out a little whimper as you steady yourself against the table.<br><br> "$They <<if $plur is true>>misjudge<<else>>misjudges<</if>> $self," voices singsong in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they aren't actually spoken by the dead people around you.<br><br> You shake your head and cough, swallowing back bile, as the undertaker steps up to you, handing you a glass with a foul smelling liquid.<br><br> Without wondering if this is to help in a good or a bad way, you knock the drink back, coughing and hacking at the sour taste. But you feel better.<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 5>> The undertaker seems... baffled by your response, and so do the dead around you.<br><br> That moment you begin to feel a little unwell. Not from the hunger anymore. You look back at the tray, letting out a little whimper as you steady yourself against the table.<br><br> "$They <<if $plur is true>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> know what to make of $self, still $they <<if $plur is true>>do<<else>>does<</if>> something like this," voices singsong in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they aren't actually spoken by the dead people around you.<br><br> You shake your head and cough, swallowing back bile, as the undertaker steps up to you, handing you a glass with a foul smelling liquid.<br><br> Without wondering if this is to help in a good or a bad way, you knock the drink back, coughing and hacking at the sour taste. But you feel better.<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 6>> "Yes," you hiss, glaring. "Ya can't fool me."<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 7>> Your legs shake under how hungry you are, and you squint to focus on the undertaker.<br><br> "I can't focus on anythin' like this." You wince. "Picking berries apart is just..." You groan in pain.<br><br> "You Are Not Eating Because You Know You Can't Use What You Have Learned?"<br><br> "So to speak," you groan.<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 8>> You wince, slumping down in pain. "I dunno," you admit. "Please, I..." You groan.<br><br> "$They <<if $plur is true>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> know what to make of $self," voices speak in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they aren't actually spoken by the people around you. <<if $plur is true>>"Are<<else>>"Is<</if>> $they? Should $they?"<br><br> You blink wearily at the scene around you, as the undertaker steps towards you, hushing you.<br><br> Suddenly the hunger is gone, and you rise up onto still unsteady legs.<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 9>> The undertaker looks a little baffled at your words.<br><br> "$They <<if $plur is true>>misjudge<<else>>misjudges<</if>> $self," voices singsong in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they are actually spoken by the people around you.<br><br> <<else>> The undertaker looks a little baffled at your words.<br><br> "$They <<if $plur is true>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> trust in $self. Why <<if $plur is true>>do<<else>>does<</if>> $they not trust in $self?" voices wonder in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they are actually spoken by the people around you.<br><br><</if>> <<if $cont is 1>> The undertaker chuckles amused.<br><br> "Good choice! Good choice!" voices singsong in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they aren't actually spoken by the dead people around you.<br><br> You tense a bit, anticipating what will happen next, still you cry out in surprise as a root that passes for the undertaker's hand is placed gently on your shoulder.<br><br> He smiles a too broad but friendly smile at you.<br><br> "Heed The Writing On The Wall," a voice resounds in your head. "It Bears The Face Of The One Who Has None." <<elseif $cont is 2>> "Insolence! Arrogance!," voices cry out in unison and as an echo of each other, and you are not certain if they aren't actually spoken by the dead people around you.<br><br> Before you can brace yourself the root that passes for the undertaker's hand is on your shoulder, quickly wrapping around your neck and cutting off your breath.<br><br> The undertaker steps closer, lowering his dark glasses as wooden tendrils snake into your nose and mouth.<br><br> Sickly yellow orbs, maggots writhing just under the surface, stare angrily at you. Then the tendrils pulls outwards... <<else>> You shake yourself, anticipating what will happen next, still you cry out in surprise as the undertaker places the root that passes for his hand on your shoulder. He lowers his dark glasses and gazes at you with pitch-black orbs that seem to swallow all light yet glow warmly from without looking at you with curiosity and... pity?<br><br> "Know Yourself Better," a voice resounds in your head.<</if>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div>

<<if $continuity is 1>> You look at the creature again and weight your chances. "Alright, I'll ride ya. I'm good <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You take a deep breath and approach the horse.<br><br> "Alrigth, I don't think I got a choice," you say. "I'll ride ya... but I don't think it'll end well." <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You step back and shake your head. "I won't ride you. I'm a good rider, though, but I won't ride you." <<else>> You stay still and shake your head. "I can't ride ya," you say, trying to keep your voice from shaking.<br><br> "Can't? Or Won't?" a voice rings in your ears.<</if>> <<if $bonuscont is 1>> enough."<br><br> Just as you approach the horse the wind picks up, rattling the wooden walls, the building groaning like in agony.<br><br> "$They <<if $plur is true>>lie<<else>>lies<</if>>! Insolent lies!" voices cry out in unison and as an echo of each other, but you can't make out the speakers.<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 2>> enough."<br><br> You approach the horse, only to stop as an odd, but melodious humming fills the air.<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 3>> enough... I think."<br><br> You approach the horse, only to stop as an odd, rumbling murmur fills the air.<br><br> "$They <<if $plur is true>>misjudge<<else>>misjudges<</if>> $self," voices speak in unison and as an echo of each other, but you can't make out the speakers. <<if $plur is true>>"Are<<else>>"Is<</if>> $they? Should $they?"<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 4>> "Do You Doubt Yourself?" a voice asks in your head.<br><br> "No," you answer. "I know I'm not a good rider."<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 5>> "Do You Doubt Yourself?" a voice asks in your head.<br><br> "I know I can ride... But only normal horses..."<br><br> "$They <<if $plur is true>>misjudge<<else>>misjudges<</if>> $self," other voices speak in unison and as an echo of each other, but you can't make out the speakers. "There's doubt. There's doubt."<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 6>> "$They <<if $plur is true>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> trust in $self," voices whisper in unison and as an echo of each other, making you stop dead in your steps. You look around, but can't make out the speakers. "Why <<if $plur is true>>do<<else>>does<</if>> $they doubt $self?"<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 7>> The wind picks up, rattling the wooden walls, the stable groaning like in agony.<br><br> "$They <<if $plur is true>>lie't<<else>>lies<</if>>! Cowardly fear!" voices cry out in unison and as an echo of each other, but you can't spot the speakers.<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 8>> "Why?" a voice asks.<br><br> "I... I'm scared," you admit before you can think about it twice. "I mean, I know I'm a good rider, but I'm very scared."<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 9>> "$They'<<if $plur is true>>re<<else>>s<</if>> stubborn." voices speak in unison and as an echo of each other, but you don't see the speakers. Other words mix into it. 'Scared?', 'Presumptuous', 'Doubtful?' are the ones you can make out.<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 10>> "Can't," you answer without thinking about it, wondering if you could have even lied if you'd had wanted to.<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 11>> "Won't," you answer without thinking about it, wondering if you could have even lied if you'd had wanted to.<br><br> "Arrogance. Hubris. Pomposity," voices cry out in unison and as an echo of each other, but you can't make out the speakers.<br><br> <<else>> "I... don't know," you answer without thinking about it, wondering if you could have even lied if you'd had wanted to.<br><br> "$They <<if $plur is true>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> trust in $self," voices whisper in unison and as an echo of each other, but you can't make out the speakers. "Why <<if $plur is true>>do<<else>>does<</if>> $they doubt $self?"<br><br><</if>> <<if $cont is 1>> "$They <<if $plur is true>>know<<else>>knows<</if>> $self well," voices whisper in unison and as an echo of each other, but you can't make out the speakers.<br><br> You let out a frightened yelp as the horse turns its head upside down, staring straight at you, its eyes clear like a mountain lake at sunrise, looking at you curiously and with a bit of pride.<br><br> "Heed The Writing On The Wall," a voice resounds in your head. "It Bears The Face Of The One Who Has None." <<elseif $cont is 2>> Before you can brace yourself the horse shies wildly, kicking at you and throwing you against the box's wall with a resounding crack. You groan and try to get up, the creature looming over you, it's head twisted upside down, and sickly yellow eyes, maggots writhing just under the surface, stare angrily at you. Then it rears again, it's massive hooves coming down on your head. <<else>> Somehow that stings a little.<br><br> Your muscles tense, anticipating what will happen next, still you cry out as the horse suddenly turns its head upside-down, gazing at you with pitch-black orbs that seem to swallow all light yet glow warmly from without looking at you with curiosity and... pity?<br><br> "Know Yourself Better," a voice resounds in your head.<</if>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div>

<<if $continuity is 1>> "Sure. I mean, if that was possible, I absolutely could talk me way out of it."<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Even if it were possible, I don't think I could," you mutter.<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "I could," you declare, "but I wouldn't try."<br><br> <<else>> "...I wouldn't even try," you mutter. "I know I'm not enough of a smooth-talker to have even the slightest chance."<br><br><</if>> The man lifts his head, and you flinch at a face that constantly seems to shifts between a myriad of visages. Just not the eyes. They are dark, endless voids, only a faint blue glimmer shining in in the distance.<br><br> <<if $bonuscont is 1>> "Do you think it wise to not just lie about your abilities, but lie out of pride?" he asks, and the air in the room grows colder.<br><br> Clouds suddenly block out the sun, and a sound of breaking glass cuts through the air. You spin around to find the stained glass windows having come alive, a grotesque display of distorted figures, advancing on you from all sides, razor-like arms raised.<br><br> Before you can gather your wits you feel the first cuts to your back, your arms, your face.<br><br> You scream, want to scream but the moment you open your mouth one of the figures stabs its blade-like hand through your throat, the scream dying on your lips as the figure cuts out your tongue like a twisted trophy. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $bonuscont is 2>> And the man laughs, throwing his head back.<br><br> "I have no doubt that you could, $title $Name," he says, looking at you. "But you might want to do something about that pride first."<br><br> You harrumph. "Yer too kind," you snark.<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 3>> "I think you're overestimating yourself, $title $Name," he says. "A tiny bit.<br><br> You frown. "But only a little bit."<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 4>> "You don't?" the man asks.<br><br> "I know that I don't got the skills for that. Don't even got the skills for it in life." You sigh, flexing your fingers in thought.<br><br> "At least you have a healthy sense of self-evaluation, $title $Name."<br><br> You harrumph. "Yer too kind," you snark.<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 5>> "You don't?" The man seems surprised.<br><br> You just nod. "We're not talkin' about dealing with humans here, after all. The most important thing 'bout such skill is to know when ya can actually use it, an' when you'd be just wastin' yer breath." You grin lopsided. "Granted, I wouldn't have any breath to waste in that situation..."<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 6>> "Not trusting in yourself, $title $Name?"<br><br> "Just bein' realistic, all things considered." You quirk a brow. "Why, do ya think I could?"<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 7>> "Truth be told, $title $Name, I don't think you could."<br><br> You cock your head, and roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. "Eh, then it's a good thing I wouldn't even try, innit?"<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 8>> "You wouldn't?" The man seems surprised.<br><br> You just nod. "We're not talkin' about dealing with humans here, after all. The most important thing 'bout such skill is to know when ya can actually use it, an' when you'd be just wastin' yer breath." You grin lopsided. "Granted, I wouldn't have any breath to waste in that situation..."<br><br> The man throws his head back, laughing.<br><br> "At least you have a certain kind o' common sense, $title $Name."<br><br> You harrumph. "Yer too kind," you snark.<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 9>> "Not trusting in yourself, $title $Name?"<br><br> "Just bein' realistic, all things considered." You quirk a brow. "Why, do ya think I could?"<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 10>> "You wouldn't?" the man asks, appearing baffled.<br><br> "I know that I don't got the skills for that. Don't even got the skills for it in life." You sigh, flexing your fingers in thought.<br><br> "At least you have a healthy sense of self-evaluation, $title $Name."<br><br> You harrumph. "Yer too kind," you snark.<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 11>> "You think so?" The man seems surprised.<br><br> You just nod. "Why? Do ya think I could?"<br><br> "I'm certain of it."<br><br> "Too kind, but... Y'know, Charlie taught me one thing 'bout that: The most important thing 'bout such skill is to know when ya can actually use it, an' when you'd be just wastin' yer breath." You grin lopsided. "Granted, I wouldn't have any breath to waste in that situation..."<br><br> <<else>> "Not trusting in yourself, $title $Name?"<br><br> "Just bein' realistic, all things considered." You quirk a brow. "Why, do ya think I could?"<br><br> <</if>> <<if $cont is 1>> Again the man laughs. "I am, aren't I? Well, you know what, let me tell you something that might help you on your way."<br><br> With that he rises, standing much, much taller than you had expected and steps towards you, leaning down to whisper into your ear. "Heed the writing on the wall, $title $Name. It bears the face of the one who has none." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<else>> The man laughs, throwing his head back. "Maybe. You know, you ought to work on that."<br><br> You want to answer when above the bells starts ringing. Far too loud, forcing you to hold your ears in pain. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <</if>>

<<if $continuity is 1>> Very well then...<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "I don't think this'll end well, but I'll try" you say, but draw your gun nevertheless.<br><br> The woman looks at you curiously.<br><br> "What, are you not trusting in your abilities?" the woman asks.<br><br> "I'm good enough to hold me own in a battle, but trick shots? No."<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 3>> Once again you shake your head 'No'.<br><br> "Ma'am, I certainly won't do that," you say.<br><br> The woman looks at you curiously.<br><br> "What, are you not trusting in your abilities?"<br><br> <<else>> Once again you shake your head 'No'.<br><br> "Ma'am, I dunno what ya think o' me, but I certainly ain't someone to make such a shot," you say.<br><br> "You think so?"<br><br> "At best I'll break the window, at worst I'll hit yer head."<br><br> The woman looks you up and down, <</if>> <<if $bonuscont is 1>> You grin cockily, drawing your gun.<br><br> "Just hold still," you say, taking aim.<br><br> You pull the trigger...<br><br> ...and hit her right in the head.<br><br> You wince as her head shatters like porcelain. Thick, sweet-smelling smoke rises from the shattered skull, filling the room and making you choke.<br><br> You fall to your knees, coughing and holding your throat, your gun slipping from your fingers.<br><br> As it hits the floor another shot rings through the room, and you feel something piercing through your heart. With your last thought you realise what happened, just as the shot ignites the smoke, the flames consuming you. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $bonuscont is 2>> "Alright," you say, looking around. "Could ya... open the window? I'd rather have the bullet hit the wood on the other building than shatter the glass."<br><br> The woman chuckles and opens the window. "Very considerate, darling." She settles back down, looking at you expectantly.<br><br> You draw your gun, check it over, cock and aim.<br><br> "Now, please hold still."<br><br> You pull the trigger, the bullet whizzing past the cigarette's tip and out the window.<br><br> "Oh my," the woman says, taking a long drag of the freshly lit cigarette. "That was indeed most impressive, darling."<br><br> You sweep a bow, holstering your gun again. "Thank ya kindly."<br><br> "Really," the woman continues, blowing smoke into the air. "You can be proud of yourself."<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 3>> "Alright," you say, draw your gun, check it over, cock and aim.<br><br> "Now, please hold still."<br><br> You pull the trigger, the bullet whizzing far past the cigarette's tip and shattering the window.<br><br> You draw a sharp breath, muttering some embarrassed curses.<br><br> "Well, that didn't work as planned," the woman says, cocking her head and looking at you bemused.<br><br> You holster your gun again, kicking at the ground.<br><br> "On the bright side," you try to make the best out of the situation, "it was just the window an' not yer head."<br><br> The woman laughs, the cigarette lights up on its own.<br><br> "Yes, that would haven been a most unfavorable outcome." She smiles and blows far too sweet smelling smoke into your face. "You know, you're not too bad. But you ought to know yourself a bit better."<br><br> You cough, starting to feel dizzy. The room begins spinning, the music distorts in you ears as you slump down, the world around you going dark. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $bonuscont is 4>> The woman smiles at you, the cigarette lighting up on its own.<br><br> "Yet still you want to try?" she asks, blowing smoke into the air.<br><br> You look at your gun.<br><br> "I'd prefer not to, but... I didn't think 'no' was an option."<br><br> The woman chuckles softly. "Dear, you ought to know better than to risk things you don't want to risk." With another chuckle she cocks her head at you. "And you admitted that you're worried, because you don't think you have the skill. In a way, you can be proud of yourself."<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 5>> The woman smiles softly at you.<br><br> "You know, dear, I think you are selling yourself short, dear." She sighs and the cigarette lights up on its own. "You know, you're not a bad person, but you ought to trust in yourself."<br><br> She cocks her head and blows smoke in your face. You cough. It's far too sweet, and dizzying. Your head feels like wrapped in cotton and you try to keep your balance.<br><br> You fail miserably, slumping down as the music distorts in your ears, the world around you going dark. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $bonuscont is 6>> "Not trusting in our abilities after all, aren't we, dear?" The woman smiles and the cigarette lights up on its own. "You know, you're not a bad person, but you ought to now yourself better."<br><br> She cocks her head and blows smoke in your face. You cough. It's far too sweet, and dizzying. Your head feels like wrapped in cotton and you try to keep your balance.<br><br> You fail miserably, slumping down as the music distorts in your ears, the world around you going dark. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $bonuscont is 7>> You huff a little insulted. "I could absolutely make that shot, but I ain't gonna."<br><br> "Scared?" You don't miss the growing anger in her voice. You shake your head.<br><br> "No, ma'am. I know what I'm capable off, but part of bein' a good shot is knowin' when not to shoot."<br><br> She huffs amused.<br><br> "True. And the caution is appreciated. Because, and I am sorry to say so, dear, but you are not even half as good a shot as you think yourself to be." As she speaks the cigarette lights up on its own and she blows far too sweet smelling smoke into your face. "You ought to work on yourself."<br><br> You cough, starting to feel dizzy. The room begins spinning, the music distorts in you ears as you slump down, the world around you going dark. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $bonuscont is 8>> You huff. "Ma'am, I know me skills well. I could likely make that shot. //Likely//. But as it's not a 100% certain thing, I ain't riskin' it." You draw a deep breath. "Jus'... lemme see if I can't find some matches somewhere."<br><br> You look around the room as the woman laughs, the cigarette lighting up on its own.<br><br> "You know," she says. "There aren't many humans out there that are willing to not show off when given the chance. Many would rather risk someone's wellbeing than not put themselves into the center of attention. You can be proud of yourself."<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 9>> You huff. "Ma'am, I could probably make that shot..." Doubt grows in you. "Maybe."<br><br> The woman looks at you and laughs.<br><br> "Not trusting in our abilities after all, aren't we, dear?" She smiles and the cigarette lights up on its own. "You know, you're not a bad person, but you ought to now yourself better."<br><br> She cocks her head and blows smoke in your face. You cough. It's far too sweet, and dizzying. Your head feels like wrapped in cotton and you try to keep your balance.<br><br> You fail miserably, slumping down as the music distorts in your ears, the world around you going dark. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $bonuscont is 10>> and smiles satisfied, the cigarette lighting up on its own.<br><br> "You know, dear," she says, "there are very few humans out there that are willing to admit if they can't do something. You can be proud of yourself."<br><br> <<elseif $bonuscont is 11>> and smiles gently, but a little disappointed.<br><br> "You know, dear," she says. "It's a shame you underestimate yourself like that. Because I think you //do// possess the needed skills." As she speaks the cigarette lights up on its own and she blows far too sweet smelling smoke into your face. "You ought to work on yourself."<br><br> You cough, starting to feel dizzy. The room begins spinning, the music distorts in you ears as you slump down, the world around you going dark. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <<else>> and smiles softly, but with a hint of pity.<br><br> "I believe you are underestimating yourself, $title $Name." As she speaks the cigarette lights up on its own and she blows far too sweet smelling smoke into your face. "You ought to know yourself a bit better."<br><br> You cough, starting to feel dizzy. The room begins spinning, the music distorts in you ears as you slump down, the world around you going dark. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $cont is 1>> 'Proud Of Yourself. Proud Of Yourself' a myriad of whispering voices echoes, and you wonder for a moment if it is coming from the phonograph.<br><br> And you cough as the smoke seem to fill the room. Much too sweet, it's making you dizzy, but... not in a bad way.<br><br> "So, here is a little gift for you, darling," the woman says. "Heed the writing on the wall. It bears the face of the one who has none."<br><br> You try to make sense of that, when the dizziness becomes overwhelming and the room fades to black. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And you wake...">> <<goto "goodmorning">> <</link>></div> <</if>>

<<nobr>> You startle awake, blinking into the dark room. Everyone else seems fast asleep and it needs a moment until you remember yesterday's events and where you are.<br><br> <<if $wounds >0>> You hastily check yourself for any wounds and let out a breath of relieve when you find everything to be in order. That was a dream you'd have gladly done without.<br><br><</if>> You disentangle yourself from the sheets and sit up, rubbing your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. Through the window you can see the fine line of dawn stretch along the horizon, and you wonder how today will go.<br><br> "Can't ya sleep?" someone whispers, and you turn to find O'Brian looking at you rather drowsily.<</nobr>> "No. An' you?" "Neither. What time is it?" "Around sunrise." O'Brian sits up carefully, looking around. "The others are fast asleep, aren't they?" "I think so." For a short moment O'Brian falls quiet and you think he's pondering something. <<nobr>> <<if $sean >19>> "Ya think Blayne will kill us if we walk 'round the house a bit? I need to stretch me legs."<br><br> "Maybe. Wait..." you look at him confused and hope it's actually visible in the dim light of morning. "Us?"<br><br> "I thought maybe ya'd like to join."<br><br> You blink. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~The idea sounds nice, and maybe I can learn a bit about O'Brian.">> <<set $sean to $sean +20>> <<set $day1talk to "sean">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "d2seanpath">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~I'd like to sleep some more, but maybe we can talk later.">> <<set $sean to $sean +15>> <<set $day1talk to "finn">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "morningpathsinterlude">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Just get back to sleep without saying anything.">> <<set $day1talk to "finn">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "morningpathsinterlude">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~The idea is nice, but I don't want to being alone with O'Brian.">> <<set $sean to $sean -5>> <<set $day1talk to "finn">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "morningpathsinterlude">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~I don't feel like leaving the room, especially not to be alone with O'Brian.">> <<set $sean to $sean -10>> <<set $day1talk to "finn">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "morningpathsinterlude">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Wake the others immediately.">> <<set $sean to $sean -5>> <<set $charlie to $charlie -5>> <<set $day1talk to "finn">> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<goto "morningpathsinterlude">> <</link>></div> <<else>> "Ya should get back to sleep," he whispers, while shuffling out of bed.<br><br> "What are ya up to?"<br><br> "I need to stretch me legs. Could ya just this once cut back yer animosities against me and not wake the others till I'm back?"<br><br> You feel the glower more than you see it. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Apologize for my behavior before and promise not to rat him out while he's gone.">> <<set $sean to $sean +15>> <<set $day1talk to "finn">> <<set $continuity to 6>> <<goto "morningpathsinterlude">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Apologize for my behavior before and ask to join him. I'd actually like to get to know him.">> <<set $sean to $sean +25>> <<set $day1talk to "sean">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "d2seanpath">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Just get back to sleep without saying anything.">> <<set $day1talk to "finn">> <<set $continuity to 7>> <<goto "morningpathsinterlude">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Alert the others immediately.">> <<set $charlie to $charlie -5>> <<set $day1talk to "finn">> <<set $continuity to 8>> <<goto "morningpathsinterlude">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<<if $continuity is 1>> "Sounds good." You get up to slightly unsteady legs. "Just gotta be really quiet."<br><br> "Yeah, the house ain't that big," O'Brian whispers back, and you slip out the door. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "d2seanpath1">> <</link>></div> <<else>> "Hey," you hush.<br><br> "What?"<br><br> "I want to apologize. I've been really rude to ya."<br><br> O'Brian grumbles a little. "At least yer apologizin'. I know folks what would never, and worse, fellers what would try to tell me its me own fault." He sighs. "So I take it yer not gonna wake the others?"<br><br> "I won't," you whisper back. "Hey, would ya mind if I'd come with ya? I could do with stretchin' me legs as well."<br><br> "Huh, didn't expect that." In the dim light you can make out O'Brian tilting his head in thought. "Yeah, alright, bit o' company might be nice."<br><br> You carefully step out of bed and follow O'Brian out. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "d2seanpath1">> <</link>></div> <</if>>

You slowly stroll along the small corridor, O'Brian doing some sleepy stretches as you go. "Would ya laugh if I'd say that was the nicest bed I slept in for a while," he says, giving you a small smile. Before you can answer however, he sighs. "Look, I know we didn't really have a good start, I'd like to apologize." You look him up and down for a moment. "Well, ya couldn't have lied to us. And lied to us 'bout lying." O'Brian smiles askew. "Perhaps, yes. I... I just figured you'd rather listen to someone respectable." "I think I told ya, Charlie's someone who'd have helped ya no matter who ya are, as long as ya don't mean harm to people." You've reached the other end of the corridor and O'Brian leans against the window there, staring forlornly at the waking world outside. "Can I ask ya something?" "Depends?" "How did you meet someone like Mr. Mulligan?" You cock your head at O'Brian. "That's really yer most pressin' question?" O'Brian chuckles. "I'm just curious." His face softens and takes on a melancholic tinge. "All this talk 'bout O'Reilly... it made me think of the past a lot." You cock your head the other way. "Didn't ya come to us to talk to the dead? My guess was ya want to talk to O'Reilly." O'Brian blinks at you, and sadly shakes his head. "I wanna know if he's actually dead, y'know. Somethin'... It's not right..." He sighs heavily and looks back at you. "Now ya know. So back to me question. How do ya know Mr. Mulligan?" "It's a long story." O'Brian quirks a brow and looks you over. "How long... I mean, yer... How old are ya?" Now there's a question. "I am... <<listbox "$age" autoselect>> <<option "25" 25>> <<option "26" 26>> <<option "27" 27>> <<option "28" 28>> <<option "29" 29>> <<option "30" 30>> <<option "31" 31>> <<option "32" 32>> <<option "33" 33>> <<option "34" 34>> <<option "35" 35>> <<option "36" 36>> <<option "37" 37>> <<option "38" 38>> <<option "39" 39>> <<option "40" 40>> <<option "41" 41>> <<option "42" 42>> <<option "43" 43>> <<option "44" 44>> <<option "45" 45>> <<option "46" 46>> <</listbox>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<if $age is 25>> <<set $ages to "twenty-five">> <<elseif $age is 26>> <<set $ages to "twenty-six">> <<elseif $age is 27>> <<set $ages to "twenty-seven">> <<elseif $age is 28>> <<set $ages to "twenty-eight">> <<elseif $age is 28>> <<set $ages to "twenty-eight">> <<elseif $age is 29>> <<set $ages to "twenty-nine">> <<elseif $age is 30>> <<set $ages to "thirty">> <<elseif $age is 31>> <<set $ages to "thirty-one">> <<elseif $age is 32>> <<set $ages to "thirty-two">> <<elseif $age is 33>> <<set $ages to "thirty-three">> <<elseif $age is 34>> <<set $ages to "thirty-four">> <<elseif $age is 35>> <<set $ages to "thirty-five">> <<elseif $age is 36>> <<set $ages to "thirty-six">> <<elseif $age is 37>> <<set $ages to "thirty-seven">> <<elseif $age is 38>> <<set $ages to "thirty-eight">> <<elseif $age is 39>> <<set $ages to "thirty-nine">> <<elseif $age is 40>> <<set $ages to "forty">> <<elseif $age is 41>> <<set $ages to "forty-one">> <<elseif $age is 42>> <<set $ages to "forty-two">> <<elseif $age is 43>> <<set $ages to "forty-three">> <<elseif $age is 44>> <<set $ages to "forty-four">> <<elseif $age is 45>> <<set $ages to "forty-five">> <<else>> <<set $ages to "forty-six">> <</if>> <<goto "d2seanpath2">> <</link>></div>

<<if $continuity is 1>> "The offer's appreciated," you yawn, "But I'd like to get a bit more sleep in, truth be told. How 'bout we talk later? If that's alright?"<br><br> "Sure," O'Brian whispers back, and you hear him shuffle out of bed more than you see him. "Sleep well."<br><br> "Thank you." You roll over, listen to the door squeak open and click close, and pull the cover up to your head. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~morning comes~">> <<goto "d2finnpath">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $continuity is 2>> In response you simply harrumph sleepily, roll over and pull the cover up to your head.<br><br> You would swear you could hear O'Brian sigh amused, (You would also swear he murmured a 'Sleep well') before the door squeaks open and clicks shut again. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~morning comes~">> <<goto "d2finnpath">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "Stretchin' a bit sounds nice, but I'm not to keen on the idea of being alone with ya."<br><br> O'Brian harrumphes insulted, and before you can say anything more about it, he's out of the room.<br><br> You blink, shrug and lay back down.<br><br> "That was rather mean, don't ya think?" someone whispers. Charlie.<br><br> "Eh...?"<br><br> "I really don't think O'Brian means harm to any o' us. We can be a bit nicer to him. He's been pretty nice to us so far."<br><br> You grunt a little annoyed. "Yeah, fine. I'll say sorry later. Now lemme sleep." You groan gently, and pull the cover up to your head. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~morning comes~">> <<goto "d2finnpath">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $continuity is 4>> "I'd rather get a bit more sleep," you whispers darkly. "An' I certainly don't wanna be alone with you."<br><br> You would swear O'Brian looks devastated at that. In a way that makes you wonder if he took a liking to you.<br><br> "Hey, no need to be like that," he mumbles and gets up. "Guess I'll see ya later then. I mean, we have to."<br><br> Before you can say anything more about it, he's out of the room.<br><br> You blink, shrug and lay back down.<br><br> "That was quite uncalled for, don't ya think?" someone whispers. Charlie.<br><br> "Eh...?"<br><br> "I really don't think O'Brian means any harm to any o' us. We can be a bit nicer to him. He's been pretty nice to us so far."<br><br> You grunt a little annoyed. "Yeah, fine. I'll say sorry later. Now lemme sleep." You groan a little, and pull the cover up to your head. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~morning comes~">> <<goto "d2finnpath">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $continuity is 5>> You groan and draw a breath to wake the others, when someone clasps a hand over your mouth.<br><br> "$nick, just don't," Charlie growls lowly into your ear.<br><br> You make a sound that's somewhere between a squeak, a grunt and a growl, and Charlie's cheek is on yours.<br><br> "I dunno what ya suddenly got 'gainst the poor bastard, $nick, but if yer going to get him into trouble for the sake o' it, I won't stand for it," Charlie whispers and his tone leaves no doubt that he'd side with O'Brian should push come to shove now. You harrumph against his hand.<br><br> "Fine," you grumble, and Charlie slowly removes his hand and shuffles back to his own bed. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Just go back to sleep.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "morningpathsinterlude2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "Apologize to O'Brian before you go back to sleep.">> <<set $sean to $sean +10>> <<set $charlie to $charlie +10>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "morningpathsinterlude2">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $continuity is 6>> "Hey," you hush.<br><br> "What?"<br><br> "I want to apologize. I been really rude to ya."<br><br> O'Brian grumbles a little. "At least yer apologizin'. I know folks what would never, and worse, fellers what would try to tell me its me own fault." He sighs. "So I take it yer not gonna wake the others?"<br><br> "I won't," you whisper back.<br><br> "Thank you." Next thing you hear are barefooted steps and the low squeaking and clicking of the door.<br><br> You simply roll over and pull the cover up to your head. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~morning comes~">> <<goto "d2finnpath">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $continuity is 7>> In response you simply harrumph, roll over and pull the cover up to your head.<br><br> You would swear you could hear O'Brian sigh either in defeat or amused, before the door squeaks open and clicks shut again. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~morning comes~">> <<goto "d2finnpath">> <</link>></div> <<else>> You simply harrumph and draw a breath to wake the others, when someone clasps a hand over your mouth.<br><br> "$nick, just don't," Charlie growls lowly into your ear.<br><br> You make a sound that's somewhere between a squeak, a grunt and a growl, and Charlie's cheek is on yours.<br><br> "I dunno what ya got 'gainst the poor bastard, $nick, but if yer going to get him into trouble for the sake o' it, I won't stand for it," Charlie whispers and his tone leaves no doubt that he'd side with O'Brian should push come to shove now. You harrumph against his hand.<br><br> "Fine," you grumble, and Charlie slowly removes his hand and shuffles back onto his own bed. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Just go back to sleep.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "morningpathsinterlude2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "Apologize to O'Brian before you go back to sleep.">> <<set $sean to $sean +5>> <<set $charlie to $charlie +5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "morningpathsinterlude2">> <</link>></div> <</if>>

You stir awake, blinking wearily into the sunlit room. You hear the sounds from the street outside, much too loud, you figure sleepily, and it takes several moments till you realize someone's opened a window. You yawn heartily and sit up, looking around. Everyone else has gone, except for the boy from yesterday, sitting cross-legged on the bed across from you. <<nobr>> <<if $gf is true and $opentr is true>> "Good morning, errr...," he begins, a guilty expression crossing his face. "Uh, Mrs. Meadows said that yer..."<br><br> You wave him off, knowing what he's trying to say.<br><br> "Oh, "$addr" will do, lad," you yawn.<br><br> He nods.<br><br> <<else>> "Good morning, $addr," he greets you. <</if>> <</nobr>>\ You rub the sleep from your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> and yawn again. "G'morning. Finley, right?" The boy nods. "Where's the others?" you ask. "Went to get the horses and stuff, $addr. Asked me to stay here an' tell ya." You nod. "Also told me to tell ya yer not allowed to leave till them's back," Finley adds. You blink confused. "Why?" "'Cause Mr. Blayne's fast asleep, the men are with Mr. Mulligan an' Mr. O'Brian, an' Mrs. Meadows is making the last arrangements for her absence." "Ah." Lovely, innit? "What if I need the bathroom?" Finley nods towards a little door in the corner. "They got indoor plumbing here. Very fancy." You grin amused. And sigh. "So, we just wait?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "finnmorning">> <</link>></div>

<<if $continuity is 1>> In response you simply harrumph, roll over and pull the cover up to your head.<br><br> You could swear you could hear O'Brian sigh miserably, before the door squeaks open and clicks shut again. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Hey," you whisper. "Sorry. That was just bloody mean o' me.<br><br> O'Brian grunts. "Look, I dunno what ya got 'gainst me now," he whispers back, "But the apology is appreciated."<br><br> Next thing you hear are barefooted steps and the low squeaking and clicking of the door.<br><br> You simply roll over and pull the cover up to your head. <<elseif $continuity is 3>> In response you simply harrumph, roll over and pull the cover up to your head.<br><br> You could swear you could hear O'Brian sigh miserably, before the door squeaks open and clicks shut again. <<else>> "Hey," you whisper. "Sorry. That was just bloody mean o' me.<br><br> O'Brian harrumphes. "Look, I dunno what ya got 'gainst me," he whispers back, "but it'd be nice if ya could stop. But the apology is appreciated."<br><br> Next thing you hear are barefooted steps and the low squeaking and clicking of the door.<br><br><</if>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~morning comes~">> <<goto "d2finnpath">> <</link>></div>

The boy nods, fiddling with thread and needle darning a sock. You watch him for a while. "Yer not too bad," you say. Finley looks up at you and back down at the sock. "Ya mean this? It's... it's a skill I picked up 'long the way. Kinda had to. Been on me own most o' me life." "Sorry to hear." You cock your head. "Ya said yer seventeen?" A nod. "I'll be eighteen in a few months, though." You nod back. "Must still have been hard." The boy sighs. "I know there's been people what said I won't even make it to ten." "An' now yer here." You smile wryly. "Yeah, there's people what said similar 'bout me." <<nobr>>"Oh..." Finley cocks his head, curiously. "May I ask how old ya are?" <<if $age is 0>> <br><br> "Certainly. I am...<br><br> <<listbox "$age" autoselect>> <<option "25" 25>> <<option "26" 26>> <<option "27" 27>> <<option "28" 28>> <<option "29" 29>> <<option "30" 30>> <<option "31" 31>> <<option "32" 32>> <<option "33" 33>> <<option "34" 34>> <<option "35" 35>> <<option "36" 36>> <<option "37" 37>> <<option "38" 38>> <<option "39" 39>> <<option "40" 40>> <<option "41" 41>> <<option "42" 42>> <<option "43" 43>> <<option "44" 44>> <<option "45" 45>> <<option "46" 46>> <</listbox>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<if $age is 25>> <<set $ages to "twenty-five">> <<elseif $age is 26>> <<set $ages to "twenty-six">> <<elseif $age is 27>> <<set $ages to "twenty-seven">> <<elseif $age is 28>> <<set $ages to "twenty-eight">> <<elseif $age is 28>> <<set $ages to "twenty-eight">> <<elseif $age is 29>> <<set $ages to "twenty-nine">> <<elseif $age is 30>> <<set $ages to "thirty">> <<elseif $age is 31>> <<set $ages to "thirty-one">> <<elseif $age is 32>> <<set $ages to "thirty-two">> <<elseif $age is 33>> <<set $ages to "thirty-three">> <<elseif $age is 34>> <<set $ages to "thirty-four">> <<elseif $age is 35>> <<set $ages to "thirty-five">> <<elseif $age is 36>> <<set $ages to "thirty-six">> <<elseif $age is 37>> <<set $ages to "thirty-seven">> <<elseif $age is 38>> <<set $ages to "thirty-eight">> <<elseif $age is 39>> <<set $ages to "thirty-nine">> <<elseif $age is 40>> <<set $ages to "forty">> <<elseif $age is 41>> <<set $ages to "forty-one">> <<elseif $age is 42>> <<set $ages to "forty-two">> <<elseif $age is 43>> <<set $ages to "forty-three">> <<elseif $age is 44>> <<set $ages to "forty-four">> <<elseif $age is 45>> <<set $ages to "forty-five">> <<else>> <<set $ages to "forty-six">> <</if>> <<goto "finnmorning2">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "Certainly...">> <<goto "finnmorning2">> <</link>></div> <</if>><</nobr>>

"I'm $ages," you answer. Again O'Brian looks you over. <<if $age <28>>"Huh, we're 'bout the same age then. Mulligan's<<elseif $age is 28>>"Huh, didn't expect us to be the same age, really. Mulligan's<<elseif $age >28 and $age <36>>"Hmm, I kinda thought yer younger, honestly. Mulligan's<<else>>"So 'bout the same age as Mulligan, right? He's<</if>> what... forty-something?" "He's thirty-nine." "Oh." "Yeah, the eye-patch makes him look older." "The eye-patch makes him look like a man ya know not to gamble with an' end up gambling with anyway." You give O'Brian a very nonplussed look. "Good thing that that's how he earns his money, then," you deadpan. O'Brian looks at you and chuckles lightly. "Yeah... So? How d'ya know him? Like was it the whole gamblin' thing? 'Cause ya don't really strike me as someone really dabblin' in the supernatural." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>On the contrary. But that got nothin' to do with how I met Charlie.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "backstorynospooky">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>On the contrary. It's exactly how I met Charlie.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "backstoryspooky">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I don't. Also it got nothin' to do with how I met Charlie.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $skeptic to true>> <<goto "backstorynospooky">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I don't. But that's how I met Charlie.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $skeptic to true>> <<goto "backstoryspooky">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> <<if $day1talk is "sean">>"On the contrary.<<else>>"Oh, I do dabble in the supernatural stuff.<</if>> But that got nothin' to do with how I met Charlie." <<else>> <<if $day1talk is "sean">>"I don't.<<else>>"Well, I don't dabble in the supernatural stuff.<</if>> Also it got nothin' to do with how I met Charlie."<</if>> <</nobr>> You sigh gently, roll your shoulders and lean back against the wall. "Oh. Well, how did ya meet him then?" <<if $day1talk is "sean">>O'Brian<<else>>Finley<</if>> asks. You smirk wistfully. <<nobr>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Charlie saved me life.</q>">> <<set $back to 7>> <<goto "backstorynospooky1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I saved Charlie's life.</q>">> <<set $back to 8>> <<goto "backstorynospooky1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>We shared a jail cell for a while.</q>">> <<set $back to 9>> <<goto "backstorynospooky1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>We just ran into each other, really.</q>">> <<set $back to 10>> <<goto "backstorynospooky1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>We tried to rob each other.</q>">> <<set $back to 11>> <<goto "backstorynospooky1">> <</link>></div> <<if $age >32>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>We've known each other since we were children.</q>">> <<set $back to 12>> <<goto "backstorynospooky1">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<<if $back is 7>> "Charlie saved me life," you say, and sigh warily. "I won't go into details, if ya don't mind."<br><br> <<if $day1talk is "sean">>O'Brian<<else>>Finley<</if>> nods understandingly.<br><br> "Maybe I'll tell ya the whole story another time," you say, and smile softly. "But... Let's just say it wasn't pretty. Had Charlie not been there, yeah, I'd likely not be here anymore."<br><br> "Sounds really bad."<br><br> "It was. An' as much as Charlie an' I banter, I'm eternally grateful for what he did for me there." You look up at the ceiling in thought. "Just this much. I had made some very, very bad decisions, and engaged with all the wrong people."<br><br> "Sorry to hear."<br><br> "It happens. I learned me lessons from it. An' I found a wonderful friend." <<elseif $back is 8>> "I saved Charlie's life," you say, not without a bit of pride in your voice.<br><br> "Oh?"<br><br> "Yes. 'Twas one of those rotten late falls, when the year seems out to get the last few thunderstorms in before movin' on to blizzards. Was ridin' through Hangman's Gulch, ya know that ravine?"<br><br> <<if $day1talk is "sean">>O'Brian<<else>>Finley<</if>> nods.<br><br> "Good," you continue. "I just wanted to get out o' the weather, find a cave or somethin' to take shelter in, when a horse came up the path, shying wildly when it saw me. I dunno what made me follow it, but I did." You shrug dramatically. "Like, the chances that it was a trap were thin, seeing I ran into a horse, not another human."<br><br> "I guess that was Mr. Mulligan's horse?"<br><br> You nod. "It was. O' course, I didn't know that back then. The horse led me along the path to a part of the river hidden away from view pretty well. It took me a moment to realize what it wanted, but as nervous as it was, it had to be urgent. Then I saw him. A guy laying on the shore, head just barely outta water, and a bleedin' wound on his side."<br><br> "Oh bugger."<br><br> "Yeah. <<if $sel >54>>Y'know, I'm usually not much of a selfless person, but<<else>>And... I got a bit of a reputation to be an altruistic hen, so<</if>> I went an' helped. Dragged the poor sod to a nearby cave an' patched him up the best I could at the time. He, obviously, got better. Told me he pissed off the wrong people. Admitted he did so by robbin' them blank." You grin. "It's funny, had I not followed the horse I mighta not have found the cave either. An' the storm was just gettin' worse."<br><br> "So ya were really lucky."<br><br> "Wanna know the punchline? When the storm was over an' Charlie an' I left for the next town we came cross the guys that tried to kill Charlie. They had gotten into a landslide. There was nuffin' we could do for'em anymore. Except taking the money back an' the survivin' horse. So, yeah, had I not followed Wicklow — that's Charlie's horse — I wouldn't have found that cave, but I might easily have gotten into the same landslide."<br><br> "Ouch... Yeah, ya were //really// lucky." <<elseif $back is 9>> "We shared a jail cell for a while, Charlie an' I. I <<if $mcdrinks is true>>had gotten a bit too drunk, and<<else>>had gotten in quite the fight an'<</if>> made a bit o' a scene, so I was dragged off to spend the night in a cell. 'Bout an hour after that they brought in Charlie. Heard the Sheriff say somethin' 'bout it being for his own good. Charlie looked pretty bad."<br><br> "What happened?"<br><br> "Someone caught him cheatin'. Beat him up good. So yeah, Charlie was there half for his own good, half 'cause he had gotten arrested. We started talkin', an' in the end I decided to help him out."<br><br> "Didn't ya worry he might trick ya?"<br><br> <<if $tru >54>>"Not really. I know I can be a little too trustin', but<<else>>I did, honestly, but<</if>> the guys he robbed beat him up good, so he had the choice between workin' with me or havin' to face them again. An' Charlie's not an idiot." <<elseif $back is 10>> "We just ran into each other, really. It's amazingly unspectacular, but there's nothing more to it."<br><br> <<if $day1talk is "sean">>O'Brian<<else>>Finley<</if>> looks a little disappointed.<br><br> "Ah, don't look like that," you say an' smirk. "That was very much the last unspectacular thing to happen in our lives."<br><br> "Ah?"<br><br> "Yes. Funny thing is, it nearly didn't happen at all. I had been lookin' for a way to while away the evenin'. On a whim I decided to get some 'culture' in me life an' go to the theater. Ended up sharing a box with Charlie who was there for the same reason."<br><br> "Oh?"<br><br> "We had a good time, both o' us snarkin' at the play to our hearts' content. Charlie said he'd seen the play before, but never had as much fun with it as that night. I felt the same. We talked an' found we genuinely had a lot in common. And, wanna laugh? We found we both suspected the other to be there to rob us. We both didn't look the theater-goer part at the time." You chuckle. "We had a good laugh 'bout it, an' the rest is history." <<elseif $back is 11>> "We tried to rob each other."<br><br> "Ya tried to..." <<if $day1talk is "sean">>O'Brian<<else>>Finley<</if>> looks at you with disbelief written all over his face.<br><br> "Rob each other, yes. I know it sounds like straight outta some dime novel, but, that's what happened. 'Twas up in Oregon. We had both fallen on hard times a bit, an' we thought each other easy targets."<br><br> "Oh."<br><br> "Yeah. Didn't take either o' us long to realize what was goin' on. Had a good laugh, an' sat down to see if we can't get out o' the bad situation we was in together. And the rest is history."<br><br> "Really didn't expect that to be yer story."<br><br> "Understandably. I mean, what are the odds?"<br><br> "Yeah..." <<else>> "There's... really not that much to it," you say. "We've known each other since we were kids. Always been thick as thieves."<br><br> "An' now ya //are// thieves."<br><br> You dunno whether to groan or chuckle at that. You opt for shrug instead. "See, if that doesn't prove how well we get along I dunno what could."<br><br> "Yeah. So... Who's idea was it to become outlaws? By the sound o' it ya coulda become so many things."<br><br> Again you shrug. "Maybe." The you grin as you remember something. "Though, I dunno. At one point <<if $bold >59>>I<<else>>Charlie<</if>> bit a boy's nose off when he was givin' <<if $bold >59>>Charlie<<else>>me<</if>> a hard time."<br><br> <<if $bold >59>>"You<<else>>"He<</if>> what?" <<if $day1talk is "sean">>O'Brian<<else>>Finley<</if>>'s flabbergasted.<br><br> You cackle a little. "Bit a boy's nose off. Well, the tip. Healed pretty well. Had enough of that boy bein' a prick to Charlie an' I. So, guess a life o' crime was predestined for us."<br><br> "So no regrets?"<br><br> You smile wistfully. "Honestly? I have regrets. I'd love to start a new life, but up till now the costs for that always included Charlie. An' well... that's too high a cost." <</if>> <hr><<if $day1talk is "sean">> <div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "backstorysean">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "backstoryfinn">> <</link>></div> <</if>>

<<set $knowsean to true>>\ You smile. "Well, now ya know my story. What 'bout yours?" O'Brian blinks. "How d'ya mean?" "How did ya meet O'Reilly?" You look O'Brian over for a moment. "Did he do the thing with yer ear?" O'Brian grins at you. "Naw. An', y'know, I think ya will hear that story sooner or later. Wouldn't be surprised if Blayne's gonna tell ya." He tilts his head back and thinks about something for a moment, likely where to start best. "First thing I oughta tell ya is that, technically, I'm one of'em rich kids. Technically. Me 'mother'," you don't miss the utter disdain in the word, "married me dad for money, an' nothing else. By all means, she only got herself knocked up to tie him to her." "That's... harsh..." "But it's the truth. When I was three me dad died in some accident. I'm bloody certain she had her hands in that. Heh, barely remember him. But that somethin' was fishy... that was a given. She didn't even wait out the mourning period till she married again. Her new husband hated me guts, and so did she. So, no, no happy childhood here." O'Brian falls silent again, brows knitted in anger. "I ran away from home when I was just six. No one came after me. I know now that some o' dad's friends got worried, but the woman that put me in this world didn't give a shit. Only good that came o' things was that I found how well I can lie. If I wanna trick people. Blayne's serious when he says I can't lie outside of a con. It's weird, but I don't mind. Anyway. At some point when I was eight I wound up in Chicago, swindled some of'em rich folks there. Till I ran into a gentleman who turned out to be a grifter <<if $back is 11>>himself. Heh, kinda like what happened with ya an' Mr. Mulligan. Anyway...<<else>>himself.<</if>> He had a good laugh and said he's really impressed with me. Looked and sounded really worried for me, an' invited me to his home... I made a run for it. Was scared. And a bit creeped out." You nod. "I think I'd have done the same." "Yeah. I mean, I was young, but I wasn't stupid. But y'know, as fate would have it, winter came. I was out on the streets an' a really nasty storm left me for dead. By pure chance that guy and his wife found me and brought me to their home, nursin' me back to health. Turned out the guy was pretty alright." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Oh-hoh?</q>">> <<goto "backstorysean1">> <</link>></div>

<<set $knowfinn to true>>\ You smile. "Well, that's what I can tell ya 'bout me. So, what 'bout ya?" Finley looks at you surprised. "Huh?" "How did ya end up with someone like Blayne? Ya don't really look like bounty hunter material." "Sorry," the boy apologizes. "What yer apologizin' for?" No answer. Instead Finley winces softly and looks at you uncertain. "Ya really wanna know?" he asks. You nod. "I told ya mine. If nuffin else, it's just fair. Finley starts worrying his cuffs nervously before taking a deep breath and exhaling in a long, strained sigh. "I-I... I mean I told ya 'bout me da an' all," he begins. "Yeah, I actually wondered 'bout that. Ya said yer ma never told ya who yer father was." "Me ma was a dollymop," Finley announces shyly before you can say anything else. "I-I only learned that when I ran into a friend o' hers a while ago. Me da was one o' her regulars. So regular that he certainly was more than just a client." "Ah." Finley blushes deep red and clears his throat. "Yeah. That's what I meant. No one seemed to know who he was, 'cause ma was very secretive 'bout him apparently. But I know ma's been writin' with him, till... She died when I was six." "I'm sorry to hear." With a heavy sigh Finley nods gratefully, sniffling a little.. "Thank you. I... They put me in an orphanage a few cities over. Dunno if me da tried to find me or not. I didn't like the orphanage. Then I ran away when I had just turned eight. They caught me an' put me back. That's when I learned to pick locks." The boy pauses, and you can't blame him. "Ran away again. Got caught again. Ran away a few months later. Three's a charm, I guess. Hid in the wild. The winter that year saved me arse, I think..." You do some calculations. "Wait, yer seventeen, right. So, that was eight or nine years ago, right?" Finley nods. And you shudder. The winter back then had been hell. In lack of a less ironic word for what had been going on. Blizzards had raged over the plains and forests, freezing rivers and lakes nearly to the bottom. It had cost a lot of lives, human and animal alike. "How did ya survive that on yer own?" you babble in disbelief. "Barely," Finley says, and swallows. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...!">> <<goto "blaynemorning1">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> <<if $day1talk is "sean">>"On the contrary.<<else>>"Oh, I do dabble in the supernatural stuff.<</if>> It's exactly how I met Charlie." <<else>> <<if $day1talk is "sean">>"I don't.<<else>>"Well, I don't dabble in the supernatural stuff.<</if>> But that's how I met Charlie."<</if>><</nobr>> You exhale, roll your shoulders and lean back against the wall. "Oh. Well, how did ya meet him then?" <<if $day1talk is "sean">>O'Brian<<else>>Finley<</if>> asks. You smirk wistfully. <hr><<nobr>> <<if $skeptic is false>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I lost someone, and wanted Charlie to make contact.</q>">> <<set $back to 1>> <<goto "backstoryspooky1">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I needed some assistance with, well, a ghost hunt.</q>">> <<set $back to 2>> <<goto "backstoryspooky1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link `$skeptic is true?"<q>I wanted to know what get's someone to believe in the hereafter.</q>" : "<q>I wanted to know more 'bout the hereafter.</q>"`>> <<set $back to 3>> <<goto "backstoryspooky1">> <</link>></div> <<if $skeptic is true>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Charlie came to me, 'cause he got pissed at my ramblings 'bout mediums.</q>">> <<set $back to 4>> <<goto "backstoryspooky1">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $skeptic is true>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>A friend dragged me to one o' Charlie's seances.</q>">> <<set $back to 5>> <<goto "backstoryspooky1">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I met Charlie at a funeral.</q>">> <<set $back to 6>> <<goto "backstoryspooky1">> <</link>></div> <</nobr>>

<<if $back is 1>> "I lost someone, and wanted Charlie to make contact."<br><br> "Oh. Sorry to hear."<br><br> "I won't go into details, but... yeah. I came to Charlie 'cause he got recommended to me. I was told he's different from a lot o' mediums. And... he is." You sigh gently and a little forlornly. "He made no big show outta things. Just answered me questions, an'... for the first time I felt like the answers were honest."<br><br> A nod. "There's a lot o' false mediums out there, it's... a shame."<br><br> "It is. But Charlie... <<if $day1talk is "sean">>You've seen how casually he makes contact."<<else>>he's different. It's weird how casual makin' contact seems with him."<</if>><br><br> <<if $day1talk is "sean">>O'Brian nods, looking a little bit disappointed again.<<else>>Finley nods, looking thoughtful as if he's imaging something.<</if>><br><br> You look down wistfully. "Afterwards Charlie an' I talked a bit. Then talked a bit more, and we found we get along pretty well. So we started working together." <<elseif $back is 2>> "I needed some assistance with, well, a ghost hunt. Technically an exorcism, as I was posin' as a priest at that time."<br><br> "Huh, that... isn't what I expected. At all." <<if $day1talk is "sean">>O'Brian<<else>>Finley<</if>> looks at you surprised and a little baffled.<br><br> You smiled cockily. <<if $day1talk is "sean">>"Mr. O'Brian<<else>>"Lad<</if>>, I didn't get me charges for impersonation for nothin'. Anyway." You draw a deep breath. "I had bitten off more than I could chew an' found meself tasked with helpin' an elderly couple with their haunted house."<br><br> "Oh."<br><br> "First I thought people had seen through me an' were settin' me up, but... the things I saw... Told ya, I <<if $skeptic is true>>don't<<else>>do<</if>> believe in these things, but I had no idea how to handle the situation. So <<if $skeptic is true>>I, begrudgingly, went<<else>>I went<</if>> to get a medium to help. I had heard 'bout Charlie before, an' he was in town. So, yeah, got him to work wi' me. Afterwards he told me he been in town 'cause o' that very hauntin'."<br><br> "Huh. Really?"<br><br> "It'd seem so. I <<if $skeptic is true>>didn't believe him at first<<else>>was a bit baffled<</if>>, but the more we talked, the less did it matter why he was there. I was grateful for the help, an' Charlie was amused at the shite I've gotten meself into. When we were done talkin' we decided to work together from thereon." <<elseif $back is 3>> "There's not much to it. I wanted to know <<if $skeptic is true>>what get's someone to believe in<<else>>more 'bout<</if>> the hereafter, so I paid him a visit."<br><br> "Why him? Just pure chance?"<br><br> "Not pure, no." You flex your hands in thought. "He'd been recommended to me. People said he's dif'rent from other mediums."<br><br> "He seem to be."<br><br> "He //is//. I met a few mediums in me time, but Charlie? Yeah, he is different from'em." You shake your head a little. "We talked much longer than I had planned. An' we found we had a lot in common at the end o' the day."<br><br> "Ya go t' visit a medium an' ya end up with a partner in crime."<br><br> "Gotta play with the hand yer dealt."<br><br> "Ain't <<if $job is 4 or $strong is 4>>you an' Mr.<<else>>Mr.<</if>> Mulligan makin' a livin' out of doing exactly not that?"<br><br> You blink before snorting a laugh. "Yer not wrong." <<elseif $back is 4>> "Back in the day I been makin' a bit of a livin' exposing false mediums an' all that. One evenin' I was in Boston, when Charlie came waltzin' up to my hotel room, givin' me an earful 'bout what I was doin'. I initially slammed the door in his face, but he was persistent. Turned out he was the same person who's been writin' some angry letters to me, well, me publishers for a while now."<br><br> "That's... not really what ya'd call a good start. How did ya end up being partners in crime?"<br><br> You laugh. "Told ya, Charlie's persistent. Claimed he can prove things."<br><br> "Did he?"<br><br> "He did. Most mediums are just very skilled grifters, and though Charlie's certainly one o' those, he did things I've never seen before. Things I had no explanation for. And I know the tricks used. But ya know," you smile with a little pride, "I think what really got me was how he made no big show outta it. It felt more like a plain conversation, just that one person in the round was dead."<br><br> "An' then ya decided to become outlaws together?"<br><br> "We did. Y'know, Charlie's the kind o' person who knows their talents, an' who says that wastin' any o' them is like wastin' them all. So... yeah." <<elseif $back is 5>> "It's by no means a spectacular tale. A friend o' mine dragged me to one o' Charlie's seances, sayin' Charlie was different from other mediums. She's really been gushin' 'bout him. I been skeptical, o' course."<br><br> "Ya didn't plan on makin' a fool o' him... I know there's people who would."<br><br> "I'm not one o' them. I'm a skeptic, but I'm not that much an arse. And I admit, Charlie was quite different from what I've seen before. And he's quite pleasant to talk to. Heh, I dunno, some things just fitted together and we've been roaming the country together since."<br><br> "Take it ya believe in his abilities now?"<br><br> "I've seen things that left me not much o' a choice, <<if $day1talk is "sean">>Mr. O'Brian."<<else>>lad."<</if>> <<else>> "I met Charlie at a funeral," you say.<br><br> "That... is somethin' I didn't expect."<br><br> You smile. "Was pure chance. Truth be told, I was just out for a walk in the area, an' saw it from a distance. And then, suddenly Charlie approaches me. Asks me to help him with somethin' urgent. When I asked what he explained to me that he had to stop a murder from being committed."<br><br> "Pardon?"<br><br> You take a deep breath. "Alright, bit by bit. So, apparently the woman gettin' buried wasn't actually dead. But her husband was after her money."<br><br> <<if $day1talk is "sean">>O'Brian's<<else>>Finley's<</if>> brow ratchet into his hairline. "Really?"<br><br> You nod. "Inheritance an' insurance. An' it wasn't the first time he pulled that kinda crap."<br><br> "Bloody Hell."<br><br> "Yeah. I first thought Charlie was some lawman or worse, one of'em bloody Pinkertons. Called him out. He assured me he was not, and that he needs me help. He managed to convince me, and the moment I agreed he dragged me over to the little group, making a scene. Laid out his accusations, an' suddenly the 'grieving husband' got angry an' drew a gun on Charlie. Bloody thing didn't fire, and the guy turned and made a run for it. I dunno why, but I picked up the gun he had thrown down an' shot him in the <<if $weak is 5>>leg. Which is amazing, I'm usually not that much of a good shot."<<else>>leg."<</if>> You grin. "Long of the short, Charlie rips open the coffin..."<br><br> "Was the woman still alive?"<br><br> "She was. Priest was swearin' like a fishwife. And well, when all was said an' done, Charlie an' I sat down under a tree and talked. I mean, it was clear then he was no lawman or anything like it, so I wanted to know how he knew <<if $skeptic is true>>of all that. Didn't believe him at first when<<else>>He<</if>> said the guy's previous victims told'im. Then he thanked me for the help, an' asked if I could do with some company on me way. I agreed, though I was still wary. I mean, he did know some things he couldn't know... Well, rest is history." <</if>> <hr><<if $day1talk is "sean">> <div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "backstorysean">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "backstoryfinn">> <</link>></div> <</if>>

"I'm $ages," you answer, and Finley nods, before concentrating on the sock again. After a moment of nothing but the sounds from outside he puts his work down and looks at you in thought. "Could... could I ask ya something else, $addr?" "Depends on the question." "Oh." Finley lowers his head and falls silent. You blink a little baffled. "That... wasn't a 'no', y'know." "Oh... Well... mind if I ask how ya met Mr. Mulligan? 'Cause..." <<nobr>> <<if $back isnot 0>> "'Cause while there's Charlie being a gambler an' all I don't look like someone who dabbles in the supernatural? That what you were gonna say?"<br><br> Finley blinks at you. "Umm... yeah... How... how did ya know?"<br><br> "O'Brian just asked me the same."<br><br> "Oh."<br><br> "Yeah, no harm done." You tell him what you told O'Brian before.<br><br> <<if $back is 7>> Finley nods understandingly.<br><br> "Mr. Mulligan seems to care a lot 'bout you," he says.<br><br> You grin.<br><br> "He does. But I think he'd do so even if he hadn't saved me life." <<else>> Finley listens eagerly. <</if>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "backstoryfinn">> <</link>></div> <<else>> "'Cause what?" you ask.<br><br> The boy let's out a small whimper. "Nuffin. I'm sorry."<br><br> "No, it's alright."<br><br> "Sorry. I-I just thought... ya don't really look like someone dabblin' in the supernatural, an' with Mr. Mulligan being a medium an' all..."<br><br> "He's a gambler, first an' foremost."<br><br> "Yeah... Sorry, I-I dunno why I thought of the supernatural stuff first..."<br><br> You smile. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Oh, I do dabble in the supernatural stuff. But that got nothin' to do with how I met Charlie.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "backstorynospooky">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Oh, I do dabble in the supernatural stuff. It's exactly how I met Charlie.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "backstoryspooky">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Well, I don't dabble in the supernatural stuff. Also it got nothin' to do with how I met Charlie.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $skeptic to true>> <<goto "backstorynospooky">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Well, I don't dabble in the supernatural stuff. But that's how I met Charlie.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $skeptic to true>> <<goto "backstoryspooky">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

"God's truth." O'Brian looks a little wistful. "They adopted me. Not just metaphorically. Tricked me 'mother' into agreeing to it." Now the young man cackles. "Got her into a lot o' trouble. She deserved it. Her new husband, too. So, yeah, that's how I got me a new family, and I was really happy." "So... is..." "I know what ya wanna ask," O'Brian snorts. "O'Brian is me biological dad's name. I'm keepin' it to piss me 'mother' an' her new hubby off." "Spite is some miraculous fuel," you muse. Now you got O'Brian to laugh, and he presses a hand over his mouth not to wake the others. After a deep, calming breath, he smiles at you. "Yeah. And, well, I spent the next nine years learnin' from one of, if not the best. Mum was always a little wary of the whole grifting thing, but endlessly caring and supportive. But ya asked how I met O'Reilly. As said, I had a pretty happy childhood and such till I was seventeen. That's when I decided to find me own way on the world. I left home and, yeah, rather quickly fell in with a small gang o' outlaws. Not O'Reilly's boys. Anyway, things weren't too bad, until one night we set out to change camp, and the boss wasn't with us. I and another guy rode back, but couldn't find him, so we split up. I then found the boss talkin' to some guy I've never seen before. Don't even know what exactly they were on about, but I had a bad feelin'. And, yeah... They caught me, and damn, the boss got furious. Beat me up, and shot me ear off. And then put a bullet 'tween me ribs." You stare at O'Brian. "How the hell did ya survive that?" "O'Reilly, that's how." O'Brian grins. "The boss and the other guy left. Dunno what happened to the man what rode back with me. But... yeah, they were just out of sight, when O'Reilly an' some o' his men came round the rocks, scoutin' for a suitable campsite. They found me, an' decided to save me life." Suddenly the young man's face falls. "What's the matter?" "There was... someone with'em who was able to put a word in for me." O'Brian's voice cracks a little. "Someone I had met a year earlier. Didn't know he went to be ridin' with O'Reilly. But yeah. That saved me life. And from then on I... I rode with'em till..." "The shootout with Prescott and his gang, right?" you say with a nod. "I heard the stories. People are either convinced everyone died, or that no one but O'Reilly survived and then disappeared to who knows where.." "Well, I guess I'm livin' proof the latter thing ain't right." You nod. "And from what I gathered from yesterday, the whole deal 'bout O'Reilly disappearing' ain't true either." O'Brian draws a deep breath and smiles sadly. "He's gone, that much's true, but... I think //that// is a story for another time." He pauses, fiddling with his nightshirt's cuff, before looking at you with a definite uncertainty. "We should go back to the others, before we get into trouble." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...He certainly got a point there...">> <<goto "morningseaninter1">> <</link>></div>

You very much tiptoe back to the room, carefully pushing the door open. "Good morning," Charlie greets you as he stands by the open window, brushing his teeth. Everyone's awake by now, with Mrs. Meadows being fully dressed already. "I almost suspected you were dumb enough to try and run off," she addresses either you, O'Brian or both of you. Her next words, however, are definitely directed at O'Brian. "You, go freshen yourself up." She points at a little door in the corner. "We got indoor plumbing here. And make haste. I need to speak to Mr. Blayne, and I expect you and Mr. Mulligan to be dressed and ready when I return." O'Brian seems the tiniest bit overwhelmed. "Why?" "We are going to retrieve your belongings and horses. Or did you plan on walking to all the way?" "Umm, no..." "Then, hop, off you go." O'Brian sighs in defeat and slinks off. And Mrs. Meadows turns to you. "As for you, you will wait here while we're gone. No discussion. Finley will keep you company." You turn towards the boy on the bed who gives you a curt nod before rummaging through a little box of sewing supplies again. "Breakfast will be served once we're back," Mrs. Meadows continues, "You better be ready by then, as we will be setting out right afterwards." You look at Charlie who just shrugs and ducks into the bathroom just as O'Brian returns. "I heard somethin' 'bout breakfast," O'Brian notes, and you don't miss the grin on his face. "//After// we return, O'Brian," Mrs. Meadows intones, giving him a stern look. "How 'bout a snack? Yer a doctor, ya oughta know how important it is to get a good meal in before starting the day." Mrs. Meadows quirks a brow. "C'mon. Ya can't argue with that," O'Brian notes innocently. "I have been warned you are an insufferable smartarse, O'Brian." "Right now I'm mostly a hungry smartarse. What, d'ya expect someone like me to get a proper meal every day, Doc?" Mrs. Meadows rolls her eyes and nods at the door. "Fine. There's plenty of leftovers in the kitchen, don't take too much. And hurry, we don't have the luxury to dilly-dally." "Don't worry, Doc." And O'Brian's off. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "morninginterlude">> <</link>></div>

Mrs. Meadows stalks after him after a moment of consideration. "Did Blayne's men get everythin' from the hotel?" you ask as Charlie returns to the room. "Yeah, they were thorough." Charlie says. "We got some new towels, too." "As if ya weren't planning on takin' them anyways." You grin broadly and rummage through your bag. Everything seems to be in order. "I think I'll get something to eat as well. How 'bout ya?" You look at Charlie. "Not now. I'll wait for the actual breakfast. I mean, I'm supposed to stay behind till then anyway, but ya need the energy." Charlie nods, and looks at Finley. "How 'bout ya, kid?" Finley looks up. "I'll be fine, sir. I-I mean it's the same as for $title $Name for me." Charlie nods again, puts his jacket on, before bidding you goodbye and leaving for the kitchen. With a soft sigh you slump down on your bed, and look at Finley sitting on the bed across from you. "So, now we just wait?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "finnmorning">> <</link>></div>

"Oh." "I-I had learned some things 'bout survivin' in the wild from some of ma's friends what been lookin' after me from time to time. Guess whenever ma got a client. I was lucky there." "Still impressive." Finley scratches his arm. "Thank you. An', well, when I was thirteen I had roamed a good chunk o' the frontier and the 'civilized world', and ended up here. Had learned how to throw knives an' pick pockets. I-I think I'm pretty good at it." "Ya mentioned the knives thing." The boy's eyes light up. "I-I could show ya later, if ya want?" "We'll see. But first tell me how ya ended up with Blayne." "He caught me. I kinda overdid it a bit with stealin' things. Guess he pitied me. Bailed me out an' gave me a home. In return I do odd jobs for him." "How come he's lookin' for yer da?" As if to answer Finley pulls out a small, very pretty pendant. It's a cameo of a woman, framed by filigree ears of wheat and flowers in silver. "Me ma gave me this. Said me da gave it to her." A sigh. "Dunno why she told me that, but not who he was." He sighs softly. "I mean, a bit of jewelry ain't much to go from, but I think Blayne knows somethin' 'bout it? He didn't tell me what yet, though. Wants to surprise me for some reason." You ponder this. "Ya think yer father might be a rich guy or something?" Finley turns the pendant in his hands before stuffing it under his shirt again. "Maybe. It looks neat enough. An'... I mean it would make sense. Ma not tellin' me, no one else knowing who he is, all that stuff." He pauses and rocks back and forth in thought. "Dunno if I wanna be a rich man's son, though. Would be weird. An' 'cause more problems than it'd solve, I think." He looks at you curiously. "Would ya wanna be a rich man's kid?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>I dunno. Prob'ly not.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "blaynemorning2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Dunno. Maybe.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "blaynemorning2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Honestly? Yes.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "blaynemorning2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Naw.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "blaynemorning2">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> "I dunno. Prob'ly not," you answer, thinking about what Finley just said. "I mean, yer right 'bout how much problems it'd cause..."<br><br> Finley nods. "Yeah... <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Dunno. Maybe," you say. "It'd at least solve some problems."<br><br> Finley ponders this and ultimately shakes his head. "Eh, dunno... <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "Honestly? Yes," you say. "Just for the fact that it //would// solve some problems."<br><br> Finley cocks his head at you, and ultimately shakes it. "I really dunno... <<else>> "Naw." You shake your head. "Yer right 'bout the problems that'd cause. For <<if $sel >54>>me //and// for others."<<else>>others //and// for me."<</if>><br><br> Finley ponders this for a moment and nods sagely. "Yeah... <</if>> But, be it what it may, I really just wanna know me da."<</nobr>> You nod. "So, I guess the pendant is how that guy will know ya?" "Yeah. An' 'cause o' Mrs. Meadows." You quirk a suspicious brow. "So, wait, does she know who yer father is?" "Don't think so." Finley's face falls. "<<if $doublemeadows is true>>$title... err... $Name<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>?" "Mhn?" "May I be honest with ya?" "Of course." "I-I didn't say anythin', but I'm really worried that the man in Potter's Springs ain't me da. I mean, Mr. Blayne only has the pendant as startin' point, an' what if I am a rich man's kid an' someone wants to blackmail me father an' is posing as him to get his hands on me?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~It's very unlikely. Tell him plainly.">> <<set $fin to $fin +5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "blaynemorning3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~It's good to be wary, but this outcome's very unlikely. Reassure him he'll be alright.">> <<set $fin to $fin +10>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "blaynemorning3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~That's ridiculous. Tell him to stop worrying.">> <<set $fin to $fin -5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "blaynemorning3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "How can he even think such bullshit might happen? Call him out.">> <<set $fin to $fin -10>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "blaynemorning3">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> "It's extremely unlikely, y'know," you note.<br><br> Finley gulps. "I-I know. Mrs. Meadows already said I'm being overly anxious and..."<br><br> "I mean, sure, working with someone like Blayne's dangerous, but I don't think there's anything to worry about here."<br><br> Finley ponders this for a moment, nods quietly and picks up his work again. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "It's very unlikely to happen," you say. "But it's good that ya stay on yer toes."<br><br> Finley winces and blushes. "Yeah, Mrs. Meadows already said I'm being overly anxious and..."<br><br> "Yer being worried. I can't speak for her, but, hey, yer workin' with someone like Blayne, so, as I said, it's a good idea to be wary. But I'm certain ya'll be alright."<br><br> Finley looks at you and smiles shyly, before looking back at his work. <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "Oh, that's ridiculous, there's no need to worry," you say, waving Finley off. "Sure, workin' with Blayne ain't the safest job out there, but there's nothing to worry here."<br><br> Finley looks at you briefly before turning away. "Guess Mrs. Meadows is right then. She said I'm bein' overly anxious..." The boy sighs and concentrates back ont his work. <<else>> You snort a laugh. "Really? That's what ya think? Ya know that's bullshit."<br><br> Finley glares briefly at you, and you don't miss the hurt in his eyes. Then he looks back down at his work.<</if>><</nobr>> "I-I should really get these socks fixed before the others come back. Got a shirt to mend too, an' I dun wanna make such a trip without them needed clothes." You decide to leave the boy to his work, freshen up and get dressed. A few minutes later you emerge from the little bathroom again, just at the right moment to catch sight of Charlie, O'Brian and Blayne's men coming towards the house with your horses. You don't miss that Charlie seems to be arguing about something with O'Brian. "May I ask what yer lookin' at?" Finley asks, putting his sewing supplies away securely. "The others are back with the horses," you answer, and Finley shuffles to your side to take a look. "Oh, the black an' white one looks spooky," he murmurs, and you chuckle. "That's <<if $back is 8>>Wicklow<<else>>Wicklow, Charlie's horse<</if>>. Leave it to Charlie to find the one horse in the whole bloody country to look like a skeleton while being this well-fed." Sure, you're overexaggerating a little. It's really just the pattern on Wicklow's head that looks like a skull and a bit on his chest that looks a little like a ribcage. "I assume yer horse is in the stable or somethin'?" you ask. Finley nods. "He is. His name's Caboose." Suddenly the boy blushes a bit. "Err... y'know, I wanted to name him 'Cahoots', and mixed up them words." "We told you to look it up first." You spin around as Mrs. Meadows suddenly speaks up. You are //a little// worried that you didn't hear her come in. "Have you seen to your clothes, Finley?" she asks, and the boy nods. "Yes, ma'am." "Good. Then hurry and either help with breakfast or with the horses." "Yes, ma'am." With that Finley leaves, and you're alone with Mrs. Meadows. "I'm... amazed you didn't run off, <<if $doublemeadows is true>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>," she says. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>To where? Ya got me mount.</q>">> <<set $mead to $mead -5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "blaynemorning4">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Why should I?</q>">> <<set $mead to $mead +5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "blaynemorning4">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> "To where? Ya got me mount."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows looks at you quite unimpressed. "You are as much of a smartarse as O'Brian, aren't you?"<br><br> You shrug. "I'm doin' me best. Also," you grunt quite annoyed, " <<else>> "Why should I?"<br><br> Mrs. Meadows shrugs. "I would have expected you to seize the opportunity.<br><br> You harrumph. "Listen, <<if $sel >59>>I know I can be a bit selfish, but <<else>>no matter what, <</if>><</if>> I ain't leavin' Charlie behind."<</nobr>> "Good to know you got //some// principles." "Yer a very kind person," you scoff and roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. "I'm simply being honest with you. There likely were dozens of paths you could have taken in life, yet you and Mr. Mulligan chose that of crime." You notice a kind of concern in Mrs. Meadows voice, but it's a speck on a heap of disdain. You roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> the other way. "So? We can't all become doctors." "Have you tried?" You blink. "People are really interested in me lifestory this mornin'. <<if $day1talk is "sean">>First O'Brian, then<<else>>First<</if>> the boy, now you." "I do not care for your personal history, I am just interested if you even tried doing something worthwhile with your time." You open your mouth to respond, just as Charlie comes into the room, looking rather excited, and not in a good way. "Ya'll never believe this, $nick," he begins. "O'Brian is to blame for things goin' sideways in New Orleans two years ago." You stare at Charlie, mouth agape. "Yer kiddin'." "Nope." Charlie takes a deep breath and calms himself. "Guess all sympathies ya had for him are out the window now?" you ask casually. Charlie looks at you. "Naw. Gave him a good punch to the guts, we're good now." He looks at Mrs. Meadows. "On that note. Could ya have a look at him, Doc? I think I punched him a little hard." Mrs. Meadows knits her brow, muttering curses as she stalks past Charlie, leaving the two of you alone. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "blaynemorning5">> <</link>></div>

"Who'd have thought," you say, making yourself comfortable on the bed. "If ya wanna know, $nick, O'Brian got out o' it just as bad as we did. So, yeah, we're good." You smirk a little, before stretching. "So what now?" "Breakfast. And then we'll set out." Charlie sighs in defeat and sits down next to you. "This is a bit bigger than ev'rythin' we've done so far, innit?" You don't miss the worry in his voice. "Yeah. Worried?" "Of course. I mean, we have meddled with ghosts before, and whatever that thing in Nightgrove Woods was..." "Yer contacts on the other side still haven't told ya?" "No, but rest assured they tease me 'bout it." You chuckled curtly. "But yes, evil gods, we haven't faced those yet." "Ya think they can be worse than greedy tycoons?" You ponder this. "No... No I don't think they can..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~One quite nice breakfast later...">> <<goto "blaynemorning6">> <</link>></div>

You walk around in the drawing room, stretching, O'Brian and Charlie keeping you company while you wait for Mrs. Meadows comes back from speaking with Blayne. "Can I ask ya a question, O'Brian?" Charlie asks. "Depends on the question," O'Brian grins. "I know O'Reilly's been called 'Harbinger' by the papers an' such. 'Cause o' his tendency to actually announce his robberies..." O'Brian shakes his finger. "Naw, he only announced stuff when it was a big job //and// when he knew it'd would really piss off those tycoons we was goin' to rob more than //not// announcin' it." "Amazin' how often ya still got out unscathed," you say. O'Brian smirks at you. "Too kind, $Name. But ya can trust someone like Bridge to know what he's doin', as goddamn stubborn as he is... Just the thing with Prescott... that..." O'Brian hastily snaps his head around to look at Charlie again. "What was it ya was goin' to ask?" "Exactly that," Charlie says. O'Brian winces. "Oh..." //Oh indeed...// "Oh, not about Prescott," Charlie adds, his voice a lot softer now. "I meant why did folks start to call O'Reilly 'Bridge'? I never got how ya get from 'Harbinger' to that wi'out stretchin' it..." "Oh!" O'Brian blinks and smiles. "Well, yeah, 'Harbinger' can be a mouthful to say, just like 'O'Reilly' itself. An' he didn't like bein' called by his first name unless ya was someone he was close with. Really close. On a regular basis." O'Brian blushes lightly and clears his throat. "And there was a name he commonly used for gettin' letters an' such. 'Cornelius Van der Bruggen'. Never got how anyone could think he's a Dutchman... So, 'cause that name means 'From the Bridges' we started callin' him 'Bridge'. As a joke at first, but it caught on..." A shrug. "That's really all there is to it. Heh. He always had a good laugh that no one ever figured out things 'bout the alias." "Well, that's one question what was bothering me resolved," Charlie notes. "Huh?" O'Brian cocks his head questioningly, and then looks a little taken aback. "Couldn't ya... couldn't ya have asked any of the dead 'bout it..." and his face falls with a whimper. "I mean..." "They ain't very talkative 'bout it. Trust me, I tried." "Oh..." O'Brian looks down for a moment, worrying his cuffs. "Are the boys alright?" "Those I met... yeah." Charlie looks the younger man up and down. "Yer really worried for yer old friends, ain't ya?" O'Brian simply sighs. "Of course I am. That's... that's why I came to ya." "So we figured." At this O'Brian pulls the watch out of his pocket. "Could ya... maybe..." Charlie leans forward just as the door opens and Mrs. Meadows steps in. "Whatever you were up to, it will have to wait," she says, and O'Brian pockets the watch securely. "The horses are ready and Mr. Blayne would like for us to leave before noon." "I'd like to have a word with Blayne," you say. "I mean, he still hasn't told us exactly what he wants in this whole time." "He told me everything important," Mrs. Meadows says. "Now come. I'll tell you as soon as we're out of town." "Why not here?" O'Brian interrupts. "The walls, unfortunately, have ears, O'Brian. Now come. Don't dilly-dally." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Follow Mrs. Meadows.">> <<set $mead to $mead +5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "horseshooray">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$bold >59 or $pol <41?"~Demand to speak to Blayne first." : "~Ask to speak to Blayne first."`>> <<set $mead to $mead -5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "horseshooray">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>><<set $overnightaddr to $addr>> <<set $metlow to true>><</nobr>>\ <div align="center"> <div class="specfont">~Chapter 3~</div>\ <h4>''~A Crooked Log Makes A Straight Fire ~''</h4>\ </div>\ "Ah, these familiar walls, how I have not missed them," Charlie mutters sourly as you are being ushered down into the cells of New Hamelin's jail below the sheriff's office. No, it's not the first time you are here, and just like the last time it is an experience you could very well have done without. They do have a new sheriff, though. A thin man, devastated and nervous looking, with graying ginger hair, named Lowell. And — and you consider this good news — he has not been too happy with Lynwood and his lackeys delivering you, Charlie and O'Brian here. Especially not once it became clear that you are only de facto arrested, due to Blayne's involvement. In fact, the two men are still quarreling over it as the cell is locked behind you. "Agent Lynwood, again, with all due respect, but this is ludicrous." Lowell pinches the bridge of his nose. "Unfortunately my superiors do hold Mr. Blayne in quite high regard, therefore it has to be done this way. Now, if you excuse me, I have a telegraph to send." You watch Lynwood leave, and Lowell sigh exhausted and dismayed as the door closes. "As if," he mutters, and gives you a meaningful side-glance. "He's more scared of Mrs. Meadows and doesn't have the guts to admit it." Well, that's not a conversation starter you had expected. Then again you hadn't expected any conversation at all. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Humor him and ask whatever that means for the sake of it.">> <<set $low to $low + 5>> <<set $cur to $cur - 5>> <<set $pol to $pol + 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "ch3jail1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Ask him what that is supposed to mean. I'm genuinely curious.">> <<set $low to $low + 5>> <<set $cur to $cur + 5>> <<set $pol to $pol + 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "ch3jail1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Say nothing. I'd like to know, but I'm not in the mood to have a friendly little chat.">> <<set $cur to $cur + 5>> <<set $pol to $pol - 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "ch3jail1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Say nothing, I don't care and I won't indulge in a friendly chat with him.">> <<set $cur to $cur - 5>> <<set $pol to $pol - 5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "ch3jail1">> <</link>></div>\

<div align="center"> <div class="specfont">~Chapter 4~</div>\ <h4>''~The Phantom of New Hamelin~''</h4>\ </div>\ The scene that greets you in O'Brian's room is far less dire than you had expected. In fact, O'Brian is fine, albeit frazzled and furious. It's Burke who has just gotten some nasty cuts patched up by Mrs. Meadows. The trio looks up as you enter. "What exactly happened?" you begin. "Finley told us someone tried to kill O'Brian, not Burke." <<nobr>><<if $sean <=10>> "Ya sound unhappy 'bout Seán being still alive," Burke sneers.<br><br> You frown. "What's that supposed to mean?"<br><br> "Ya know exactly what that means," Burke hisses in response, "Seán told me ya been a right arse to him the whole time."<br><br> You take a step back in surprise.<br><br> "He's got a point there, $nick," Charlie says, not even looking at you.<br><br> "//You// are backstabbin' me now, Charlie?" you cry out.<br><br> Charlie looks at you and sighs. "No. I'm tryin' to keep yer back safe, $nick. This whole thing won't work out if we're at each other's throats the whole time. There's enough people in the world what deserve to be treated like the scum they are, but O'Brian ain't one o' them."<br><br> You glower a little. On one hand, Charlie's got a good point. And you know his reasons for being so adamant about what's going on here. On the other hand you don't like O'Brian. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~It's not that I don't //like// O'Brian, I'm just wary... But, yes, I should start mending bridges.">> <<set $stillwary to true>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<set $sean to 20>> <<if $tom <20>> <<set $tom to 20>> <</if>> <<if $charlie <34>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 10>> <<else>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 5>> <</if>> <<goto "seanmakingup">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I'm simply wary. I'll make that clear, but won't necessarily apologize. Yet.">> <<set $stillwary to true>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $sean to 15>> <<if $tom <15>> <<set $tom to 15>> <</if>> <<set $charlie to $charlie - 5>> <<goto "seanmakingup">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~So? I see no reason to apologize.">> <<set $tom to 1>> <<set $sean to 1>> <<set $charlie to $charlie - 10>> <<set $nearend_hamelin to true>> <<goto "noseanmakingup">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Actually I kinda started to like him, and I definitely don't wish death on him. I should really apologize.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<set $sean to 25>> <<if $tom <=20>> <<set $tom to 25>> <</if>> <<if $charlie <=34>> <<set $charlie to $charlie +15>> <<else>> <<set $charlie to $charlie +10>> <</if>> <<goto "seanmakingup">> <</link>></div>\ <<else>> "Tommy an' the boy saved me life," O'Brian says, brows furrowed and nodding towards Finley. "That woman tried to kill me an' Tommy."<br><br> You look at Finley and Burke.<br><br> Finley shrugs. "I came here 'cause I wanted to ask if Mr. O'Brian and Mr. Burke wanted something to eat, and there was this guy at the door pickin' the lock..."<br><br> "Guy?" you ask. "O'Brian said 'woman'."<br><br> "Disguise," Burke notes. "She made it clear during the fight she ain't one of'em fellers where the midwife got things <<if ($gender is 3 or $gender is 4) and $opentr>>wrong like with you." He quirks a brow. "No offense meant... An' I don't mean she been ramblin' against'em. Y'know what I mean. So, again, no offense meant..."<<else>>wrong. An' I don't mean she been ramblin' against'em. Y'know what I mean."<</if>><br><br> <<if ($gender is 3 or $gender is 4) and $opentr>>None taken,"<<else>>"I see,"<</if>> you say and nod curtly.<br><br> "What happened then?" Charlie asks, gesturing at Burke. "I mean, ya got attacked, that's a given. I presume your assailant told you she was after O'Brian?"<br><br> Burke nods. "Damn yer clever, an' I mean that. Some fellers woulda stopped at a plain 'What happened' as if they're stinkin' oblivious to what's before them." He frowns, wincing a little. "Right, so, Seán an' I, we been talkin'. A lot. When all was said an' done we really needed some rest. Seán was fast asleep fairly quickly, but he's always been like that. Could sleep on horseback if he wouldn't be too worried 'bout fallin' off."<br><br> "Once bitten, twice shy," O'Brian mumbles, pouting a little. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|whatoccurred1]]</div> <</if>><</nobr>>\

<<set $overnighttitle to $title>>\ <<set $overnightaddr to $addr>>\ <div align="center"><div class="specfont">~Chapter 5~</div>\ <h4>''~A Sufficient Ransom for Offense~''</h4>\ </div>\ "I had expected things to get weird, but I'd have preferred for them not to," you mutter, arms crossed in thought. At least this time you're granted a moment to wrap your head around things, as Mrs. Meadows still needs some time to check Miss Beauchêne over. Burke simply shrugs in response to your comment, leaning against the closed door. "Tell me 'bout it. Seán was all worried 'cause he couldn't think 'bout how he wronged that girl. Now he's just annoyed." "Can imagine," Charlie says, fiddling with his tie. "It's one thing if the law tries to see ya hang for a crime ya didn't commit, an' another when regular people have it out for ya." Burke raises his head in interest. "So ya don't think Seán killed Robert Brightwell?" he wonders, which in turn reminds you of something. Charlie quirks a brow at the younger man. "Mr. Burke, $nick asked me if I believe yer friend to be guilty just earlier the day. An' I'll tell ya what I told $them. I have seen yer face when ya heard who O'Brian supposedly killed. That wasn't the face of someone who'd find such deed possible." Burke blinks and ultimately blows a raspberry. "Yeah. I mean... ya could see all o' that in me face?" <<if $strong is 6 or $job is 6>>"$nick and I<<else>>"I<</if>> make a living outta reading others," Charlie shrugs. "So, how come it's unthinkable to you that O'Brian killed Robert Brightwell?" "We know O'Brian has killed before," you add. "So it can't be anythin' 'long the lines of 'He could never do that'." Burke looks from Charlie to you and back. "First both o'ya tell me if ya even think he did it," he mutters. "I think he didn't," Charlie answers. And you... <hr><<if $rats is 1 or $rats is 3>><div class="choice"><<link "I didn't believe that story to begin with.">> <<set $tom to $tom + 15>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "talkingtotommych3">> <</link>></div><</if>>\ <<if $rats is 2 or $rats is 4>><div class="choice"><<link "I might have believed that story at the start, but now I think it's rubbish.">> <<set $tom to $tom + 10>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "talkingtotommych3">> <</link>></div><</if>>\ <<if $rats is 2 or $rats is 4>><div class="choice"><<link "I believed the story, and I still don't know what to make of it.">> <<set $stilldoubts to true>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "talkingtotommych3">> <</link>></div><</if>>\ <<if $stillwary>><div class="choice"><<link "I had my doubts about things, but by now I'm think O'Brian's innocent.">> <<set $tom to $tom + 5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "talkingtotommych3">> <</link>></div><</if>>\ <<if $stillwary>><div class="choice"><<link "I had my doubts, and I still have them. A person can change a lot in three years.">> <<set $stilldoubts to true>> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<if $tom >=10>> <<set $tom to $tom - 5>><</if>> <<goto "talkingtotommych3">> <</link>></div><</if>>\

<<nobr>><<set $riddle1 = random(1, 2)>> <<set $riddle2 = random(1, 2)>> <<set $riddle3 = random(1, 2)>><</nobr>>\ <div align="center"><div class="specfont">~Chapter 6~</div>\ <h4>''~Past the Wit of Man to say~''</h4>\ </div>\ You have to admit this is a turn of events you hadn't expected. A feeling which, after the events of the past few days, you'd like to go without for just one day. "I had come under the impression you deem my abilities nonsense," Charlie waves dismissively, moving to sit at the table. "Desperate times, desperate measures, Mr. Mulligan," Lynwood retorts, looking at you. "Well, what do ya want then," Charlie inquires. "Because I doubt that this is, once more, 'bout O'Brian." Lynwood takes a deep breath, clutching the notebook to his chest. <<nobr>><<if $tell_lynbright or ($ch4path is 3 or $ch4path is 4 or $ch4path is 5)>> "As <<if $ch4path is 5>>you have seen<<else>>$title $Name can tell you<</if>> I am currently... occupied... with several investigations at once."<br><br> "Ya an' yer room looked like yer workin' on all the cases yer employer's got available at the moment," you say.<br><br> Lynwood looks at you exhausted, but agreeing.<br><br> "It's... a lot, yes." He sighs. <<else>> "I am currently... occupied... with several investigations at once."<</if>><</nobr>> Charlie cocks his head, curiously. "So, are ya here to ask for more help with yer cases 'cause yer agency doesn't have enough people?" Lynwood glares at Charlie. "Mr. Mulligan, I..." he begins, takes a sharp, deep breath and turns on his heel. "It was a mistake coming here," he murmurs, making for the door. "My apologies." You step into his path. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Demand to know what he wants.">> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "lynsrequest">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Point out how irrational he is right now.">> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "lynsrequest">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Ask him why he came here.">> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 10>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "lynsrequest">> <</link>></div>\

<div align="center"> <div class="specfont">~Chapter 9~</div>\ <h6>''~The Art of Keeping People from Coughing~''</h6>\ </div>\

<<set $overnighttitle to $title>>\ <<set $overnightaddr to $addr>>\ <div align="center"><div class="specfont">~Chapter 7~</div>\ <h4>''~The Meanness of the Methods~''</h4>\ </div>\ Raspberry, vanilla, and some herbs you can't remember the names of. Not the worst smell you've ever woken up to, but certainly one of the weirder ones. You groan, sore all over, and peel your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> open, to find yourself in a small, dimly lit room. Not your hotel room, but certainly not what you had expected after the ambush either. You pull yourself into a half-sitting position, and the first thing you notice is that the mattress and sheets are some of the softest and warmest you ever laid on. In fact, they feel much softer than they have any right to be. You don't know what to make of it, so the next best thing you can do is <<if $mcglasses>>squint<<else>>look<</if>> around to get maybe a decent idea of where you might be. The room is small and L-shaped, the door around a corner, and a solitary window across from it in the far corner to your right. The heavy curtains are drawn, but you catch a glimpse of the nightly sky outside. There's a nightstand and a chair to the left of the <<if $mcglasses>>bed (with your glasses placed neatly on the former)<<else>>bed<</if>>, but what most certainly draws your attention is the item on the low, round table on the opposite wall, just between the door and the window. You wouldn't necessarily fancy yourself a great astronomer, but you are decently certain that that thing illuminating the chamber so gently is the moon. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Investigate the Moon.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "ch7dream1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~There's the window, check where you are first.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "ch7dream1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Just stay in bed, something is very, very wrong here.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "ch7dream1">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $continuity is 1>> You look at the others, frown a little, shrug, and follow.<br><br> "What's that supposed to mean anyway?" you ask as you fall in step next to Mrs. Meadows. <<else>> "I'd rather have Blayne explain this to us," you say, crossing your arms defiantly.<br><br> Mrs. Meadows stops at the doorway and looks at you in dismay. "Mr. Blayne is asleep. You have seen the state he's in, so any further, and first and foremost unnecessary disturbance of his rest is out of the question. Now. Come." She turns away and sashays down the corridor.<br><br> You look at the others, frown sourly, but shrug and follow.<br><br> "What was that supposed to mean?" you try to make smalltalk as you fall in step next to Mrs. Meadows. "Not Blayne being asleep, I mean. The other thing."<</if>><</nobr>> "Mhnn?" "The bit about the walls havin' ears. I wasn't under the impression anyone followed us. I mean, ya took care o' that." "We did, but we can't be careful enough. Due to Mr. O'Brian we now also got the Pinkerton agents upset at us. Granted, they are upset at everyone." You step out into the backyard, Finley waiting for you with your horses and mules. "Mrs. Meadows?" the boy greets, looking more worried than usual. "Toby says there's some trouble down the western streets. Them Pinkertons are looking for Mr. O'Brian. East and north are clear, though." O'Brian pales a little at that, and you raise a brow. "They're persistent, ain't they?" you wonder. "Yeah, an' all that for a guy I ain't even ever see in me life." "You will have to tell us the tale at a later point, O'Brian," Mrs. Meadows says, mounting her horse. "But for now you go back into the house. I'm heading to the station." Wait, what? "The train station?" you wonder. "I thought we were ridin' to New Hamelin." "With the Pinkertons in our way?" Mrs. Meadows begins. "No. But you heard Finley. Eastern and northern ends of town are clear, so we'll have to go by train." At this Mrs. Meadows scrunches up her nose in dismay. "I had hoped it wouldn't come to this. You look at Charlie. Apparently Blayne did not plan for everything after all. "Now get back inside," Mrs. Meadows urges you sternly. "I'll be back in about an hour." She clicks her tongue and rides off, leaving you standing. "So," O'Brian begins after a moment of awkward silence, looking at Blayne's lackeys still being around. "Do we head back inside? Don't think making a run for it is an option." You nod. "Ya got a very pretty horse, sir," Finley suddenly tells O'Brian as one of the men brings the horses back to the stable. And O'Brian's face lights up. "Thank ya, lad. Her name's Polina." Finley smiles. "That's a very pretty name." He looks at Charlie. <<if $arfinn.includes($name.toLowerCase())>>"$title $Name — Wow, that really sounds odd — $they<<else>>"$title $Name<</if>> told me yer horse is named Wicklow. Is... Is it alright when I say he's scary?" Charlie laughs. "He is. But he's harmless." Finley nods and looks at you. "Can I ask yer horse's name, $addr?" "Sure. It's..." <hr><<nobr>> <<if $fname.toLowerCase() isnot "annabelle">> <div class="choice"><<link "~Annabelle.">> <<set $hname to "Annabelle">> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $fname.toLowerCase() isnot "poppy">> <div class="choice"><<link "~Poppy.">> <<set $hname to "Poppy">> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $fname.toLowerCase() isnot "willard">> <div class="choice"><<link "~Willard.">> <<set $hname to "Willard">> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $fname.toLowerCase() isnot "keiran">> <div class="choice"><<link "~Keiran.">> <<set $hname to "Keiran">> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $fname.toLowerCase() isnot "estrella">> <div class="choice"><<link "~Estrella.">> <<set $hname to "Estrella">> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $fname.toLowerCase() isnot "jacinta">> <div class="choice"><<link "~Jacinta.">> <<set $hname to "Jacinta">> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $fname.toLowerCase() isnot "diego">> <div class="choice"><<link "~Diego.">> <<set $hname to "Diego">> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $fname.toLowerCase() isnot "santiago">> <div class="choice"><<link "~Santiago.">> <<set $hname to "Santiago">> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <div class="choice"><<link "~Fiddlesticks.">> <<set $hname to "Fiddlesticks">> <<set $rudehorse to true>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Fanny.">> <<set $hname to "Fanny">> <<set $rudehorse to true>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Palito.">> <<set $hname to "Palito">> <<set $rudehorse to true>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Demonche.">> <<set $hname to "Demonche">> <<set $rudehorse to true>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Guǐhún.">> <<set $hname to "Guǐhún">> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Saligaud.">> <<set $hname to "Saligaud">> <<set $rudehorse to true>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~...">> <<goto "ownhorsename">> <</link>></div> <</nobr>>

<<if $weirdhorse is 0>> "It's <<elseif $weirdhorse is 1>> Finley blinks. "You... named yer horse after yerself?"<br><br> "No. Charlie named me horse after me."<br><br> Charlie flashes you one of his infamous, winning smiles. "Ya oughta know better than to make such bets wi' me, $nick. I appreciate yer being a $isac o' yer word an' keepin' the name."<br><br> You briefly roll your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> at that and shrug.<br><br> "Well, the two o' us already cause enough confusion with our names, so why not go all out?"<br><br> "I mean, it's <<elseif $weirdhorse is 2>> <<set $achievement1 to true>> <<notify 4s>> <div align="center"> <div class="specfont"><u>//Achievement Acquired!//</u></div><br> ''//~Ya Gonna Ride That?~//'' <br><br> //Ya been through the desert on a horse with... a weird name...//</div><</notify>> Finley blinks. "You... named yer horse after Mr. Mulligan?"<br><br> You shrug. "No. Charlie had me name it after him."<br><br> Charlie flashes you one of his infamous, winning smiles. "Ya oughta know better than to make such bets wi' me, $nick. I appreciate yer being a $isac o' yer word an' keepin' the name."<br><br> "Yeah, an' now we both gotta live with all the 'Is it 'cause I wanna ride ya'-jokes. Great work."<br><br> Charlie's smile just broadens.<br><br> <<if $hname.toLowerCase() is "charlneigh" or $hname.toLowerCase() is "charneigh">> O'Brian cocks his head at you after a moment of just staring.<br><br> "Please tell me I misheard," he nonchalantly gestures at his half-missing ear, "and that name isn't spelled C-H-A-R-Horsesound."<br><br> <<if $hname.toLowerCase() is "charlneigh">>"It isn't," you say, innocently. "There's an 'L' in it, too."<<else>>"It is though."<</if>><br><br> O'Brian just let's out a long groan.<br><br> <<else>> O'Brian smirks.<br><br> <</if>> "I dunno if I ought t' fear or admire ya."<br><br> "I mean, it's <<elseif $weirdhorse is 3>> Finley blinks. "You... named yer horse after yerself?"<br><br> "No. Charlie named me horse after me."<br><br> Charlie flashes you one of his infamous, winning smiles. "Ya oughta know better than to make such bets wi' me, $nick. I appreciate yer being a $isac o' yer word an' keepin' the name."<br><br> "I mean... It's <<elseif $weirdhorse is 4>> <<if $doublehorse is 15>> O'Brian does a double-take and stares at you bewildered.<br><br> "What do ya mean yer horse got the same name as mine?" he protests.<br><br> You can't offer him a better response than a baffled shrug, while your horses neigh... amused? <<elseif $doublehorse is 17>> O'Brian let's out a whistle.<br><br> "Oh, that's gonna be weird..." "Why?" you ask. "As we're goin' to Potter's Springs— I know a horse there by the same name." "I mean, it's <<elseif $doublehorse is 18>> "Oh dear," Finley mutters.<br><br> "What's wrong?" you ask.<br><br> "Mrs. Meadows' horse has the same name," the boy explains.<br><br> "Oh..." "I mean, it's <<elseif $doublehorse is 20>> "Oh?" O'Brian blinks.<br><br> "Somethin' amiss?"<br><br> "No. Just that O'Reilly's horse has the same name.<br><br> "Oh..."<br><br> "I mean... It //is// <<else>> "Fleabite, really?" O'Brian quirks a <<if $doublemeadows>>brow. "Isn't that what Meadows's been callin' ya?"<else>brow.<</if>><br><br> "Oh shush."<br><br> "I mean... It //is// <</if>> <<elseif $weirdhorse is 5>> "That's <<elseif $weirdhorse is 6>> <<set $achievement4 to true>> <<notify 4s>> <div align="center"> <div class="specfont"><u>//Achievement Acquired!//</u></div><br> ''//~Only Fools And Horses...~//'' <br><br> //Well, one horse at least...//</div><</notify>> O'Brian and Finley look at you in perfectly synchronized confusion. It's Finley who finds his voice again first.<br><br> "You... //all// are named that?"<br><br> You shrug. "Ya can blame Charlie for that..."<br><br> Charlie flashes you one of his infamous, winning smiles. "Ya oughta know better than to make such bets wi' me, $nick. I appreciate yer being a $isac o' yer word an' keepin' the <<if $doublecharlie >=11>> name."<br><br> "Ya certainly share yer parents' sense o' commitment," O'Brian notes, nonchalantly.<br><br> <<else>> name."<br><br> <</if>> "I mean... It's <<elseif $weirdhorse is 7>> <<if $doublehorse is 1>> O'Brian flashes you an utterly bewildered and offended look.<br><br> "Excuse you?" he huffs.<br><br> You shrug. "I obviously didn't name it after //you//..."<br><br> Somehow O'Brian seems to deem //that// more of an affront than the name itself...<br><br> Then he does another double-take.<br><br> "Hold up. Did ya name it after //yerself//?"<br><br> "No. Charlie named it after me."<br><br> Charlie graces you with one of his infamous, winning smiles. "Ya oughta know better than to make such bets wi' me, $nick. I appreciate yer being a $isac o' yer word an' keepin' the name. This is gonna be delicious."<br><br> "I mean... It's <<elseif $doublehorse is 2>> Finley blinks. "You... named yer horse after yerself?"<br><br> "No. Charlie named me horse after me."<br><br> Charlie flashes you one of his infamous, winning smiles. "Ya oughta know better than to make such bets wi' me, $nick. I appreciate yer being a $isac o' yer word an' keepin' the name."<br><br> You briefly roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>, only to catch O'Brian give you the weirdest and most bewildered look at that for some reason, before quickly turning away, ashamed.<br><br> Curious...<br><br> "I mean... It's <<elseif $doublehorse is 3>> O'Brian snaps his head around at you and stares as if you just revealed yourself to be Lincoln's ghost.<br><br> "Excuse you?"<br><br> "What? I didn't name me horse after yer O'Reilly, if ya think that."<br><br> O'Brian harrumphs, half-offended, nevertheless.<br><br> "I mean... It's <<elseif $doublehorse is 4>> O'Brian lets out a snorting laughter.<br><br> "What's wrong with that name?" you inquire, feeling a little offended on behalf of your horse.<br><br> "Nothin'. Just, we'll be goin' to Potter's Springs. I know someone there by that name. An' she's gonna have some words to say 'bout it."<br><br> "Good ones or bad ones?"<br><br> "She ain't a bad person, so, we'll see..."<br><br> "I mean... It's <<elseif $doublehorse is 5>> "Oh dear," Finley mutters.<br><br> <<if $armeadows.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> "What?" You blink<br><br> "That's Mrs. Meadows' name, remember. Sounds like it at least."<br><br> Oh, yeah. There's that...<br><br> <</if>> "Meadows gonna eat me alive, won't she?" you grumble, only half-joking. "I mean she already seems to not take kindly in sharin' a name with //me// already..."<br><br> "If it's any help, $addr, it's <<elseif $doublehorse is 6>> <<if $arlynwoodsur.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> A bemused smile tugs on your lips, it only now sinking in that you don't just share a name with your horse (you can thank Charlie for that, you oughta know better than making bets with him by now) but with that Pinkerton agent. Poor horse, poor you. <<else>> Finley blinks. "You... named yer horse after yerself?"<br><br> "No. Charlie named me horse after me."<br><br> Charlie flashes you one of his infamous, winning smiles. "Ya oughta know better than to make such bets wi' me, $nick. I appreciate yer being a $isac o' yer word an' keepin' the name."<br><br> You briefly roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> at that and shrug.<br><br> <</if>> "I mean, it's <<elseif $doublehorse is 7>> The boy stares at you with wide eyes.<br><br> "Yer jokin'. I-I mean you and I already share a name and..." He looks positively panicky.<br><br> You shrug apologetic.<br><br> "Y'can blame Charlie over here for that. I lost a bet with'im.," you say, and Charlie shrugs sheepishly.<br><br> Finley shuffles a little, calming down, more or less...<br><br> "This will get weird, will it?"<br><br> "Not necessarily."<br><br> "I mean... It's <<elseif $doublehorse is 8>> ''(NOTE: This is a bug, this should not be reachable)'' <<elseif $doublehorse is 9>> O'Brian's gaze wanders up to one of the windows.<br><br> "Don't let him know that," he mutters, clearly amused. "Oughta be weird enough what with you...<br><br> You just shake your head.<br><br> "I mean... It's <<elseif $doublehorse is 10>> Charlie cranes his neck up to one of the windows in thought.<br><br> "Maybe not let him know that," he mutters, somberly. "Has to have been enough o' a sting what with you...<br><br> "I get what you mean..." you mutter back.<br><br> "I mean... It's <<elseif $doublehorse is 13>> Finley blinks. "You... named yer horse after yerself?"<br><br> <<if $hname.toLowerCase() isnot "florence" and $hname.toLowerCase() isnot "robert">> "Naw, that's all on Charlie's sister Ada, 'twas her idea. I just lost a bet."<br><br> "Ya already know not to take bets wi' me, what made ya take one with Ada?" Charlie smirks.<br><br> "Oh shush."<br><br> <<if $hname.toLowerCase() is "ada">> "So, she made ya name yer horse after herself?" O'Brian asks. "Weird woman."<br><br> "Yer not far off," Charlie agrees.<br><br> <<elseif $hname.toLowerCase() is "grace">> "So, she made ya name yer horse after yerself?" O'Brian asks. "Weird woman."<br><br> "Yer not far off," Charlie agrees. "Grace's our youngest sister."<br><br> <<else>> Then his smile falters.<br><br> "Still can't believe she made yer name the horse after Matt."<br><br> "Who's that, if I may ask?" Finley pipes up. "Charlie's older brother. Died quite some time ago," you answer.<br><br> "Oh. I-I'm sorry."<br><br> "It's alright," Charlie sighs, and judging by the look crawling over his face then, Matt probably just made a comment that has Charlie trying very hard to not laugh.<br><br> <</if>> <<else>> Finley blinks. "You... named yer horse after yerself?"<br><br> "No. Charlie named me horse after me."<br><br> Charlie flashes you one of his infamous, winning smiles. "Ya oughta know better than to make such bets wi' me, $nick. I appreciate yer being a $isac o' yer word an' keepin' the name."<br><br> You briefly roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> at that and <<if $mcglasses>>decidely push your glasses up your nose with a harrumph<<else>>harrumph<</if>>.<br><br> <</if>> "I mean... It's <<else>> Finley blinks. "You... named yer horse after yerself?"<br><br> "No. Charlie named me horse after me."<br><br> Charlie flashes you one of his infamous, winning smiles. "Ya oughta know better than to make such bets wi' me, $nick. I appreciate yer being a $isac o' yer word an' keepin' the name."<br><br> You briefly roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> at that and <<if $mcglasses>> decidely push your glasses up your nose with a harrumph<<else>>harrumph<</if>>.<br><br> "I mean... It's <</if>> <<elseif $weirdhorse is 8>> <<if $doublehorse is 1>> O'Brian flashes you an utterly bewildered and offended look.<br><br> "Excuse you?" he huffs.<br><br> You shrug. "I obviously didn't name it after //you//..."<br><br> Somehow O'Brian seems to deem //that// more of an affront than the name itself...<br><br> "I mean... It's <<elseif $doublehorse is 2>> O'Brian's face sours and he turns away for a moment.<br><br> Strange, that.<br><br> "I mean... It's <<elseif $doublehorse is 3>> O'Brian snaps his head around at you and stares as if you just revealed yourself to be Lincoln's ghost.<br><br> "Excuse you?"<br><br> "What? I didn't name me horse after yer O'Reilly, if ya think that."<br><br> O'Brian harrumphs, half-offended, nevertheless.<br><br> "I mean... It's <<elseif $doublehorse is 4>> O'Brian lets out a snorting laughter.<br><br> "What's wrong with that name?" you inquire, feeling a little offended on behalf of your horse.<br><br> "Nothin'. Just, we'll be goin' to Potter's Springs. I know someone there by that name. An' she's gonna have some words to say 'bout it."<br><br> "Good ones or bad ones?"<br><br> "She ain't a bad person, so, we'll see..."<br><br> "I mean... It's <<elseif $doublehorse is 5>> "Oh dear," Finley mutters.<br><br> <<if $armeadows.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> "What?" You blink<br><br> "That's Mrs. Meadows' name. Sounds like it at least."<br><br> <</if>> "Meadows gonna eat me alive, won't she?" you grumble, only half-joking.<br><br> "If it's any help, $addr, it's <<elseif $doublehorse is 6>> <<if $arlynwoodsur.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> A bemused smile tugs on your lips, it only now sinking in that your horse shares a name with that Pinkerton agent. Poor horse.<br><br> <<else>> You don't know why, but there is a brief, but certain sense of dread washing over you. Weird.<br><br> <</if>> "It's <<elseif $doublehorse is 7>> The boy stares at you with wide eyes.<br><br> "Yer jokin'. I-I mean..." He looks positively panicky.<br><br> You shrug apologetic.<br><br> "Well, I didn't know ya when I named me horse."<br><br> Finley shuffles a little, calming down, more or less...<br><br> "This will get weird, will it?"<br><br> "Not necessarily."<br><br> "I-I mean... It's <<elseif $doublehorse is 8>> ''(NOTE: This is a bug, this should not be reachable)'' <<elseif $doublehorse is 9>> O'Brian's gaze wanders up to one of the windows.<br><br> "Don't let him know that," he mutters, clearly amused. "Oughta be weird...<br><br> You just shake your head.<br><br> "Well... It's <<elseif $doublehorse is 10>> Charlie cranes his neck up to one of the windows in thought.<br><br> "Maybe not let him know that," he mutters, somberly. "That's oughta sting...<br><br> "I get what you mean..." you mutter back.<br><br> "Well... It's <<elseif $doublehorse is 13>> <<if $hname.toLowerCase() isnot "florence" and $hname.toLowerCase() isnot "robert">> You cast Charlie a knowing glance, and judging by the look crawling over his face then, Matt probably just made a comment about it that has Charlie trying very hard to not laugh.<br><br> "Huh. It's <<else>> "Huh. It's <</if>> <</if>> <<else>> "$hname. <<if $hname.toLowerCase() is "horse">>Really<<else>>That's... that's just 'Horse' in another language. Really<</if>>?" O'Brian looks almost personally offended by that, but with a distinct air of reverence for such level of nonsense.<br><br> <<if $doublecharlie >=11>> Then he gives you a long, nonplussed look.<br><br> "...Yeah, I'm starting to see why yer parents named ya what they named ya." <</if>> "Huh. I think it's <</if>> a good name," Finley says, scratching his arm.<br><br> <<if $hnamelong isnot "">> "And it's only the short version," Charlie notes with a smirk.<br><br> "Oh?"<br><br> You look at Finley.<br><br> "The full name's $hnamelong," you say.<br><br> O'Brian cocks his head at you.<br><br> <<if $horsereaction is 1>> "I'm starting to think we'll either get along very well or not at all."<br><br> <<elseif $horsereaction is 2>> "Yeah, really don't know if I oughta be scared or in awe o' ya."<br><br> <<elseif $horsereaction is 3>> "Y'know, there's people out there that'd love to study how the brains o' people like us work."<br><br> <<elseif $horsereaction is 4>> "I'm trying to decide if I would have encouraged or protested that had I been there."<br><br> <<elseif $horsereaction is 5>> "You know how t'surprise people. I'm startin' to like you."<br><br> <<else>> "Yer a bit strange, keep it up."<br><br> <</if>> You don't question what he means by that.<br><br> <</if>> You look back at the house.<br><br> "Y'know what," you muse aloud. "I gonna talk to Blayne."<br><br> "Mrs. Meadows won't like that," Finley reminds you. You sigh.<br><br> "I don't doubt that, lad. Look, I ain't trying to 'cause Blayne any harm. I'm just goin' to get some vital info. I'm not keen on going into something like this while being givin' only crumbs of information."<br><br> And you stalk off. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|blaynemorning8]]</div>

So you call your horse <<if $hnamelong is "">>'$hname'<<else>>'$hnamelong', '$hname' for short<</if>>. Is that correct? Everything spelled and capitalized the way you wanted it? <<nobr>><hr><<if $hnamelong is "">> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes.">> <<if $archarlie.includes($hname.toLowerCase()) or $archarliesur.includes($hname.toLowerCase()) or $hname.toLowerCase() is "charneigh" or $hname.toLowerCase() is "charlneigh">> <<goto "ownhorsetest1">> <<else>> <<goto "ownhorsetest2">> <</if>> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, let me fix that.">> <<goto "fixhorse">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes.">> <<set $horsereaction = random(1, 6)>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, let me fix that.">> <<goto "fixhorselong">> <</link>></div> <</if>><</nobr>>

<<if $continuity is 1>> You take a deep breath, get up, stretch and peek into the drawing room. Charlie is hunched over the table, shaking his head at his tarot cards.<br><br> He looks up as you clear your throat.<br><br> "Mhnn?"<br><br> "I wanted to apologize," you say. "For not listenin' to ya, Charlie. When ya said we shouldn't take that job."<br><br> Charlie looks at you for a moment, and smiles softly.<br><br> "Thank you, $nick, that means a lot."<br><br> "Damage's done, though."<br><br> "Yeah. Gotta make the best o' it now." He smiles at you again, before looking back at his cards.<br><br> You know it's best to leave him to his reading. You sigh gently and begin <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You sigh gently. Damage's done, and the best you can do now is to make the best of the current situation.<br><br> You know it's best to leave Charlie to his tarot reading right now, so you get up and start <<elseif $continuity is 3>> After all, this is certainly all a bit bigger than what you had dealt with before (including the thing in New Orleans). And as good a friends as Charlie is, you decide it might be best to just wait and see.<br><br> You stretch and get up, <<else>> In the end it was worth it, wasn't it? And there is, however, a part of you that now wonders how much you missed out on because you heeded Charlie's warnings before.<br><br> You're not certain you like that part.<br><br> You kick your legs a little before getting up and <</if>> walking around the house for a few minutes.<br><br> That is till you decide to take make the best of the time and take a nap.<br><br> ~+~<br><br> You already kinda expected Mrs. Meadows giving you a bit of a rough awakening when she returned. At least she seemed surprised that you didn't actually try to make a run for it..<br><br> Still drowsy and rather disheveled you make your way back outside to join the others. A yawn, a bit of heveling yourself and off you are. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Later|leavingfornewhamelin]]</div>

<<if $continuity is 1>> You <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You shrug. "Naw. Know what? I think I'll take a nap as well."<br><br> You <<if $mcglasses>>carefully put away your glasses, nestle<<else>>nestle<</if>> into the seat and close your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>, just as something hits your knee. You look to find Mrs. Meadows has slapped you, and is now sitting back, looking at you <<if $mcglasses>>angrily, while you fumble your glasses back on<<else>>angrily<</if>>.<br><br> "You can rest when I'm certain you are not like this because there is genuinely trouble brewing."<br><br> You are about to protest when you see the glimpse of genuine, deep seated worry cross Mrs. Meadows face.<br><br> "Oh fine..."<br><br> You <<else>> "Why are ya like this?" you grunt.<br><br> "Like what?"<br><br> You simply gesture at her. "Like... that. Mean-spirited an' all. Charlie an' I've never done ya wrong, an' O'Brian's just here by chance. And ya wanted to deliver him straight to the gallows.<br><br> "He's a criminal."<br><br> "So are we," you frown.<br><br> "The difference is //you// clashed with the Otherling's worshippers."<br><br> You blink. "The what?"<br><br> Mrs. Meadows sighs. "The name of the creature we are going up against." Another sigh, this time a little more uncertain. "Look, I shall tell you once we have reached New Hamelin."<br><br> You ponder this for a moment, and search Mrs. Meadows' face. You can't help but feel like she's genuinely scared of something. That certainly doesn't bode well.<br><br> "Alright," you say, leaning back in your seat. "But y'know, with how ya look like now, I dunno if ya'd really wanna hear what's bothering me."<br><br> "Try me."<br><br> You <</if>> take a deep breath, sort your mind and sigh heavily.<br><br> "I feel like we're bein' watched," you say, and Mrs. Meadow looks at you very worried. Not really the reaction you had expected from her.<br><br> "Watched?"<br><br> "Yeah. I mean, ya said ya took care of'em Pinkertons, but... I dunno." You look at Charlie, and consider. "Then again... Maybe it won't be too bad..."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows looks baffled. "It can't be both. It's either worrying enough to distract you, or not be too bad."<br><br> "Oh, it can." You nod at Charlie. "Ya been informed 'bout Charlie. Lemme tell ya, if Charlie hasn't had a seriously bad feelin' 'bout it yet, we're fine."<br><br> "Oh?"<br><br> "Look, I dunno if ya believe in what Charlie can do or not, but what I know is that Charlie's gut never let him down for as long as I know him."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows wrinkles her nose. "Knowing what I know about the array of misadventures the two of you have been through I don't think that means much."<br><br> Right on cue Charlie yawns awake, rubbing sleep out of his eye."Ya been talkin' 'bout me?" <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|chapter2end]]</div>

"Did... did ya forget what ya called yer horse?" Finley wonders with genuine innocents. You snort a laugh. "Of course not. It's... <<textbox "_temphname" "(your horse's name, please)">> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<set _names to _temphname.split(/\s+/)>> <<if _temphname is "(your horse's name, please)" or _temphname is "" or _temphname.toLowerCase() is "your horse's name, please" or _temphname.toLowerCase() is "your horse's name">> <<run UI.alert("Enter your horse's name, please.")>> <<elseif _temphname.length > 30>> <<run UI.alert("That's too long a name. Sorry.")>> <<elseif _temphname.toLowerCase() is "prescott" or _temphname.toLowerCase() is "prescot" or $arsurnames.includes(_temphname.toLowerCase())>> <<run UI.alert("No, no, no, don't do that to your horse.")>> <<elseif $arhorses.includes(_temphname.toLowerCase())>> <<run UI.alert("Please use a different name. Thank you.")>> <<else>> <<if _names.length is 1>> <<set $hname to _temphname>> <<goto "ownhorsenamecheck">> <<else>> <<run UI.alert("Please keep the name to 1 (one) word for this step, more can be added later. Thank you.")>> <</if>> <</if>> <</link>></div>

Just as you reach the stairs Charlie reaches you and grabs you by the arm. "What?" you ask, rather taken aback. "We need to talk, $nick." As Charlie lets go of you you look at him questioningly. "Bad feeling?" "Just general worries. I can't shake off the feelin' we're gettin' into somethin' bigger than we've bargained for, an' I don't like it." "I mean, goin' up against a Doomsday Cult set on bringin' the end of the world sounds like an already big bargain to me." Charlie just huffs, worried. "Y'know how I mean." "Unfortunately. So... What would you make o' all this so far?" "I dunno, honestly. Would be nice to know what exactly Blayne wants from us without botherin' him. Devil's Creek ain't a small town, and Lord above knows what exactly's even goin' on there." "Take it none o' yer contacts could tell ya?" "No. But this is America's largest an' most cursed ghost town we're talkin' about. You'd think gettin' some information 'bout it from the dead would be a walk in the park, but... Well, you know how they can be." You grin. Regardless of what you yourself think of Charlie's abilities, <<if $skeptic is true>>you do get the impression<<else>>the two of you agree<</if>> that the dead don't seem to know anything but the immediate future and be very picky about giving out information from past and present, while the forces of the beyond that guide Charlie tarot readings are dreadfully obtuse on purpose. "I just think we shouldn't bother Blayne," Charlie says, and sighs. "I think he's off worse than he let's on." "Think so?" Charlie nods. "Yeah. By all means, I'd say he's currently got more morphine runnin' through his veins than blood." You turn your head and look upstairs. "He did look bad enough for that..." You fumble for your watch. "So we just wait for Meadows to return?" Charlie nods. "Y'know..." you muse, "D'ya think they failed to kill Blayne there, or was this meant to be a warning?" "Could be either." Charlie tilts his head back in thought. "Honestly? I hope it's the former. 'Cause whether they left him for dead or couldn't beat him an' made a run for it, it'd mean they're overestimating themselves." "I had hoped for a silver lining, but I'd like a different one," you deadpan. Charlie chuckles. "Know what?" he says. "I'll have a look at the cards an' see what they'll have to say 'bout headin' headfirst to Hell." "Oh, c'mon. Just 'cause one o' the most notorious bounty hunters is roping us in to work for him against a doomsday cult in the most haunted town of the nation an' we prolly got them Pinkertons on our heels you can't just call it headin' headfirst to Hell. It's more a jaunty stroll." Charlie laughs heartily and heads towards the drawing room. You grin a bit, before slumping down on the stairs with a heavy sigh. No, this isn't how you expected things to go. You think back on the events of the last few weeks, and wonder if you should have listened to Charlie's warnings after all. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Yeah, maybe. Guess I owe him an apology.">> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 10>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "blaynemorning9">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Maybe. I'll do better next time.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "blaynemorning9">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "I dunno. I'll wait how things turn out from here on.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "blaynemorning9">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Naw. Not with all the money we made.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "blaynemorning9">> <</link>></div>\

It had been a little while past noon when your train left Clementsburg, and now you find you'd somehow have preferred riding. The upside of the train's certainly that you'll make the distance to New Hamelin in a few hours rather than a few days, but at the same time riding would have meant much more space around you. Despite the fact that your little group's got a compartment to itself, you feel watched. And, unpleasantly enough, the feeling doesn't cease the further from Clementsburg you are. The train is rattling along, Charlie, Finley and O'Brian fast asleep in their seats, and you musing about everything that happened and everything Charlie said. "You look nervous," Mrs. Meadows suddenly says, drawing you out of your gloomy musing. "I am." "Anything you wish to talk about?" You quirk a brow at her. "Ya haven't been this nice since we met." "I'm not trying to be nice, I'm trying to be effective," Mrs. Meadows explains coldly. She casts a glance around. So do you. The others have fallen asleep, while Mrs. Meadows herself has been studying a map of the greater area. <<if $doublemeadows>>"Fleabite, I<<else>>"$title $Name, I<</if>> believe you have understood what's at stake. We have no use for anyone being with their mind elsewhere. Thus, is there anything you wish to talk about?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Take the offer to talk and get my worries off my chest.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "leavingfornewhamelin1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I'd rather follow the men's lead and take a nap.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "leavingfornewhamelin1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Call her out on her coldness first. If she still wants to talk then, we can.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "leavingfornewhamelin1">> <</link>></div>\

You fill him in. He yawns again and stretches carefully. "I mean, I did have a bad feelin' 'bout that job we did for this Hodgeson." "Yet you went through with it." Charlie smiles brilliantly at Mrs. Meadows. "Madam, ya must remember the miserable situations $nick an' I find ourselves in all too commonly. If a job is odd but pays well, it's all too easy to ignore these feelings." Charlie smiles wryly. "But rest assured, I shall let you know should I not feel too well 'bout any situation we shall encounter." "Good Heavens, you //are// a hopeless smooth-talker," Mrs. Meadows seems amused, that's a new one. "So," you venture, "what ya been lookin' at?" You nod at the map, which Mrs. Meadows now folds back together carefully. "The best route, naturally." "From New Hamelin to Potter's Springs?" you make sure. "That'd be along the river up to the Partridge Est-" You are cut off by the compartment door being opened and an unfortunately familiar face greeting you. "$title $Name, Mr. Mulligan," Agent Lynwood greets you. "I had wondered where you might have disappeared to..." <div align="center"><div class="specfont">🙞End of Chapter 2🙜</div></div>\ <hr><div class="choice">[[~On to the next Chapter|ch3start]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "While I don't really care," you begin, "I still feel inclined to ask just what ya mean by that."<br><br> Sheriff Lowell looks at you, and smiles dryly.<br><br> "I mean exactly what it sounded like I meant, $Name. Well, <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You cock your head. "Is he now? What do you mean by that?"<br><br> The sheriff looks at you, smiling dryly.<br><br> "I mean exactly what it sounded like I meant, $Name. Well, <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You cast the sheriff a tired glance, sigh and turn away.<br><br> "What d'ya mean by that?" O'Brian chimes in, and you bite back a grin.<br><br> "I mean exactly what it sounded like I meant, O'Brian," Sheriff Lowell says. "Well, <<else>> You cast the sheriff an annoyed glance, frown and turn away.<br><br> "What d'ya mean by that?" O'Brian chimes in, and you bite back a bemused snort.<br><br> "I mean exactly what it sounded like I meant, O'Brian," Sheriff Lowell says. "Well, <</if>> maybe he's not scared of Mrs. Meadows directly, but certainly of her contacts."<</nobr>> "Ya seem to be quite certain of that," Charlie notes. "That's because I am, Mulligan. I did know her husband, I know who's amongst his clients and friends, and I know which of these people remained friendly towards Lian after Nathan died." "First name basis? That's unexpected." O'Brian grins, which earns him a piercing glare from the sheriff. "Yes, and be grateful for that, O'Brian," Lowell says. "If not for her vouching for all of you, you — at least //you// — would be swinging alongside Burke in about half an hour." Before you — or anyone, really — can react, O'Brian stumbles forward, grabbing the bars like at a lifeline, and stares at the sheriff with panicked, frantic eyes. "What?" he croaks. He looks as if he's about to pass out. Color has entirely drained from his face, his breath is ragged and his frame is shaking. You cast Charlie a questioning glance, and Charlie nods, worried. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Step up to O'Brian with Charlie, in case he //does// pass out.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<set $low to $low + 5>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 10>> <<set $sean to $sean + 10>> <<goto "ch3jail2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Nod Charlie to handle this. He has the better reactions.">> <<set $low to $low + 5>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 5>> <<set $sean to $sean + 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "ch3jail2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Signal Charlie to stand back, we're not interfering.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<set $low to $low - 5>> <<set $charlie to $charlie - 5>> <<if $sean <15>> <<set $sean to 5>> <<else>> <<set $sean to $sean - 5>> <</if>> <<goto "ch3jail2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Step in Charlie's way. There's no need for us to get involved.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<set $low to $low - 5>> <<set $charlie to $charlie - 10>> <<if $sean <15>> <<set $sean to 1>> <<else>> <<set $sean to $sean - 10>> <</if>> <<goto "ch3jail2">> <</link>></div>\

<<link `$they is "she"?"<q>It's 'Mrs.', yes.</q>" : "<q>It's 'Mrs.'.</q>"`>> Doublename: $doublefname (counts for first and last name) $doublenames (counts for last name), Doubled: $doubled (counts for nickname) Double Horse: $doublehorse (horse shares a name with an npc or another horse) 1 = sean or O'brian 2 = tommy, thomas or burke 3 = quinn/o'reilly 4 = josie or Mckee 5 = meadows 6 = giles 7 = finn 8 = prescott 9 = Blayne 10 = Reuben 11 = Isaac, Delgado 12 = Tess, Therese, 13 = Florence, Ada, Robert, Grace, Matt, Matthew 14 = kaede 15 = (horse) Polina (should result in weirdhorse being 4) 16 = (horse) Sunrise (should result in weirdhorse being 5) 17 = (horse) seafoam (should result in weirdhorse being 4) 18 = (horse) yun (should result in weirdhorse being 4) 19 = horse netty or nettie (should result in weirdhorse being 5) 20 = misfit 21 = horse is Fleabite 'weirdhorse' = $weirdhorse 1 = Mc and horse share a name (not with any npc), and Mc and Charlie share a different one 2 = Charlie and the horse share a name, but not with the MC 3 = MC and Horse share a name (not with any npc), but neither is similar to Charlie or Mulligan 4 = Horse shares a name with another horse present in the naming scene 5 = Horse shares a name with another horse not present at the scene 6 = all names match as either 'Charlie' or 'Mulligan' 7 = horse and mc share a name with the same npc 8 = horse and an npc share a name 9 = Horse is horse 'horsewithaname' = $horsewithaname 1 = first name and horse name are varities of 'charlie' 2 = same first name for mc and c, surname for horse 3 = mc & charlie 'mulligan', horse 'charlie' 4 = all varieties of 'mulligan' 5 = MC-nick 'charlie', horse 'charlie' 6 = MC-nick 'charlie', horse 'mulligan' 7 = MC-nick 'mulligan', horse 'charlie' 8 = MC-nick 'mulligan', horse 'mulligan' 9 = 'charlie' or 'charles' last, horse 'charlie' 10 = 'charlie' or 'charles' last, horse 'mulligan' 11 = 'charlie' first, horse variety of other 12 = 'mulligan' last, horse variety of other 13 = charlie nick, horse other 14 = mulligan nick, horse other 15 = charlie last, horse other 16 = first and last charlie, horse charlie 17 = MC-Nick 'Charlie', last name 'Mulligan' Horse 'Charlie' 18 = MC-Nick 'Charlie', last name 'Mulligan' Horse 'Mulligan' 19 = MC-Nick 'Charlie', last name 'Charlie' Horse 'Charlie' 20 = MC-Nick 'Charlie', last name 'Charlie' Horse 'Mulligan' 21 = MC-Nick 'Charlie', first name 'Charlie' Horse 'Charlie' 22 = MC-Nick 'Charlie', first name 'Charlie' Horse 'Mulligan' 23 = MC-Nick 'Mulligan', first name 'Charlie' Horse 'Charlie' 24 = MC-Nick 'Mulligan', first name 'Charlie' Horse 'Mulligan' 25 = MC-Nick 'Mulligan', last name 'Charlie' Horse 'Charlie' 26 = MC-Nick 'Mulligan', last name 'Charlie' Horse 'Mulligan' 27 = First and Last akin to 'Charlie' Horse 'Charlie' 28 = First and Last akin to 'Charlie' Horse 'Mulligan' 29 = First, nick and Last akin to 'Charlie', nick 'Mulligan' Horse 'Charlie' 30 = First, nick and Last akin to 'Charlie', nick 'Mulligan' Horse 'Mulligan' 31 = First and Last akin to 'Charlie', nick 'Mulligan' Horse 'Charlie' 32 = First and Last akin to 'Charlie', nick 'Mulligan' Horse 'Mulligan' Is the horse named 'Charlneigh' or 'Charneigh'? <<if $hname.toLowerCase() is "charlneigh" or $hname.toLowerCase() is "charneigh">>Yes<<else>>No<</if>> Does MC share a name with Charlie? $doublecharlie 1 = First name's a variety of Charlie, no other matches 2 = Last name's a variety of Mulligan, no other matches 3 = Nickname is a variety of Charlie, no other matches 4 = Nickname is a variety of Mulligan, no other matches 5 = Last name is a variety of Charlie/Charles, no other matches 6 = Nickname is a variety of Charlie, last name of Mulligan 7 = Nickname and Lastname are a variety of Charlie 8 = Nickname and Firstname are a variety of Charlie 9 = Nickname variety of Mulligan, first name variety of Charlie 10 = nick variety of Mulligan, last name variety of Charlie 11 = first and last name are varieties of 'Charlie' 12 = first, last and nickname are different varieties of 'Charlie' 13 = first, last varieties of 'charlie, nickname 'mulligan'

^^''(Your common nickname is '$nick'. Is that correct? Note, nicknames will be capitalized)''^^ <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Yes.">> <<if $archarlie.includes($nick.toLowerCase())>> <<if $archarliesur.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublecharlie to 6>> <<elseif $archarlie.includes($name.toLowerCase()) and not $archarlie.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublecharlie to 7>> <<elseif $archarlie.includes($fname.toLowerCase()) and not $archarlie.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublecharlie to 8>> <<elseif $archarlie.includes($fname.toLowerCase()) and $archarlie.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublecharlie to 12>> <<else>> <<set $doublecharlie to 3>> <</if>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <<elseif $archarliesur.includes($nick.toLowerCase())>> <<if $archarlie.includes($fname.toLowerCase()) and not $archarlie.includes($name.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublecharlie to 9>> <<elseif $archarlie.includes($name.toLowerCase()) and not $archarlie.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublecharlie to 10>> <<elseif $archarlie.includes($name.toLowerCase()) and $archarlie.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublecharlie to 13>> <<else>> <<set $doublecharlie to 4>> <</if>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <<elseif $arseansur.includes($nick.toLowerCase()) or $arsean.includes($nick.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doubled to 1>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <<elseif $artommysur.includes($nick.toLowerCase()) or $artommy.includes($nick.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doubled to 2>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <<elseif $arquinn.includes($nick.toLowerCase()) or $arquinnsur.includes($nick.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doubled to 3>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <<elseif $arjosiesur.includes($nick.toLowerCase()) or $arjosie.includes($nick.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doubled to 4>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <<elseif $armeadowssur.includes($nick.toLowerCase()) or $armeadows.includes($nick.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublenames to 5>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <<elseif $arlynwood.includes($nick.toLowerCase()) or $arlynwoodsur.includes($nick.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doubled to 6>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <<elseif $arfinn.includes($nick.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doubled to 7>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <<elseif $nick.toLowerCase() is "prescot" or $nick.toLowerCase() is "prescott">> <<set $doubled to 8>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <<elseif $arblayne.includes($nick.toLowerCase()) or $arblaynesur.includes($nick.toLowerCase())>> <<if $nick.toLowerCase() is "ruben" or $nick.toLowerCase() is "reuben" or $nick.toLowerCase() is "rouben">> <<set $doubled to 10>> <<else>> <<set $doubled to 9>> <</if>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <<elseif $arisaac.includes($nick.toLowerCase()) or $nick.toLowerCase() is "delgado">> <<set $doubled to 11>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <<elseif $artess.includes($nick.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doubled to 12>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <<elseif $nick.toLowerCase() is "kaede" or $nick.toLowerCase() is "morikawa">> <<set $doubled to 14>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <<elseif $arothers.includes($nick.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doubled to 13>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <<else>> <<goto "seanstoryhotel">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~No, that's not correct.">> <<set $doublecharlie to 0>> <<set $doubled to 0>> <<goto "nickfix">> <</link>></div>

<<set _checknick to $nick.toLowerCase()>>\ What //do// people like Charlie call you? ^^''(Nicknames will be capitalized)''^^ <<textbox "_tempnick" "(your accurate nickname, please)">> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<if _tempnick.toLowerCase() is "(your accurate nickname, please)" or _tempfname is "">> <<run UI.alert("Enter your accurate nickname, please.")>> <<elseif _tempnick.toLowerCase() is _checknick>> <<run UI.alert("Enter your accurate nickname, please.")>> <<elseif _tempnick.length > 15>> <<run UI.alert("Enter a shorter nickname, please, spelling and all.")>> <<else>> <<set $nick to _tempnick.toUpperFirst()>> <<goto "nickcheck">> <</if>> <</link>></div>

<<set _testhorse to $hname>> What's your horse's correct short name? <<textbox "_temphname" "(your horse's correct name, please)">> <hr> <div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<set _names to _temphname.split(/\s+/)>> <<if _temphname is "(your horse's name, please)" or _temphname is "" or _temphname.toLowerCase() is "(your horse's correct name, please)" or _temphname.toLowerCase() is "your horse's name, please" or _temphname.toLowerCase() is "your horse's correct name, please" or _temphname.toLowerCase() is "your horse's name" or _temphname.toLowerCase() is "your horse's correct name" or _temphname is _testhorse>> <<run UI.alert("Enter your horse's correct name, please.")>> <<elseif _temphname.length > 30>> <<run UI.alert("That's too long a name. Sorry.")>> <<elseif _temphname.toLowerCase() is "prescott" or _temphname.toLowerCase() is "prescot">> <<run UI.alert("No, no, no, don't do that to your horse.")>> <<else>> <<if _names.length is 1>> <<set $hname to _temphname>> <<goto "ownhorsenamecheck">> <<else>> <<run UI.alert("Please keep the name to 1 (one) word for this step, more can be added later. Thank you.")>> <</if>> <</if>> <</link>></div>

^^''(Your first name is '$fname'. Is that correct?)''^^ <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Yes.">> <<if $archarlie.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublecharlie to 1>> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <<elseif $arsean.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublefname to 1>> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <<elseif $artommy.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublefname to 2>> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <<elseif $arquinn.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublefname to 3>> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <<elseif $arjosie.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublefname to 4>> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <<elseif $armeadows.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublefname to 5>> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <<elseif $arlynwood.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublefname to 6>> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <<elseif $arfinn.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublefname to 7>> <<elseif $arblayne.includes($fname.toLowerCase()) or $arblaynesur.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <<if $fname.toLowerCase() is "ruben" or $fname.toLowerCase() is "reuben" or $fname.toLowerCase() is "rouben">> <<set $doublefname to 10>> <<else>> <<set $doublefname to 9>> <</if>> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <<elseif $arisaac.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublefname to 11>> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <<elseif $artess.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublefname to 12>> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <<elseif $arothers.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublefname to 13>> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <<elseif $fname.toLowerCase() is "kaede">> <<set $doublefname to 14>> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <<else>> <<goto "hotelseannames1">> <</if>> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~No, that's not correct.">> <<set $doublecharlie to 0>> <<set $doublefname to 0>> <<goto "fnamefix">> <</link>></div>

border: 15px solid transparent; border-image: url('images/simpleborder1.png') 27 27 27 27 stretch; <<set $arnamenocharlie to [...$artommy, ...$arsean, ...$arquinn, ...$armeadows, ...$arjosie, ...$arothers]>> <<set $arnamenomulligan to [...$artommysur, ...$arseansur, ...$arquinnsur, ...$armeadowssur, ...$arjosiesur, ...$arsurnames]>> <<listbox "$mchair" autoselect>> <<option "~I have long, straight(ened) hair." 1>> <<option "~I have medium length, straight(ened) hair." 2>> <<option "~I have short, straight(ened) hair." 3>> <<option "~I have long, wavy hair." 4>> <<option "~I have medium length, wavy hair." 5>> <<option "~I have short, wavy hair." 6>> <<option "~I have long, curly hair." 7>> <<option "~I have medium length, curly hair." 8>> <<option "~I have short, curly hair." 9>> <<option "~I have long, coily hair." 10>> <<option "~I have medium length, coily hair." 11>> <<option "~I have short, coily hair." 12>> <<option "~I shaved my head." 13>> <<option "~My hair is so short, it looks like I shaved my head." 14>> <<option "~I have long, straight(ened) hair, with shaved parts at the side and/or underneath." 15>> <<option "~I have medium length, straight(ened) hair, with shaved parts at the side and/or underneath." 16>> <<option "~I have short, straight(ened) hair, with shaved parts at the side and/or underneath." 17>> <<option "~I have long, wavy hair, with shaved parts at the side and/or underneath." 18>> <<option "~I have medium length, wavy hair, with shaved parts at the side and/or underneath." 19>> <<option "~I have short, wavy hair, with shaved parts at the side and/or underneath." 20>> <<option "~I have long, curly hair, with shaved parts at the side and/or underneath." 21>> <<option "~I have medium length, curly hair, with shaved parts at the side and/or underneath." 22>> <<option "~I have short, curly hair, with shaved parts at the side and/or underneath." 23>> <<option "~I have long, coily hair, with shaved parts at the side and/or underneath." 24>> <<option "~I have medium length, coily hair, with shaved parts at the side and/or underneath." 25>> <<option "~I have short, coily hair, with shaved parts at the side and/or underneath." 26>> <<option "~I'm bald." 27>> ------ <<set _fruits = ["apple", "cherry", "banana"], _items = ["pie", "cookies", "juice"]>> <<textbox '$name' $name>> <<link 'Proceed'>> <<set _testName = $name.toLowerCase().split(' ')>> <<if _testName.crossCheck(_fruits) && _testName.crossCheck(_items)>> Name is made up of (at least) two terms that are present in the test arrays! <</if>> <</link>> <<if ($fname + $name).toUpperCase() is "CALEBQUINN">> /* progress */ progress[value] { -webkit-appearance: none; -moz-appearance: none; appearance: none; height: 18px; width: 100%; border: none; } progress[value]::-webkit-progress-bar { background-color: #c6bdcb; border-radius: 2px; } progress[value]::-webkit-progress-value { background-color: #918268; border-radius: 2px; } progress[value] { background-color: #c6bdcb; border-radius: 2px; } progress[value]::-moz-progress-bar { background-color: #918268; border-radius: 2px; } Macro.add("spanify",{ tags: [], handler: function() { const content = this.payload[0].contents; let wrapper = $("<div>").wiki(content); let out = $("<div>"); function splitter(nodes,out) { console.log(nodes,out); if (nodes && nodes.length) { for (const node of nodes) { if (node.nodeType === 3) { const letters = node.data.split(''); for (const letter of letters) { out.append($("<span class='letter'>").text(letter)); } } else { const newNode = $(node).clone().html(''); splitter(node.childNodes,newNode); out.append(newNode); } } } } let nodes = wrapper[0].childNodes; splitter(nodes,out); $(this.output).append(out); } }); .macro-type span.letter { animation: fade-in 1s ease-in forwards; } .macro-type-cursor:after { content: none; } @keyframes fade-in { from { opacity: 0; } to {opacity: 1; } } .macro-type:not(.macro-type-done) span.letter { animation: fade-in 1s ease-in forwards; } .macro-type-cursor:after { content: none; } @keyframes fade-in { from { opacity: 0; } to {opacity: 1; } } .macro-type { color: ; font-size: ; font-family: ; } /*optional*/ .macro-type-done { color: ; font-size: ; font-family: ; } /* appear text */ .macro-type span.letter { animation: fade-in 1s ease-in forwards; } .macro-type-cursor:after { content: none; } @keyframes fade-in { from { opacity: 0; } to {opacity: 1; } } .macro-type:not(.macro-type-done) span.letter { animation: fade-in 1s ease-in forwards; } .macro-type-cursor:after { content: none; } @keyframes fade-in { from { opacity: 0; } to {opacity: 1; } } .macro-type span.letter{ font-family: "Rye"; color: black; font-size: 185%; font-weight: 200; text-shadow: 2px 3px 6px rgba(80, 53, 34, 1); } /*optional*/ .macro-type-done span.letter{ font-family: "Rye"; color: black; font-size: 185%; font-weight: 200; text-shadow: 2px 3px 6px rgba(80, 53, 34, 1); } .fade-in { /* default values defined here */ --delay: 0; --duration: 1s; animation: var(--duration) fadeIn var(--delay) both; } @keyframes fadeIn { from { opacity: 0; } to { opacity: 1; } } /* can override default values with inline CSS */ <div class='fade-in' style='--delay: 1.5s; --duration: 1.5s'>[[🙞Text I want to fade in🙜|passagename]]</div> <<fadein 1.5s 15s>><div class="titlelink">[[🙞The Ballad of Devil's Creek🙜|passagename]]</div><</fadein>></div>

<<set _checkfname to $fname.toLowerCase()>>\ "Take it you're quite suspicious," O'Brian notes, casually. "I can understand that. So, what's your actual name?" ^^''(What's your correct first name?)''^^ <<textbox "_tempfname" "(your correct given name, please)">> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<if _tempfname.toLowerCase() is "(your correct given name, please)" or _tempfname is "" or _tempfname.toLowerCase() is "a given name" or _tempfname.toLowerCase() is "a given name, please" or _tempfname.toLowerCase() is "your correct first name" or _tempfname.toLowerCase() is "your correct first name, please">> <<run UI.alert("Enter a given name, please.")>> <<elseif _tempfname.toLowerCase() is _checkfname>> <<run UI.alert("Enter your correct first name, please.")>> <<else>> <<set $fname = _tempfname.toUpperFirst()>> <<goto "fnamecheck">> <</if>> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>> <<if $arsean.includes($fname.toLowerCase()) or $archarlie.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> O'Brian snorts. <<if $arsean.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>>"Well, it's a bloody common name, isn't it?<<else>>"That's gotta get confusing.<</if>> Or are you pulling my leg now?"<br><br> "No, that's what I'm called."<br><br> "Oh. Hmm..." <<elseif $arquinn.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> O'Brian looks wistful for a moment, then hesitates. "One 'n' or two?"<br> <<if $fname.toLowerCase() is "quinn">>"Two<<else>>"One<</if>>."<br><br> "I see." <<elseif $arjosie.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> O'Brian gives you quite a peculiar look that you fail to sort successfully.<br><br> "Huh," <<elseif $artommy.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> O'Brian looks wistful for a moment. "Is... is that really yer name?"<br><br> "Yes?"<br><br> "Oh," <<else>> "$fname, huh?" <</if>> O'Brian goes, "well then."<</nobr>> There's a pause in which he seems to ponder about this information slightly longer than necessary. "And further?" he then asks. "I know some folks don't have a last name, but I do believe you're not one of them." You cast Charlie a suspicious glance, but he nods reassuringly. You sigh once more. "It's $fname... <hr><<nobr>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Doherty.</q>">> <<set $name to "Doherty">> <<set $Name to "Doherty">> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...McCrory.</q>">> <<set $name to "McCrory">> <<set $Name to "McCrory">> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Baker.</q>">> <<set $name to "Baker">> <<set $Name to "Baker">> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Sheppard.</q>">> <<set $name to "Sheppard">> <<set $Name to "Sheppard">> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Castilla.</q>">> <<set $name to "Castilla">> <<set $Name to "Castilla">> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Mendoza.</q>">> <<set $name to "Mendoza">> <<set $Name to "Mendoza">> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...De Vries.</q>">> <<set $name to "de Vries">> <<set $Name to "De Vries">> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Van Breda.</q>">> <<set $name to "van Breda">> <<set $Name to "Van Breda">> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Lam.</q>">> <<set $name to "Lam">> <<set $Name to "Lam">> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...Yeung.</q>">> <<set $name to "Yeung">> <<set $Name to "Yeung">> <<goto "introductionsdone">> <</link>></div> <<if $fooledsean is true and not $archarlie.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Ya might laugh, but it's actually 'Mulligan'.</q>">> <<set $name to "Mulligan">> <<set $Name to "Mulligan">> <<set $doublecharlie to 2>> <<goto "introductionsalmostdone">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $fooledsean is true and not $archarlie.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Ya'll laugh, but it's actually 'Mullygan'.</q>">> <<set $name to "Mullygan">> <<set $Name to "Mullygan">> <<set $doublecharlie to 2>> <<goto "introductionsalmostdone">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...</q>">> <<goto "lastnamesown">> <</link>></div> <</nobr>>

The short name of your horse is '$hname'. (''Please enter the full version of your horse's name. This can be up to 50 characters including spaces, and 5 words.'') <<textbox "_temphname" "(The long version of your horse's name, please)">> <hr> <div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<set _longhorse to _temphname.toLowerCase().split(/\s+/)>> <<if _temphname.toLowerCase() is "(the long version of your horse's name, please)" or _temphname.toLowerCase() is "(the long version of your horse's name)" or _temphname.toLowerCase() is "the long version of your horse's name, please" or _temphname.toLowerCase() is "the long version of your horse's name" or _tempfname is "">> <<run UI.alert("Enter your horse's name, please.")>> <<elseif _temphname.length > 50 or _longhorse.length > 5>> <<run UI.alert("That's too long a name. Sorry.")>> <<else>> <<set $hnamelong to _temphname>> <<goto "ownhorsenamecheck">> <</if>> <</link>></div>

<<set _testhorse to $hnamelong.toLowerCase()>> What's your horse's correct long name? <<textbox "_temphname" "(your horse's correct name, please)">> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<set _longhorse to _temphname.toLowerCase().split(/\s+/)>> <<if _temphname is "(your horse's name, please)" or _temphname is "" or _temphname is "(your horse's correct name, please)" or _temphname is "your horse's name, please" or _temphname is "your horse's correct name, please" or _temphname is "your horse's name" or _temphname is "your horse's correct name" or _temphname.toLowerCase is _testhorse>> <<run UI.alert("Enter your horse's correct name, please.")>> <<elseif _temphname.length > 30 or _longhorse.length > 5>> <<run UI.alert("That's too long a name. Sorry.")>> <<else>> <<set $hnamelong to _temphname>> <<goto "ownhorsenamecheck">> <</if>> <</link>></div>

^^''(My dear $Name, you have very well been taken out of commission (for the time being) but fret not. You can go with the bliss -or lack thereof- of unconsciousness and continue to when you come to again, or be granted a glimpse at what your friends are doing about the situation.)''^^ <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~I worry what Charlie is doing.">> <<set $readbonus1 to 1>> <<set $mainchar to false>> <<set $mc7 to 1>> <<set $pol7 to 90>> <<set $bold7 to 75>> <<set $tac7 to 85>> <<set $tru7 to 45>> <<set $imp7 to 15>> <<set $cur7 to 70>> <<set $sel7 to 15>> <<set $gun7 to 55>> <<set $card7 to 85>> <<set $talk7 to 80>> <<set $ride7 to 40>> <<set $med7 to 20>> <<set $surv7 to 15>> <<goto "interludecharlie">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~How would Mrs. Meadows deal with the situation?">> <<set $readbonus1 to 2>> <<set $mainchar to false>> <<set $mc7 to 2>> <<set $pol7 to 35>> <<set $bold7 to 80>> <<set $tac7 to 80>> <<set $tru7 to 25>> <<set $imp7 to 75>> <<set $cur7 to 30>> <<set $sel7 to 15>> <<set $gun7 to 75>> <<set $card7 to 15>> <<set $talk7 to 20>> <<set $ride7 to 40>> <<set $med7 to 80>> <<set $surv7 to 40>> <<goto "interludemeadows">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "What is Lynwood going to do? ''(Note: Incomplete)''">> <<set $readbonus1 to 3>> <<set $mainchar to false>> <<set $mc7 to 3>> <<set $pol7 to 45>> <<set $bold7 to 85>> <<set $tac7 to 80>> <<set $tru7 to 25>> <<set $imp7 to 65>> <<set $cur7 to 85>> <<set $sel7 to 65>> <<set $gun7 to 80>> <<set $card7 to 10>> <<set $talk7 to 35>> <<set $ride7 to 40>> <<set $med7 to 25>> <<set $surv7 to 75>> <<goto "interludelyn">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I'd like to stay in my own head.">> <<goto "ch7start">> <</link>></div>

<<set $continuity to 1>><<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You nod curtly at Charlie and step to O'Brian's side.<br><br> It takes O'Brian a moment to even register that you are there, but he looks grateful. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You catch Charlie's eye and nod towards O'Brian. Charlie nods back understandingly and steps over to the younger man.<br><br> You are not entirely certain, but you'd say O'Brian looks grateful for the help, even if it took him a moment to realize what you two were doing. <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You look at Charlie and shake your head.<br><br> Charlie just gives you soft glare, and steps over to O'Brian's side.<br><br> You can't really tell, but you think O'Brian is grateful for Charlie's help, and a little hurt at your decision. <<else>> As Charlie makes to step to O'Brian side, you step in his path.<br><br> Charlie just angrily furrows his brows and nudges you out of the way.<br><br> While you can't be certain, you feel as if O'Brian's grateful for Charlie's help, and both men are quite angry with what you just did. <</if>><</nobr>> The sheriff looks at your little group, focusing on O'Brian, and shrugs casually. "Tommy Burke is about to hang," he announces bluntly. "I'd have thought //you// of all people would know, given what they say about the two of you." You don't know what that's supposed to mean (though you can make an inspired guess, and there's some vague memories of rumors gnawing at the back of your brain), but it's not as if you have much time to think about it. O'Brian staggers upon hearing this, sweat beading on his face, bringing a shaking hand to his mouth to stop himself from screaming or maybe even throwing up as he stumbles backwards. And then he does pass out. Charlie, having the better reactions out of the two of you, catches him just in time, and maneuvers him onto one of the small beds in cell. "He's really trying that?" the sheriff groans. "No, he passed out for good," you sneer back, looking at O'Brian. You've done your fair share of fake faints yourself, and you know this is genuine. You sigh heavily. "Do ya really think he'd think ya'd let us out if he faints?" "True..." "So get Mrs. Meadows. From what I gathered she's a doctor ya trust. An' who won't let us run off." Sheriff Lowell nods and turns, just when Mrs. Meadows enters the scene. "I heard my name?" she notes, and looks at what's going on. "O'Brian fainted," Charlie explains while undoing the younger man's collar. And Mrs. Meadows looks at the sheriff, who just shrugs haplessly. "Thinking about it, I can kind of understand it," he admits, rather sheepishly. "Tommy Burke's about to hang." Mrs. Meadows quirks a brow, before nodding the sheriff to unlock the door. <hr><div class="choice">[[~And he does...|ch3jail3]]</div>

As Mrs. Meadows sees to O'Brian with Charlie's help you sit down on the other bed. "Who's this Burke now?" you wonder aloud. "The name rings a bell..." "I think," Charlie begins, rubbing his chin in thought, "We're talkin' 'bout //'Smokin' Ruin'// Burke here." "We are," the sheriff confirms. "Oh." You start remembering the stories. Burke is said to be a grim, ruthless arsonist and masterful craftsman of all things explosive. Some say he can //'command'// fire, which is the folklore version of being really, really good with explosives. He's said to have been riding with O'Reilly, and if you had any doubt about that part, O'Brian's reaction now taught you better. "I'd have thought Burke's already dead," you admit. "I mean, he must have been... what... in his late sixties or something judging by what he had learned to do." Charlie nods at you. "Guess O'Brian has a taste for older men then..." You snort. "I wasn't going to say that //that// seems to be the reason for his reaction." You know not everyone takes kindly to that kinda thing. "Oh, there's some rumors about those two, alright," Sheriff Lowell says. "Also, Burke is just a year older than O'Brian." You and Charlie look up in synchronized confusion and alarm. "He's just twenty-nine?" you voice your thoughts. "But I thought..." Lowell shrugs. "Credit where it is due, Burke..." he quickly checks his watch, "//is// as much a genius when it comes to blowing things up as he's a snarky bastard in every other regard. So I'm not surprised people think him much older than he is." <hr><div class="choice">[[...well then...|ch3jail4]]</div>

You look back at O'Brian. He's still shivering, but breathing more steadily now. He's still out cold, though. The sheriff watches you all for a while, before he sighs. "So, what about O'Brian now?" Mrs. Meadows gets up and wipes her hands on her dress. "He'll live, unless you hang him. He suffered from a severe shock, and my experience tells me he'll be out for a few hours." Lowell nods, before he catches Mrs. Meadow's eyes. "Oh, Lian, please. You're not going to tell me you want him out of this cell." "Benjamin, I do believe you trust me, correct? As a doctor and as someone working with Mr. Blayne, I can assure you I will make sure neither he nor any or the other two will make a run for it if we relocate to a hotel room. Besides..." you catch a sly little smile on Meadows' lips. "Lynwood will be most displeased." You watch the sheriff intently. He squirms a little, but it's the kind of squirming one does when they feel they have to at least pretend to be averse towards something they wholeheartedly agree with. At least in this case it's something positive. "I cannot possibly do that, Lian," the sheriff begins, in exactly the theatrical tone you expected. "But I do respect your professional opinion and advice." "Oh, cut the theatrics, Benjamin," Mrs. Meadows says, and you'd swear you heard a soft chuckle in her voice. Sheriff Lowell smiles. "The //'Fiddler's Green'// is just around the corner. It's a good, proper hotel, and not too expensive." "Good," Mrs. Meadows says. "It's also where Finley and I are staying, so that'd be that then." The sheriff nods. "I will still have to keep my eyes on you." "Naturally," Mrs. Meadows says. "I expect at least two of your men on guard." "Naturally." You look at Charlie, who just shrugs. "We got a fool's luck, $nick." "Guess we do," you say. <hr><div class="choice">[[~To the hotel then...~|newhamelinhotel]]</div>

Ten minutes later you are in a room with a much more comfortable bed two flights of stairs away from the loud and busy streets. And you got to give Mrs. Meadows and the sheriff points for their sarcasm, as the room they brought O'Brian to is neatly overlooking the gallows. "Yer goin' to watch Burke hang?" Charlie asks casually, stepping up next to you by the window. "With as good a view as we were given..." you deadpan, and sigh, looking back at O'Brian resting in one of the beds. "Ya really think they were a couple an' that's why he reacted like that?" Charlie nods. "Ya don't react like that to someone's death if that person didn't mean a lot to ya." He frowns and leans against the window. "Well, here they come now..." You look back down at the gallows and the group of men being led up to them. "Which of them's Burke?" you wonder. Mrs. Meadows joins you at the window. "See the one to the far left? That's Tommy Burke." You look. Burke turns out to be a slender but muscled young man with a scraggly beard, olive skin and chin long dark hair. From what you can tell he's looking annoyed, disappointed and resigned. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~I think I'd look the same in his place.">> <<set $bold to $bold - 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "gallowgoboom">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I wouldn't give them the satisfaction to see me miserable if I were in his place.">> <<set $bold to $bold + 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "gallowgoboom">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> <<if $tac >= 65>> If they ever manage to outwit you, then, yes, you'd <<elseif $tac <= 35>> You worry that one day your recklessness will be your downfall, and you know you'd then <<else>> With the life you lead all it needs is one or two bad decisions to find yourself in Burke's place, and if that happens, you know you'd <</if>> have all reason to look like that. <<else>> <<if $tac >= 65>> If they ever manage to outwit you, you <<elseif $tac <= 35>> Charlie always warns you that your recklessness might be your downfall one day, and you <<else>> With the life you lead all it needs is one or two bad decisions to find yourself in Burke's place, but should it come to that, you <</if>> know you wouldn't go down quietly. <</if>><</nobr>> Which is one of the reasons you want to start a new life. This last job and then... you haven't really decided yet, but you know you want to start anew. You shake yourself out of these thoughts, and look at the gallows. You're a little surprised to see Burke looking around a little baffled all of a sudden, but you figure he felt your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> on him. "I can't really wrap me head around how young he is," you say, absentmindedly. Next to you, Charlie nods. "As we figured and the sheriff said," he notes. "Ya know the tales 'bout him, they don't sound like stuff done by someone <<if $age <=28>>just a bit older than you."<<elseif $age is 29>>your age."<<else>>that young."<</if>> You have to agree. Then again, you know your own list of misdeeds and know the time in which they were accomplished. Still... You watch the proceedings below, always looking back at O'Brian. <<if $sean <= 20>>While you are not too keen on him,<<else>>You've taken a bit of a liking to him, and<</if>> you figure it'd be most cruel to have him witness this. Which makes you wonder how he'll react when he wakes and all is said and do-... You don't get further with your thoughts as an explosion thunders outside. You spin around, looking at the scene below. The crowd around the now smoldering remains of the gallows has scattered for cover, the lawmen and delinquents sitting around the wreckage confused but only mildly injured, Burke amongst them, grinning like a cat that got in the creampot. "What happened?" you ask baffled. Charlie shrugs nonchalantly. "Burke just blew up the gallows." <hr><div class="choice">[[...Well then...|newhamelinhotel1]]</div>

It is now an hour later. Things have calmed down again, and most of the blown-up gallows has been cleaned up. Burke and the other delinquents have been brought to who knows where — though you guess they were brought back to the nearby Redhurst Penitentiary to hang —, and you are now sitting in the hotel's restaurant waiting for Charlie to come downstairs for dinner. You found a nice secluded little spot in the corner by a window, watching lamps outside being lit for the night as you try to sort your thoughts. "I hope for you you are not contemplating running off." You draw a sharp, startled breath as Agent Lynwood sits down at your table, uninvited. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Tell him to piss off and where he can stick his bullshit. You don't have time for this.">> <<set $lyn to $lyn - 5>> <<set $pol to $pol - 10>> <<set $imp to $imp + 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>>> <<goto "newhamelinhotellyn1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Assure him you aren't and ask him to leave. You don't have the nerve for this.">> <<set $pol to $pol + 10>> <<set $imp to $imp + 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "newhamelinhotellyn1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Tell him where he can stick his accusations, but demand to know what he wants.">> <<set $pol to $pol - 10>> <<set $imp to $imp - 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "newhamelinhotellyn1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Assure him you aren't and ask him what he wants.">> <<set $lyn to $lyn +5>> <<set $pol to $pol + 10>> <<set $imp to $imp - 5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "newhamelinhotellyn1">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Piss off," you hiss under your breath. "I don't think we have any business with each other anymore."<br><br> Lynwood doesn't seem too pleased with your reaction, but still smiles a much too friendly and self-satisfied smile. And he's certainly not going to leave.<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "I won't," you say. "Now, if you'd //kindly// leave. I don't think there's any reason for you to be here."<br><br> Lynwood casts you a curious look, but doesn't budge.<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "Ya know where ya can stick yer sneerin' accusations, Agent Lynwood?" you growl, narrowing your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. "What do you want?"<br><br> Lynwood seems more amused than angered by your reaction and sits back smiling. <<else>> "I don't plan to. You should know that by now," you say. "Now, what do you want?"<br><br> Lynwood looks you up and down, appearing satisfied, and sits back with a smile. <</if>><</nobr>>\ "I came here to inform you that you are free to go until you have fulfilled whatever job it is you are carrying out for Mr. Blayne," he says. "And then? 'Cause we both know none o' us will be free to go then if ya got any say in it." You lean back, crossing your arms in defiance. "So, what d'ya got planned for us? Gallows? Shooting? Or prison first?" You hazard a glance around the room to see if Charlie has arrived. He hasn't, which is disappointing. As an afterthought you cast another glance around in case anyone's paying attention to you. No one seems to care for your talk. At least that's good. "Shooting is for the military, $title $Name," Lynwood says, sounding oddly detached all of a sudden. Then he shakes his head and looks at you again. "It'll be prison first, lest you do something between now and then that would make a quick hanging necessary." "Oh, cut it out now, will you?" you groan. "We both know ya didn't come here for gloatin'. So, what is it?" <<nobr>>"I'd like to renew the offer I made," Lynwood says. "With a small adjustment, of course, due to the changed circumstances. Get O'Brian to confess and you are... well, not good to go, as <<if $rats <3>>you blatantly lied to me before<<else>>I had to find you working with O'Brian despite your initial cooperation<</if>>, but I will put in a good word for you. Come now, $title $Name, you are a clever <<if $isac is "lad" and $tr is false>> man. You <</if>> <<if $isac is "lass" and $tr is false>> woman. You <</if>> <<if $isac is "lad" and $tr is true>> ..." Lynwood pauses. You know the look.<br><br> "Man," you inform him, coldly.<br><br> "Man, yes. So, yes, you <</if>> <<if $isac is "lass" and $tr is true>> ..." Lynwood pauses. You know the look.<br><br> "Woman," you inform him, coldly.<br><br> "Woman, yes. So, yes, you <</if>> <<if $isac is "bastard">> ..." Lynwood pauses. You know the look.<br><br> "Person," you inform him coldly.<br><br> "Person, yes. So, yes, you <</if>> know how to make the right decision."<</nobr>> You glower. "You want a confession o' what exactly? O'Brian didn't kill Brightwell." "Is that what he told you?" Lynwood's expression grows sour. "And you believe him? He's a grifter, $title $Name..." "So am I, ain't I?" you cut the agent off. "Don't ya think I can tell very well what's a ruse and what ain't?" You lean forward, catching Lynwood's eyes. "Look, <<if $sean <=20>>I am not too keen on O'Brian, but I still<<else>>O'Brian's not a bad guy, and I<</if>> don't think he's yer man." "You seem very certain of that, $title $Name." Lynwood drums his fingers on the table. "Just so you know, this is a one-time offer. Once I am leaving this table, you've wasted your chance." You look around again, really hoping Charlie would show up now. <hr><div class="choice">[[~And thankfully he does..~|newhamelinhotel2]]</div>

"And here I worried the worst thing what could happen during dinner woulda been a fly in the soup," Charlie sneers as he steps up to the table. Agent Lynwood looks at him and rolls his eyes. "You have a reputation of being more charming than that, Mr. Mulligan." Charlie scrunches up his nose and sits down next to you. "I'm always as pleasant as me company is, Agent Lynwood. Now, I doubt ya came to bother $nick just to while away the evenin'. So, what do you want?" Lynwood lays out his 'offer' again, in a much colder tone. "Y'know," Charlie goes, "I heard ya Pinks don't care much for whether or not a confession's truthful as long as ya can close a case." "Unfounded accusations," Lynwood counters. Guess Charlie hit a spot there. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Strike that breach and point out that that is what he's doing with O'Brian.">> <<set $tac to $tac + 10>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Let Charlie handle the situation, he's better with talking down people's defenses.">> <<set $tac to $tac - 10>> <<set $charliedoesit to $charliedoesit + 1>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel3">> <</link>></div>\

<<if $continuity is 1>>"So, just what yer doin' with O'Brian?" you ask all innocently<<else>>"Which is, to my understandin', just what yer doin' with O'Brian," Charlie notes casually<</if>>, and Lynwood glares at the two of you. "Because all we have," Charlie says before Lynwood can get a word in. "Is yer word about what happened, compared to us seeing how O'Brian talks about the unfortunate event. How about //you// make yerself a little more clear?" Lynwood quirks a brow. "Mr. Mulligan, if I wouldn't know better I'd almost say you are toying with the idea of cooperation." "If it gives ya any peace o' mind, I don't. But I still like to know what ya //think// happened." You look at Charlie curiously. You know the tone. It's one he only ever uses when he knows something the other person doesn't, usually through his contacts on the other side. Which can only mean one of two things: Either Robert Brightwell told Charlie what happened... Or young Brightwell isn't dead at all. "I'd have thought that you'd either have read the papers by now," Lynwood begins, "Or that Mr. Blayne might have filled you in. But I'll humor you. Three weeks ago Robert Brightwell paid a surprise visit to his father's estate here in New Hamelin. His father was absent that evening, so young Brightwell was alone in the building." "Not countin' the servants," you note. "Exactly." Lynwood nods. "But young Brightwell had insisted on being left alone in the wing the building's guest chambers are located in. His father had noted that Robert had been through a lot prior." Lynwood sighs, and you wonder how much information he actually has about the whole affair. "Mr. Brightwell did not go into details about his son's private life." "Naturally," you note. "Noblesse Oblige." Lynwood actually nods approvingly. "Yes," he says. "Now, around two in the morning O'Brian trespassed onto the Brightwell's property, entered the home and slew Robert Brightwell." Lynwood's gaze wanders from you to Charlie and back. "There is little doubt that O'Brian had come with the intend of stealing from the Brightwells when he ran into his victim." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Point out that you are talking 'manslaughter' then, not murder.">> <<set $bold to $bold + 10>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel4">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Keep my thoughts to myself.">> <<set $bold to $bold - 10>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel4">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Aren't we are talkin' manslaughter then, and not murder?" you point out bluntly. "'Cause as far as I know 'murder'; which yer hunting O'Brian for; requires the intent to kill someone."<br><br> "You don't commit manslaughter by bashing someone's head into a bloody pulp with an iron poker, $title $Name," Lynwood states just as bluntly. <<else>> Charlie clears his throat. "So, when ya put it like that, I wonder why yer huntin' O'Brian for murder. He can't have come to the estate with the intent to rob it, unaware of Robert Brightwell's presence, and been planning to murder said man at the same time. I do believe we are talking 'manslaughter' here, Agent Lynwood, not murder."<br><br> Lynwood quirks a brow. "You don't commit manslaughter by bashing someone's head into a bloody pulp with an iron poker, Mr. Mulligan." <</if>><</nobr>> You cast Charlie an intrigued look, and he mirrors it. "And mind you," Lynwood continues. "It's not the first person O'Brian has killed." You furrow your brow in thought. As it is, O'Brian's word stands against Lynwood's... if it weren't for Charlie. You take a deep breath and nod at him. "Ya got any input here?" Charlie looks at you, but before he can say anything Lynwood raises his hand to stop both of you. "Oh please, none of that superstition nonsense," he groans. "Do you really think I would fall for that? Or that the court would fall for it?" Charlie scrunches up his nose. "It's no nonsense, Agent Lynwood. Also..." "Oh, I don't want to hear it," Lynwood cuts him off, growing annoyed. "Now, this is my offer. Get O'Brian to confess what he did, and I'll..." "Ya will put a good word in for us, I heard ya" you say. "That's not really much compared to what yer askin' of us, though." "You won't get a better offer, $title $Name." There is something odd in Lynwood's tone. You cast a glance at Charlie, who nods curtly at you, knowing what you're thinking: It's desperation. Lynwood blinks at the two of you, and draws in a sharp, uneasy breath. Seems he realized you figured what's going on. "Now, as a show of good will," he hastily says, trying to keep a certain air of nonchalance, "how about we have dinner together and I'll pay?" Despite everything his tone now tells you that 'No' is, certainly, not an option here. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Still ask if 'No' might be an option. It might anger him, but I doubt he'll blow his chances out of the water.">> <<set $tac to $tac - 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel5">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Agree. It's better not to poke the hornet's nest, even though it's unlikely he'll do anything to saw off whatever branch he's sitting on.">> <<set $tac to $tac + 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel5">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "I presume," you begin innocently, "'No' is not an option?"<br><br> "You presume correctly, $title $Name," Lynwood responds, fortunately looking only mildly irritated. <<else>> "Alright, I'll be playin' along," you go. "For the meal, that is. What happens with O'Brian is a different story."<br><br> "I'm glad to see you decided to be agreeable, $title $Name." Lynwood seems very satisfied. <</if>><</nobr>> "But, y'know," Charlie ventures, "I just hope, for yer sake, yer superiors won't get too upset 'bout the impending expenses. 'Cause personally I am starvin' right now." Lynwood casts him a sharp glance, but doesn't comment on it. You order and sit back, waiting. Charlie has his attention on the nightly streets outside the window, while Lynwood is writing lengthly notes into that little book of his. All the while you try to make some sense of the whole situation. Even if nothing else is, at least this is for certain: You will have to make a decision — thus pick a side — before the day ends. It certainly feels like it. Would be nice if things would at least be a little less complicated. O'Brian's account of what happened is bare bones, which either means that he doesn't know more, or that he's withholding information on purpose. And there's no chance to ask him directly before you'll have to decide. And Lynwood's recounting of events is nothing but the official account, which might be truthful, it might be sweeping the important bits under the rug, or might be an outright lie. You kinda wonder if Charlie might have some input, but Lynwood just made it very clear that he won't listen to anything supernatural, left alone believe <<if $skeptic>>it. Granted, you know where he's coming from, and you know how much it had taken you to finally believe Charlie... Still it's a little upsetting that Lywood won't even consider it.<<else>>it.<</if>> You muse, only for a moment, if not making a decision is an option. No, it's not, you remind yourself. If you do nothing it's the gallows. Or Redhurst. You've been to the latter, and no matter how short your stay there had been, it's an experience you could have gladly done without. So, no. Not making a decision is not an option... <hr><hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Sell O'Brian out. Gotta look after myself first and foremost.">> <<set $sel to $sel + 10>> <<set $decch3 to 1>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel6">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$sean <=20 ?"<q>~I'm not selling O'Brian out. I might not like him, but he's still part of the posse.</q>" : "<q>~I'm not selling O'Brian out. I kinda like him //and// he's part of the posse.</q>"`>> <<set $sel to $sel - 10>> <<set $decch3 to 2>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel6">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I hope for a miracle to get my bacon out of this.">> <<set $sel to $sel + 10>> <<set $decch3 to 3>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel6">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I kinda hope for something unexpected that keeps everyone out of hot water (even Lynwood).">> <<set $sel to $sel - 10>> <<set $decch3 to 4>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel6">> <</link>></div>\

You turn everything around and over in your head time and time again, till you are ripped from your thoughts by your food arriving. As you eat your gaze keeps flicking to Agent Lynwood, anticipating when he will ask for you to make a decision. <<nobr>><<if $decch3 <3>> You're startled a little as Charlie nudges your ankle with his foot, and you carefully glance at him.<br><br> <<if $decch3 is 1>> He shakes his head 'No', as if he knows exactly what you decided to do. You knit your brow.<br><br> "It seems you made a decision Mr. Mulligan doesn't agree with," Lynwood interrupts, smiling satisfied. "I don't know if I should be pleased with that, but I am."<br><br> You frown softly.<br><br> "So, what is it?" Lynwood asks.<br><br> "$nick," Charlie goes before you can respond. He doesn't need to say more, his tone adds a 'think about what you're going to do' very clearly.<br><br> Lynwood seems displeased.<br><br> "Mr. Mulligan, would you kindly keep out of this?" he sneers. "I believe $title $Name is very well capable of making the right decision without your unnecessary and unrequested input." Lynwood shakes his head. "Are you stalling for time? What for? Do you expect a solution to just walk into the room?"<br><br> <<else>> He lifts his brow, nodding his head softly, as if to tell you he's having your back with the decision you made.<br><br> Lynwood, noticing the look, seems displeased.<br><br> "You are looking very pleased with yourself and with $title $Name, Mr. Mulligan," he grumbles, crossing his arms and sending you a sharp glare. "$title $Name, I do hope for you you are not about to make the wrong decision. With all due respect, I believe you are too clever for that."<br><br> "Flattery will get ya nowhere," you say dryly.<br><br> Lynwood snorts a curt laugh and shakes his head. "Oh please, don't be silly and kindly make your decision."<br><br> "Are ya gettin' impatient, agent?" Charlie teases, and Lynwood glares at him.<br><br> "I am most certainly not. And I am not understanding why you are even considering stalling for time. What, are you expecting a solution to just walk in all of a sudden?"<br><br> <</if>> <<else>> You look down at your plate which has gotten emptier than you had anticipated. Charlie, noticing your look, smiles sympathetically.<br><br> You catch his eye and he looks at you part amused, part <<if $decch3 is 3>>pitying<<else>>encouraging<</if>>. He knows you well.<br><br> You look away with a <<if $decch3 is 3>>soft sigh<<else>>small smile<</if>>.<br><br> Which in turn draws Lynwood's attention who gazes at you darkly.<br><br> "$title $Name, I hope that <<if $decch3 is 3>>sigh<<else>>smirk<</if>> does not mean what I think it means."<br><br> "Depends on what ya think, really," you answer.<br><br> "I think you are not willing to make a decision."<br><br> "It's not an easy decision to make," you say, voice short of outright protesting. "There's so much to take into account and..."<br><br> "There's only one thing to take into account," Lynwood goes. "Which is the right thing to do, and are you willing to do it. So kindly stop stalling for time. It's not as if a solution's going to walk in out of nowhere.<br><br> <</if>><</nobr>>\ And then Sheriff Lowell walks in, obviously looking for you. <hr><div class="choice">[[...well then...|newhamelinhotel7]]</div>

"I presume you don't mind if I take a seat," Lowell says as he steps to your table, nodding a very brief greeting at Agent Lynwood. You wave him to sit down, breathing out a sigh of relief. "What's wrong?" you ask. "Yer the last person I expected here." "I came here to speak to Mrs. Meadows about Mr. O'Brian," Lowell answers. "Yet yer here with us and not upstairs." Lowell nods at you. "Oh, I have talked to her already. She told me you went here for dinner." He gives Lynwood a disapproving look. "Didn't expect you to be here too, Agent Lynwood." "You might laugh, sheriff, but I am here in the matters of Mr. O'Brian as well." Lowell waves him off. "The Brightwell case, I figured. But I'm afraid that will have to wait." "Pardon?" Lynwood seems confused and not too pleased. The sheriff looks at him for a moment, then at you, then around the room. "I'd rather discuss this in private with $title $Name and Mr. Mulligan." Lynwood narrows his eyes while you and Charlie exchanged confused and intrigued glances. "Sheriff Lowell," Lynwood says, "I believe I have explained the situation to you very well. You deemed it ridiculous, if I remember correctly, but I doubt you didn't understand that it is a quite serious situation." "As is mine," Lowell counters, and sighs. "You know, agent, maybe this matter can help shed some light on your case as well." ...now that's unexpected... "How so?" you ask before Lynwood can. Lowell sighs again. "As I just said, I came here to talk about Mr. O'Brian," he reminds you, and takes a deep breath. "A wagon just returned from Redhurst. The warden demands to know how Burke managed to blow up the gallows and... all the other things he pulled off." Lynwood steeples his fingers together in thought. "Does he now?" "He does. But as you can expect, Burke's not talking." Lowell turns back to you. "And //that's// why I'm here. I figure that maybe O'Brian could get Burke to talk." "What for?" you ask. "I mean, Burke will hang regardless o' anyone knowing his tricks." "Not necessarily." Lowell wrings his hands and lowers his voice. "Let's just say the warden wants to offer Burke a... rather lucrative job. I can't say more, but it is quite important. And it would pay well for you too." "Would it now?" you ask, raising a brow. "Yes. But I can't go into details. But it's absolutely legitimate business." Is it now? Everyone seems to have a job for you these days, what's the world coming to? <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~The sheriff had me at 'It would pay well for ya', no need to ask questions.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $bonuscont to 1>> <<set $dec2ch3 to 1>> <<set $low to $low + 5>> <<set $tru to $tru + 5>> <<set $cur to $cur - 10>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel8">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$sel >=60 ?"<q>~If I get paid, good. But I need to know what I'm getting myself into.</q>" : "<q>~If we get paid, good. But I need to know what we're getting ourselves into.</q>"`>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<set $dec2ch3 to 2>> <<set $low to $low + 5>> <<set $tru to $tru + 5>> <<set $cur to $cur + 10>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel8">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$sel >=60 ?"<q>~~So, there's money involved. I want to know more before I can trust this won't blow up in my face.</q>" : "<q>~So, there's money involved. I want to know more before I can trust this won't blow up in our faces.</q>"`>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<set $dec2ch3 to 3>> <<set $tru to $tru - 5>> <<set $cur to $cur + 10>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel8">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I don't trust this. I'm not doing this, don't care for the reasoning.">> <<set $dec2ch3 to 4>> <<set $tru to $tru - 5>> <<set $cur to $cur - 10>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $bonuscont to 2>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel8">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "That's all fine," you say, "but I'd like //some// more details. I mean, what ya gave us is not that much to base a profound decision on."<br><br> From the corner of your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> you catch Charlie grinning amused. And you know it is because you learned better than to just take a job, no matter how well-paying, without asking questions first. So the whole affair with this Hodgeson had something positive going for it.<br><br> "Ya see," you continue upon that, "just takin' jobs willy nilly is, well, what got us here."<br><br> Lowell looks at you a little worried first, then rather defeated, before he looks around to make sure no one's listening in.<br><br> "I guess I should explain some details then."<br><br> <<else>> <<if $bonuscont is 1>> "Y'know," you begin a little jovial, "Ya had me at 'It would pay well for ya."<br><br> Lowell looks at you with a mixture of surprise and relief, but next to you Charlie frowns darkly.<br><br> "Something amiss, Mr. Mulligan?" Lowell asks.<br><br> Charlie nods gloomily.<br><br> "We are here," he says, "and by here I mean this whole mess, <<else>> "Y'know," you begin rather sourly, "I don't trust this. So, I'm not goin' to help ya."<br><br> Lowell looks at you with a mixture of defeat and disappointment.<br><br> "Look," Charlie picks up the conversation. "We are here, and by here I mean this whole mess, <</if>> because of a job we took without questions. So, ya can likely understand that we're wary."<br><br> The sheriff nods understandingly.<br><br> "It's no shady business, if you think that," he says. You don't miss the desperation in his voice. "Maybe I //should// give you some more information."<br><br> <</if>><</nobr>>\ Once more the sheriff looks around the room and runs a nervous hand over his hair. "I was, as you can no doubt guess," he begins in a low voice, "not supposed to tell you this, but... I believe you certainly heard about the 'Race for Pleasantry'?" You nod. "The railroad thing?" you ask to make sure. "Yes." Again you nod. After the transcontinental railroad had been established only a handful of years back, railroad companies quickly found a new thing to compete over: The fastest routes from east to west, border to border and all around the mulberry bush, to put it simple. The current focus is on the foothills near a town called Pleasantry: So far no one had dared to tackle the mountains there, despite routes through Rockies already existing. But you heard that if someone was to find a way through the area it would cut the travel time from coast to coast and from border to border down by several days. In short, there's sums of money involved you can hardly fathom. You give a short whistle. "I... assume they need Burke for some tunnel buildin' business?" you wager. "Not just any tunnel." Lowell clears his throat. "You have heard of Mr. Roggeveen of United Coasts Rail?" "The guy who wants to go straight //through// the mountains the whole way?" Charlie asks, looking a little baffled. "Exactly." Lowell sighs, shaking his head. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|newhamelinhotel9]]</div>

"People call him a lunatic for that plan," he says. "I should know, I'm one of them. Going through the entire span of the foothills... that's nearly twenty miles. But he heard of Burke and had send a telegraph to Redhurst, requesting the young man's service." "Good thing Burke didn't hang then," you deadpan. Lowell doesn't pick up on your tone. He just nods. "Yes. The telegraph arrived very much the moment Burke was meant to be dead." He briefly gazes at the ceiling. "Guess someone else had other plans. But, I dare say that what happened will only make Mr. Roggeveen even keener on employing Burke." "Why?" you ask. Lynwood rolls his eyes at this. "Oh please," he frowns. "Don't tell me Mr. Roggeveen believes the folklore about Burke being able to 'control' explosions through sheer will." "He doesn't," the sheriff counters, though there's something in his tone that makes you think that's a lie. "But he regards Burke as a skilled explosives expert, far ahead of his time, even. And with that little stunt at the gallows... There is no way Burke had help with that, he's... not what you'd call a very social person." "Oh, be it as it may," Lynwood goes, rather annoyed. "I don't see how this ties into my case, O'Brian not withstanding." "You heard the rumors about Tommy Burke and Seán O'Brian, I'm certain." "Yes." You wait for Lynwood to make a comment on how that's another entry on O'Brian's list of misdeeds, but it doesn't come. Lowell nods. "We need to know how Burke did this, just to make sure. Because //if// he had help, he'd not be what Mr. Roggeveen is looking for after all. But if... And well, Burke is stoically not talking. So maybe O'Brian can get that information out of him. And I can imagine loosening Burke's tongue might loosen O'Brian's as well." Lynwood just nods. "Maybe." Then he grins at you. "Though I don't think our friends here would like that. It'd mean their deal is off the table." The sheriff waves him off. "You can find another deal for them." Before Lynwood can get a word of protest in, Lowell looks back at you. "Now, this is where you come in, if only to have an eye on Burke. It'd be a good, proper job for him, if only he would talk." "I'm the last one to bar anyone from gettin' a chance to start fresh," you say. "But what's in it for us?" "As you likely figured, there's a lot of money in this, and you'd be rewarded for your service if all works out well." He takes a piece of paper from his pocket and scribbles down a sum, shoving the paper over to you and Charlie. You're glad you weren't drinking or eating anything the moment you see the numbers. Next to you Charlie sits back in his chair, taking a deep breath, while Lynwood snatches the paper, rolling his eyes again. "Roggeveen is a lunatic," he comments. "There's no catch to this," Lowell tells you, looking rather hopeful. "Mr. Roggeveen might be quite a bit odd, but he's an honest man. So, what do you say?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>I'll take yer word for it, sheriff. So, where's Burke so we can see this through?</q>">> <<set $dec3ch3 to 1>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<set $low to $low + 5>> <<set $imp to $imp + 10>> <<set $tru to $tru + 10>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel10">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Well, I trust ya with bein' truthful 'bout this. But can it wait till after dinner?</q>">> <<set $dec3ch3 to 2>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $low to $low + 5>> <<set $imp to $imp - 10>> <<set $tru to $tru + 10>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel10">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$pol >=60 or $bold <=40 ?"<q>Please don't mind me sayin' this, but I don't trust a single word o' that, and, with all due respect, it's really annoyin'.</q>" : "<q>Fancy story, but I ain't got any reason to trust ya. And frankly, this whole thing is startin' to annoy me.</q>"`>> <<set $dec3ch3 to 3>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<set $imp to $imp + 10>> <<set $tru to $tru - 10>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel10">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$pol >=60 or $bold <=40 ?"<q>With all due respect, sheriff, but I don't trust a single word o' that. The only thing you managed was, frankly, to provide a bit of entertainment.</q>" : "<q>That's a nice story, sheriff, an' I don't trust a single bloody word of it. But it was rather entertaining, though, so there's that.</q>"`>> <<set $dec3ch3 to 3>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<set $imp to $imp - 10>> <<set $tru to $tru - 10>> <<goto "newhamelinhotel10">> <</link>></div>\

<<if $continuity is 1>> "I'll take yer word for it, sheriff," you say. "So, where's Burke so we can see this through?"<br><br> The sheriff blinks a little baffled, and next to you Charlie snorts a curt laugh.<br><br> "Good gracious, $nick, I think ya could be a bit more patient."<br><br> You shrug. "It sounded urgent to me."<br><br> "I know," Charlie says with a soft sigh. "But I dare say it's not so urgent that we'd have to skip dessert." He looks expectantly at the sheriff.<br><br> "What?" Lowell blinks. "Oh... Oh. yes. While it certainly is urgent, it's not //that// that I'd want you to come with me helter skelter. You can..." Lowell pauses as if he's still digesting what he's going to say now, "certainly have your desserts."<br><br> Charlie smiles as innocently as triumphant at you.<br><br> You smile back.<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Well, I trust ya with bein' truthful 'bout this," you say, and shuffle in your seat a little. "But can it wait till after dinner?"<br><br> The sheriff blinks a little surprised.<br><br> "I mean," you add, "It's not //that// urgent that we'd have to come with ya immediately. Right?"<br><br> Another blink.<br><br> "Oh, no." Lowell then says and smiles. "It certainly is urgent, but not to the degree that I'd ask you to miss out on dinner."<br><br> "Good," Charlie grins mischievously. "Would have hated to have to skip dessert."<br><br> Lowell doesn't seem to know what to make of that statement, but you know to smile at Charlie. <<elseif $continuity is 3>> <<if $pol >=60 or $bold <=40>>"Please don't mind me sayin' this, but I don't trust a single word o' that, and, with all due respect, it's really annoyin'<<else>>"Fancy story, but I ain't got any reason to trust ya. And frankly, this whole thing is startin' to annoy me<</if>>."<br><br> Lowell looks at you for a moment, before he sighs in defeat.<br><br> "I can't give you anything more than my word, $title $Name. So, I take it you are not interested?"<br><br> You are about to answer when you catch Charlie's eye as he's giving you a part scolding, part amused look. And you know exactly what it means. You pestered him to agree to the job you did for that Hodgeson, so... now it appears to be Charlie's turn to make even.<br><br> You could still say 'No', but <<if $charlie <=30>>the Hodgeson job has already put a strain on your friendship, and there's no way in Hell you are going to risk it further.<<else>>you know Charlie would never let you hear the end of it, and... good gracious, it's so much money that's in this...<</if>><br><br> You take a deep breath, collect yourself and cock your head.<br><br> "Ah, I wouldn't put it like that" you say casually, waving the sheriff off. "So, where's Burke so we can see this through?"<br><br> The sheriff blinks a little baffled, and next to you Charlie snorts a curt laugh.<br><br> "Good gracious, $nick," he teases as if he doesn't know why you are agreeing. "I think ya could be a bit more patient."<br><br> You shrug <<if $bold >=60>>innocently, but give Charlie's shin a not entirely gentle nudge under the table<<else>>innocently<</if>>. "It sounded urgent to me."<br><br> "I know," Charlie says with a soft sigh. "But I dare say it's not so urgent that we'd have to skip dessert." He looks expectantly at the sheriff.<br><br> "What?" Lowell blinks. "Oh... Oh. yes. While it certainly is urgent, it's not //that// that I'd want you to come with me helter skelter. You can..." Lowell pauses as if he's still digesting what he's going to say now, "certainly have your desserts."<br><br> Charlie smiles as sweetly as triumphant at you.<br><br> You smile back.<br><br> <<else>> <<if $pol >=60 or $bold <=40>>"With all due respect, sheriff, but I don't trust a single word o' that. The only thing you managed was, frankly, to provide a bit of entertainment<<else>>"That's a nice story ya got there, sheriff, an' I don't trust a single bloody word of it. But it was rather entertaining, though, so there's that<</if>>."<br><br> Lowell sighs softly, pinching the bridge of his nose in defeat. "I can't give you anything more than my word, $title $Name. So, I take it you are not interested?"<br><br> You are about to answer when you catch Charlie's eye as he's giving you a part scolding, part amused look. And you know exactly what it means. You pestered him to agree to the job you did for that Hodgeson, so... now it appears to be Charlie's turn to make even.<br><br> You could still say 'No', but <<if $charlie <=30>>the Hodgeson job has already put a strain on your friendship, and there's no way in Hell you are going to risk it further.<<else>>you know Charlie would never let you hear the end of it, and... good gracious, it's so much money that's in this...<</if>><br><br> You take a deep breath, collect yourself and cock your head.<br><br> "Ah, I wouldn't put it like this." You wave the sheriff off. "It's more... It's not //that// urgent that we'd have to come with ya immediately. Right? I'd like to finish dinner first."<br><br> The sheriff blinks a little befuddled.<br><br> "Oh, no." he then says, shaking off his initial confusion. "It certainly is urgent, but not to the degree that I'd ask you to miss out on dinner."<br><br> "Good," Charlie grins mischievously. "Would have hated to have to skip dessert."<br><br> Lowell doesn't seem to know what to make of that statement, but you know to smile at Charlie.<br><br> <</if>> "Ya bloody old sweet tooth," you tease.<br><br> Charlie smirks. "Ah, we all got our vices." <hr><div class="choice">[[~Dinner done...~|meetingtommy]]</div>

<<set $mettom to true>>\ You don't know why you had thought that there might be a chance that Lynwood would not come along as Sheriff Lowell leads you back to his office and thus the jail cell in which Burke is currently residing in. At least Lynwood's keeping quiet. The sheriff nods a greeting at his men stationed at the door. "How's Burke doing?" One of the men grins, the other frowns. "Being the little ray of sunshine he's known to be," the second man snarks disgruntled. "But he didn't try to cause any more trouble. Yet." Lowell nods and waves you to follow only to stop at the stairs leading down to the cells. "I should maybe inform you that Burke..." he begins, but Charlie raises a hand to stop him. "Is a quite unpleasant person, so I've heard. Trust me, sheriff, we have dealt with worse." Lowell nods curtly, and leads you down to the cells. "Hey, Burke!" he calls as you reach your destination, drawing the young man's attention. With a displeased grunt Burke rises from slouching on the little bed, swaggering to the bars. You take the chance to get a better look at him: He's probably the same height as O'Brian, slender and decently muscled and by all means what some would easily call attractive. Bright but piercing greyish-green eyes, chin-long hair of a dark muted chestnut color and a scraggly beard that, admittedly, manages to compliment his appearance. The only odd thing, really, is the perpetual expression between a pout and sheer annoyance at everyone and everything he's giving you all right now. Though given which side of the prison bars he's on it's not surprising. "Burke, these are $title $Name and Mr. Mulligan," Sheriff Lowell introduces you. Burke tilts his head with an amazing display of utter <<if ($fname + $name).toUpperCase() is "CALEBQUINN">>disinterest (albeit you get the feeling he's briefly startled by you)<<else>>disinterest<</if>>, his eyes ultimately settling on Charlie. "Charlie Mulligan, by chance?" he asks. "With the eye-patch ya got there I'd almost be certain." Charlie nods curtly, and Burke looks at you. "Heard of ya, too, <<if $artommy.includes($name.toLowerCase()) or $artommysur.includes($name.toLowerCase())>>$Name." He snorts curtly. "Nice<<else>>$Name. Nice<</if>> work ya did with the embassy ball." You smile. You know you better don't comment on that, not with the law standing next to you, but... Inwardly you feel a little flattered. After all, it was quite a tricky job well done. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Not that tricky, I'm just this good at it.">> <<set $sel to $sel + 5>> <<goto "meetingtommy1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Only 'cause I had Charlie with me, I doubt I could pull off a lot of these jobs on me own.">> <<set $sel to $sel - 5>> <<goto "meetingtommy1">> <</link>></div>\

"I must admit," you say instead, "I had expected ya to be older. What with all the things yer said to have done." Burke smiles self-satisfied. "Lotsa people do. Can be quite helpful." Then his face sours again as he looks at the sheriff. "So, what will it be now? I mean, yer not shovin' them two into the cell with me, so what are ya playin' at?" "$title $Name and Mr. Mulligan will keep an eye on you, Burke." Burke sighs. "Is this still 'bout the whole stuff I've done?" He rolls his eyes and turns away. "I told ya I'm not buyin' yer crap 'bout any job." "It's still not a ruse, Burke," Lowell notes. "I wouldn't have brought these two here otherwise." With a groan Burke turns back to you. "Then yer fuckin' desperate, y'know? A few hours ago ya wanted to hang me, an' now yer offerin' me a job. Well, not you, but some fancy rich feller. I don't trust this." "Giving it a try is better than hangin', innit?" you say. Burke snorts a laugh. "Listen, $paddr, it wouldn't work out. Never been anywhere for long, I'm just not cut out for being with other people." He smiles bitterly and looks at your group again, quirking a brow as he comes across Lynwood, who's standing a little away from the cell in the shadows. "Who's that skinned rat?" Upon that Lynwood steps forward, angered, bringing himself to full height in front of the cell. "Giles Lynwood," he states matter-of-factly. "Pinkerton Detective Agency." Burke gives him a slow, scrutinizing look... and spits in his face. <hr><div class="choice">[[... ! ...|meetingtommy2]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> Burke looks at you and huffs dismissively. "I mean, ya got a point there."<br><br> Lynwood meanwhile just glares, more annoyed than angry.<br><br> <<if $rats >2 or $decch3 is 1>>"And here I was under the impression you were a decent person<<else>>"Charming as always<</if>> $title $Name," he says, very, very dryly.<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 2>> Burke scrunches his nose up with a snarl, glaring at you.<br><br> Lynwood does the same.<br><br> <<if $rats >2 or $decch3 is 1>>"And here I was under the impression you were a decent person<<else>>"That was entirely uncalled for<</if>>, $title $Name," he says, very, very sourly.<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 3>> Burke gives you an utterly annoyed glare.<br><br> "It'd be a shame, really," Lynwood adds.<br><br> <<else>> Burke just cocks his head at you.<br><br> "Y'know, $title $Name, from all I heard 'bout ya, I wouldn't have pegged ya down as someone workin' with them fuckin' Pinks."<br><br> Lynwood snorts an exhausted laugh.<br><br> "I'm admittedly as surprised as you are, Mr. Burke. <<if $rats >2 or $decch3 is 1>>Each time anew<<else>>$title $Name usually doesn't. Nice to see such a change of heart<</if>>."<br><br> <</if>><</nobr>>\ "Now, be it as it may," the sheriff interrupts, "I need something I can tell my contacts." There is a certain trace of urgency in his voice, and you wonder a bit how much trouble he'll be in if he can't deliver anything soon. Burke, meanwhile, seems to quarrel with himself over what to do now. "Where's he now?" he finally asks, and, you can't help it, he looks as if he immediately regret that question. "O'Brian? The '//Fiddler's Green//' Hotel," you say. "Can I see him?" Burke asks. His tone is weird, strained, dismissive, angry, hurt, all at the same time. It makes one wonder what happened. "You ought to make a decision first," Lynwood notes, and Burke growls at him. "No, I think," Lowell says, "it will be fine if they meet first." You catch the look he is giving Lynwood, half scolding and half a reminder that this way Lynwood might get what he's after, too. You dunno if you like that. "Now, Burke, as I said," Lowell then begins, unlocking the door. "$title $Name and Mr. Mulligan will be keeping an eye on you from here on, as I have a lot of other things to attend to." He sighs. He's certainly not keen on doing said attending. "I don't think I need to point out what will happen when you try anything fancy." Burke straightens himself and his clothes, steps to your side, and smirks lazily. "Last time I tried somethin' fancy ya needed a new gallow." <hr><div class="choice">[[~Back to the Hotel~|backnewhamelinhotel]]</div>

Burke has been keeping awfully quiet the whole way, but at least he didn't try to make a run for it. It's unclear if it is common sense, self-preservation or, after all, that he wants to see O'Brian. "I'll be leaving Burke in your custody then," Lowell says and he bids you farewell at the hotel's entrance. And he sighs. "If you have any news, you know where to find me." You nod. "Good luck with yer paperwork and all." Lowell smiles askew at you. "That's awfully kind, $Name," he sighs again and turns away. "I fear I'll need it." As the sheriff departs, Lynwood turns to you. "Much to my dismay I will have to leave you as well for a while. For similar reasons." "Oh, don't worry, we'll try not too miss ya too badly," Charlie answers. Lynwood rolls his eyes. "Just so you know, I shall be staying a floor below you. And if you try anything funny..." "We know, we know..." you say, waving him off. "Good." Lynwood tips his hat at you and leaves. You turn back to Burke. "Well, come then." You lead Burke up the stairs, when he stops you on the first landing. "Hey, what did the skinned rat mean when he said 'When O'Brian's awake again'?" You look at Charlie. "Yer friend ain't well," Charlie says. And to your surprise Burke glares. "He-he ain't me friend." That's not what you expected. "We just rode together with O'Reilly, that's all." With a curious brow quirked you look at him. "And still ya react like ya did? And now ya wanna see him?" "For old times sake," Burke says, extremely dismissively. In case you had any doubt that something was amiss. "But, if he ain't even awake, I... can as well go." Seeing the looks you and Charlie give him upon that, Burke frowns. "Hey, was worth the try. But, yeah, it's... just for old time's sake, so, where is he?" The uncaring bravado he displays is admirable in its own way. But it quickly fades as you enter the room O'Brian is in. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|newhamelinhotel11]]</div>

Lynwood tries to stare you down, but ultimately is the first one to look away. "I simply intend to do the right thing." You almost laugh. "What do //you// know 'bout 'the right thing'? Yer workin' for the <<if $mcnoswears>>blasted<<else>>fuckin'<</if>> Pinkertons." Lynwood furrows his brows in anger. "I'd like to remind you that the Agency has done a lot of good and prevented great damage to the country." You roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. "They've done a lot of good for the country's high society and tycoons an' prevented them from damage, Agent Lynwood." Lynwood shakes his head, and gives you a scrutinizing look that lasts a little longer than anyone would be comfortable with. "Someone like //you// wouldn't understand." "Someone like...?" you grunt, having a feeling where this is going. You know the tone, you know the look after all.. "What? Ya think I can't tell right from wrong, or see who benefits from what actions because I'm <<if $skincol is 1>>Black<<elseif $skincol >=8>>not the //right// kind o' white<<else>>not //white//<</if>>?" you sneer. Lynwood, in turn, looks utmost alarmed, and rather taken aback and shaken. "//What//? No, that... that's not what I meant. You are a //criminal//, that's why. What part of the world you come from has nothing to do with this." You harrumph, bemused. "Not the same thing, y'know. An' ya couldn't even name where I come from." Lynwood frowns, obviously annoyed. "$title $Name, with all due respect, but we //do// have a file on you. And with a name like yours..." "Ya got a file on me, alright, means ya know I'm a con artist. So how truthful d'ya reckon yer file is?" You do feel mildly offended. A moment of silence, and Lynwood pinches his nose, groaning in a near sisyphean attempt to gather his wits again. "As I said," he picks up the conversation again "the fact that you are a wanted outlaw..." You sigh heavily. "Mr. Lynwood, how I earn me daily bread has nothin' to do with whether or not I can tell right from wrong. It's simply that a lot o' the right things for people like me have been declared wrong by people like Brightwell. And people like //you// protect that skewed view for'em." You roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. "Y'know, ya brought up how yer Agency 'did a lot of good for the nation'. I assume yer referring things like the Baltimore Plot?" "For example," Lynwood nods dryly, and you get the feeling that he's starting to feel unwell in his skin. "Well, then I got two words for ya: Molly Maguires." Lynwood sits up straight and stiff, looking away. "How was //that// the right thing, Mr. Lynwood?" You glower. "How was that //anything but// ensuring rich people get to feel like they can tell reality what it's supposed to be?" "That... that's not..." Lynwood squirms again. "Not what you meant? Not the same? Which one is it?" "You... There is a certain order in the world that has to be protected and..." Lynwood's voice cracks a little. You roll your <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> <<if $mcglasses>>again, taking off your glasses to clean them meaningfully as you continue<<else>>again<</if>>. "Oh please, d'ya know how often I hear //that// from people that are by all means the scum of the Earth? For crying out loud, we had an entire civil war because those <<if $mcnoswears>>soddin'<<else>>fuckin'<</if>> Confederates..." You expected a couple of reactions to where you were going with this, but certainly not Lynwood jumping up quickly enough to knock the chair over, seething at you. "Don't you //dare// comparing me to that scum, $title $Name! Don't. You. Dare." You blink, taken <<if $mcglasses>>aback, nearly dropping your glasses<<else>>aback<</if>>. Lynwood is shaking, pale as a sheet. That one hit a nerve. He also, just a little, looks like he's about to cry. You do hold his gaze, but before you can gather your wits Lynwood has turned on his heel and marched out of the room. <hr><div class="choice">[[...well then...|day2evening]]</div>

<div align="center"><h2>__🙞Notes & Updates🙜__</h2><br> Note: <br> ''This update has added several new variables and values to existing ones. Please start a new playthrough, old saves are bound to be faulty.'' <br><br> Enjoy, and leave feedback on the blog at <a href="https://devilscreekballad.tumblr.com/">The Ballad of Devil's Creek Developement Blog</a>. <br><br> Thank you. <br><br> ''NOTE: If you are playing this game on any other page than <a href="https://meltingpenguins.itch.io/the-ballad-of-devils-creek">its itch.io page</a> you are playing a stolen version. Just cause the game is free (as it is a WiP) doesn't mean it's public domain.'' <br><br> ''Latest Update: 10/17/2024 (current build: 0.7.4)''</div> <br> * Minor bugfixes<br> <hr><div class="choice">[[~Onward to the game|BeginPrologue]]</div>

Is '$hname' your horse's full name? <hr><<if $doublecharlie is 0>> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes, it is.">> <<set $weirdhorse to 2>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is just the short form.">> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $doublecharlie is 1>> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes, it is.">> <<set $weirdhorse to 6>> <<if $archarlie.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $horsewithaname to 1>> <<else>> <<set $horsewithaname to 2>> <</if>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is just the short form.">> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $doublecharlie is 2>> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes, it is.">> <<set $weirdhorse to 6>> <<if $archarlie.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $horsewithaname to 3>> <<else>> <<set $horsewithaname to 4>> <</if>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is just the short form.">> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $doublecharlie is 3>> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes, it is.">> <<set $weirdhorse to 6>> <<if $archarlie.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $horsewithaname to 5>> <<else>> <<set $horsewithaname to 6>> <</if>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is just the short form.">> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $doublecharlie is 4>> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes, it is.">> <<set $weirdhorse to 6>> <<if $archarlie.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $horsewithaname to 7>> <<else>> <<set $horsewithaname to 8>> <</if>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is just the short form.">> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $doublecharlie is 5>> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes, it is.">> <<set $weirdhorse to 6>> <<if $archarlie.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $horsewithaname to 9>> <<else>> <<set $horsewithaname to 10>> <</if>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is just the short form.">> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $doublecharlie is 6>> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes, it is.">> <<set $weirdhorse to 6>> <<if $archarlie.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $horsewithaname to 17>> <<else>> <<set $horsewithaname to 18>> <</if>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is just the short form.">> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $doublecharlie is 7>> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes, it is.">> <<set $weirdhorse to 6>> <<if $archarlie.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $horsewithaname to 19>> <<else>> <<set $horsewithaname to 20>> <</if>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is just the short form.">> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $doublecharlie is 8>> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes, it is.">> <<set $weirdhorse to 6>> <<if $archarlie.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $horsewithaname to 21>> <<else>> <<set $horsewithaname to 22>> <</if>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is just the short form.">> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $doublecharlie is 9>> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes, it is.">> <<set $weirdhorse to 6>> <<if $archarlie.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $horsewithaname to 23>> <<else>> <<set $horsewithaname to 24>> <</if>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is just the short form.">> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $doublecharlie is 10>> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes, it is.">> <<set $weirdhorse to 6>> <<if $archarlie.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $horsewithaname to 25>> <<else>> <<set $horsewithaname to 26>> <</if>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is just the short form.">> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $doublecharlie is 11>> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes, it is.">> <<set $weirdhorse to 6>> <<if $archarlie.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $horsewithaname to 27>> <<else>> <<set $horsewithaname to 28>> <</if>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is just the short form.">> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $doublecharlie is 12>> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes, it is.">> <<set $weirdhorse to 6>> <<if $archarlie.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $horsewithaname to 29>> <<else>> <<set $horsewithaname to 30>> <</if>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is just the short form.">> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div> <<elseif $doublecharlie is 13>> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes, it is.">> <<set $weirdhorse to 6>> <<if $archarlie.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $horsewithaname to 31>> <<else>> <<set $horsewithaname to 32>> <</if>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is just the short form.">> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div> <<else>> Something went wrong. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Damn. Let's fix that.">> <<goto "fixhorse">> <</link>></div> <</if>>

$('#history-backward').text('🙥'); $('#history-forward').text('🙧'); , 'IM Fell English SC' font-imfellenglishsc case 'IM Fell English SC': $html.addClass('font-imfellenglishsc'); break; @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=IM+Fell+English+SC&display=swap'); .font-imfellenglishsc body { font-family: 'IM Fell English SC'; } ---

And is '$hname' your horse's full name? <<if $arnamenocharlie.includes($hname.toLowerCase()) or $arnamenomulligan.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<if $arsean.includes($hname.toLowerCase()) or $arseansur.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublehorse to 1>> <<if $arsean.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<if $doublefname is 1 or $doublenames is 1 or $doubled is 1>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <<else>> <<if $doublefname is 1 or $doublenames is 1 or $doubled is 1>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <</if>> <<elseif $artommy.includes($hname.toLowerCase()) or $artommysur.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublehorse to 2>> <<if $artommy.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<if $doublefname is 2 or $doublenames is 2 or $doubled is 2>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <<else>> <<if $doublefname is 2 or $doublenames is 2 or $doubled is 2>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <</if>> <<elseif $arquinn.includes($hname.toLowerCase()) or $arquinnsur.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublehorse to 3>> <<if $arquinn.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<if $doublefname is 3 or $doublenames is 3 or $doubled is 3>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <<else>> <<if $doublefname is 3 or $doublenames is 3 or $doubled is 3>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <</if>> <<elseif $arjosie.includes($hname.toLowerCase()) or $arjosiesur.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublehorse to 4>> <<if $arjosie.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<if $doublefname is 4 or $doublenames is 4 or $doubled is 4>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <<else>> <<if $doublefname is 4 or $doublenames is 4 or $doubled is 4>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <</if>> <<elseif $armeadows.includes($hname.toLowerCase()) or $armeadowssur.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublehorse to 5>> <<if $armeadows.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<if $doublefname is 5 or $doublenames is 5 or $doubled is 5>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <<else>> <<if $doublefname is 5 or $doublenames is 5 or $doubled is 5>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <</if>> <<elseif $arlynwood.includes($hname.toLowerCase()) or $arlynwoodsur.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublehorse to 6>> <<if $arlynwood.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<if $doublefname is 6 or $doublenames is 6 or $doubled is 6>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <<else>> <<if $doublefname is 6 or $doublenames is 6 or $doubled is 6>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <</if>> <<elseif $arfinn.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublehorse to 7>> <<if $doublefname is 7 or $doublenames is 7 or $doubled is 7>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <<elseif $arblayne.includes($hname.toLowerCase()) or $arblaynesur.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<if $hname.toLowerCase() is "ruben" or $hname.toLowerCase() is "rouben" or $hname.toLowerCase() is "reuben">> <<set $doublehorse to 10>> <<else>> <<set $doublehorse to 9>> <</if>> <<if $arblayne.includes($hname.toLowerCase()) and not $hname.toLowerCase() is "ruben" and not $hname.toLowerCase() is "rouben" and not $hname.toLowerCase() is "reuben" >> <<if $doublefname is 9 or $doublenames is 9 or $doubled is 9 or $doublefname is 10 or $doublenames is 10 or $doubled is 10>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <<else>> <<if $doublefname is 9 or $doublenames is 9 or $doubled is 9 or $doublefname is 10 or $doublenames is 10 or $doubled is 10>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <</if>> <<elseif $arisaac.includes($hname.toLowerCase()) or $hname.toLowerCase() is "delgado">> <<set $doublehorse to 11>> <<if $doublefname is 11 or $doublenames is 11 or $doubled is 11>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <<elseif $artess.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublehorse to 12>> <<if $doublefname is 12 or $doublenames is 12 or $doubled is 12>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <<else>> Something went wrong. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Damn. Let's Fix That...">> <<goto "fixhorse">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<elseif $arothers.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $doublehorse to 13>> <<if $doublefname is 13 or $doublenames is 13 or $doubled is 13>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <<elseif $hname.toLowerCase() is "kaede" or $hname.toLowerCase() is "morikawa">> <<set $doublehorse to 14>> <<if $doublefname is 14 or $doublenames is 14 or $doubled is 14>> <<set $weirdhorse to 7>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 8>> <</if>> <<elseif $arhorsehorse.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>> <<set $weirdhorse to 9>> <<elseif $hname.toLowerCase() is "polina">> <<set $weirdhorse to 5>> <<set $doublehorse to 15>> <<elseif $hname.toLowerCase() is "yun">> <<set $weirdhorse to 5>> <<set $doublehorse to 16>> <<elseif $hname.toLowerCase() is "seafoam">> <<set $weirdhorse to 4>> <<set $doublehorse to 17>> <<elseif $hname.toLowerCase() is "nettie" or $hname.toLowerCase() is "netty">> <<set $weirdhorse to 5>> <<set $doublehorse to 18>> <<elseif $hname.toLowerCase() is "sunrise">> <<set $weirdhorse to 5>> <<set $doublehorse to 19>> <<elseif $hname.toLowerCase() is "misfit">> <<set $weirdhorse to 4>> <<set $doublehorse to 20>> <<elseif $hname.toLowerCase() is "fleabite">> <<set $weirdhorse to 4>> <<set $doublehorse to 21>> <<else>> <<if $hname.toLowerCase() is $fname.toLowerCase() or $hname.toLowerCase() is $name.toLowerCase() or $hname.toLowerCase() is $nick.toLowerCase()>> <<if $doublecharlie >0>> <<set $weirdhorse to 1>> <<else>> <<set $weirdhorse to 3>> <</if>> <<else>> Is everything as it should be? <</if>> <</if>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "Yes, it is.">> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "Yes, and it's a bit a rude name, truth be told...">> <<set $rudehorse to true>> <<goto "holdyourhorses">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is just the short form.">> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "No, this is the, albeit a bit crude, short form...">> <<set $rudehorse to true>> <<goto "shetland">> <</link>></div>

"Yer right. Better go get some sense into him before he ends up at the gallows again," you murmur and get up. "Charlie, yer goin' to...?" "I'll be helpin' here," Charlie reassures you and gestures you to hurry. You nod and follow Burke. You find him standing on the balcony, watching the streets below in silence. "What, did ya think I'd run off?" he greets you without even looking at you. "Dunno what O'Brian told ya 'bout me, but I'm not that dumb." "He told us nothing 'bout you," you say. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Step next to Burke.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "followtommy1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Keep your distance.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $keepdistance to true>> <<goto "followtommy1">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> <<if $bold >=60>>You harrumph<<else>>You draw a deep, uncertain breath<</if>> and step next to Burke.<br><br> Burke growls briefly, but does nothing further.<br><br> <<else>> <<if $bold >=60>>You frown, rocking on your heels for a moment, but<<else>>You exhale softly and<</if>> stay where you are.<br><br> Burke glances back at you briefly, rolling his eyes.<br><br> <</if>><</nobr>>\ You just stand there and wait. Burke seems sunken in thought, and endlessly bitter about something. <<if $cur >=60>>You do wonder<<else>>A part of you //does// wonder<</if>> what happened between him and O'Brian. That he is so... bitter?... Maybe angry? Hurt?... about whatever it was is the only possible explanation for his behavior you can think of. "Are ya just gonna stand there an' gaze longingly at me?" Burke suddenly asks. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Yer not my type.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "followtommy2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>If the situation would be different, I might. But no.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $tom to $tom + 5>> <<set $tomrom to $tomrom + 1>> <<goto "followtommy2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I-I... No. Not with what's goin' on right now...</q>">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<set $tom to $tom + 5>> <<set $tomrom to $tomrom + 1>> <<set $tomrom_shy to $tomrom_shy + 1>> <<goto "followtommy2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>This ain't the time for jokin'. Yer friend might die.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<set $tom to $tom - 5>> <<goto "followtommy2">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Yer not my type," you answer.<br><br> "Then stop lookin' at me like that."<br><br> You sigh exhausted. "Yer <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "If the situation would be different, I might," you say. "But no."<br><br> "Ya might? Interesting." Burke looks you up and down (you don't miss the tiniest hitch in his voice), before shaking his head. "Seriously now, why did ya follow me?"<br><br> "Yer <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "I-I..." You fluster and draw a deep breath. "No. Not with what's goin' on right now..."<br><br> "Heh, cat almost got yer tongue there. So it's just this shite stoppin' ya? Interesting." Burke looks you up and down (you, however, don't miss the tiniest hitch in his voice), before shaking his head. "Seriously now, why did ya follow me?"<br><br> "Yer <<else>> "This ain't the time for jokin'. Yer <</if>> friend might die."<</nobr>> Burke scrunches up his nose in disgust. "He ain't me friend. How often do I have to tell ya?" That is a lie if you ever heard one, and by now you've heard it thrice. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Don't push the topic.">> <<if $imp >=65>> <<set $tom to $tom - 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<else>> <<set $tom to $tom + 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <</if>> <<goto "tommybackinside">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Call him out.">> <<if $bold >=65>> <<set $tom to $tom + 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<else>> <<set $tom to $tom - 5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <</if>> <<goto "tommybackinside">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Ask him. Maybe some kindness is what's needed.">> <<if $pol >=65>> <<set $tom to $tom + 5>> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<else>> <<set $tom to $tom - 5>> <<set $continuity to 6>> <</if>> <<goto "tommybackinside">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Leave. No need to be nosy.">> <<if $cur >=65>> <<set $tom to $tom - 5>> <<set $continuity to 7>> <<else>> <<set $tom to $tom + 5>> <<set $continuity to 8>> <</if>> <<goto "tommybackinside">> <</link>></div>\

<<if $continuity is 1>> You remain where you are, trying to keep quiet and maybe thing of something to change the topic to.<br><br> And you fail miserably.<br><br> "Look, it's what Finley said," you begin with some annoyed urgency, "Ya gotta mean a great deal to O'Brian reacts like that."<br><br> "Oh will ya shut up?" Burke barks in response. "If that's the reason that's entirely on him. All what happened is we've been ridin' with O'Reilly together. That's all."<br><br> "If that's all then why..."<br><br> "That. Is. All. Got it?" Burke glares daggers at you before turning away. "Don't push yer luck."<br><br> All things considered, you know when to shut up (most of the time at least). You huff and turn away.<br><br> "Just don't run off after all," you say and head back inside. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You <<if $keepdistance>>wait a moment before stepping closer and lean<<else>>lean<</if>> onto the banister, looking at the streets.<br><br> "Yer not very talkative, ain't ya," Burke wonders after a moment.<br><br> "I'll admit, I do have questions, but..."<br><br> Burke looks at you and smirks softly.<br><br> "Ya should head back inside, they... might need ya," he says. "Don't worry. I won't run off."<br><br> You give him a brief, scrutinizing glance, nod curtly, and head back inside. <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "Yer not buying that yerself, for cryin' out loud," you cry out, <<if $keepdistance>>stepping over and leaning<<else>>leaning<</if>> against the banister and holding Burke's gaze. "Look, I dunno what happened 'tween the two of ya, I dunno what makes ya act like this, but I know that O'Brian, at least, has to care a great deal 'bout ya to react like that. Goodness gracious, the guy's in shock 'cause he heard ya was goin' to hang, an' yer now standin' here acting as if that's an insult to ya."<br><br> Burke blinks a little overwhelmed, then his brow furrows in anger and he's about to respond, but you just stare him down.<br><br> "Tell ya what, Burke," you say, "ya can stay here, think 'bout what's going on an' where ya wanna go from here. If ya wanna talk, I'll be back inside." You turn away and head to the door, stopping briefly to glower back at Burke. "None o' us is goin' to run, and I advise ya to not try it either. <<elseif $continuity is 4>> "Listen," you begin, gathering all the courage you can find, but Burke turns to you and stares you down the moment you hesitate.<br><br> "To what?" he sneers, looking you up and down. "Bit hard to listen if yer not sayin' anything."<br><br> You glare daggers at him as he turns away.<br><br> "Listen, <<if $they is "she">>missy,"<<else>>mate,"<</if>> he grunts annoyed, "if ya got nothin' to say, don't pretend ya do an' bugger off." He looks back at you. "An' don't worry, I ain't going to run, if that was what ya failed to say."<br><br> You harrumph, puff yourself up a little and stalk back inside. <<elseif $continuity is 5>> "Can I ask why?"<br><br> "Why what?"<br><br> "Why ya say O'Brian's not yer friend. I mean, it's what Finley said, ya must mean //something// to him for him to react like that."<br><br> Burke looks at you and frowns.<br><br> "That's his own fault then," he says, turning away and staring ahead. "We been ridin' together with O'Reilly, that's all."<br><br> "Still...," you say softly.<br><br> Burke looks at you again and shakes his head.<br><br> "... It doesn't mean anything." He groans. "C'mon, leave me alone, will ya?"<br><br> You look at him for a moment longer, and nod.<br><br> "Just don't run off after all," you say and head back inside. <<elseif $continuity is 6>> "Why d'ya say that? The whole 'He ain't yer friend' bullshit?"<br><br> Burke glares at you.<br><br> "'Cause that 'bullshit' is what's goin' on," he snarls. "Nothin' more, nothin' less'."<br><br> "Well, for 'nothing more, nothin' less, he had quite the funny reaction, as pointed out," you snarl back.<br><br> And Burke spins <<if $keepdistance>>around, closes the gap between you and him with one big step<<else>>around<</if>> and grabs you by the collar.<br><br> "Listen, <<if $they is "she">>missy,"<<else>>mate,"<</if>> he growls, nose inches from yours. "I don't know an' don't care what ya think, and even less what Seán thinks. I am //not// his friend."<br><br> He let's you go and turns back to watching the streets below. You straighten your clothes. This is a lost cause if you've ever seen one.<br><br> At least right now.<br><br> "Just don't run off after all," you say and head back inside. <<elseif $continuity is 7>> You harrumph, huff and turn away to go back inside.<br><br> Only to <<if $keepdistance>>stay where you are in<<else>>stop at<</if>> the door. You can't really help it. While you have a vague idea what's going on, you want... no //need// to know for certain.<br><br> "Weren't ya buggerin' off?" Burke sneers at you.<br><br> You frown. "C'mon, what's goin' on?"<br><br> "//Nothing// is goin' on. Stop bein' nosy an' piss off!"<br><br> You flinch back slightly, furrow your brows and glare. Burke glares back briefly, before turning his head away.<br><br> Seems like pushing the topic won't do.<br><br> "Just don't run off after all," you say and head back inside. <<else>> You harrumph, huff and turn away to go back inside.<br><br> You do cast a last, careful glimpse at Burke. He grumbles inquiringly at you, but not angrily.<br><br> "Just don't run off after all," you say, and head back inside.<</if>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~Back in O'Brian's room~|backinside]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $ch3followed is "tommy">> "That was quick," Charlie greets you, and you give him a skewed smile.<br><br> "It's like what we've been told, Burke's not much of a social person."<br><br> "Yeah, that's the feeling I got."<br><br> "He's lying through his teeth, ain't he?" you muse aloud.<br><br> Charlie nods.<br><br> "Absolutely. Just... why?" <<elseif $ch3followed is "meadows">> "And now yer stuck with us," you say.<br><br> "Didn't I ask you to stop joking?" Mrs. Meadows says, but you catch a glimpse of the small smile crossing her face.<br><br> You make an apologizing, yet playful gesture, just as Charlie returns from his talk with Burke.<br><br> "Oh, hey," you greet, looking up at him. "How did it go?"<br><br> "Burke needs some time t' think," Charlie answers, sitting down on the bed's edge.<br><br> "Is he still sayin' this," you incline your head at O'Brian, "got nothin' to do with him?"<br><br> "Yeah. As if tellin' a lie thrice will make it the truth." Charlie shakes his head. "I just wonder... why." <<else>> "Right," you say and look at Charlie. "How 'bout ya handle this one?"<br><br> "'Cause I'm better with words or 'cause I caused it?" he inquires with a sly grin.<br><br> "Yes."<br><br> Charlie chuckles, before he sighs softly. "I'm kinda worried, truth be told. Yer gonna stay here?"<br><br> You shake your head.<br><br> "No. I go get some rest. Sort me thoughts," you say and look at O'Brian in thought.<br><br> "No matter what your further intentions are, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>," Mrs. Meadows says, "I can assure you O'Brian will be fine. In the sense that he won't be worse than he was before."<br><br> You nod. "Good."<br><br> "Y'know," Charlie muses out loud as he stops at the door on his way out, "I doubt Burke's gonna tell me... So, what d'ya think why he's like that? All that... denial...?<</if>><</nobr>> You look at O'Brian. "Something's oughta have happened when O'Reilly died." "That's a given," Charlie notes <<if $ch3followed is "bed">>soberly and leaves<<else>>soberly<</if>> "Y'know," Finley chimes in hesitantly but bright-eyed, "What if... what if they had a really bad fight an' parted ways hatin' each other. Or rather thinkin' they hate each other." Mrs. Meadows groans. "Have you been reading too many dime-novels again?" Finley pouts a little, putting his book down. "No, ma'am. It's just... I-I mean with what people been sayin' 'bout them two, an' all and..." Finley frowns softly and shuts up, burying his nose in his book again. Mrs. Meadows simply nods. "What would the world come to if things would be as kitschy?" Then she looks at you. "So, <<if $ch3followed is "bed">>you will be heading to sleep<<else>>what is your plan now<</if>>?" <<if $ch3followed is "bed">>You nod. "Yes<<else>>You roll your shoulders. "I'll go an' lay down<</if>>. Let's be frank, we can all do with some rest." "Indeed." Mrs. Meadows gives a small nod. <<nobr>><<if $ch3followed is "bed">> "Knowing Charlie he'll likely head down to the saloon after talkin' to Burke."<br><br> "You sound... displeased," Mrs. Meadows notes.<br><br> "We got enough people upset with us in town already. I'd like for him not to make us some new ones on the Poker table."<br><br> "Good luck with that," Mrs. Meadows simply deadpans.<br><br> <<else>> "I'll head down to the saloon," Charlie says, getting up. "In case anyone needs me."<br><br> "Try not to make us some new enemies on the Poker table. We got enough of'em in town already."<br><br> Charlie grants you a slick and sly smile as he heads out of the room. "No promises."<br><br> And he's out.<br><br> <</if>><</nobr>>\ You huff, shake your head and make your way to your own room. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Maybe an hour or two later~|apinkertoncalls]]</div>

"Right," you say and look at Charlie. "How 'bout ya handle this one?" "'Cause I'm better with words or 'cause I caused it?" he inquires with a sly grin. "Yes." Charlie chuckles, before he sighs softly. "I'm kinda worried, truth be told. Ya'll stay here?" You nod and look at Mrs. Meadows. "Is there anything I can help ya with?" Mrs. Meadows looks up from tending to O'Brian in a bit of surprise. "I didn't peg you down as willing to." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>I figured ya'll likely need a hand.</q>">> <<set $mead to $mead - 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "helpmeadows1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>It's the right thing to do.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "helpmeadows1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I got no doubts yer a good doctor, but I'd still like to help</q>">> <<set $mead to $mead + 5>> <<set $meadrom to $meadrom + 1>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "helpmeadows1">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "I figured ya'll likely need a hand," you say.<br><br> Mrs. Meadows furrows her brow.<br><br> "'Likely'? What is that supposed to mean now?" Her tone tells you you've just knocked down a hornet's nest.<br><br> You hastily clear your throat. No matter what you might think, an apology will certainly prevent you from getting stung.<br><br> "Sorry," you murmur. "Didn't mean to insult ya. I... would genuinely like to help."<br><br> "Oh?"<br><br> "Yes. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "It's the right thing to do," you answer while Charlie leaves.<br><br> "Huh," Mrs. Meadows say. "I didn't peg you down as someone willing to do the right thing either."<br><br> "Very charming." You smile nevertheless. "But really. <<else>> "I got no doubts yer a good doctor," you say sincerely, "but I'd still like to help."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows hesitates, focusing a piercing, suspicious look on you.<br><br> "What's wrong?" you ask.<br><br> She shakes her head.<br><br> "You are serious?"<br><br> You nod. "I am. <</if>> Regardless of what I think o' O'Brian, this isn't right."<</nobr>> Mrs. Meadows looks at you again and nods curtly before turning to Finley. "You should head to bed, Finley. I can see you nodding off without looking at you." "I'm fine, ma'am. I'd really like to finish this chapter first?" Mrs. Meadows cocks her head and a small smile flits over her face. "Alright then," she says and turns back to you. "You can make yourself useful by getting fresh water." You nod and take the jug. When you get back, Mrs. Meadows is scribbling into a small notebook, looking thoughtfully. Finley is still reading. "Yer lookin' worried," you note, placing the jug by the bedside. Mrs. Meadows simply nods, not looking up from her notes. You pull up a chair and sit down... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Next to her.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "helpmeadows2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~On the other side of the bed.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $keepdistance to true>> <<goto "helpmeadows2">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Personal space, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>," she murmurs matter-of-factly, and you edge away a bit. "Much obliged."<br><br> You nod and mumble. "Sorry."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows <<else>> Mrs. Meadows looks at you, briefly, gives an acknowledging nod and looks back at her notes.<</if>><</nobr>> "So," you begin after a moment. "Anything else to help with?" "Not right now. O'Brian now needs the rest." You nod. "All this 'cause of..." <<if $job is 1 or $strong is 1>>"You are versed in the medical field well enough, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>, to know that<<else>>"I believe you can understand what<</if>> a shock can easily cause what we are seeing here." You nod again. "And O'Brian is not the most fit man his age I've seen," Mrs. Meadows adds. "Not the worst example of physical health either though." "Well, ya'd think living a life on the run would provide some good exercise," you joke, but Mrs. Meadows just shakes her head at you. "Would you kindly cut back on the joking?" You search her face as she says that, and there's an odd trace of sadness. You ponder what to do. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Be polite and ask if it's alright to voice a few questions.">> <<set $askmead to true>> <<set $mead to $mead + 5>> <<goto "helpmeadows2a">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice">[[~Ask her is there's a reason for her no-nonsense demeanor. Her story, maybe.|helpmeadows3]]</div>

<<set $knowmead to true>> <<if $askmead>> "My family migrated to the States after the Opium War. Most of my history is thus the same you will find with a lot of the people who came here from China. My father and grandmother insisted, however, that I learn how to handle a gun, just in case. So I did. And I got good at it. When I was seventeen I met Nathan Meadows. He was the kindest and most clever person I have ever met, and he had this big dream of becoming a doctor. And he had the knowledge to make that dream reality. My family was impressed by him, he was a great match, and I was allowed to move with him to Boston. With my older brother in tow."<br><br> "Better safe than sorry," you comment.<br><br> Mrs. Meadows nods. "That was the exact idea. Nathan's family supported us fully, which was a pleasant change from the animosities we experienced on the frontier. And as Nathan trained to be a doctor, I learned the trait along the way." She smiles wistfully. "We got married after his graduation, and he fairly quickly gained an impressive reputation amongst the rich and powerful. He was a good doctor, and a shining beacon of modern science. But to me it was more important how kind and supportive he was. The world out there isn't necessary kind to women."<br><br> You nod gently.<br><br> "Can I..." you begin, "ask what happened to your husband?"<br><br> Mrs. Meadows falls silent, and looks at her hands in her lap.<br><br> "A train crash," she then says quietly. "Nathan had gone to New York. It was meant to be only for two days. On the way back his train derailed..."<br><br> With a heavy sigh Mrs. Meadows shakes her head. You look at her sympathetically. <<if $talk >=65>>You're good with words, which means you know when<<else>>Maybe<</if>> it's better to say nothing.<br><br> "I moved back here afterwards," Mrs. Meadows continues after giving you a small smile. "And one day I met Mr. Blayne. He had been injured on a hunt. Not as bad as this time around, naturally, but it was nevertheless not a pretty sight. But as he was recovering we befriended each other. He usually pays a visit when he's in the area, and now is not the first time he requested my assistance." <<else>> <<if $pol >=65>>"May I ask why ya are<<else>>"Why are ya<</if>> like that?"<br><br> "Like what?"<br><br> "This whole 'No-Nonsense' approach? Like, I get that some people are more serious than others, but... it's a bit concernin', truth be told."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows looks you up and down. "That is the question you are asking?"<br><br> You shrug. "Been tellin' people me story a lot lately." You look at Finley and back to Mrs. Meadows. "An' I reckon ya already know a thing or two 'bout me. So, I'd just like to hear yer story."<br><br> "I do indeed." Again she gives you a piercing, scrutinizing glance. "I guess I can tell you... a thing or two." She takes a long breath and seems to sort her thoughts.<br><br> "I presume you want to know why I am widowed, a doctor and all that, correct?"<br><br> "Yes."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows smiles dryly. "I believe the short version will do." She takes a deep breath, collecting herself, and you get the feeling you messed something up along the way. Ah well, c'est la vie, maybe another time.<br><br> Then Mrs. Meadows clears her throat.<br><br> "My family migrated to the states after the Opium War. My father and grandmother insisted that I learn how to handle a gun, just in case. I met Nathan Meadows when I was seventeen. My family liked him, we moved to Boston together and I learned the trait alongside Nathan whilst he was studying to become a doctor. We got married after he graduated, and he quickly gained an impressive reputation amongst the high society. He was a good doctor, and a shining beacon of modern science."<br><br> At this Mrs. Meadows falls silent, the rather aloof manner dropping off her.<br><br> "And then Nathan died," she continues quietly. "A train crash. Nathan had gone to New York. It was meant to be only for two days. On the way back his train derailed..."<br><br> With a heavy sigh Mrs. Meadows shakes her head. You look at her sympathetically. <<if $talk >=65>>You're good with words, which means you know when<<else>>Maybe<</if>> it's better to say nothing.<br><br> "I moved back here afterwards," Mrs. Meadows continues after giving you a small smile. "And one day I met Mr. Blayne. He had been injured on a hunt. Not as bad as this time around, naturally, but it was nevertheless not a pretty sight. But as he was recovering we befriended each other. He usually pays a visit when he's in the area, and now is not the first time he requested my assistance."<</if>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|backinside]]</div>

<<if $pol >=65>>"Would it be alright if I'd<<else>>"Can I<</if>> ask ya a thing or two?" Mrs. Meadows looks at you, and finally gives you a curt nod. "As long as it is nothing too personal." "No," you say. "Good. Then, what do you want to know?" <<if $pol >=65>>"May I ask why ya are<<else>>"Why are ya<</if>> like that?" "Like what?" "This whole 'No-Nonsense' approach? Like, I get that some people are more serious than others, but... it's a bit concernin', truth be told." Mrs. Meadows looks you up and down. "That is the question you are asking?" You shrug. "Been tellin' people me story a lot lately." You look at Finley and back to Mrs. Meadows. "An' I reckon ya already know a thing or two 'bout me. So, I'd just like to hear yer story." "I do indeed." Again she gives you a piercing, scrutinizing glance. "I guess I can tell you... a thing or two." She takes a long breath and seems to sort her thoughts. "I presume you want to know why I am widowed, a doctor and all that, correct?" "Yes." Mrs. Meadows smiles briefly. "From the start then." <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|helpmeadows3]]</div>

You awake to a knock on the door. Rather groggily you sit up in your bed, rub the sleep from your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> and call for whoever is knocking. "Yes?" "$title $Name?" <<if $lyn >=35>>You sigh surprised. Lynwood again<<else>>You frown. Lynwood again. A part of you regrets having answered already, completely busting the chance to pretend you are not here<</if>>. "Yes?" You shuffle out of bed, light a <<if $mcglasses>>lamp, fumble for your glasses<<else>>lamp<</if>> and open the <<if $lyn >=35>>door<<else>>door. Maybe a little reluctantly<</if>>. "I had hoped you'd be awake," Lynwood says, pushing past you into the room. You grunt rather displeased at that. "I'm gonna take a stab in the dark," you begin rather miffed. "Yer here because of O'Brian?" "Indeed," Lynwood says, sitting down in a chair by the bed. "Also, where is Mr. Mulligan?" You furrow your brow. "Not here. An' I'm not his chaperon. C'mon, cards on table, what d'ya wanna know this time? O'Brian's still out cold." "I would simply like to remind you about what's at stake." You sit down on the bed and glower darkly. "For me or for you?" Lynwood glowers back. "I don't understand why you are asking that, $title $Name." "Y'know," you venture, "Yer so obsessed with gettin' O'Brian strung up, despite there being legitimate doubt about his guilt." Lynwood clears his throat in annoyance. "I see no legitimate doubt here, $title $Name. On one side we have the brutal murder of Robert Brightwell, and on the other nothing but O'Brian swearing he didn't do it." "Look," you begin, leaning forward. "Be it as it may, but ya gotta admit that something is fishy here. I've seen O'Brian's reaction to the accusations, and..." "Must I remind you that O'Brian is..." "A skilled grifter? I haven't forgotten that. But no one is //that// good, Agent Lynwood." You narrow your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> at him. "So what's at stake for //you// that you are so persistent?" <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|apinkertoncalls1]]</div>

You blink into the empty room, ultimately shaking your head. You'd lie if you'd say you aren't surprised. With a soft frown you lay back down, staring at the ceiling in thought as the door creaks open. "What the Hell did ya do to Lynwood, $nick?" Charlie greets you, kicking off his shoes. "Mhn?" "Met him on me way here, the guy's completely rattled an' frazzled." "Eh, he came here to 'remind' me to make up me mind 'bout O'Brian an' all. Wanted me to do 'the right thing'." Charlie snorts, sitting down on his bed. "He's a Pinkerton, what does he know 'bout 'the right thing'?" "I know!" you exclaim throwing your hands up. "So, why's he so rattled?" "Beats me." You shake your head. "If I wouldn't know better I'd say he actually has principles an' standards that can be called that." Charlie quirks his brow at you and grins. "Yeah, not very likely, innit?" You grin back and stretch. "So... how did yer evenin' go?" "Not too bad. Ran into some familiar faces." You wince. "Yer alright?" "Yeah, they know better by now it'd seem. Met some new people. Didn't make any new enemies, so there's that. And, oh, an' the saloon's got some damn fine Whiskey." You smile and nestle in your pillow <<if $mcglasses>>again, putting your glasses to the side<<else>>again<</if>>. "Well, then there's at least some o' the day that's been productive." "Agreed. But I really need some sleep now." Charlie puts his eye-patch on the nightstand and crawls under the cover. "Think tomorrow will feel as long as today?" "I hope not. I'd like to spend some time till we gotta move to Potter's Springs relaxing." "You an' I both, $nick. So, here's hopin'." "Here's hopin'," you echo and turn off the lamp. "Good night, Charlie." <<nobr>><<if $gf>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Good night~">> <<set $nextpassage to "goodmorningd3">> <<goto "gfset">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~Good night~|goodmorningd3]]</div> <</if>><</nobr>>

Once again you are woken by someone knocking. You peel <<if $mconeeye>>your<<else>>an<</if>> eye open and gaze blearily around the room. It's likely early noon by the looks of it, and fishing your <<if $mcglasses>> glasses and pocket<<else>>pocket<</if>>-watch from the nightstand confirms the estimation. Charlie is currently going through the same crude procedure of waking up, nodding you a sleepy 'G'Morning' as he registers you are awake. "Who is it?" you call after another knock sounds, words slurring together slightly. "<<if $gf and $opentr>>Err... $title...?<<else>>$title<</if>> $Name? Mr. Mulligan?" Finley. "Yes?" you answer. "Mr. O'Brian's awake." Oh. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Get up and open the door.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "goodmorningd3a">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Tell Finley you'll be there in a moment.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "goodmorningd3a">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Get five more minutes of sleep...">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "goodmorningd3a">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You yawn, clamber out of bed and stagger to the door, opening it.<br><br> "G'morning," you greet.<br><br> "Morning, <<if $gf and $opentr>> errr..." the boy pauses, shuffling a little embarrassed.<br><br> You smile. <<if $addr is $overnightaddr>>"It's still<<else>>"It's<</if>> '$addr', kiddo."<br><br> Finley nods.<br><br> "Did ya sleep well?"<br><br> <<else>> $addr," the boy greets back. "Did ya sleep well?"<br><br><</if>> "Yeah. Not too bad at least." you mumble and rub sleep from your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. At least there weren't no weird dreams this night. "How's O'Brian?"<br><br> "Groggy. Mrs. Meadows would like for you to be present before I wake Mr. Burke.<br><br> You nod. You had already expected something like that.<br><br> "Give us a few more minutes," you say and yawn again, closing the door once Finley has left.<br><br> You stretch, wincing as your joints give a resounding crack, and sit back on the bed again.<br><br> Charlie looks at you, a little worried. "So... Did ya really <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You yawn and scratch yourself after sitting up rather clumsily.<br><br> "We'll be right there," you call, and suppress another yawn.<br><br> "Alright. I'll tell Mrs. Meadows," Finley responds and you hear him move back to the other room.<br><br> "What d'ya think?" Charlie begins, rubbing sleep from his eye. "Mrs. Meadows wants us present when O'Brian an' Burke talk?"<br><br> "Absolutely," you agree, stretching.<br><br> Charlie nods, and looks at you a little worried. "Hey. Did ya <<else>> You murmur groggily and pull the cover over your head.<br><br> On the other bed Charlie chuckles.<br><br> "Give us five more minutes," he calls. "We'll be right with ya."<br><br> "Alright. I'll tell Mrs. Meadows," Finley responds and you hear him move back to the other room.<br><br> "Ain't ya one sleepyhead?" Charlie teases and you peek out from under the cover. And just as you do Charlie dons a rather worried expression.<br><br> "But be honest with me now, $nick," he says in a tone that has you sit up slowly, "Did ya <</if>> sleep well?"<</nobr>> You blink at him confused. "That's one odd question to ask." Charlie ties his eye-patch back into place and shakes his head. "Back at Blayne's house. Ya slept so uneasy ya drew me contacts' attention. Didn't have a chance to mention it yet." Charlie looks a little apologetic, and you wince. You hadn't yet decided on what you should do about that nightmare, but if the dead told Charlie about it the best course of action //might// be to let the cat out of the bag. When Charlie had first explained to you what exactly his gift entails, you had <<if $skeptic>>been—once you began believing him—<<else>>been<</if>> a bit freaked out about the prospect of the dead watching your every move. But Charlie had quickly reassured you that they only watch the living when there's either something really important to them, or if something so peculiar happens that it draws their attention. In short, those buggers //will// now watch your every step till you tell someone — preferably Charlie — about it. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Well... I had a really weird nightmare. Like nothin' I had before. It was... I dunno. Ya... got a moment to listen?</q>">> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 5>> <<set $charlieknowsdream1 to true>> <<set $knowsdreams to $knowsdreams + 1>> <<set $dreamcont to 1>> <<goto "telldream">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Yeah, I had a really weird nightmare. But I'll better tell ya later. We... got things to do now...</q>">> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 5>> <<set $knowsdreams to $knowsdreams + 1>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "goodmorningd3b">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Ev'rything's fine. 'Twas just a nightmare.</q>">> <<set $charlieworrieddreams to true>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "goodmorningd3b">> <</link>></div>\

<<if $continuity is 1>> "Yeah, I had a really weird nightmare," you say. "Like nothin' I had before. It was... I dunno. But... I'll better tell ya later. We got things to do now..."<br><br> Charlie cocks his head at you.<br><br> "Yer certain?"<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "Need to gather me wits 'bout it first. An' I somehow think it'll be a bad idea to keep Mrs. Meadows waitin'."<br><br> Charlie grins.<br><br> "Well, ya got one good point there, $nick." His face softens. "If ya need me, I'm here."<br><br> You nod grateful and move to get dressed. <<else>> "Ev'rything's fine. 'Twas just a nightmare," you say, and judging by the look Charlie gives you, he's not buying a single word of it. And he's getting more worried.<br><br> "Charlie, I appreciate ya... and the deceased... worryin' 'bout me, but it's fine."<br><br> Charlie cocks his head at you questioningly before he stretches and head for the door.<br><br> "Well, then let's not dillydally an' see to things with O'Brian and Burke," he says, and gives you a soft smile as you step next to him. "And should ya decide that things aren't 'fine' after all... Ya know where to find me.<</if>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~A little later~|starcrossed]]</div>

By all means, O'Brian is looking frazzled. Though it's hard to tell if it's the aftermath of what happened, or the anticipation of what's to come. He's talking to Mrs. Meadows as you enter, and both look up almost immediately. "There you are," Mrs. Meadows <<if $charlieknowsdream1>>notes. "Took you long enough."<<else>>notes.<</if>> She turns to Finley with a curt nod. "Go get Burke. Let's see if we can't sort this out." As Finley leaves you look at O'Brian, and see him bite his lip, fingers curling into the sheets. "Just don't get your hopes up," Mrs. Meadows informs you. "O'Brian here is convinced Burke hates him." "How so?" Charlie inquires, and you nod to second the question. "He... just does," O'Brian murmurs, trying to sound matter-of-factly, but the pain in his voice is hard to miss. "Ya seem unshakably certain about it," you muse aloud, and O'Brian gives you a half-hearted glare. "Sometimes... sometimes ya just know these things, y'know?" he says, looking away. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Encourage him, it's doubtfully this bad.">> <<set $sean to $sean + 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "starcrossed1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Say nothing.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "starcrossed1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Dismiss the worries. It's nonsense.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "starcrossed1">> <</link>></div>\

"Well... I had a really weird nightmare, ya got a moment to listen?" you say. Charlie's expression grows more worried. "Sure," he says, smiling lopsided. "Not as much as I'd like though, not with the Doc expecting us." You smile back just as lopsided. "I'll make it quick." Charlie nods softly. "I..." you begin, looking at the ceiling as if you'd expect some helpful notes up there, <<include "dreamstuff">> We should go. We've kept the others waitin' long enough." <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|starcrossed]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Y'know, I doubt that it can be so bad. Ain't tryin' to belittle ya, but... Y'know, he's still here. He coulda just went back to Redhurst, or somethin' to get away if he'd really hate ya this much."<br><br> O'Brian looks at you, now looking a little more questioning than miserable.<br><br> But then he shakes his head.<br><br> "Awfully nice o' ya to say that, but... ya <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You look at O'Brian, and try to make some sense of things. And you can't really tell if you are annoyed by what's going on, or if you are sad about it.<br><br> "I somehow still doubt you are entirely correct," Mrs. Meadows notes, and O'Brian gives her the same half-hearted glare.<br><br> "Ya <<else>> "Know what? That's nonsense, an' ya know it?" you say. "If he'd hate ya he'd done somethin' to get outta here as soon as possible, but he's still around. So yer either wrong, or he just doesn't care enough to hate ya."<br><br> O'Brian winces, but by the looks of it he's too worried to by angry at you for your words.<br><br> "Also," you add, just because you feel like it, "the way he acted I doubt that it's hate or indifference to begin with."<br><br> O'Brian chokes on a faint laugh. "Charmin'. But... ya <</if>> don't know Tommy Burke... I... I just know he hates me now. Dunno why he's stickin' around."<</nobr>> "Morbid curiosity, I guess," Burke snarls as he enters at that moment. O'Brian gives a short whimper before he hastily avoids looking at the other man. Burke does the same, but with a much grimmer and angrier expression on his face. "Alright, I'm here," Burke snarls, leaning against the wall furthest away from the bed. "Can we get this over with?" "You tell us," Mrs. Meadows says. "Can you get O'Brian to confess the murder of Robert Brightwell?" "I didn't kill him!" O'Brian protests. "Don't see a reason why I should." Burke shrugs casually, ignoring O'Brian entirely. "Or could." "'Cause yer..." Charlie begins, but Burke stops him. "Don't ya dare to say 'friends', Mulligan, or anythin' like that. That fool there hates me guts." You — as everyone else but Burke — look at O'Brian, who is growing more frustrated by the second, judging by his looks. "I believe we went through that," Mrs. Meadows reminds you all soberly. "And I believe not one of us is believing a single word of it." "That's on you then, Doc," Burke grunts, crossing his arms dismissively. "Only thing we ever had in common was that we been ridin' with O'Reilly. That. Is. All." You doubt there exists anything besides Burke's intonation that could or would make it even clearer that this is, in fact, //not// all. But you certainly wouldn't know of it. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|starcrossed2]]</div>

"So," you begin, dragging the word out. "Yer sayin' O'Brian hates yer guts. Now, O'Brian's convinced yer hatin' his. Did I get that correct?" "Yes," both men grunt in unison — O'Brian a little more quiet than Burke — both snapping their mouths shut when they realize. You look at Charlie with a bit of an exhausted expression. These two are certainly some stubborn asses if you've ever seen some. And you //have// seen your fair share. Then you smile wickedly. "Desperate times?" you singsong. "Desperate measures," Charlie answers, <<if $strong is 6 or $job is 6>>waving you to do your<<else>>stepping forward to do his<</if>> worst. "Well then," <<if $strong is 6 or $job is 6>>you say<<else>>he says<</if>>, rubbing <<if $strong is 6 or $job is 6>>your<<else>>his<</if>> hands together. "Then ya should have no qualms assistin' the law and gettin' a confession out of O'Brian, right, Mr. Burke?" Burke snaps his head around glaring at <<if $strong is 6 or $job is 6>>you<<else>>Charlie<</if>>, while O'Brian goes from shocked to frightened to angry and then to surprised and baffled in the span of an eye's blink. You guess that's his talent as grifter showing. "Ya shut yer mouth with that," Burke barks. "So, ya don't hate him //that// much," you note. "Good to know." Burke glares daggers at you again, before he turns away with a harrumph. "What 'bout you, O'Brian?" Charlie asks. O'Brian simply cocks his head questioningly. "There ain't much 'bout what yer askin' o' me to prove that I hate Tommy... I..." He decides to simply look away at this. //...well, true...// You look at Charlie again. "Now," you say, "this strikes me as neither of ya hatin' the other as much as ya think, don't ya agree?" "Ya...," Burke starts, sounding more desperately annoyed than angry, "Ya don't get it. It's..." "Ya been friends," Finley interrupts. "Maybe more. All them rumors 'bout ya can't just be there to mock ya, there's too many what are kind 'bout things." "It's what I said already," Burke shouts annoyed. "Seán an' I, we been ridin' together. But then Bridge died and..." "He's //not// dead!" O'Brian cries out, desperate and devastated. "Yer still goin' on 'bout that?" Burke barks back. "Ya //are// delusional, Seán!" "Yes, I am still goin' on 'bout that," O'Brian protests, tears in his eyes now. "'Cause he wasn't in that stupid cave anymore when I got back!" Burke falls silent and blinks baffled. You kinda share the sentiment. "So this is all 'bout what happened to O'Reilly three years ago?" you ask. O'Brian nods and looks down at his hands for a moment, before taking a deep breath. "It is. I think... with all what happened that day... things had to go awry..." "How about ya put yer cards on the table?" you say after a moment of pondering. "//What// happened three years ago?" O'Brian casts you a sour but rather frightened look, fingers curling into the blanket. "Look," Mrs. Meadows interferes. "You can either tell us why you two apparently hate each other, or I'm getting Sheriff Lowell, tell him what's going on here and you two will only have to decide whether or not you talk to //each other// before you hang." O'Brian winces and Burke snarls darkly. "Screw y'all!" Burke goes. "I don't need this." He pushes himself off the wall to leave, when Charlie steps in his way. "Ya walk out that door now, Burke, ya can head straight to the gallows. I had thought that much was clear." "Begorra, yer fuckin' stubborn." Burke groans and looks around the room. Seeing everyone's faces he grunts in defeat and gets back to his previous spot, staring gloomily at the ground. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|starcrossed3]]</div>

"Now, what happened?" you venture, and O'Brian sighs heavily. "Bridge had gotten word that Prescott was hiding out in Copperwood Grove after a job gone horrible wrong." You nod. "The train robbery at Badger's Haunt, right?" O'Brian nods as well. "When Bridge heard how many men Prescott had lost an' all that, he saw a golden opportunity. Ambush Prescott at the old loggin' site in Copperwood, and rid the world o' that bastard." "Rid the world of competition, you mean," Mrs. Meadows says coldly, and O'Brian glares at her. "I said what I said. An' Bridge's not even half as bad a feller as folklore an' the papers make'im out to be." He frowns deeply. "Alright, the long and the short o' it: It all went well till a storm broke loose. Prescott an' the few o' his men that were still alive at the point managed to make a run for it. Bridge gave chase. We tried to call'im back. The weather was gettin' worse by the second, we had a lot o' wounded..." O'Brian sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Tommy, I an' a few others went after Bridge. Ya know how stubborn he can be when he has his mind set on somethin'. Woulda made for a scary bounty hunter." Finley chuckles quietly. "Why yer laughin'?" O'Brian asks. Finley flinches. "N-nothing, sir. Just..." O'Brian's face softens. "I'm not angry, kiddo. Just confused why yer laughin'." "Oh... It's just, Mr. Blayne said the same 'bout Mr. O'Reilly from time to time." The surprise on O'Brian's face is almost childlike, and he grins briefly, before his face falls in another sorrowful exhale. "I mean, it's true, innit? Well, where was I?... Yeah... we followed Bridge, an' found him wounded at the cliffs near the ol' DeWitte mine. Heh. The old bastard was surrounded by the corpses o' Prescott's men, and told us Prescott an' the rest o' them went over the cliff. Bridge was in a horrible state. All we could do was drag him into a nearby cave, see to his wounds an' wait out the storm... It didn't look good." O'Brian shakes his head. "Storm lasted the whole night. An' in the mornin'..." "O'Reilly was dead?" you guess. O'Brian looks at you, grinning askew. "He's too stubborn to die just like that, 'specially with anyone around what would mourn him. But..." he swallows dryly. "He was at Death's door... Told us to bugger off. Go tell the others what happened an' be on our merry ways. But... We couldn't... We couldn't just leave him like that... But Bridge insisted." A bitter smile crosses O'Brian's face. "The others accepted, but I... They ultimately had to drag me out o' that cave. Heh, at least gave Bridge a good laugh with my silliness...yeah..." With that O'Brian falls quiet, as if waiting for someone — Burke, most likely — to say something. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Keep quiet.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<set $quiettype to true>> <<goto "starcrossed4">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Do say something. What happened then?">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "starcrossed4">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Nod at Charlie to say something.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<set $charliedoesit to $charliedoesit + 1>> <<set $letcharliedothework to true>> <<goto "starcrossed4">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> Well, it's not you who's gonna speak up. Neither is Burke, which seems to pain O'Brian quite a bit.<br><br> "And then?" Finley finally pipes up. "I-I mean yer here now, like this, an'..." <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "And then?" you ask. "I mean, this is what the whole talk's about. What happened to make ya two treat each other like this?" <<else>> You give Charlie a curt nod, and he nods back understandingly.<br><br> "What happened then?" he goes. "I believe this is what we've been workin' towards: The reason why the two of you treat each other like this. So...?"<</if>><</nobr>> With a small whimper O'Brian looks away from all of you, no doubt gathering his strength. "We went back to the others. Told them what happened. I still wasn't the only one who wanted to get Bridge, but... we... we figured by the time we got back to the others it woulda been too late anyway. We... mused to at least put a grave marker up there..." Another sigh. "By that time our little gang was down to seven. An' then Innes came in, he's been scoutin' the area, an' told us we drew some attention from the law an' we oughta get out... We didn't even have time to bury our dead..." O'Brian sits back, staring forlornly at the ceiling. "We parted ways, got our bacon outta there. Tommy an' I... we wound up in Potter's Spring. Wanted to lie low, but... I couldn't shake off the feelin' that... I felt like Bridge was still alive. I-I was certain. Tommy wouldn't hear any of it. We fought over it an'... 'Twas really bad. Told Tommy I gotta make sure. Tommy said that if I leave for that nonsense I'll never see him again. Didn't believe he'd do that. I left alone. But when I came back, Tommy had left. I..." O'Brian leaves the 'I fucked up there' unspoken, but it's all in his tone. "That's not what happened!" Burke suddenly bursts out. "That's all a load of bullshit!" "Yer sayin' I made up all the crap that happened in Copperwood?" O'Brian shouts back. And suddenly Burke's face falls. His whole frame shivers, his fists are clenched tightly, lips pressed into a thin line as he's still avoiding O'Brian's gaze. And then, in a voice cracking, small and pained, he answers. "No. But the part 'bout me leavin' ya... that ain't right." Burke draws a deep breath and slumps down as Mrs. Meadows pushes a chair over to him. "Ya were gone when I came back, like ya said ya would. I... What was I supposed to..." O'Brian starts, voice shaking. "Ya... ya abandoned me!" Burke grits his teeth with a hurt expression. "I... Ya know I..." His voice is cracking even more now. "I could never do that... It was such bullshit that I even threatened ya with that, I..." O'Brian looks at him, giving out a small whimper. "But... you were //gone//...," he starts, anger fading from his voice with every word. "What happened, Tommy?" "They got me, Seán," Burke explains quietly, hanging his head. You shuffle up to Charlie. "Should we leave?" you whisper. Charlie shakes his head. "This is obviously getting more personal by the second, but I think they need someone to back'em up." You nod. "Who, Tommy?" O'Brian asks. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|starcrossed5]]</div>

Burke just smiles bitterly. "The marshal what came after us. The ones Innes warned us 'bout." For a moment Burke falls silent, running a shaking hand over his hair. "At first I //did// want to leave like I said, yeah," he then admits. "I was furious, I was hurt. I couldn't believe ya had just run off like... I mean, Bridge meant a lot to me, too, but... I couldn't get it in me head why ya'd do something like that... And then the bloody arse I call a horse wouldn't let me leave. Ya know how he can be. He knew it'd be the wrong thing." "Oh..." O'Brian's face softens as Burke continues. "Went back to the saloon. Drank. Waited. Thought 'bout things. Drank more. Started understandin', started worryin'. Ya weren't comin' back. It was taking so long... Far longer than it shoulda taken to get to the old mine an' back and... But just when I decided to come after ya... the marshal an' his men rode into town. I spent the last three years in prison." "And they just let you out?" Mrs. Meadows questions sharply. "You really want us to believe that?" Burke looks up, blinking baffled. "No, never said that. I set the prison on fire." You wait for the punchline, but it doesn't come. "Serial arsonist who's said to do the impossible with explosives," Charlie notes with a wry grin. "They shoulda seen that comin'." A smirk tugs on Burke's lips, before he lets out a long, exhausted sigh. "'Twas a few months ago. Just drifted around after that. Couldn't go back to me family, could I? An' out here... I didn't know what to do with meself." Finally he looks at O'Brian and chokes, tears in his eyes. "I... I thought ya were dead, Seán!" O'Brian falls silent and so does the rest of the room. You look from O'Brian to Burke again, watching them both either gaze at each other awkwardly or try to avoid each other's eyes in an even worse manner. <hr><div class="choice"><<link `$bold >=60 or $imp >=60 ?"~Speak up and get them to get their shite together." : "~Say something to get them to talk."`>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "starcrossed6">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Wait for someone to do... anything.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "starcrossed6">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$letcharliedothework ?"~Nudge Charlie to say something again." : "~Nudge Charlie to say something."`>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<set $charliedoesit to $charliedoesit + 1>> <<goto "starcrossed6">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> <<if $bold >=60 or $imp >=60>>For cryin' out loud ya two, could ya //kindly// get yer shite together?"<<else>>"I really think the two o' ya should talk."<</if>><br><br> Burke and O'Brian look at you, and both murmur a little abashed.<br><br> "Look," you <<if $bold >=60 or $imp >=60>>say, much softer, but still<<else>>say, a bit<</if>> sternly. "What's clear now is that the <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You look around the room expectantly, hoping someone will say something.<br><br> You're a bit surprised when it's Finley who speaks up.<br><br> "I-I don't mean to sound presumptuous," he says, "But... I think we all can be damn certain that the <<else>> Charlie looks at you and <<if $letcharliedothework or $quiettype>>grins amused.<<else>>nods curtly.<</if>><br><br> <<if $letcharliedothework or $quiettype>>"Last time I checked ya had a finely workin' head an' mouth, $nick," he teases, before clearing<<else>>He clears<</if>> his throat.<br><br> "So, I'm gonna point out the absolute obvious," he says, solemnly and sternly, "The <</if>> two o' ya were an item, an' I guess ya were happy. But then all that stuff happened and ya both thought, till now, that the other hates ya."<</nobr>> "Or in me case that the other was dead and still hates me," Burke murmurs quite ashamed. "Exactly," you agree. As O'Brian and Burke squirm a little with a guilty expression on their faces, Mrs. Meadows groans and rolls her eyes. "Oh, you got to be..." she frowns, shaking her head before she looks sourly at Finley for a moment. Your gaze flicks to the boy, just in time to see a small, triumphant and playful smile creep onto his face as Mrs. Meadows looks away again. Burke has meanwhile gotten up from his seat and shuffled carefully to the bed, sitting down on the edge. He looks at O'Brian and hesitantly reaches for the other man's hand. O'Brian looks from the hand to Burke and back down, an uncertain and rather scared expression on his face, before he smiles softly, laying his hand on Burke's. For a moment the room is quiet, the two men just looking at each other. "Y'know," Burke begins, flustered. "I think they're right, Seán... We need to talk." O'Brian nods softly, raising his head. "Already on our way out," you say, heading for the door. Charlie follows, as does Finley. Only Mrs. Meadows hesitates a moment longer, looking at Burke and O'Brian before scrunching up her nose. "While what you do is all your decision, I advice you not to," she says. "You are not yet in a well enough state, O'Brian." O'Brian blinks at her, but it's Burke who's cheeks are flushing. "Is she always like that?" he grumbles, and O'Brian cackles, waving Mrs. Meadows to get out. "I'll try to heed yer order, Doc," he calls. "No guarantee, though." You close the door behind you. "That... was far less complicated than I had worried," you say, everything that happened in the last day or so sinking in. "Yeah," Charlie agrees, "would be nice if things could always be that easy." He stretches. "So, what now?" "I have to send a few telegraphs," Mrs. Meadows informs you, and then turns to Finley. "Finley, do head down to the sheriff and then the livery about Burke's horse." "Will do, ma'am," Finley answers and heads off. "I assume I will be seeing you at lunch?" Mrs. Meadows then asks you. "Likely," you say. "Till then... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>...I'll go make use of the bathhouse down the street.</q>">> <<set $ch3end to 1>> <<goto "ch3end">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...I think I'll go take a stroll 'round town.</q>">> <<set $ch3end to 2>> <<goto "ch3end">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...I'll go and read somethin' in our room.</q>">> <<set $ch3end to 3>> <<goto "ch3end">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $ch3end is 1>> You look at Charlie. "Yer comin' along?"<br><br> "Of course. We'll be out in the wild soon enough, gonna make use of the luxuries of so-called civilization while one can."<br><br> You grin and bid Mrs. Meadows farewell.<br><br> ^^~A While And The Filling Of Two Baths Later~^^<br><br> The water is nice and warm, the <<if $mcdrinks>>drink<<else>>beverage<</if>> you're having is nice and cold, and the room your tubs are in is nice and quiet.<br><br> Charlie's in the wooden tub next to you, arms and legs dangling over the sides. <<elseif $ch3end is 2>> You look at Charlie. "Yer comin' along?"<br><br> "Of course. Gotta clear me head after this hullabaloo." He smiles cockily at you. "Shall we then?"<br><br> You grin and bid Mrs. Meadows farewell.<br><br> ^^~The Finding Of One Nice Park Nearby Later.~^^<br><br> The park isn't too far away from the hotel, the weather's nice and it's refreshingly quiet here.<br><br> Charlie is strolling along next to you, hands clasped behind his back, and looking like he's enjoying himself. <<else>> You look at Charlie. "Yer comin' along?"<br><br> "Of course. Gotta clear me head after this hullabaloo." He grins at you. "Shall we then?"<br><br> You grin and bid Mrs. Meadows farewell.<br><br> ^^~A While And Some Nestling Into Your Bed With A Book Later.~^^<br><br> Yes, this was a good decision.<br><br> By all means, you really needed this bit of peace and quiet.<br><br> Charlie is sitting in a reading chair by the window, perusing the latest newspaper.<</if>> <br><br> "$nick?" he suddenly speaks up, not <<if $ch3end is 1>>bothering to move the washcloth from his face.<<elseif $ch3end is 2>>turning his eye away from the scenery.<<else>>looking up from his reading.<</if>><br><br> "Mhnn?"<br><br> "What d'ya think?"<br><br> "'Bout Burke and O'Brian? Or do ya mean <<if $ch3end is 1>>the bath?"<<elseif $ch3end is 2>>the park?"<<else>>me book?"<</if>><br><br> "The former. <<if $ch3end is 1>>We're not gonna take the bath to Potter's Springs and Devil's Creek with us, after all."<<elseif $ch3end is 2>>As nice as the park is, discussin' it would be a little out o' our 'class'."<<else>>I haven't read that book there yet, so I'll withhold any attempts o' discussin' it."<</if>><br><br> You snort a curt laugh. And begin pondering.<br><br> "It depends," you say. "If all goes well an' Blayne keeps his word, O'Brian will be good to go."<br><br> "I'm more worried 'bout Lynwood. That guy is obsessed with pinnin' that murder on O'Brian."<br><br> You nod and the two of you fall silent again.<br><br> Then a thought crosses your mind.<br><br> "Charlie?"<br><br> "Mhn?"<br><br> "Do //you// actually think O'Brian did it?"<br><br> "Yesterday I woulda had me doubts," Charlie says, rubbing his chin, "but now? No. One, I don't have a bad feelin' about O'Brian when it comes to the Brightwell case."<br><br> "And two?"<br><br> "Two, dunno if ya noticed Burke's face when Mrs. Meadows told him who O'Brian supposedly killed?"<br><br> "I wasn't lookin'," you admit.<br><br> "But I was. Burke seemed... confused. As if he couldn't wrap his head around the idea of O'Brian..." Charlie pauses and ponders, "Not O'Brian killin' someone, but O'Brian killin' this //specific// someone."<br><br> You <<if $ch3end is 1>>sit up in the tub and turn to Charlie, confused.<<elseif $ch3end is 2>>you stop and grab Charlie's elbow to stop him as well, looking sharply at him.<<else>>put down your book and give Charlie a surprised look.<</if>><br><br> "What?"<br><br> Charlie shrugs. "I can't really make sense of it yet. Me best guess is that..."<br><br> He doesn't get much further as <<if $ch3end is 1>> an urgent knock resounds from the door.<br><br> "Yes?" you call, and the door opens to reveal Finley, very out of breath.<br><br> "Terrible sorry to bother ya," he gasps, keeping a hand over his eyes. "Ya gotta come back to the hotel. Someone <<elseif $ch3end is 2>> someone calls out for you and Charlie.<br><br> You turn to see Finley running up the path, stopping in front of you and catching his breath.<br><br> "Terrible sorry to bother ya," he gasps, face red from exhaustion, "Ya gotta come back to the hotel. Someone <<else>> an urgent knock resounds from the door.<br><br> "Yes?" you call, and the door opens to reveal Finley, looking more frayed at the edges than usual.<br><br> "What's wrong?" you ask.<br><br> "Didn't ya hear anything?" Finley says, looking worried. "Someone <</if>> just tried to kill Mr. O'Brian."<</nobr>> <div align="center"><div class="specfont">🙞End of Chapter 3🙜</div></div>\ <hr><div class="choice">[[~On to the next Chapter|ch4start]]</div>

<<if $dreamcont is 1>> "There was this town. Middle o' the desert, typical outpost on the frontier. The buildings, the light... everything felt wrong. Looked wrong an' sounded wrong." You shake your head. "There was this eerie whisper followin' me the whole way." You frown. "But what was really weird was... I came to a crossroads, buildings towering over me, all crooked and... Ya know how weird things usually make sense to people in dreams? That wasn't the case here. I knew somethin' was wrong. I... knew I was dreamin', and things still felt //wrong//."<br><br> Charlie nods curtly. "Lemme point out the obvious an' say that ain't good."<br><br> You smile lopsided. "Definitely."<br><br> "And then?"<br><br> "I looked at all the buildings 'round me. A hotel, a livery, the undertaker, a saloon... the things ya'd expect at every outpost that's worth its salt. And o' course a bordello an' a church. I dunno why, but I went to the <<if $dream1 is 1>>hotel<<elseif $dream1 is 2>>livery<<elseif $dream1 is 3>>Undertaker's office<<elseif $dream1 is 4>>saloon<<elseif $dream1 is 5>>bordello<<else>>church<</if>>... It was... I thought heading in was a good idea. <<if $dream1 is 1>> It... was one of'em fancier hotels. All complicated twisty, err... filigree?"<br><br> Charlie nods, and you continue.<br><br> "Filigree metal works and golden flowers an' such. I felt like the iron vines were moving when I wasn't lookin'. Just like the handrail up the stairs. I felt like it's pulsing under me hand..."<br><br> "Nasty."<br><br> "Who yer tellin'?" You sigh and pinch your nose in thought. "I went up to one o' the rooms. Sorta... I stood there an' the door opened on its own, an' I went in. Wasn't my most clever move, was it? Anyway... there were these people standing 'round the bed. I couldn't see their faces, an' when they noticed me they were all 'the doctor's here' an' dragged me to the bed."<br><br> You shudder a little, thinking back.<br><br> "They told me to heal the... It wasn't a human being in the bed. I don't know what it was, it... it had really long limbs and claw-like hands. And the head... It looked as if someone pulled human skin over a deer skull or something, and it had these bulging eyes an' a disgustingly sweet breath. Y'know when something rots an' ya first get that sweet smell? Like that."<br><br> Charlie nods, his face twisting slightly in disgust. It's unfortunately a smell both of you know decently well.<br><br> "And then?" Charlie asks.<br><br> "I..." you pause. "I can't fully remember what I said to them, but <<if $dclue1 is true>> I must have done the right thing. The figures seemed satisfied an'... They said something 'bout 'The writing on the wall'."<br><br> "Like the thing in the Bible?"<br><br> You shake your head.<br><br> "No. They said... 'Heed the writing on the wall, it bears the face of the one who has none'. Or somethin' like that."<br><br> Charlie quirks a brow and <</if>> <<if $wounds is 1>> I must have done somethin' wrong. The figures got angry and...," you shiver at the memory, "the attacked me. I felt like they were tearing me apart..."<br><br> Charlie looks at you, concern not fading from his face.<br><br> "Well, that explains why ya woke up as abruptly." He <</if>> <<if $dclue1 is false and $wounds is 0>> whatever I did, those people seemed... not disappointed or angry, but... I don't know how to describe <<if $strong isnot 1 and $job isnot 1 and $weak isnot 1>> it. I... I felt really weird when I woke up, as if someone added something to me brain..."<<else>>it."<</if>><br><br> Charlie quirks a brow and <</if>> <<elseif $dream1 is 2>> Find a horse an' get out o' there. The building was all crooked an' creakin', with massive doors. Didn't look like any livery stable I've ever seen. I went an' pulled them gates to the stable open, and the inside was... hot. Worse than that time in Phoenix." You sigh heavily. "It was dry, hot an' dark, an' I was certain somethin' was movin' on the hayloft. As I moved down the path the doors to the boxes creaked open an' I felt like somethin' wants me to take a look."<br><br> "I hope ya didn't."<br><br> "I didn't. Ya'd think what with me being aware it's a dream I'd have dared but... no." You shakes your head. "I walked towards the box at the very end o' the building. An' just when I reached it and moved to open it all the other boxes slammed shut with a sound like thunder. Still I opened the box... Inside was... a horse. I mean, I knew it was a horse, yet.. it wasn't a horse at the same time. Doesn't make much sense, does it?"<br><br> "That's the nature of dreams. An' especially that of nightmares."<br><br> You grin askew. "Y'know, nightmare is literally what that horse was. It was massive and spindly, and wrong all over, with a coat so dark it felt more like a hole in the world. And it looked at me as if it dared me to ride it."<br><br> Charlie tilts his head a little.<br><br> "Did ya?"<br><br> You open your mouth to answer, and snap it shut immediately.<br><br> "I... actually don't remember. But <<if $dclue1 is true>> whatever I did, I think it was the right thing. The horse seemed satisfied an'... It... or something... said something 'bout 'The writing on the wall'."<br><br> "Like the thing in the Bible?"<br><br> You shake your head.<br><br> "No. It said... 'Heed the writing on the wall, it bears the face of the one who has none'."<br><br> Charlie quirks a brow and <</if>> <<if $wounds is 1>> I must have done somethin' wrong. The horse got angry and...," you shiver at the memory, "it attacked me. I kicked me against the wall an'... its head twisted upside down as it looked at me then, before it crushed me head under its hooves..."<br><br> Charlie looks at you, concern not fading from his face.<br><br> "Well, that explains why ya woke up as abruptly." He <</if>> <<if $dclue1 is false and $wounds is 0>> whatever I did, that... horse seemed... not disappointed or angry, but... I don't know how to describe <<if $strong isnot 2 and $job isnot 2 and $weak isnot 2>>it. I... I felt really weird when I woke up, as if someone added something to me brain..."<<else>>it."<</if>><br><br> Charlie quirks a brow and <</if>> <<elseif $dream1 is 3>> I mean, chances were high the dream would end there anyway." You smile a strained smile. "That place... I've seen a few undertaker's offices, but that one... It was more like I stepped into a tree."<br><br> "A tree?"<br><br> "Yeah. All gnarly roots an' dirt an' stuff." You shake your head. "There were coffin's 'long the wall... or part of the wall, with the death on display. Then the undertaker showed up. Guy was also more tree than flesh.. Pointed at a tray full o' berries, an' I suddenly felt <<if $mcnoswears>>dang<<else>>damn<</if>> hungry."<br><br> "What did ya do?"<br><br> "I... don't really remember. I dunno if I ate them or not. But <<if $dclue1 is true>> whatever I did, I think it was the right thing. The undertaker seemed satisfied an' he said something 'bout 'The writing on the wall'."<br><br> "Like the thing in the Bible?"<br><br> You shake your head.<br><br> "No, not like that exactly... 'Twas... 'Heed the writing on the wall, it bears the face of the one who has none'."<br><br> Charlie quirks a brow and <</if>> <<if $wounds is 1>> I must have done somethin' wrong. I... I don't remember what happened then, but... I know it was painful. Like... really painful." You shudder. Try as you may, you can't recall this part of the dream. Or maybe your head simply refuses to remember details."<br><br> Charlie looks at you, concern not fading from his face.<br><br> "Well, that explains why ya woke up as abruptly." He <</if>> <<if $dclue1 is false and $wounds is 0>> whatever I did, the undertaker seemed... not disappointed or angry, but... I don't know how to describe <<if $strong isnot 3 and $job isnot 3 and $weak isnot 3>>it. I... I felt really weird when I woke up, as if someone added something to me brain..."<<else>>it."<</if>><br><br> Charlie quirks a brow and <</if>> <<elseif $dream1 is 4>> Couldn't even make out the name, though. I knew it was written on the building, but when I tried to read it it felt like the letters were dancing in front o' me <<if $mconeeye is true>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>."<br><br> "Huh. I mean, <<if $mcdrinks is true>>it happened before that neither o' us could make<<else>>sometimes I got trouble makin'<</if>> out a saloon's name. But that's usually //after// a visit," Charlie quips.<br><br> You grin, but shake your head.<br><br> "Thanks for tryin' to ease me mind, Charlie," you say, and sigh. "The saloon was empty. There were glasses an' plates on the tables and all, but not a soul around. Just that weird whisper was still there. An' I think the piano was playin' very quietly. I went to take a look around an' then I heard voices from the backroom."<br><br> "Lemme guess. When ya checked it was empty as well?"<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "Well, guess that's normal for dreams, but it was still odd. The air was thick with cigar smoke and... By all means, a game of Poker had gone really wrong. Everything was chaos an' spilled drinks, an' all of it covered in blood splatters. Just the hands o' card were laid out neatly."<br><br> Charlie tilts his head in thought at that, but waves you to continue.<br><br> "There was this voice then. No one was around, but someone... begged me to 'tell'em' that the speaker didn't cheat."<br><br> "Oh?"<br><br> "Yes. And the voice was so pleading an' desperate, Charlie. I..."<br><br> "Well, what did ya do?"<br><br> "I..." you pause. "I can't remember. I dunno if I told'em they'd need //you// and not me..."<br><br> "I'm flattered." Charlie grins.<br><br> "Welcome..." you gather your wits. "Dunno if I did that or if I took a look at the cards or anything... but <<if $dclue1 is true>> whatever I did, I think it was the right thing. The voice seemed satisfied an' said something 'bout 'The writing on the wall'."<br><br> "Like the thing in the Bible?"<br><br> You shake your head.<br><br> "No. 'Twas 'Heed the writing on the wall, it bears the face of the one who has none'."<br><br> Charlie quirks a brow and <</if>> <<if $wounds is 1>> I must have done somethin' wrong. I think I looked at the cards, and... I got the complete wrong conclusion... I... I had doomed someone innocent. But it was too late. There was this other voice. Angry. About what I did... And then the smoke got thicker an' I'd swear it wrapped 'round me neck like a noose an..." You stop to calm yourself.<br><br> Charlie looks at you, concern not fading from his face.<br><br> "Well, that explains why ya woke up as abruptly." He <</if>> <<if $dclue1 is false and $wounds is 0>> whatever I did, the voice seemed... not disappointed or angry, but... I don't know how to describe <<if $strong isnot 4 and $job isnot 4 and $weak isnot 4>>it. I... I felt really weird when I woke up, as if someone added something to me brain..."<<else>>it."<</if>><br><br> Charlie quirks a brow and <</if>> <<elseif $dream1 is 5>> It was a nice establishment, though. Really lush an' fancy. Deep red wallpaper, dark wood, crystal chandeliers, that kinda thing. But no one around."<br><br> "No surprise with it bein' a nightmare," Charlie muses.<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "Yes... But then I heard music from upstairs an'... I went to see where it's coming from." You shiver slightly. "Y'know, Charlie, there were flowers all around the parlor and I would swear they wilted the moment I walked out of sight... When I got upstairs there was just this long, dark hallway. Much longer than the building, by all means, lights flickering on the walls. Still I followed the music."<br><br> "And then?" Charlie asks softly as you pause.<br><br> "One o' the doors creaked open. 'Twas the room the music was coming from. I went in and... there was this woman, listening to a phonograph. An' then she looked at me. She looked like a porcelain doll, an' her eyes... 'Twas like lookin' into the eyes of several people at the same time."<br><br> Once more you pause and shiver.<br><br> "Yer alright, $nick?"<br><br> You nod at Charlie.<br><br> "'Twas the weirdest thing," you continue. "She got a cigarette an' asked me for a light. An' when I couldn't find any matches, she nodded me to use me gun."<br><br> Charlie's eye grows wide. "Well, that's a new one. Did ya do it?"<br><br> You ponder, severe confusion crossing your face.<br><br> "I... actually don't remember," you say. "But <<if $dclue1 is true>> whatever I did, I think it was the right thing. The woman seemed satisfied an'... she said something 'bout 'The writing on the wall'."<br><br> "Like the thing in the Bible?"<br><br> You shake your head.<br><br> "No. She said... 'Heed the writing on the wall, it bears the face of the one who has none'."<br><br> Charlie quirks a brow and <</if>> <<if $wounds is 1>> I must have done somethin' wrong. The woman... I shot her... Her head shattered like... well, like porcelain...," you shiver at the memory, "There was this thick smoke comin' from it, and I started chokin'. The gun... I dropped the gun an' it fired and hit me... And... then the whole room was ablaze..."<br><br> Charlie looks at you, concern not fading from his face.<br><br> "Well, that explains why ya woke up as abruptly." He <</if>> <<if $dclue1 is false and $wounds is 0>> whatever I did, the woman seemed... not disappointed or angry, but... I don't know how to describe <<if $strong isnot 5 and $job isnot 5 and $weak isnot 5>>it. I... I felt really weird when I woke up, as if someone added something to me brain..."<<else>>it."<</if>><br><br> Charlie quirks a brow and <</if>> <<else>> Y'know, we've seen our fair share o' churches, Charlie. But that one... It was crooked and weatherbeaten, the wooden walls rattlin' in the wind. I felt as if nothin' I could do or say 'bout the things I did would matter once I step inside."<br><br> "Musta been catholic then," Charlie jokes and you crack a small smile.<br><br> "It had the fancy windows for it. Pretty outta place, now that I think about it..." You shake your head and sigh. "There was no one inside 'cept one guy sittin' hunched over in the pews. I headed to the altar an' this guy spoke up. Asked me why I picked the church, and then..." you shake your head again, looking a little confused. "Then he asked if I could talk me way out o' eternal damnation."<br><br> "What kinda question's that?"<br><br> You shrug. "Dunno. But it somehow made sense at the time. I... I don't remember what I answered though, but <<if $dclue1 is true>> I don't think it was too bad an answer. The guy seemed satisfied an' said something 'bout 'The writing on the wall'."<br><br> "Like the thing in the Bible? Fittin' for bein' in a church."<br><br> "No, not like that. He said... 'Heed the writing on the wall, it bears the face of the one who has none'."<br><br> Charlie quirks a brow and <</if>> <<if $wounds is 1>> I must have done somethin' wrong. The man... he didn't get angry, but... something else did. The figures in the windows came alive and attacked me," you shudder. "They, well, cut me to ribbons."<br><br> Charlie looks at you, concern not fading from his face.<br><br> "Well, that explains why ya woke up as abruptly." He <</if>> <<if $dclue1 is false and $wounds is 0>> I don't think it was a bad answer. Not a good one either, though. The man seemed... not disappointed or angry, but... amused? Bemused? I don't know how to describe <<if $strong isnot 6 and $job isnot 6 and $weak isnot 6>>it. I... I felt really weird when I woke up, as if someone added something to me brain..."<<else>>it."<</if>><br><br> Charlie quirks a brow and <</if>> <</if>> rubs his chin in thought.<br><br> "Wish I could tell ya what that means. But I talk to the death an' the cards. Dream's aren't really my metier."<br><br> You nod understandingly.<br><br> "Still, thanks for listenin', Charlie."<br><br> "Don't mention it, $nick." Charlie smiles encouragingly and stretches. "Come. <</if>>

<<set $metlyn to true>>\ "Fuck you!" he barks, snapping his head around to glare at the sheriff. "Yer bringin' in the fucking Pinkertons now? So much for the 'It's not a ruse'." Lynwood has meanwhile pulled out a kerchief and wiped his face, pocketing the piece of cloth again as he looks to the sheriff with an unreadable expression. You gotta give his pokerface some credit there. "Sheriff Lowell," he says. "I believe it is now a given that any attempts of getting Mr. Burke to cooperate in any regard will be futile." You look at the sheriff who looks quite defeated. "I... guess so..." Lowell says. "So," Lynwood continues, "May I propose how to proceed from here?" His tone sends a shiver down your spine. You've heard it often enough from people who were just barely managing to keep themselves from shooting or stabbing you. "Go ahead," Lowell says. "Lemme guess," Burke interrupts. "Hang me right now? That be yer plan?" Lynwood looks at him... and smiles. "No, Mr. Burke. Not right now. No. My proposal is that the sheriff informs his contacts about your refusal to cooperate, expresses his regrets, and you will hang once O'Brian, who came to New Hamelin with us, is awake again." You had a feeling it would go this way. Hitting someone below the waistline seems to be the preferred Modus Operandi for Pinkertons after all. Burke's reaction to this is... worrying. At first color drains from his face as he stares at Lynwood in disbelief, and you expect another outburst, but instead his face becomes a blank mask of disregard. Well, that's not entirely true. Now, you and Charlie are making a living out of being able to read people, and you catch the brief moment of shame and sorrow on Burke's face. He says nothing. But you do. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Y'know, Burke, maybe ya should reconsider the whole job thing. Just to give Lynwood here somethin' he can stick wherever.</q>">> <<set $lyn to $lyn - 5>> <<set $tom to $tom + 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "meetingtommy3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I'd suggest ya keep quiet. When ya hang Lynwood here will have to make a new plan to get the shit he wants. I'd like t' see him try.</q>">> <<set $dismisslyn to true>> <<set $lyn to $lyn - 5>> <<set $tom to $tom - 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "meetingtommy3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Y'know, Burke, if ya say nothin' the only thing that happens is ya'll hang.</q>">> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 5>> <<set $tom to $tom - 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "meetingtommy3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Listen, Burke. I get the feelin' the best course of action is that ya work with us. For you, the sheriff, Lynwood here... and O'Brian.</q>">> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 5>> <<set $tom to $tom + 5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "meetingtommy3">> <</link>></div>\

The rooms Mrs. Meadows got you at the hotel are quite comfortable and quiet, albeit small. Cozy might be a decent word for it. A part of you had hoped that O'Brian might have woken up by now, but he is still out cold. Mrs. Meadows is sitting by his bedside, dabbing his face with a towel, while Finley made himself comfortable in a reading chair by the window and is flipping through a book. They both look up as you enter. "Oh, I see you convinced him to cooperate," Mrs. Meadows greets you. "Sorta," you say. You look at the bed. At least O'Brian is looking a bit better than earlier, his chest rising and falling steadily. You quickly introduce Burke to Mrs. Meadows and Finley. "What... happened?" Burke asks after an acknowledging nod, shoulders slumping ever so slightly as he drags his eyes away from the bed. "When O'Brian heard of your impending demise," Mrs. Meadows answers bluntly, "he went into a state of shock. He'll be fine, but it might take a little while till he wakes up. He developed a bit of a fever, but as of now it's nothing to be concerned about." "Ya must mean a lot to him, sir," Finley adds. "That he reacts like that." Burke snarls, making Finley flinch back. "Bullshit. That-That's got nuffin to do with me." "Really?" Charlie pokes at it. "Yes, really," Burke snarls. "What d'ya think the reason was? I... told ya he ain't me friend or anything." "Well, we've heard some rumors," you say. "And lookin' at this whole situation right now..." "We been ridin' together," Burke grunts darkly, looking everywhere but at the bed. "Ya know that already //and// I told ya. Then O'Reilly died, an' we parted ways. That's //all// there is to it." "So, O'Reilly //is// dead?" Mrs. Meadows inquires. "He is." Mrs. Meadows just shrugs and turns her attention back to O'Brian. "If ya say so," Charlie muses aloud. "Still quite a curious reaction O'Brian had to the news of yer impending death if that is 'All there is to it'." Burke glares at him, lets out a nasty grunt and storms out of the room. "Shouldn't someone go after him?" Finley asks carefully. "I mean, if they think he'll run off..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~See to this and follow Burke. Charlie can help with O'Brian.">> <<set $ch3followed to "tommy">> <<goto "followtommy">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Help Mrs. Meadows with O'Brian, Charlie caused this, Charlie fixes this.">> <<set $ch3followed to "meadows">> <<goto "helpmeadows">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Head back to the other room. I'm staying out of this.">> <<set $ch3followed to "bed">> <<goto "backinside">> <</link>></div>\

"Tommy an' the boy saved me life," O'Brian says, brows furrowed and nodding towards Finley. "That woman tried to kill me an' Tommy." You look at Finley and Burke. Finley shrugs. "I came here 'cause I wanted to ask if Mr. O'Brian and Mr. Burke wanted something to eat, and there was this guy at the door pickin' the lock..." "Guy?" you ask. "O'Brian said 'woman'." "Disguise," Burke notes. "She made it clear during the fight she ain't one of'em fellers where the midwife got things <<if ($gender is 3 or $gender is 4) and $opentr>>wrong like with you." He quirks a brow. "No offense meant... An' I don't mean she been ramblin' against'em. Y'know what I mean. So, again, no offense meant..."<<else>>wrong. An' I don't mean she been ramblin' against'em. Y'know what I mean."<</if>> <<if ($gender is 3 or $gender is 4) and $opentr>>None taken,"<<else>>"I see,"<</if>> you say and nod curtly. "What happened then?" Charlie asks, gesturing at Burke. "I mean, ya got attacked, that's a given. I presume your assailant told you she was after O'Brian?" Burke nods. "Damn yer clever, an' I mean that. Some fellers woulda stopped at a plain 'What happened' as if they're stinkin' oblivious to what's before them." He frowns, wincing a little. "Right, so, Seán an' I, we been talkin'. A lot. When all was said an' done we really needed some rest. Seán was fast asleep fairly quickly, but he's always been like that. Could sleep on horseback if he wouldn't be too worried 'bout fallin' off." "Once bitten, twice shy," O'Brian mumbles, pouting a little. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|whatoccurred1]]</div>

"Go on," you tell Burke. Burke nods. "I was slowly driftin' off too, when the door clicks open. Was certain I had locked it, even through the fog o' sleep. Anyway, this guy sneaks in, and raises a gun at us. That was when the kid tackled the bastard." You look at Finley, who's scratching his neck a little embarrassed. "I mean, I had to do somethin'. Can't let either of'em get shot." "You nearly got yourself shot, Finn," Mrs. Meadows scolds, making Finley wince briefly. Then she sighs. "Mr. Blayne and I keep telling you bravery without responsibility is lunacy." Finley nods quickly. "Leave the kid be, Doc," Burke grunts. "If he hadn't acted that quickly Seán an' I would be dead, an' he, too, prob'ly, if that woman had spotted him." He frowns and shakes his head. "After all, she pulled out a knife an' tried to stab him after the gun skittered into a corner." You glance a little worried at Finley. And notice he doesn't have a single cut on his body, just some bruises. "I take it that was when ya jumped into the fray, Burke?" you ask, nodding at Finley. "I mean, he ain't got a single wound on him." Burke nods. "Well, less 'jumped' an' more stumbled," he admits. "Got a bit outta practice with wakin' up quickly during me time in prison." At this O'Brian whimpers softly. "I'm grateful ya want to protect me, but when yer all tired an' drowsy..." He sniffs. "That coulda gone so bad. It's what the Doc just said 'bout bravery." "I know." Burke's face softens. "I been runnin' on instincts. And credit where it's due, the kid did a good job avoiding that woman's slashes. Sure, I wasn't, obviously." "That's what I meant," O'Brian protests. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Agree with O'Brian. No matter the reason, it was utterly reckless.">> <<set $sean to $sean + 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "whatoccurred2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Agree with both. It was reckless, but Burke had one very good reason.">> <<set $sean to $sean + 5>> <<set $tom to $tom + 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "whatoccurred2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Agree with Burke. He did it for one very good reason.">> <<set $tom to $tom + 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "whatoccurred2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Agree with neither. They're both being ridiculous.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "whatoccurred2">> <</link>></div>\

<<if $continuity is 1>> You grumble and scratch your neck abashed.<br><br> "It's... not that I don't like O'Brian," you start, looking everywhere but at the others. "I'm just wary. I mean, he's lied to us 'bout what he is twice, an' then we learn he's a blue-ribbon grifter what's been riding with O'Reilly and... I'm just worried." You scratch your arm rather abashed. "It's just..." you look at Charlie, who's anger fades into sorrow as he searches your face.<br><br> "What I did still was complete shite," you add, looking at O'Brian. "I'm sorry."<br><br> O'Brian groans a little.<br><br> "Ya mean it?"<br><br> You nod. "Won't do it again. I swear."<br><br> After a few moments of consideration and looking at Burke, O'Brian nods.<br><br> "I'll be keepin' an eye on ya," Burke adds, and looks at Charlie. "An' I think so will Mulligan."<br><br> "All of'em I got," Charlie jokes and grins, and you notice he's looking at you rather proud and relieved. Though with a bit of surprise you notice that it's Finley who looks the most relieved at this turn of events. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "I'm... wary," you say, and exhale in a long sigh. "I mean, O'Brian lied to us twice about who he is, and then all the things we learned from Blayne 'bout him." You look at O'Brian and cock your head, looking a tiny bit apologetic. "We'll be stuck together for a while now, an' as long as I can't be certain I can trust ya..."<br><br> O'Brian sighs. "Y'know, that's... kinda fair. Just... kindly don't go 'round sellin' me out or anything."<br><br> "Yer really forgiving $them just like that?" Burke protests. "Ya really still got that too good a heart."<br><br> O'Brian smirks. "It's what ya love me for, innit?"<br><br> "Yes, but do ya know how frustratin' that can get?"<br><br> You do notice the grin on Burke's lips.<br><br> "Just so we're clear," Burke tells you. "I'll be keepin' an eye on ya." He looks at Charlie. "An' I think so will Mulligan."<br><br> "All of'em I got," Charlie jokes and grins, but you notice he's looking at you quite worried, sad and only a tiny bit relieved. Though with a bit of surprise you notice that it's Finley who looks the most relieved at this turn of events. <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You //do// squirm a little, but ultimately sigh, looking at O'Brian.<br><br> "Y'know, I certainly don't wish death on ya. Yer not a bad guy..." you begin, a little awkwardly. "I'm sorry that I've been such an arse to ya. All the mean comments, an' belittling an' being unhelpful and all that, I'm sorry. I'll do better from here on."<br><br> O'Brian looks at you for an uncomfortable long moment, before looking at Charlie.<br><br> "Can I trust $them?" he asks bluntly. "Ya know $them better."<br><br> Charlie lolls his head in thought.<br><br> Then he nods. "$nick knows why this is important, an' I'm certain $they won't do any o' this shite again."<br><br> "I won't," you agree.<br><br> O'Brian looks back at Burke. Burke gives a small, stoical nod.<br><br> "Alright," O'Brian then addresses you, rocking on his heels a little. "I can kinda get where ya been coming from. What with me lying to ya that much an' all... But this is the only last chance ya get."<br><br> "Wouldn't be the last chance, otherwise, now would it," you joke, or at least attempt to.<br><br> O'Brian does grin softly, and without it being pitiful.<br><br> Then he sighs, looking worried at Burke again.<br><br> "I'll be keepin' an eye on ya," Burke grumbles, and looks at Charlie. "An' I think so will Mulligan."<br><br> "All of'em I got," Charlie jokes and grins, but you notice the underlying worry on his face, likely because things had come to this point. But there's also a tinge of pride for you and relieve. Though with a bit of surprise you notice that it's Finley who looks the most relieved at this turn of events. <<elseif $continuity is 4>> "Yer bringin' Matt into this? Really? Do ya think he'd want that?" you shout back, lock gazes with Charlie and exhale heavily before he can say or do anything. "Well, from all ya been tellin' me 'bout him, he probably would," you add more quietly, shoulders slumping slightly. "I mean, I've been playin' pretty dirty the last few days, suits me right to get a taste o' me own medicine."<br><br> "Yes," Charlie mutters, glowering at you. "So, what will it be now?"<br><br> You sigh and look at O'Brian.<br><br> "I'm sorry," you begin. "I've been a complete arse to ya."<br><br> O'Brian groans a little.<br><br> "Ya mean it?"<br><br> You nod. "Won't do it again. I swear."<br><br> After a few moments of consideration and looking at Burke, O'Brian nods.<br><br> "I'll be keepin' an eye on ya," Burke adds, and looks at Charlie. "An' I think so will Mulligan."<br><br> "All of'em I got," Charlie jokes and grins, but you notice the underlying sadness on his face, the fear, but also a tinge of pride for you and relieve. Though with a bit of surprise you notice that it's Finley who looks the most relieved at this turn of events. <<else>> You glower at Charlie.<br><br> "Y'know, Charlie, that's low. Bringin' Matt into this." You sigh and hang your head. "Then again, yer right, I deserve it. Been punching just as low..."<br><br> "Yes, yes ya have." Charlie mutters, glowering at you. "So, what will it be now?"<br><br> You sigh and look at O'Brian.<br><br> "I'm sorry," you begin. "I've been a completeunfair arse to ya."<br><br> O'Brian groans a little.<br><br> "Ya mean it?"<br><br> You nod solemnly. "Won't do it again. I swear."<br><br> After a few moments of consideration and looking at Burke, O'Brian nods.<br><br> "I'll be keepin' an eye on ya," Burke adds, and looks at Charlie. "An' I think so will Mulligan."<br><br> "All of'em I got," Charlie jokes and grins, but you notice the underlying sadness on his face, the fear, but also a tinge of pride for you and relieve. Though with a bit of surprise you notice that it's Finley who looks the most relieved at this turn of events. <</if>><br><br> "So," you try anew, "what happened here?" <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|whatoccurred]]</div>

"So?" Charlie looks at you questioningly. "I don't see a reason to apologize. I don't like O'Brian, and I certainly did nothing wrong." You feel O'Brian and Burke's glares on you, as well as Mrs. Meadows disgusted gaze. You don't care. But then Charlie raises to full height and glowers <<if $mcsize is 1>>down on<<else>>darkly at<</if>> you. "$title $Name," he begins, voice devoid of emotion. "It's yer good right to like and dislike people, but right now yer doing it without any good reason, and that is somethin' I can't defend or approve of. O'Brian gave ya no reason to treat him the way yer treatin' him. It's one thing to be wary, and another to be a mean-spirited arse for the sheer sake of one's ego an' greed." You narrow your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> in anger, and a bit of shock. Charlie and you have raked each other 'cross the coals before for your hubris now and then, but you've never seen Charlie this cold and angry towards you. "What's that supposed to mean?" you inquire. "I mean that yer being insufferable and unreasonable right now. //You know// where this can end all too easily, an' I won't stand for it. One more chance." You search Charlie's face. He's angry, disappointed and holding back tears. And you know him well enough to know this isn't a trick. "Charlie..." "//One//. More. Chance, $title $Name. I lost a brother 'cause someone I trusted was being a rotten bastard for no reason but his own ego and greed. And I'm not lettin' any such thing happen again!" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~This is ludicrous. I won't apologize, and Charlie can't force me.">> <<goto "effeduphamelin">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Call Charlie out on this being dirty play, even though he has a point. Then apologize, I have been playing just as dirty, truth be told.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<set $sean to 20>> <<set $tom to 20>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 15>> <<goto "seanmakingup">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Glower, pout, maybe call Charlie out on what he's doing. And apologize, I //was// an arse for no good reason.">> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<set $sean to 20>> <<set $tom to 20>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 15>> <<goto "seanmakingup">> <</link>></div>\

"That's how yer goin' to be?" you shout, glaring daggers at Charlie. "Why should I apologize? An' this ain't the same thing as with Matt, so don't <<if $mcnoswears>>ya<<else>>ya fuckin'<</if>> try to play that dirty! I know what I'm doin' and //you// can't force me to do otherwise! So shut up!" "No!" Charlie barks. "If I can't trust ya to not pull this exact shite, I see no reason to be on yer side anymore." He turns and heads out the door. "Where ya goin'?" you call after him. Charlie stops and glares at you. "The post office. Gonna send Blayne a telegraph 'bout what's happenin' here." You stare at him in disbelief. You know what that would mean. You'd have every bounty hunter this side of the Great Lakes on your arse within two days. You. Not you and Charlie. Not you and your little posse. You. You'd be as good as dead. "Are ya tryin' to get me killed?" you cry out. But Charlie just glares at you and loudly closes the door. You blink baffled. No. He would never do that. He's just playing really dirty now. He's likely back at your room, waiting for you to... You let out a roar and storm out of the room and back to your own. Much to your surprise and dismay Charlie actually isn't there. Your heart sinks in your chest. He wouldn't really go and tell Blayne what happened. You'd be as good as dead if he does. You rush to the window, looking out just in time to see Charlie enter the post office across the street. He was serious. Anger flares up at you, then mixes with fear, and sorrow, and panic. You //are// as good as dead. Well, you know //why// Charlie does this. But you're still as good as dead. Unless you get out of here and make a run for it //now//! Your heart is racing and your head is swimming. Is this how the story will end? Get on a train or a stagecoach and try your luck somewhere new? Maybe you'll find a new partner somewhere, a new posse. Maybe. Maybe not. Is this what you want? <hr><div class="choice">[[~Yes, I don't want to have to deal with all this anymore.|endinhamelin]]</div> <div class="choice"><<link "~No... actually... No. I don't want this. I-I think I made a mistake.">> <<set $almostend_hamelin to true>> <<goto "restarthamelin">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>> <<set $achievement2 to true>> <<notify 4s>> <div align="center"> <div class="specfont"><u>//Achievement Acquired!//</u></div><br> ''//~Bad Ending: To Be Alone or To Be Lonely.~//'' <br><br> //Your ego was more important to you than anything or anyone else.//</div><</notify>><</nobr>>\ You take a deep breath and hastily pack your things. Mrs. Meadows will likely be busy with Burke and O'Brian a bit longer, so all you got to do is not run into Charlie, the sheriff or Lynwood. Shame about the money though, from both the Hodgeson job and what you could have gotten out of this. But you figure it's not worth the hassle. You'll also have to leave your steed behind. ... You made your way to the station and got on the next best train. A few odd jobs where no one knows your face helped you get by, till one evening you heard that no one of your former posse had made it out of Devil's Creek. They're dead. You felt an icy lump in your throat, no matter how certain you were in your decision. They're dead. That night you laid awake in your room, trying not to think about everything that happened back then. You barely knew any of them. Why do you care so much all of a sudden, you wondered. You knew Charlie. You liked Charlie... but he betrayed you... Did he? Or did you betray him? Charlie might have been a bit overbearing at times, but... no matter how much you try to deny it, Charlie always tried to keep you safe. And now he's dead. And you couldn't even be there in his last moments. You sat up in bed, feeling another lump in your throat, and someone's eyes on you. Or... //eye//... rather. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~And Thus, Your Story Ends.~">> <<goto "endy">> <</link>></div>\

You take a deep breath and try to swallow the lump in your throat. Then you cry out, spin around on your heel and race out of your room, down the stairs and out of the hotel. Entirely out of breath, your cheeks wet with tears you reach the post office, drawing everyone's attention. Charlie is waiting in line, and now looks at you quizzically. "Can... can we talk?" you babble, supporting yourself on the door frame. Charlie tilts his head from side to side in thought, before he steps out of the line and walks over to you. You avoid his gaze. He looks around the office before guiding you out of the building and into the alley next to it. "I hope ya didn't come here to complain this being unfair," Charlie starts. You sigh heavily, trying to steady your breath. "No. Yer right, I've been a complete arse. Not just now, but the last few days. I-I know it's one thing to be wary, an' another to... to do what I been doing." You cough a bit. Charlie pats your back. "I still dunno what to really make of O'Brian, but I know he's done nothing to justify all the vitriol I been spittin' his way. I-I'm sorry." "Yer not just sayin' this 'cause yer scared I'd be contacting Blayne?" Charlie's voice is less angry and more hurt now. "If that were the case I would be on me way to the station. Run off, try me luck somewhere else. Find a new partner, a new posse..." "A new horse," Charlie adds casually. You choke a laugh. "Yes. That too. But... I'm here, ain't I?" You hang your head. "I'm sorry, Charlie. I... I know why ya reacted like this, an' I'm sorry that I pulled the same shite that got Matt killed. I..." At this Charlie searches your face. "Will ya do it again?" You shake your head 'no'. "$nick," Charlie begins, softly, but firmly. "I have to know that I can trust ya. Ya know that. It's good that ya recognize what went down here, and..." he smiles softly, "I'm proud that ya did." "Will ya trust me again?" Charlie gives your shoulder a squeeze. "I got no bad feelin' 'bout ya. But..." "I ought to apologize to O'Brian and Burke. I was plannin' to. I-I just..." you sigh. "Want me to talk to them first?" You nod lightly. "It might be easier than ya think," Charlie says. "O'Brian's been watching us from the window the whole time." You snap your head around to look up at the hotel, just in time to see O'Brian dodge hastily out of sight. You can't help but smile a little at that. "Come," Charlie says, handing you a handkerchief to dry your face. "Got some talkin' to do." <hr><div class="choice">[[~Back in O'Brian's room|restarthamelin1]]</div>

<<nobr>><<set $sean to 20>> <<set $tom to 20>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 15>> <</nobr>>\ "So, what did I just witness?" O'Brian greets you. "I believe <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>> got some sense into $their head," Mrs. Meadows notes soberly. "Yeah," you mutter. "I-I shoulda done that much earlier." "Yeah, ya should have," Burke grumbles, locking eyes with you. "Listen here, $Name, I guess that yer here after what Seán told me just happened 'cross the street means yer gonna apologize. Just this much. Don't waste yer breath an' our time if ya don't mean it." You sigh sorrowfully. "I do mean it," you say. "I... I'm sorry that I've been such an arse to ya, O'Brian. All the mean comments, the belittling an' being unhelpful an' all that. And that shite I just pulled here. I-I'm sorry. I'll do better from here on." O'Brian looks at you for an uncomfortable long moment, before looking at Charlie. "Can I trust $them?" he asks bluntly. "Ya know $them better." Charlie lolls his head in thought. Then he nods. "$nick knows why this is important, an' I'm certain $they won't do any o' this shite again." "I won't," you agree. O'Brian looks back at Burke. Burke gives a small, stoical nod. "Alright. But it's yer last chance," he says. "Ya won't get any more of'em." "That's what //last// chance means, isn't it?" you joke, rather strained. Much to your relief O'Brian grins slightly. "Yeah," he says. "An' truth be told, I can kinda understand where ya comin' from. We didn't have the best start, and yer eagerly tryin' to start a new life." You nod, gratefully at the surprising understanding coming from O'Brian. "Yes, but I shouldn't do it like this." O'Brian nods. "Just don't do it again." You smile softly. And you are a little surprised to notice Finley looking the most relieved at this turn of events. You take a deep breath, gather your wits and look around the room. "Now, back to the bigger problem at hand. What exactly happened?" <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|whatoccurred]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Gotta side with O'Brian <<if $almostend_hamelin>>here, an' I'm not doin' that to win any points.<<else>>here.<</if>> The reason doesn't really matter, no matter how good it definitely was, ya coulda died. Ya should have tried to shake off some sleep first." <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Ya know," you begin, "ya both got a <<if $almostend_hamelin>>point, an' I'm not doin' that to win any points.<<else>>point.<</if>> O'Brian 'cause he's worried Burke mighta died, and Burke 'cause he worried O'Brian might die. Ya two really are one match made in Heaven."<br><br> They both look away from you abashed and maybe a little flattered. <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "Gotta side with Burke here. He did that for one very good reason. To protect someone very dear to him."<br><br> "I know, but..." O'Brian protests weakly, pouting a little. <<else>> "I think yer both being ridiculous. I get ya both, but <<if $mcnoswears>>dang<<else>>damn<</if>>, ain't ya one ridiculous match made in Heaven."<br><br> Both, O'Brian and Burke, pout at you a little, but they don't seem angry about your evaluation.<</if>><</nobr>> Then you look at Finley. "I'm amazed ya don't even got a scratch." "I had to learn how to avoid attacks," Finley says, looking away a little ashamed. "An' hey," Burke interrupts, "Wanna know somethin' amazing? I dunno how, an' I think that woman doesn't know either, Finley had her knife. She was very confused that she was slashing at me with empty hands. I took the opportunity to knock her out." You nod slowly, your brain still processing the information that Finley apparently stole something — a knife — out of someone's hands while the person was using it. You blink at the boy rather baffled. He blinks back innocently, before he gives you a shy little smile. Burke grins at Finley. "Ya gotta show me how to do that sometimes, kid." Finley smiles shyly. "I-I promised $title $Name to show $them some knife throwin' tricks first, but I shall." "Sounds good," Burke says, and stretches. "And well, with that woman out cold, the kid got the sheriff an' Seán got the Doc." At this Mrs. Meadows turns to you. "First off, Burke will have to abstain from straining himself for a few days, but I believe it will be unavoidable that we'll be dragging him along on our journey." "Yer too kind, Doc," Burke notes, a little miffed. "As for that woman," Mrs. Meadows continues, completely ignoring Burke's comment. "Sheriff Lowell has brought her to the cells of his office. He expects you'll have some questions." "Guess she hasn't said anythin' yet then?" you muse. "Nothing. Burke was thorough. She only briefly came through when the sheriff and his men carried her out. So, we at least know here name. Florence Beauchêne." You nod at Mrs. Meadows, and look at Charlie when a stray thought crosses your mind. "What about Lynwood?" you ask. "I'd assume he'd have some interest in someone who tried to get at O'Brian before he can." Mrs. Meadows nods. "He does. But as you may have noticed, he doesn't get along too well with the sheriff. He's in his room right now, to my knowledge." "One would think they would get along well," Charlie says, half deadpanning, half genuinely surprised. "What with both of them being such eager men of law, by their jobs' descriptions at least." "Please don't mock Benjamin, Mr. Mulligan. He's a dear friend," Mrs. Meadows say, and Charlie sweeps a slight, honest bow. "My apologies," he says, and rubs his chin in thought. "Still I can't help but wonder what happened that they can't stand each other." "The war happened, Mr. Mulligan," Mrs. Meadows states soberly. <hr><div class="choice">[[...Oh...|shocksoverwhatnow]]</div>

That's admittedly a surprise. But it's a bridge to cross some other time. You look back at O'Brian. "Say, do //you// got any idea why Miss Beauchêne broke into yer room to kill ya?" O'Brian shrug haplessly. "Beat's me. She wasn't anyone I ever conned or anything. Or anyone by that name. An' I got a pretty good memory for that." He looks at Burke. "What 'bout ya, Tommy?" "Doesn't ring a bell." Well, guess you won't get any further here. You look at Charlie. "What now?" "You tell me, $nick. I think yer guesses are as good as mine right now." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~We should talk to the sheriff.">> <<set $ch4path to 1>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "sherifffirst">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I'll go talk to the sheriff. Charlie should go ask the dead or the cards.">> <<set $ch4path to 2>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "sherifffirst">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Charlie should go talk to the sheriff. I need to have a word with Lynwood first.">> <<set $ch4path to 3>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "lynwoodfirst">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Charlie should go and ask the dead or the cards for help. I want to have a word with Lynwood.">> <<set $ch4path to 4>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "lynwoodfirst">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~We should ask Lynwood some questions.">> <<set $ch4path to 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "lynwoodfirst">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Can we see what the dead or the cards have to say about this?">> <<set $ch4path to 6>> <<goto "cardsfirst">> <</link>></div>\

<<if $continuity is 1>> "I'd say we head to the sheriff's an' see to this directly," you say, and look at O'Brian, Burke and Finley. "Y'all be fine?"<br><br> "Had worse." Burke shrugs. "An' as long as Seán's fine, I'm fine."<br><br> O'Brian gives a small whimper, cheeks flushing. "Yer too sweet."<br><br> Burke smiles back at him and looks at Mrs. Meadows.<br><br> "Y'know, Doc, I can guess what sort of things are out of the question right now, but cuddlin' ain't one o' them, right?"<br><br> Mrs. Meadows looks a little flustered.<br><br> "The question is more whether or not you can restrain yourself, Burke."<br><br> Burke cackles and lays back, looking at you.<br><br> "Yeah, I think I'll be fine."<br><br> You grin amused for a moment, before you look at Finley.<br><br> "How 'bout ya, kiddo?"<br><br> "I'll be fine, $addr." Finley smiles. "Had worse too."<br><br> "That's... reassuring?" you try, before you shake your head and look at Charlie. "Sheriff's office it is then." <<else>> "I'll go talk to the sheriff," you say and give Charlie a nod. "Can ya see if the dead or the cards have anything to say?"<br><br> "I can already tell ya 'no' to the first thing. Ya know how it is."<br><br> You sigh.<br><br> "I know. If they'd have anything to help and would want to do so, they'd already have. Cards then, maybe?"<br><br> Charlie nods. And O'Brian shuffles closer.<br><br> "Can I come with ya?" he asks, looking bright-eyed at Charlie.<br><br> "Yer not going to stay with Burke?" Charlie asks, causing Burke to snort a laugh.<br><br> "Don't keep Seán from his supernatural stuff, Mulligan," he cackles, but it's a hearty, good-natured cackle. "He always tried to meet a real medium."<br><br> "Oh?" Charlie blinks.<br><br> "Yeah...", O'Brian shuffles around a little embarrassed. "It's just. I find it fascinatin' an' all."<br><br> Charlie gives him a long, cool look. And shrugs.<br><br> "Fine with me."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows lets out a small annoyed groan.<br><br> "Are you serious now? Are you really going to waste time with a seance? Even if it were possible, it..."<br><br> "It //is// possible, ma'am," Charlie cuts her off, calm but strictly. "And I will be doing a tarot readin', not a seance to begin with. I value my wellbeing, and so does $nick."<br><br> You give an agreeing nod.<br><br> "It's worth the try. Miss Beauchêne will likely be out cold for a bit from what I understand, so... We might as well try this."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows gives you a piercing look, before shaking her head and waving you to hurry along...<br><br> You smile a little, before looking at Burke and Finley. "Y'all be fine?"<br><br> "Had worse." Burke shrugs. "An' as long as Seán's fine, I'm fine."<br><br> O'Brian gives a small whimper, cheeks flushing. "Yer too sweet."<br><br> "How 'bout ya, kiddo?" you address Finley.<br><br> "I'll be fine, $addr." Finley smiles. "Had worse too."<br><br> "That's... reassuring?" you try, before you shake your head and look at Charlie. "If you get any news, meet me at the sheriff."<</if>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~A short trip later|sherifffirst1]]</div>

The sheriff is waiting for you outside his office, looking rather relieved at your arrival. <<nobr>><<if $ch4path is 1>> "There you are," he greets you. "I was hoping you'd show up."<br><br> "I was wondering why ya looked so impatient," you greet back. "Didn't actually expect ya to miss us." <<else>> "Alone for once?" he greets you, and you smile.<br><br> "Charlie is... askin' around elsewhere," you say, "but he'll join us once he's done." <</if>><</nobr>> The sheriff quirks a brow at you, but waves you to follow him inside. "So, do you have any idea why this woman attacked Burke and O'Brian?" he says once you are seated in his office. "I mean, you likely spoke to O'Brian by now." You shrug. "I did, but he can't think of anything. Says he never met this woman, or anyone who might be family." "And Burke?" "The same." The sheriff groans in dismay and you begin to wonder. "I take it she hasn't talked yet?" you ask. "She's still unconscious. We have to be patient, it'd seem." <<if $ch4path is 1>>"It would seem<<else>>"Seems<</if>> so," <<if $ch4path is 1>>Charlie says, and gives<<else>>you say, and give<</if>> the sheriff a curious look. "Y'know, sheriff, yer bafflin' me." The sheriff looks up intrigued. "Pardon?" <<nobr>>"Yesterday ya would have all too gladly strung us all up, now yer worried why someone tried to kill O'Brian and Burke."<br><br> <<if $ch4path is 1>> "Ya got to agree, that is a bit of a turn," you add.<br><br><</if>> With a heavy sigh the sheriff leans back in his chair.<br><br> <<if $ch4path is 1>>"$title $Name, Mr. Mulligan,<<else>>$title $Name,<</if>> I will only tell you this because you are... associates of Lian. And Mr. Blayne. It's all... It's all getting a bit too much these last few weeks, to tell the truth. New Hamelin is a major city by the frontier's standards. We got around fifteen-thousand souls living here, all thanks to the railroad, the river and the various mines. You can likely imagine a city of that size out here has little chance of being 'peaceful', no matter how hard my boys and I try."<</nobr>> The sheriff sighs once more. "And lately things have gotten... just weird." With that the sheriff gestures to the wall across from the window. It's plastered in notes and newspaper clippings. "We got people going missing without a trace, thefts of worthless items, items appearing in people's homes, strange messages coming through the wire... The whole ordeal with O'Brian's escaping our custody is in good company in terms of weirdness." You wave the sheriff to wait a moment. "That is actually something I wondered about," you say. "O'Brian said he only managed to escape 'cause something spooked the horses an' had the cart tumble over. Is that true?" "Is that what O'Brian said happened?" You nod and search the sheriff's face. Such a question either means O'Brian lied to you and harmed the sheriff's men to escape, or that things are weirded than he realized. And judging by the sheriff's looks you'd lean towards the latter. The sheriff nods back somberly. "I guess that's his best knowledge of what happened then. It was however a bit... weirder." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Weirder?</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "sherifffirst2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>So yer men are fine?</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $low to $low + 5>> <<goto "sherifffirst2">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "What <<else>> "So yer men are fine?" you ask.<br><br> The sheriff looks a little surprised at the question before he smiles.<br><br> "They are, thank you for asking. And believe me, $title $Name, had O'Brian brought any harm to them to get away, I would have dragged him straight to the gallows yesterday."<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "Well now. What <</if>> do ya mean 'weirder'?"<</nobr>> "Long story short. It were the Pinkertons that arrested O'Brian, but they gave him into our custody. Beats me why Brightwell called the Pinkertons in so quickly, but... I guess that's a rich people thing. Anyway. Not long after we get the order to bring O'Brian to Redhurts. I wasn't with my boys when they set out, but Jesse swears up and down that it was..." The sheriff pauses and casts you a conspiratorially look. "Tell me, <<if $ch4path is 1>>both of you,<<else>>$title $Name,<</if>> have you heard of 'The Devil's Blacksmith'?" You search your memory, but shake your head. You've heard a few weird monikers in your time, but you can't say you've come across this one yet. <<nobr>><<if $ch4path is 1>> You look at Charlie, who seem sunken in thought.<br><br> "I think I heard the name," he says, pondering. "A... bounty hunter of sorts, right?"<br><br> The sheriff nods.<br><br> "Of sorts, yes. There's <<else>> The sheriff nods curtly.<br><br> "There's <</if>> a couple of really strange tales being told about him, but even with the grain of salt every bit of folklore has to be taken with— By all means, that man is a ghost. Or a demon." With a quite sheepish look the sheriff stops and looks at <<if $ch4path is 1>>Charlie.<<else>>you.<</if>> "On that note, <<if $ch4path is 1>>Mr. Mulligan, I<<else>>$title $Name<</if>> I've heard things about <<if $ch4path is 1>>you.<<else>>your friend Mr. Mulligan.<</if>> And given Lian's reaction when I brought it up... //Can// <<if $ch4path is 1>>you<<else>>he<</if>> speak to the dead?"<</nobr>> <<if $ch4path is 1>>"I can," Charlie says,<<else>>"He can," you say,<</if>> leaning back. <<if $ch4path is 1>>"But if you're hoping they're gonna be any help, I have to disappoint you. If they could and would want to help they'd have already said something."<<else>>"That's the 'elsewhere' he's askin' around at," you sigh. "But I fear it's a lost cause. If he has any luck I'm certain he woulda already come here."<</if>> "Oh." The sheriff looks oddly disappointed. Well, maybe not disappointed but sobering up. "Say,..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Ask him what he was hoping for.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "sherifffirst3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Ask him what he meant when he brought Mrs. Meadows up.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $match_lm to $match_lm + 1>> <<goto "sherifffirst3">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Say," you begin, "what <<else>> "Say," you begin. "What d'ya mean Mrs. Meadows' reaction?"<br><br> The sheriff looks at you and hastily clears his throat.<br><br> "I have been talking to her about the reason you are all here. No need to keep that secret. And when we talked about Mulligan... Lian is not too keen on the whole spiritualism idea. She's a woman of science through and through."<br><br> You can't help noticing the light flush of Lowell's cheeks, and how he's wringing his hands at that.<br><br> "I consider myself a man of science," the sheriff continues, "But I say as science is there to push the boundaries of human knowledge, some things should not be waved off as impossible, just because we don't yet have an explanation for it."<br><br> You nod. It's not a bad sentiment to have by the end of the day.<br><br> "So," you begin, "what <</if>> were you hopin' for with that question. Specifically I mean."<</nobr>> "Anything, really," the sheriff admits. "Why Miss Beauchêne attacked O'Brian, who 'Preacher' is..." "Who?" you shake your head, baffled. "Oh, 'Preacher' is another name of 'The Devil's Blacksmith'." "Right, right," you sigh through gritted teeth. "I still do //not// have much o' an idea who that is, though." The sheriff clears his throat, rather abashed. "Right. You see, that man, or ghost or demon or whatever he may be, <<if $ch4path is 1>>//is// indeed<<else>>is<</if>> some sort of bounty hunter, in lack of a better word. He's riding 'round the country, bringing outlaws to justice, leaving them dead or tied up at the next sheriff's office, with a note on where to donate the bounty to. Those that are alive tell stories of this inhumanly fast and strong man, more shadow than flesh, that brought them down, no matter how much they outnumbered him. Puts the fear of God, whichever one's inclined to believe in, into one's heart better than any sermon could." "Ya don't sound undecided whether or not to be skeptical," you note. "That's because I am undecided. There's a lot out there science can't grasp," Lowell's eyes flick to Charlie for a moment, "but a man that moves like a living shadow, can jump onto the roof of a building from the streets, and take out a dozen armed men at once and come out victorious? Unless that Preacher is no mere human, I find such tales hard to believe. You'd think with all that in those tales already, at least those guns of his would appear normal..." "His guns?" "I'm no gunsmith, $title $Name, nor am I an engineer, but by all means, Preacher appears to be both. He's said to carry three peculiar guns to his hunts. A rifle that's said to hit the stone out of a single cherry over a thousand yards, and two six-shooters so precise he can shoot not just through the ace of any color, but through an entire ten's pips in one go and take off the numbered corners." "That's impossible," you say. "The grain of salt, $title $Name. But even with it, there's a lot of stories about his abilities as engineer, and my boys believe they got into a trap of his design." You nod slowly, but then shake yourself. "Didn't ya say he's a bounty hunter? 'Cause what you said sounds more as if he was helpin' O'Brian." "That's another aspect that's so strange. But... also not uncommon. For as many bounties as he brings in, he's also said to help out people on the run from the law. I... I'm certain there is rhyme and reason to it, but no one has found it yet." Now you nod stoically. It's all a bit much to take in. "But, now out with it," you say. "What do yer men say happened that had O'Brian escape?" "I can only tell you what the said, obviously," the sheriff frowns concerned, "but, yes, something did spook the horse, but then something like a hook latched onto the carriage, pulling it over." "A hook?" "Like what they use to climb mountains or hunt whales, according to Jesse. But he's not entirely certain, said it was all going very fast //and// it was night. But he swears he saw a tall, slim figure in black standing on the rocks nearby, illuminated by moonlight, overlooking the scene. Ragged black poncho, broad rimmed dark hat, a dark bandana covering the figure's face. That's Preacher, alright." "What happened then?" "According to Jesse? A flash of lightning happened without a cloud in the sky, and the figure was gone... As was O'Brian." "And yer not pullin' <<if $ch4path is 1>>our legs?"<<else>>me leg?"<</if>> "I have neither reason nor intend. But as you can see, it's... all getting a bit much here in New Hamelin. And that Preacher seems to have taken a liking to the area is only one issue of many..." The sheriff props his elbows onto the table and buries his face in his face with an exhausted sigh. <hr><div class="choice">[[~And once again you are interrupted by someone knocking|sherifffirst4]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "That's impressive. Nice one," you say and pat the boy's shoulder. Finley beams brightly at you.<br><br> "Ya might have done us a bigger favor than ya can fathom, lad," Charlie adds ominously, and nods <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "That's impressive," you say, shuffling a little uncertain. "Little frightenin' but impressive."<br><br> Finley smiles at you, albeit a little abashed.<br><br> "Ya might have done us a bigger favor than ya can fathom, lad," Charlie adds ominously, and nods <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You simply blink at the boy.<br><br> Next to you Charlie furrows his brows.<br><br> "Y'know, that might have just done us a bigger favor than we can fathom," he says, prompting you and Finley to look at him surprised. In response Charlie nods <<else>> "Great." You frown. "Impressive, yeah, but if they figure what happened, we're in some deep..."<br><br> Finley's smile begins to falter, when Charlie lays a hand on your <<if $mcsize is 1>>shoulder<<else>>arm<</if>>.<br><br> "No, don't scold the kid, $nick," he says, giving Finley a reassuring nod. "He prob'ly did us more of a favor than we can fathom." With that he nods ominously <</if>> towards the sheriff's office.<</nobr>> You look to see that woman and her lackeys enter the building as if the sheriff owes her something and she's holding a deep grudge against him because of it. "Guess they're the cause of yer bad feeling?" you muse. Charlie nods. "Think they're here 'cause of Miss Beauchêne?" you ask. "I hope not," Finley pipes up, grimacing. "I know people like that. They ain't too keen on Black folks." "Miss Beauchêne's Black?" Finley nods, and you grimace as well. "Then we better hurry," you say. "This ain't boding well. Finley, you head back to the hotel, get Mrs. Meadows and maybe Lynwood for the sake o' it. And make haste." The boy nods again and runs off. You look at Charlie. "What now?" "If they're up to no good — and I bet that's what's up — they likely won't leave through the front door. People like that are usually cowards like that." With a grim nod you check your weapon and follow Charlie through the crowd and then through the alleys leading to the back of the sheriff's office. <<nobr>><<if $ch4path >=3>> New Hamelin is a major city on the frontier. There's around fifteen-thousand souls living here, all thanks to the railroad, the river and the various mines.<br><br> You can imagine the sheriff and his men having their work cut out for them.<br><br> Nevertheless New Hamelin is, <<else>> New Hamelin might be a major city, but it's still one on the American frontier. Thus it is, <</if>> mostly, built following the same, frankly nonsensical, square-pattern layout as a lot of modern cities.<</nobr>> Which in this case means the back of the sheriff's office is a bit of empty backstreet, surrounded by the plain backs of the houses of the quarter. Clothing lines are criss-crossing overhead in the narrower paths, and crates, barrels and debris make the broader ones barely wide enough for a cart or a carriage to go through. One carriage certainly went through the hassle of getting here, and is now waiting by the back of the sheriff's office. You and Charlie take cover in one of the small alleyways near the back door, watching. "We shoulda come the other way 'round," you mumble sourly, seeing the only way the carriage will be able to leave is an opening far to your left, leading back out to 3rd Street. "Naw, the driver would have seen us, then," Charlie murmurs back, and you nod. "Good thinking there, so what— " You are cut off by a couple of shots ringing out from the sheriff's office, and just as you look up the back door flies open, the trio from before hurrying out. One of the guys is aimlessly firing a revolver into the building, throwing the weapon away as it runs out of bullets, while the other guy has some severe troubles trying to drag a young Black woman to the carriage. There's no doubt that's Miss Beauchêne. She's kicking and screaming, until the white woman curses aggravated and the guy roughly gags Miss Beauchêne //and// knocks her out before shoving her into the carriage. You better act quickly. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Shoot the assailants.">> <<set $ch4path1 to 1>> <<goto "shootkidnappers">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Tackle one of the kidnappers.">> <<set $ch4path1 to 2>> <<goto "tacklekidnappers">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Step up and intimidate them with words.">> <<set $ch4path1 to 3>> <<goto "talkkidnappers">> <</link>></div>\

<<if $gun >=40 or ($gun is 35 and $tac >=70)>> <<set $ch4p1out to 1>> You steady your breath and take aim at the guy currently pushing Miss Beauchêne into the carriage, and pull the trigger.<br><br> Your bullet rips clean through the back of his neck, blood and brain splattering against the vehicle. As he slumps down, dropping their victim, the other woman lets out a scandalized shriek, grabs Miss Beauchêne by the hair and drags her into the carriage, hollering at the driver to get going.<br><br> Charlie has meanwhile taken out the guy at the back door, and you scramble to your feet to get a better position to take out the driver as the carriage speeds away.<br><br> Shooting while running is almost an art, and it's currently the only chance you see. You raise your gun, aim the best you can and a shot rings out.<br><br> The carriage rolls to a stop and the driver falls out of his seat.<br><br> Dead.<br><br> "Nice shot, $nick," Charlie says, but you stare at him bewildered.<br><br> "That wasn't me," you mutter.<br><br> One more shot is fired as that woman makes the mistake to leave the carriage, and she <<elseif $gun <=20>> <<set $ch4p1out to 2>> You reach for your gun but Charlie pushes your hand away.<br><br> "Yer not good enough a shot to make that," he hisses, giving you an apologetic look.<br><br> "I have to //try//, Charlie."<br><br> Without awaiting a response you draw and aim for the nearest kidnapper, just as a bullet rips through your arm.<br><br> They spotted you!<br><br> You roll behind some crates with a yelp, clutching the wound.<br><br> Charlie dives behind some barrels, looking at you worried.<br><br> "Just a scratch," you call. "See if ya can pick one off!"<br><br> Charlie grits his teeth and turns around just as the carriage speeds away. He aims.<br><br> And a shot rings out before Charlie can pull the trigger.<br><br> //Charlie!//<br><br> You fear the worst.<br><br> But Charlie is fine. Just very confused.<br><br> Then the carriage rolls to a stop and the driver falls out of his seat.<br><br> Dead.<br><br> As the other kidnappers make the mistake to scramble from the carriage, three more shots ring out. The two men fall like flies, and that woman <<else>> <<set $ch4p1out to 3>> You draw your six shooter, take aim and fire, hitting one of the guys in the shoulder while two shots go into the carriage.<br><br> Charlie takes out the second henchman with a shot to the neck, while the first one and that older woman scramble into the vehicle. They barely manage to close the door as the carriage speeds away.<br><br> You mutter curses and take aim for the driver when a shot rings out.<br><br> The carriage rolls to a stop and the driver falls out of his seat.<br><br> Dead.<br><br> "Nice shot, $nick," Charlie says, but you stare at him bewildered.<br><br> "That wasn't me."<br><br> Two more shots are fired as the kidnappers make the mistake to leave the carriage, sending the other henchman to join his maker, while the older woman <</if>> sinks to her knees, clutching a nasty wound on her leg, all while swearing and wailing profoundly. <hr><div class="choice">[[...What was that?!|whatwasthat]]</div>

"Sir?" one of the deputies pokes his head in. "There's someone here to see you. Well, you and <<if $ch4path is 1>>$title $Name and Mr. Mulligan<<else>>$title $Name.<</if>> It's <<if $ch4path is 1>>that boy<<else>>Mr. Mulligan and that boy<</if>> that's traveling with them." You blink a little baffled. The sheriff gives a curt nod. "Thank you, Ethan. Send <<if $ch4path is 1>>him<<else>>them<</if>> in. The deputy nods, and waves <<if $ch4path is 1>>Finley<<else>>Finley and Charlie<</if>> in. <<nobr>><<if $ch4path is 1>> "Didn't expect you to come here," you greet him. "What's wrong?"<br><br> "Mrs. Meadows send me to see how things are proceedin'," Finley says and nods a quick greeting at the sheriff.<br><br> "Well, Miss Beauchêne is still out cold. So nothing new there," the sheriff says <<else>> "How did it go?" you address Charlie, nodding a quick greeting at Finley.<br><br> "No help from the hereafter," Charlie says, sitting down. "But I learned something interesting about that watch of O'Brian's. I'll tell ya later." He turns to the sheriff. "Has Miss Beauchêne woken up by now?"<br><br> "Not yet," the sheriff answers, giving Charlie an intrigued look. "So, the dead aren't talking?"<br><br> "Not about this, no."<br><br> "Well, it wouldn't have much weight at the court anyway," the sheriff muses <</if>> and drums his fingers on the table.<</nobr>> "Something the matter," you ask. "Mhn? Oh, no. Just the worries I already told you about." At this, the sheriff gets up and straightens his clothes. "I fear right now all we can do is wait for Miss Beauchêne to wake up." "Ya will inform us when that happens?" Charlie asks. "Of course. And I hope you will remember not to leave the city until Agent Lynwood has gotten the clearance from his superiors?" "Oh, he actually has gotten his superior's respond to that," you say. "Said we're free to go till we got the job for Mr. Blayne done." The sheriff frowns. "He certainly didn't tell me." "Did ya expect different from him?" you wonder. The sheriff actually pauses at that. "Truth be told, after what happened, yes." You blink confused, but the sheriff waves things off. "Well, in either case I doubt he'll just let you go just like that. My bet is he's got orders to stay by your side." You grimace. You hadn't fully realized it yet, or maybe your brain blissfully ignored the implications, but by all means, yes, you'll probably have Lynwood on your back all officially from here on. Peachy. "Yeah, it'd seem so," you murmur. "But we're free to roam the city without a chaperon, right?" "If you can abstain form any unlawful activity." You look at Sheriff Lowell and then at Charlie. "We shall try our best, sheriff," Charlie says, and grins, before his voice gets more solemn. "No, don't worry. We won't do anythin' to get us into more trouble. Know when to hold'em, know when to fold'em." The sheriff nods, and leads you back outside, seeing you off. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|troublesomethree]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $ch4path is 1 or $ch4path is 2>> You stretch, looking at your companions.<br><br> "So, what now?" you say, looking around and then at Charlie. <<if $ch4path is 1>> "Back to the hotel, I'd say," he says. "There's some things I'd like to ask O'Brian."<br><br> You begin walking, snaking your way through the crowd on the streets outside the sheriff's office, unable to avoid bumping into a few people.<br><br> "Maybe we can ask the cards or the dead, too," you suggest, but Charlie shakes his head.<br><br> "Cards, maybe. But no use with the dead. If they'd have anything to say, they..." <<else>> <<set $knowwatch to true>> "Back to the hotel, I'd say," he says.<br><br> You begin walking, snaking your way through the crowd on the streets outside the sheriff's office, unable to avoid bumping into a few people.<br><br> "So, what was this about the watch?" you ask.<br><br> Charlie looks at you and grins.<br><br> "It's O'Reilly's. Apparently O'Brian found it when he went to look for the ol' bastard."<br><br> You arch your brows in surprise.<br><br> "That's a bit a surprise... Makes sense though."<br><br> "It does, doesn't it?" Charlie says.<br><br> You grin.<br><br> "Y'know, I played with the thought, but it's a bit weird to only leave one's watch behind."<br><br> Charlie nods. "It is. But what's really peculiar is that there's..."<</if>> <<elseif $ch4path is 3 or $ch4path is 4 or $ch4path is 5>> You make your way to the crowds along the streets, your mind turning what you learned.<br><br> "What do ya think, $title $Name," Finley begins as you are near the sheriff's, dragging you from your thoughts. "Why did this Miss Beauchêne try to kill Mr. O'Brian? An' why did she disguise herself?"<br><br> You shrug.<br><br> "I wish I'd have an answer to that. Really, the best thing we can hope for is that she's awake by now." <<if $ch4path is 3>> Right on cue you spot Charlie waiting for you at the next corner.<br><br> "Hey, how did it go?" you greet him. "Anything new?"<br><br> Charlie shakes his head.<br><br> "Learned a few curious things 'bout the city, but Miss Beauchêne is still out cold."<br><br> "That's a bit disappointing," you say, shoulders slumping a little.<br><br> "It is." Charlie smiles encouragingly. "But the sheriff wants to talk to ya."<br><br> "Well, that's something. Let's go then."<br><br> You start walking again, when Charlie suddenly stops and snaps his head up.] <<else>> "I heard Burke has quite a mean punch," Charlie notes. "So I wouldn't..."<</if>> <<else>> You head down to the lobby, and to your surprise you find Finley waiting for you there.<br><br> "What yer doin' here?" you greet him.<br><br> "Mrs. Meadows told me to go to the sheriff with ya, an' inform her if they might need help with Miss Beauchêne."<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "May... may I ask how the seance went?" Finley adds a little uncertain.<br><br> You chuckle.<br><br> "'Twasn't a full-blown seance, was a tarot readin'. But..." you look at Charlie, "I think it went better than expected."<br><br> Charlie nods a confirmation.<br><br> "That's good." Finley smiles.<br><br> "Well, let's go then," you say, heading for the door. "Let's hope the talk with the sheriff won't be much of a hassle."<br><br> You make your way to the crowds along the streets, your mind turning what you learned.<br><br> "What do ya think, $title $Name," Finley begins as you are near the sheriff's, dragging you from your thoughts. "Why did this Miss Beauchêne try to kill Mr. O'Brian? An' why did she disguise herself?"<br><br> You shrug.<br><br> "I wish I'd have an answer to that. Really, the best thing we can hope for is that she's awake by now."<br><br> "I heard Burke has quite a mean punch," Charlie notes. "So I wouldn't..."<</if>><</nobr>> He pauses, looking around alarmed all of a sudden. You immediately share the feeling. You know that expression just too well. "Bad feelin'?" you ask, voice low. Charlie nods. "But I can't spot anything..." He carefully shifts his weight to continue walking, only to bump right into a guy build like someone crossed a grizzly with a wardrobe. Charlie staggers back, and the guy grunts angrily, but it's the woman — fairly rich looking one — he's with who is looking at your little <<if $skincol <8>>group — especially you —<<else>>group<</if>> in disgust. "Can't you watch where you are going?" she snarls, before sashaying past you, muttering curses. You guess she and her two lackeys are bumping into you on purpose as they pass. "The nerve of some people," you snarl, helping Charlie up. "Ya alright?" Charlie nods, dusting his clothes off. "I am. And yeah, the nerve o' some people." "Umm... hey?" Finley suddenly interrupts the two of you, shuffling closers. You look at him. "What's wrong?" "Nothing," the boy says and nudges you and Charlie into a small alley before he smiles broadly but sheepishly, producing three guns and a blackjack from his coat. "But I thought I could make their lives a little harder." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~A bit of praise is in order.">> <<set $fin to $fin + 10>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "troublesomethree1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~The kid is starting to worry me, but I like him for that.">> <<set $fin to $fin + 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "troublesomethree1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Say nothing.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "troublesomethree1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Scold him. It's impressive, but it might get us into serious trouble.">> <<set $fin to $fin - 5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "troublesomethree1">> <</link>></div>\

<<if $surv >=40 or ($surv is 35 and $tac >=70)>> <<set $ch4p1out to 4>> You don't hesitate. You break into a run and jump at the guy near the carriage, tackling him to the ground.<br><br> As the two of you go rolling Charlie takes out the lackey at the door with a shot to the neck. The older woman screeches and curses, pulling Miss Beauchêne into the carriage and hollering at the driver to get moving.<br><br> You are distracted by that for a moment, but not long enough to not notice your opponent drawing a knife on you.<br><br> You draw your gun and splatter the guy's brain over the dusty ground.<br><br> Scrambling to your feet you look after the departing carriage when another shot rings out, and the vehicle rolls to a stop.<br><br> You stare, out of breath, as the driver then falls from his seat, dead.<br><br> "Nice shot," you and Charlie congratulate each other in unison, and stare at each other, baffled.<br><br> "'Twasn't me," you say.<br><br> "Me neither."<br><br> One more shot rings out as that woman makes the mistake to leave the carriage, and she sinks to her knees, clutching a nasty wound on her leg, all while swearing and wailing profoundly. <<elseif $surv <=20>> <<set $ch4p1out to 5>> You don't hesitate. You break into a run and jump at the guy by the door, tackling him off the porch, realizing your mistake too late.<br><br> The guy is a lot more muscle and meat than you, and before you can do anything he has grabbed you by your arm and smashed you against another house's wall.<br><br> You're dizzy, and through the ringing in your ears you hear Charlie cursing and a shot ring out, the guy slumping to the ground dead.<br><br> You stagger to your feet, staring after the departing carriage as another shot rings out, and the vehicle stops.<br><br> The driver slips off his seat, very much dead, and that woman and her remaining lackey make the mistake of leaving the carriage.<br><br> Two more shots are fired, one sending the other lackey to meet his maker, the other bringing that woman to the ground, clutching a nasty wound on her leg, swearing and wailing profoundly.<br><br> "Nice shot," you mutter as Charlie steadies you on your feet.<br><br> "That wasn't me," Charlie says, as confused as you are. <<else>> <<set $ch4p1out to 6>> You don't hesitate. You break into a run and jump at the guy near the carriage, tackling him to the ground.<br><br> As the two of you go rolling Charlie takes out the lackey at the carriage with a shot to the neck. The older woman screeches and curses, pulling Miss Beauchêne into the vehicle and hollering at the driver to get moving.<br><br> You are distracted for a moment by that, just a little too long to notice the guy beneath you drawing a knife, jabbing at you.<br><br> Luck is on your side, though, as he misses, leaving you with a shirt to mend and a bleeding scratch on your chest.<br><br> The next moment a shot rings out and the guy's brain splatters over the dusty ground.<br><br> You turn and look wide-eyed at Charlie.<br><br> "Nice shot," you say, but Charlie looks at you quite baffled.<br><br> "That wasn't me," he says, and you blink, before you look after the departing carriage with a frustrated grunt.<br><br> "What are we gonna..."<br><br> You're cut off by another shot ringing out, and the carriage rolling to a halt as the driver falls off the vehicle, dead. Another shot follows as that woman make the mistake of leaving the carriage, and she sinks to the ground swearing and wailing, clutching a wound in her leg.<</if>> <hr><div class="choice">[[...What was that?!|whatwasthat]]</div>

<<if $talk >=40 or ($talk is 35 and $tac >=70)>> <<set $ch4p1out to 7>> You <<if $bold <55>>take a deep breath, straighten<<else>>straighten<</if>> your posture and step out into the open with a display of more confidence than these people could ever even wish they could muster.<br><br> "Gentlemen, ma'am," you greet, giving them a cocky nod. "Whatever am I witnessing here?"<br><br> The trio stares at you quite dumbfounded, <<if $skincol <8>>and you can't shake off the feeling that that woman is more perplexed by you speaking English like that than by<<else>>not knowing what to make of<</if>> your display of sheer audacity.<br><br> The moment Charlie takes the opportunity to come up behind that woman and press his gun to her back you draw your own weapon.<br><br> "Now, if ya'd kindly come with us," you say, all too sweetly.<br><br> Turns out that woman has no sense of self-preservation as she screeches for her lackeys to kill you almost immediately.<br><br> Three shots ring out. You watch a little baffled as the carriage driver and the two henchmen slump down dead.<br><br> Charlie comes to his senses again first, casually putting a bullet in that woman's leg to stop her from running off.<br><br> "What..." you begin, ignoring that woman's swearing and wailing, "was that?" <hr><div class="choice">[[...What was that indeed?!...|whatwasthat]]</div> <<elseif $talk >=40>> <<set $ch4p1out to 8>> You <<if $bold <55>>take a deep breath, straighten<<else>>straighten<</if>> your posture as Charlie grabs you by the arm, shaking his head.<br><br> "$nick, I know what yer plannin'. Don't."<br><br> You furrow your brows at him.<br><br> Charlie frowns.<br><br> "Ya know it's not gonna work out," he hisses strictly but worried. "Ya couldn't even sell booze to a drunkard, ya won't manage to dazzle these people."<br><br> "We gotta do //something//, Charlie." You pull your arm free and turn back to the carriage.<br><br> Which was the wisest and most fortunate thing for you do to, as a shot ring out just as you turn, a bullet grazing your arm and whizzing past Charlie, burrowing itself into the sand a little behind you.<br><br> They spotted you!<br><br> Charlie pulls you down behind some crates, looking a little panicked at you.<br><br> "Just a scratch," you assure him, grinning, but you know this could have very easily ended very badly. "Get them before they can run off!"<br><br> Charlie nods and readies his gun as the kidnappers scramble for the carriage.<br><br> Two shots ring out, and the driver and the guy from the porch slump down dead.<br><br> "Nice shot," you note, but Charlie looks at you baffled.<br><br> "That wasn't me."<br><br> Two more shots sound as the other two kidnappers make the mistake of leaving the carriage. The guy's brain splatters across the dusty ground, and that woman sinks down cursing and wailing, clutching a wound on her leg. <hr><div class="choice">[[...What was that?!|whatwasthat]]</div> <<else>> <<set $ch4p1out to 9>> You <<if $bold <55>>take a deep breath, straighten<<else>>straighten<</if>> your posture as Charlie grabs you by the arm.<br><br> "Let me handle this, $nick." He grins. You grin back and sweep a slight bow, watching as Charlie steps out into the open with a display of more confidence than these people could ever even wish they could muster.<br><br> "Gentlemen, ma'am," he greets, giving them a cocky nod. "Whatever am I witnessing here?"<br><br> The trio stares at him quite dumbfounded, not knowing what to make such display of sheer audacity.<br><br> You take the opportunity to come up behind that woman and press your gun to her back, and Charlie draws his own weapon.<br><br> "Now, if ya'd kindly come with us," you say, all too sweetly.<br><br> Turns out that woman has no sense of self-preservation as she screeches for her lackeys to kill you almost immediately.<br><br> Three shots ring out. You watch a little baffled as the carriage driver and the two henchmen slump down dead.<br><br> Charlie comes to his senses again first, casually putting a bullet in that woman's leg to stop her from running off.<br><br> "What..." you begin, ignoring that woman's swearing and wailing, "was that?" <hr><div class="choice">[[...What was that indeed?!...|whatwasthat]]</div> <</if>>

You steady your breath and search for the shooter. Where could they be? Then you spot them. A tall, slender figure in a ragged black poncho and broad-rimmed hat standing on the roof of a general store, their thin face covered by a dark bandana and dark tinted glasses, a very odd looking rifle in their hand. They nod at you as they catch your eye and vanish into the shadows. "What the..." you begin, when you realize something. "Charlie! The sheriff!" You <<if $ch4p1out is 1>>spin on your heel<<elseif $ch4p1out is 2>>spin on your heel, clutching your arm<<elseif $ch4p1out is 3>>spin on your heel<<elseif $ch4p1out is 4>>turn<<elseif $ch4p1out is 5>>sway a little, holding your throbbing shoulder<<elseif $ch4p1out is 6>>turn, holding a hand against the cut<<elseif $ch4p1out is 7>>shake your head, turn<<elseif $ch4p1out is 8>>turn, holding your injured arm<<else>>shake your head, turn<</if>> and make for the sheriff's office. "Ya take care of these <<if $mcnoswears>>guys<<else>>fuckers<</if>>, I'll..." You stop as Sheriff Lowell staggers from the back door. He's holding a wound on his side, but <<if $med >=25>>your experience tells you it's not<<else>>it doesn't look<</if>> too bad. "Yer alright, sheriff?" you call, looking around the crowd that's gathering round the carriage. <<if $job is 6 or $strong is 6 or $bold >75>>You bark<<else>>Charlie barks<</if>> orders at the people to get them to hold the older woman down, get the Black woman inside and fetch a doctor for the sheriff and his men. "I'm fine," the sheriff says, slumping down on the back porch's stairs. "My men are too, though Jesse is looking bad. Well, his shoulder is, the rest of him is fine." You spot a bemused grin creeping on the sheriff's face. "What's with that grin?" you wonder. Sheriff Lowell looks up at you. "Y'know, these bastards intended to kidnap Miss Beauchêne, yet they came in unarmed." You grin from ear to ear. <hr><div class="choice">[[...Oh, did they really...|whatwasthat1]]</div>

"Ya gotta thank Finley for that. He... confiscated... their weapons." The sheriff blinks at you bewildered, then snorts a brief laugh. "Did he now?" "Yer not gonna arrest him for theft, are you?" The sheriff shakes his head and pulls himself up. You move to steady him. "Thank you. I think we should go inside." You nod, just as two of the sheriff's men come out of the building. One of them is <<if $ch4path <3>>the young white guy you saw before; Ethan; now<<else>>a young white guy<</if>> sporting a nasty bruise on his cheek, the other's a Black guy 'round the same age with a quickly patched up wound on his shoulder. You guess that's Jesse then. "You alright there, boys?" the sheriff asks as you and Charlie help him back inside. The two deputies nod. "Good," the sheriff continues. "Still, you gotta have that looked at as soon as the Doc comes by, Jesse." You maneuver the sheriff into his private office, where he slumps down heavily in his chair. "We sent Finley to get Mrs. Meadows," you inform him, just as his men leave to see the arriving local doctor, and Sheriff Lowell lets out a small, embarrassed wince. "That's... nice of you." He sighs, rubbing over the wound. "It's not that bad though." "Maybe, but yer still bleedin'," you note, and the sheriff looks down at his hands as if he hadn't noticed it. "Well, I //guess// she might as well have a look at it." Right on cue Mrs. Meadows enters, rolling her eyes at everyone present in general. "I heard that, Benjamin. And you better believe I will have a look at it." She puts her bag down and looks at you and Charlie, arms akimbo. "Now, what exactly happened, and where am I needed the most?" You fill her in on what happened. <<if $ch4p1out is 2 or $ch4p1out is 5 or $ch4p1out is 6 or $ch4p1out is 8>>"So you ran in head first?"<<else>>"You know this could have gone very badly very fast?"<</if>> she comments, looking you over. <<if $ch4p1out is 2 or $ch4p1out is 5 or $ch4p1out is 6 or $ch4p1out is 8>>"Guess I'll have to have a look at you first then."<<else>>"At least you're not causing additional work."<</if>> You frown a little and sit down on one of the other <<if $ch4p1out is 2 or $ch4p1out is 5 or $ch4p1out is 6 or $ch4p1out is 8>>chairs, having Mrs. Meadows patch you up<<else>>chairs, moping a little<</if>>. Yeah, this could have gone <<if $ch4p1out is 2 or $ch4p1out is 5 or $ch4p1out is 6 or $ch4p1out is 8>>better.<<else>>worse.<</if>> While Mrs. Meadows sees to the sheriff, Charlie steps up to the <<if $ch4path <3>>sheriff's weird little collection,<<else>>the wall across from the window,<</if>> looking over all the clippings, notes and photographs plastering <<if $ch4path <3>>the wall.<<else>>it.<</if>> "Curious little hobby," Charlie murmurs, drawing your attention. You join him in his inspection. There's clippings of local and not so local <<if $cur >=80 and ($ch4path is 3 or $ch4path is 4 or $ch4path is 5)>>newspapers — some of them about Missing Person cases you recognize from Lynwood's room<<else>>newspapers — mostly Missing Person Cases<</if>> —, old Wanted posters — you and Charlie aren't on here, but O'Brian and Burke are, as is <<if ($fname + $name).toUpperCase() is "CALEBQUINN">>O'Reilly (seeing the image up close you realize that the two of you look quite similar to one another)<<else>>O'Reilly<</if>> —, letters, notes and a couple of photographs. Most of the latter seem connected to the Missing Person cases. <<if $ch4path <3>>The sheer amount of cases had been a little intimidating before, but<<else>>The wall looks impressive and a little intimidating on its own from afar already, but<</if>> up close it gets a little concerning. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Ask the sheriff about it.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "whatwasthat2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Nudge Charlie to ask.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "whatwasthat2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Wait till Mrs. Meadows is done patching the sheriff up.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "whatwasthat2">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> <<if $ch4path is 1 or $ch4path is 2>>"About yer collection, sheriff..."<<else>>"What's with this collection, sheriff?"<</if>> you call.<br><br> "Hmm?" The sheriff looks up. <<if $ch4path is 1 or $ch4path is 2>>"What about it?"<<else>>"Oh, that..."<</if>><br><br> "Is certainly something that can wait another moment," Mrs. Meadows interrupts. "Let me finish my work, then you can babble about this all you like."<br><br> You can't deny she's got a bit of a point.<br><br> So you <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You nudge Charlie's side, inclining your head towards the sheriff.<br><br> <<if $letcharliedothework or $quiettype>>"Cat's really got yer tongue these days, $nick,"<<else>>"Cat's got yer tongue?"<</if>> Charlie teases, and briefly looks back at the sheriff. "Let's wait till he's patched up."<br><br> You can't deny he's got a bit of a point.<br><br> So you <<else>> You cast a glance back at the two. The wound isn't bad, but still needs some proper cleaning and dressing. And that's better done undisturbed.<br><br> So you <</if>> wait.<</nobr>> "There," Mrs. Meadows comments, putting her tools away. "Thank you," the sheriff mumbles and pulls his shirt back on before he joins you at the wall, looking across the collection with a good deal of exhaustion. "So," <<if $letcharliedothework or $quiettype>>Charlie begins.<<else>>you begin.<</if>> <<if $ch4path is 1 or $ch4path is 2>>"This is what keeps ya up at night?"<<else>>"What are we lookin' at here? I don't assume this is a trophy wall?"<</if>> The sheriff sighs defeated. <<if $ch4path is 1 or $ch4path is 2>>"It is. Most unfortunately."<<else>>"The opposite, really. With the exception of Burke and O'Brian now, these are all open cases and weird occurrences that keep me up at night."<</if>> "Do you even get //any// sleep, Benjamin?" Mrs. Meadows grouses, but you can't miss the worried undertone. "Not as much as I'd like," the sheriff admits, looking back at her apologetic. "Sometimes I really don't know what to make of you, Benjamin." Mrs. Meadows sighs and picks up her bag. "Now, I shall have a look at the other cases. And, Benjamin, I'll need you to do the paperwork so we can bring Miss Beauchêne to the hotel. After all what happened I'd rather have her there." The sheriff nods, and turns back to the wall as Mrs. Meadows leaves the room. "I guess I can take Burke and O'Brian off now," he mumbles, and reaches to do so. "That... is quite a hefty sum," you comment, seeing the bounty on their heads. It's certainly higher than yours. "Comes from riding with O'Reilly, I guess," Charlie wagers. "I mean, I worked with the bastard once an' it added a whole digit to me bounty. An' that was 'bout twenty years ago." You nod solemnly, while the sheriff looks perplexed. "You two worked with O'Reilly?" "Charlie did," you say. <<if $age <34>>"I'm maybe a bit too young to have been there for that job, ain't I?"<<else>>"I never met the guy in me life."<</if>> <<if $age <34>>"Yes, yes of course,"<<else>>"I see,"<</if>> the sheriff mumbles, raising a brow at Charlie. "If it takes some worry o' yer mind, sheriff," Charlie reassures, "We didn't kill anyone. 'Twas just a nifty little jewelry heist." "Oh, don't be so proud about it," the sheriff scolds, but leaves it at that. "An' our paths never again crossed with O'Reilly's," you note. "Till O'Brian showed up now, if ya wanna be nitpicking 'bout it." The sheriff nods as he turns towards his desk to put the posters away. You smile a little and look back over the assorted chaos that the collection is. It's not just all sorts of articles, photographs and the like, but also a bunch of handwritten notes on which the sheriff apparently scribbled down his thoughts on the various occurrences. The one that catches your eye is one simply saying //Who are you?// next to a rough sketch of a tall figure in a dark poncho. You quirk a brow and turn to the sheriff. <<if $ch4path is 1 or $ch4path is 2>>"Sheriff?" You tap your finger against the picture. "Is this this 'Preacher' ya told us about<<else>>"Sheriff?" You tap your finger against the picture. "Who's this guy<</if>>?" <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|whatwasthat3]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $ch4path is 1 or $ch4path is 2>> Sheriff Lowell comes back over, looking at the image in question.<br><br> "Yes, that's him." At this the sheriff looks you over. "Any reason for the sudden interest?"<br><br> "That's the guy who just... helped out with those bastards outside."<br><br> "Oh." The sheriff seems impressed but not surprised. "Well, I told you he's an odd feller." <<else>> Sheriff Lowell comes back over, looking at the image in question. His brows furrow.<br><br> "That? That's 'Preacher', as they call him. Or 'The Devil's Blacksmith'. Some sort of bounty hunter, in lack of a better word. He's riding 'round the country, bringing outlaws to justice, leaving them dead or tied up at the next sheriff's office, with a note on where to donate the bounty to. Those that are alive tell stories of this inhumanly fast and strong man, more shadow than flesh, that brought them down, no matter how much they outnumbered him. Puts the fear of God, whichever one's inclined to believe in, into one's heart better than any sermon could."<br><br> "Ya sound quite decided one whether or not to be skeptical," you note.<br><br> "I am. There's a lot out there science can't grasp, but a man that moves like a living shadow, jump onto the roof of a building from the streets, and take out a dozen armed men at once and come out victorious? Unless that Preacher is no mere human, I find such tales hard to believe. You'd think with all that in those tales already, at least those guns of his would appear normal..."<br><br> "His guns?"<br><br> "I'm no gunsmith, $title $Name nor am I an engineer, but by all means, Preacher appears to be both. He's said to carry three peculiar guns to his hunts. A rifle that's said to hit bull's eye over a thousand yards, and two six-shooters so precise he can shoot not just through the ace of any color, but through an entire ten's pips in one go and take off the numbered corners."<br><br> "That's impossible," you say.<br><br> "It is what it is," the sheriff says with a shrug. "It's what earned him the other moniker. Why the interest in him?"<br><br> "That guy just lend a hand with those bastards outside."<br><br> "Oh." The sheriff seems impressed but not surprised. "Well, that's 'Preacher', alright."<</if>><</nobr>> "Any idea why that guy helped us?" you wonder. "Or how he knew somethin' was wrong?" The sheriff shrugs a little haplessly. "I wish I could help you there. But that kind of thing is typical for Preacher. <<if $ch4path is 1 or $ch4path is 2>>Told you some<<else>>Some<</if>> people regard him as a ghost. A benevolent spirit or demon or something. Depends on who you are asking." "What do ya think?" The sheriff rubs the back of his neck in thought before shaking his head. "I really don't know. I //hope// he's just a simple human. But... you can never <<if $ch4path is 1 or $ch4path is 2>>know. Told you<<else>>know. And I must admit,<</if>> I'm open for the possibility that he's... something else than that" You nod quietly, and look back at the collection. "There's... quite a lot of people missing in the area," you note, a little worried. You can see the utter defeat in the sheriff's face. "Yes, those cases are the worst." The sheriff shakes his head. "I mean, I know it's not uncommon for people to fall off the face of the Earth for good out here, but... these cases..." Again he shakes his head. "Ya mean usually there's some rhyme and reason to things?" Charlie ventures. "Yes. But... take these three for example," the sheriff points out the pictures of three young men. "Isiah Honeysett, Phillip Abney and Godfrey Foster. First one a store-clerk, married, two children. Rides out one day to visit his parents on their nearby farmstead, just beyond the woods thisthereway," the sheriff gestures vaguely, "never to be seen again. Abney's a young priest, goes to bed one night, doesn't show up to mass the next day, people find his room empty. Last one's a lawyer at Fleming & Masters, married, one daughter. Sets out to see to a client's affairs one evening, never returns. And all that within the last two months, and not a trace of them since." With a frustrated groan the sheriff raps a knuckle against O'Reilly's poster. "Sometimes I feel it'll be easier to find O'Reilly than it is to find any of these missing fellers." "Technically O'Reilly is one of'em missing fellers, if ya think about it," Charlie jokes, and you grin briefly. The sheriff smiles too. <<nobr>>"True. And honestly, it'll be nice to know if he's actually dead or not."<br><br> <<if $knowwatch_full>>You cast a knowing glance at Charlie, but decide to not say anything.<br><br><</if>> You look at the sheriff, a little worried, a little intrigued.<</nobr>> "And now for the important bit, sheriff: What exactly happened with these horrible people?" The sheriff grimaces. "That's as quickly told as it doesn't make sense. They came in here, telling us they were to pick Miss Beauchêne up. We told them she's still out cold, and that woman insisted that doesn't matter. Told her Miss Beauchêne would have to stay with us anyway. That woman got angry and demanded to at least see her." "Why did you let her?" you ask. "She knew who Miss Beauchêne was and what happened, so we had no means to deny her that... request." You almost expect the sheriff to spit at that. And I know what you're going to ask now. How did they get her out of that cell? Bad luck. Jesse was checking if Miss Beauchêne might be coming to or if we should get a doctor when we came downstairs. Just then Miss Beauchêne came to. When these people saw that they... well, they didn't attack immediately, as they seemed rather baffled by their sudden lack of weapons." The sheriff smiles wistfully. "Do give the O'Connor boy my regards for that." "We shall," you reassure. The sheriff nods curtly. "Thank you. And well, those people still attacked, and in the mess one of them managed to wrestle Ethan's gun away. Shot me, shot Jesse... I swear they shot Jesse just for the sake of it." Disgust drops from the sheriff's words. "They grabbed Miss Beauchêne who was still too groggy to fight back and dragged her out." "And ran into us," Charlie says. "And thank Heavens for that." The sheriff sighs once more and goes back to his desk, just as the door creaks open and Ethan pokes his head in. "Sir?" "Yes?" "We'll be bringing Miss Beauchêne to the hotel now? Mrs. Meadows is asking if you need anything." "No, I'll be fine." With that the sheriff turns back to you. "I guess I'm to bid you farewell then. You'll tell me when Miss Beauchêne wakes?" You nod. "Ya'll tell us what that horrible woman has to say?" "Of course. Stay safe, you two." And you part ways. While the sheriff's men take a carriage together with Mrs. Meadows to get back to the hotel, you and Charlie decide to walk. You need the time to sort your thoughts. You've walked for a while, when Charlie looks at you rather worried. "Yer lookin' exhausted, $nick." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>I am. It's all a bit much at once.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "preacheraftermath">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Yer tryin' to tell me yer not?</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "preacheraftermath">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I'll be fine.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "preacheraftermath">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "I am. It's all a bit much at once," you say, rolling your shoulders.<br><br> Charlie looks you over. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Yer tryin' to tell me yer not?" you smile tiredly.<br><br> "Never said that." Charlie smiles back and looks you over. <<else>> "I'll be fine," you say with a sigh.<br><br> "If ya say so," Charlie answers and looks you over. <</if>> "If it's any help, the bad feelin' has faded. So hopefully we'll have a bit o' time to unwind."<</nobr>> You nod and stretch. "Well, first we gotta see what's with this Miss Beauchêne." You shake your head. "She oughta be awake by the time we reach the hotel." "Probably." You know the tone, and you know the expression dancing on Charlie's face. "What's wrong?" you ask. "Just thinking," Charlie answers, casting a quick glance around. "Y'know, you an' I, we're good at what we do. But... I do feel as if..." "...we're not good enough for this?" you finish the sentence. Charlie nods grimly. "I don't know 'bout you, $nick, but I'd like to get out of this alive." A grin tugs on your lips, but you shake it off. This isn't funny. "So, what d'ya say we do now? Hone our skills?" "See about Miss Beauchêne first, then unwind a little, then hone our skills," Charlie says, somberly. "We got a few days to spare. An' as I just said, yer lookin' exhausted, and I believe I'm no better." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Chin up, yer always lookin' better by default.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "flirtingreally">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I think ya look just fine.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "flirtingreally">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Yer certainly lookin' better than I feel.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "flirtingreally">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Chin up, yer always lookin' better by default," you quip, and Charlie laughs.<br><br> "Much appreciated, <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "I think ya look just fine," you say, causing Charlie to smile a little amused.<br><br> "Yer too kind, <<else>> "Yer certainly lookin' better than I feel." You sigh heavily, making Charlie stop to look at you.<br><br> "Hey, don't worry," he says, looking you over. "What I just said, <</if>> we got a bit o' time to relax. But tell me if ya start feelin' worse, $nick," he says, and then smirks as he looks around. "Look at them people," he whispers. "Ya could think they're convinced we're flirting."<</nobr>> You look at Charlie a little bewildered, and your mind's racing. This is, of course, not the first time you've been in such a situation, not the first time he's teased you like this. You've teased him just the same often enough before. And honestly... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Charlie's a good friend, but, for goodness' sake, he's a tease. I'm not flirting.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "willtheywontthey">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$age <=38 ?"~Oh bother... Charlie's more like an older brother to me." : "~Oh bother... Charlie's more like a brother to me."`>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "willtheywontthey">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Well... that stings... Charlie's my best friend, but... Lately I been thinking 'bout this a lot. Though I don't think it's wise to mention it...yet.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<set $charom to $charom + 1>> <<set $charom_shy to $charom_shy + 1>> <<goto "willtheywontthey">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Well, they're not wrong... But I-I can't say that out loud.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<set $charom to $charom + 1>> <<set $charom_shy to $charom_shy + 1>> <<goto "willtheywontthey">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I wish. Lately I've been thinking a lot about just that, but sadly I don't think Charlie shares the feeling...">> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<set $charom to $charom + 1>> <<goto "willtheywontthey">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~No wonder, they're right. Though this really isn't the right moment to say anything. Which is so frustrating and annoying.">> <<set $continuity to 6>> <<set $charom to $charom + 1>> <<goto "willtheywontthey">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Yer such a tease, Charlie," you grumble, but smile a little. "Yer a <<if $mcnoswears>>dang<<else>>damn<</if>> great friend, but yer about as big a tease."<br><br> "My apologies," Charlie says, and smiles <<if $isac is "lad" or $isac is "bastard">>kindly. Then he leans closer, whispering soberly. "Sad how some people wouldn't take kindly to it if it were the case."<<else>>kindly.<</if>><br><br> You nod curtly, and Charlie <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Lovely," you murmur, looking away. "As if ya aren't like <<if $age <39>>some older<<else>>some<</if>> brother to me. Some people, I swear."<br><br> Charlie chuckles and smiles softly.<br><br> "Oh, don't I know?" He <<if $isac is "lad" or $isac is "bastard">> leans closer, whispering soberly. "Sad how some people wouldn't take kindly to such flirting anyway."<br><br> You nod just as soberly, and Charlie <</if>> <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You grumble a little, looking away.<br><br> Charlie tilts his head confused, nudging your arm.<br><br> "Hey, $nick, are ya alright?"<br><br> "I... yes. It's just..." you swallow the lump in your throat. "I'm just not feelin' too well, as we figured." You shake your head.<br><br> Charlie looks at you concerned for a moment, before he <<elseif $continuity is 4>> You search Charlie face, trying to figure what he's thinking off it.<br><br> But right now he only looks worried for you. Guess you must look more exhausted than you feel.<br><br> "Yer alright, $nick?" Charlie wonders, and you nod.<br><br> "Yes. Just exhausted. As we figured." You sigh defeated.<br><br> Charlie looks at you a moment longer, before he <<elseif $continuity is 5>> You really have to restrain yourself to not roll your<<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> with an annoyed grunt.<br><br> It's an utter mess and you have yet to make sense of it. All these years you and Charlie have been working together, but only now...<br><br> Now you do grunt exhausted at least.<br><br> "Yer alright there, $nick?" Charlie wonders concerned, and you nod.<br><br> "Yes. Just exhausted. As we figured." You sigh defeated.<br><br> Charlie looks at you a moment longer, before he <<else>> You grumble a little, looking away and biting your lips in frustration.<br><br> These feelings aren't new, and neither are the situations in which you want to say something, but there's just no way you can. Sometimes it's too dangerous, other times it felt as if it'd come across as a bad joke. And right now it feels like as if it's both.<br><br> You frown softly.<br><br> "Yer alright, $nick?" Charlie wonders, and you nod.<br><br> "Yes. Just exhausted. As we figured." You sigh defeated.<br><br> Charlie looks at you a moment longer, before he <</if>> tilts his head back, thinking.<</nobr>> "Ya know, I think we should hurry now." "Think Miss Beauchêne's awake?" Charlie shrugs. "Perhaps, but," he nods at the sky. "There's a storm brewing, an' personally I'd like to be in a nice warm room when it breaks loose." He certainly has a point there. ^^//So you hurry.//^^ The storm breaks loose like a bursting dam just as you reach the hotel. The hotel, not its lobby, so you are a little soaked by the time you enter. "We need to hone our skills," you mumble sourly, shaking off some of the water. "An' I think runnin' is certainly one of them." "Absolutely," Charlie agrees, shaking off water as well and stepping aside to make way for other soaked souls hurrying into the lobby to get out of the weather. "But let's dry off before we make any other plans." You nod, resigned, and trudge up the stairs, Charlie in tow. Maybe it's because of the events of the last few days, but you are not the slightest surprised to find Finley waiting for you at your room. "Oh bother," he greets you. "Are ya alright?" "We are," you answer, "Just very soaked. Guess yer here to fill us in on things?" Finley nods. "Mrs. Meadows asked me to. Didn't know when ya'd arrive, an' then the storm broke loose and all." You and Charlie give an acknowledging nod, and you unlock the door. "Could ya get us some more towels, though?" you wonder. "Need somethin' to put the wet clothes on." "Huh? Oh. Of course." You watch Finley hurry off and head into your room. Because, <<if $mcnoswears>>goodness<<else>>damn<</if>>, you're starting to get cold. <hr><div class="choice">[[...Once inside.|stormhotel]]</div>

It doesn't take long till your wet clothes hang over chairs and the end of the bed, and you're wrapped up in the bed cover. "Cold?" Charlie inquires, buttoning a fresh shirt. You murmur morosely. "Ya know how it is once yer out of'em wet clothes." Charlie nods, grins and throws you one of your shirts. "Best way to tackle that is gettin' into dry ones." "Oh, I dunno," you say, catching the shirt. "Bein' wrapped up nice an' cozy like this works well for me." Charlie chuckles. "I don't doubt that, but, alas, we got a bit o' work to do." "I know." You stretch and get dressed, sitting back down on the bed. "The kid's takin' his dear time, don't ya think?" "He's probably givin' us the time to get dressed," Charlie muses. Well, that does sound about right. "He's an odd one, isn't he?" you muse out loud, as Charlie sits down on his own bed. "Finley? A little, but he has a good heart." You smile. "That he does." You begin musing. "Y'know, I'm wonderin' if I oughta follow Burke's example and ask the kid to show me how he managed to steal that knife out o' Miss Beauchêne's hand while she was using it." "Oh?" "Yeah. It's a nifty skill to have, an' we'll likely be partin' ways with him in Potter's Springs." Charlie cackles amused. "Nice how we got back to the topic o' honin' our skills." You blink, and chuckle as well. <<if $strong is 6 or $job is 6>>"Hey, I'm good with talkin' me way 'round and through things, ya know that."<<else>>"Sometimes I'm almost as much a smooth-talker as you are."<</if>> "Oh, don't I know it." Charlie smiles and leans forward, and his expression becomes serious again. "But on a more sober note... There's no doubt things will get dangerous from here on." "I know." You sigh heavily. "So, what yer plannin'?" "Ya mean what skills I'll work on? I plan on askin' Mrs. Meadows to teach me some medical tricks. And hope I won't need them too soon." You nod sagely. "Sounds good." "Maybe train to hold me ground in a brawl, too," Charlie adds, looking thoughtful. "Can't expect we'll only face situations we can talk ourselves out of. So, how 'bout ya?" You ponder. <hr><div class="choice"><<link `$strong is 1 or $job is 1 ?"<q>I'll improve what I'm good at: Patching people up.</q>" : "<q>I think I'll take the chance to learn how to patch up people.</q>"`>> <<set $trainingch4 to 1>> <<goto "stormhotel1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$strong is 2 or $job is 2 ?"<q>I'll get $hname and work on what I'm good at: Riding.</q>" : "<q>We'll be on horseback for quite a while now. Guess it's time work on me ridin' skills.</q>"`>> <<set $trainingch4 to 2>> <<goto "stormhotel1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$strong is 3 or $job is 3 ?"<q>If ya wanna train yer brawlin' skills, I'll gladly help.</q>" : "<q>If yer gonna train yer brawlin' skill, I'm comin' with ya.</q>"`>> <<set $trainingch4 to 3>> <<goto "stormhotel1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$strong is 4 or $job is 4 ?"<q>I'll certainly ask the kid to show me some tricks. I got nimble fingers, but I think he can teach me a thing or two.</q>" : "<q>I'll certainly ask the kid to show me some tricks. Would be absurd to waste a chance like this.</q>"`>> <<set $trainingch4 to 4>> <<goto "stormhotel1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$strong is 5 or $job is 5 ?"<q>Gonna practice shootin'. I mean I'm good, but I'm not gonna risk findin' out I'm not 'good enough.</q>" : "<q>Gonna practice shootin'. I think that's the best choice if we find ourselves in a sticky situation where nothin' else will do.</q>"`>> <<set $trainingch4 to 5>> <<goto "stormhotel1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$strong is 6 or $job is 6 ?"<q>I think I'll practice me actin' a bit. As good as we both are, we're up against a doomsday cult. So we gotta be better.</q>" : "<q>I think I'll practice me actin' a bit. Can't hurt to take ya as example an' learn how to talk me way outta Hell.</q>"`>> <<set $trainingch4 to 6>> <<goto "stormhotel1">> <</link>></div>\

Charlie murmurs approvingly. "I think that's a good choice. Truth be told, we'll easily need to be at our best for this." You raise a brow. "That bad, eh?" "Maybe, maybe not. But it's never wise to underestimate things." Wise words. You nod gloomily as the implications sink in, laying back on the bed. That moment someone knocks. "Yes?" Charlie calls. "It's me, sir." Finley answers, and Charlie lets him in. "Ya kinda overestimated how long we'll need to get dried an' dressed, lad," Charlie jokes, closing the door again. Finley smiles shyly. "Better safe than sorry. Didn't want to bother ya." "So," you begin, sitting back up, "I assume there's no news yet?" Finley shakes his head. "Miss Beauchêne did wake briefly, an' Mrs. Meadows was able to see if she's badly hurt. She's a bit dizzy, but Mrs. Meadows said there won't be lasting damage. Miss Beauchêne's just very exhausted from the ordeal." "So all we can do is wait," you note. "Seems so." Charlie stretches, sounding a little disappointed. Then he cocks his head at Finley. "Ya look like ya got a question, lad." Finley stiffens and blushes a little. "It's just..." he begins, looking at the two of you. "I... I just noticed that yer always really worried an' carin' for $title $Name, Mr. Mulligan. An' that ya don't take kindly to <<if $sel >=75>>$them<<else>>anyone around ya<</if>> bein' selfish an' all. I-I mean I know how Mr. Blayne an' Mrs. Meadows treat me, an' I wondered if it's similar for ya." The boy gulps. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..." Charlie waves him off gently, but you can see the first traces of an exhausted sadness creeping into his face. "It's alright, lad," Charlie says, sitting down on the bed. "I... well, yer right. And I..." It hurts seeing Charlie at a loss for words in this situation. You take a deep breath, steeling your nerves. "He's got a very good reason," you say, and look at Charlie quite worried, but softly. "And given what happened I'm... surprised he isn't obnoxiously overbearing." Charlie looks up at you, giving you a little smile. "How do ya mean?" Finley ventures <<if $almostend_hamelin or $nearend_hamelin>>carefully. Then blinks. "Oh. Y-Ya mean that he lost a brother, right?"<<else>>carefully.<</if>> You shuffle into a more comfortable position. <<if $almostend_hamelin or $nearend_hamelin>>"...Yes. Charlie... He's<<else>>"He's<</if>> trying to prevent history from repeatin' itself," you begin and look at Charlie again. "Ya'll be alright with me tellin' him the story?" Charlie nods curtly, letting out an sorrowfilled breath. "Umm," Finley begins. "If yer not well with it, I don't //have// to know..." "No, it's alright, lad," Charlie says. <<if $almostend_hamelin or $nearend_hamelin>>"It hurts still, I won't deny that. But better ya know<<else>>"Ya'll get<</if>> why I'm like this." And he waves you to go on. <<nobr>>You roll your shoulders. "I told ya how I know Charlie. <<if $back is 12>> And though we knew each other since childhood, there was a time when we went separate ways for a while. He was riding with his brother Matthew an' some friends, while I stayed in town and did me own thing. Till one day Charlie came back alone. He looked like death himself." You shudder. "His clothes were drenched in blood, his eyes red and glassy and his face pale and disturbed. He almost fell off Wicklow when he stopped in the middle of the street and it took weeks till anyone could talk to Charlie again.<br><br> "Turned out the boys he and Matthew were riding with... one o' them had ratted the others out to the law after a bank robbery an' the other two then left Charlie and Matthew for dead when they then managed to make a run for it. Out o' greed. Matthew died and Charlie tracked the other three down. I heard from others that they were found in at least four other places."<br><br> Finley takes a moment to process that, and shudders.<br><br> "Exactly," you say, smiling softly. "But don't worry. Charlie is a good soul, unless ya severely cross him." You sigh sorrowfully. "Still, Charlie wasn't the same after that. He's been drinkin', an' had more morphine runnin' through his veins than blood. It was a bad year."<br><br> "What happened? I mean..."<br><br> "His oldest sister Ada an' I... we wouldn't budge from his side. No matter what he did, what insults he hurled at us, we stayed with him. He grew more quiet then. And one day he apologized to us for what an arse he's been. He was grateful that we stayed with him the whole time, and vowed to do better in the future. Went to apologize to the rest of his family an' the friends that were still willin' to talk to him. We started ridin' together after that."<br><br> You sigh thoughtfully.<br><br> "Something wrong?" Finley asks.<br><br> "Not wrong, just... That wasn't the end of it. Told ya, Charlie had grown very quiet. Very withdrawn. He was helpful, but he kept away from others a lot. Me included. And then one day Charlie gets a wire from Ada. His youngest sister was gettin' married, and wanted Charlie to be there. I've never seen Charlie as scared as he was then."<br><br> "Scared?"<br><br> "Frightened out of' his wits. I didn't get it. Asked him what's wrong. He made excuses. Said he can't go. Then he insisted he had to go. It was a back an' forth and he was frayin' at the seams like anything." You shake your head. "I offered to come with him. He was still shaken, but he agreed. I had a feeling it had to do somethin' with Matt... Everything went well till Charlie suddenly stormed out o' the ceremony."<br><br> Finley looks worried, first at you, then — a bit longer — at Charlie.<br><br> "Ada an' I went to look for him," you say after a long moment. "Found him cryin' his heart out. He didn't tell us at first what was wrong, so we sat with him. An' then it all burst out of him. Told us he was missin' Matthew, and how much it hurts that Matt couldn't be there, an' how that was his fault. Charlie blamed himself for what happened, 'cause he didn't put his foot down when he felt something was wrong. Didn't trust in his gut."<br><br> "So he learned the hard way his feelings there are never wrong?"<br><br> You chuckle as briefly as bitterly.<br><br> "He knew that before, but he ignored it whenever he felt like it couldn't be //that// bad. So... we sat with Charlie for a little longer then, till he began apologizing to us, and for ruining his sister's wedding an' all. But no one was mad at him. Charlie was all frazzled, but grateful, seein' how much people cared for him. The wedding continued. Was pretty nice. Charlie blossomed after that. He can still be a grump, but he's got a great heart. Well... after that we went an' visited Matt's grave for the first time in what felt like an eternity. Brought some flowers."<br><br> Finley looks at you and Charlie, and lowers his head. <<else>> Though as well as we been gettin' along all things considered, Charlie was very distant at the start. He was a different man back then."<br><br> "How different?"<br><br> "Quiet. He was helpful, but he kept away from others a lot. Me included. The longer we rode together, the more I got the feelin' he couldn't get himself to trust me, no matter what. And then, just 'bout a year later, Charlie get's a wire from his oldest sister Ada. His youngest sister was gettin' married, and wanted Charlie to be there. I've never seen Charlie as scared as he was then."<br><br> "Scared?"<br><br> "Frightened out of' his wits. I didn't get it. Asked him what's wrong. He made excuses. Said he can't go. Then he insisted he had to go. It was a back an' forth and he was frayin' at the seams like anything." You shake your head. "I offered him to come with him. He was still shaken, but he agreed. At first I thought he feared someone had some bones to pick with'im... But everyone was kind to us. Everything went well till Charlie suddenly stormed out o' the ceremony."<br><br> Finley looks worried, first at you, then — a bit longer — at Charlie.<br><br> "Ada an' I went to look for him," you say after a long moment. "Found him cryin' his heart out. He didn't tell us at first what was wrong, so we sat with him. An' then it all burst out of him. Told us he was missin' Matthew, and how much it hurts that Matt couldn't be there, an' how that was his fault. Ada told me that Matthew had been their brother. Charlie used to ride with him an' three 'friends' till one o' them sold the others out to the law an' the other two left Charlie an' Matthew for dead after they managed to make a run for it. Out of greed." You gaze into the distance. "Ada said Charlie blames himself for what happened, 'cause he didn't put his foot down when he felt something was wrong. Didn't trust in his gut."<br><br> "So he learned the hard way his feelings there are never wrong?"<br><br> You chuckle as briefly as bitterly.<br><br> "He knew that before, but he ignored it whenever he felt like it couldn't be //that// bad. So... we sat with Charlie for a little longer then, till he began apologizing to us, and for ruining his sister's wedding an' all. But no one was mad at him. Charlie was all frazzled, but grateful, seein' how much people cared for him. The wedding continued. Was pretty nice. Charlie blossomed after that. He can still be a grump, but he's got a great heart. Ada later told me Charlie had tracked the other three down after Matt had died. Said that they were found in at least four other places."<br><br> Finley takes a moment to process that, and shudders.<br><br> "Exactly," you say. And then smile wistfully. "Went an' visited Matt's grave for the first time in what felt like an eternity. Brought some nice flowers."<br><br> Finley looks at you and Charlie, and lowers his head.<</if>><</nobr>> "I'm sorry to hear," he says, but then gulps. "Really, four different places?" "At least. Wanna hear the punchline? After what I just told ya about Charlie seriously went into the next sheriff's office and confessed to what he did there." Finley blinks and looks wide-eyed at Charlie. "How did ya not hang for that?" "He managed to convince the authorities that he had planned to hand their bodies over for the bounties," you answer in Charlie's place. "Said he had to leave due to his own injuries however." You lock eyes with Charlie. "Ya never told me if that actually was a lie or not." Charlie just smiles wistfully. That's the best answer you can expect, though. "Anyway. The charges for murder were dropped an' the bloody bastard even got the money." Finley can only stare at you and Charlie in amazement. <hr><div class="choice">[[...you can't blame him...|ch4end]]</div>

"Yer kidding me." You shake your head. "No." "Y'know," Charlie picks up the tale quietly. "That night Matthew finally contacted me. I... got his blessing for somethin' I was absurdly uncertain about. I can't describe how happy and relieved I was 'bout that. I couldn't get through to Matthew before. I-I think 'twas me anger and fear that put up a barricade between us." You hadn't thought it possible, but Finley looks even more impressed now. You laugh amused. "Yeah, Charlie's quite peculiar, but... I honestly wouldn't want to miss him. Good gracious, he even told me that if things hadn't gone that way he'd certainly be dead by <<if $back is 8>>now. Even before that thing at Hangman's Gulch."<<else>>now."<</if>> "Well, it's true," Charlie says, smiling at you. "I wouldn't wanna miss ya either, $nick." You blink, and smile. And someone knocks. "Anyone takin' bets Miss Beauchêne's awake?" you quip. "I would," Charlie says, getting up to get the door. "But it won't do if we both bet on the same thing." You snort a curt laugh, and Charlie opens the door to find Burke standing there. "Ya want the long story or the punchline?" he begins before you can even say hello. By the look on his face he's about as annoyed as he's confused. "The punchline, I guess," you say. Burke huffs. "Our Miss Beauchêne's awake. Reason she wanted to kill Seán is revenge. 'Parently she's the fiancée of Robert Brightwell." <div align="center"><div class="specfont">🙞End of Chapter 4🙜</div></div>\ <hr><div class="choice">[[~On to the next Chapter|ch5start]]</div>

<<if $continuity is 1>> "Ya go an' talk to the sheriff," you say. "I got a few questions for Lynwood."<br><br> Charlie looks a little puzzled and intrigued.<br><br> "Lynwood? Why him?"<br><br> "There's just some things I need to know from him."<br><br> O'Brian audibly clears his throat.<br><br> You look at him.<br><br> "Don't worry, I don't plan on ratting ya out. On the contrary, I wanna know //why// he's so determined to see ya hang."<br><br> "Oh." O'Brian blinks. "Well then. Best o' luck, $Name."<br><br> "Thank you. Ya people will be fine?"<br><br> "Had worse," Burke answers. "An' if Seán's fine, I'm fine."<br><br> O'Brian gives a short whimper. "Yer too sweet."<br><br> You turn to Finley.<br><br> "I'll be fine too. Thanks," he says.<br><br> With a quick nod you turn back to Charlie.<br><br> "I'll meet ya at the sheriff's then."<br><br> "Gonna echo O'Brian here: Best o' luck. Ya might need it." <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Charlie, can ya see if the hereafter or the cards can help?"<br><br> "Hereafter probably not, ya know how it is."<br><br> You sigh.<br><br> "I know, they would have said somethin' already if they could help."<br><br> "And would want to." Charlie sighs. "But I'll see what the cards say. No promises."<br><br> At this, O'Brian shuffles closer.<br><br> "Can I come with ya?" he asks, looking bright-eyed at Charlie.<br><br> "Yer not going to stay with Burke?" Charlie asks, causing Burke to snort a laugh.<br><br> "Don't keep Seán from his supernatural stuff, Mulligan," he cackles, but it's a hearty, good-natured cackle. "He always tried to meet a real medium."<br><br> "Oh?" Charlie blinks.<br><br> "Yeah...", O'Brian shuffles around a little embarrassed. "It's just. I find it fascinatin' an' all."<br><br> Charlie gives him a long, cool look. And shrugs.<br><br> "Fine with me."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows lets out a small annoyed groan.<br><br> "Are you serious now? Are you really going to waste time with a seance? Even if it were possible, it..."<br><br> "It //is// possible, ma'am," Charlie cuts her off, calm but strictly. "And I'll be doing a tarot readin', not a seance to begin with. I value my wellbeing, and so does $nick."<br><br> You give an agreeing nod.<br><br> "It's worth the try. Miss Beauchêne will likely be out cold for a bit from what I understand, so... We might as well try this."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows gives you a piercing look, before shaking her head and waving you to hurry along...<br><br> Charlie looks at you. "An' what are you up to?"<br><br> "I'm gonna have a word with Lynwood. I want some answers."<br><br> O'Brian audibly clears his throat.<br><br> You look at him.<br><br> "Don't worry, I don't plan on ratting ya out. On the contrary, I wanna know //why// he's so determined to see ya hang."<br><br> "Oh." O'Brian blinks. "Well then. Best o' luck, $Name."<br><br> "Thank you. Ya people will be fine?"<br><br> "Had worse," Burke answers. "An' if Seán's fine, I'm fine."<br><br> O'Brian gives a short whimper. "Yer too sweet."<br><br> You turn to Finley.<br><br> "I'll be fine too. Thanks," he says.<br><br> With a quick nod you turn back to Charlie.<br><br> "I'll meet ya afterwards then."<br><br> "Gonna echo O'Brian here: Best o' luck. Ya might need it." <<else>> "Y'know," you start, "Before we do anythin' else, we oughta have a word with Lynwood."<br><br> "Lynwood? Why him?"<br><br> "There's some answers he's ought to give us."<br><br> O'Brian audibly clears his throat.<br><br> You look at him.<br><br> "Don't worry, I don't plan on ratting ya out. On the contrary, I wanna know //why// he's so determined to see ya hang."<br><br> "Oh." O'Brian blinks. "Well then. Best o' luck, $Name."<br><br> "Thank you. Ya people will be fine?"<br><br> "Had worse," Burke answers. "An' if Seán's fine, I'm fine."<br><br> O'Brian gives a short whimper. "Yer too sweet."<br><br> You turn to Finley.<br><br> "I'll be fine too. Thanks," he says.<br><br> With a quick nod you look back to Charlie.<br><br> "Shall we then?"<br><br> Charlie nods. "Here's hopin' this'll go well."<</if>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~And off you go.|lynwoodfirst1]]</div>

<<set $sel to 15>>Agent Lynwood currently resides a floor below you. And he appears rather unpleasantly surprised about your visit. There's something to be said about 'getting a taste of one's own medicine' here... "I doubt you came to report O'Brian's confession, $title $Name," he greets you. You frown softly. "May <<if $ch4path is 5>>we<<else>>I<</if>> still come in? Got a few questions." Lynwood looks you over, mutters something and steps aside to let you in. The room is, by all means, a mess. Whatever you expected from someone like Lynwood, this is very much the polar opposite. Notes, bottles and newspaper clippings are strewn across the table, books lie open on the floor, and the agent's coat has been carelessly thrown onto the unused bed. You cast a glance back at Lynwood. He's actually not looking too well. He's looking exhausted. Drained in fact. "The owner won't be too pleased with ya trashin' the place," you mutter. "It's been a long night, $title $Name, and it's nothing that can't be cleaned up in a reasonable time." "If ya say so." Lynwood sighs and looks at <<if $ch4path is 5>>you and Charlie.<<else>>you.<</if>> "Now, why are you here?" "It's what I said. Got some questions." Again Lynwood gazes at you quite sourly and you get the feeling it's taking him longer to understand you than it should. Finally he nods. "Ask then." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Why are ya so determined to see O'Brian hang for this?</q>">> <<goto "lynjob">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link"<q>What's the story between ya an' the sheriff?</q>">> <<goto "lynlow">> <</link>></div>\ <<if $sel <=25 or ($sel <=40 and $lyn >=25)>>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Actually... What's wrong?</q>">> <<set $worriedforlyn to true>> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 25>> <<goto "lynworry">> <</link>></div><</if>>\

"Why are ya so determined to see O'Brian hang for this?" you ask. <<if $lyn >=30>> <<if $worriedforlyn>> "With what ya just told <<if $ch4path is 5>>us<<else>>me<</if>> it's clear there's a more pressin' matter, but to rush an' get O'Brian to the gallows is..."<br><br> "It's unprofessional and crude, I know," Lynwood frowns. "But <<else>> "And please, none of that 'It's the right thing to do' spiel."<br><br> Lynwood looks at you rather bitterly.<br><br> "That is the reason, however," he murmurs. "By all means, <</if>> all the evidence speak against O'Brian."<br><br> "Do they?"<br><br> Lynwood shrugs. "Yes. Alright, I'll admit it is possible he did it in a panic over having been discovered, but the severity of the act does not allow for any extenuating circumstances to be applied."<br><br> "That's grossly unfair," <<if $ch4path is 5>>Charlie notes.<<else>>you note.<</if>><br><br> "It's gross what has been done to Robert Brightwell."<br><br> You groan and shake your head.<br><br> "$title $Name," Lynwood continues. "I appreciate that you seek to have this be a sound case, but all that work has been done already. O'Brian is guilty. That he confesses is the only thing that might change his sentence from hanging to the rest of his life in Redhurst."<br><br> You blink.<br><br> "Are ya tryin' to tell <<if $ch4path is 5>>us<<else>>me<</if>> yer actually tryin' to not see him hang?"<br><br> Lynwood looks away.<br><br> "I'm trying to do the right thing, <<if $ch4path is 5>>Mr. Mulligan."<<else>>$title $Name."<</if>><br><br> You blink again. After all of Lynwood's dismissive talk about O'Brian an all his sneering, this is... unexpected.<br><br> "What if O'Brian //is// innocent?" you venture.<br><br> Lynwood looks at you.<br><br> "He can't be. Everything speaks against that." He licks his lips in thought. "And..." he stops.<br><br> "And what?"<br><br> It takes a moment till Lynwood speaks again.<br><br> "And there //is// another factor to this. Pressure. Mr. Brightwell wants this resolved by the time he'll be holding his Grand Ball in a little less than three months. He wants no gossip about this."<br><br> "Three months is a lot of time."<br><br> "Not for gossip to die down, it isn't." Lynwood looks at <<if $ch4path is 5>>the two of you<<else>>you<</if>> as if he's about to reveal forbidden knowledge. "You know how these people can be. Not to mention Mr. Brightwell has... //connections//. And as I just told you. O'Brian is guilty. There is no other explanation for the facts." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Leave it at that.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "lynjob1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Ask for more details.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $lynscar to true>> <<set $robclue1 to true>> <<goto "lynjob1">> <</link>></div> <<else>> "And please, none of that 'It's the right thing to do' spiel."<br><br> Lynwood looks at you rather bitterly.<br><br> "That is the reason, however," he murmurs. "By all means, all the evidence speak against O'Brian."<br><br> "Do they?"<br><br> Lynwood shrugs dismissively. "Yes. O'Brian was seen fleeing the estate shortly before Robert Brightwell's body was discovered."<br><br> "So, no one saw O'Brian commit the act?" <<if $ch4path is 5>>Charlie wonders.<<else>>you wonder.<</if>><br><br> "I believe I informed you that Robert Brightwell was alone."<br><br> "In the wing housin' the guest chambers, yes," you say. "What would O'Brian have wanted there?"<br><br> Lynwood knits his brows.<br><br> "That's one of the details I had hoped //you// would be able to find, $title $Name," he says, and gets up. "Now, if you'd kindly leave. I am expecting someone."<br><br> Before you can get another word in Lynwood has ushered you out of the room.<br><br> You <<if $cur <=30>>decide — a little against your nature —<<else>>decide<</if>> to hang around and wait for this visitor. But no one comes. Somehow you are not surprised.<br><br> <<if $ch4path is 5>> "Ya know, $nick, I'm almost beginnin' to feel sorry for our Agent Lynwood," Charlie murmurs, scratching the back of his neck in thought. "Almost." He takes a deep breath. "So, should we head to the sheriff now?"<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "Best course o' action, I think." <<else>> For a moment you ponder what to make of it, finding that this is a mystery for another time. Maybe. Right now you ought to head down to the sheriff's and see to the mystery of Miss Beauchêne.<</if>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~And you head out.|hotelafterlyn]]</div><</if>>

"I couldn't help but notice that ya an' the sheriff don't... really get along," you begin. "How come?" Lynwood glares daggers at you. <<nobr>><<if $lyn >=30>> "Given your reputation, $title $Name, I assume you know a little more than just //that//."<br><br> Credit where it's due, that was some good thinking there.<br><br> "Well, <<if $ch4path is 5>>we've<<else>>I've<</if>> been told the reason was the war," you state matter-of-factly.<br><br> Lynwood locks eyes with you.<br><br> "So what if that's where I met Lowell?"<br><br> "It's just..." you search for the right word, "curious."<br><br> "Curious?" Lynwood grunts in dismay. "What? Do you think I am not someone who'd go to war, $title $Name?"<br><br> You give him a thin smile.<br><br> "You? With yer constant ramblin' 'bout 'doing the right thing'? I'd expect you been takin' up arms all eagerly, marchin' to Gettysburg an' the like to ensure 'justice'."<br><br> The look Lynwood gives you upon that sends a shiver down your spine.<br><br> There's a white-hot anger burning in it, but not directed at you. There's despair and <<if $skincol is 1>>denial and a trace of guilt<<else>>denial<</if>> in it, and a lot of shame.<br><br> "Justice... yes. 'The right thing'..." Lynwood murmurs and it sounds as if he's choking down a bitter laugh. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Leave it at that.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "lynlow1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Ask what's wrong.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $lynwar1 to true>> <<set $lynscar to true>> <<goto "lynlow1">> <</link>></div> <<else>> "I don't see how that is a relevant question in any way."<br><br> "It's... curious... how two upstanding men of law like ya don't seem to get along."<br><br> "It's a trivial thing that happened between us. We simply got off on the wrong foot, nothing important." Lynwood waves you off dismissively.<br><br> "I heard it happened during the war," you note. "Bit of a bad time to 'get off on the wrong foot'."<br><br> With a sharp, hissing breath Lynwood turns and opens the door, waving you out.<br><br> "I believe you got other things to do, $title $Name, so if you'd kindly leave. I am expecting someone. Thus, farewell."<br><br> Before you can get another word in Lynwood has ushered you out of the room.<br><br> You <<if $cur <=30>>decide — a little against your nature —<<else>>decide<</if>> to hang around and wait for this visitor. But no one comes. Somehow you are not surprised.<br><br> <<if $ch4path is 5>> "Ya know, $nick, I'm almost beginnin' to feel concerned for our Agent Lynwood," Charlie murmurs, scratching the back of his neck in thought. "Almost." He takes a deep breath. "So, should we head to the sheriff now?"<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "Best course o' action, I think." <<else>> For a moment you ponder what to make of it, finding that this is a mystery for another time. Maybe. Right now you ought to head down to the sheriff's and see to the mystery of Miss Beauchêne.<</if>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~And you head out.|hotelafterlyn]]</div> <</if>><</nobr>>

"Y'know, actually, what's wrong? Look, <<if $ch4path is 5>>we<<else>>I<</if>> don't like ya for good reasons, but, <<if $mcnoswears>>goodness<<else>>damn<</if>>, I can see ya frayin' at the edges. And it's startin' to worry me. So, what's wrong?" "Is that your question?" "I wouldn't have asked it otherwise." Lynwood shakes his head and searches your face. "How could someone with such a caring heart have ended up an outlaw?" You shrug. "'Cause there's people in charge that don't take kindly to someone carin' 'bout folks that aren't them. Especially when said folks are people those in charge deem 'less'." Lynwood draws a sharp breath and looks away. Not really the reaction you expected. "So?" you ask, and gesture around the room. "I think anyone could tell that something's amiss. This ain't exactly the kinda room one would expect from a prim an' proper Pinkerton like ya. And know what, it's kinda concernin'." You cross your arms. "Yer not just after O'Brian, ain't ya?" Lynwood glowers a little. "No," he admits."But it's not important." You scrunch up your nose. "It's at least important enough for ya to empty two bottles o' whiskey." Lynwood glowers a little more. "Look," he says, sitting down on the bed. "I appreciate your concern, I honestly do. But it's nothing you could help with anyway, assuming you'd even want to. Want to for the sake of helping and not to use it against me." "Imagine for a moment <<if $ch4path is 5>>we<<else>>I<</if>> wouldn't do that," <<if $ch4path is 5>>Charlie says.<<else>>you say.<</if>> Lynwood cracks a skewed smile and shakes his head. <<nobr>><<if $skeptic>> "$title $Name, I know you are a <<if $gender is 1 or ($gender is 3 and $opentr is false)>>man<<elseif $gender is 2 or ($gender is 4 and $opentr is false)>>woman<<elseif $gender is 3 and $opentr>>...man...<<elseif $gender is 4 and $opentr>>...woman...<<else>>...follower...<</if>> of science. I'm a man of science myself. <<else>> "$title $Name, I know you <<if $ch4path is 5>>and, of course, Mr. Mulligan dabble<<else>>are a believer<</if>> in the supernatural. I'm not. I'm a man of science and logic. <</if>> And that is why this whole miserable affair is so draining."<</nobr>> He sighs heavily and looks you over once more. "Now, if you'd kindly ask your actual question." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Why are ya so determined to see O'Brian hang for this?</q>">> <<goto "lynjob">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>What's the story between ya an' the sheriff?</q>">> <<goto "lynlow">> <</link>></div>\

<<if $ch4path is 3>> You head down to the lobby, only to find Finley waiting for you there.<br><br> "What yer doin' here?" you greet him.<br><br> "Mrs. Meadows told me to come to the sheriff with ya, an' inform her if they might need help with Miss Beauchêne."<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "May I ask how yer talk with Mr. Lynwood went?" Finley adds.<br><br> "Weird might be the best word for it," you say.<br><br> The boy nods.<br><br> "Well, come then," you say. "Don't wanna keep Charlie an' the sheriff waitin'." <<else>> You head down to the lobby, only to find <<if $ch4path is 5>>Finley<<else>>Finley and Charlie<</if>> waiting for you there.<br><br> "What yer doin' here?" you greet <<if $ch4path is 5>>him.<<else>>them.<</if>><br><br> "Mrs. Meadows told me to come to the sheriff with ya, an' inform her if they might need help with Miss <<if $ch4path is 5>>Beauchêne."<<else>>Beauchêne," Finley answers.<</if>><br><br> You nod.<br><br> <<if $ch4path is 5>>"May I ask how yer talk with Mr. Lynwood went?" Finley adds.<<else>>"So, how did yer talk with Agent Lynwood go?" Charlie asks.<</if>><br><br> "'Weird' might be the best word for it," you say.<br><br> "So, very much what one coulda expected," Charlie notes, and you smile a little.<br><br> <<if $ch4path is 4>> <<set $knowwatch to true>> "Any news from the other side?" you ask, but Charlie shakes his head.<br><br> "Nothing worthwhile," he says. "But I learned somethin' interestin' 'bout O'Brian's pocket watch.<br><br> "Oh?" You're a little intrigued.<br><br> "It's O'Reilly's."<br><br> "Is it? Oh." You nod. "That's a bit a surprise... Makes sense though."<br><br> "It does, doesn't it?" Charlie says.<br><br> You grin.<br><br> "Y'know, I played with the thought, but it's a bit weird to only leave one's watch behind."<br><br> "It is. But I'll tell you the rest later."<br><br> "Let's hope the talk with the sheriff won't be much of a hassle," you say, and head for the door. <<else>> "Let's hope the talk with the sheriff won't be much of a hassle," you say, and head for the door.<</if>> <</if>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|troublesomethree]]</div>

<<if $continuity is 1>> "If ya say so," you note and turn for the door. "Personally I do have me doubts, though. <<if $sean >=30>>Something's<<else>>I don't even like O'Brian that much, but something's<</if>> amiss."<br><br> Lynwood doesn't respond to that.<br><br> "Now," you continue, <<if $ch4path is 5>>"We<<else>>"I<</if>> gotta go. Gotta look into this whole thing with this Miss Beauchêne."<br><br> At this Lynwood nods.<br><br> "Will you... inform me of the outcome?"<br><br> You ponder.<br><br> <<if $worriedforlyn>> "We'll see. And ya know what? Ya oughta go get some sleep. Even though yer much more agreeable like this."<br><br> Lynwood gives you a lopsided smile.<br><br> "Fine, I shall. Stay safe, <<if $ch4path is 5>>both of you."<<else>>$title $Name."<</if>> <<else>> "We'll see."<br><br> Lynwood gives you a curt nod.<br><br> "We shall."<</if>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~And you leave.|hotelafterlyn]]</div> <<else>> "What exact evidence do ya even got?" you ask. "This isn't meant dismissively, but ya want me help, so I think I should know what ya got. 'Cause from I know so far it ain't that much of a clear cut case."<br><br> Lynwood tilts his head back in thought, and you notice a faint scar from a noose around his neck.<br><br> "We got the statements from two of the servants," Lynwood then says. "They saw O'Brian flee from the estate shortly before Robert Brightwell's body was discovered."<br><br> "So, no one saw O'Brian commit the act?" <<if $ch4path is 5>>Charlie wonders.<<else>>you wonder.<</if>><br><br> Lynwood casts <<if $ch4path is 5>>both of you<<else>>you<</if>> an exhausted look.<br><br> "No. But I believe I told you Robert Brightwell was alone."<br><br> "In the wing that houses the guest chambers, yes," you say. "And that's the odd thing. What would O'Brian have wanted there?"<br><br> "That is, I must admit, one of the details I had hoped you would discover. There are no valuables kept in the wing, so there are only two possibilities. Either O'Brian went to the estate without a plan, or he was after Robert Brightwell."<br><br> You sit up intrigued.<br><br> "Given how certain ya are that O'Brian is guilty, it's pretty odd hearin' ya sound as if ya got doubts that it was the latter."<br><br> Lynwood raises his hand to stop you.<br><br> "Oh, I am certain that O'Brian is guilty of killing Robert Brightwell, given the evidence. But I can't be certain about his reason to have been at the estate. So I will not form any theories there until I got some facts."<br><br> You raise a curious <<if $ch4path is 5>>brow at Charlie,<<else>>brow,<</if>> wondering if you should mention what O'Brian said about the watch. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Mention it.">> <<set $lynwatch to true>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "lynjob2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Don't reveal it.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "lynjob2">> <</link>></div> <</if>>

<<if $continuity is 1>> "According to O'Brian he was there to steal back a watch."<br><br> Lynwood looks puzzled.<br><br> "'Steal back'? What's that supposed to mean?"<br><br> "Apparently Brightwell Sr. stole a pocket watch from him."<br><br> "Is that was he claims?" Lynwood shakes his head. "Utter nonsense."<br><br> "Ya wanted O'Brian's reason to have been at the estate. That's what he insists on."<br><br> "And you believe him, $title $Name? A pocket watch?"<br><br> "It seems to mean quite a lot to him."<br><br> "And why would someone like Mr. Brightwell //steal// a pocket watch from a grifter like O'Brian?"<br><br> "O'Brian is as baffled 'bout that as you are."<br><br> Lynwood wrinkles his nose, but there is an intrigued glimmer in his eyes.<br><br> <<else>> "Is anything amiss, $title $Name?" Lynwood asks, noticing your look.<br><br> "No, just been thinkin'."<br><br> Lynwood nods dryly.<br><br><</if>> "Now, be it as it may," he says. "I would like to be able to close this case by the time O'Brian has fulfilled his duty to Mr. Blayne. Do you deem that possible?"<br><br> You quirk your brow.<br><br> "Depends on yer definition of a 'closed case', really."<br><br> Lynwood locks eyes with you for a moment, before he looks away with a sigh.<br><br> "Well, good riddance then," he sighs, shaking his head and turning away. "I assume you have something else to do with the day?"<br><br> "Yes," you answer, <<if $ch4path is 5>>"We're out to<<else>>"I'm out to meet Charlie and<</if>> have a look into this whole thing with Miss Beauchêne."<br><br> At this Lynwood nods.<br><br> "Will you... inform me of the outcome?"<br><br> You ponder.<br><br> <<if $worriedforlyn>> "We'll see. And ya know what? Ya oughta go get some sleep. Even though yer much more agreeable like this."<br><br> Lynwood gives you a lopsided smile.<br><br> "Fine, I shall. Stay safe, <<if $ch4path is 5>>both of you."<<else>>$title $Name."<</if>> <<else>> "We'll see."<br><br> Lynwood gives you a curt nod.<br><br> "We shall."<</if>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~And you leave.|hotelafterlyn]]</div>

<<if $continuity is 1>> You cross your arms and wait while Lynwood pulls himself back together.<br><br> He lets out a long, exhausted breath and moves for the door.<br><br> "I... believe you have other things to do, $title $Name," he mumbles. "Can I assume you will inform me of further relevant developments?"<br><br> "We'll see," you say after a quiet moment.<br><br> "Good enough." Lynwood nods. "Now, if you'll excuse me. You are right, I... should clean up the room. Farewell, <<if $ch4path is 5>>both of you."<<else>>$title $Name."<</if>><br><br> He closes the door behind you, and you take a moment to wrap your head around things. <<if $ch4path is 5>> "Ya know, $nick, I'm almost beginnin' to feel sorry for our Agent Lynwood," Charlie murmurs, scratching the back of his neck in thought. "Almost." He takes a deep breath. "So, should we head to the sheriff now?"<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "Best course o' action, I think." <<else>> You really don't know what to make of this, but, by all means, you can't dwell on it now either. You have to pay a visit to the sheriff. <hr><div class="choice">[[~And you head out.|hotelafterlyn]]</div><</if>> <<else>> You lean against the wall, cross your arms and wait while Lynwood tries to pull himself together again.<br><br> "What happened?" you ask.<br><br> Lynwood just stares at you, and ultimately shakes his head.<br><br> "It's... very personal, $title $Name. And no matter <<if $worriedforlyn>>how kind and caring you've been these past few minutes,<<else>>whether or not your concern is genuine,<</if>> it's not something I'd like to disclose with you."<br><br> "That's alright," you say.<br><br> Lynwood smiles defeated and rubs his neck. With some surprise (and a bit of worry and intrigue) you spot the faint scar from a noose there.<br><br> "But," Lynwood says, looking at you, "this much I guess I should tell you. Yes, I met Benjamin Lowell during the war. I made a lot of mistakes, not giving him much of a reason to think too highly of me. And these sentiments prevail."<br><br> And Lynwood falls silent again.<br><br> You're about to say something when he looks at you quizzically.<br><br> "Maybe I..." he begins, but shakes his head, moving to the door instead. "I... assume you have something else to do with the day?"<br><br> "Yes," you answer after a moment, <<if $ch4path is 5>>"We're out to<<else>>"I'm out to meet Charlie and<</if>> have a look into this whole thing with Miss Beauchêne."<br><br> Lynwood nods.<br><br> "Will you... inform me of the outcome?"<br><br> You ponder.<br><br> <<if $worriedforlyn>> "We'll see. And ya know what? Ya oughta go get some sleep. Even though yer much more agreeable like this."<br><br> Lynwood gives you a lopsided smile.<br><br> "Fine, I shall. Stay safe, <<if $ch4path is 5>>both of you."<<else>>$title $Name."<</if>> <<else>> "We'll see."<br><br> Lynwood gives you a curt nod.<br><br> "We shall."<</if>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~And you head out.|hotelafterlyn]]</div> <</if>>

"Before we do anythin' else," you begin, "We should see if the dead or the cards can't help with this after all." "It's already a 'no' to the first option," Charlie says with a sigh. "Ya'd think someone would come forth to help by now, given what a mess this all is. But no." "I know." You sigh. "Cards then? Maybe they can give us a good hint. Just somethin' to work with." "It's worth the try." At this, O'Brian shuffles closer. "Can I come with ya?" he asks, looking bright-eyed at Charlie. "Yer not going to stay with Burke?" Charlie asks, causing Burke to snort a laugh. "Don't keep Seán from his supernatural stuff, Mulligan," he cackles, but it's a hearty, good-natured cackle. "He always tried to meet a real medium." "Oh?" Charlie blinks. "Yeah...", O'Brian shuffles around a little embarrassed. "It's just. I find it fascinatin' an' all." Charlie gives him a long, cool look. And shrugs. "Fine with me." Mrs. Meadows lets out a small annoyed groan. "Are you serious now? Are you really going to waste time with a seance? Even if it were possible, it..." "It //is// possible, ma'am," Charlie cuts her off, calm but strictly. "And we are intending to do a tarot readin', not a seance to begin with. I value my wellbeing, and so does $nick." You give an agreeing nod. "It's worth the try. Miss Beauchêne will likely be out cold for a bit from what I understand, so... We might as well try this." Mrs. Meadows gives you a piercing look, before shaking her head and waving you to hurry along. You smile a little, before looking at Burke and Finley. "Y'all be fine?" "Had worse." Burke shrugs. "An' as long as Seán's fine, I'm fine." O'Brian gives a small whimper, cheeks flushing. "Yer too sweet." "How 'bout ya, kiddo?" you address Finley. "I'll be fine, $addr." Finley smiles. "Had worse too." "That's... reassuring?" you try, before you shake your head and look at Charlie. "Well, let's not dilly-dally." <hr><div class="choice">[[~Back to your room you go.|cardsfirst1]]</div>

O'Brian in tow you head back to your room, Charlie drawing the curtains while you light the lamps. "So... the whole dark room thing's actually necessary?" O'Brian asks a little uncertain, closing the door. Charlie smiles kindly. "In a way," he says. "It helps me concentrate, but that's really all there is to it." Then he sighs, shaking his head in frustration. "Y'know, a lot of the people falsely claimin' they got contact to the other side work with dark rooms to fool the eye. A piece o' silk or muslin fabric here to pose as ectoplasm, or a bit o' kickin' the table without anyone noticin', or pulling items to the ground with some unseen string there. Maybe even have someone sneak around hidden by shadows to mess with the dim lights." "So basically amateurish sleight-o'-hand," O'Brian notes, wrinkling his nose as if insulted. You swear you can hear the gears turning in his head. "Very amateurish," Charlie agrees. "And dangerous. If ya don't actually have contact to the hereafter, don't pretend ya do." Charlie looks the younger man over. "I can see yer plottin' somethin' in that regard. Heed my advice, it could cost ya yer life or at least a limb." O'Brian looks at you for confirmation, and you nod solemnly. "Trust me," you say. "I've seen some shit." After a moment of consideration O'Brian looks back at Charlie. "Is that how ya lost yer eye?" Charlie just smiles cockily. "That's a story for another time," he says and rummages through his belongings, pulling out a small leather pouch before sitting down at the table. You sit down on the bed and watch Charlie, and so does O'Brian. "Say," O'Brian then begins and you spy genuine interest on his face. "With what ya told the Doc, an' what ya just said... Why are seances dangerous? When ya been talkin' to this Reuben no one even noticed an' ya been fine." "It's all about who makes the initial contact," you explain in Charlie's steed, to your best abilities. "When Charlie talks to the dead the way he usually does it's 'cause they approached him. But when yer holdin' a seance, err..." "When I speak to the dead we're talkin' on the threshold between the here and the hereafter," Charlie helps you out, shuffling the deck. "The dead don't leave their plane of existence for that, so they don't need any additional energy. Just someone they can talk //to//." "Like you," O'Brian notes. "Yes." Charlie nods curtly, not looking away from his hands. "But if ya try to call someone into the world of the livin', they will need energy or a host. Means they will either take said energy from the medium or whoever called them, or anyone present nearby." "Sounds... bad." O'Brian gives a small whimper. "Is bad," you confirm, looking at Charlie rather worried. "It can kill someone." "Oh." You notice how O'Brian's face falls and his hand briefly twitches towards his pocket. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Ask him what's wrong.">> <<set $sean to $sean + 10>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "cardsfirst2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Leave him be.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "cardsfirst2">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<set $knowwatch_full to true>> <<if $continuity is 1>> You sit back and watch Charlie brood over his cards. O'Brian does the same, just that he's looking positively miserable.<br><br> "What's wrong?" you ask, causing O'Brian to look up a little startled.<br><br> "Nothin'," he says. You're not buying it.<br><br> "Yer lookin' horrible, lad," you say, leaning towards him. "So, what's wrong."<br><br> O'Brian squirms a little, and the hangs his head.<br><br> "Ya remember why I came to ya in the first place?"<br><br> "That pocket watch, right?" You nod.<br><br> "Yes. An'... with what ya just said 'bout that it could harm Mr. Mulligan..." O'Brian sighs. "He's a nice guy, I wouldn't want that."<br><br> Over at the table Charlie chuckles, turning around to look at the two of you.<br><br> "That's very kind o' ya to worry for me wellbeing, O'Brian. But in this case ya don't have to. With a token it's not the same as a seance or somesuch. It's simply askin' those lounging around if they know anythin' 'bout it."<br><br> "Oh!"<br><br> Charlie smiles kindly and holds out his hand.<br><br> "May I see it?"<br><br> "The watch?"<br><br> Charlie nods.<br><br> "Don't ya have to finish with them cards first?" O'Brian asks, a childlike fascination in his voice.<br><br> "With how worried you are right now," Charlie explains, "the readin' might be faulty."<br><br> "Oh..."<br><br> With a bit of hesitation O'Brian nods and pulls out the battered pocket watch, handing it over. <<else>> You sit back and watch Charlie brood over his cards. O'Brian does the same, just that he's looking positively miserable.<br><br> Silence reigns until Charlie sits up and stretches with a groan.<br><br> "Nothing?" you ask.<br><br> "Nothing really clear, as clear as the cards can get," Charlie answers, putting the deck to the side. "Best I can grasp is that the cause for what Miss Beauchêne tried is something in O'Brian's past that he's not aware of? Somethin' in his past yet not?"<br><br> "Wild guess at what's that supposed to mean?"<br><br> Charlie shrugs.<br><br> "Best guess is that she is blamin' O'Brian for something that ain't his fault," he says.<br><br> "Story of me life," O'Brian grouses. "So, it won't get clearer than that?"<br><br> Charlie shakes his head.<br><br> "Sometimes it does, sometimes it's even more nebulous than this." At this he furrows his brows, looking intently at the younger man. "Now, I'm not intendin' to scold ya, but I think ya being so miserable right now might have meddled with the readin'."<br><br> O'Brian looks up alarmed and a little guilty, and Charlie holds out his hand.<br><br> "May I see it?" Charlie asks.<br><br> "Huh?" O'Brian blinks.<br><br> "That watch o' yours." Charlie smiles kindly. "Yer worried me tryin' to find out what happened to its owner will 'cause me harm, ain't ya?"<br><br> O'Brian squirms and nods.<br><br> "With what ya just said 'bout seances an' such..."<br><br> "That's really kind o' ya," you say. "But with that watch it's oughta be fine. It's not like a full-blown seance. It's more just askin' around."<br><br> With a bit of hesitation O'Brian nods and pulls out the battered pocket watch, handing it over.<</if>><</nobr>> The watch is battered, the engraving on it scratched and if you wouldn't know better you'd even say it stopped a bullet at some point. "Has seen better days, hasn't it?" you note casually. O'Brian nods. "It went through Hell with Bridge," he says, and smiles wistfully. "Oh." You blink. "So it's O'Reilly's then?" Another nod. "I oughta tell ya the whole story," O'Brian mumbles and flexes his hands in thought. "Ya remember what I said 'bout going back to that cave at Copperwood?" O'Brian begins, and you and Charlie nod. "Alright. So... Tommy an' I had found ourselves in Potter's Springs, stayin' with a friend there. We were havin' a hard time digesting what had just happened, and I couldn't stomach leavin' Bridge in that cave to rot. I wanted to ride back, an', as ya heard, Tommy got angry at that. Out o' fear, truth be told. Josie said I shouldn't go either, and..." You raise your hand to stop him. "Who's <<if $arjosie.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>>Josie, 'cause I doubt ya mean <<if $arjosie.includes($hname.toLowerCase())>>me or me horse<<else>>me<</if>><<else>>Josie<</if>>?" O'Brian blinks. "What? Oh, Josie McKee, she owns the saloon in Potter's <<if $hname.toLowerCase() is "seafoam">> Springs. She also owns the other 'Seafoam'<<else>>Springs<</if>>." "Ah." You nod and ponder. "Black Scotswoman, mouth like a fishwife, <<if $mcsize is 1>>bit taller than I<<elseif $mcsize is 2>>around me height<<else>>'bout this smaller than I<</if>>?" "That's Josie, alright." You nod curtly. "We've seen her, but never talked." "Ah." O'Brian rolls his shoulders. "She's an old friend o' Bridge, and, well, back then she also said I shouldn't go, how it's too dangerous. But she also said she can't shake off the feelin' that something's amiss. Tommy an' I quarreled the whole night 'bout it, and at dawn I just rode off. I was angry, Tommy was angry... Ya saw the results. So, yeah, I rode back to Copperwood and up to the caves. Well... it was the old mine, really. And... it was unsettlin'. Bridge wasn't there." <hr><div class="choice">[[...strange...|cardsfirst3]]</div>

You raise a brow. "Maybe he got eaten by bears?" you muse aloud, and shudder at the thought the moment the words leave your mouth. O'Brian looks at you a little disturbed, but shakes his head. "I had feared that at first, but I couldn't find anythin' suggestin' that. No blood, no trace that something woulda dragged him out... Just his watch on the ground, a little away from where he had been when I last saw him. It... didn't make sense." He sighs deeply. "I know I shoulda gone back to Tommy, but I wanted to know what happened. I took the watch and rode around the area. Met some Natives making camp nearby, but they couldn't tell me anything either. 'Twas days later that I came back to Potter's Springs. Josie was out of town, an' Tommy was gone, and no one could tell me what happened. Not that I really asked. I..." At this O'Brian pauses, sniffing and rubbing his sleeve over his eyes. "I mean," he continues, "it was night when I arrived. Just sneaked up to our room, 'cause of the sheriff bein' there an' all. An' Tommy wasn't there. I knew Josie would not have allowed that they'd arrest him, but... lookin' back she prob'ly wasn't there when they came for him." A long sigh follows and the young man's shoulders slump a little. "But... I didn't even think of that back then. I was convinced Tommy had left me. I-I just grabbed my stuff and got out of there... Went back to me family in Chicago for a while, before I set out on me own again." "Until ya ended up in Clementsburg and contacted us," you say. "Yes. I had toyed with the idea to ask a medium to see if Bridge is really dead before. 'Cause I still couldn't make head nor tails outta him not being in that cave anymore. But they were all fakes. An' then I heard that Mr. Mulligan's in Clementsburg, an' he has this reputation, an' I thought I oughta take one last chance..." There's silence for a moment, and you watch O'Brian fiddle with his cuffs, while Charlie turns the watch in his hands. "Well," Charlie then speaks up, holding the watch back out to O'Brian. "One thing I can tell ya is that O'Reilly is not loungin' around on the threshold. No one there has seen him either." O'Brian looks up with bright eyes as he takes the watch back. "So... he's alive?" The fragile hope in his voice is heart-wrenching. "Possible," Charlie answers. "I won't lie to ya, lad. It can mean he's alive, it can mean he moved on." "Oh..." You can almost hear the hope getting some cracks at that. "If it's the latter," Charlie adds, leaning over to put a hand on O'Brian's shoulder, "it means O'Reilly made his peace with the world." O'Brian nods softly, and pockets the watch again. "Thank you..." he whispers. And a thought crosses your mind. "Now, none of this explains why Brightwell stole that watch from ya." "Huh?" O'Brian blinks, and then shrugs haplessly when the words register. "I wish I'd know. It makes no sense. I know them rich folks are eccentric, but this is just ridiculous." <hr><div class="choice">[[...It very much is...|cardsfirst4]]</div>

<<set $brightwellwasthere to true>>\ "Could ya tell us the whole story?" you ask. "There's not much more than what I said so far." O'Brian frowns, rubbing his face. "I was stayin' here in New Hamelin. Just triyn' to orient myself and see where I should go next. I was stayin' at a boardin' house at the edge o' town, an' one evening these guys come in, beat me up an' take the watch. It makes no sense. It's just a watch at the end o' the day. A pretty battered one." "As ya said, it went through Hell with O'Reilly," Charlie notes. "Yeah. Saved his life, too," O'Brian smiles a little. "Stopped a bullet." Well, there you go... O'Brian sighs, shaking his head rather baffled. "I still don't get it. These guys talked 'bout how Brightwell was behind that, 'cause they didn't get why he wanted a lousy pocket watch either. So, when I had recovered from their attack I broke into Brightwell's estate here in town." "The night Robert Brightwell died," you say ominously. "Yes. But that //really// wasn't me." O'Brian's tone is a mix of pleading desperation and exhausted annoyance. "I didn't even know the younger Brightwell was there. I know that his old man was, an' damn, that bastard was really tearin' someone a new one. A servant who messed up I guess. Didn't really listen in, but, eesh, the guy was furious." "Rich people," you murmur, as if that's an explanation. And, quite frankly, it is. Charlie sits back up, rolls his shoulders and turns back to the cards. "Now, let's see what the cards have to say now," he says and shuffles the deck. You and O'Brian wait with bated breath while Charlie broods over the results of the reading in front of him. "Anything?" you ask. Charlie nods. "As usual nothing clear, but what I can say for certain is that Miss Beauchêne and O'Brian are connected in a way both are unaware of, while Miss Beauchêne thinks she knows the connection." "What does that mean?" O'Brian wonders aloud. "I can't say yet," Charlie admits. "But that's not uncommon for reading's like this." You look at Charlie. You know the expression crossing his face. "There's more to it, an' it worries ya, doesn't it?" you say, brows furrowing. Charlie nods back darkly. "There's some great injustice in Miss Beauchêne's past that connects into this, but I dunno how. An' it doesn't seem as if it's connected to O'Brian." The day is just getting weirder, isn't it? You ponder this for a moment, and finally rise to your feet. "Well, the best course o' action might be to have a word with our wannabe assassin." Charlie nods and puts the deck back into its pouch, getting up. "Ya two do that," O'Brian says. "I think I need some proper rest now." He smiles softly at both of you. "And, thank you. Ya don't know how much yer help means to me." <hr><div class="choice">[[~You part ways in the corridor.|troublesomethree]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You harrumph. "I didn't believe that whole thing when Lynwood told it to us. So, yeah, I think O'Brian's innocent."<br><br> Burke nods curtly.<br><br> "Good." He rolls his shoulders in thought. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You sigh. "I admit I believed the story in the beginning. But... by now I think O'Brian's innocent."<br><br> Burke nods curtly.<br><br> "Good." He rolls his shoulders in thought. <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You loll your head in thought.<br><br> "I believed Lynwood, and, truth be told... I still dunno what to make of O'Brian..."<br><br> Burke wrinkles his nose and rolls his eyes.<br><br> "Ya know, I'd be angry at ya for that, but Seán brought that up an' said he wouldn't trust himself either. An' as usual he's proud of that."<br><br> You squint in mild confusion.<br><br> "Pardon?"<br><br> Burke shrugs.<br><br> "Listen, $paddr, I know him for so long an' I'm with him for 'bout the same time, an' I still can't make sense of'im occasionally." He audibly clears his throat. <<elseif $continuity is 4>> You frown a little.<br><br> "I believed Lynwood, but... by now I think O'Brian's innocent."<br><br> Burke wrinkles his nose and rolls his eyes.<br><br> "Ya know, Seán wouldn't even be majorly angry at ya 'bout it if ya'd still had yer doubts. He brought that up an' said he wouldn't trust himself either. An' as usual he's proud of that."<br><br> You squint in mild confusion.<br><br> "Pardon?"<br><br> Burke shrugs.<br><br> "Listen, $paddr, I know him for so long an' I'm with him for 'bout the same time, an' I still can't make sense of'im occasionally." He audibly clears his throat. <<else>> You frown a little. "I had me doubts, an' I still have them. I mean, a person can change a lot in three years.<br><br> Burke wrinkles his nose and rolls his eyes.<br><br> "Yeah, I know." He let's out a dismissive grunt. "Ya know, funny thing: Seán won't even be majorly angry at ya 'bout that. He brought it up an' said he wouldn't trust himself either. An' as usual he's proud of that."<br><br> You squint in mild confusion.<br><br> "Pardon?"<br><br> Burke shrugs.<br><br> "Listen, $paddr, I know him for so long an' I'm with him for 'bout the same time, an' I still can't make sense of'im occasionally. Don't mean that I'm not angry at ya. Anyway." He audibly clears his throat. <</if>> "Now, 'bout why I'm certain Seán didn't kill that guy. One, bashin' in people's heads is more my style than Seán's, though I'd rather blow'em up."<</nobr>> Charming... "Two, Seán's more likely to try an' talk his way outta things or make a run for it, not kill someone. But most importantly," Burke continues, "We know Robert Brightwell. He's a good guy. So Seán would double not kill'im." You and Charlie sit up intrigued. "Hold up," Charlie goes. "Ya know Robert Brightwell?" "I just said that, didn't I?" "Yes," you quirk a brow. "But O'Brian said he never met Robert Brightwell before." "Oh, that's 'cause the name never came up afterwards." "After what?" you and Charlie question in unison. Burke sighs. "'Twas just as we were nursin' Seán back to health after his former boss tried to kill'im for eavesdroppin'..." <<nobr>><<if $knowsean>> "Is that how he lost half his ear?" Charlie ventures.<br><br> "Man, yer clever. It is," Burke notes. "Guess Seán didn't tell ya 'bout it yet?"<br><br> "He told me," you say. "Didn't know if he told Charlie, but apparently not."<br><br> Burke murmurs in acknowledgement.<br><br> "Long <<else>> "Wait, what?" you wonder.<br><br> Burke looks at you a little surprised.<br><br> "Huh? Guess he hasn't told ya <<if $almostend_hamelin or $nearend_hamelin>>yet..." Burke scrunches up his nose a little. "Then again, given the shite ya pulled...<<else>>yet..." Burke clears his throat.<</if>> "Ah well. Long <</if>> story short? Before Seán joined O'Reilly's posse, he's been ridin' with Wyatt Kelly, an' one night when they were changin' camp Seán spotted Kelly talkin' to some stranger. Kelly didn't take kindly to that when he caught Seán. Shot his ear off an' left him with a bullet 'tween the ribs. Lucky for Seán we just came 'round the corner after Kelly was out of sight. Patched him back together. 'Cause, y'know, I had met Seán a bit before that and... y'know..."<</nobr>> Burke looks away embarrassed, squirming a bit. "Ya oughta ask <<if $knowsean>>him or $Name<<else>>him<</if>> for his full story, if ya wanna hear <<if $knowsean>>it, Mulligan,"<<else>>it,"<</if>> he says hastily, taking a deep breath. "Anyway. Seán was mostly out cold for the time, an' we were low on supplies. So I was looking for a profitable target, when I ran in Robert Brightwell. When I learned who he was, well, the way forward seemed clear: Kidnappin' an' blackmailin'... and well, that's what we did. But... then things got weird." <hr><div class="choice">[[...Weird?|talkingtotommych3a]]</div>

"Weird?" you asks. "He's not the first rich kid we kidnapped. O'Reilly always made sure treat'em well, unless they're insufferable little shits. But Brightwell? Damn, the guy immediately told us he'll pay the ransom himself." You all give Burke a bewildered look. "That's what he said." Burke shrugs. "Dunno why, maybe didn't wanna worry his old man. Said if we need the money for supplies and stuff, he'll pay himself. He was being serious. An' Bridge ain't a bad guy at the core. So, yeah, we got into town, the guy pays for us and we part ways. I mean, we were wary that he would try somethin' funny, but... nothin'. He kept his word. So, yeah, he's one of'em good guys. Weird to see that 'mongst them rich folks." Burke stretches a little. "Anyway. Seán knows the guy's face. Trust me, Seán was absolutely baffled when I told him that the guy they say he killed is the same guy who made sure he'll survive. So, yeah, they oughta have recognized each other, even if Seán wouldn't have known Brightwell by name." "That's a connection I didn't expect," you mumble. "If it helps ya any, neither did Seán or I," Burke notes and shrugs. "But someone did kill Robert Brightwell," Finley chimes in. "Ya think they're tryin' to pin it on Mr. O'Brian? Or like, have him be the scapegoat?" Burke shrugs again. "Prob'ly. But who? I don't get who coulda killed the guy." This reminds you of something. "Charlie?" you begin with a certain urgency. "When we been talkin' to Lynwood at dinner, ya looked as if ya knew something 'bout Robert Brightwell. Did he talk to ya, or...?" "No." Charlie shakes his head and frowns a little frustrated. "I woulda let ya know if he had. An' as for the 'or', ya wonder if I got word that he's actually still alive. But again, no." The expression of frustration grows darker. "Y'know," Burke interrupts, "I'm not really into the whole spiritualism thing, Seán is, but..." He clicks his tongue in thought. "Listen, Seán said yer talkin' to the dead like other people talk 'bout the weather. With ya being mixed up in all this, how come ya dunno anything... Shouldn't there be... other ghosts that could tell ya something? Like, his mum or whatever?" "That's what's worrying me, Burke, truth be told," Charlie answers. "No one said anything. But worse yet..." he looks at you. "That was what the expression at dinner was about. Me regular contacts had come and told me they can't find the slightest trace of Robert Brightwell." Alright, that's a new one. "He hasn't moved on, has he?" you wonder, and Charlie shakes his head again. "With such a brutal death? Unlikely. Not impossible, but unlikely. Especially since he's got a fiancée." "Ah, I think she's lyin' 'bout that," Burke frowns dismissively, and immediately has all eyes on him. "What?" He groans. "Look, I admit I have a bit of a taste for gossip, an' I haven't heard anythin' 'bout Robert Brightwell bein' engaged." "Ya been in prison for three years," you remind Burke, who casts you a very disgruntled look in response. "Only way to find out what's the truth" Charlie ventures, "is to ask her directly and put our skills in people readin' to the test. Mrs. Meadows should by now be done patching her up proper." The others nod. <hr><div class="choice">[[...Time to face the next mystery.|missflorence]]</div>

Miss Beauchêne is still rather groggy as you enter. A wound on her temple has been stitched up, and there's a slight bruise over her left eye. She's sitting in bed, looking quite miserable as you enter, although she seems engaged in a staring contest with O'Brian. "Miss Beauchêne?" you inquire, and she looks at you briefly. "I think I made that much clear," she responses. It's not a snarky tone she speaks in, more a disgruntled pout. And her expression fits with it. You introduce yourself and Charlie, and Miss Beauchêne looks you over. "So, you're friends of that one?" She nods at O'Brian, full of disdain. "Business associates," you answer, making O'Brian snort amused. "That's one way to put it," he says. You give Miss Beauchêne a stern look and sit down on the edge of the bed. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Is there a problem with that?</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "missflorence1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Ya don't seem too keen on that idea.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "missflorence1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I heard what ya think of'im.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "missflorence1">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Is there a problem with that?"<br><br> Miss Beauchêne looks at you bewildered.<br><br> "Of course there is!" She sniffles a little, wiping <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Ya don't seem too keen on that idea."<br><br> Miss Beauchêne looks at you bitterly.<br><br> "Of course I'm not." She shakes her head, wiping her <<else>> "I heard what ya think of'im."<br><br> Miss Beauchêne looks at you a little scandalized.<br><br> "And you see something wrong with my opinion?" she gasps, and the scandalized tone falls as she wipes <</if>> her eyes. "This... This man killed my fiance."<</nobr>> "I did not!" O'Brian howls, slumping down face-first on the other bed and groans loudly into the bedcover. Judging be Miss Beauchêne's expression she did not anticipate this kind of reaction. At this Mrs. Meadows gets up. "I believe this is the moment someone's ought to get something soothing to drink," she says, and heads for the door. "I hope for you all that my skills will not be needed by the time I return." And she's out. With an exhausted frown O'Brian clambers into a sitting position. "Look, miss," he addresses Miss Beauchêne, "I //have// been at the Brightwell manor that night. But certainly not to kill Robert Brightwell. Begorra, I didn't even know he was there." He sighs. "I know it sounds ridiculous, but I been there 'cause Brightwell Sr.'s lackeys stole a watch from me. I have no idea //why//, it makes no bloody sense. But that's why I was there. Got me watch back, and I had the misfortune of runnin' into a servant on me way out." "A likely story," Miss Beauchêne mutters. "But the truth," O'Brian groans. "Look, if //you// got an idea what Brightwell Sr. wants with an old, battered pocket-watch, I'd dearly like to hear it. 'Cause that shite absolutely goes beyond 'rich people shenanigans'." Miss Beauchêne cocks her head as she searches O'Brian's face. "No, that's nonsense," she finally says. "Me story or the watch thing?" O'Brian inquires. "Huh?" Miss Beauchêne blinks. "Ya think me story's nonsense or what Brightwell Sr.'s been pulling?" "Oh. The latter, truth be told." Miss Beauchêne shakes her head. "By all means, unless there was a reason for him to..." O'Brian huffs. "Never met the guy in me life. Stole things from him, an' quite some big sums o' money, but never met'im in person." "You stole from him?" You can't help it, but you can make out a sudden trace of amazement in Miss Beauchêne's voice. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|missflorence2]]</div>

<<set $metflo to true>>\ "Yeah. Been ridin' with O'Reilly. Me an' Tommy over there." He nods at the other young man. "If ya heard the stories, ya oughta know that people like Brightwell were Bridge's favorite target." Miss Beauchêne sits up straight, listening quite a bit intrigued. "An' ya know," O'Brian complains, "I woulda never killed Robert Brightwell, even if he'd been the one to discover me. I mean, guy saved me life, an' I ain't ungrateful." Miss Beauchêne blinks. "Pardon?" O'Brian tells her the story Burke has been telling you, and Miss Beauchêne nods slowly. "That does sound like something Robert would do," she says, voice wistful and melancholic. "That's what I love him for. He's kind, and has his eyes on a better, fairer future." "Hey," Burke speaks up, a little impatient. "As happy as I am to see yer apparently not interested in killin' Seán anymore, would ya kindly fill us in on who exactly you are?" Miss Beauchêne wrinkles her nose. "I believe I told you already." "Yeah, an' I have a bit o' a hart time believin' things, mainly 'cause there ain't no gossip 'bout ya. Sure, I mighta missed out on some things while in Redhurst, but, damn it, yer Black and the Brightwells are one of'em stuffy old families. And no matter what kinda guy Robert Brightwell was, ya know there's still enough people who'd talk. An' not too kindly." With a sharp wince Miss Beauchêne pulls the bed cover closer to her body and looks quite frightened and angry at Burke. "There...was no chance for gossip." She swallows dryly. "Someone made sure of that..." Charlie pulls up a chair and sits down by the bedside, folding his hands. "Miss Beauchêne," he begins. "Florence," comes the response. "I like both my names, but I don't like the formality. Not if there's no reason to." O'Brian carefully raises a hand. "Ya seem to be feelin' unwell, but I gotta ask: What am I supposed to call ya then? 'Cause tryin' to kill someone's quite personal and informal, I think." Miss Beauchêne — Florence — blinks and you spot a smile ghosting on her lips. "Oh... fine, you can call me Florence as well," she says, and looks hesitantly back at Charlie. "What was it you wanted to say?" "I believe it would be best if ya tell us yer story. How you met Robert Brightwell, how yer engagement was, apparently, hidden from the public, and if ya got any idea who could have killed Robert." Florence takes a deep breath. "Robert and I met at the World's Fair in Paris. It was... I don't want to say it was //love// at first sight, but we did have an immediate connection. We were both utterly in awe of all the new, amazing inventions, the advances of science, the sparkling displays of all the nations' ingenuity. We started talking by chance and, gosh, we completely lost track of time. I got in a bit of trouble with my tati and granmè, but in the end they were more amused than angry. I met Robert again a few days later, and we talked more, finding we had so much in common. He was a lot shyer, though, feeling a bit guilty to have gotten me into trouble. The Fair ended and we parted ways. He went back to America, and we promised to write." With a heavy sigh Florence tilts her head back. "It was strange, Robert stopped writing after the second letter. I didn't know what to do, if he was upset, or if something terrifying had happened. I wrote a few more letters, but after a year of no response I gave up. I-I was devastated." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Say a few words of sympathy.">> <<set $flo to $flo + 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "missflorence3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Gently and reassuringly pat her hand.">> <<set $flo to $flo + 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "missflorence3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Wonder what happened. Did the letters get lost? Did Robert lose interest?">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "missflorence3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Ask how they still ended up engaged if Robert lost interest in her.">> <<set $flo to $flo - 5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "missflorence3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Just grimace in distaste at such behavior.">> <<set $flo to $flo - 5>> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<goto "missflorence3">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "That sure does sound like something to be devastated over," you say, casting her a sympathetic glance. "I'm sorry to hear."<br><br> Florence smiles softly at you.<br><br> "Thank you, that's very kind of you to say."<br><br> You ponder a little.<br><br> "So, what happened? Did the letters get lost somehow? Or did Robert lose interest in ya? I mean, ya got engaged, so that'd be odd." "Oh, Robert certainly didn't lose interest in me," Florence protests mildly. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You cast her a sympathetic look and reach for her hand to pat it. She lets you, and smiles gently.<br><br> "You're very kind," she says.<br><br> You smile back, but the smile falters as a question crosses your mind.<br><br> "Thank ya. But, just what happened? Did the letters get lost somehow? Or did Robert lose interest in ya? I mean, ya got engaged, so that'd be odd."<br><br> "Oh, Robert certainly didn't lose interest in me," Florence protests mildly. <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You cock your head in bewilderment.<br><br> "What happened? Did the letters get lost somehow? Or did Robert lose interest in ya? I mean, ya got engaged, so that'd be odd."<br><br> "Oh, Robert certainly didn't lose interest in me," Florence protests mildly. <<elseif $continuity is 4>> You quirk a brow.<br><br> "Then how the Hell did ya still end up engaged if he lost interest in ya?"<br><br> Florence glowers a little at you.<br><br> "Oh, Robert certainly did //not// lose interest in me," she protests mildly. <<else>> You scrunch up your nose and let out a small snarl of disapproval.<br><br> Florence looks at you and furrows her brows.<br><br> "Oh, I know what you are thinking, $title $Name, but Robert certainly did //not// lose interest in me," she protests.<br><br> You shrug apologetically.<</if>><</nobr>> "So the letters got lost?" Charlie ventures. Florence sighs. "That's the weirdest thing. We still don't know." She chews her lips in thought and continues her story. "My family moved to New Orleans not long after that. And by pure chance I ran into Robert again. At first he was distant, and hurt, but we did talk, and he thought that I had lost interest as I never responded to any of his letters. We were both very confused, and a little frightened. Because, as we found, our addresses hadn't changed in all the time, and it sounded unbelievably odd that //all// of the letter would have gotten lost." You nod and look at Charlie. "Foul play?" you wonder. "Absolutely. But by whom?" Florence looks at the two of you. "I don't know. I think Robert had an idea before..." she briefly looks at O'Brian and hastily averts her gaze, embarrassed. "Before Robert was killed. Sorry." O'Brian waves her off. "I ain't mad at ya if ya stopped bein' mad at me." Florence nods curtly and gathers her wits. "Say," Burke interrupts, "ya said that someone made sure there ain't no gossip 'bout ya an' Robert. What happened? 'Cause that doesn't sound good." With a strained wince Florence shifts as if she wants to crawl into the pillows and blanket and hide. "Are you alright, Miss?" Finley asks softly. Florence nods. "It's just..." She lets out a shaking breath. "Robert and I have a child." ... //That// is certainly something you need a moment to wrap your head around. At least you are not alone with that feeling. "How old is the child?" Everyone whips their head around to look at Mrs. Meadows as she enters with a tea tray, looking as grim and determined as you've never seen her so far. She puts the tray down by Florence's bed as Finley closes the door. Florence whimpers softly. "He's three now. And... and..." Another whimper. You look at the others. "I think we should leave her alone," you say, and look at Florence. "It's alright. Take the time ya need. Get some rest." Florence nods softly and nestles into the bed. You get up and shuffle out of the room, leaving Mrs. Meadows and Finley to look after Florence. "That really ain't what I expected," O'Brian says, rocking on his heels. "Me neither," you agree, waving the others to follow you to your room. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Once there...|missflorence4]]</div>

"So, what d'ya think about Miss Florence?" you sit down on your bed, looking at Charlie and O'Brian. "I think she's genuine," Charlie answers. "We dealt with people trying to fake similar tales, but ya know the signs." O'Brian nods. "Absolutely agreein' with Mulligan here. Poor thing." Burke snorts. "Poor thing? She just tried to kill ya, an' ya been poutin' 'bout the initial reason." He does sound more amused than upset about this, though. "Yer horrible." O'Brian smiles. "Ya know me." Then he looks at your little group as a whole. "So, what now?" Charlie scratches his ear in thought. "Burke's been tellin' us a bit 'bout ya, O'Brian," he says. "Not <<if $knowsean>>much, an' $nick apparently knows yer tale already. So, how<<else>>How<</if>> 'bout ya tell <<if $knowsean>>me the rest? I'm<<else>>us the rest? Personally I'm<</if>> a little curious." O'Brian ponder this, and shrugs. "Eh, guess it won't hurt." <<nobr>><<if $knowsean>> You sit back and listen to what O'Brian had told you before. Which gives you the chance to spot the spark of pride and admiration in his eyes when he talks about his adoptive parents.<br><br> It's, by all means, rather admirable. <<else>> You sit back, and O'Brian looks at Burke.<br><br> "So, what //did// ya tell'em already?"<br><br> "How we met Brightwell after Kelly shot yer ear off."<br><br> "Oh. Well, makes the most sense, I guess." O'Brian scratches his nose. "So, me whole story then?"<br><br> "If ya'd be so kind," Charlie says.<br><br> O'Brian clears his throat.<br><br> "First thing I oughta tell ya", he begins, "is that, technically, I'm one of'em rich kids. Technically. Me 'mother'," you don't miss the utter disdain in the word, "married me dad for money, an' nothing else. By all means, she only got herself knocked up to tie him to her."<br><br> "That's... harsh..." you note.<br><br> "But it's the truth. When I was three me dad died in some accident. I'm damn certain she had her hands in that. Heh, barely remember him. But that somethin' was fishy... that was a given. She didn't even wait out the mourning period till she married again. Her new husband hated me guts, and so did she. So, no, no happy childhood here."<br><br> O'Brian falls silent again, brows knitted in anger.<br><br> "I ran away from home when I was just six. No one came after me. I know now that some o' dad's friends got worried, but the woman that put me in this world didn't give a shit. Only good that came o' things was that I found how well I can lie. If I wanna trick people. Blayne an' the Doc are serious when they says I can't lie outside of a con. It's weird, but I don't mind. Anyway. At some point when I was eight I wound up in Chicago, swindled some of'em rich folks there. Till I ran into a gentleman who turned out to be a grifter <<if $back is 11>> himself."<br><br> Charlie chuckles and gives you a meaningful look.<br><br> "Reminds me o' someone."<br><br> You grin back knowingly, prompting O'Brian to blink confused.<br><br> "Huh?"<br><br> "It's kinda like Charlie and I met," you explain. "We tried to con each other."<br><br> "Oh, I see." O'Brian cocks his head. "Ya gotta tell me that story someday, maybe."<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "Maybe."<br><br> "Anyway, where was I?" O'Brian ponders. "Oh. Yeah. The guy <<else>> himself. He <</if>> had a good laugh and said he's really impressed with me. Looked an' sounded really worried for me, an' invited me to his home... I made a run for it. Was scared. And a bit creeped out."<br><br> Charlie nods. "That's a wise thing to do in such a situation."<br><br> "Thank ya," O'Brian says. "I mean, I was young, but I wasn't stupid. But y'know, as fate would have it, winter came. I was out on the streets an' a really nasty storm left me for dead. By pure chance that guy and his wife found me and brought me to their home, nursin' me back to health. Turned out the guy was pretty alright."<br><br> "Oh-hoh?"<br><br> "God's truth." O'Brian looks a little wistful. "They adopted me. Not just metaphorically. Tricked me 'mother' into agreeing to it." Now the young man cackles. "Got her into a lot o' trouble. She deserved it. Her new husband, too. So, yeah, that's how I got me a new family, and I was really happy."<br><br> "So... is..." you begin.<br><br> "I know what ya wanna ask," O'Brian snorts. "O'Brian is me biological dad's name. I'm keepin' it to piss off me 'mother' an' her new hubby."<br><br> "Spite is some miraculous fuel," Charlie murmurs amused.<br><br> O'Brian cackles.<br><br> "It is, innit? Well, I spent the next nine years learnin' from one of, if not the best. Mum was always a little wary of the whole grifting thing, but endlessly caring and supportive. I had a pretty happy childhood and such till I was seventeen. That's when I decided to find me own way on the world. I left home and rather quickly fell in with a small gang o' outlaws. Wyatt Kelly's boys, as Tommy told ya. Anyway, things weren't too bad, until one night we set out to change camp, and the boss wasn't with us. I and another guy rode back, but couldn't find him, so we split up. I then found the boss talkin' to some guy I've never seen before. Don't even know what exactly they were on about, but I had a bad feelin'. And, yeah... They caught me, and damn, Kelly got furious. Beat me up, and shot me ear off. And then put a bullet 'tween me ribs."<br><br> "I guess Tommy told ya the rest. How O'Reilly an' his boys found me, nursed me back to health..."<</if>><</nobr>> With a long, wistful sigh O'Brian looks at Burke, and then back at you and Charlie. "Y'know, if not for Tommy, I dunno if things woulda ended well." "How come?" you ask. <<if $knowsean>>"Tommy's the one who<<else>>"Tommy<</if>> put in a good word for me. I really dunno if O'Reilly woulda helped me without him." "Probably, Seán," Burke says, nudging the other man in the side. "Ya know Bridge." "Still, thank you." O'Brian leans over and pecks Burke's cheek, causing Burke to blush all flustered. "Seán!" he protests, and O'Brian cackles. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludecharlierom]]</div>

<<set $knowsean to true>>\ "Allow me the question," Charlie asks, "How did ya know each other?" Burke and O'Brian look at each other, and the flustered blush turns into one of embarrassment. "Ya tell'em," Burke says, scratching his arm. O'Brian looks worried. "Ya don't have to," you say. <<if $cur >=85>>"I'm admittedly curious to know, but it<<else>>"It<</if>> can wait till ya feel like tellin' us. Burke and O'Brian nod gratefully, and Burke straightens his posture again. "Well, what now though?" O'Brian checks his watch. "It's time for dinner, by now? How 'bout we get some?" Burke snorts. "In this weather? Let's hope the kitchen ain't flooded." O'Brian puffs his chest. "Oh, if it is flooded we should go there even more so. To help, ya know?" Burke looks at his lover and shakes his head with a grin. "Yer ridiculous." "It's one of'em things ya love me for." "True." He turns to you. "Yer comin' too?" You're about to answer when you catch sight of Charlie shifting quite uncomfortable on his bed. Something's amiss. "Maybe later," you say. "Gonna take the chance an' relax for good now." Another nod from the two, and they leave. As the door closes you stretch, and look at Charlie. He's wringing his hands, looking absolutely miserable. "What's wrong?" you wonder. "Ya suddenly looking like this can't be a good sign. Bad feelin' 'bout something? Should we worry?" Charlie shakes his head. "I want to apologize," he says. You blink. "For?" "For havin' been such a pain in the neck since that job." Charlie absent-mindedly scratches his knuckles and looks away. "I didn't wanna say anythin' with anyone else present, but... I was upset ya didn't listen to me, but that's not the reason, $nick. I-I simply..." It's never a pleasant sight to see Charlie at a loss for words like this. He's sitting hunched, hanging his head, breath more heavy sighs than anything. <<nobr>>"I'm really worried. And I've been thinkin' a lot. We've never been through anything like that job before. Not in New Orleans, not in Elko or Chicago. And then everythin' with O'Brian happened. <<if $almostend_hamelin>> Doesn't mean I suddenly take kindly to ya antagonizing the poor sod like that."<br><br> You grumble, but Charlie raises his hand before you can say anything.<br><br> "I get ya, though, don't get me wrong. An' yer still with us, after all, which... I'm happy you are. And... <</if>> <<if $stillwary or $stilldoubt>> I get that yer worried, an' that ya got yer doubts 'bout him. That's just... sensible. <<if $tru <=30>>An' yer not a very trustin' person to begin with, so<<else>>An'... in someway it's good to see ya be wary with this,<</if>> with all that happened... <</if>> An' then Blayne, an' that cult, and..."<</nobr>> Charlie hangs his head and combs his fingers through his hair. "What I'm trying to say, $nick... I'm worried sick. We've bit off more than we can chew before, but..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Go and hug Charlie, and give him some reassurance, he needs it.">> <<set $hugcharlie to true>> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 15>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "charlierommaybe">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Pat the spot next to you, offering Charlie some comfort.">> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 15>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "charlierommaybe">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Give him some words of reassurance.">> <<set $charlie to $charlie + 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "charlierommaybe">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Tell him worrying won't do, and that you should focus on what's to come.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "charlierommaybe">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~This is ridiculous and there's no time for it. Leave.">> <<set $leftcharlie to true>> <<goto "leftcharlie">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You get up from your bed and pull Charlie into a hug.<br><br> He makes a baffled <<if $hugs is 1>>noise<<else>>noise—given that you're not usually one for hugging—<</if>>, but not one of protest. It takes a moment until he returns the hug, sighing into your shirt.<br><br> "Thank you," he mutters as you let go to sit down next to him.<br><br> "Charlie," you begin, "yer <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You clear your throat and pat the spot next to you.<br><br> Charlie looks at you surprised, and shuffles over carefully.<br><br> "Thank you," he murmurs.<br><br> "D-Don't mention it," you say, and clear your throat again. "Charlie, yer <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "We figured it's all a lot all at once," you say, gently.<br><br> Charlie nods.<br><br> "Sorry I've been like this."<br><br> "No harm done," you reassure him. "What I mean is... yer <<else>> "Bit late to cry over spilled milk, innit?" you sigh, but smile softly. "Look, don't worry 'bout what you did or did not, Charlie."<br><br> "But..."<br><br> "Charlie, yes, we bit off more than we can chew before, but we don't even know how much more we're about to bite off. We oughta concentrate on that."<br><br> Charlie looks at you and smiles softly.<br><br> "I... you... I guess yer right."<br><br> You nod.<br><br> And sigh.<br><br> "Charlie, look. What I mean to say is... yer <</if>> always lookin' out for me an' havin' me back, no matter how insufferable I can be at times. I know I can." Your gaze softens. "Ya carry so much on yer shoulders so I don't have to, and I'm grateful for that. But ya really don't have to carry all of it on yer own. Ya oughta know that."<</nobr>> "Yes, but..." Charlie begins, and shakes his head. "I'm sorry I'm so overbearing, but..." He sighs again and rubs tears from his eye. "Y'know, I never told you or Ada or anyone the worst bit 'bout how Matt died. It wasn't just that I ignored that bad feelin', I also ignored how stressed we all were. It had not been a good few weeks for us..." Charlie rubs his neck. "What I mean is, $nick, I-I'm mortally scared we're headin' for the same kind of disaster. And... Yer me best friend, $nick." He pauses. "More even..." Oh? "Yer something like family." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Oh. That's nice to know that for certain, 'cause the feeling's mutual.">> <<set $char_fam to true>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "charliegeneralaftermath">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Oh. That's nice to know. I might not see Charlie as family, but he's the best friend I ever had.">> <<set $char_friend to true>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "charliegeneralaftermath">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Oh... I... had kinda hoped for a different kind of 'more'. But I guess Charlie doesn't see me like that.">> <<goto "charlierominterlude">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Oh... I had hoped for a different kind of 'more'. Maybe I should say something.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "aftermathcharlieconfession">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Oh! Well, Charlie's certainly a different kind of 'more' to me. And he oughta know that.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "aftermathcharlieconfession">> <</link>></div>\

You frown and get up. "Oh, get a grip, Charlie," you mutter sourly. "Yes, yes, that was more than we can chew, but we chewed it. Dwellin' on it won't do." You head for the door. "But good for ya to acknowledge ya been a pain in the arse. I'll go find me some entertainment, you go an' screw yer head back on right. Charlie looks at you surprised, but not in any good way. There's hurt and sadness and doubt. But you're out the door before he can say something. ^^//After you return...//^^ As you return you find Charlie fast asleep, curled up under the blanket. You had a bit of time to think about what happened and... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~I was too harsh with Charlie. I owe him an apology.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "wakingcharlie">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Charlie does need to get a grip. I'll go to bed.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "dreamwarning">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Charlie's worried, and that's very kind of him, and I was harsh. But... I don't know what to do.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $feelingsorry to true>> <<goto "dreamwarning">> <</link>></div>\

You smile a little strained. Hearing Charlie say that somehow hurts more than you could have ever anticipated. "Well, that's nice to know for certain," you say. Charlie looks at you a little worried. "You... don't sound too happy 'bout that. Ya alright?" You nod hastily. "Just surprised. I mean, we're... we're working together for so long, but somehow never... never really been serious about that, right? But it's... nice to know ya see me like family." You flash him a smile so fake it hurts, and Charlie's face falls in greater worry. "No, really, $nick. Something's wrong. I-I didn't mean..." You start to wonder. Charlie's so good at reading people, there's no way he doesn't at least suspect what's going on... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Tell him that I love him.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "aftermathcharlieconfession">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Either he doesn't feel the same... or... Maybe there's still a chance. Give him time.">> <<set $charom_maybe to true>> <<set $charom to $charom + 1>> <<set $charom_shy to $charom_shy + 1>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "charliegeneralaftermath">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~He's //got// to be aware. Which... means he doesn't feel the same for me. That hurts.">> <<set $charom_hurt to true>> <<set $charom to $charom + 1>> <<set $charom_shy to $charom_shy + 1>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "charliegeneralaftermath">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You smile.<br><br> "Well, that's nice to know for certain. The feeling's mutual. Yer family for me too."<br><br> Charlie looks at you a little relieved.<br><br> "It's funny, though," you say. "How long have we been workin' together now, an' only ever said this more in jest or as a tease?" You sigh softly. "But, Charlie, I'm not Matt. And ya learned yer lesson from what happened. Otherwise ya wouldn't be like this. But ya got me, and maybe the others, too, now. Ya don't have to handle all these things alone."<br><br> Charlie smiles gently at you.<br><br> "Thank you, $nick, that... that really means a lot."<br><br> You <<if $hugcharlie>>nod and pull Charlie into another hug.<<else>>nod.<</if>><br><br> "Y'know what," you <<if $hugcharlie>>murmur as you let go.<<else>>murmur.<</if>> "I think we should sleep."<br><br> Charlie <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You smile.<br><br> "Well, that's nice to know. I..." you sigh a little. "I don't mean this rude, but..."<br><br> "Ya don't see me as family, ya mean."<br><br> That didn't sound like a question.<br><br> "No. But... Yer still the best friend I have, an' a better friend than I could have ever imagined or wished for havin'."<br><br> Charlie blushed a little.<br><br> "Thank you, $nick, that... that really means a lot."<br><br> You <<if $hugcharlie is true>>nod and pull Charlie into another hug.<<else>>nod.<</if>><br><br> "Y'know what," you <<if $hugcharlie>>murmur as you let go.<<else>>murmur.<</if>> "I think we should sleep."<br><br> Charlie <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You search Charlie's face. There //is// a glimmer of doubt, but you don't know what to make of that. But it is there.<br><br> You smile softly.<br><br> "Don't worry. It's just... Ev'rything happened... so fast. I'm just overwhelmed."<br><br> Charlie smiles gently at you.<br><br> "Oh. Yes... that makes two of us."<br><br> "Y'know what," you murmur, picking at your shirt. "I think we should sleep."<br><br> Charlie <<elseif $continuity is 4>> "Don't worry," you say, forcing a smile. "I'm just... more worried 'bout ya... well, worryin' too much... Charlie, I'm not Matt. And ya learned yer lesson from what happened. Otherwise ya wouldn't be like this. But ya got me, and maybe the others, too, now. Ya don't have to handle all these things alone."<br><br> Charlie smiles gently at you.<br><br> "Thank you, $nick, that... that really means a lot."<br><br> You <<if $hugcharlie>>nod and pull Charlie into another hug<<else>>nod<</if>>.<br><br> "Y'know what," you <<if $hugcharlie>>murmur as you let go<<else>>murmur<</if>>. "I think we should sleep."<br><br> Charlie <<else>> Charlie <</if>> looks at the window. As do you.<</nobr>> The light from the lamps outside is shimmering in the dozens of raindrops running down the glass, and it doesn't look as if the rain is going to stop anytime soon. Charlie nods. "We have a long day ahead o' us," he says. You nod as well. <<nobr>><<if $trainingch4 is 2>> "Dunno if I like the idea of the ground getting overly muddy. I mean, it'll be some good trainin', but ya know how $hname is with mud."<br><br> "Yeah, the little darlin' loves it."<br><br> "Exactly. An' I'm not in the mood to get thrown off because a certain someone wants to take a nice mudbath." <<else>> "I just hope we can hone our skills enough. We got by nicely so far, but..."<br><br> "Yeah, I know." Charlie sighs. "Let's try what we can, anythin' else might be fruitless."<br><br> You nod and sigh heavily.<br><br> "Guess we'll see."<</if>><</nobr>> Charlie nods and gets up to get dressed for the night. So do you, wishing Charlie a good night as you crawl under the bed cover and turn off the <<if $romance_charlie>>lamp. Only one bed is occupied tonight.<<else>>lamp.<</if>> <<nobr>><<if $gf>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~The new day dawns">> <<set $nextpassage to "dayfivedawns">> <<goto "gfset">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~The new day dawns|dayfivedawns]]</div><</if>><</nobr>>

It's still raining. You wake to find <<if $romance_charlie>>yourself cuddled against Charlie's chest, with Charlie lazily caressing your shoulder<<else>>Charlie sitting on his bed, looking as if he's about to fall asleep again sitting up<</if>>. "G'mornin'," you mumble. "G'mornin'." Charlie yawns softly, looking at the window. "Good gracious, is it still rainin'?" You pull yourself into a sitting position and rub your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. "Would seem so." You yawn and clamber out of bed towards the vanity, splashing your face with cold water. "$nick?" <<nobr>><<if $charlieworrieddreams>> "Yes?"<br><br> "Did ya sleep well?"<br><br> You turn to look at Charlie.<br><br> "Yes, why d'ya ask?"<br><br> "Yesterday... when I asked... It wasn't just a simple nightmare, was it?"<br><br> You shake your head.<br><br> "Yer going to bring it up till I tell ya, don't you?"<br><br> Charlie smiles a little awkward.<br><br> "I'm worried."<br><br> "I know," you say and sit down on the bed next to him. <hr><div class="choice">[[...and sigh...|telldreamday5]]</div> <</if>> <<if $charlieknowsdream1 is false and $knowsdreams is 1>> "Yes?"<br><br> "Please don't mind if I ask, but ya mentioned a weird nightmare yesterday?"<br><br> You pause and sit down on the bed next to Charlie. <hr><div class="choice">[[...and sigh...|telldreamday5]]</div> <</if>> <<if $charlieknowsdream1>> "Yes?"<br><br> "Did ya sleep well?"<br><br> "Tonight? <<if $romance_charlie is true>> Very." You smile. "How 'bout you?"<br><br> Charlie smiles in response.<br><br> "Rarely slept better," he says, getting up to gently wrap his arms around you <<if $mcsize is 1>>and nestle his face against the top of your head.<<elseif $mcsize is 2>>and rest his chin onto your shoulder.<<else>>nestle his face against the back of your neck.<</if>><br><br> After a moment of both of you enjoying the warmth Charlie pulls away, looking at you.<br><br> "Wouldn't mind such a night again." He smiles broadly "Well then. <<else>> <<if $warn_dream1>> Not really," you admit, figuring it might be best to tell Charlie what happened.<br><br> And you do.<br><br> "Ya got any idea what that could mean?"<br><br> Charlie shakes his head.<br><br> "It's very <<if $dream1 is 1>>strange. Especially with yer conscience taking the form from yer nightmare...<<else>>strange.<</if>> Yer alright?"<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "Sorry again."<br><br> Charlie smiles and gets up.<br><br> "Don't beat yerself up, $nick. <<else>> Not too bad. How 'bout you?"<br><br> "Decently," Charlie smiles and stretches. "Not the worst night I had, all in all. <</if>> <</if>> Now, let's get dressed and see what Miss Florence has to say."<br><br> You nod again, and get ready. <hr><div class="choice">[[~A little later.|gettingonday5]]</div> <</if>><</nobr>>

<<nobr>><<set $romance_charlie to true>> <<set $active_romance to true>> <<if $continuity is 1>> "Charlie..." you begin, fiddling with your cuffs.<br><br> "Somethin' wrong, $nick?" Charlie asks softly, and you look at him. There's doubt in his face, worry, and a bit of fear. Maybe...<br><br> "I-I love you," you blurt out, anticipating the reaction.<br><br> Charlie just stares at you surprised, saying nothing for a moment, before he relaxes.<br><br> "You... you do?" Is that hope you hear in his voice?<br><br> You nod.<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You let out an exasperated groan that makes Charlie flinch.<br><br> "$nick, I..."<br><br> You glower a little and shake your head.<br><br> "Charlie, for someone so ridiculously good at readin' people yer really bad at it right now," you grouse, but your face softens.<br><br> "W-what's that supposed to mean?"<br><br> "I love you, ya damn fool!" You proclaim bluntly and let out a heavy sigh. "That's what it's supposed to mean." You give Charlie a soft and a little apologetic smile. <<else>> <<if $bold >=80>> "I love you, you damn oaf!" you cry out, falling back on the bed, groan and cover your face with your hands.<br><br> "...w-what?" Charlie stutters.<br><br> You peek through your fingers.<br><br> "Ya heard me." You look at him with a mixture of being hurt, apologetic and fearful. "I love you."<br><br> It takes a dreadfully long moment before the bafflement fades from Charlie's face... and he smiles. <<elseif $bold >20 and $bold <80>> "Charlie... I love you."<br><br> Charlie stares at you bewildered, as if he can't believe you just said that.<br><br> "Y-Ya heard me," you mutter, looking at him with a mixture of being hurt, apologetic and fearful. "I love you."<br><br> It takes a dreadfully long moment before the bafflement fades from Charlie's face... and he smiles. <<else>> "Charlie, I..." you stutter, trying to gather all your strength.<br><br> "$nick, are ya alright?" The worry in Charlie's voice is devastating.<br><br> "I..." you begin anew, taking a deep breath. "I love you."<br><br> Charlie just stares at you.<br><br> You whimper, burying your face in your hands. "I'm sorry."<br><br> "What... what for?"<br><br> You look up at Charlie to see him smiling softly. <</if>> Softly, happily and with a faint reddish shimmer on his cheeks.<br><br> "Ya mean it?" he asks gently.<br><br> "I... wouldn't say it otherwise." You sigh.<</if>> "I... dunno when it happened, but it did. I love you, Charlie. But if ya..."<</nobr>> Charlie moves closer to you and carefully lays his hand on yours, stopping you. "$nick, please, don't say 'But if ya don't see the same in me' or anything like that. 'Cause..." he swallows hard. "Because..." You blink. "Wait... y-ya mean... ?" Charlie nods and shuffles a little. "Dunno when it happened, either, but... it happened. I-I love you, $fname." You blink. <<if $nick.toLowerCase() is $fname.toLowerCase()>>Somehow this sounded very different from how Charlie addressing you normally sounds. More<<else>>That's the first time in years that Charlie called you by your first name. And you'll be damned if it didn't sound much more<</if>> loving, more... intimate... You wonder a little why you are surprised. As you feel blood rushing into your cheeks, Charlie makes himself comfortable (well, he tries to all things considered) next to you, catching your gaze. "I... didn't think ya..." the two of you start at the same time, stop, and chuckle, abashed. "Is this the part where we kiss?" Charlie wonders after a moment. <hr><div class="choice">[[...perhaps...|charliekiss]]</div>

"If yer alright with it," you say, and Charlie smiles, gently cupping your chin and pulling you closer. It's certainly not the kind of kiss you'd find in penny dreadfuls, nor the kind any chaperone would approve of. It's gentle and shy, a brushing of lips and skin, but there is a certain spark to it. It's warm and comforting, soft, and a promise of warm shelter from any storm. After a moment both of you pull back, sighing softly in unison. "Who'd have thought?" you murmur. Charlie nods. "Not me, that's for certain. Heh. Guess I need to work on me people-reading skills a bit then. You too." You laugh a little. "Guess so. We're two oblivious fools, aren't we?" <<nobr>>"We are. We absolutely are." Charlie laughs.<br><br> <<if $gender isnot 2>> But then his face falls.<br><br> "People will talk, though. At least once we get back to 'civilization'."<br><br> "Why? <<if $gender is 1>>'Cause we're both men?<<elseif $gender is 3>>'Cause they'd rather have it I'd look like what people tend to claim I am?<<elseif $gender is 4>>They don't know that people used to say I'm something else than what they see.<<elseif $gender is 5>>'Cause they can't tell what I am by lookin' at me?<<else>>'Cause they can't tell for certain what I am by lookin' at me?<</if>> Really now, screw them!"<br><br> Charlie smiles.<br><br> "It's very kind o' ya that you worry, however," you say, caressing his cheek.<</if>> <<if $age <=30>> "Ya know," you begin musing then, flexing your hands. "What bothers me more is that people might gossip 'bout how much younger I am than ya."<br><br> Charlie blows a dismissive raspberry.<br><br> "Y'know, the same kinda people will gladly marry their first cousins at the age of fifteen. Pot, kettle, black, $nick."<</if>> <<if $skincol <8>> <<if $gender isnot 2 and $age <=30>>"And I'm<<else>>"I'm<</if>> not much lookin' forward to the gossip 'cause I'm..." you meaningfully pinch and pull the skin on the back of your hand, murmuring sourly.<br><br> "If they say or do anythin' 'cause o' that, they'll quickly learn they should have paid more attention to the white guy." Charlie says, pecking your cheek. "But really, just know I'll be there for ya if anyone tries to be funny 'cause o' the color of yer skin."<br><br> "Thank you." You smile softly.<br><br> Charlie nods reassuringly.<</if>><</nobr>> After a moment, you sigh gently. "Y'know, maybe we should sleep now." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<goto "charliegeneralaftermath">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You light the lamp, kneel down by Charlie's bedside and gently nudge him awake.<br><br> He murmurs in dismay and squirms, peeling his eye open to gaze blearily at you.<br><br> "... $nick?" he wonders, blinking at you. His eye is still red and swollen, and you know it's from crying.<br><br> "Hey," you whisper, "Sorry to wake ya, but I-I wanted to apologize."<br><br> Charlie looks at you blankly as the words sink in, and then he sniffles.<br><br> "Y'mean it?"<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "Wouldn't have woken ya up otherwise." You smile an askew smile. <<else>> You frown and are about to just lay back down as your gaze falls onto the window, and you let out a small shriek as that creature is gazing back at you.<br><br> In the other bed, Charlie startles awake, and even in the dim light from the lamps outside you can make out how concerned he looks.<br><br> "... $nick?", he murmurs while you catch your breath. You blink, look at the window again, and the creature is gone.<br><br> "I..." you begin, and pause. You could tell Charlie that it was just a nightmare, but for some reason the very thought makes your chest feel dreadfully tight.<br><br> Having a conscience can be such a pain in the arse.<br><br> You take a deep breath.<br><br> "I'm fine... but... I want to apologize."<br><br> Charlie shuffles into a sitting position.<br><br> "Ya do?"<br><br> "Yes. My head won't let me rest otherwise." You light the lamp. <</if>> "I'm sorry for havin' been so dismissive. Yer genuinely worried, and that's very kind of ya. That I told ya to 'get a grip' at that was just uncalled for. I'm sorry."<</nobr>> Charlie tilts his head, ponders this, and ultimately sighs. "No, yer fine. I oughta have said something earlier," he mutters, "instead o' broodin' over it like that. And..." You move and lay a finger on his lips. "Shh," you hush him. "No, Charlie, yer fine. I know why yer like this. Everythin' happened so fast these last few weeks. That ya needed time to proper evaluate things... that's in the nature of this whole mess we're in. I'm sorry for treatin' ya like this, when all ya did was being worried for me. For all of us." Charlie searches your face and smiles softly. "Thank you, $nick," he whispers. "That... that means a lot." You nod. "Yer not in this alone. I'll have yer back, and I think so will our little posse." "Thank you." Charlie sighs relieved. You smile and get up. "We ought to get a bit of sleep now." Charlie nods, curling under the blanket again. "We should." And you do. <<nobr>><<if $gf>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~The new day dawns">> <<set $nextpassage to "dayfivedawns">> <<goto "gfset">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~The new day dawns|dayfivedawns]]</div><</if>><</nobr>>

<<nobr>><<set $warn_dream1 to true>> <<if $continuity is 1>> You shake your head and get dressed for the night. You got a long day ahead of you, and no time for this at all. <<else>> You sit at the edge of your bed for a while, wringing your hands.<br><br> You want to apologize, but you can't get yourself to wake Charlie. With a heavy sigh you get dressed for the night and crawl under your blanket.<</if>><</nobr>> ^^~ ~+~ ~^^ You are not sleeping too well, waking up to find the room empty. Charlie's bed is made neatly, and you wonder why he didn't wake <<if $almostend_hamelin or $nearend_hamelin>>you. What you did wasn't nearly as harsh as the thing with O'Brian, so he can't have run off...<<else>>you.<</if>> You get up to get dressed, only to find all of your belongings missing. Now this doesn't make any sense. You could understand Charlie not waking you and all — though, truth be told, that would mean that what happened hurt him more than you had figured — but not that he'd take all your stuff. You step to the window in the faint hope of seeing something helpful... And find the entire town gone. Oh... You're dreaming. You frown with the realization. "We're terrible sorry to disturb you like this, but it's important that //you// get a grip," someone says, and you spin around. On your bed sits <<if $dream1 is 1>>the strange being you met in that bizarre dream,<<else>>a bizarre creature: The being's body might look human, but its arms are too long, the hands are more claws, talons even, a leathery skin stretching over them. The head looks as if someone pulled a human's skin over the skull of a deer, maybe a wolf. It's eyes are bulging, deep black orbs but endlessly kind, although right now they are<</if>> looking at you sternly but worried. "W-who are ya?" you demand. "A friend. Listen now, we cannot waste time, or it will end badly for you, and not just for you. As it will if you drive a wedge between yourself and your friends." You blink. <<if $feelingsorry>>"Oh..." you breath, worried.<<else>>"Oh great," you groan, though a bit uncertain.<</if>> <<if $feelingsorry>>"You... yer<<else>>Yer<</if>> me conscience." "You can call us that." The creature gets up and glowers at you. "You know you can trust Mr. Mulligan with your life. And if you want this to end well, the feeling must be mutual. $title $Name, although this does sound strange, know that the fate of the world hinges on it." "Bit dramatic, innit?" The creature doesn't look as if it's joking. Then it sighs and its face softens. "Be there for Mr. Mulligan, before he won't be there for you anymore." "Wait, what?" You don't get an answer. Instead the creature touches your forehead and you wake up drenched in sweat. ^^~ ~+~ ~^^ You catch your breath, looking around. It's still dark, but the faint lights outside tell you that the town is there. For a moment you consider going back to sleep, when you hear Charlie whimper in his sleep. <<if $feelingsorry>>Your conscience might have been a bit overly dramatic, but it is right.<<else>>Whether your conscience was being unnecessary dramatic, you have to admit it's not wrong.<</if>> Charlie //is// your friend. The best you got. And certainly not someone you'd want to lose. And the only time you've ever seen Charlie as rattled was after Matt's death. So... this must mean a lot to him, and make him sick with worry. You sigh heavily. <<if $feelingsorry>>You know what to do.<<else>>Still, you wonder if you should actually say something...<</if>> <<nobr>><<if $feelingsorry>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "wakingcharlie">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "wakingcharlie">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <</nobr>>\

<<set $charlieknowsdream1 to true>>\ <<set $dreamcont to 1>>\ "Guess now is as good a time as any, don't think Miss Florence is awake already. And, well, maybe you can make sense of it..." You take a deep breath and begin your tale. <<include "dreamstuff">> Let's get dressed and see what Miss Florence has to say." <<nobr>>You nod and <<if $warn_dream1>> get up, only to immediately sit back down again.<br><br> "Charlie, there's more. I mean, ya likely guessed already, what with me wakin' ya with a shriek..."<br><br> Charlie looks at you expectantly. You take a deep breath once more and tell him what happened.<br><br> "Ya got any idea what that could mean?"<br><br> Charlie shakes his head.<br><br> "It's very <<if $dream1 is 1>>strange. Especially with yer conscience taking the form from yer nightmare...<<else>>strange.<</if>> Yer alright?"<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "Sorry again."<br><br> Charlie smiles and gets up.<br><br> "Don't beat yerself up, $nick. Come, I think by now Miss Florence should be awake." <<else>> stretch a little, cracking your joints.<br><br> "Let's go then."<</if>><</nobr>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~A little later.|gettingonday5]]</div>

Miss Florence is awake and looking marginally better as you enter. Emphasis on 'marginally'. There's a certain ashy tone to her dark skin, and she's looking haunted. "Good mornin'," you greet, looking around. Burke and Finley are nowhere to be seen, and O'Brian is sitting on the windowsill, looking out, while Mrs. Meadows is reading through a book the size of a brick. "G'mornin'," O'Brian greets back. "If ya wonder where Tommy and the kid are, Tommy's gettin' us somethin' to eat, an' the kid's over at the pharmacy." You nod an acknowledgment and look at Miss Florence. "And how are ya?" "Worried," Florence answers, cuddling into the pillows. "Ya look like it," Charlie notes, pulling up a chair. "Yer feelin' well enough to tell us a bit more 'bout what happened?" Florence nods slowly. "You can likely guess that Auguste — that's our son — wasn't really planned. Things just happened. Robert and I thought we knew what we were doing, but... we underestimated nature. But Auguste is a wonderful little boy. But... someone had other plans. I got pregnant shortly after meeting Robert again, and just a little later... all these little accidents started happening." You furrow your brow. "Accidents?" Florence nods concerned. "Small things at first, like loose bits of carpet on the stairs at my apartment, people bumping into me more frequently. I mean, I know I am what's called 'petite', but... it became a bit much. Robert wondered about it, but neither of us began worrying until..." "Until ya nearly got run over by a carriage," Charlie notes darkly, immediately having all eyes on him. Florence stares at him dumbfounded. "Yes. How...?" "Miss Florence, I should inform ya I'm a medium. Of sorts. An' that information came straight from yer mother." With a brief gasp Florence sits up and stares at Charlie in disbelief. You sigh inwardly. With how much she talked about science you figure what will come next. But then her eyes light up. "Are you?" she asks, leaning forward. "How do you speak to the dead?" "Usually they speak to me," Charlie answers. You look at Florence to see if that is a test or a prelude to mockery. Instead she nods eagerly. "That is what my tati always said, she was always quite annoyed, said the dead have no manners once you got their attention. So..." she draws a hopeful breath. "you spoke to my manman? How is she? Does... does she think well of me? I never got to know her." Oh... <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|gettingonday5a]]</div>

Charlie nods gently. "She's worried though. Yer aunt might have told ya, but the dead usually can't or won't give out concrete information, an' yer mother ain't no exception. But she did tell me that someone tried to kill ya, or at least make ya lose the child." Florence nods quietly. "Hey," O'Brian chimes in. "I-I'm sorry to hear that. That's really a nasty thing to happen." Florence smiles. "Thank you." She sighs. "So she can't tell you who tried that?" Charlie shakes his head. "I don't think she knows either." Another sigh. "Bugger," Florence mumbles, the sudden swearing making you grin for a moment. "Ya got any idea?" you wonder. Florence shakes her head. "No. I mean, there were plenty of people on my side who knew, but I can't imagine any of them trying something like that. I dunno about Robert's family, his father is fairly modern, and my family really took a liking to Robert, so... I dunno." You notice her shivering all of a sudden. "Yer alright?" A shy nod. "It's... it's what happened next. Months went by, and I gave birth to a baby boy. We were all worried I'd share my manman's fate, but, it went well for Auguste and me. Robert couldn't be there though. And then..." Suddenly Florence falls eerily silent, tears rolling down her face. The room falls silent in concerned anticipation. "What happened?" Mrs. Meadows finally asks sternly, and you can't help it. She sounds as if she already knows. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Call her out on it.">> <<set $mead to $mead - 5>> <<set $flo to $flo - 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "gettingonday5b">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Comfort Florence.">> <<set $mead to $mead + 5>> <<set $flo to $flo + 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "gettingonday5b">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Ask Meadows what's going on.">> <<set $mead to $mead + 5>> <<set $flo to $flo + 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "gettingonday5b">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Demand to know what's going on.">> <<set $mead to $mead - 5>> <<set $flo to $flo - 5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "gettingonday5b">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Why are ya askin'? you sneer. "By yer tone ya already know what happened an' ya thought it wise not to tell us."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows and Florence glower and you, Florence shrinking together uncomfortably.<br><br> "<<if $doublemeadows>>Listen<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>," Mrs. Meadows calls, in a tone cold and cutting as a sudden blizzard in the mountains, "there is a difference between withholding information, and easing the person they concern into revealing them. I would have thought someone of your field of work would know that."<br><br> You grit your teeth and little and grimace, when Charlie lays a hand on your shoulder.<br><br> "She's got a point, an' ya know that. Guess we coulda done with a bit more sleep." He smiles crooked, but encouragingly, and you sigh softly.<br><br> "Yeah... I guess..." and you mumble a 'sorry'.<br><br> Mrs. Meadows nods approvingly, and turns back to Florence, her face softening slightly.<br><br> "If you wish, I can tell them."<br><br> Florence nods, and waves her to begin. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You look at Mrs. Meadows.<br><br> "C'mon, I think ya already know." You sigh and look at Florence. "It must be something really bad by the looks o' it, an' by Mrs. Meadows not directly tellin' us, right?"<br><br> Your voice is soft and gently, and you search Florence's face.<br><br> She nods, sniffling.<br><br> "Ya don't have to tell us yet. It's still early in the mornin'. Take yer time, it's alright."<br><br> Florence draws a deep breath and and shakes her head, looking at Mrs. Meadows.<br><br> "Could... could you maybe tell them?" <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You look at Mrs. Meadows, a little forlorn.<br><br> "Ya... already know, don't you? Could ya tell us what's wrong?" You cast a worried glance at Florence. "This seems to be something really big an' bad."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows looks at you and sighs.<br><br> "It... is," she says, shaking her head and looks, quite concerned, at Florence.<br><br> "If you wish, I can tell them."<br><br> Florence nods, and waves her to begin. <<else>> "How 'bout ya just tell us? Ya seem to know," you holler, earning a piercing glare from Mrs. Meadows, while Florence shrinks together uncomfortably.<br><br> "<<if $doublemeadows>>Listen<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>," Mrs. Meadows calls, in a tone cold and cutting as a sudden blizzard in the mountains, "there is a difference between withholding information, and easing the person they concern into revealing them. I would have thought someone of your field of work would know that."<br><br> You grit your teeth and little and grimace, when Charlie signals you to stop.<br><br> "She's got a point, an' ya know that. Guess we coulda done with a bit more sleep." He smiles crooked, but encouragingly, and you sigh softly.<br><br> "Yeah... I guess..." and you mumble a 'sorry'.<br><br> Mrs. Meadows nods approvingly, and turns back to Florence, her face softening slightly.<br><br> "If you wish, I can tell them."<br><br> Florence nods, and waves her to begin.<</if>><</nobr>> Mrs. Meadows inclines her head in agreement, and clears her throat. "I do in fact //not// know what precisely happened to Miss <<if $doublemeadows>>Florence<<else>>Florence, $title $Name<</if>>. But I do know that someone attempted to perform a lobotomy on her." You gaze at Mrs. Meadows in shocked surprise, and look at Florence. And O'Brian speaks up disgusted. "Someone went an' cut yer brain out? What the Hell?" "They tried, O'Brian," Mrs. Meadows corrects. "Miss Florence has a rather nasty scar on her head from the preparations, but they didn't went through with the procedure itself." "That's still bad enough," O'Brian notes and turns to Florence. "Hey, sorry to hear. 'Cause, ya know, even though ya tried to kill me, I don't think yer cuckoo or anything. An' I should know, I'm called that often enough." "That's... a very peculiar compliment, but... I'll take it," Florence responds, looking rather baffled now. "So, may we know what happened?" Charlie asks quietly. Florence stares into thin air for a moment, before her chest heaves with a heavy sigh. "It was a little after Auguste was born. He came a little earlier than expected, and I believe... I believe that saved his life. Because the first evening I could go out again... I-I didn't even go for a walk. I just went into the little garden behind the house at dusk. And suddenly there were these men... The same that were at the sheriff's office... The next thing I knew was I woke up in Merryborne." The room falls silent in shock. Merryborne is a lunatic asylum far away on the East Coast, somewhere between New York and the rest of the northern hemisphere. It prides itself with being the leading institution for the 'care and treatment of the insane', which is some disgustingly fancy way of saying they got electricity and won't ask any questions if someone needs to do away with unwanted family members and other people they might deem a nuisance. "I-I was there till about a year ago. Winter '84... That's when they..." Florence runs a hand over her head. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Comfort her.">> <<set $flo to $flo + 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "gettingonday5c">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Say nothing.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "gettingonday5c">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Nod to Charlie to say something.">> <<set $flo to $flo + 5>> <<set $charliedoesit to $charliedoesit + 1>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "gettingonday5c">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "It's alright," you say softly. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You say nothing, but you still look quite worried, all things considered.<br><br> "Hey, it's alright," O'Brian pipes up. <<else>> Charlie <<if $quiettype or $letcharliedothework>>looks at you amused, before his face softens into a<<else>>nods and turns to Florence with an expression of<</if>> comforting solemness.<br><br> "It's alright," he whispers gently. <</if>> "I think we all understand. Ya don't have to tell us the details if ya don't feel well with it."<</nobr>> Florence looks at all of you, and nods softly. "Thank you. But... I ought to tell you that that was the night of the fire at Merryborne. I don't know what exactly happened, I-I was far too dizzy, but I do know there was a panic, and... you likely know a lot of inmates escaped. I-I was one of them. I somehow managed to drag myself through the snow and cold to the nearest town. I was fortunate enough to find a family that immediately knew something was wrong. With me having been to Merryborne. You might know how the people of the surrounding towns think of it." You nod. "Charlie an' I been to Nightgrove Woods and the nearby harbor town once, and God knows they had a lot of bad things to say about it there." Florence nods back. "Rightfully so. It's a very bad place. But, I got lucky. A few weeks later the family helped me get to friends in Boston, where I ran into Robert and my tati." Now Florence begins crying, rubbing her eyes. "I... they had thought I was dead. I-I... Auguste was alright. My tati was in Boston because Robert had been close to giving up looking for me. He had been searching high and low, but neither him nor his father could find a trace of me." You hand Florence a handkerchief and she dries her eyes, still sniffling and coughing. "Thank you," she whispers. "Robert was ecstatic that I was alive. He... he's such a sweet, wonderful soul. I... I miss him." At this, O'Brian shuffles over and gently pats her hand. "I'm sorry for yer loss, really am. Just... ya know why yer Robert was at his father's estate? 'Cause, y'know, I really didn't know he was there, an' all I'm hearin' now is that he wanted to pay his ol' man a visit." O'Brian begins pondering. "Huh. I wonder if it was Robert who old Brightwell was tearin' a new one." You feel a chill run down your <<if $brightwellwasthere>>spine<<else>>spine. You had had a weird feeling when O'Brian mentioned this before, but now you can put your finger on it<</if>> "Wait, what did ya say?" You almost gasp. O'Brian looks at you rather surprised. "Hmm? Oh, <<if $brightwellwasthere>>I meant the quarrel I heard when I tried to get me watch back. Told ya<<else>>when I tried to get me watch back I heard Brightwell Sr. have a nasty quarrel with someone. Though<</if>> I didn't see who that other person was." Charlie looks at you alarmed, which means he came to the same conclusion. "The official account says Brightwell Sr. wasn't at the estate that night," he voices what you both are thinking. "Yer kiddin'," O'Brian blubbers after a long pause. "No, they're correct," Mrs. Meadows notes. "The official account is that Robert Brightwell wanted to pay a visit to his father, who was absent the whole day." Your mind is racing with these clashing information. You know one thing though: This is information Agent Lynwood would certainly be interested in. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~I ought to tell Lynwood, this could help O'Brian out.">> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 10>> <<set $tell_lynbright to true>> <<goto "telllyn">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Lynwood can go and find that info on his own. That's his job, not mine.">> <<goto "donttelllyn">> <</link>></div>\

"Pardon me for a moment," you say, and are out of the room before anyone can ask what you mean. Not even a minute later you stand in front of Lynwood's room, gathering your wits, and hope that he's not out for breakfast. You knock. You knock again as no one answers. As, once again, no one responds you're about to give up and head back upstairs, just as the door creaks open. "$title $Name, I didn't expect you," Lynwood mumbles. A part of you rejoices that you managed to surprise him for once, but, something about his look is concerning. And the feeling gets a little worse as you catch a glimpse of his room <<if $mcsize is 1>>throught the small gap between him and the door.<<elseif $mcsize is 2>>over his shoulder.<<else>>over his head.<</if>> <<if $ch4path is 3 or $ch4path is 4 or $ch4path is 5>>It looks worse than yesterday.<<else>>It's a complete mess.<</if>> Papers and books are strewn about the place as well as a few empty bottles. Newspaper clippings are laid out on the floor and table in what almost appears like a pattern, the bed is in disarray but somehow unused. <<if $ch4path is 3 or $ch4path is 4 or $ch4path is 5>>And, again,<<else>>And<</if>> Lynwood himself fits right into the mess. His clothes are disheveled and crumbled, his hair is messy and judging by his eyes he hasn't slept. At least not well. Which kind of explains the bed's state. "Good gracious, man," you exclaim, looking him over. "Did ya even sleep?" "I believe so," Lynwood murmurs, turning away to yawn. "Now. What do you want. By this point I don't assume you have gotten a confession out of O'Brian." You sigh a little exasperated and shake your head. "No. But <<if $sel >=85>>I<<else>>we<</if>> found some information that... questions if it really can have been only him who killed Robert Brightwell." Lynwood knits his brows at you. "What is that supposed to mean? $overnighttitle $Name, I don't have any time for mockery, and..." "Get dressed an' come with me. I dare say you //want// to hear the story for <<if $overnighttitle.toLowerCase() is $title.toLowerCase()>>yerself<<else>>yerself. Oh, and it's '$title', just so you know<</if>>." Lynwood gazes at you for an uncomfortably long moment, before he nods and retreats back into his room. <hr><div class="choice">[[~And so you wait.|telllyn1]]</div>

"What are ya thinkin' about, $nick?" Charlie wonders. "Just ponderin' if we should tell Lynwood 'bout this," you say. "I mean, on one hand it might get him off O'Brian's tail an' thus off ours. On the other... finding this kinda information woulda been his job." At this O'Brian sneers. "He's a Pinkerton, $Name. His job is to deliver results. Doesn't matter how, or if they're actually based on 'facts'." He waves dismissively. "An' I'd bet he'd just find other means to be a pain in the arse." "To his credit, though," Charlie muses out loud, "he //does// seem interested in the actual facts. I reckon he'd not have come to us in Clementsburg otherwise, and he likely would have long arrested ya, O'Brian, regardless of anything else." O'Brian rolls his eyes a little. "Ya want the truth? That's something that rather weirds me out," he says. "I mean, we all dealt with them Pinks," he looks at Miss Florence and Mrs. Meadows, "Well, all of us what got a bounty on their heads. An'... ya know how they are. That this Lynwood hasn't done anythin' yet... I don't like that." "Me neither," you say, and begin pondering. <<nobr>><<if $ch4path is 3 or $ch4path is 4 or $ch4path is 5>> "I wonder..." you muse out loud.<br><br> "Wonder what?" O'Brian asks. You tell him about the state of Lynwood's room.<br><br> "Yer tellin' me someone like Lynwood has a room that messy?" O'Brian blinks. "Yer kiddin'."<br><br> You shake your head.<br><br> "There's something really amiss here. An' my best guess is that he has multiple cases on his hands.<br><br> "Yer not pitying him, right?" O'Brian harrumphes.<br><br> You simply shrug. <<else>> "It's weird, isn't it?" you muse out loud. "Wonder what's keepin' him from it."<br><br> "I'd rather not speculate," O'Brian murmurs. "I'll just hope it keeps him busy enough till we can make a smooth getaway."<br><br> "Can't argue with that," you shrug.<</if>><</nobr>> "So, what should we do now?" Charlie wonders. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Solve the mystery and then present Lynwood with the facts.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<set $solvemystery_robstart to true>> <<goto "donttelllyn1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Leave the mystery to Lynwood, we have enough of our own.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "donttelllyn1">> <</link>></div>\

"Yer really tellin' the Pinkerton, $nick." You turn to see Charlie swagger casually up to you, more amused than anything else. "I reckon that if we get'im off O'Brian's tail he'll be off of ours too." You shrug. Charlie nods curtly, and searches your face. "Ev'rything alright, $nick?" "Yes. It's Lynwood though. He's lookin' <<if $ch4path is 5>>worse than yesterday<<else>>absolutely put through the wringer<</if>>. And the room doesn't look much better either." "Are ya worried?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Yes.</q>">> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 10>> <<set $worriedforlyn to true>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "telllyn2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Confused, rather.</q>">> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "telllyn2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I'm not entirely certain.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "telllyn2">> <</link>></div>\ <<if $worriedforlyn is false>>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>No.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "telllyn2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Amused, actually.</q>">> <<set $lyn to $lyn - 5>> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<goto "telllyn2">> <</link>></div> <</if>>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Yes. Can't tell why exactly, but I //do// worry 'bout what's going on with him."<br><br> That moment the door opens.<br><br> "The thought is certainly appreciated, $title $Name," <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Confused, rather," you admit. "He's was so proper an' all before, seein' him like that all of a sudden..." you ponder things. "I mean sure, we only know'im for a couple o' days, but, it's still a bit weird. Ya know it never bodes well when people like that change this drastically so suddenly."<br><br> That moment the door opens.<br><br> "The mild concern is noted and appreciated, $title $Name," <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "I'm not entirely <<if $worriedforlyn>>certain. A little bit, I guess,"<<else>>certain,"<</if>> you answer. "I mean sure, we only know'im for a couple o' days, but, it's weird to see him like that."<br><br> That moment the door opens.<br><br> "Your sentiments are noted and appreciated, $title $Name," <<elseif $continuity is 4>> "No. It's never nice to see anyone like that, but I believe he can very well look after himself."<br><br> That moment the door opens.<br><br> "Your sentiments are noted, $title $Name," <<else>> "Amused, actually," you say. "Seeing someone like that in such a state..."<br><br> That moment the door opens.<br><br> "Well, aren't you just the kindest, $title $Name," <</if>> Lynwood comments.<</nobr>> You look him over. His clothes are prim, but he's still looking sleep-deprived and miserable. "Now, what exactly is it you have found about O'Brian?" Lynwood inquires after nodding a curt greeting at Charlie. "This way," you respond, and lead the way upstairs. ~+~ "Oh great, $they<<if $plur>>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> really bringin' //that// guy here..." O'Brian grouses as you enter, throwing his arms up. "Think of it like this," you say. "This might get'im off yer tail." "With twenty-seven outstanding warrants on his head? We'll see about that," Lynwood says dryly. "So, what are the big news?" You gesture at Miss Florence. "This is Miss Florence Beauchêne, as I believe you know." Lynwood nods, nodding a polite greeting at Miss Florence. "She's Robert Brightwell's fiancée." Lynwood snaps his head around and looks at you darkly. You brace yourself for a comment along the lines of 'Robert Brightwell never got engaged' or 'I know Robert Brightwell's fiancée is not a Black woman' or something like that. But no comment of that kind comes. Instead Lynwood just nods. "Go on," he says. "Now, Miss Florence told us that Robert left that fateful night to talk about something with his father." "Who however was not present," Lynwood notes. You hold back any reaction. "That, Agent Lynwood, is wrong." Lynwood blinks at you. "Come again?" Now you... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...glower seriously.">> <<goto "telllyn3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "...grin gleefully.">> <<goto "telllyn3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "...smile triumphantly.">> <<goto "telllyn3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "...gaze solemnly.">> <<goto "telllyn3">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<set $achievement3 to true>> <<notify 4s>> <div align="center"> <div class="specfont"><u>//Achievement Acquired!//</u></div><br> ''//~Oh, Just One More Thing~//'' <br><br> //Found a flaw in the official account of Robert Brightwell's death.//</div><</notify>><</nobr>>\ "Edward Brightwell has very well been present that night," you say, and look at O'Brian. "If ya would kindly tell yer story?" "Sure," O'Brian clears his throat. "I //do// admit I have been at the Brightwell estate that night. To take back me watch." <<nobr>><<if $lynwatch>> Lynwood frowns.<br><br> "Oh, yes. $title $Name told me about that tale. I find it hard to believe however. Accusing Mr. Brightwell of a petty and nonsensical theft like that." <<else>> "Watch?" Lynwood shakes his head confused.<br><br> "An ol' pocket watch Brightwell's lackeys stole from me," O'Brian answers.<br><br> Lynwood seems unimpressed.<br><br> "You really want me to believe that? A pocket watch? Really? You're accusing Mr. Brightwell of such a nonsensical, petty theft?" <</if>><</nobr>> O'Brian shrugs nonchalantly. "It's the truth, though. Didn't expect someone like ya to believe it, but it is what it is." "You might wish to hold back with the animosities, Mr. O'Brian." Lynwood glowers. "Or what?" Burke interrupts, leaning against the door frame. "Ya gonna try an' get him hanged unjustly? Oh wait, yer already tryin' that." Burke immediately and protectively steps to O'Brian's side, leaving it to you to close the door. "Care to fill me in what's goin' on, Seán?" "$Name brought the Pinkerton here 'cause we found somethin' fishy 'bout the whole murder of Robert Brightwell." "Well then... What did ya find?" "I was comin' to that." O'Brian clears his throat again. "So, full story, once again. Brightwell Sr. stole Bridge's watch from me, I have no idea why. It's not valuable, unless yer some weird collector maybe, but even then ya'd need to know what it is. But even then it's not really anythin' someone like Brightwell would be interested in. Yet he had his lackeys ambush me and steal the watch. Once I was back on me feet after that, and after I had found out who those guys had been workin' for I went to get me watch back. It's pretty well important to me, so, yeah, that's a risk I'd take." Lynwood listens and nods. "You //do// have a bit of a reputation to be rather queer." "Oh, ya have no idea," O'Brian glees. "Anyway... As I was sneakin' through the mansion — pretty pretty place, I gotta say, shoulda robbed it earlier had I known — I heard the older Brightwell having a go at someone else. He was furious. I don't know who he's been shouting at, figured it might be a servant or one o' his business partners, but now I think it mighta been Robert Brightwell. So, long story short, Edward Brightwell was very well present at the same time as I." <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|telllyn4]]</div>

Lynwood seems to genuinely ponder this. "Are you trying to say that Edward Brightwell killed his son," he then asks. "Pray tell, why would or should he?" "Well, why should or would I?" O'Brian sneers. "Do ya know how long it takes to bash someone's head in the way the papers have it? Yer sayin' I killed Robert Brightwell 'cause he caught me. Ya really think I wouldn't have rather just knocked him out an' made a run for it? But I told ya, I didn't even know he was there." O'Brian sighs heavily, calming himself down. "Look, agent, none of us is sayin' that Edward Brightwell killed his son, but we are sayin' that he lied 'bout being at the mansion. 'Cause I do know for certain that he //was// there." You watch for Lynwood's reaction. "Would you swear on that?" the agent asks. "Sure," O'Brian responds. "Would you swear //in court//?" "Profoundly. And I'd tell'em the same thing. Edward Brightwell lied 'bout being at his mansion the night someone killed his son. I know ol' Brightwell's voice from a clash years back." Lynwood frowns a little, and you can't really blame him. After a moment he nods curtly. "Your willingness to share this information is appreciated and noted, Mr. O'Brian. You are not off the hook however." O'Brian rolls his eyes. "Didn't expect that. But I take what I can get." Lynwood nods, and turns to the rest of you. "Now, if you'd pardon me, I believe we all have a busy day ahead of us." Suddenly his face softens and he looks at Miss Florence. "And my deepest condolences for your loss." Florence nods back briefly, and Lynwood leaves. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Well then.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "whattomakeofit">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "That went better than expected..." you murmur. <<else>> "We mused 'bout that," you say.<br><br> Burke nods again and ponders. "Y'know, thinkin' 'bout it he'll prob'ly just find another way to be a pain in the arse."<br><br> You nod wistfully.<</if>><</nobr>> "So, what do we make of it?" Burke then asks. "Of what?" you wonder. "Of why Brightwell lied. Look, I'm not the brightest spark in the powder keg, but there's gotta be a reason Brightwell lied 'bout that, and I can only think of two possibilities." "Which would be?" you ask. Burke shrugs and flops down on the bed, sitting cross-legged. "Alright, bear with me," he begins. "Bashing someone's head in like that, that takes time. Ya gotta really intend on doin' that. I mean, smacking someone with a poker an' killin' them, even accidentally? Sure, happens. An' Seán said Brightwell was furious. So, there's option one, old Brightwell is the murderer." Burke looks at Miss Florence. "Ya got an idea why ol' Brightwell coulda been like that?" Then he seems to remember something. "Oh, err, y'know, if this is stressful for ya, we can go to another room?" "It's alright," Florence answers. "And, no, I don't know what could have happened. Robert only told me he needed to speak to his father, and that it shouldn't take too long." "So, no idea what it coulda been about at all?" you ask. Florence shakes her head. "No. I assumed it was about our marriage. Maybe about Auguste." "What about Merryborne?" Mrs. Meadows asks darkly. "No. That was out of the question. Mr. Brightwell had gotten furious //about// the fact that had happened to me. But he couldn't find any clue as to who was behind it either. He was worried sick about it. It's out of the question he killed Robert in a fit of rage." Burke scrunches up his nose. "Y'know, I know what they say 'bout Edward Brightwell, but I ain't trustin' him to be this upstanding, forward-thinking philan-... phillen-..." "Philanthropist," Finley helps him out. "That thing, yeah, thanks." Burke pauses, then does a double take and nearly falls off the bed. "When the fuck did ya get in here, kid?" Finley winces. "Sorry." "Don't apologize, kid," Charlie comforts him. "Don't worry about it." As Finley nods Charlie casts you a glance that seems to say 'Did you notice him come in?'. You quietly shake your head. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|whattomakeofit1]]</div>

"Did you get everything?" Mrs. Meadows inquires, taking the parcel Finley hands her. "Yes, ma'am, except the acacia gum, they're currently out of it till the next train comes in from the capital tomorrow." Mrs. Meadows nods. "Good. Thank you, Finn." Finley nods back and settles into a chair by the window. "What are ya talkin' about?" he asks. "I mean, I heard it's somethin' 'bout why Mr. Lynwood is after Mr. O'Brian." You fill him in. And Finley ponders. "Maybe... maybe there was some illicit affair goin' on that Mr. Brightwell wanted to hide. That ain't sayin' he killed his son, but that'd be a reason for him to say he wasn't there." "But then who killed Robert Brightwell?" Burke wonders. "An' how d'ya spell //ehlissit//?" "I-L-L-I-C-I-T," Finley says, and Burke nudges O'Brian. "Could ya write that down?" "I could, but I could also just tell ya what it means." "Well, there's that." "Anyway," you interrupt. "I think we won't get anywhere like this." You catch Finley's eye. "Ya seem nervous, kid. What's wrong?" Finley squirms a little. "He wants to solve these kinds of mysteries," Mrs. Meadows informs you. "He's always been like that." You nod. <hr><<nobr>><div class="choice"><<link "I can't blame him, I want to solve this too.">> <<set $fin to $fin + 10>> <<set $mead to $mead + 5>> <<set $solvemystery_rob to true>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "whattomakeofit2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "I can't blame him, I want to solve it too, but we have other problems.">> <<set $fin to $fin + 5>> <<set $mead to $mead + 10>> <<set $solvemystery_rob to true>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "whattomakeofit2">> <</link>></div> <<if $solvemystery_robstart is false>> <div class="choice"><<link "That's quite silly.">> <<set $fin to $fin - 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "whattomakeofit2">> <</link>></div> <</if>><</nobr>>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Y'know," you answer, "I said that findin' that information woulda been Lynwood's job, but maybe it's a good idea if we go an' solve this mystery an' then present him with the facts."<br><br> "An' how d'ya plan on doin' that, $name?" O'Brian shakes his head, baffled. "We can't really waltz up to old Brightwell an' confront him." He pauses. "I mean we //could// con him, but... begorra, that'd be a tricky one."<br><br> "Yeah," Charlie agrees. "I mean his Grand Ball in three months would be an opportunity, but we don't got enough time for any big preparations."<br><br> "Yeah," O'Brian sighs wistfully. "Funny. Three months being too little time to prepare, but more than I'm willin' to have Lynwood on my tail."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows shakes her head at the three of you.<br><br> "Are you seriously planning criminal activity in front of me?"<br><br> "Au contraire, ma'am," Charlie purrs innocently. "We're just tryin' to find a way to shed some light onto this miserable affair to provide an agreeable outcome for all involved but the guilty."<br><br> "And then run off with the silverware, I reckon?" Mrs. Meadows counters.<br><br> "Hey, we're doin' a good deed, might as well be rewarded for it." You shrug.<br><br> <<else>> "Y'know," you answer, "I'd say we leave finding this information and solvin' this mystery to Lynwood. We got enough mysteries of our own."<br><br> "Yes, you do. And it's good to see you intend on solving some of them at least." <</if>> Mrs. Meadows frowns, shaking her head.<</nobr>> "Did I miss somethin'?" Burke asks, leaning in the open door. "Not much," O'Brian answers. "We found old Brightwell lied 'bout where he was when his son died," he fills Burke in on the rest, "an' we're now tryin' to figure what to do with that information." Burke nods and closes the door, moving to stand next to O'Brian. "Ya should tell this Lynwood," he muses, "Maybe that gets him off yer tail." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...About that....">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "whattomakeofit">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Can't really blame him," you say. <<if $solvemystery_robstart>>"I already said I<<else>>"I<</if>> wanna solve this too."<br><br> "I believe saving the world should take priority over this," Mrs. Meadows notes. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Can't really blame him," you say, and sigh. <<if $solvemystery_robstart>>"Like I said, I<<else>>"I<</if>> wanna solve this too, but we have other problems."<br><br> "Indeed," Mrs. Meadows notes. "Saving the world is ought to take priority over this." <<else>> "Y'know that's silly, kid," you huff, "As if we ain't got other things to worry about."<br><br> "Like preventing the possible end of the world," Mrs. Meadows adds.<</if>><</nobr>> "Yeah, that sounds about right," you say. "Hey, chin up, kiddo," O'Brian throws in. "I doubt Lynwood will have given up on havin' me swing by the time we saved the world, so we can still solve that mystery then." Finley murmurs a little and looks away, worrying his sleeve. "No, we won't..." he mumbles. "Why not?" Finley looks at O'Brian at that question. "'Cause I'll be leavin' ya at Potter's Springs, remember?" Oh. That. "Ya sound unhappy 'bout the prospect of meetin' yer father," Charlie wonders. Finley sniffles a little. "No. I-I'm just a bit scared. An' I really wanted to help stoppin' the people that beat up Mr. Blayne." "Finley," Mrs. Meadows frowns, but it's a gentle frown, "You are a skilled young man, but your place is with your father, not with this ragtag bunch of misfits." "Yer too kind, Doc," Burke mumbles. You ponder things for a moment. "Mrs. Meadows, what can ya actually tell us 'bout Finn's father?" Mrs. Meadows looks at you, a little surprised, when Miss Florence speaks up. "Pardon, but if you don't mind, could you fill me in?" "The kid's an orphan," O'Brian answers, "Well, half orphan. We're on our way to meet his father." "Oh." Miss Florence nods. "And... what was that about 'the end of the world'?" You and the others look at each other, all a little awkwardly, neither daring to say what that means. "Ya know Devil's Creek, ma'am?" Finley finally ventures carefully. Miss Florence stares at him bewildered. "The... the ghost town over in the mountains?" The rest of you nod. "Golly... had I known that..." Florence looks at O'Brian. "You are as good as dead. Sorry for having tried to kill you." "Ain't ya charmin'," O'Brian grouses. "But yeah, that's where we're headed." For a moment Miss Florence falls silent, before she looks at Charlie, then the rest of the group, and then the ceiling in thought. And she suddenly squeaks quietly. "Please let me come with you!" she squeals, eyes wide with wonder. "I promise I won't try to kill Mr. O'Brian again." <hr><div class="choice">[[...What the...?|whattomakeofit3]]</div>

"I cannot say that is a reaction I would have expected at all." Mrs. Meadows is the first to overcome her surprise. "With what ya just said, especially 'bout me, I must ask," O'Brian ventures, sounding a little uncertain, and a little concerned. "Ya got a death wish?" Miss Florence sighs. "No, it's just... I always wanted to investigate the supernatural. I told you my tati is a medium, and Robert wanted to go to Devil's Creek after he talked to his father." Again stunned silence dominates the room. "Come again?" you say. "Oh, Robert and I, we were traveling around the country to haunted houses and ghost towns. Devil's Creek was //the// big one we wanted to tackle next." "Just you and Robert?" you wonder. "And some very skilled friends, $addr," Florence huffs mildly. "We know the risks." "Huh, ya think that's why ol' Brightwell got so mad at Robert?" O'Brian muses out loud. "Could be," you say. "But that still doesn't answer who killed him." You sigh and stretch your back. "But as we figured, first things first." You look back at Finley, and then at Mrs. Meadows. "I think you can fill us in about Finley's father and what exactly Blayne wants us to do in Devil's Creek." Mrs. Meadows shakes her head. "I can fill you in about the former. It's a man by the name of Ethan Murdock, a farmer, been a bank teller and working with the stagecoach." You look at Finley. You had kinda worried he'd be disappointed, but right now he looks to be simply considering it. "Sounds nice," he finally says. "I wanted to live on a farm." "Well, then ya got somethin' to look forward to," you say. Finley nods, and looks at Mrs. Meadows. "Is he nice? This Mr. Murdock, I mean." "Mr. Blayne says so. I have never met the man in question." Mrs. Meadows looks at you. "And before you ask, no, I cannot fill you in on the rest. Yet. So, kindly be patient." Something in her gaze tells you it'd be not the brightest idea to ask regardless. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Don't ask.">> <<set $mead to $mead + 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "horsetime">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Ask regardless.">> <<set $mead to $mead - 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "horsetime">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Just so ya know, that's not really reassurin'," you sigh, "but I'll be quiet."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows glowers a little, but nods. <<else>> "Why?" you wonder.<br><br> Mrs. Meadows casts you a brief glare.<br><br> "Just be patient."<br><br> Well, that's likely all the answers you'll get right now.<</if>><</nobr>> "Oh, hey. The rain stopped," Burke suddenly speaks up. You turn to the window. The rain's over indeed. "Good, I was gettin' worried," Charlie murmurs, stretching. You look at the others. "Yes... Now, I think we're done here, right? What now?" "I'll say we check on the horses," Charlie notes. "Ya know how Wicklow gets when it rains for so long." <<nobr>>"Yeah, he's gettin' worried too." You grin. "So, alright, horses first an' then..." <<if $trainingch4 is 1>> You look at Mrs. Meadows. "Could I ask ya something?"<br><br> "Depends on the question," Mrs. Meadows returns.<br><br> "I wanted to hone my medical skills a little, could you help out?"<br><br> Mrs. Meadows ponders.<br><br> "I might as well. I will stay here with Miss Florence, but you can gladly join me." <<elseif $trainingch4 is 2>> You lower your head to your chest in thought before looking at O'Brian. "Ya said yer good on a horse?"<br><br> O'Brian nods.<br><br> "Ask Tommy, I'm an excellent rider."<br><br> You watch the blood shoot into Burke's face and he hastily turns away while O'Brian cackles endearingly.<br><br> "But, yeah, I'm no bad." O'Brian smiles. "Why?"<br><br> "I wanted to hone me skills a little. Could ya help me out?"<br><br> O'Brian ponders.<br><br> "Sure." <<elseif $trainingch4 is 3>> You pause and look at Charlie. "Ya wanted to practice yer brawlin' too, right?"<br><br> Charlie nods.<br><br> "Question is more where we can do that in peace," he says.<br><br> "There's the yard back at the butchers' quarter," Burke interrupts. "I can show ya."<br><br> "Ya should ask Tommy to teach ya a trick or two. He's got one mean right hook," O'Brian says, and you watch Burke puff his chest with pride.<br><br> "Well, would ya?" you ask.<br><br> Burke shrugs.<br><br> "Sure." <<elseif $trainingch4 is 4>> You look at Finley. "Can I ask ya somethin'?"<br><br> "Sure?" Finley looks surprised.<br><br> "Could ya show me some o' yer tricks? Like the knife throwin', and how to steal someone's knife while they're using it?"<br><br> Finley blushes a little.<br><br> "I-I can try. I'm not good at teachin' others, though. But... I'll try. <<elseif $trainingch4 is 5>> You ponder. "I wanted to practice me shootin'."<br><br> "You'll have to leave town for that," Mrs. Meadows informs you. "Carrying firearms may be permitted, but firing them is only allowed in situations that call for it. Like the kidnapping you prevented." She nods at Miss Florence, who nods back graciously.<br><br> "Any idea where I could go?" you ask.<br><br> "There's an abandoned farmstead a little out of town," Burke says. "That's where I go for practice."<br><br> "I'll inform the sheriff and Agent Lynwood where you're going," Mrs. Meadows tells you. <<else>> You look at Charlie. "Ya said ya wanted to practice yer brawlin'?"<br><br> Charlie nods.<br><br> "Ya wanted to hone yer acting skills, right?"<br><br> You nod as well.<br><br> "Mind if I come with ya an' ya show me some tricks afterwards?"<br><br> "Sure. But first I need to find a place to train, an' someone to train with."<br><br> "There's the yard back at the butchers' quarter," Burke interrupts. "I can show ya."<br><br> "Ya should ask Tommy to teach ya a thing or two. He's got one mean right hook," O'Brian says, and you watch Burke puff his chest with pride.<br><br> "Well, would ya?" Charlie asks.<br><br> Burke shrugs.<br><br> "Sure. Maybe I can learn a bit o' smooth-talkin' as well."<</if>><</nobr>> "Thank you." You roll your shoulders, and look around. "Well, let's head to the livery then." <hr><div class="choice">[[~To the horses you go~|horsetime1]]</div>

The Taggart & Moray Livery, where your horses have been brought to, is a stable at the edge of town. Quite literally, as its fences seem to mark the edge between civilization and wilderness. There's no horses outside yet, which should make checking on your animals a lot easier. Well, 'should have made' at least, as locating your horses is hindered by good old bureaucracy. 'Cause as the sheriff and his men brought them here, the sheriff has to give his clearance for you first. Which means you are now waiting for one of the stablehands to run across town. "It's ridiculous, innit?" O'Brian murmurs, leaning against the fence. "Bloody bureaucracy..." "Would ya prefer someone could just get yer horse if they'd want to?" Charlie wonders. "Of course not. I like my Polina. And that's what I mean, I just wanna make sure she's alright an'..." O'Brian trails off as one of the stablehands leads a quite pretty stallion out onto the paddock. A Morgan horse, if you're not mistaken, silver dapple color, the almost white mane a little too long. And a mischievous aura you can sense to where you are standing. O'Brian seems baffled speechless upon seeing the stallion, before he nudges Burke in the side. "Ya still got that horse?" "Much to my dismay, yes," Burke deadpans, glaring at the animal in question. O'Brian blinks briefly. "Y'know, I'd have thought ya'd have gotten rid of'im by now." "I tried," Burke laments. "He keeps comin' back." Seems Burke doesn't have the best relationship with the stallion. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Be a tease about it.">> <<set $tom to $tom - 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "horsetime2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Show some sympathy.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "horsetime2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Wonder what's going on.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "horsetime2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Say nothing.">> <<set $tom to $tom + 5>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "horsetime2">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You lean closer.<br><br> "Take it that's yer loyal steed?"<br><br> Burke glowers and grumbles.<br><br> "Not funny, $name." <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "That seems to take quite a toll on ya," you say, as sympathetically as you can.<br><br> Burke sighs.<br><br> "Eh, let's not talk about it..." <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You lean closer.<br><br> "Care to tell me what's goin' on?"<br><br> Burke rolls his eyes.<br><br> "Me horse is a fuckin' bastard, that's what." <<else>> You observe in silence, earning a slightly suspicious but acknowledging glance from Burke.<</if>><</nobr>> "It's quite a pretty horse," Charlie notes, while Burke climbs up onto the fence. "Sure, he's pretty," Burke nags, "But he's one rotten asshole." Right on cue the stallion comes trotting up and, by all means, Burke barely manages to jump off the fence again before the horse can push him down into the mud. "See what I mean?" Burke gestures more insulted than angry at the horse. Which promptly nips at Burke's hand. "Ow!" Burke pulls his hand back, glaring at the stallion. There doesn't seem to be an injury, though, so... the horse apparently knows what it's doing. Interesting. "Alright, fine. I missed ya too!" Burke carps. "Now shut up!" The horse seems amused at the outburst, and you look at Charlie, who just shrugs clueless. "His name's Bullsnot," O'Brian informs you. "We've yet to figure out what to make of him." "Well, ya named him that," Charlie points out, looking at Burke, who's leaning grumpily against the fence again. "Doesn't sound as if yer holding him in too high regard." Burke blows a raspberry. <<nobr>><<if $rudehorse>> "He deserves ev'ry letter of that name, an' he knows it." He quirks a brow at you. "Say, didn't ya give yer own steed quite a rude name from what I heard?"<br><br> "Yeah," you shrug, "but that was a long time ago. By now it's almost a term of endearment."<br><br> "Yer one lucky bastard then."<br><br> Next to Burke Finley shuffles a little upset.<br><br> "Why don't ya like yer horse, Mr. Burke?" he asks carefully. <<else>> "He deserves ev'ry letter of that name, an' he knows it."<br><br> "Why?" Finley asks, looking a little upset.<</if>><</nobr>> "Ya want an' example, kid?" Burke begins. "First ever thing this hoofed bastard did to me was kick me down a ledge." The stallion neighs and nudges Burke in the back of his head. Burke grumbles. "Alright, alright," he says, rubbing his head. "Admittedly that did save me life..." he turns to face the horse directly. "But ya still kicked me!" In response the stallion neighs and snorts, before trotting away. You cast Charlie and Finley an intrigued look. There's a story you might want to ask about at some point. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|horsetime3]]</div>

"Well, at least we know he's well," O'Brian notes, and climbs up onto the fence. "Yeah." Burke huffs. "Woulda been surprised if they'd have managed to sell'im." More horses are brought out, and you watch them for a while. "Yer Polina's lookin' fine too," Burke tells O'Brian, and you watch their two horses play. Seems they share their owners' bond in some way. <<nobr>>"Hey, $Name," Burke then calls your attention. "Which one's yer... What's yer horse's name anyway?"<br><br> "It's $hname."<br><br> <<if $weirdhorse is 0>> You turn to <<elseif $weirdhorse is 1 or $weirdhorse is 3>> "Did ya fuckin' name yer horse after yerself?"<br><br> "No, Charlie did. Long story."<br><br> "An' a silly one, I wager. So which horse is it?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $weirdhorse is 2>> "Did ya fuckin' name yer horse after Mulligan?"<br><br> "Blame it all on human Charlie."<br><br> Burke just rolls his eyes with a grunt.<br><br> "So which one <<if $hname.toLowerCase() is "charlneigh" or $hname.toLowerCase() is "charneigh">> is..." he pauses and narrows his eyes at you, before snapping his head around to O'Brian.<br><br> "Please tell me that name isn't spelled what it sounded like..."<br><br> <<if $hname.toLowerCase() is "charlneigh">>"Oh, no, it isn't," O'Brian singsongs. "There's an 'L' in it, too."<<else>>"It is though."<</if>><br><br> Burke looks at you as if you just had him lose all hope in humanity.<br><br> "For fuck's sake... Right... Which one <</if>> is it?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $weirdhorse is 4>> <<if $doublehorse is 15>> "Goddamnit, why does yer horse have that name too?"<br><br> "It's a good name. An', let's be honest. How should I have known?"<br><br> "Eh, true..."<br><br> You smile a little and <<elseif $doublehorse is 17>> Burke turns to O'Brian. "Josie's gonna have a field day with that, won't she?"<br><br> "Absolutely."<br><br> And Burke turns back to you.<br><br> "So which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $doublehorse is 20>> "Pardon?"<br><br> Something in Burke's voice draws your attention. And you have an idea what it is.<br><br> "I know, I know," you say. "Bridge's horse has the same name."<br><br> "Well, it's a good name, give ya that."<br><br> You nod and <<else>> $hname?"<br><br> You turn to <</if>> <<elseif $weirdhorse is 5>> You turn to <<elseif $weirdhorse is 6>> Burke simply narrows his eyes at you and Charlie (the human).<br><br> "What. On. Earth?" <br><br> <<if $doublecharlie >=11>> "$They take after $their parents," O'Brian notes dryly.<br><br> "Yeah, I get that." Burke <<else>> Burke <</if>> shakes his head at you.<br><br> "'right, which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $weirdhorse is 7>> <<if $doublehorse is 1>> "God, I can't believe yer horse's calIed that..."<br><br> O'Brian cackles, and you roll your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>.<br><br> Burke just scratches his head, lips moving as he tries to work through something.<br><br> "This is gonna get so confusin'," he complains. "What with Seán bein' Seán, ya bein' $fname, and yer horse bein' $hname..."<br><br> O'Brian now snorts a laugh, nearly falling off the fence, while you just shrug and <<elseif $doublehorse is 2>> "...//Excuse you//? What do you //mean// yer horse's got the same name as I... I can't believe yer horse //and// you got the same name as I. Ya alone was confusin' enough!"<br><br> O'Brian now snorts a laugh, nearly falling off the fence, while you just shrug and <<elseif $doublehorse is 3>> Burke gives you the same stare of disbelief as O'Brian before. "I didn't name me horse after yer O'Reilly, if ya think that," you note, again.<br><br> Burke just harrumphs, half-offended, nevertheless. Yeah, you've seen that reaction before, too.<br><br> "'right, which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $doublehorse is 4>> Burke turns to O'Brian. "Our Josie's gonna have a field day with that, won't she?"<br><br> "Absolutely."<br><br> And Burke turns back to you.<br><br> "So which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $doublehorse is 5>> "Did ya name yer horse after the Doc?"<br><br> "I did not." "'right, which one's yours then?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $doublehorse is 6>> "I hope ya named the horse after yerself an' not after the Pink."<br><br> "Takin' into account that I know me horse for longer than him..."<br><br> Burke just nods.<br><br> "So which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $doublehorse is 7>> Burke looks over to the boy, and back to you, before shaking his head.<br><br> "Making things confusin' on purpose..."<br><br> "As if I coulda known."<br><br> Burke just shrugs.<br><br> "So which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $doublehorse is 8>> ''(NOTE: This is a bug, this should not be reachable)'' <<elseif $doublehorse is 9 or $doublehorse is 10>> Burke just grimaces, clearing his throat, awkwardly, not commenting on it.<br><br> "So... which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $doublehorse is 13>> Burke cocks his head. "Did ya name yer horse after yerself?"<br><br> <<if $hname.toLowerCase() isnot "florence" and $hname.toLowerCase() isnot "robert">> "Naw, that's all on Charlie's sister Ada, 'twas her idea. I just lost a bet. Really need to learn not to make bets with that family."<br><br> Next to you, Charlie cackles.<br><br> <<if $hname.toLowerCase() is "ada">> "She made ya name yer horse after herself?" Burke asks.<br><br> "Weird woman."<br><br> "So I keep remindin' $nick," Charlie agrees.<br><br> <<elseif $hname.toLowerCase() is "grace">> "So, she made ya name yer horse after yerself?" Burke asks. "Weird woman."<br><br> "Almost. Grace's the youngest Mulligan sister."<br><br> <<else>> "Ain't that Mulligan's dead brother?" Burke states bluntly.<br><br> "Good Lord, the tact," Charlie grouses, but judging by the look crawling over his face then, Matt probably just made a comment that has Charlie trying very hard to not laugh.<br><br> <</if>> <<else>> Burke gnaws on his lips in thought.<br><br> "Don't let Miss Beauchêne hear that."<br><br> "That'll be a bit hard, if she's going to join us."<br><br> "...So... which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <</if>> <else> Burke cocks his head. "Did ya name yer horse after yerself?"<br><br> "Blame that on Charlie."<br><br> A curt nod.<br><br> "...So... which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <</if>> <<elseif $weirdhorse is 8>> <<if $doublehorse is 1>> "God, I can't believe yer horse's calIed that..."<br><br> O'Brian cackles, and you roll your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>.<br><br> Burke just scratches his head, while you just shrug and <<elseif $doublehorse is 2>> "...//Excuse you//? What do you //mean// yer horse's got the same name as I... I can't believe yer horse //and// you got the same name as I!"<br><br> O'Brian now snorts a laugh, nearly falling off the fence, while you just shrug and <<elseif $doublehorse is 3>> Burke gives you the same stare of disbelief as O'Brian before. "I didn't name me horse after yer O'Reilly, if ya think that," you note, again.<br><br> Burke just harrumphs, half-offended, nevertheless. Yeah, you've seen that reaction before, too.<br><br> "'right, which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $doublehorse is 4>> Burke turns to O'Brian. "Our Josie's gonna have a field day with that, won't she?"<br><br> "Absolutely."<br><br> And Burke turns back to you.<br><br> "So which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $doublehorse is 5>> "Did ya name yer horse after the Doc?"<br><br> "I did not." "'right, which one's yours then?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $doublehorse is 6>> "I hope ya didn't name the horse after the Pink."<br><br> "Takin' into account that I know me horse for longer than him..."<br><br> Burke just nods.<br><br> "So which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $doublehorse is 7>> Burke looks over to the boy, and back to you, before shaking his head.<br><br> "Making things confusin' on purpose..."<br><br> "As if I coulda known."<br><br> Burke just shrugs.<br><br> "So which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $doublehorse is 8>> ''(NOTE: This is a bug, this should not be reachable)'' <<elseif $doublehorse is 9 or $doublehorse is 10>> Burke just grimaces, clearing his throat, awkwardly, not commenting on it.<br><br> "So... which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <<elseif $doublehorse is 13>> Burke cocks his head. "Good name."<br><br> <<if $hname.toLowerCase() isnot "florence" and $hname.toLowerCase() isnot "robert">> "Thanks, it's named after one o' Charlie's siblings. Blame his sister Ada for it."<br><br> Next to you, Charlie smirks briefly.<br><br> <<if $hname.toLowerCase() is "ada">> "She made ya name yer horse after herself?" Burke asks.<br><br> "Weird woman."<br><br> "So I keep remindin' $nick," Charlie agrees.<br><br> <<elseif $hname.toLowerCase() is "grace">> "So, she made ya name yer horse after...?" Burke asks.<br><br> "Grace's the youngest Mulligan sister."<br><br> <<else>> "Ain't that Mulligan's dead brother?" Burke states bluntly.<br><br> "Good Lord, the tact," Charlie grouses, but judging by the look crawling over his face then, Matt probably just made a comment that has Charlie trying very hard to not laugh.<br><br> <</if>> <<else>> Burke gnaws on his lips in thought.<br><br> "Don't let Miss Beauchêne hear that."<br><br> "That'll be a bit hard, if she's going to join us."<br><br> "...So... which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <</if>> <else> Burke cocks his head. "Huh. Good name. So... which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <</if>> <<else>> "$hname. <<if $hname.toLowerCase() is "horse">>Really<<else>>Isn't that just 'Horse' in another language. Really<</if>>?" Burke looks ready to just walk off as if insulted. "Gracious... <br><br> <<if $doublecharlie >=11>> Then he gives you a long, nonplussed look.<br><br> "...Yeah, I'm starting to see why yer parents named ya what they named ya... <</if>> So... which one's yours?"<br><br> You turn to <</if>> scan the herd until you spot your...<</nobr>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~stallion.">> <<set $hgen to 1>> <<set $hthey to "he">> <<set $hthem to "him">> <<set $htheir to "his">> <<set $htheirs to "his">> <<set $hself to "himself">> <<set $Hthey to "He">> <<set $Hthem to "Him">> <<set $Htheir to "His">> <<set $Htheirs to "His">> <<set $Hself to "Himself">> <<set $horseis to "stallion">> <<goto "ahorse">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~gelding.">> <<set $hgen to 2>> <<set $hthey to "he">> <<set $hthem to "him">> <<set $htheir to "his">> <<set $htheirs to "his">> <<set $hself to "himself">> <<set $Hthey to "He">> <<set $Hthem to "Him">> <<set $Htheir to "His">> <<set $Htheirs to "His">> <<set $Hself to "Himself">> <<set $horseis to "gelding">> <<goto "ahorse">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~mare.">> <<set $hgen to 3>> <<set $hthey to "she">> <<set $hthem to "her">> <<set $htheir to "her">> <<set $htheirs to "hers">> <<set $hself to "herself">> <<set $Hthey to "She">> <<set $Hthem to "Her">> <<set $Htheir to "Her">> <<set $Htheirs to "Hers">> <<set $Hself to "Herself">> <<set $horseis to "mare">> <<goto "ahorse">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~molly mule (female mule).">> <<set $hgen to 4>> <<set $hthey to "she">> <<set $hthem to "her">> <<set $htheir to "her">> <<set $htheirs to "hers">> <<set $hself to "herself">> <<set $Hthey to "She">> <<set $Hthem to "Her">> <<set $Htheir to "Her">> <<set $Htheirs to "Hers">> <<set $Hself to "Herself">> <<set $horseis to "molly">> <<goto "notahorse">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~john mule (male mule).">> <<set $hgen to 5>> <<set $hthey to "he">> <<set $hthem to "him">> <<set $htheir to "his">> <<set $htheirs to "his">> <<set $hself to "himself">> <<set $Hthey to "He">> <<set $Hthem to "Him">> <<set $Htheir to "His">> <<set $Htheirs to "His">> <<set $Hself to "Himself">> <<set $horseis to "mule">> <<goto "notahorse">> <</link>></div>\

"Ya see the $horseis over there?" you comment. Maybe not the best way of asking, as there's quite a few horses of that distinction on the paddock. "Which one?" Burke asks, with good reasons therefore. "The..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Morgan Horse.">> <<set $breed to 1>> <<set $hbreed to "Morgan horse">> <<goto "ahorse1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Appaloosa.">> <<set $breed to 2>> <<set $hbreed to "Appaloosa">> <<goto "ahorse1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Paint Horse.">> <<set $breed to 3>> <<set $hbreed to "Paint horse">> <<goto "ahorse1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Missouri Fox Trotter.">> <<set $breed to 4>> <<set $hbreed to "Missouri Fox Trotter">> <<goto "ahorse1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Thoroughbred.">> <<set $breed to 5>> <<set $hbreed to "Thoroughbred">> <<goto "ahorse1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Clydesdale.">> <<set $breed to 6>> <<set $hbreed to "Clydesdale">> <<goto "ahorse1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Quarter Horse.">> <<set $breed to 7>> <<set $hbreed to "Quarter horse">> <<goto "ahorse1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Shire.">> <<set $breed to 8>> <<set $hbreed to "Shire">> <<goto "ahorse1">> <</link>></div>\

"The $hbreed," you say. Burke looks at you blankly. "$title $Name. Look me in the eyes an' tell me I can tell'em breeds apart," he deadpans. You sigh. <<if $breed >=6>>"The big one?" As this is met with another blank stare, you frown. "Can<<else>>"Can<</if>> ya tell coat colors apart?" "That I can." There a certain aloofness in Burke's voice at that. You don't comment on that, but turn back to the horses. "It's the... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~gray one.">> <<set $hcolor to 1>> <<set $hcoat to "gray">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "ahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~black one.">> <<set $hcolor to 2>> <<set $hcoat to "black">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "ahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~sorrel one.">> <<set $hcolor to 3>> <<set $hcoat to "sorrel">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "ahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~bay one.">> <<set $hcolor to 4>> <<set $hcoat to "bay">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "ahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~palomino one.">> <<set $hcolor to 5>> <<set $hcoat to "palomino">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "ahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~chestnut one.">> <<set $hcolor to 6>> <<set $hcoat to "chestnut">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "ahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~grulla one.">> <<set $hcolor to 7>> <<set $hcoat to "grulla">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "ahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~dun one.">> <<set $hcolor to 8>> <<set $hcoat to "dun">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "ahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~buckskin one.">> <<set $hcolor to 9>> <<set $hcoat to "buckskin">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "ahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~roan one.">> <<set $hcolor to 10>> <<set $hcoat to "roan">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "ahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~champagne one.">> <<set $hcolor to 11>> <<set $hcoat to "champagne">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "ahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~cream one.">> <<set $hcolor to 12>> <<set $hcoat to "cream">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "ahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\

"It's the $hcoat one," you say. Burke scans the herd. "The appaloosa, pinto, blanket, dapple or solid one?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>The appaloosa one.</q>">> <<set $hcoat to "spotty " + $hcoat>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "splotchy">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>The pinto one.</q>">> <<set $hcoat to "blotched " + $hcoat>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "splotchy">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>The blanket one.</q>">> <<set $hcoat to $hcoat + " blanket">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "splotchy">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>The dappled one.</q>">> <<set $hcoat to "dapple " + $hcoat>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "splotchy">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>The solid one.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<set $solidcoat to true>> <<goto "splotchy">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<set $horsedone to true>> <<if $continuity is 1>> <<if $breed is 2>> <<set $hcoat to "spotty " + $hcoat>> <</if>> <<if $breed is 3>> <<set $hcoat to "blotched " + $hcoat>> <</if>> "I really liked the <<if $solidcoat is true>>lovely $hcoat<<else>>$hcoat<</if>> coat," you say.<br><br> Next to you, Burke snorts.<br><br> "What?" you grouse.<br><br> "Don't mind Tommy," O'Brian grins. "He prob'ly just remembered what a pain some colors can be..."<br><br> You blink confused.<br><br> "What do ya... What?" <<elseif $continuity is 2>> <<if $breed is 2>> <<set $hcoat to "spotty " + $hcoat>> <</if>> <<if $breed is 3>> <<set $hcoat to "blotched " + $hcoat>> <</if>> "It's the <<if $solidcoat is true>>plain $hcoat<<else>>$hcoat<</if>> one."<br><br> Burke scans the herd.<br><br> "Pretty."<br><br> Charlie quirks a brow.<br><br> "How come you can tell the coat colors apart, but not the breeds?" <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "The $hcoat one."<br><br> Burke nods.<br><br> "Pretty."<br><br> Charlie quirks a brow.<br><br> "How come you can tell the coat colors apart, but not the breeds?" <<else>> "So, yeah, no wonder $hthey caught me eye, what with that <<if $solidcoat is true>>lovely $hcoat<<else>>$hcoat<</if>> coat."<br><br> Next to you, Burke snorts.<br><br> "What?" you grouse.<br><br> "Don't mind Tommy," O'Brian grins. "He prob'ly just remembered what a pain some colors can be..."<br><br> You blink confused.<br><br> "What do ya... What?" <</if>><</nobr>> Burke shrugs innocently. "Gotta know how hard it is to paint'em over after ya stole them." You don't comment on that. Instead you turn back to the horses and watch them again. For what you can make out they're all fine, and you notice Burke's bemusement as he spots his horse looking rather intimidated by Wicklow. Thankfully it doesn't take too long till the stablehand returns with a note from the sheriff, giving you clearance for your mounts. And with the knowledge that they are well cared for your group parts ways for the day, with you <<if $trainingch4 is 1>>heading back to the hotel to meet up with Mrs. Meadows<<elseif $trainingch4 is 2>>staying at the stable with O'Brian<<elseif $trainingch4 is 3 or $trainingch4 is 6>>following Burke and Charlie to the yard Burke mentioned<<elseif $trainingch4 is 4>>joining Finley at a small shed not too far from the livery<<else>>riding to the abandoned farmstead<</if>>. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "It's time to hone your skills.">> <<if $trainingch4 is 1>> <<goto "trainmed">> <<elseif $trainingch4 is 2>> <<goto "trainride">> <<elseif $trainingch4 is 3 or $trainingch4 is 6>> <<goto "trainsurvtalk">> <<elseif $trainingch4 is 4>> <<goto "traincard">> <<else>> <<goto "traingun">> <</if>> <</link>></div>

"Thanks again for helpin' me with this," you say, sitting down with Mrs. <<if $pol >=65>>Meadows<<else>>Meadows. You know by now it's a good idea to be a little more polite around her<</if>> Mrs. Meadows nods curtly. <<nobr>><<if $med >=40>> "I know you possess both a solid knowledge as well as acceptable practical skills in the medical field, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>," she says. "Improving your skills should not be too much of a task."<br><br> "Thank ya, I do what I can," you grouse mildly.<br><br> "That was a compliment, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>."<br><br> You blink.<br><br> "...I'll take yer word for it." <<elseif $med <=15>> "I believe the medical field is a book with seven seals to you, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>. I'm surprised you haven't killed anyone by accident yet."<br><br> You scrunch up your nose.<br><br> "Hey, I'm here to learn, ain't I?" <<else>> "I believe you have got acceptable understanding of the medical field, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>."<br><br> "Can't complain," you say and shrug.<br><br> "It's not about you complaining, it's about those you are trying to treat doing so."<br><br> You frown a little.<br><br> "I know, I know."<</if>><</nobr>> Mrs. Meadows nods. "But regardless of any of that, do answer me a question: All things considered, do you rely more on traditional or modern medicine?" You blink, a bit confused. "What?" Mrs. Meadows sighs. <<nobr>>"Look at me, I consider myself <<if $match_lm >0>> a woman of science."<br><br> "So I've heard. An' I don't doubt it."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows nods dryly.<br><br> "Good. But <<else>> a woman of science. But <</if>> there are people who will look at me and stubbornly believe, if not insist, that I will try to cure their ailments with questionable pastes and dried bits of <<if $skincol <8>> animals. I believe you are no stranger to that treatment, regardless of your skills."<br><br> You nod sourly.<br><br> "Yeah..."<br><br> "Now, be it as it may, these people <<else>> animals. They <</if>> are commonly surprised when I don't." Mrs. Meadows harrumphes and shakes her head. "Some are even offended I don't fit into their idea of a Chinese doctor. Yet the same people had the audacity to complain when Nathan or I did apply 'traditional' methods."<</nobr>> <<if $knowmead>>"They complained 'bout yer husband too?"<<else>>"Nathan was your husband, right?"<</if>> Another nod. "People got upset with him that he //dared// to defy modern science, and with me that I, as said, didn't fit into their idea of things. But all that aside, what I mean to say is this: As a doctor you ought to be able to judge which treatment is best. You have to sort through tradition and modernity, and see what works. There is as much brilliance in either as there is rotten and sometimes dangerous nonsense." "Can't argue with that," you note. "Good." Mrs Meadows picks up her bag and you notice a trace of sorrow on her face. "Yer thinkin' of yer husband, don't ya?" you ask before you can stop yourself. Mrs. Meadows snaps her head around to glare sharply at you, but her expression softens quickly. "There is no harm in telling you, is there?" she sighs. "I miss him. Dearly. <<if $knowmead>>I told you already what a wonderful man he was<<else>>He was a wonderful man<</if>> And one of the few people to treat me with respect." Mrs. Meadows snorts a bitter laugh. "I believe there's actually only two other people that ever treated me like that." You search your memory. "Who?" you ask, not wanting to say something wrong right now. "Emmett, of course. And Benjamin." "Sheriff Lowell?" <<nobr>>"Yes."<br><br> <<if $match_lm >0>> You bite back mentioning anything about the impression you got about how the sheriff thinks (and feels) about Mrs. Meadows. Now isn't the time for that.<br><br><</if>> You nod. And hesitate.<</nobr>> "Wait, what about Finley?" Mrs. Meadows shakes her head. "Finley seems more scared of me than anything." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>I can't blame him.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "trainmed1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I don't think that's true.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "trainmed1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Say nothing.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "trainmed1">> <</link>></div>\

"So, what d'ya think?" you call out to O'Brian, who has made himself comfortable on a rock in the grass. The two of you have decided to head to a stretch of pasture near the livery for some training. And for the last quarter of an hour or so you've been riding up and down in front of O'Brian, who's been watching you attentively. <<nobr>><<if $ride >=40>> "Yer really damn good," O'Brian calls back, "Don't think there's much I can teach ya."<br><br> You smile.<br><br> <<if $bold >=80>>"That's bloody disappointin', y'know. But thanks,"<<elseif $bold >=25 and $bold <=75>>"If ya say so. Thank ya,"<<else>>"Oh... Umm... thank you?"<</if>> you respond.<br><br> You had genuinely hoped for more than just some, albeit impressed, praise.<br><br> "I could still show ya some tricks," O'Brian suggests, getting up and dusting off his clothes. "Just tell me if ya already know'em."<br><br> "Sounds good to me," you say. <<elseif $ride <=15>> "Don't mind me sayin' this," O'Brian calls from where he's sitting, "but how the Hell did you manage to ever even get into a saddle?"<br><br> You glower a bit.<br><br> <<if $bold >=80>> "Couldn't ya put that a little nicer?"<br><br> O'Brian shrugs.<br><br> "Listen, we both know ya wanna be prepared for what we might face, so I gotta be honest, right? There's no use in me mincin' me words an' it coming round to bite all o' us in the arse." <<elseif $bold >=25 and $bold <=75>> "Oh, c'mon," you protest.<br><br> "What? Listen, we both know ya wanna be prepared for what we might face, so I gotta be honest, right? There's no use in me mincin' me words an' it coming round to bite all o' us in the arse." <<else>> "Oh... that bad?"<br><br> O'Brian lolls his head a bit.<br><br> "Lotsa beginner's mistakes. But if push comes to shove those can cost ya yer head. You an' the rest of us."<</if>> You sigh heavy-heartedly.<br><br> "I know. We're gonna be here all day, aren't we?"<br><br> O'Brian shrugs.<br><br> "Not necessarily. It's really just beginner's mistakes. Like, yer puttin' yer whole foot into the stirrup, an' yer tryin' to steer with the reins more than any other way."<br><br> "Oh..." you sound a little disappointed. You hadn't deemed your riding skills on a level like that, after all they have served you well so far. But you take O'Brian's word for it, mostly on account that he's looking quite worried.<br><br> O'Brian gets up, dusting off his clothes.<br><br> "Come, I'll show ya." <<else>> "Yer not too bad," O'Brian calls from where he's sitting, "All I'm seein' ya doin' wrong are small bits here and there, but nothin' big."<br><br> You roll your shoulders.<br><br> "Well, that's reassuring, y'know," you respond. "Still, I'd like to be prepared."<br><br> O'Brian nods and gets up, dusting off his clothes.<br><br> "Shouldn't take long though."<</if>><</nobr>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<goto "trainride1">> <</link>></div>\

<<if $surv >=40>>"Bloody Hell, Mulligan, yer really lousy," Burke grunts, catching his breath, before looking at you. "Yer fine however, $name<<elseif $surv <=15>>"For Christ's sake, ya two are //lousy//!" Burke grunts, catching his breath. "Fuckin' hope we won't get into any brawls along the way<<else>>"Bloody Hell, Mulligan, yer really lousy," Burke grunts, catching his breath, before looking at you. "An' yer not much better, $Name<</if>>." Then he slumps back onto the dusty ground with a long groan, arms spread. After a moment of just laying there he raises his head, looking at Charlie again. "Sorry 'bout yer shoulder, though." And he slumps back down. "Eh, it's alright," Charlie notes, pressing a pack of ice against the corpus delicti, "Nothing's broken or anything." You sigh. You've spent the last hour or so training in the yard Burke had told you about, but while Burke turned out to be a formidable and vicious fighter, he's quite at a loss about how to actually teach anyone the tricks of the trade. Burke squirms a little, and you figure he's coming to the same conclusion. He slowly sits up, shaking the dirt out of his hair. "Y'know...," he begins, "//maybe// I ain't the best person to teach ya how to fight." He looks at Charlie again. "Nice evasion, though. Didn't actually expect that." Charlie shrugs, rubbing his shoulders. And smiles mischievously. You know the smirk, and you know why it is there. And you've seen the fight. "What's with the grin now?" Burke wonders, furrowing his brow. "Charlie goaded ya into that attack," you answer in Charlie's place, and Burke blinks. "Wait," he goes. "All that crap he said was on purpose?" Charlie chuckles, leaning forward. "Ya wanted me to teach ya the whole '//smooth-talkin'//' thing, Mr. Burke. An' that's part of it." Burke blinks again. "No, it ain't. I've seen Seán talk circles 'round people an' makin' them..." he pauses, pondering. "Oh, c'mon, ya mean that was something like that?" You and Charlie nod. "Ya need to know what to say to people to get an advantage," you say. "There's isn't just one way o' smooth-talkin', it always depends on the person yer targeting. It's <<if $surv >=40>>like with fightin'. Ya gotta know what yer gettin' into, or it'll end badly<<elseif $surv <=15>>like with fightin', I guess. I mean, if ya don't know what yer in for, yer screwed<<else>>like with fightin', I reckon. If ya got no real idea what yer in for, yer screwed<</if>>." Burke nods and glowers a little, mostly at Charlie. "So, ya knew I'd go at you like that?" "I knew ya would attack rather... aimlessly an' viciously after all that tauntin'. I just didn't know how exactly ya'd attack." Charlie smiles. "That's were me lack of experience an' skill got in me way of gettin' out of that unscathed." Burke considers this for a long moment. "Err... so ya mean ya tricked me into an attack that ya knew ya likely couldn't fully avoid?" He narrows his eyes at Charlie. "Yer a lunatic." Charlie chuckles. You look at him for a bit. You know he'd never let you hear the end of it had you tried the same thing. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~I chuckle as well. Charlie knows what he's doing.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "trainsurvtalk1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$mconeeye ?"~I roll my eye. That was careless." : "~I roll my eyes. That was careless."`>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "trainsurvtalk1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~I box Charlie in the injured shoulder. He deserves it this time 'round.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "trainsurvtalk1">> <</link>></div>\

You blink. Once. Twice. And <<if $mcglasses>> take off your glasses to rub<<else>>rub<</if>> your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> in disbelief. "Alright, how did you do that?" you ask, utterly baffled. You've spent the last hour or so at the little shed outside of town (it apparently belongs to the local blacksmith), and Finley has just demonstrated that he can steal your guns from their holster while you were talking. Finley shrugs in response to your question, shuffling a little awkward. "I dunno. I wanted to see if... if it's possible, so I started practicin'... Mr. Blayne says it's incredible, but... Is it really good?" You search the boys face. In your time you've come across your fair share of people who'd sell themselves short in an attempt to get praised for nothing outstanding. But Finley looks at you with eager and honest eyes. "It's a little... frightening, but, yes, that's quite impressive." Finley beams at you. <<nobr>>"Thank you. <<if $card >=40>> Yer great, too."<br><br> You smile.<br><br> "Thanks. Not that good, though. Ya oughta show me how to do that some time."<br><br> "I-I could try now. I-I mean that's what we're here for."<br><br> You shake your head.<br><br> "I think that'll take more time than we have." You sit down on a small bench. "But we managed quite a lot today, thank you for that." <<elseif $card <=15>> Yer..." Finley looks away awkwardly, and you sigh.<br><br> "Ya can say it, kid. I suck."<br><br> Finley winces, but nods quickly and rather apologetic.<br><br> "Hey, chin up," you say. "I'm a bit of a lost cause when it comes to nimble fingers an' all that. That's why Charlie keeps me away from the gambling tables at all costs. Least he needs someone to distract the other players... But... ya already showed me a lot, so, thanks for that."<br><br> Finley smiles gently.<br><br> "Y-yer welcome."<br><br> You sit down on a small bench.<br><br> "Hey, I might even have a chance o' playin' me own games o' Poker now," you joke, albeit a little forced. <<else>> Yer not too bad either."<br><br> You snort a laugh.<br><br> "Thanks, kid. But I'm far from what ya just did."<br><br> Finley blushes a little.<br><br> "I-I could try an' show ya. I-I mean that's what we're here for."<br><br> You shake your head.<br><br> "I think that'll take more time than we have." You sit down on a small bench. "But we managed quite a lot today, thank you for that."<</if>><</nobr>> Finley sits down next to you, staring at the ground in thought. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|traincard1]]</div>

It takes a while to find the farmstead. The buildings are run down they are barely standing, part of the barn's roof caved in some time ago, and the roof of the house looks just short of following its example. Everything is overgrown, the small forest bordering on the farmstead slowly reclaiming it. You look around the area for a bit before setting up some old tin cans along a stretch of fence that still stands quite securely. <<nobr>><<if $gun >=40>> Aim and Speed, you tell yourself, that's important. You know you are good, you've proved it often enough, but there's certainly room for improvement.<br><br> You know you could go for fancy tricks, but you're not here to practice to show off. You are here to be able to hold your ground against whatever you might face in Devil's Creek. And potentially on the way there.<br><br> At some point, about an hour or such after you began training, you begin to wonder if you haven't spent more time now picking up the cans and reloading your guns than actually shooting.<br><br> With a sigh you reload and head to pick the fallen cans back up once again, as a bullet whizzes past you, making the can you were about to pick up jump away like a frog.<br><br> You whip around, readying your gun. <<elseif $gun <=15>> You frown darkly after a while.<br><br> You've wasted several rounds now, and the cans are still standing where you put them. It's getting frustrating. You knew you're not the best with a gun, but you'd have thought you'd be a little better than that.<br><br> "Perhaps if ya aim for the barn ya'll have a chance at hittin' those cans," someone comments and you whip around, raising your gun. <<else>> An hour or so passes, and you are decently happy with the results. Your aim is getting a lot better, as is your speed, both when shooting and reloading. But you can't shake off the feeling that this might not be enough.<br><br> Not when you're heading to a place like Devil's Creek.<br><br> You sigh, shake your head and go to pick up the cans again, when a sharp whistle pierces your ear.<</if>><</nobr>> On the porch of the old farmhouse sits the man in the black poncho —Preacher—, idly drumming on the shaft of the rifle in his lap. <<nobr>><<if $gun >=40>> "Is that how ya greet people?" you holler, scandalized.<br><br> Preacher chuckles, by the looks of it.<br><br> "Don't mind little old me," he calls. "Ya should mind that yer not payin' enough attention to yer surroundings for anyone to pull such a stunt. Out there ya'd be dead now."<br><br> <<if $tac >=45>> <<if $imp <=25>> You snarl, weighting your chances.<br><br> It's not hard to guess that someone who can land a shot like that would not have a hard time putting a bullet neatly between your eyes before you can even think about pulling the trigger on your weapon.<br><br> With a sour frown you uncock and holster your gun.<br><br> <<elseif $imp >25 and $imp <75>> You shift your weight from foot to foot, finger twitching on the side of the gun.<br><br> A part of you is urging you to shoot, another, louder one is yelling at you to remember what you've witnessed this man do.<br><br> You groan, and rather begrudgingly uncock and holster your gun.<br><br> <<else>> You hiss, aiming your gun at the man, threateningly.<br><br> Your finger is twitching on the side of the gun, but Preacher seems unfazed.<br><br> You glare, before lowering your gun again. You might be hotheaded, but you know when the odds are not in your favor. Someone who can land a shot like that would not have a hard time putting a bullet neatly between your eyes before you can even think about pulling the trigger on your weapon.<br><br> With a sour frown you uncock and holster your gun.<br><br> <</if>> <<else>> <<set $ouchie to true>> <<if $imp <=25>> You sneer and raise your gun at Preacher; or well, the spot on the porch next to him; finger curling around the trigger.<br><br> Just a warning shot, that should do.<br><br> But before you can react <<elseif $imp >25 and $imp <75>> You snarl and raise your gun, not caring what you're aiming at.<br><br> Whatever this hits, it hits.<br><br> But before you can react <<else>> You let out a roar, aiming your gun at Preacher, finger twitching and curling around the trigger.<br><br> You don't have the time to process things, left alone react as <</if>> Preacher brings up his rifle and shots your gun right out of your hand in one fluid motion.<br><br> You cry out, holding your hand. It's not too bad an injury, but it still hurts like all Hell. Then it sinks in what just happened.<br><br> Still holding your hand you look back up at Preacher who is still aiming his rifle at you, glaring.<br><br> You whimper.<br><br> "Wanna rethink that?" Preacher calls, and you nod quickly. You know when it's better not to rush in head first. Preacher nods at your fallen weapon and only lowers his rifle after you've picked up, uncocked and holstered your gun.<br><br> You dust off your clothes, glowering a little defeated. Preacher nods curtly at you, signaling that he won't try anything funny if you won't either.<br><br> <</if>> "What do you want?" you call. <<elseif $gun <=15>> "The first impression ya made was much better," you groan.<br><br> Preacher looks at you, and even though you can't see his face behind the mask and glasses, you can almost feel the grin he's giving you.<br><br> "Didn't mean to antagonize ya," he says. "Not much at least."<br><br> You gaze at him blankly. And he chuckles.<br><br> "Oh, don't mind little old me," he says, stretching. "What ya oughta mind is that yer pointing an empty gun at me."<br><br> You pause, a bit baffled, and your gaze flicks to your gun. It's indeed empty. Bugger.<br><br> "What do ya want?" you frown, holstering your gun. <<else>> "Preacher, right?" you call. "The sheriff told me about ya."<br><br> "I woulda been surprised if he hadn't," Preacher calls back. "Yer training seems to be going well."<br><br> "I can't complain," you answer, holstering your gun. "What do ya want?" <</if>><</nobr>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|traingun1]]</div>

You point $hthem out to Burke. "That's a mule," Burke comments dryly. You frown a little. "Yes, $hthey is, but $hthey's doing $htheir best." You look at Finley. "By the by, kid, I think ya won $htheir heart by treating $hthem like a horse." Finley smiles. "I had a bit o' a feelin', $addr. I know what it's like to... err... have one's dreams rather outta reach." As if $hthey heard Finley, $hname comes over and nudges him gently. "I think $hthey likes ya," you say, and Finley giggles, rubbing $hname's neck. You smile and turn back to watch the horses for a little longer. "$title $Name?" Finley ventures. "Is it alright when I ask what $hthey's crossed with? I-I'm pretty good with horses, I think, but I can't figure it out. I-I have an idea though..." You blink, and smile softly. "$Hthey's half... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Morgan Horse.">> <<set $breed to 1>> <<set $hbreed to "Morgan horse">> <<goto "notahorse1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Appaloosa.">> <<set $breed to 2>> <<set $hbreed to "Appaloosa">> <<goto "notahorse1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Paint Horse.">> <<set $breed to 3>> <<set $hbreed to "Paint horse">> <<goto "notahorse1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Missouri Fox Trotter.">> <<set $breed to 4>> <<set $hbreed to "Missouri Fox Trotter">> <<goto "notahorse1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Thoroughbred.">> <<set $breed to 5>> <<set $hbreed to "Thoroughbred">> <<goto "notahorse1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Clydesdale.">> <<set $breed to 6>> <<set $hbreed to "Clydesdale">> <<goto "notahorse1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Quarter Horse.">> <<set $breed to 7>> <<set $hbreed to "Quarter horse">> <<goto "notahorse1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Shire.">> <<set $breed to 8>> <<set $hbreed to "Shire">> <<goto "notahorse1">> <</link>></div>\

"$Hthey's half $hbreed", you say. Finley blinks and breaks into a broad grin. "I was right then." The boy beams with pride. After a moment he looks back at you. "Can I ask, though, why ya got $hthem?" "Truth be told? $htheir coat drew my attention. I really liked the... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~gray.">> <<set $hcolor to 1>> <<set $hcoat to "gray">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "notahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~black.">> <<set $hcolor to 2>> <<set $hcoat to "black">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "notahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~sorrel.">> <<set $hcolor to 3>> <<set $hcoat to "sorrel">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "notahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~bay.">> <<set $hcolor to 4>> <<set $hcoat to "bay">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "notahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~palomino.">> <<set $hcolor to 5>> <<set $hcoat to "palomino">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "notahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~chestnut.">> <<set $hcolor to 6>> <<set $hcoat to "chestnut">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "notahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~grulla.">> <<set $hcolor to 7>> <<set $hcoat to "grulla">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "notahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~dun.">> <<set $hcolor to 8>> <<set $hcoat to "dun">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "notahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~buckskin.">> <<set $hcolor to 9>> <<set $hcoat to "buckskin">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "notahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~roan.">> <<set $hcolor to 10>> <<set $hcoat to "roan">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "notahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~champagne.">> <<set $hcolor to 11>> <<set $hcoat to "champagne">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "notahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~cream.">> <<set $hcolor to 12>> <<set $hcoat to "cream">> <<if $breed is 2 or $breed is 3>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "splotchy">> <<else>> <<goto "notahorse2">> <</if>> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $med >=20>> <<set $med to $med + 10>> <<else>> <<set $med to $med + 15>> <</if>> <<if $continuity is 1>> "I can't really blame him, yer a bit scary."<br><br> "Your honesty is appreciated, yet uncalled for, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "I don't think that's true."<br><br> "I had been under the impression you are better at reading people, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>, lest you are simply trying to be polite. <<else>> You say nothing.<br><br> Mrs. Meadows shakes her head again.<br><br> "I don't know if you got nothing to say to this, or if you are simply trying to be polite, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>. <</if>> I'm aware I am not necessarily the most pleasant person to be around."<</nobr>> You quirk a brow. "Does it bother ya that the kid's scared of ya?" you ask carefully. Mrs. Meadows doesn't answer. And a thought crosses your mind. "Do ya... do ya have children, ma'am?" There's a sharp inhale and Mrs. Meadows looks away. "Look, you didn't come here to talk about my personal situation," she finally snaps, straightening her posture. "You came here to learn about medicine and medical treatments, so we should get to that." You blink, trying to push down the bad feeling forming in your stomach. "Come then," Mrs. Meadows says, putting the contents of her bag onto the table. "Let's not dillydally any further. Mrs. Meadows is a good teacher, something one can be grateful for. And yet... the entire time you feel that she's elsewhere with her thoughts. When she finally packs her bag again, you look at her, a little worried. "What?" she frowns as she notices your glance. "Oh, I know that look. And I'll ask you not to worry for me. Or worse, pity me. I'm fine." If there ever was a sign that someone is //not// fine... <<nobr>><<if $sel >=75>> "I'm surprised to see you care, however," Mrs. Meadows notes.<br><br> "I think there's a point where everyone would care, if they're decent people. An' all things considered I think I am 'decent people'," you counter. <<elseif $sel >=30 and $sel <70>> "The concern is appreciated, however," Mrs. Meadows notes.<br><br> You shrug slightly. <<else>> "Though I'm not surprised to see you care," Mrs. Meadows notes.<br><br> "Ya can't expect me to stand by idly when ya seem so miserable," you respond, a little sourly.<</if>><</nobr>> Mrs. Meadows frowns. "Maybe there is no harm in telling you. But mark my words, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>. If you ever use what I'll tell you against me, you //will// regret it." "I... don't doubt that." You really don't. Mrs. Meadows sits down and gazes into thin air for a moment, gathering her strength and thought by the looks of it. "I got pregnant twice," she says, quietly and full of sorrow. "But... I guess it wasn't meant to be..." Oh... "I-I'm sorry to hear that." Mrs. Meadows simply rolls her shoulders in response. "Don't be. I made my peace with it. As said, it... wasn't meant to be. And I know what you might wonder. Yes, I'll miss Finley. But he oughts to be with his family, and I'm not inclined to keep him from that." You nod slowly, and search Mrs. Meadows face. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Say nothing.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "trainmedend">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Voice sympathy.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "trainmedend">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~If she's alright with it, give her a hug.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "trainmedend">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You stay silent, keeping a gentle look on her. You'd <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Yer a good person, ma'am. I'm certain Finley isn't as scared of ya as ya might think... An' I don't think that he won't miss ya."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows looks at you, and you'd <<else>> "I reckon yer not really someone to hug <<if $hugs is 1>>others<<else>>others, and I mean, neither am I<</if>>, but..."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows looks at you.<br><br> "I'm indeed not someone to hug others. So please don't. But the thought is appreciated."<br><br> You'd <</if>> swear she smiles back softly for a moment.<</nobr>> "Now," she then says, taking a deep breath and composing herself. "I hope I have been able to get a few things into your head." You grin. "Sure did. Thanks for that." A curt nod follows. "Well, if you'd excuse me now, it was quite exhausting nevertheless. So I'd like to take a nap before dinner." There's an idea you are inclined to follow. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Later that afternoon...|ch5end]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $trainingch4 is 3 or $trainingch4 is 6>> "Now," you begin the moment you are back in your room, and the door is closed behind you. <<if $job is 1 or $strong is 1>> "Lemme have a look at that shoulder."<br><br> Charlie nods and takes his shirt off, sitting down on the bed.<br><br> Much to your relief you find that his shoulder simply looks far worse than it is.<br><br> "Nothing's broken," you inform him, sitting down next to him. "But it's gonna hurt like Hell for a bit."<br><br> "I noticed that." Charlie grins askew, putting his shirt back on.<br><br> <<else>> "I want ya to let Mrs. Meadows have a look at yer shoulder."<br><br> "Once she's awake, I shall," Charlie assures you, sitting down on the bed. "Though, by all means, I think it just looks worse than it is."<br><br> "Still." You sit down next to him.<br><br> Charlie nods.<br><br> "It also hurts like Hell."<br><br> "Can imagine."<br><br> <</if>> You let out a hearty yawn.<br><br> <<if $mcnoswears>>"Oh, goodness,<<else>>"Ah, fuck me,<</if>> I feel like I've been through the wringer." You stretch, rubbing your neck with a groan.<br><br> "You an' I both, $nick," Charlie grins, but then knits his brow slightly. <<else>> You return to your room to find Charlie without a shirt and a pack of ice against a bruised shoulder.<br><br> "Burke put ya through the wringer, it'd seem," you greet him, closing the <<if $romance_charlie>>door. "Not that I'd mind the view otherwise, but your<<else>>door. "Your<</if>> shoulder looks miserable."<br><br> Charlie grins.<br><br> "Looks much worse than it is."<br><br> <<if $med >=30>> "Lemme have a look at it," you say.<br><br> <<if $job is 1 or $strong is 1>>"Sure,"<<else>>"Sure. Take it yer trainin' was more successful than mine,"<</if>> Charlie responds, putting the pack of ice down and his shirt back on.<br><br> You give his shoulder a quick look, finding that it indeed looks worse than it is.<br><br> "Good."<br><br> <<else>> "Ya should let Mrs. Meadows have a look at it."<br><br> "I shall. But it's really just a bruise. Doesn't mean it doesn't hurt like Hell."<br><br> You nod.<br><br><</if>> "So, how did ya fare?" Charlie asks, putting the pack of ice down and his shirt back on.<br><br> "Can't complain. How 'bout you?" You sit down on the bed next to Charlie. "Aside from the shoulder."<br><br> "Can't complain either," Charlie says, but then knits his brow slightly.<</if>><</nobr>> "Y'know, I'm startin' to worry 'bout Burke." "Huh?" <<if $trainingch4 is 3 or $trainingch4 is 6>>"You've heard an' seen him. How he's beatin' himself up over<<else>>"We talked about some things, naturally. He told me he wants to learn how to talk his way out of a situation 'cause of O'Brian. He genuinely admires O'Brian for that skill and..." Charlie sighs, "and that's what worries me. He's really upset at himself for<</if>> being so hot-headed and, by his own account, not the brightest. I'm worried he genuinely fears O'Brian will leave him if he doesn't change." You huff in surprise. "Ya think so? 'Cause if that's the case, Burke's not paying a lot o' attention to how much O'Brian loves him." "I think he's aware, but that just reinforces his worries." "Oh." You ponder this quietly. "What d'ya reckon we do? Try to help or stay outta it?" "Hard to tell. We don't know either of'em long enough to say for certain if any interfering would be welcomed." Charlie pauses. "If it would be, I'd offer help. These two mean so much to each other." <<nobr>><<if $romance_charlie>> You smile softly and give Charlie's hand a soft squeeze.<br><br> "I know the feelin', y'know?"<br><br> Charlie blushes slightly and smiles.<br><br> "Believe it or not, so do I." He chuckles and <</if>> <<if $charom_hurt or $charom_maybe>> You smile, a little askew and look at Charlie for a little longer than strictly necessary.<br><br> "Must be nice to have someone like that, y'know?"<br><br> Charlie blinks, but nods after a moment.<br><br> "Yes..." he says, sounding a little absent-minded, before he <</if>> <<if $romance_charlie is false and $charom_hurt is false and $charom_maybe is false>> You ponder and smile a little.<br><br> "Y'know, I think it must be nice to have someone like that."<br><br> Charlie blinks, but nods slowly after a moment.<br><br> "Yes..." he says, sounding a little absent-minded, before he <</if>> lays back on the bed, just as someone knocks at the door.<</nobr>> You get up a little baffled at that, and maybe a little annoyed as you had hoped for some peace and quiet for the rest of the afternoon. You straighten your clothes and open the door. "Agent Lynwood," you greet. "Ya really can't get enough of us, can ya?" Lynwood frowns slightly and shakes his head. "I'm not here for any kind of banter, $title $Name. May I come in?" You're a tiny bit surprised in there being an actual hint of politeness in the question. You look Lynwood over. He's looking worse for wear, and even a little desperate. The main impression you are getting is that he's at the end of his wits about something, and you have the feeling that for once it's not concerning O'Brian. "Eh, alright." You humor him and step aside. Once you closed the door behind him he pulls out his notebook, clinging to it like it's a lifeline. Odd. And given Charlie's expression as he sits back up he's sharing that notion. "So, what bring ya here?" you ask, sitting down on the bed. "I'm here... because of Mr. Mulligan," Lynwood answers, struggling to get the words out as he looks at Charlie. "I'd like to employ your abilities." <div align="center"><div class="specfont">🙞End of Chapter 5🙜</div></div>\ <hr><div class="choice">[[~On to the next Chapter|ch6start]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $ride >=20>> <<set $ride to $ride + 10>> <<else>> <<set $ride to $ride + 15>> <</if>><</nobr>> You spend the next hour or so with O'Brian showing you some tricks and pitfalls, with $hname looking as if $hthey's paying even more attention to things than you at times. "Y'know," O'Brian begins when you sit back down in the grass, letting your horse roam free around the field. "I played with the idea of bringin' Bullsnot along." You quirk a brow. <<nobr>>"After all I've heard 'bout him?" you <<if $almostend_hamelin or $nearend_hamelin>> pause. "That woulda been the payback for me bein' such an arse, right?"<br><br> O'Brian smirks.<br><br> "A little bit, admittedly."<br><br> You <</if>> shake your head.<</nobr>> "Eh, don't worry." O'Brian smiles. "Bullsnot is harmless. Most of the time. He can be an arse to Tommy, but also extremely protective of him. He's a bit like Tommy himself in that regard. Like, he'll annoy the everlovin' Hell outta Tommy, but it's all in good humor." "Ah?" "Yeah. And not in any 'hurtin' ya is his way of showin' he cares'-bullcrap kinda way. No, Tommy count on Bullsnot to have his back. An' he knows it." "And yet ya..." "It's an old joke the three of us are in about, so no worries there." O'Brian laughs. "That an' Tommy's stubborn." You nod. "Y'know," you muse. "I kinda wondered what he meant with Bullsnot savin' his life..." O'Brian looks you up and down. <<nobr>>"Mhn... Y'know, <<if $tom <=35>> I think that's somethin' Tommy should tell ya himself."<br><br> You think about it and nod.<br><br> "Well, how did ya meet him? I remember ya said if it hadn't been for him..."<br><br> O'Brian raises his hand.<br><br> "That'd pretty much be the same story, just marginally shorter."<br><br> "Oh."<br><br> "Yes. Well, as said, ya better ask Tommy 'bout it."<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "Y'know, $name, I think if all of this works out as we hope... I finally oughta introduce me parents to Tommy." O'Brian smiles wistfully. "Never had the chance yet, somethin' always got in the way. They know 'bout him, though."<br><br> O'Brian gets up, dusting off his coat again.<br><br> "Y'know, we oughta get back. The trainin' got me hungry, an' I haven't been able to really eat well lately."<br><br> You smile and get up too, whistling for $hname to ride back to town. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Later that afternoon...|ch5end]]</div> <<else>> I don't think Tommy would mind if I tell ya. Just promise me one thing."<br><br> "Which would be? Not to tell'im ya told me?"<br><br> O'Brian blows a short raspberry.<br><br> "Naw, I'd not be tellin' ya anything if I wouldn't be certain Tommy won't mind. No, I meant 'Don't pity him'. He hates that. He knows his life up to here was a mess, an' he hates when people pity him for that."<br><br> "Oh."<br><br> "Yeah, anyway..." O'Brian clears his throat and flexes his fingers in thought, laying back in the grass, arms behind his head. "Tommy's family came over from County Kilkenny. A family of miners. They've been at Ballingarry, and his old man only escaped Avondale 'cause he was far too sick to work that day."<br><br> "Yer kiddin'."<br><br> O'Brian shakes his head.<br><br> "No. And his dad taught Tommy ev'ry thing he knows 'bout explosives, and Tommy's mum and aunts taught him the rest. I know they all say Tommy has an unnatural affinity for explosions an' fire, well, ya know them stories. Anyway, Tommy had a decent childhood, nothin' spectacular, besides what I just told ya about. He's got an older sister, she's very much the utter opposite of him. An' well, Tommy's hot-headed, no news there. He's always been outspoken, always buttin' heads with people..."<br><br> "I kinda got that impression of him."<br><br> O'Brian grins.<br><br> "See? Well, thing is, ya can't really put someone like that in a 'proper' job, an' I don't think Tommy woulda been happy in one.<br><br> "So, what happened?" you ask.<br><br> "When Tommy turned fifteen he had a massive fallout with his family, because another attempt at an apprenticeship didn't work out. Tommy got so angry he just... ran away. 'Twas in '72. He quickly fell in with a small gang o' outlaws. Not O'Reilly, that came later. But he put his skills to good use... grew quite infamous in the area. Too infamous..."<br><br> O'Brian sighs heavily, rubbing his face.<br><br> "Drew the attention of all the wrong people... An' one night, in '74, Tommy and his friends were lickin' their wounds at their camp, when they got ambushed by Prescott..."<br><br> You snap your head around.<br><br> "Are ya kiddin' me?"<br><br> O'Brian sits up, looking sorrowful.<br><br> "Unfortunately no. Prescott had come for Tommy. Killed all of Tommy's friends and forced Tommy into his service."<br><br> "Holy..." you draw a long breath. "That's horrible."<br><br> "Prob'ly worse. Like, Tommy never even told me the details. But, well, that's how I met Tommy a bit after that..." You watch as a mischievous smile creeps onto O'Brian's lips, and you quirk an intrigued brow.<br><br> "'Twas in '76," O'Brian elaborates. "I was with Kelly, an' me an' a friend had been scoutin' the area, an' we ran fuckin' straight into Prescott's men..."<br><br> You sharply inhale.<br><br> "An' yer still alive?" <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|trainride2]]</div> <</if>><</nobr>>

"I'm as amazed as you are. Was only 'cause Prescott wanted to know where Kelly is." A bold grin spreads on O'Brian's face. "Y'know, Prescott is as ruthless as he's full of himself. No matter how sophisticated and genius he deems himself, he's about as sharp as a ball of yarn. And he's got an ego from here to the coast of China. We been able to spin him a merry tale 'bout how Kelly's gang communicates, which bought us some time." "You what?" O'Brian shrugs casually. "Told him that we didn't know where the new camp would be, as we had yet to find encoded notes, which we can only decode together. Prescott bought into Kelly tryin' to be clever, so he left us alive to 'show Kelly the futility o' such tricks when dealin' with greater minds'." "Still, that's a nasty situation ya musta been in." O'Brian nods. "No denying that. An' we were livin' on borrowed time there. I mean, it's not hard to guess how Prescott would have reacted once he'd have figured he's been taken for the fool he is." O'Brian smirks. "But that's where Tommy comes into play. They had put him on guard duty, an' he hated ev'ry second of it. An' maybe it was to spite Prescott, maybe it was 'cause he... well..." You notice the slight blush. "'Cause he had fallen in love with ya?" "Yes." O'Brian nods hastily. "Maybe it was both. In any case, we started talkin', an' it was clear Tommy didn't want to be there, either. Tommy tends to babble a bit when he's annoyed and grumpy — more than usual I mean — , which he was. An' then he told us that they recently stole 'bout two dozen horses, without Prescott havin' anyone who'd buy them... From there on the way forward was clear." "Was it?" O'Brian's grin seems to spread to his ears at that. "We went and stole all o' Prescott's horses." "Pardon?" "Ya heard me," O'Brian glees. "'Twas a bit of a hassle, but we got our horses back and drove the entire herd out. Including some o' the horses o' Prescott's gang. Of course Prescott sent his men after us, including Tommy." "'Cause he's been yer guard?" "Not when we broke out. Prescott's too dull to make the connection, thankfully. To him Tommy had done his job decently. The guy who had been on duty however... poor sod." You sigh sympathetically. "Yeah, can imagine. So. How exactly did Bullsnot save Burke's life?" "Alright, so... y'know, Tommy's not entirely right when he says the first thing Bullsnot did was kick him off a ledge. The stallion's been consistently annoying Tommy in the stable we were kept in. Now, what happened? At some point Prescott's men caught up to us in the mountains, but by that time they had drawn the attention o' our gang. There was a shootout. Nearly all of Prescott's men kicked the bucket, except those that were clever enough to make a run for it early. And Tommy. Tommy stayed to join the fight... Y'know, he was quite fed up with life at that point..." O'Brian falls silent in thought. "He later told me he had actually hoped he'd die..." "Oh... That... that's horrible." "Better than workin' for Prescott... But... Bullsnot apparently had other plans. Broke free from the herd and headed straight for Tommy, kicking him off a small cliff. Tommy said that he broke his leg an' wrist an' blacked out, but when he came to again, Bullsnot stood there, even layin' down to let Tommy get on his back... brought him back to the next town." "That horse... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "...is weird.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "trainrideend">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "...is a blessing.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "trainrideend">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "...is mildly frightening.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "trainrideend">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<set $knowtom to true>> <<if $continuity is 1>> O'Brian cackles.<br><br> "That he is. An' well, <<elseif $continuity is 2>> O'Brian smiles wistfully.<br><br> "Oh, he is. An' a curse at the same time. Just ask Tommy. Well, <<else>> O'Brian nods sagely.<br><br> "Oh, he absolutely is. Well, <</if>> while Tommy was recovering Bullsnot stayed with him. Got quite aggressive when people tried to get him back to his original owner. The guy finally gave up. Dunno if ya can say he gifted Tommy that stallion, but... well, that's what happened. Prescott had made a run for it, an' never came for Tommy. Heh, even left Tommy's belongings at their camp, from what Tommy told me. Tommy joined O'Reilly a little after that. An' 'bout a year later we met again..."<</nobr>> "I can't say that's the story I expected... At all." "Wanna laugh? Bridge said the same when he heard what happened from Tommy an' I. But, yeah, that's Tommy's story." You nod. "Y'know, $Name, I think if all of this works out as we hope... I finally oughta introduce me parents to Tommy." O'Brian smiles wistfully. "Never had the chance yet, somethin' always got in the way. They know 'bout him, though." O'Brian gets up, dusting off his coat again. "Y'know, we oughta get back. Stories like that always get me hungry, an' I haven't been able to really eat well lately." You smile and get up too, whistling for $hname to ride back to town. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Later that afternoon...|ch5end]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You chuckle as well, carefully <<if $romance_charlie>>leaning against<<else>>poking at<</if>> Charlie's injured shoulder.<br><br> "Yer ridiculous," you say, but then narrow your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> a little. "Also ya'd <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You frown and roll your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>.<br><br> "It was utterly careless, y'know." You look at him worried, prodding at his injured shoulder. "An' //you// would <<else>> You harrumph and box Charlie in the injured shoulder. Not too hard, but enough to make him yelp.<br><br> "That was so bloody careless, an' ya know it," you scold, albeit a bit worried. "//You// would <</if>> have never let me hear the end of it had that been me."<</nobr>> Charlie looks at you, a little surprised, a little guilty. And he sighs. "Yer not wrong, $nick," he says. "I'm sorry." You nod curtly, and begin pondering. <<nobr>>"Y'know, I think the way forward is clear," you announce. <<if $surv >=40>> "Burke an' I show ya how to fight an' how to identify someone's style an' how to counter it, and <<elseif $surv <=15>> "Burke shows us how to fight an' know someone's style an' how to counter it an' all, and <<else>> "Burke shows ya how to fight an' how to know someone's style an' how to counter it, and <</if>> <<if $talk >=40>> we show'im how to taunt people into makin' mistakes, or simply talk one's way out of a fight to being with <<elseif $talk <=15>> ya show us how to taunt people into makin' mistakes, or simply talk one's way out of a fight to being with <<else>> ya show'im how to taunt people into makin' mistakes, or simply talk one's way out of a fight to being with<</if>>. I mean, that's what we came here for, and, <<if $mcnoswears>>good gracious<<else>>for fuck's sake<</if>> I think we really need it."<</nobr>> Charlie and Burke nod, with Burke scratching his scraggly beard in thought. "Y'know," he mutters and frowns, looking defeated. "I think one thing will be easier than the other. Seán tried to teach me how to do all that 'talk first, throw punches if that don't work' stuff... It... it just won't stick." You look at Charlie, and then back at Burke. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Say something encouraging.">> <<set $tom to $tom + 5>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "trainsurvend">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Shrug it off.">> <<set $tom to $tom - 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "trainsurvend">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Say nothing.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "trainsurvend">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Don't beat yerself up over it. Yer a formidable fighter, an' ya know how to hold yer ground well."<br><br> Burke frowns softly.<br><br> "Thanks, I guess. It's just... I <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Maybe yer just not cut out for talkin'..."<br><br> Burke glares at you briefly.<br><br> "Ya think I don't know that? It's just so frustratin' to <<else>> You decide to say nothing and let Burke sort his thoughts.<br><br> And after a moment he sighs heavy-heartedly.<br><br> "Y'know," he begins. "I always <</if>> see Seán talk rings around people just like that, an' I... I wanna be able do that too." Burke's face falls and he looks away.<</nobr>> "This really means a lot to ya," Charlie says softly. Burke nods. "I mean, Seán can fight. He's useless with a gun or when it comes to patchin' people up, no denyin' that, but... he knows how to get out of sticky situations one way or the other, an' he can wrap all these rich folks 'round his finger so easily. An' then there's me who... I can cause damage. That's it." He glowers darkly. "Don't tell Seán I said that... Please." "The part 'bout him being useless with a gun, or yer sudden lack of self-esteem?" you dead-pan. Burke groans. "The latter. I... I don't wanna get Seán worried. He always tells me everyone's good at different things and that I shouldn't worry, but..." With another heavy sigh Burke gets up. "Just don't tell'im, alright? Now, let's just do what we came here for." You look at Charlie, who shrugs carefully and a little worried before getting up as well. So do you, nudging Charlie in the side. "Before <<if $trainingch4 is 3>>we<<else>>ya<</if>> get back to fightin', I'll just have ya know <<if $job is 1 or $strong is 1>>I'll be havin'<<else>>I'll get Mrs. Meadows to have<</if>> a look at that shoulder once we're done." Charlie smiles. <<if $job is 1 or $strong is 1>>"I was hopin' ya would."<<else>>"I was plannin' on askin' her for that."<</if>> <<nobr>>"Good." You nod and <<if $trainingch4 is 3>> <<if $surv >=20>> <<set $surv to $surv + 10>> <<else>> <<set $surv to $surv + 15>> <</if>> get back into the ring with Charlie and Burke. <<else>> <<if $talk >=20>> <<set $talk to $talk + 10>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk + 15>> <</if>> watch Charlie and Burke get into the ring, paying close attention to Charlie's taunting.<</if>><</nobr>> You notice that Burke is holding back now, but you don't know if that's good or bad. At least there's no further injuries over the course of your sparring. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Later that afternoon...|ch5end]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $card >=20>> <<set $card to $card + 10>> <<else>> <<set $card to $card + 15>> <</if>><</nobr>>\ "Penny for yer thoughts, kid," you begin after a moment. "It's..." Finley begins and sighs. "I just been thinkin' 'bout me ma. I-I mean we'll be headin' to Potter's Springs soon and... Y'know, I never got why she never told me who me da is. I-I mean, if he's just a farmer..." Finley leans back, kicking at the ground a little. "But I think it makes sense, what with how the pendant looks." "Huh?" In answer Finley pulls the little medallion from under his shirt. "I-I mean, what with the ears of wheat an' flowers." You look at the pendant. Finley's not wrong in his logic, but something feels off to you. "It looks pretty valuable, though," you say. "So, rich farmer maybe? I mean, we talked 'bout that before." Finley ponders and nods. "See why I'm at a loss?" You nod back. "And..." Finley continues, "I still don't get why he couldn't come to Clementsburg or here. I mean, Potter's Springs ain't that big an' all." You begin pondering as well. "They do have a number of farms 'round Potter's Springs. Maybe he can't leave right now?" You shake your head. "Though if he's rich..." "Then maybe he isn't rich?" Finley hums in thought. "Maybe he spent his savings on havin' the pendant made for me ma? That... that'd be really romantic." You watch the boy's eyes light up. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Maybe.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "traincard2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Probably not.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "traincard2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Say nothing.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "traincard2">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Maybe," you say. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Probably not," you say. <<else>> You keep your thoughts to yourself, looking at nothing in particular for a while. Then you sigh.<br><br><</if>> "Guess we'll see once we're in Potter's Springs."<</nobr>> Finley nods, looking a little forlorn. "What's wrong, kid?" "Nothin', $addr, just... I'll miss ya. I-I mean... I just got to know y'all, but, I'll still miss ya." "That's... very kind of ya." "An' I..." Finley snaps his mouth shut. "Ya what?" you venture. "Nothing..." You ponder this for a moment. "Ya wanna come help with Devil's Creek, right?" Finley nods hastily. "I-I know it'll be dangerous, but... I really dunno what to do..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Give the kid a hug, he needs it.">> <<set $fin to $fin + 10>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "traincardend">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Say something encouraging.">> <<set $fin to $fin + 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "traincardend">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Screw his head back on right. It's too dangerous.">> <<set $fin to $fin - 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "traincardend">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Say nothing.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "traincardend">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> With a soft sigh you pull Finley into a hug.<br><br> He whimpers softly, but hugs you back.<br><br> "We'll figure it out," you say, letting go again. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Yer a clever kid, Finley. You'll figure somethin' out."<br><br> Finley sniffles a little.<br><br> "T-thank you. That's really kind o' ya to say."<br><br> You smile, and get back up.<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "No, //you// will go an' stay with yer father," you go, maybe a little harsher than intended, making Finley wince and flinch back.<br><br> "Look, Finley," you continue. "Devil's Creek is far too dangerous. An' yer not here to join us there."<br><br> Finley nods, a little sad.<br><br> "I... I know. Just..." He sighs.<br><br> You look him up and down.<br><br> "Y'know, let's maybe cross that bridge when we get to it," you suggest. <<else>> You draw a deep breath and exhale with a long, soft sigh.<br><br> Finley does the same.<br><br> You sit in silent for a while, until you roll your shoulders.<br><br> "Y'know, let's maybe cross that bridge when we get to it," you suggest. <</if>> "But for now... Ya wanted to show me what ya can do with knives, so how 'bout that?"<</nobr>> Finley looks at you and nods. "C-can do, $addr." The kid certainly wasn't lying. He is ridiculously good with knives. "I'm impressed," you note, after Finley finishes. "Ya really don't see this level of skill often." Finley blushes bright pink. "T-thank you. I... I'm useless with a gun, y'know, an' Mrs. Meadows an' Mr. Blayne always say that it's good that I can hold me ground with a knife an' nimbleness." You have to agree. "Well, let's hope ya won't have to all too often." Finley nods back, and you smile. "Hey, how about we head to the little bakery near the sheriff's office? I could go for some pastry." Finley's eyes light up again. "I-I won't say 'No' to that." You laugh and head back to the city. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Later that afternoon...|ch5end]]</div>

Preacher stretches and gets up, lazily swaggering over to you, taking off his dark glasses as he reaches you and pocketing them. Up close he looks rather impressive, you have to admit. He's wiry but muscled from what you can guess with that outfit, standing far over six feet <<if $mcsize is 1>>tall, towering over you and forcing you to almost painfully bend your neck to look up at him<<elseif $mcsize is 2>>tall, towering over you a little<<else>>tall, bringing you quite at eye level with each other<</if>>. Dirty blonde hair tied into a ponytail, sun-burned skin and good cheekbones (from what you can guess, given the mask) and very nice, albeit mischievous hazel eyes. <<nobr>>"Just curious," he answers, looking you over. "Heard ya were heading out here and figured yer out to practice yer <<if $gf and $opentr>> shootin', ... $overnighttitle? Is it still '$overnighttitle'?"<br><br> <<if $title is $overnighttitle>>"It is,<<else>>"No, it's '$title',<</if>> thanks for askin'."<br><br> Preacher nods curtly.<br><br> "So, I got <<else>> shootin', $title $Name. Got <</if>> a bit curious how ya'll fare."<</nobr>> You quirk a brow. "Charmin'..." Something crosses your mind, making your muscles tense. "When exactly did ya get here?" "Not too long ago. Ya were busy with the cans." You look back at the fence. "Good to see yer takin' yer job serious," Preacher notes, and you whip around to face him. "What do ya mean?" "I know who yer workin' for, an' I know what yer up to." He furrows his brows. "That's why I'm here. I know, I know, I coulda approached ya better than <<if $ouchie>>nearly shootin' yer hand off,<<else>>surprisin' ya like that,<</if>> but, listen, $paddr. That cult ya'll have to deal with is a quite a handful. Ya'll need a bit more than the ability to shoot tin cans." You raise a suspicious brow. "Are ya offerin' to train with me?" "Heh. Yer clever, I like that in a <<if $gender is 1 or $gender is 3>>feller<<elseif $gender is 2 or $gender is 4>>lass<<else>>person<</if>>." You blink. "Why?" you ask. Preacher's gaze darkens again. "'Cause I think you an' yer little posse might actually stand a chance against those bastards. An' I want to see them..." he seems to pick his words carefully. "...brought to justice." You look Preacher over, scrutinizingly. <<nobr>><<if $tru >=70>> "Alright then," you say. For some reason this took Preacher by surprise. He blinks and shakes his head bewildered, before bursting into a hearty laugh.<br><br> "Yer pretty damn trustin', ain't ya, $paddr?"<br><br> You grumble a little, but ultimately shrug.<br><br> "I figure if ya'd wanna kill me ya'd done that already by now."<br><br> You can almost see Preacher's grin through the fabric of his bandanna.<br><br> Then he <<else>> You cock your head.<br><br> "I'm not entirely certain if I can trust ya."<br><br> "That's a good mindset. An' to answer that question: You can't."<br><br> You glare a little, and Preacher sighs, probably smiling.<br><br> "But look at it like this. If I'd have wanted to kill ya, I coulda done so thrice already.<br><br> "I...guess." You glower. Then blink. "Wait, thrice?"<br><br> Preacher doesn't answer. Instead he just <</if>> waves you to follow.<</nobr>> You shuffle a little, looking around, before checking your gun and following. By all means, if this was meant to end badly, there's nothing you can do by now. So ya might as well give it a try. <<nobr>><<if $gun >40>> "Yer pretty good," Preacher comments, picking up the tin cans. "So I don't think I'll be tellin' ya anything new when I say whatever ya'll be facing on yer way to Devil's Creek will stand still an' wait for ya to shoot it."<br><br> "So, ya wanna help me hit movin' targets?"<br><br> Preacher nods.<br><br> "Maybe show ya some tricks as well. Ya'll be up against a bunch o' imagination-deprived bastards, so a bit o' trickery won't hurt."<br><br> You contemplate this for a moment. Can't really argue with that.<br><br> "Alright then," you comment and <<elseif $gun <=15>> "Yer quite a mess," Preacher comments, picking up the tin cans.<br><br> "Too kind, really," you grumble. He has a point though.<br><br> Preacher sighs.<br><br> "Told ya I don't mean to antagonize ya. So listen: The only ones what'll benefit from ya gettin' into a fight like that will be the bastards ya'll go up against. An' no matter what ya think 'bout me, $paddr, I'd not like to see that happen."<br><br> You wince at the solemn and sombre tone, and not.<br><br> "Thank you... I guess..." you murmur and <<else>> "Yer not too bad," Preacher comments, picking up the tin cans. "Ya need to work on yer aim and speed, though. The bastards ya'll be dealin' with are all the kind to shoot first. Don't matter if they thought beforehand or not, they always see shooting first as justified. So, ya gotta be quicker."<br><br> You nod gloomily.<br><br> "Well then," you mutter and <</if>> get to training.<</nobr>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|traingunend]]</div>

<<nobr>><<set $metprea to true>> <<if $gun >=20>> <<set $gun to $gun + 10>> <<else>> <<set $gun to $gun + 15>> <</if>><</nobr>> It's about another hour later till you slump down into the grass exhausted, Preacher sitting down next to you. He'd really put you through the wringer, but, by all means, it feels like the right thing. "Don't forget to clean yer weapons once yer back at yer hotel," Preacher mutters, staring gloomily ahead. You nod and slowly sit back up. "Can I ask ya something?" you say. "'Bout me, me guns or that cult yer after? Can tell answer all three, $paddr. I'm not dead, I'm not a ghost an' yes I fancy meself to be a bit of a bounty hunter. When the fellers deserve it. As for the mask... Let's just say ya don't wanna see what's under there. Just this much, if ya ever really badly scraped yer knees, ya know what me face looks like from the cheekbones down." To this Preacher pulls down a small bit of the bandanna, revealing a horribly scarred patch of skin. You grimace. "Don't ask what happened, it's a too long story," Preacher mutters, pulling the fabric back into place. "It doesn't hurt much anymore, so there's that. As for me guns, yeah, made'm meself, always had a knack for engineerin' an' tinkerin'. They serve me better than any standard weapons could. Now... as for that cult... Don't underestimate them. They're as vicious an' vile as they are incompetent, and their ruthlessness paired with their bloated egos unfortunately makes up for said incompetence. Ya saw what they did to the Beauchêne girl." You nod darkly. "Do ya know what they want? My information are... vague." "They are messing with an ancient evil to bring forth the end of the world as we know it." Preacher looks at you, gloomiy. "Yer Mrs. Meadows will likely fill ya in when yer in Potter's Springs." You glare leerily. "How much do ya even know 'bout us?" "Enough to know yer worth me time." To this Preacher gets up. "It's entirely up to you, $title $Name, if ya trust me or not. In any case I'll ask ya to be careful. Now, excuse me, but there's a lot of things in need to be seen to." He tips his hat and lets out a whistle. A moment later a rugged seal brown, nearly black, Morgan Horse comes trotting up from behind the farm house, stopping next to Preacher. "I guess I'll be seein' ya, $title $Name," Preacher says, mounting his stallion. "I hope it's not in a situation in which either has to get the other's bacon outta the fire." He tips his hat again and rides off, leaving you standing until you head back to $hname to ride back to town. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Later that afternoon...|ch5end]]</div>

"It's a really nice $hcoat color," Finley agrees. "Yes, and it fits nicely with the... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>...appaloosa pattern.</q>">> <<set $hcoat to "spotty " + $hcoat>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "splotchy">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...pinto pattern.</q>">> <<set $hcoat to "blotched " + $hcoat>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "splotchy">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...blanket pattern.</q>">> <<set $hcoat to $hcoat + " blanket">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "splotchy">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...dappled pattern.</q>">> <<set $hcoat to "dapple " + $hcoat>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "splotchy">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...solid coat.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<set $solidcoat to true>> <<goto "splotchy">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Oh no, not so fast," you holler, making Lynwood stop with a wince. "Yer gonna tell us why yer here, got it?" <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Yer bein' bloody irrational right now, an' ya know that," you grunt, crossing your arms. "So, c'mon, why are ya here?" <<else>> "C'mon, ya wouldn't have come here without a good reason," you say. "So... what is it?"<</if>><</nobr>> Lynwood squirms a bit, before he turns back to the table. "I don't know why you are asking, as you don't seem inclined to help." "We didn't say that," Charlie interrupts casually. "It all depends on //what// kind of help yer asking for." Lynwood looks at the two of you and his shoulders slump in defeat. "I can assure you it's not for my employer," he says. "Whatever you might think of me, I'm not a fool. I'm not underestimating either of you." "Ya had no trouble threatening us," you point out. "I made you an offer, $title $Name, based on factual circumstances." You and Charlie give each other a nonplussed look. "An' offer I believe is void now anyway?" Charlie ventures. Lynwood shakes his head. <<nobr>><<if $tell_lynbright>> "No. I took the time to think about the recent developments. Means Miss Beauchêne, and more importantly Mr. Brightwell's presence at the manor at the time of his son's demise."<br><br> "And what conclusion did ya reach?" you ask.<br><br> "O'Brian is no saint, but I have come to believe that in this specific case he might rather be the victim of unfortunate circumstances."<br><br> "And it took ya only a month to figure that," you quip.<br><br> "Could you kindly not rub that in, $title $Name," Lynwood frowns.<br><br> "So the offer still stands if we help ya with this case?" you ask.<br><br> Lynwood nods. <<else>> "No. Although I believe none of you is willing to bring O'Brian behind bars, I //do// have the feeling you are inclined to help close this case."<br><br> You cast a knowing glance at Charlie, and then look back at Lynwood.<br><br> "Yer comin' to yer sense it seems," you tease.<br><br> Lynwood frowns.<br><br> "I'm not mistaken, am I?" he asks bluntly.<br><br> "Yer not," you answer just as bluntly.<br><br> "Then the offer still stands."<</if>><</nobr>> Good to know. "In any case this isn't what I came here for," Lynwood begins, sitting down at the table. As do you. "Well then?" you prompt. "I must inform you that I began working at the agency due to having had an interest in solving crimes, especially mysteries," Lynwood begins, running a hand over his hair. "It's a... I'd almost say passion, though I begin to agree with people that call it an obsession. And with the things that happened lately..." "Like?" you and Charlie ask in unison. Lynwood squirms a little. "I... yes, I am talking about O'Brian. But, again, he's not why I am here. It's something... something he reminded me off." You hadn't expected to ever see Lynwood looking as miserable and desperate as he's looking right now. "Are ya askin' for help from beyond with that something?" Charlie asks. "I... don't actually know. You pointed out rightfully that I don't believe in these things, so... I don't know what could help. But I am sincerely hoping something //can//." Still rather reluctantly Lynwood puts the open notebook down onto the table, flipping through a few pages cluttered with notes and sketches. You have to admit, the drawings are good, even though it's a bit weird to spot some of you and the others. "Huh, I wouldn't have pegged ya down as an artist," you note. Lynwood looks up from his search. "Few do," he says, rather bitterly. "Kindly don't comment on it." There's a faint flicker of embarrassment and sorrow on his face as he goes back to searching through his notes. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Comment on it.">> <<set $commentonit to true>> <<if $lyn >=10>> <<set $lyn to $lyn - 5>> <</if>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "lynsrequest1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Don't comment on it.">> <<if $lyn >=90>> <<set $lynrom to $lynrom + 1>> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 5>> <<else>> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 5>> <</if>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "lynsrequest1">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You draw breath and open your mouth.<br><br> "I asked you //not// to comment on it, $title $Name," Lynwood grunts, hurt.<br><br> You snap your mouth shut and exhale. <<else>> You give a curt nod as you meet Lynwood's eyes.<br><br> He nods back looking quite grateful.<</if>><</nobr>> "That's quite a cute cat," Charlie interrupts, nodding at the page Lynwood's currently on. By the tone of his voice he's trying to get the agent to <<if $commentonit>>relax, and going by the look he's giving you he's not too approving of what you just did.<<else>>relax.<</if>> "Oh?" Lynwood looks up in surprise. "Oh! Yes. She is. Her name's Polka Dot. She's two." You quirk a brow. "I wouldn't have pegged ya down as a cat-person either." Lynwood sighs. "Again few do... Mind if we come back to what I came here for?" Charlie shrugs. "That will hardly be possible, Agent Lynwood, as ya haven't even told us yet //what// that would be." "Oh." Lynwood hastily clears his throat, flipping through the notebook again. "Right, right. Here." He turns the book around, showing you the sketch of a expensive looking necklace that seems to have been crocheted. You really have to give Lynwood credit for his skills with the pencil here. Charlie knits his brows together, and so do you. "Where have I seen this before?" Charlie muses out loud, voicing your thoughts. "The papers, most likely," Lynwood answers. "This is the 'Salome's Veil' necklace. Worth about twenty-five thousand dollars, last seen four years ago in the possession of the Broughton Family of New York." You and Charlie nod and you search your memory. "If I remember it correctly," you say, "the necklace was stolen by a stablehand who confessed shortly after, but never returned the necklace." Lynwood nods. "That's the... official account." You don't miss the pause, even though Lynwood tries his best to look as if he didn't make one. "So, I am here..." Lynwood continues, "to ask you help locate the necklace. And... return it to its owners." Those pauses. The whole thing stinks. While Lynwood isn't lying, he's also not telling the truth. Maybe it's embarrassment, reluctance to ask you — Charlie, rather — for help. Maybe it's annoyance that he has to resort to this, though there's not much in his current demeanor that would point to that. So... maybe there's more to the story. Scratch that, there's certainly more to it. The question is rather if you care about it. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~I don't. I just want to get this over with.">> <<if $lyn >=10>> <<set $lyn to $lyn - 5>> <</if>> <<goto "dontcarelynch6">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Of course I care.">> <<if $lyn >=90>> <<set $lynrom to $lynrom + 1>> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 5>> <<else>> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 5>> <</if>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "thewholestory">> <</link>></div>\

"So, ya just wanna know where the necklace is?" you ask to make sure. "Yes." You look back at Charlie, who's not buying it either. But he shrugs. "I hope ya didn't expect any kind of fancy show, Agent Lynwood," he says. "'Cause me contact answered that already." "Oh?" You see hope blossoming in Lynwood's eyes. "'It is where it was'," Charlie answers. "I'm sorry, but the dead tend to be rather cryptic in their answers." Lynwood stares scrutinizingly at Charlie, likely trying to figure if Charlie is lying. "I'm not lyin', if ya think that." Charlie waves him off. "If I would I woulda send ya on some wild goose chase." Lynwood stares for a moment longer before the hope fades. "Oh..." He slowly gets up and pockets his notebook again. "I..." There's a thousand ways that sentence can go, and he picks none of them. Instead he just shakes his head and turns for the door. "Well, it was worth the try," he mutters, giving you two a slight nod. "My apologies for wasting your time." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~See him out.">> <<set $sawlynout to true>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<if $lyn >=10>> <<set $lyn to $lyn - 5>> <</if>> <<goto "lynpostinterlude">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Know what? I care after all. Stop him.">> <<if $lyn >=90>> <<set $lynrom to $lynrom + 1>> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 5>> <<else>> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 5>> <</if>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "thewholestory">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<set $salomesveil_hint to true>> <<if $continuity is 1>> "So, ya want to know where the necklace is now," you say, and lean forward. "I'd like to know why." Your face softens. "'Cause something tells me that this is important to ya."<br><br> Lynwood bites back a whimper, by the looks of it.<br><br> "I can already tell ya what the dead have to say 'bout the necklace's whereabouts," Charlie says. "'It is where it was'. I can't offer ya anything clearer, 'cause when it comes to asking the dead for information they tend to get quite cryptic." Charlie leans forward as well, folding his hands. "But as $nick said, this is important to ya, and not due to a possible reward. That might be a bonus, but it's not yer primary motivation."<br><br> Lynwood nods, now letting out a small whimper.<br><br> "The whole story then, if ya please," you say. <<else>> You stumble up from your seat and hurry into Lynwood's path.<br><br> "Not so fast, mate," you glower.<br><br> Lynwood grimaces and grumbles.<br><br> "Oh, what now?"<br><br> "Yer not askin' this 'cause yer after any reward for retrievin' the necklace. That might be a bonus, sure, but ya wouldn't be here... an' look like this... if it was somethin' so... trivial. It's 'cause of something... more important."<br><br> Lynwood locks eyes with you... and sighs sorrowfully. It's almost a whimper.<br><br> "You are really good with 'reading people', $title $Name. Better than I anticipated."<br><br> "No, this one's obvious." You shake your head. "Now... If ya'd be so kind..."<br><br> You gesture towards the table and Lynwood shuffles back to it, sits down and folds his hands.<br><br> You sit down as well.<br><br> "The whole story, if ya please," you say.<</if>><</nobr>> Lynwood wrings his hands for a moment. "I-I'm asking for a friend. A good friend. Former colleague. Brilliant young man, full of hope and enthusiasm. Had a bright future ahead of him, but... The 'Salome's Veil' case ruined him." "What happened?" you ask. "He was, obviously, entrusted with the case. Find the thief, bring them to justice. It was a case to both our liking. Valuable necklace stolen from a locked room. I was busy with a case of my own, but my friend wired me whenever he made progress. He was almost giddy. It was his first case of that magnitude, too. But then the messages stopped. I got worried and asked our superiors about it. They said the culprit had been found, that one of the stablehands had confessed to have taken the necklace. "I expected my friend to simply be grumpy about it, but when I met him..." Lynwood runs a hand over his hair, frowning. "Something really bad must have happened. He looked horrible. And he was miserable and absolutely besides himself. That could not have stemmed from disappointment alone. When I finally got him to talk he told me that none of this — the case he meant — made sense. That it can't have been the stablehand. And that he had tried telling our superiors, only to be roughly dismissed. Even cautioned him against looking into the case further, and that he'd only be chasing moonbeams. The case was closed, and that was final." "Even though the necklace was still missin'," you add. Lynwood nods, and Charlie gets up. "Would ya like something to drink? For yer nerves?" Lynwood blinks at him. "That'd be very kind. Just water, please... I...." "Ya can't stomach alcohol right now, I can see that." Charlie smiles and gets a glass of water. "Thank you," Lynwood mutters, drinking. "Now... There's a good reason we had become friends. As I mentioned, we both took great interest in solving mysteries. And we're equally stubborn when it comes to that. It wasn't the first time that either of us would have looked further into a closed or cold case after work. Usually it was to tie up some loose ends that had come up but weren't relevant to the case. But this time... I wasn't involved so I only heard about it, but our superiors had gotten furious about my friend looking into the 'Salome's Veil' theft further." "Furious?" you wonder. "Ya mean 'cause he was pissin' off the wrong people?" Lynwood doesn't respond to that. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|thewholestory1]]</div>

But you've been doing this job for long enough to immediately spot the signs: eyes flicking to the side, a brief twitch of the nose, nervous flexing of fingers and tugging a strand of hair behind one's ear. Lynwood thinks the same, but doesn't dare to say it out loud. "He... lost his employment over it," Lynwood notes instead, not meeting your gaze. "Oh..." "It was an unpleasant surprise to all of us. It was... utterly out of nowhere. Our superiors named him neglecting his cases as reason. In... in any case, he was gone. And, well, the case was very well closed, wasn't it..." "Ya believe yer friend was onto something, right?" Charlie asks. Lynwood nods, reluctantly. "He's a good man. And a good friend. I... I owe it to him." "So ya want me to contact him about what he found?" Suddenly Lynwood snaps his head around, staring at Charlie bewildered. "What? Oh... Oh! God above, no. He... he's not... dead." And another odd pause. This time you decide to comment on it. "Agent Lynwood. That... was an odd pause there. So... I assume he's off worse?" Lynwood twitches, looking away. <<nobr>>"I lost contact with him shortly after he left the agency. I-I had thought he... I don't know what I thought. I //hoped// he'd clear his mind for a while. Get back to his feet. Instead... <<if $lyn >=35 or $worriedforlyn>> <<set $knowofisaac to true>> I found him during... I found him in an opium den less than a year ago. He... he barely recognized me. I know I should not have cared, but... I dragged him out of there, dragged him to my home. When he was coming to his senses again... He told me that the case had ruined him. He had lost everything. His wife had left him, word of his... 'sloppiness' and 'disobedience' had spread and he couldn't find employment again. But opium and morphine came cheap." <<else>> Let's just say he was... not well. His life was in shambles. I-I took him home. Did what I could to help..."<</if>><</nobr>> Lynwood lets out a heavy sigh. "He's been staying with me, my brother and his wife, and my sister since. He's... getting better, but that case... It's still taking a toll on him. Even though he has given up on it by now." "Or maybe //because// he gave up on it," you muse out loud, and Lynwood stares at you. "...maybe." Lynwood murmurs, in a way that makes it sound like a 'Yes'. Then he takes a deep breath. "As I said, this whole affair with O'Brian had me think about it like I haven't done in a while now. So, I have to take my chance. For Isaac's sake." <<nobr>><<if $doublefname is 11>> You raise a brow.<br><br> "I see I share the name with yer friend. Is that what that weird pause back when we first met was about?"<br><br> Lynwood blinks at you.<br><br> "You... you noticed that?"<br><br> "It's my job, isn't it?<br><br> "I... can't argue with that."<br><br> You <<else>> You <</if>> look at Charlie. And he nods and gets up, retrieving his cards from the nightstand.<</nobr>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~next">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "lynpostinterlude">> <</link>></div>\

<<if $continuity is 1>> "Nice to see yer apologizing for it," you quip. "Well, good luck findin' the necklace."<br><br> And you see him out.<br><br> "What do ya think this was all about?" Charlie wonders.<br><br> You roll your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>.<br><br> "I know that tone, Charlie..."<br><br> Charlie shrugs, but glowers in thought.<br><br> "There was more to the story."<br><br> "I know. Ya coulda said somethin'."<br><br> "Maybe I should have." Charlie shakes his head. "I admit, I'm intrigued."<br><br> You nod curtly.<br><br> "Did the dead really say that?"<br><br> "'It is where it was'? Yes. Not very helpful, is it?" Again Charlie shakes his head. "Just means that the necklace is still where it was brought after the theft."<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "So what do ya think Lynwood is after? It didn't seem like he's just after a possible reward."<br><br> "What I can say is that he likely wants to see this case closed proper. But somehow I doubt it's simple.... eagerness."<br><br> "Yeah..." You ponder. "Maybe we'll find that out some day."<br><br> Then you shrug and turn for the door.<br><br> "Headin' out again?" Charlie asks.<br><br> "Yes. Wanted to send a wire to Blayne. There's some stuff I doubt Mrs. Meadows can answer."<br><br> "You should try her first."<br><br> You shake your head.<br><br> "No, I think she went to take a nap. I'm not riskin' wakin' her."<br><br> You're out the door before Charlie can respond. <<else>> "What yer asking for, Agent Lynwood, is not a séance. What yer asking for needs these."<br><br> "Tarot? Are you certain?"<br><br> Charlie frowns a little, and Lynwood clears his throat.<br><br> "My apologies," Lynwood mutters.<br><br> "What I can offer ya," Charlie says, "Is a thorough readin'. But that will take a while."<br><br> "Oh."<br><br> Charlie smiles, shuffling the cards and drawing two.<br><br> "Y'know, Agent Lynwood, I can't say I'm particularly fond of ya. But," he puts the cards back in the deck before you get a chance to see them. "right now yer being honest with us, so I'll help."<br><br> Lynwood squirms a little.<br><br> "Thank you."<br><br> Then Charlie turns to you.<br><br> "And, $nick? I believe ya want to go somewhere?"<br><br> "Huh? Oh. Yeah... Sometimes yer cards scare me, y'know?"<br><br> "I know. I dunno where yer headin', though."<br><br> "Post office. Wanted to send a wire to Blayne. Got some questions."<br><br> "Don't ya wanna ask Mrs. Meadows first?"<br><br> "She's asleep, I think. I don't dare waking her."<br><br> Charlie chuckles and you head for the door.<br><br> "I'll be back in a moment," you say, and leave.<</if>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|tothepost]]</div>

You know you'll have to hurry a bit. Afternoon is slowly slipping into evening, and the post office will close quite soon. You stretch as you walk, shaking off the stress of the day, and trying to sort your head. All in all you'd say it was a successful day, but by all means, you could certainly do with a day or two without any ruckus. But for now you're going to ask Blayne about this mysterious 'Preacher'. It's weird. You have never heard of the guy, and you doubt that Charlie has. For someone who's supposedly active for the past five years or so... You shake your head and duck into the post office. Only to come face to face with someone you had, by all means, not expected to see here. "$title $Name, what a surprise," you are greeted. "Mr. Hodgeson," you greet back, forcing a smile. "I wouldn't have thought I'd ever see ya again." "I see you are staying around the area as well. How is your partner?" "He's well." "Good, good. I hope your payment served you well?" You shrug. "Can't complain. Lookin' into something proper to spend it on. Settle down proper, y'know." Hodgeson nods at you, looking perfectly pleasant. "Marvelous. And let me tell you, you deserve every penny of it. You helped us a lot." "My pleasure," you lie. "I'll forward yer praise to Charlie. How's Mr. Stainthorpe?" Suddenly Mr. Hodgeson looks at you quite baffled, and you can hear the unspoken 'Who?' on his tongue. Now... isn't that an interesting reaction? "Oh..." Hodgeson catches himself. "He's well. Went to visit his family on the coast." You nod. "And you? Yer gonna stay here? Visit family as well?" Hodgeson shakes his head. "No. I'm just wrapping up a bit of business." You nod. "Well... I got a bit o' business to wrap up as well," you incline your head towards the counter. "Get some messages out to friends, y'know, what with organizing one's future and all." "Good, good. Oh, don't mind if I say so, but if you haven't yet told them about how you helped us, you might want to refrain from it. Because of the money involved, of course. You know how money tends to reveal people's true face." You innocently cock your head. "Oh, I believe I can trust me friends and family." "Good to know, good to know. Well then, have a nice day, $title $Name." Hodgeson tips his hat and leaves. You take a deep breath and head for the counter. Guess this is going to be a slightly longer telegram than planned. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Back to the hotel...|posttohotel]]</div>

"$title $Name!" another familiar and, all things considered now more welcome, face greets you. Agent Lynwood is waiting for you at the foot of the stairs, looking as aloof and cold as on the first night you met. Well, maybe his face is a bit softer now. "Agent Lynwood, did ya forget anything?" you greet back. Lynwood shakes his head. "I'd like to talk to you tomorrow. It's quite a pressing matter." As if anticipating your response he raises a hand to stop you. "Don't worry, this is nothing that will lead to harm for you or the little posse shaping up around you. Albeit it is connected." You cast a quick glance around if anyone's listening in. <<nobr>><<if $imp >=70>> <<if $bold >=70>> "Spit it out, will ya?"<<else>>"Can't ya tell me what ya gotta say now?"<</if>><br><br> Lynwood shakes his head. <<elseif $imp <=30>> "Alright, but... why can't ya just tell me now?" <<else>> "Ya... can't just ask now?"<br><br> Lynwood shakes his head.<</if>><</nobr>> "I've been thinking about everything I have learned so far. I also took the opportunity to briefly speak with Miss <<if $tell_lynbright>>Beauchêne again."<<else>>Beauchêne."<</if>> "Ah?" "Clarifying a few things, which is also why talking now would be futile. I need to contact Franklin to confirm some information." You quirk a brow. "Franklin?" "Oh, Agent Turnbull. You remember the man who was with me in Clementsburg?" You nod. "Oh, that one. I kinda wondered what happened to him... What did happen to him?" "I stayed on your trail, he went to the East Coast, in case I need anything." Again you nod. "So," Lynwood continues, adjusting his coat. "I expect you tomorrow." You have to admit his tone was seriously nicer. He tips his hat at you and makes to leave. And stops, drawing a long, thoughtful breath. "$title $Name?" <hr><div class="choice">[["Yes?"|cornerofearth]]</div>

You find Charlie brooding over his cards, scribbling down notes. "We got a problem," you announce in a hissing stage whisper as you close the door behind you. Charlie looks up surprised and alarmed. "I just ran into our dear Mr. Hodgeson," you say, sitting down on the table. Charlie draws a sharp breath. "Yer kiddin', right?" You can only shake your head. With a frown Charlie mirrors that. "Just great. Is he on to us?" "No. We just talked. Perfectly pleasant bit of conversation. Except for the part where he forgot who Mr. Stainthorpe is." Charlie looks at you for a very long moment. "Just great," he repeats. "Fake name?" "Absolutely. What's yer feelin' with this?" Charlie leans back, thinking. "Weird feeling, not yet leaning towards //bad//, but I'll be damned if I'd like this in any way. So we best keep caution." You nod, and look at the cards. <<nobr>><<if $salomesveil_hint>> "How did yer readin' with Lynwood go?"<br><br> "Interesting, I'd say. Bit concerning. Our Agent Lynwood has more on his plate than he lets on, and I would wager a lot of it isn't really in his employer's interest."<br><br> "Oh?" You give an impressed whistle. "That's... good, innit?"<br><br> "Possible. Well, I don't think he'll turn out to be connected to that doomsday cult, so that's at least something."<br><br> <<if $lynrom >0>> You nod.<br><br> "Also I'd say he's got a sweetheart somewhere," Charlie adds.<br><br> "Oh?"<br><br> "Yes. But he's ashamed of it."<br><br> "Eesh, why?"<br><br> Charlie shrugs.<br><br> "Beats me. But, ya've seen how he is, so... maybe it's another guy? Maybe it's that Isaac he mentioned, the cards weren't too clear."<br><br> "Possible."<br><br> You begin <<else>> You nod and begin <</if>> pondering. <<else>> "Anything interesting from the cards?" you wonder?<br><br> "I'm not entirely certain."<br><br> "Lookin' into that necklace or something else?"<br><br> "This and that," Charlie admits. "Can't say for certain, but... I think our Agent Lynwood's got more on his plate than he lets on."<br><br> "Does he now?"<br><br> Charlie nods.<br><br> "Hard to tell what to make of that. And him."<br><br> You nod and begin pondering.<</if>><</nobr>> "Y'know, I met Lynwood on the way here. Said he wants to talk to me tomorrow." "Why not now? Assumin' ya'd be going." "Said he needs to check some facts first. 'bout Miss Florence." Charlie rolls his eye. "He's not havin' a new theory 'bout what happened, has he?" "I'd bet he has." "So yer goin'?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>I think it'd cause more damage if I don't, so... guess I'll have to.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "ch6hoteltalk">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Of course. I wanna know what's going on.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "ch6hoteltalk">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Sure. Gotta pass the time till we're off to Potter's Springs somehow.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "ch6hoteltalk">> <</link>></div>\

"I... do owe you another apology, I believe. For earlier," he mutters, looking very disheartened. "Making you think I think less of you because of..." He just gestures at all of you. "I had no right to make any assumptions about you, outlaw or not, and most certainly not make you feel as if I drew any conclusions from what you look like." You just roll your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>, and let silence fall over the scene. "Well," Lynwood clears his throat after a moment, "I just wanted to let you know..." "Y'know," you begin, <<if $mcglasses>>briefly taking off your glasses to inspect them<<else>>shaking your head<</if>>, "this is the fastest apology I've ever received from someone who judged this book by $their cover." You smile an askew smile. "An' there aren't many that apologize t' begin with." Lynwood sighs. "I... I can imagine." He pauses, briefly tilting his head back in thought. "I ought to also apologize for assuming I could //tell// where your roots are just from what you look like. Or your name." You hold his gaze, and ultimately shrug. "Apology accepted. It's surprising to see //someone like you// actually learn." Lynwood opens his mouth to protest, but just grumbles as he catches on. Also, judging by his look, he agrees that you have a point. He harrumphs, pauses, hands in his coat pockets, and looks at you curiously. "Though... do permit the question, //where// do you come from. Or your relatives?" It's strange hearing him sound genuinely interested. "Ya just wanna be able to correct yer file, don't you?" You grin after a moment, amused this time. Lynwood bristles a little. "I am fairly certain our files //are// accurate. And, Lord above, even if not, it would mean I would have to wire the office, they'd have to find the file, and wire me back, and..." He throws his hands up, almost in despair. "//Bureaucracy//. Why would you do that?" You actually bark a laugh. "Alright, alright, I'll humor ya. I'm..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>...US-American, but if you wanna go for the whole roots thing...</q>">> <<goto "cornerofearthrootsus">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...a Native of these lands.</q>">> <<set $nat to 1>> <<set $natio to "Native American">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Mexico.</q>">> <<set $nat to 2>> <<set $natio to "Mexican">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from China.</q>">> <<set $nat to 4>> <<set $natio to "Chinese">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Ireland.</q>">> <<set $nat to 6>> <<set $natio to "Irish">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Canada.</q>">> <<set $nat to 8>> <<set $natio to "Canadian">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Haiti.</q>">> <<set $nat to 10>> <<set $natio to "Haitian">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Scotland.</q>">> <<set $nat to 12>> <<set $natio to "Scottish">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Japan.</q>">> <<set $nat to 14>> <<set $natio to "Japanese">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Puerto Rico.</q>">> <<set $nat to 16>> <<set $natio to "Puerto Rican">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from France.</q>">> <<set $nat to 18>> <<set $natio to "French">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Australia.</q>">> <<set $nat to 20>> <<set $natio to "Australian">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from England.</q>">> <<set $nat to 22>> <<set $natio to "British English">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from... Asia.</q>">> <<set $nat to 24>> <<set $natio to "From somewhere in Asia">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from... Africa.</q>">> <<set $nat to 26>> <<set $natio to "From somewhere in Africa">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from... Europe.</q>">> <<set $nat to 28>> <<set $natio to "From somewhere in Europe">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from the Caribbean.</q>">> <<set $nat to 30>> <<set $natio to "From somewhere in the Caribbean">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from... South America.</q>">> <<set $nat to 32>> <<set $natio to "From somewhere in South America">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from... Oceania.</q>">> <<set $nat to 34>> <<set $natio to "From somewhere in Oceania">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from... Central America.</q>">> <<set $nat to 36>> <<set $natio to "From somewhere in Central America">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "I think it'd cause more damage if I don't, so...guess I'll have to."<br><br> "Hope he'll have something worthwhile to say." <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Of course. I wanna know what's going on."<br><br> "Then I hope it will be something worth yer time." <<else>> "Sure. Gotta pass the time till we're off to Potter's Springs somehow."<br><br> Charlie chuckles.<br><br> "Fair point there."<</if>><</nobr>> You nod. "But now I think I'll relax a bit till dinner." Charlie murmurs approvingly and turns back to his cards. "Who are ya doin' a readin' for, by the way?" you as as you nestle into the bed. "Myself. Been talkin' to Matt for a bit, too." "Oh?" "He's a bit worried. But... in a good way I guess." You sit back up. "Aha?" "He wonders what we'll do if this ends well. I mean, ya wanna start a new life... But I don't really know where it leaves me." <<nobr>> <<if $romance_charlie>> You get back up and lay your arms around Charlie, nuzzling against the back of his head.<br><br> "We'll start a new life together, how does that sound?" You chuckle. "An' if yer worried 'bout the urge to hustle people gettin' too strong... Doesn't have to be a thoroughly honest life after all."<br><br> Charlie chuckles as well and leans his head back, kissing your nose.<br><br> "Sounds like an excellent plan, $nick. I think I'll do that."<br><br> You smile and kiss his forehead, before letting go and sitting back on the bed. <<else>> "Ya can stay with me, if ya like. What, ya think just 'cause I might go honest I would break off our friendship?"<br><br> Charlie murmurs something, gazing a little forlornly into space.<br><br> You cock your head.<br><br> "Yer alright there, Charlie?"<br><br> Charlie snaps out of his spell.<br><br> <<if $meadrom >0 or $lynrom >0 or $tomrom >0 or $tomrom_shy >0 or $charom >0 or $charom_shy >0 or $char_fam or $char_friend>>"Yes... yes. No, I... don't think ya'd break that off. Why... would ya?<<else>>"Yes. I am... And, no, of course I don't think we'd stop bein' friends...<</if>> It's... the best thing we have, right?"<br><br> You <<if $charom_maybe or $charom_hurt>>nod and force a smile.<<else>>nod. <</if>> <</if>> Then you stretch.<</nobr>> "Alright, I really need some rest now," you say, laying back. Ya should get some rest as well, Charlie." Charlie nods. "Once I'm done here." "Alright. Wake me for dinner then." "Alright. Sleep well." <hr><div class="choice">[[~Not that you get to sleep that long...|ch6hoteltalk1]]</div>

You are at the verge of drifting off to sleep as someone knocks. You give Charlie a bleary look and scurry for the door. You kinda expected Lynwood again, but surprisingly it's Mrs. Meadows waiting for you. "Good evening," she greets, pushing past you. "We need to talk." You close the door while Charlie puts his cards away. "Seems urgent," you note. "It is urgent, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>," Mrs. Meadows says, sitting down on the bed. "Shouldn't we get Finley, Burke an' O'Brian then?" Charlie ventures, but Mrs. Meadows shakes her head. "No, while this concerns our task at hand in the grand scheme of things, this specific bit of news concerns the two of you." You look at Charlie and sit down slowly to face Mrs. Meadows. "Good news or bad news?" "That depends entirely on whether or not you ever met a Mr. Jeremiah Harlow," Mrs. Meadows answers. You look at Charlie, who rubs his chin in thought. "That's not much of an uncommon name, is it?" he muses. "He's an antiques-dealer from Philadelphia." You and Charlie shake your heads. "Can't say that rings a bell," Charlie notes. "How 'bout ya, $nick?" "Neither." You look at Mrs. Meadows. "Ya gotta give us a bit more than that if it is important." "It is," Mrs. Meadows confirms. "Mr. Harlow and his business-partner Mr. Perkins have been two of Blayne's biggest boons in the whole affair concerning the cult we are after. I was meant to meet with Mr. Harlow, but he has disappeared." She sighs. "He's the actual reason for this detour to New Hamelin." Well, what do you know... "Nice of ya to finally share that information with us," <<if $bold >=70>>you snark<<else>>Charlie snarks<</if>>. "It was nothing that you would have needed to worry about," Mrs. Meadows defends herself. "Mr. Harlow was meant to provide me with some texts that might or might not have been helpful." "An' these texts that could or could not have been helpful against a doomsday cult that nearly killed Blayne a'n hired us for who-knows-what-ends clearly can't have been of any concern to us, no." Charlie <<if $bold >=70>>sneers<<else>>continues sourly<</if>>, crossing his arms and leaning back. Mrs. Meadows draws a sharp breath and slightly puffs her chest out. "Had the texts proved worthwhile I would have //of course// shared that information with you. But where said information stemmed from would not have been of any concerns." "Lovely to see how much ya an' Mr. Blayne trust any of us," you frown. "You are outlaws, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>, in case you forgot." You glower at Mrs. Meadows. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Not by choice!</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "ch6hoteltalk2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>So what? It's my choice, innit?</q>">> <<set $outlawchoice to true>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "ch6hoteltalk2">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Not by choice!" you exclaim.<br><br> Mrs. Meadows looks at you quite baffled.<br><br> "Pardon?"<br><br> "I didn't pick this life. Why do ya think I'm tryin' to start anew?" <<else>> "So what? It's my choice, innit?" you holler.<br><br> Mrs. Meadows looks at you a bit baffled, but mostly annoyed.<br><br> "It's a sad choice, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>."<br><br> "And? It's still mine. An' ya can't deny we did our fair share of good, at bottom line."<br><br> "That is true. But..."<br><br> "But I still wanna start anew, have ya forgotten that? That's why I agreed to this whole thing."<</if>><</nobr>> "You had many chances to start anew, if I'm informed correctly. You used none." "Because they all would have come on someone else's cost. Often enough on Charlie's!" Mrs. Meadows blinks again, looking at Charlie, who gazes back darkly. "It's true, Mrs. Meadows," Charlie says. "We both had plenty of tempting chances to leave the life we're leading behind and start with a more or less blank slate. But if ya know about those, ya ought to know that neither of us would take such chances when they come at such costs." For a moment, Mrs. Meadows says nothing. However, you get the impression she grew a little fonder of Charlie and you." "Your loyalty to each other is commendable," she says, nodding curtly. "Now, back to the matter at hand. As I said, Mr. Harlow was meant to meet me here in New Hamelin. He should have arrived long before us, and was meant to leave a message for me at the post office around the time we were meant to arrive." You do a bit of calculating. "Which woulda been around today, right?" Mrs. Meadows nods. "Yes. But I went to see if there'd be a message waiting for me, or if I would potentially run into Mr. Harlow,... nothing. Now, this isn't the first time he has come to New Hamelin, so I asked at his favorite hotel..." At this Mrs. Meadows pales a little. You cast Charlie a suspicious glance, getting a good idea of what happened. "Let me take a guess," you say. "They said they saw him, but not for a while?" Mrs. Meadows nods, worrying her cuff. You draw a deep breath. This is certainly not good. What makes it worse is that the 'how' this was revealed to you absolutely doesn't sit right with you. "Mrs. Meadows," you begin, "with all due respect, why didn't ya tell us?" Mrs. Meadows sighs. "We weren't certain if we could trust you." What...? "Ya weren't certain if... Yer forcin' us to work for ya and you..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Call her out. She should have been honest with us from the start.">> <<set $mead to $mead + 5>> <<set $meadrom to $meadrom + 1>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "mrsmeadowsspeaks">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Show sympathy. She acted to her best knowledge and all, as rude as it was.">> <<set $mead to $mead + 5>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "mrsmeadowsspeaks">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Say nothing.">> <<set $mead to $mead - 5>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "mrsmeadowsspeaks">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<set $match_ml to $match_ml + 1>> <<if $continuity is 1>> <<if $bold >=70>> "Do ya know what yer sayin' there?" you holler. "Ya trust us enough to have us help ya against an evil cult yer after 'cause we unwittingly helped them, but ya not just don't trust us enough to tell us anything about them actually, ya also don't trust us enough to tell us anything 'bout yet another secret connected to this. <<elseif $bold <=30>> "Listen to yerself," you frown. "We're here because ya left us no choice but to help ya against this cult, but then you refuse to tell us anything about it. And now there's even more things ya intended to never have us know about... because ya don't trust us enough? <<else>> "Are ya listenin' to yerself?" you grunt, exhausted. "Ya force us to help you against some evil cult ya refuse to tell us anything about, and now ya tell us that there's even more secrets ya apparently never even planned on tellin' us about, all because ya don't trust us enough? <</if>> Look, Blayne's said to be a just man, but with all this... I'm feeling we're just meant to be sacrificial lambs."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows stares at you in shock.<br><br> "<<if $doublemeadows>>$title $fname $Name<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>, I can assure you that is //not// the case."<br><br> "Then what is? Yer withholdin' all these things from us because... why... 'cause we're outlaws? Is it that? We can't be trusted 'cause //everyone knows// outlaws are all the same and can't be trusted? Is it that?"<br><br> Mrs. Meadows stares blankly at you, before she lowers here gaze.<br><br> "I-I'm sorry," she mumbles.<br><br> You blink a little surprised, before looking at Charlie. Judging by his expression he's thinking the same as you: That one hit a nerve. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You shake your head.<br><br> "Well, I can't fully blame ya..." you say. "With all of what ya //did// tell us every carelessly uttered word might spell doom for... everything."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows sighs sorrowfully.<br><br> "It still isn't fair that ya didn't tell us, y'know," you note before she can say anything. Instead she just nods curtly. <<else>> You glower, looking a bit hurt and rather accusingly, but you say nothing.<br><br> That Mrs. Meadows looks back at you quite... disappointed... is a little odd.<</if>><</nobr>> "Mrs. Meadows," Charlie begins calmly, folding his hands. "Yer a smart woman, and ya do know we're no fools either. So ya know that no matter how ya turn this, it's bound to go awry if we don't get the information we need to make informed decisions." "I presume you are right." Mrs. Meadows draws a deep breath and lets out a long sigh, before straightening her clothes and posture. "Now then, from the start. As I said, Mr. Harlow is an old associate of Mr. Blayne. I don't know if he can be called a 'friend', but he has certainly helped Mr. Blayne a couple of times. And in this case he was to provide me with texts that might concern the cult we're after. He wasn't entirely certain, even though the texts //do// mention the 'Otherling', the... entity that that cult is worshiping." You nod, listening. "I'm really worried," Mrs. Meadows continues. "I can't imagine how this cult learned about Mr. Harlow, but... it's the only explanation I can think of." You cast a quick glance at Charlie. "One thing I can tell ya," Charlie says, "is that so far Mr. Harlow isn't dead. Even though things have been a bit foggy when it comes to Robert Brightwell, my contacts are certain Mr. Harlow is... alive at least." He smiles gently. "I know ya don't believe in what I can do, but maybe this time ya make an exception." Mrs. Meadows wrinkles her nose, but doesn't comment on it. You do spot her relaxing with relief nevertheless. "A question, though," Charlie notes. "Ya said this doesn't concern the others. But for all ya told us, I'd say it..." "I-I will tell the others — and you of course — everything once I know Mr. Harlow is safe and sound. That's why I came to you... I..." She sighs, rubbing her forehead. "Oh, this will sound horrible all things considered." Well... You somehow have a feeling where this is going. "Yer here cause ya trust us enough to help ya find Mr. Harlow," you guess, "even though ya don't trust us in all other regards." Mrs. Meadows looks at you and pouts a little. "Potentially." She looks away. "Potentially?" A sigh. "Oh alright, yes, maybe you're correct." She harrumphes, and sighs again. "So... are you willing to help... Please?" "There's no real option to say 'No', all things considered," you say. "Therefore..." "Thank you." Mrs. Meadows looks as if you took the weight of the world off her shoulders. "We should ask Sheriff Lowell for assistance," Charlie suggests, but that only get Mrs. Meadows to look at him alarmed. "No. I don't want to get Benjamin involved in this." <hr><div class="choice">[[...Oh?...|mrsmeadowsspeaks1]]</div>

"He could be helpful, though," you venture. "I know, but... I don't..." Mrs. Meadows shakes her head. "Don't worry, I understand," you say, casting Charlie a knowing glance. "Thank you." Mrs. Meadows gets up. "Could we go directly? The cover of night might prove helpful." "That's a bit sudden but..." you look her up and down. She's really fraying at the seams over this. "Ya got an idea where to go?" "A vague one, yes. I know where he was heading the last time they saw him at his hotel." You get up, straighten your clothes and look at Charlie. "Ya got any input maybe?" Charlie cocks his head in thought, closing his eye. "Not yet, but... ya know how the dead can be." You nod and get your coat and weapons. "So where was this Mr. Harlow stayin'?" "The //Silver River// hotel. It's small and quiet, and a little hidden away in the folds of the oldest part of town." You nod, and head out. Doesn't seem you're getting a single chance to get some rest these days... //~+~// You are barely out of the hotel when you, once again, run into a familiar face, Agent Lynwood once again. "Heading out?" he greets you, looking your little group over rather suspiciously. You look at the others, when an idea strikes your mind. You <<if $lyn >=55>>have grown quite fond of the Pinkerton agent, and you feel like he could be of great help in this<<elseif $lyn <=20>>are by no means keen on the Pinkerton agent, but maybe he can be of help for once<<else>>still try to make up your mind about the Pinkerton agent, but you somehow feel like he might be helpful in this<</if>>. "Agent Lynwood, if ya'd kindly come with us? We're investigating a potential kidnapping." Lynwood stares at you quite bewildered, as do Mrs. Meadows and Charlie. And Charlie leans closer. "Ya think this is a good idea, $nick?" he murmurs. "I can hear you, Mr. Mulligan, and you know that," Lynwood grumbles in return. You turn to Charlie. "He's a lawman... of sorts. And as Sheriff Lowell isn't an option..." Lynwood's interest seems piqued, and surprisingly he turns to Mrs. Meadows. "I'm surprised you won't get him involved in whatever matter is at hand." You don't miss the bitter tone. Mrs. Meadows scrunches her nose up. "Kindly leave your animosities towards Benjamin out of this, Giles." You almost gasp. "Hadn't expected the two o' ya to be on first name basis," you comment. "We're not," Mrs. Meadows intones, not taking her eyes off Lynwood. "It's purely for emphasis." <hr><div class="choice">[[...well then...|mrsmeadowsspeaks2]]</div>

Lynwood scoffs. "Emphasis. Certainly," he grunts. "Your concerns for him are commendable, but I am certain he can look after himself very well." "Unless people interfere due to incompetence," Mrs. Meadows retorts. Now Lynwood glowers. "I wonder... Have you not been told what happened, or do you not care?" he asks, absentmindedly rubbing <<if $lynscar>>he scar on his<<else>>his<</if>> neck and looking... hurt. <<if $cur <=30>>You're usually not one to care, but this is getting<<else>>This is certainly<</if>> intriguing. You feel Charlie brushing against your arm, a signal not to say anything right now. "No one has yet had the courage to tell me what actually happened," Mrs. Meadows says, shaking her head. "So all I can do is connect the stray pieces I find." Again she shakes her head. "Now, are you going to help?" "If you'd kindly tell me what's going on?" "An associate of Mr. Blayne I was meant to meet here has gone missing. It's very important we find him unharmed." Lynwood nods, waving you to the side before having Mrs. Meadows fill him in. Naturally she leaves out the parts about the doomsday cult. "The //Silver River//, huh?" Lynwood ponders. "Well, I was meaning to talk to <<if $doublemeadows>>our friend here," he nods towards you, "anyway<<else>>$title $Name anyway<</if>>, so I reckon I can do that along the way." Mrs. Meadows nods and waves you all to follow. "Now, ya think this is a good idea, $nick?" Charlie teases in a hushed whisper. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>It will certainly get interesting.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "silverriver">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>No, but now it's a little too late to do anythin'.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "silverriver">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I'm not certain... We shall see...</q>">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "silverriver">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Yes, especially since we might get to know a bit more 'bout these two.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "silverriver">> <</link>></div> <<if $lyn >=30>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Yes. I mean, I trust them.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<goto "silverriver">> <</link>></div>\ <</if>>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "It will certainly get interesting," you whisper back, genuinely wondering if it //was// a good idea. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "No, but now it's a little too late to do anythin'." You shrug apologetically. <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "I'm not certain..." you mumble. "We shall see..." <<elseif $continuity is 4>> "Yes," you say, and smirk, "Especially since we might get to know a bit more 'bout these two." <<else>> "Yes. I mean, I trust them," you say and shrug.<</if>><</nobr>> Charlie just sighs and rolls his eye. "From yer mouth to God's ear, $nick." "We've been in worse situations," you say. "Now, don't jinx it." Charlie shakes his head, when Mrs. Meadows audibly clears her throat. "Would the two of you kindly stop dillydallying? Thank you." You shrug curtly and follow. ^^//A short walk later.//^^ The '//Silver River//' hotel is located in the oldest part of New Hamelin, which is by now also the richest. Here the town is nearly indistinguishable from the major cities on the East Coast, with the houses of the rich looming on the hills along the river. This is were the upper-class theaters and restaurants are, and where someone like you and Charlie can easily make the same money in a night you'd make over a month elsewhere. Assuming you go somewhere where people don't know your faces yet. The hotel itself is what Mrs. Meadows said it would be. Small and secluded, and it is the kind of hotel where people with money go when they don't want to be seen while still feeling like they're in the heart of everything. There aren't any other guests in the lobby as you enter, and front desk is staffed by a mousy young man with his nose in one of Stevenson's latest, while an older man (who Mrs. Meadows informs you is the concierge) is leaning onto the desk, chatting to him incessantly. The latter however snaps his mouth shut as he spots Mrs. Meadows, looking quite annoyed as he steps over to your group. "Back so soon?" he says, shaking his head. "And you brought friends I see. Ma'am, I don't know what you hope to achieve, I have already informed you that the man you are looking for..." "Isn't present right now, and that you do not know where he went," Mrs. Meadows says, calmly, but annoyed. "And you can also not tell me where he might have gone." "Precisely," the man responds. You look at Charlie, who nods curtly. You both know the song, it's one you've heard in these kinds of hotels often enough. You begin to wonder... That moment Lynwood steps forward, flashing his badge. "This is quite concerning, sir," he says, before introducing himself. "Agent Lynwood, Pinkerton Detective Agency. I am here to investigate the matter." The man grimaces, the boisterous bravado from before falling off him like leaves in autumn. "P-Pinkertons?" he stutters, before he quickly clears his throat, regaining his composure. Even the younger man behind the desk looks up, inconspicuously putting his book aside. "This... Why are you here?" the older man asks, croaking a little. "This... this is a reputable hotel, sir, I assure you." Agent Lynwood nods curtly. "Then I am certain you won't find any issue with telling us what you know, correct? I assume you have a more secluded place to talk?" "O-Of course..." As the man leads you away to an adjacent room you catch a glimpse of the guy behind the desk, who's now looking quite disappointed. Ah well... "Listen, sir," the man begins as he closes the door behind you. "I don't want any trouble. This is a reputable hotel, and our guests value it for that. I can assure you..." Lynwood raises his hand. "I dearly hope that you are not toying with the idea of bribing me, in case your house is not as reputable as you make it out to be. If your guests value it because certain misdeeds are kept from the eyes of the world securely behind sturdy doors." The man bristles. "Agent Lynwood, I must protest. I know the kind of hotels you are referring too, and I assure you I despise how their ways of operating give hotels like this a bad name. But there really is nothing I could tell you about Mr. Harlow that I haven't told this lady here already." He gestures quite desperately at Mrs. Meadows. Lynwood nods again, and looks to you as if asking for help with the concierge. You look to Charlie. Under other circumstances you might remain observers, but by all means, not saying or doing anything to help now would likely just end badly. You nod back just as curtly. <<nobr>><hr> <<if $talk >=40>><div class="choice"><<link "~Intimidate the concierge.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "silverriver1">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $talk >=40>><div class="choice"><<link "~Sweet-talk him.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "silverriver1">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <div class="choice"><<link "~Let Charlie handle this.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "silverriver1">> <</link>></div><</nobr>>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> <<if $bold >=70 and $pol <=30>> "Now listen here," you begin in a growl, puffing out your chest and pulling yourself up to full height, <<if $mcsize is 1>>which brings you to eye-height with<<elseif $mcsize is 2>>which has you stand a bit taller than<<else>>looming menacingly over<</if>> the concierge. "Ya already figured that it's not bodin' well to have the Pinkertons involved, so ask yerself if there really isn't anything ya can't tell us 'bout Mr. Harlow." <<elseif $bold <=30 and $pol <=30>> "Ya should talk, y'know," you begin, glowering menacingly. "Ya got'em Pinkertons involved, and what do ya reckon will happen when word spreads? Now, are ya still certain there's nothing ya can tell us 'bout Mr. Harlow?" <<else>> "Ya really should talk," you grunt, darkly. "Ya already figured having'em Pinkertons involved doesn't bode well, and what do ya think will happen when word spreads? Now, are ya still certain there's nothing ya can tell us 'bout Mr. Harlow?"<</if>> <<elseif $continuity is 2>> <<if $bold <=30 and $pol >=70>> "Your respect towards your guest's privacy is praiseworthy," you begin. "And as you said, there's plenty of hotels that would not show the same kind of honesty and trustworthiness to their guests. But you also already figured that not all can be well when the Pinkertons are involved. I can see you are worried, for your hotel, the other guests, and, of course, Mr. Harlow. So, is there really nothing you could tell us about him?" <<elseif $bold >=70 and $pol >=70>> "Now look," you begin, calmly and pleasantly. "It speaks greatly of you that you are respecting your guests like this and seek to protect their privacy. As you've said it yourself, there's plenty of hotels that would spill the beans all too easily at the first given chance. But I can see you are worried for what exactly the involvement of Agent Lynwood and the Pinkertons could mean. And it's your good right to be worried. For your hotel, the other guests, and, of course, Mr. Harlow. So, is there really nothing you could tell us about him?" <<else>> "It speaks greatly of you that you respect yer guests and their privacy like this," you say. "You mentioned it yourself, there's plenty of hotel that would spill the beans all too easily at the first given chance. But I can see you are worried 'bout what the Pinkertons's involvement could mean for you, your hotel, and, of course, Mr. Harlow. So, is there really nothing you could tell us about him?"<</if>> <<else>> You nod almost unnoticeable at Charlie, who steps forward, donning his kindest and most concerned expression.<br><br> "Sir, it's refreshing to see your integrity," Charlie begins. "Respecting your guests, their wishes and privacy. I agree, there are a lot of hotels that will all too gladly claim they're doing just that, but will rat someone out at the first temptation. So, hat's off to you. But you are worried right now, and it's understandable what with the Pinkertons being involved. Agent Lynwood is here for a good reason, so... Is there really nothing you could tell us about Mr. Harlow?"<</if>><</nobr>> You watch sweat bead lightly on the concierge's forehead, looking worriedly at Lynwood. "Every little bit could help," Lynwood informs him, quite jovially. "Maybe Mr. Harlow made a remark that could help us locate him. Did he say anything out of the ordinary the last time you saw him? Was he maybe in someone's company that struck you as odd? Maybe..." "Please, sir, stop," the concierge moans. "I... I can assure you Mr. Harlow is safe and sound, but..." Embarrassment and despair crawl onto the man's face and he hangs his head. "You must believe me, sir, Mr. Harlow is fine," he pleads. "But please don't ask further questions. I'll let him know this lady here has been asking for him as soon as I can." "I'm afraid this won't do, my good man," Lynwood says. "I have to make sure that Mr. Harlow is, indeed, as safe and sound as you say. You understand?" The concierge casts a desperate look at your little group, before he let's out a heavy sigh of defeat. "Kindly follow me then, please." <hr><div class="choice">[[~And you do...|silverriver2]]</div>

The concierge leads you up to a room on the topmost floor, and Lynwood stops him from knocking just in time. "If you'd kindly just open the door?" Lynwood insists. "But..." the concierge protests weakly, before he fishes for the keys. The door opens quietly into a small, but comfortable and lavishly decorated room. The heavy curtains on the window are drawn, the plates and cups on the small table by the window speak of someone having ate here recently, and the lights are turned low. There's a travel trunk full of books at the chairs by the fireplace, various papers laid out on the table nearby, and a full set of clothes hung semi-neatly over a chair by the bed in which Mr. Harlow (at least you are quite certain it's him) is currently sleeping. You had already expected that Mr. Harlow was not as missing as the concierge had made him out to be to Mrs. Meadows. What you hadn't expected was the presence of a woman sleeping next to him, both of them stark naked under the covers, by what you can see. Whoops... Naturally Mr. Harlow is not to pleased with being woken up unexpectedly, and neither is the woman by his side. "What is the meaning of this?" he finally demands after both of them have calmed down, the woman huddling half behind him, wrapped up in a blanket. It's hard to tell whom Mr. Harlow is angrier with, Mrs. Meadows or the concierge. "Don't be angry, Mr. Harlow," Charlie speaks up. "Mrs. Meadows suspected, based on the information she had, that ya might have gotten kidnapped, and was simply concerned for yer wellbeing." Mr. Harlow is, thankfully, a man quick on the uptake. He blinks, briefly shakes his head and his gaze wanders back to Mrs. Meadows. "A kidnapp-... Oh God, the books," he groans, running a hand over his short hair. "I hadn't expected you to be in New Hamelin already." He looks to the concierge. "Still. Why did you..." "That would be on me, sir," Lynwood interferes, quickly introducing himself. "Pinkertons?" Mr. Harlow's company wonders, looking at him worried. "Jerry, what's going on?" "Mr. Harlow is assisting Mr. Emmett Blayne in a matter of, potentially, national security," Mrs. Meadows answers in Mr. Harlow's stead. "Thus we..." she stops and cocks her head at the other woman. "Oh, hold up a moment. I know you. Aren't you Mr. Perkins' sister? I believe I have seen you in the store in Philadel- Aren't you //married//?" The woman looks away embarrassed. Bigger Whoops. "I believe this is why you picked a hotel such as this," Mrs. Meadows groans in disapproval. "I can't believe it." "Don't be too harsh with them," Charlie says, drawing all attention. "It's not been a happy marriage, I presume?" Then he smiles gently, inclining his head towards the table with the papers. "Before ya ask... Ya left the letter out you received about the divorce being finalized. Guess ya had something to celebrate." Both Mr. Harlow and, well, Miss Perkins, look everywhere but at your group or each other, before Mrs. Meadows ushers your little group out of the room. "I'll be back in an hour," she announces, before closing the door. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|silverriver3]]</div>

"Well, that's not what I expected," you say. "I don't think anyone of us expected that," Charlie adds, while Mrs. Meadows thanks the concierge for his service. You nod soberly, stretching a little. "Well, it's certainly better than what we anticipated." You look around. "What shall we do now?" "The hotel has an excellent restaurant, if you are hungry," Mrs. Meadows suggests. "I believe none of us had a proper meal today." "Won't we be gone for longer than an hour then?" you joke. "Oh, I believe Mr. Harlow and the freshly-minted Miss Perkins will easily forgive us that." You look after Mrs. Meadows, quirking a slightly suspicious brow, before you move to follow her to the restaurant. You stop briefly to wave Lynwood to come along. "We kinda owe ya one, y'know," you say, and head downstairs with him in tow. In retrospect it's not very surprising that after such an episode the talk on your table moves to the topic of relationships. And thus, naturally, Mrs. Meadows' story comes up. <<nobr>>"I believe after what happened today I owe you this bit of honesty," she begins, leaning back and <<if $knowmead>> telling her story.<br><br> The words still come hard to her, and you begin to feel like the more often she thinks of her late husband, the bigger the sorrow grows. <<else>> <<set $knowmead to true>> getting lost in thought for a moment.<br><br> "Ya don't have to tell us," Charlie notes softly, but Mrs. Meadows shakes her head.<br><br> "Kind of you to say, but as I said, I owe it to you." She takes a deep breath.<br><br> "My family migrated to the States after the Opium War. Most of my history is thus the same you will find with a lot of the people who came here from China. My father and grandmother insisted, however, that I learn how to handle a gun, just in case. So I did. And I got good at it. When I was seventeen I met Nathan Meadows. He was the kindest and most clever person I have ever met, and he had this big dream of becoming a doctor. And he had the knowledge to make that dream reality. My family was impressed by him, he was a great match, and I was allowed to move with him to Boston. With my older brother in tow."<br><br> "Better safe than sorry," Charlie comments.<br><br> Mrs. Meadows nods. "That was precisely the idea. Nathan's family supported us fully, which was a pleasant change from the animosities we experienced on the frontier. And as Nathan trained to be a doctor, I learned the trait alongside him." She smiles wistfully. "We got married after his graduation, and he fairly quickly gained an impressive reputation amongst the rich and powerful. He was a good doctor, and a shining beacon of modern science. But to me it was more important how kind and supportive he was. The world out there isn't necessary kind to women."<br><br> Her face takes on a wistful shimmer, as she gazes into her glass of water.<br><br> "Can I..." you begin carefully, "ask what happened to your husband?"<br><br> Mrs. Meadows falls silent, and looks at your group with a sorrowful sigh.<br><br> "A train crash," she then says quietly. "Nathan had gone to New York. It was meant to be only for two days. On the way back his train derailed..."<br><br> With a heavy sigh Mrs. Meadows shakes her head. You look at her sympathetically. <<if $talk >=65>>You're good with words, which means you know when<<else>>Maybe<</if>> it's better to say nothing.<br><br> "I moved back here afterwards," Mrs. Meadows continues after giving you a small smile. "Helped my family, and practiced the trait for a while. One day I met Mr. Blayne. He had been injured on a hunt. Not as bad as this time around, naturally, but it was nevertheless not a pretty sight. As he was recovering we befriended each other. He usually pays a visit when he's in the area, and now is not the first time he requested my assistance."<</if>><</nobr>> "And ya went to Philadelphia for Blayne from time to time?" you venture gently as she finishes her tale. "//With// him, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>," Mrs. Meadows says. "He reckoned it a wise decision to have a capable and trustworthy doctor at his side, even for quite mundane undertakings." You nod, before you slowly turn your head to agent Lynwood, whose eyes you've been feeling on you. You smile slyly. "I believe ya had a question for me, Agent Lynwood. So, what is it? Hope it's nothin' too personal." Lynwood looks up from his drink. "Oh, about the concerns from earlier? I am still awaiting a response from my sources about that. But I //do// have another question. Nothing //too// personal at least," he answer with a half-smile. "I'm simply curious. How did you end up an outlaw? I know your criminal history, but I do wonder about the reason." "I'd call that rather personal," you say, and shrug. "We might as well ask what made ya join the Pinks," Charlie interrupts, causing you to grin a little. "It's just as good a question." Lynwood scoffs, but smiles tiredly. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|silverriver4]]</div>

"I told $title $Name, already, Mr. Mulligan. In case $they didn't tell you yet, I..." "Oh, $they did," Charlie says. "Now, wantin' to do 'the right thing' an' bringin' justice is a good reason to do something, but I find yer chosen approach to it debatable." Lynwood frowns, just a little bit. "I had to, Mr. Mulligan. I'm not cut for being a marshal or sheriff, I know that much. And joining the police? No, out of the question. Not here in America, at least." "Whatever is that supposed to mean now?" Mrs. Meadows wonders. "The part about America I mean. I can perfectly understand and support the rest." Lynwood smiles curtly. "Might as well tell you then, I guess. Almost twenty years ago I had the chance to move to England and begin work at Scotland Yard. My uncle's been working there. I didn't take the chance, however." You observe Lynwood for a moment. He appears rueful about the opportunity missed, yet guilty thinking that way. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Ask him about it.">> <<if $lyn <=50>> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 5>> <<else>> <<set $lyn to $lyn + 5>> <<set $lynrom to $lynrom +1>> <</if>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "silverriver5">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Say nothing, just nod in acknowledgment.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "silverriver5">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Ya seem unhappy that ya didn't move 'cross the pond," you observe.<br><br> Lynwood sighs wistfully.<br><br> "I admit, I sometimes am. But I couldn't leave my brother and sister behind. It... It just wasn't an option. Neither was taking them along."<br><br> "Ya make it sound as if ya'd move all too gladly if given the chance," Charlie says.<br><br> "Not the 'chance', Mr. Mulligan," Lynwood answers. "The freedom."<br><br> Charlie sits up surprised and intrigued, and you feel a shiver run down your spine. And you feel as if something is actively stopping you from asking further.<br><br> It's thus a bit of a relief as you spot Mr. Harlow and Miss Perkins entering the <<if $pol <=30 or $bold <=30>>restaurant (fully dressed, of course)<<else>>restaurant<</if>>, <<else>> You just nod, letting your gaze wander of the other guests for a bit.<br><br> To your surprise Mr. Harlow and Miss Perkins enter the <<if $pol <=30 or $bold <=30>>restaurant (fully dressed, of course)<<else>>restaurant<</if>>, <</if>> looking around for you.<</nobr>> You wave them over and they scurry up to your table quite meekly. "Would you mind if we'd sit down with you?" Mr. Harlow asks carefully, and Mrs. Meadows nods sternly. "You do have quite a bit of explaining to do, Mr. Harlow," she says, scooting to the side a bit to make space. "I know," Mr. Harlow sighs guiltily as he and his companion sit down. "Before I begin, though, I must ask you not to tell Roland anything about this. Not yet at least." "I assume 'Roland' is Mr. Perkins?" you ask. Mr. Harlow nods. "He is." "My brother is a good man," Miss Perkins explains. "But..." "It's not the right moment yet," Mr. Harlow finishes. "The divorce was... a bit of a hassle, and we'd like to let things cool down first." "We saw that," Mrs. Meadows deadpans. Your own attention, however, is on Charlie, who has sat back in his chair, arms crossed tightly and brows furrowed darkly. You know the face. Something is deeply amiss, and it involves the dead. "You... are looking quite gloomy, mister," Miss Perkins says, sounding worried. Charlie smiles softly, albeit you can make out that it is a little strained. "Oh, it has just been a long day, miss." Miss Perkins nods, and Mr. Harlow looks at Mrs. Meadows again. "My most sincere apologies, Mrs. Meadows. I had really not expected you'd be in New Hamelin already." "If it is of any help, Mr. Harlow, neither have we," Mrs. Meadows explains. "We had to change our travel plans the last second, so we, obviously, arrived quite a bit ahead of schedule." Mr. Harlow nods understandingly, and clears his throat a little awkwardly. "Well, I greatly appreciate the concern, Mrs. Meadows. That was very kind of you, albeit a little... peculiar." "You know what's at stake, Mr. Harlow," Mrs. Meadows reminds him. "But as all turned out quite well, would you two like to join us for dinner?" Mr. Harlow and Miss Perkins look at each other and nod a little awkwardly. Interestingly, however, Charlie gets up all of a sudden. "Agent Lynwood, could I have a word with ya?" You are looking at Charlie as baffled as Lynwood does. "I... Is something wrong?" Lynwood asks, while the others look a little alarmed. Charlie smiles. "Oh, nothing that has to do with this, my apologies if I alarmed ya. I just have a question that's a bit more... delicate, all things considered." Lynwood looks at you, but all you can do is shrug. "It shouldn't take long," Charlie assures, and, albeit a little baffled, Lynwood follows him out of the restaurant. <hr><div class="choice">[[...Weird...|silverriver6]]</div>

"Aren't you going to follow him," Mrs. Meadows asks. You gaze after Charlie for a moment. You've seen his face. Something is deeply amiss, and it might get worse if you were to join him right <<if $cur >=75>>now. Doesn't mean your curiosity isn't killing you...<<else>>now.<</if>> So following is out of the question. "He can handle himself," you say nonchalantly. "And I trust him." Mrs. Meadows nods, before turning her attention to Mr. Harlow and Miss Perkins again. Then she sighs. "Oh, before I forget it," she says, and quickly tells your guests who you and Charlie are. Granted, she does leave out all about being outlaws, most about mediums and some parts about hunting a doomsday cult. "Pleased to meet you," Miss Perkins says. "Although I admit I'd have preferred less awkward circumstances." <<nobr>>You <<if $pol >=70>> smile and refrain from any comment. <<elseif $pol >=35 and $pol <=65>> smile.<br><br> "I hope there's no harm done."<br><br> Miss Perkins blushes a bit, but nods. <<else>> <<if $bold >=60>> smile.<br><br> "Can imagine."<br><br> Miss Perkins looks at you bewildered, and Mrs. Meadows shakes her head at you. <<else>> smile, a little strained maybe, biting back a comment and picking up your glass instead. <</if>> <</if>> <</nobr>> "Have we missed anythin'?" Charlie greets, as he returns to the table with Lynwood. "Not really," you say. "Ev'rything settled?" Charlie nods, sitting back down. You look at Lynwood, who looks rather worried, but... you're not sure, you get the feeling he's there's some new found respect for Charlie in his face. Just that moment a waiter comes over to get Mr. Harlow and Miss Perkins' orders. As they are distracted, Charlie leans over to you. "I'll tell ya later what happens, but damn, it's a bit nasty," he whispers. You gaze at him a little baffled, but nod. Now all you can do is wait for your dinner. Which you do. "Allow me the question," Miss Perkins begins, addressing Mrs. Meadows. "But how is working for someone like Mr. Blayne?" "Not as positively exciting as all these dime novels make it out to be, to put it like that," Mrs. Meadows answers. "I'll be honest with you. I sometimes wish Mr. Blayne would finally hang up the guns and settle down somewhere." Miss Perkins nods. "That's what Jerry and I are planning. Without any guns involved, of course." "I wish ya all the best," Charlie says, leaning back in his seat. "I have a question as well," Lynwood pipes up, looking you over. "This one //is// a little more personal." "Oh?" "Yes. The question about why..." he stops as he notices Mrs. Meadows sternly shaking her head at him, and thankfully he understands not to mention the whole 'outlaw' bit, "you have picked your occupation aside... Have you ever been married?" Well, that certainly //is// a more personal question. "I must apologize," Lynwood adds calmly, and you see sorrow grow in his expression, "but today's event just got me thinking about it." "I can see that," you say. "It looks like ya don't have the happiest association with the idea..." you pause, looking worried from Lynwood to Mrs. Meadows and back. "Have... have you ever been married, Agent Lynwood?" Lynwood's face falls into severe, wistful sorrow, and he sighs deeply. "No... no, I..." you notice a trace of anger in his voice. Even Mr. Harlow and Miss Perkins pick up on it. "I'm sorry to hear," Miss Perkins says. Lynwood smiles softly at her. "No, don't be. It's... not what you might think, miss. If I'd feel like this because I love somebody, then things would be different, but... Love was not a factor in my case." <hr><div class="choice">[[~That's unexpected...|silverriver7]]</div>

"In the hopes you won't use it against me," Lynwood continues, addressing you while grimly looking at his wine, "my parents had... plans for me. Oh, I should be married by now, for years actually, but... things happened. No one died, no. //What// happened was worse in the eyes of my //dear// parents. Far, far worse." You can't say you like the tone. It all does give you a few ideas of what might have happened, but you are not going to speculate right now. "So, no. If things would have worked out the way my parents wanted," Lynwood grouses, "I'd be married, maybe had given them a grandchild or two, continued the bloodline 'proper'..." he snarls briefly, "but things turned out differently." He sighs, shakes his head and looks at you. "So, there's my little story about relationships. Now then, how about you, $title $Name? You are <<if $age <31>>still quite young, but not too young to not have stood in front of the altar<<else>>old enough to have stood in front of the altar<</if>> I know Mr. Mulligan's never been married, but what about you?" <<nobr>><hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>I've never been married.</q>">> <<goto "nevermarried">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I've been married...</q>">> <<goto "beenmarried">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I'm widowed...</q>">> <<goto "widowed">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I am married...</q>">> <<goto "ismarried">> <</link>></div> <<if $back is 7 and ($gender is 2 or ($gender is 3 and $opentr))>> <div class="choice"><<link `$gender is 2 ?"<q>Oh, I am, technically, a married woman... And also //technically// you are wrong about Charlie.</q>" : "<q>Oh, I'll let you in on a secret. I am, technically, a married //woman//... And also //technically// you are wrong about Charlie.</q>"`>> <<set $back to 13>> <<set $married to 11>> <<set $continuity to 15>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div><</if>> <<if $back is 7 and ($gender is 5 or $gender is 6) and $opentr and ($tatas is 0 or $tatas is 1 or $tatas is 4)>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Oh, I'll let you in on a secret. Technically, I am a married //woman//... And also //technically// you are wrong about Charlie.</q>">> <<set $back to 13>> <<set $married to 11>> <<set $continuity to 15>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div><</if>><</nobr>>\

"Oh, I've never been married." "Never wanted to or never found the right person?" Miss Perkins asks. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Just shrug.">> <<set $married to 1>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Just shrug. It's maybe not the wisest idea to share the exact details of this with a stranger.">> <<set $married to 1>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I tried to get married. Got stood up.</q>">> <<set $married to 2>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I was to get married. Got cold feet, much to my dismay.</q>">> <<set $married to 3>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I was to get married. Got cold feet, but it was for the better.</q>">> <<set $married to 4>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I was set to get married with someone I didn't love. So I ran away instead.</q>">> <<set $married to 5>> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div>\

"I've been married," you say, "but..." "But?" Miss Perkins asks, intrigued. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>It didn't work out. So we parted ways.</q>">> <<set $married to 6>> <<set $continuity to 6>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Same story as yours, I guess. 'Twasn't a happy marriage.</q>">> <<set $married to 7>> <<set $continuity to 7>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Same story as yours, perhaps. I married a right nasty example of the human race. So I ran away one day.</q>">> <<set $married to 8>> <<set $continuity to 8>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div>\

"I'm... widowed," you <<if ($fname + $name).toUpperCase() is "SADIEADLER" or ($fname + $name).toUpperCase() is "ARTHURMORGAN">>say, biting back the hurt the best you can<<else>>say<</if>>. "Oh," Miss Perkins looks at you sympathetically. "My condolences..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Thank you. It's still hard to think 'bout it.</q>">> <<set $married to 9>> <<set $continuity to 9>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Oh, don't. It wasn't a good marriage, an' that was the best way it coulda ended.</q>">> <<set $married to 10>> <<set $continuity to 10>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Don't. That miserable excuse for a human being had it comin'.</q>">> <<set $married to 11>> <<set $continuity to 11>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div>\

The others (except Charlie) look at you surprised. "You're married?" Lynwood wonders, obviously still trying to wrap his head around it. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Yeah, but I wish I wasn't.</q>">> <<set $married to 12>> <<set $continuity to 12>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Yes. But... really only on paper. We both go our own ways.</q>">> <<set $married to 13>> <<set $continuity to 13>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div>\ <<if $charom_hurt is false and $charom_maybe is false and $romance_charlie is false>>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I am. I've always been the more adventurous one, but it's nice to know ya got a warm hearth an' lovin' heart to come home to one day.</q>">> <<set $married to 14>> <<set $continuity to 14>> <<set $active_romance to true>> <<goto "aftermathdinner">> <</link>></div><</if>>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity <=11>> <<if $continuity is 1>> You <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "I thought I had found the right person. Only for said person to never show up to get married," you grunt, and Miss Perkins looks shocked.<br><br> "I'm sorry to hear that," she says.<br><br> "It's not an experience I'd wish on anyone."<br><br> "Maybe you'll find someone some day who won't leave you standing."<br><br> You just <<elseif $continuity is 3>> "I had someone... But last second I got cold feet an' made a run for it," you admit, and Miss Perkins looks devastated.<br><br> "I'm sorry to hear that," she says.<br><br> "Thank ya. I dunno if I'd do differently if I could go back..."<br><br> "Maybe you'll find someone who'll keep your feet warm, come what may."<br><br> You just <<elseif $continuity is 4>> "I had someone... But last second I got cold feet an' made a run for it," you admit, and Miss Perkins looks devastated.<br><br> "I'm sorry to hear that," she says.<br><br> "Ah, don't be. It was for the better, I'd say."<br><br> "Maybe you'll find someone you'll want to be with some day."<br><br> You just <<elseif $continuity is 5>> "I was set to get married to someone I had no feelings for," you admit. "So I ran away instead." Miss Perkins looks shocked.<br><br> "I'm sorry to hear that," she says.<br><br> "Eh, don't be. Better than goin' through with it an being miserable."<br><br> "I hope that may you'll find someone some day you want to be with."<br><br> You just <<elseif $continuity is 6 or $continuity is 7 or $continuity is 8>> <<if $continuity is 6>> "It didn't work out," you say. "We just didn't fit together, so we decided to part ways, allowing each of us to live their life."<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 7>> "Same story as yours, I guess. 'Twasn't a happy marriage," you say with a sigh. "At least we could agree on a divorce fairly well."<br><br> <<else>> "Same story as yours, perhaps. I married a right nasty example of the human race. So I ran away one day."<br><br> "You... ran away?" Miss Perkins wonders.<br><br> "That I did. Divorce finally got through a few years back."<br><br><</if>> Miss Perkins nods.<br><br> "Maybe you'll find the right person someday. If you want, that is."<br><br> You just <<elseif $continuity is 9>> "Thank you. It's still hard to think 'bout it."<br><br> Miss Perkins nods.<br><br> "I won't bother you with any further questions about it. I mean, I only know you for a couple of minutes now." She smiles kindly. "But I hope that maybe one day you'll find happiness."<br><br> You nod gently and <<elseif $continuity is 10>> "Oh, don't. It wasn't a good marriage, an' that was the best way it coulda ended."<br><br> Miss Perkins looks shocked.<br><br> "I'm sorry to hear."<br><br> "Eh, don't. As I said, that death was the best way it coulda ended."<br><br> Miss Perkins nods.<br><br> "It's still said. I hope that maybe you'll find happiness some day."<br><br> You smile kindly and <<else>> "Don't. That miserable excuse for a human being had it comin'."<br><br> Miss Perkins looks shocked.<br><br> "I'm sorry to hear."<br><br> "Eh, don't. As I said, me //darling dearest// had it coming."<br><br> Miss Perkins nods.<br><br> "It's still said. I hope that maybe you'll find happiness some day."<br><br> You smile kindly and <</if>> <<if $charom_hurt or $charom_maybe>> shrug, looking a little wistfully at Charlie.<</if>> <<if $romance_charlie>> shrug, and gently nudge Charlie's leg under the table.<</if>> <<if $charom_hurt is false and $charom_maybe is false and $romance_charlie is false>> shrug.<</if>> <<elseif $continuity is 12>> "Yeah, but I wish I wasn't," you grumble.<br><br> "Doesn't sound like a too happy marriage," Lynwood comments.<br><br> "Isn't. Hopefully the divorce will go through sooner than later."<br><br> Lynwood nods stoically.<br><br> "Wish you all the best, and I mean this," he says.<br><br> You nod curtly.<br><br> "Thank you." <<elseif $continuity is 13>> "Yes. But... really only on paper. We both go our own ways."<br><br> "I..." Lynwood begins, weighting his words carefully by the looks of it. "I assume you're looking into a divorce then."<br><br> "We do. But so far somethin' has always come up. Maybe once all o' this now is done." You shrug. "We'll see." <<elseif $continuity is 14>> "I am. I've always been the more adventurous one, but it's nice to know ya got a warm hearth an' lovin' heart to come home to one day."<br><br> "So that's your plan for when all of this is done?" Lynwood wonders.<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "All in all, I think it'll be nice to settle down one day..." <<else>> "Oh, <<if $gender is 2>>I am, technically, a married woman<<else>>I'll let you in on a secret, and I'll trust you not to tell anyone."<br><br> Miss Perkins and Mr. Harlow nod.<br><br> "Good," you note. "I am, technically, a married //woman//<</if>>... And also //technically// you are wrong about Charlie."<br><br> Charlie snorts a brief laugh as Lynwood and Mrs. Meadows stare at you bewildered.<br><br> You flex your fingers with a sigh.<br><br> <<if $gender is 2>>"I'm a woman. A simple little fact that should mean just that<<else>>"When I was born, the people around were certain I'm a girl. Well, I am not<</if>>.But some people got it into their head that I ought to get a proper <<if $gender is 2>>husband<<else>>husband... To set me straight. See the 'error' in my ways<</if>>, and fulfill some 'god-given' role or something as a good little wife."<br><br> Miss Perkins grimaces.<br><br> "They tried to force you to marry someone?"<br><br> "Yes." You drum your fingers on the table in thought. "I think there was also quite a bit o' money involved, but it all boils down to the same shit. Alright, long story short. At their first attempt I managed to make a run for it, all <<if $nat is 2>>across Mexico and just 'cross the border<<else>>the way down to Mexico<</if>> where I ran into Charlie. He took me in, we befriended each other, but then those bastards caught up with me. I didn't know what to do. I was certain I'd die if they get their will..."<br><br> Lynwood stares in disbelief, and Miss Perkins seems shocked but entranced.<br><br> "What happened?" Lynwood finally asks.<br><br> "Simple. We made it to the next town near the border, barely, an' in front of all'em witnesses and lawmen Charlie whips out a marriage certificate. I don't know how or when, but to all them buggers Charlie an' I are married."<br><br> "That's the reason neither o' us can ever go back to Mexico," Charlie notes smugly.<br><br> "Has that yet stopped us?" You grin.<br><br> "Not remotely."<br><br> You and Charlie cackle amused, and you smile back at Lynwood.<br><br> "So, that's why yer //technically// wrong 'bout Charlie. And, by all means, Charlie saved me life there."<br><br> "I must admit," Lynwood says, leaning back. "That's... impressive." <</if>><</nobr>> After that the evening flows by gently. The dinner is nice, and so is the company, despite everything. It's already dark outside when you part ways with Mrs. Meadows and Lynwood to head back to your hotel. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|backatthehotelch6]]</div>

"We gave Lynwood quite a bit more of work, don't ya think?" you muse as you stroll along the <<if $tell_lynbright or ($ch4path is 3 or $ch4path is 4 or $ch4path is 5)>>boardwalks. "I feel kinda sorry 'bout that." You rub<<else>>boardwalks, rubbing<</if>> your hands against the night's cold air. Charlie nods quietly, drawing a deep breath. You look at him. There are still traces of gloom and anger playing over his face like cats with a half-dead bird. Maybe now is a good time to have him get that off his chest. "So, what is it?" you ask, almost a little too casually. "Ya mean what I talked to Lynwood about?" You nod, and Charlie lets out a heavy breath. "Do you really wanna know an' run risk of ruinin' the nice evenin'?" he asks, forcing a grin. "Would I have asked otherwise?" Charlie looks at you and nods curtly. "Miss Perkins is in grave danger, and she and Mr. Harlow know that." You stop dead in your tracks and stare at Charlie in alarm. "What?" you manage. "Miss Perkins' former husband, a certain Mr. <<if $name.toLowerCase() is "rigby">>Rigby. No relation o' yours, obviously<<else>>Rigby<</if>>. Married eleven times before. Six of his wives 'died', the others went missing under 'mysterious circumstances'." You grimace, knowing exactly what this means. "How many of'em did contact ya?" "Two," Charlie says and nods you to continue walking. "A Miss Cynthia Hayton, and a Miss Polly Thorn. Miss Thorn officially died of carbon monoxide poisoning when the stove's pipe broke while she was asleep. Of course it was just the night her //dear// husband was not at home." "What a coincidence," you snarl. "Innit? And Miss Hayton went missing five years ago after a picnic in the woods near their house." "//What a coincidence//," you almost cry out, rolling your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. And you shudder. "Guess without the divorce Miss Perkins woulda made the dozen full?" "Most certainly. An' that might still happen, that's what she fears. She spun Rigby some merry... well, not-that-merry tales apparently to get him to agree to the divorce... But now she worries that he agreed too easily." "She thinks he's plottin' something?" Charlie nods, motioning you to move again. "She worries he somehow learned about Mr. Harlow," he explains. "They were careful, but ya never know. An' Miss Hayton and Miss Thorn aren't certain either." You nod glumly. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|backatthehotelch6a]]</div>

"But what does Lynwood gotta do with that?" you wonder. "Miss Hayton was rich — guess where that money went — and her family had put the Pinkertons on the case after the police failed. A rich heiress going missing like that..." You nod grimly. "So, what did ya tell him?" "To contact his superiors an' search the northern most corner o' the garden o' Rigby's — Miss Hayton's actually — house. Beneath the rosebushes by the oak. Told Lynwood he's oughta tell his superiors he's got an anonymous tip about it. That it's suspicious how Rigby kept the women he had married since away from it. 'Sentimental reasons' he calls it." You retch a little in disgust. "Godspeed," you murmur. "Hope this'll end well. Miss Perkins struck me as a quite pleasant person." Charlie nods in agreement. "That she is. And luckily Lynwood didn't make a fuss about 'superstitious nonsense' this time." "Oh?" "Surprising, isn't it?" You smile wryly. "But, yes, I hope this ends well," Charlie notes. "Heh, in some way this whole mess we're in was a blessin' to Miss Perkins an' Mr. Harlow?" "Was it?" "It would see so. It allowed the two to get away from Philadelphia without Rigby knowin'." You nod curtly, when a stray thought hits you. "Is this Rigby the reason why Miss Perkins doesn't want anyone to tell her brother 'bout the divorce?" Charlie's face darkens and he nods. "It's... insult to injury, $nick," he says, cracking his knuckles in thought. "As if all these murders weren't bad enough, this Rigby... He loves posing as a medium." "Oh bugger..." you groan, "For attention an' money I guess?" Charlie nods sourly. "An' Mr. Perkins is quite a spiritualist, so naturally he's smitten with what that Rigby tells him," he says. "Wanna go expose the bastard once this is over and he didn't hang by the time?" Another nod. "Miss Hayton, Miss Thorn and the others will keep an eye on him an' do what they can to keep damage at bay." "So Miss Perkins will have nearly a dozen guardian angels." You smile softly. "That's one way to see it. I wish her and Mr. Harlow all the best." "So do I." You stretch, sigh, stretch again and shake yourself. "But now we oughta go get some sleep. We got enough on our own plate as it is..." Charlie nods, and you head back to your hotel. <hr><div class="choice"><<link `$romance_charlie ?"~You fall asleep almost the moment you are cuddled into bed with Charlie..." : "~You fall asleep almost the moment you are cuddled into bed..."`>> <<goto "dreamtimeagain">> <</link>></div>\

You awake in a field of rye. The moon above is full and bright with a reddish tint to it, bathing the scene in an odd, unreal light. In some way it's nice to know your are dreaming. Though you could really do without the eerie sense of dread the all-wrong light and the rye billowing against the wind invoke in you. You look around. The field seems to continue on endlessly around you, to the horizon and beyond, and you wonder what to do now, when the sound of distant thunder reaches your ear. You turn, watching pitch-black storm clouds amass and tower high as a mountain, flashing lightning illuminating the silhouette of a dense forest far away. An unearthly, icy gust of wind tugs heavily on your clothes, forcing you to turn away and pull your garments closer around yourself to shield yourself from the cold. As the wind calms again you open your eyes to an array of rolling hills full of flowers in the distance, just as the sound of roaring water somewhere nearby draws your attention. You stand still as a rock, weighing your options. There isn't much of a chance that you'd just wake up if you were to stand still and wait for something to happen, you are aware of that. Not with this dream giving you the same feeling as the one you had almost a week ago, and the meaning of which you still don't understand. You draw a deep breath, coughing as the suddenly far too cold air cuts into your lungs, and ponder the best course of action. The forest seems to be the most dangerous option. The storm is raging, beating at the forest and the area around, and you know it'll be hard to make your way through it. Not to mention that you don't know what might await you within those woods. The field of flowers seems a lot safer, but it also appears to be the furthest away. It will be quite a taxing march, dream or not. You don't know what to make of the river. By the sound of it it's ought to be quite a bit more than a gentle stream, and it's worrisome that you can't catch even a glimpse of it, try as you may. And of course, you //could// stay in the field and see what happens //if// anything happens. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Stay where I am and see what happens.">> <<set $dream2 to 1>> <<goto "dreamfield">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Look for the river that must be nearby.">> <<set $dream2 to 2>> <<goto "dreamriver">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Go towards the hills.">> <<set $dream2 to 3>> <<goto "dreamflowers">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Head towards the forest and the storm.">> <<set $dream2 to 4>> <<goto "dreamforest">> <</link>></div>\

The field is vast, and it feels strange that there should be nothing to be found here. You muse whether you should walk around a bit or simply sit down, and you decide to first wait and see. So you sit down amongst the stalks, looking up at the nightly sky. It's as endless as always, but still you feel it is all wrong. The Milky Way strikes you more like a gash in a massive beast's hide, and the myriads of stars feel like thousands of eyes watching you. The oddest thing, however, is the absence of a malignant sensation everything and all of this dream is giving you now. There's a sense of dread, and sorrow, but <<if $wounds >0>>no matter what happened before<<else>>as eerie as the dream is<</if>>, the longer you sit there thinking and waiting, the more you grow certain that no one here wishes you ill. You continue to wait, listening to the nightly wind and the river, before you slowly get up, dust off your clothes, and begin strolling around the field. The ears of rye brush gently against your hands, almost too gently at times it would seem, and the sounds of the river and storm quiet down as you walk. The wind blows gently now, slowly driving feather-like clouds across the sky, only the not-all-right stars spoiling a sense of serenity that seems willing to grow. And suddenly you startle to a stop as the field suddenly ends and your step lands on solid cobblestone. Meandering through the field with no discernible beginning or end is a narrow path that reminds you more of an ancient Roman road than a modern day street. You hesitate at its edge, unsure if you should pull your feet back and return into the field, follow the path, or hop across it and continue on the other side. As you muse the best course of action, the steady clacking of hooves draws you from your thoughts. You look around... ...and stagger back as you see what it is that's coming up the road. //!// At first glance it is a horse, but you become fairly quickly aware that it is more a literal nightmare. Your mind is racing with the stories of unearthly creatures taking the vague shape of horses, and the creature approaching seems to be a lot of them all at once. Its body is one of a horse drawn out. Much too thin, and all together too long, like a metal spring stretched out, unable to coil back together right. You need to look twice to realize its head is upside-down on its neck, swaying from side to side like a lantern on a stick. The eyes glow, not red, as you almost expected, but in a soft, silvery blue, the same silvery shimmer streaking the creature's mane and tail. You stand mesmerized, a little like a deer or rabbit gazing down the barrel of a gun, as the creature stops just a step away from you, scratching its hooves — they're facing backwards you notice in passing — against the stone. You cock your head. <<nobr>><<if $dream1 is 2>> You feel like you've seen this creature before.<br><br> "Ain't ya..." you begin, hesitantly. "Ain't ya the horse from the other dream?"<br><br> The creature snorts and scratches its hooves again.<br><br> Guess that's a yes.<br><br> Moments <<else>> Moments <</if>> pass, and the creature huffs, as if waiting for something.<</nobr>> And a faint whispers reaches your ears, a shy and gentle voice. "Ya coulda gone ev'rywhere," it says. "Why didn't ya?" You blink, looking around for the speaker for a moment. "Ya... mean why didn't I go to the field or the forest? Or look for the river?" The creature nods. "That's what we mean," the voice says. "Did ya just wanted to see what would happen?" "I... guess so." The voice and the horse seem to ponder this. <<nobr>><<if $dream1 is 4>> And you realize something.<br><br> "Hold up, ain't ya the... guy... from the saloon from the other <<if $wounds >0>>dream?" You pause and wince. "Sorry 'bout what happened<<else>>dream<</if>>?"<br><br> "Me? Oh. <<if $wounds >0>>Yes. An' don't worry. It sorted itself out<<else>>Yes<</if>>. An' 'guy' will do."<br><br> You nod slowly.<br><br> "Ya <<else>> "Ya <</if>> know," the voice then says, "Yer curious. Determined. Bit stubborn. So, err... We like to offer our help."<</nobr>> You blink once more. "Pardon?" "Ya got quite a bit o' trouble ahead o' ya. We can help. But, ya can prob'ly guess, it has a price." As the voice pauses the creature makes a sound that strikes you as the audible equivalent to rolling one's eyes. "Ah, nothing bad," the voice adds, not like an afterthought, but more as if he forgot about it. Which you feel like he did. "Just... gonna ask ya some riddles. Just two. Ain't no good with'em, but... If ya can answer both, we can give ya somethin' extra." You certainly don't know what to make of that. But you also feel like agreeing is certainly the better option. You nod. "Alright then." The creature neighs and the voice sighs relieved. "Great. Oh... a different question first. What's something ya wish ya'd be better at? A skill, we mean." "Huh? Oh... That ya mean." You ponder that. "I guess I'd like to be better with... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>... patchin' people up.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 1>> <<goto "dreamfield1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...ridin'.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 2>> <<goto "dreamfield1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... survivin' in the wild... an' in barfights...</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 3>> <<goto "dreamfield1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... gamblin'. An' generally stuff that requires nimble fingers.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 4>> <<goto "dreamfield1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... shootin'.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 5>> <<goto "dreamfield1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... talkin'.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 6>> <<goto "dreamfield1">> <</link>></div>\

You know it won't be easy to find the river. There's not the slightest sight that would point to where it is, not even any pointing to where it could be. All you have is the thunderous sound of water that speaks of roaring, dangerous rapids. But sight and sound can be deceiving, even more so in a dream like this. The edges of cliffs and canyons that would be home to such wild waters may very well be hidden from view by the billowing rye, and as this is a dream, the river's roaring might just be as loud and wild as it is to get your attention over the storm's thunder. Still you reckon the river can't be too far away, yet you feel it won't be as close as it may sound. You close your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> and try to imagine the world around you the way a bird in flight would see it. The vast field here, the dark forest to one side, the rolling hills to the other. You smile a little. There is where forest, hills and field meet, and it's that area that you feel you should head to first and look for the river there. But as you open your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> again you are startled by the thick mist that is covering everything around you. Heavy curtains of a silvery gray, shimmering in the unearthly moonlight, making the world appear as if you are looking at it through frosted glass. The forest is now a mere dark blur in the far distance, and the hills have gone from view entirely. Still you know where you want and have to go, and you begin walking, slowly, steadily and determined. As you make your way through the field, shadows appear at the edge of your vision, gone when you turn to look. Shadowy shapes of humans and animals, swaying gently in the mist. Shadows that don't look right, and that seem to be watching you. You draw a deep breath, steadying your nerves, and you venture on. As you walk towards the meadow where forest, hills and field meet, the sound of water gradually calms, and albeit it's getting more quiet, you know you are getting closer. And as you step out of the rye, the sound has become that of a gentle brook, splashing playfully on its way. You stop to look around again, still feeling the shadows' gaze on you. Another calming breath, and you crane your <<if $mcsize is 1>>neck, standing on your toes<<elseif $mcsize is 2>>neck, straightening your posture<<else>>neck<</if>>, searching the area till you spot what appears to be the edge of a small hollow. You head over. There it is. The river is small and clear, the gentle stream it sounded like in the end, flowing steadily through the hollow, sturdy trees and dense bushes lining the stony banks. The fog has grow thinner here, now a light veil over the water, moonlight glistening off the river and the first drops of dew caught in cobwebs and leaves. Somehow you hadn't expected such a peaceful scene, and the worry that something is amiss crawls up your spine like a centipede. Still you walk on, now strolling casually but carefully along the river, till you come across another sight you hadn't expected to see: There's a woman sitting on a long, flat stone, dipping her feet into the cold water. She's slim, and her skin is almost too pale and too smooth, and you are tempted to say she looks like she's made out of porcelain. She sits up as she notices you, smiling gently. She has a friendly face, but her eyes give you the feeling you are looking into the eyes of several people all at once. "Ah, there you are, darling," she greets. "I knew that precious head of yours would have you find this spot." <<nobr>><<if $dream1 is 5>> "I know ya," you say. "Yer the lady from the bordello in that dream from almost a week <<if $wounds >0>>ago." You pause, clearing your throat awkwardly. "Eem, sorry for shootin' ya..<<else>>ago<</if>>."<br><br> <<if $wounds >0>>"Ah, don't worry about that, darling. As you can see I'm back in shape, and I only hold grudges against those that would have done it on purpose<<else>>"Oh, you remember. I'm flattered. You're hard to forget as well, sweetheart<</if>>."<br><br> You <<else>> You <</if>> just nod, not entirely certain what to make of that.<</nobr>> "Well, now that you are here, darling," the woman continues, "let's get down to business, shall we?" You don't like the sound of that. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|dreamriver1]]</div>

You reckon you might as well go to what strikes you as the safest destination, all things considered. Get away from the roaring thunderstorm and the dark forest, and the ominous feeling the unseen river gives you. Sure, it is also the route that looks the longest, but still your deem this the wisest pick. You make your way through the rye, the ears brushing softly against your hands. You know you're not moving as if you were in a hurry (your pace is somewhere between a casual stroll and a march), but you get the sense that you are reaching the hills much faster than you should. You'd almost say they are coming towards you, and, frankly, it wouldn't actually be a surprise if that was the case. As you reach the edge of the rye-field a far too sweet smell wafts over to you. It's biting and nauseating, and certainly not the sugary kind of sweet. You know the smell, and you know it well. It's the stench of rot and decay. It's overwhelming, and you cough, putting your hand up to your noes. You turn, looking back at the field. The forest is now far away, barely noticeable on the horizon, but the thunderstorm now lays light a heavy black blanket over the rye, rain, wind and lightning beating at the stalks without mercy. There's no going back. You cough again. The smell is fading lightly, making it easier to breath, and you walk on, carefully, as the thick carpet of delicate flowers shields a treacherous terrain from view. Everywhere are cracks and small ditches, and you nearly lose your footing often enough. You stop briefly, and let your gaze wander over the myriads of flowers. You <<if $surv >=75>>are quite well-versed in matters of botany, but<<elseif $surv <=25>>would lie if you'd say you know anything about plants, but you get the feeling that that matters little right now. There is something about these flowers that gives you the impression that<<else>>have quite a decent knowledge of plants, but<</if>> these are not any kind of flowers that would have sprung into this dream from your memory. With a quite disgruntled sigh you continue walking until you reach what you feel like must be the middle of the field of flowers. The vile smell fades here, and the nightly wind blows a little warmer, but you don't take any comfort in that. If you know one thing, then it's not to let your guard down, especially not since you are standing at the edge of a circle of mushrooms now. And you know your myths better than to step into it. Slowly you pace around it, waiting for something to happen, without any idea about what the dream might want of you. And ultimately, as nothing happens, you sit down at the circle's edge, a little defeated, and frown. "This was easier the last time," you mutter to yourself and fall back into the flowers. "Was it?" someone asks, and you sit right back up as if something bit you. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|dreamflowers1]]</div>

By all means, this might be a dream like the one from about a week ago. And thus it might perhaps be the wisest thing to do to face one's fear and head into what looks to be the most trouble. You take a deep <<if $bold >=65>>breath<<else>>breath, shake yourself<</if>> and begin walking towards the forest. Thunder roars in your ears, even though you are still far away from the woods, and wind lashes harshly at your form. One foot in front of the other you press on, an arm raised to shield your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> from the biting <<if $mcglasses>> wind (you'd think your glasses would help but apparently //that// is a detail the dream does not acknowledge)<<else>>wind<</if>>, and not before long the storm calms. Flood-like rain becomes a gentle drizzle, the cutting storm turns into a soft, nightly breeze. The field around you thins slightly, a few fallen logs laying scattered amongst the stalks, marking the edge of the forest. The trees are so much taller than they should be, pine trees and oaks towering higher than your eyes can follow, their crowns intertwining to a dense roof overhead that blocks out the sky. There's just enough unearthly moonlight filtering through to let you see the winding path right ahead of you. Fireflies flit around the area as you scramble and clamber over fallen branches and treacherous patches of muddy ground and slippery leaves, the sound of owls and wolves and the rustling of their prey reaching your ears. You move carefully, bit by bit, when you notice something odd in the pale light. The closer you come to what must be the heart of the forest, the more the trees start leaning to one side. First as if blown over by the storm, yet stubbornly digging their roots into the ground, refusing to fall. But the further you go, the more grotesque it gets, as the massive, dark trunks now bending and twisting like an iron rod under a blacksmith's hammer, till they lay flat just a hand's width above the ground, their roots still steady in the earth. The forest then opens to a perfectly circular clearing, the twisted trees forming an even border around it. You look up. The eye of the storm is right above you, moonlight illuminating the clearing through an opening in the clouds' center, the dark masses spinning lazily, and in the opposite way in which the trees lie. You carefully pace around the edge of the circle, waiting for something to happen. It's on your fifth round that you startle to a stop as suddenly a creature sits on one of the bended trees, gazing into the circle. It's vaguely human in shape, but much too tall, much too thin and much too sickly pale. Its limbs are too long and more like talons and claws than hands and feet, and its face looks as if someone stretched human skin over the skull of a deer. Certainly something you'd not want to run into while taking a stroll through the forest. Yet here you are, much to your dismay. <<nobr>><<if $dream1 is 1>> "I know you," you say, keeping a distinct distance. "From the hotel in the dream from 'bout a week ago."<br><br> The <<else>> The <</if>> creature turns its head and nods at you.<</nobr>> "You have chosen the hardest path to walk, and you walked it." "I... had to go somewhere," you say, not really knowing what else to say, yet you feel that keeping quiet is not a good idea. "And you have a harder path ahead of you still. We would like to lend a hand to help you on your way." <<nobr>>"That's... nice..." You quirk a brow. "But I guess it won't come free."<br><br>The creature shakes its head in confirmation, and you <<if $bold >=70>> roll your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. <<elseif $bold <=30>> wince lightly. <<else>> grimace slightly, furrowing your brows.<</if>><</nobr>> "I..." "You wonder what the costs are. We shall not take away from you, nor give you which you do not desire. But we will test you. We believe you are familiar with 'riddles'?" "Of course." You tilt your head in thought. "So, I'm safe from any injuries, or suddenly missin' a couple o' years on me lifespan?" "You are safe." You weigh your chances. "How many riddles?" "Three," the creature says, turning its gaze back to the circle. "Are you willing?" "I don't think 'no' is an option in a dream like this. So, yeah." Again the creature nods. "A simple question before the riddles. Which talent of yours do you wish you were better with?" "Pardon?" Then things click into place. "Oh. I get what you mean." "So, what is your answer?" "I'd like to be better with... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>... patchin' people up.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 1>> <<goto "dreamforest1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...ridin'.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 2>> <<goto "dreamforest1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... survivin' in the wild... an' in barfights...</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 3>> <<goto "dreamforest1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... gamblin'. An' generally stuff that requires nimble fingers.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 4>> <<goto "dreamforest1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... shootin'.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 5>> <<goto "dreamforest1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... talkin'.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 6>> <<goto "dreamforest1">> <</link>></div>\

"I'd like to be better with <<if $dream2_choice is 1>>patchin' people up, I think. Always a good thing to know<<elseif $dream2_choice is 2>>ridin'. It's an essential skill out here<<elseif $dream2_choice is 3>>survivin' in the wild... an' in barfights..<<elseif $dream2_choice is 4>>gamblin'. An' generally stuff that requires nimble fingers<<elseif $dream2_choice is 5>>shootin'. Always best to know yer basics<<else>>talkin'. It's not a bad idea to try that first when trouble arises<</if>>." "Not a bad choice," the voice notes. "So... ya ready?" You lay your head back in thought, and pause in surprise as from the corner of your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>> you see a rider on the creature's back. He's gone when you look, however. You blink, shake your head to clear your mind, and nod. "I'm ready." "Well then. Err... First riddle: <<if $riddle1 is 1>>I'm with you in light though I fear it, but never in darkness though it's my dearest<<else>>If I am not needed, people keep me, when I'm needed, they throw me out<</if>>. What am I?" <hr><<nobr>> <<if $riddle1 is 1>> <div class="choice"><<link "~A shadow.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "dreamfield2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~A cat.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "dreamfield2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Thoughts.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "dreamfield2">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <div class="choice"><<link "~Cigarettes.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "dreamfield2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Laundry.">> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<goto "dreamfield2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~An anchor.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 6>> <<goto "dreamfield2">> <</link>></div><</if>><</nobr>>

"Pardon?" The woman waves you off. "Oh, don't worry. We want to help you on your journey, my sweets. You have quite a rocky road ahead of you, and though I'm certain that precious head of yours would be enough to see this miserable affair through, a bit of help can never hurt, right?" You blink, rolling your shoulders in discomfort. You feel like you know where this is going. "That help would come at a price, wouldn't it?" you ask. "Yes. But don't worry, we don't mean harm to you or your friends. No. All you have to do is answer a few riddles." "Riddles?" You blink again, much more confused now. "Oh, it's a bit childish, isn't it? But we reckoned it's the mot efficient way to handle this. Alas, I'm no good at riddles, so I can only offer you two." Once more you pause, pondering this. "What do ya mean by that?" The woman smiles reclining back on the stone. "There were others waiting for you as well. Had you decided to visit them, the reward would have been greater. If you had answered them correctly, of course. But don't worry. If you answer me correctly all the way through, I'll bestow you with other gifts. Now, how does this sound?" "An' nothing bad will happen if I guess wrong?" you ask, carefully. "I won't lose memories, or bits of me life, or... "Oh, darling, you are thinking of the fair folk or demons. We're none of that. So, no, you don't have to worry about that." You nod, hesitating a bit. If you were awake you would have <<if $bold >=65>>just refused to answer,<<else>>asked if you could just not answer, and maybe tried to make a run for it<</if>>, but you reckon this isn't an option here. "Alright then," you say, "I'm ready." The woman claps excited. "Oh, that's what I like to hear." She pauses. "Ah, before I forget it, darling, what is a skill you'd like to be better at?" "Huh?" "You are a person of a lot of talents, but I reckon there's something you would wish you were better at." "Ah. That's what ya mean." You don't understand what that question is supposed to achieve, but you figure it would be better to answer. "I'd like to be better with... <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>... patchin' people up.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 1>> <<goto "dreamriver2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...ridin'.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 2>> <<goto "dreamriver2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... survivin' in the wild... an' in barfights...</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 3>> <<goto "dreamriver2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... gamblin'. An' generally stuff that requires nimble fingers.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 4>> <<goto "dreamriver2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... shootin'.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 5>> <<goto "dreamriver2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>... talkin'.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 6>> <<goto "dreamriver2">> <</link>></div>\

On a flat stone in the middle of the circle sits a man in a suit of such a dark blueish gray that it's almost black, fine threads of silver embroidering the lapel. He tips his broad-rimmed head at you, and you gaze into a face that constantly seems to shift between an array of faces, just the eyes stay the same, endless voids with a glimmer of blue in the distance. <<nobr>><<if $dream1 is 6>> "It's you," you say. "The man from the church."<br><br> The man smiles, nodding curtly.<br><br> "You remember. Good. Some humans tend to forget fairly quickly."<br><br> You nod back, and the man smiles.<br><br> "Hope <<else>> "Hope <</if>> you been faring well," he says, cracking his knuckles.<</nobr>> You draw a deep breath. You're not certain if the last few days can be called 'faring well'. "It's been quite a week, that's for certain," you say, and look the man over. "So... what's all this about? Who are you?" "A friend, I hope. We want to help." The man rises to his feet, unfolding more than standing up, strolling around in the circle before crouching down in front of you. "You have quite a task ahead of you. Several of them, I reckon." Well, doesn't that bode well? "I'd like to hand you a hand," the man says. "But everything comes at a price." You grimace. "Oh, don't worry," the man waves you off. We're no fair folk, so expect no such trickery, but there's still some rules. So... how about a riddle?" "A riddle?" The man nods. "Three of them. But first a regular question: Is there any skill you'd wish you'd be better at?" You blink, baffled. "What do ya mean?" "Every human has something they are good at, and things they're bad at. Some can cook but wish they could sing, others are good on a horse but..." "Oh, I get it." A nod. "So, what is it in your case? What would you like to be better at?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Patchin' people up.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 1>> <<goto "dreamflowers2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Ridin'.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 2>> <<goto "dreamflowers2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Survivin' in the wild... an' in barfights...</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 3>> <<goto "dreamflowers2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Gamblin'. An' generally stuff that requires nimble fingers.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 4>> <<goto "dreamflowers2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Shootin'.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 5>> <<goto "dreamflowers2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Talkin'.</q>">> <<set $dream2_choice to 6>> <<goto "dreamflowers2">> <</link>></div>\

You scratch your head. "I'd like to be better with <<if $dream2_choice is 1>>patchin' people up, I think. Always a good thing to know<<elseif $dream2_choice is 2>>ridin'. It's an essential skill out here<<elseif $dream2_choice is 3>>survivin' in the wild... an' in barfights..<<elseif $dream2_choice is 4>>gamblin'. An' generally stuff that requires nimble fingers<<elseif $dream2_choice is 5>>shootin'. Always best to know yer basics<<else>>talkin'. It's not a bad idea to try that first when trouble arises<</if>>." For a moment the creature gazes up at the clouds above, moonlight twinkling in its pitch-black eyes. "To the first riddle then: If you make me lead, I'll be of no help and will make you smaller. Let me go behind and I'm your greatest boon. What am I?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~A grudge.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "dreamforest2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~A carriage.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "dreamforest2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~The number zero.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "dreamforest2">> <</link>></div>\

-<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You ponder.<br><br> "Oh!" You clap your hands. "It's a shadow."<br><br> "Is it?"<br><br> "Sure. It's there in light, but light also does away with it. An' ya can't see it when it's dark, so it's not really 'there'." <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "A cat," you say without thinking much about it.<br><br> "A cat?"<br><br> "I'd say so. Though... cat's have their own mind 'bout when they're near one. Usually when one doesn't expect it. But they certainly love the night." <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You ponder this.<br><br> "The answer is 'thoughts', I'd say."<br><br> "Thoughts?"<br><br> "Yes. Ya usually just have them when yer awake, otherwise they are dreams." You gesture around. "This here now not withstanding." <<elseif $continuity is 4>> You rub your chin in thought.<br><br> "I think it's cigarettes. Or cigars. Or, well, tobacco in general."<br><br> "Oh?"<br><br> "Yeah. I mean, I know smokin' an' such is a nasty <<if $mcsmokes is 4>>habit, never took it up meself<<else>>habit to some<</if>>. But people that indulge in it they'll keep doin' it, an' they'll throw things out when they're done." <<elseif $continuity is 5>> You ponder.<br><br> "Laundry, I think."<br><br> "Ya think so?"<br><br> "Sure. When ya don't need to do laundry, yer keepin' yer clothes. An' when ya need it yer throwin' yer clothes out into the wash tub." <<else>> You think about this for a moment.<br><br> "Ah!" you exclaim. "It's an anchor."<br><br> "Is it?"<br><br> "Yeah. When it's not needed it's kept aboard a ship. But ya'll throw it out when ya need it."<</if>><</nobr>> "Huh, that's really not a bad answer." The creature seems to agree, scratching its hooves again, and the voice sounds as if it clears his throat. "Well, last riddle then: I go around the woods, but never into them. If you take me away I can never return on my own. What am I?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Bark.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "boostdream2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~A fence.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "boostdream2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~A road.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "boostdream2">> <</link>></div>\

<<if $continuity is 1>> "I think it's silence," you say.<br><br> "Silence?"<br><br> "It grows as long as ya 'feed' it by not making a sound, an' it steals people's breath not used for talkin' an' such."<br><br> The woman nods.<br><br> "That's really not a bad answer, darling. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You ponder.<br><br> "Oh. It's fire," you answer.<br><br> "Fire?"<br><br> "Yes." You nod with certainty. "It grows when ya feed it, an' it steals away the air from everythin' alive around it."<br><br> The woman nods.<br><br> "That's really not a bad answer, darling. <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You think about this.<br><br> "It's sorrow, I think," you say.<br><br> The woman looks at you a little worried.<br><br> "Sorrow, you say? Are you alright, darling?"<br><br> "I am, thank you. But that's my answer. Sorrow grows if you feed it, an' it can be quite suffocatin'..."<br><br> The woman nods gently.<br><br> "It's not a bad answer, dear. <<elseif $continuity is 4>> You think about this.<br><br> "It's 'arguments', I'd say."<br><br> "Would you?"<br><br> "Yes. I mean, while they can be had everywhere, and Hell knows they are, they seem pretty common at a table. People cut through'em an' serve them..."<br><br> The woman chuckles.<br><br> "Oh, that's a good answer, darling. <<elseif $continuity is 5>> You rub your chin in thought.<br><br> "Oh!" you exclaim. "It's cards."<br><br> "Is it?"<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "I mean, ya can play cards ev'rywhere, but usually ya'll be at a table. They're cut and served... Though ya know, I know some fellers what were made to eat'em. Not ev'ryone's cut to be a cardsharp."<br><br> The woman chuckles.<br><br> "Oh, that's a good answer, darling. <<else>> You loll your head in thought.<br><br> "A.... candle?"<br><br> "Do you think so?"<br><br> "I'm not entirely certain. I mean, ya can see candles 'bout everywhere, but I heard them bein' 'served' or something." You ponder. "Well, I know they're cut when they're made, especially them expensive bee's wax ones."<br><br> The woman chuckles.<br><br> "Oh, that's a good answer, darling. <</if>> Now then, for the second one: <<if $riddle2 is 1>>When I have nothing, I'm ignored or thrown out, when gold and silver I hold, men will gladly break me. Hold I something else, they'll protect me<<else>>I can be put in barrels and buckets, in baskets and crates. There more of me put into these the lighter they'll get<</if>>. What am I?" <hr> <<if $riddle2 is 1>> <div class="choice"><<link "~A moneybox.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "boostdream2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~A house.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "boostdream2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~An egg.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "boostdream2">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <div class="choice"><<link "~Nothing.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "boostdream2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~A hole.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<goto "boostdream2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Air.">> <<set $continuity to 6>> <<goto "boostdream2">> <</link>></div> <</if>>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You ponder.<br><br> "A grudge," you say.<br><br> "A grudge?"<br><br> "If ya let it lead ya in yer decisions, that's no use. But if ya put it behind ya... It's maybe a bit o' weird wording, but..." <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You scratch your head.<br><br> "A carriage, maybe?"<br><br> "Do you think so?"<br><br> "I mean, there's the sayin' 'Don't but the carriage before the horse'... It's gotta have something to do with that." <<else>> You think about it for a moment.<br><br> "Huh... It's the number zero, isn't it?"<br><br> "Do you think it is?"<br><br> "Yeah. I mean, if ya put it before a number, it makes it smaller, ya put it behind one..."<</if>><</nobr>> The creature blinks slowly, nodding in thought. "Well, it is not... //wrong//..." Another nod. "For the second riddle: <<if $riddle1 is 1>>When I have a body I am good when I'm young and bad when I'm old. Without one I am bad when I'm young, but get better with age<<else>>The longer I run, the fuller my stomach gets. When it's full, I turn around to empty my head of thousands of thoughts<</if>>. What am I? <hr><<nobr>><<if $riddle1 is 1>> <div class="choice"><<link "~Cheese.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "dreamforest3">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Wine.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "dreamforest3">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Humans.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "dreamforest3">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <div class="choice"><<link "~A train engine.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "dreamforest3">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~An hourglass.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<goto "dreamforest3">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~A dream.">> <<set $continuity to 6>> <<goto "dreamforest3">> <</link>></div> <</if>><</nobr>>\

You scratch your head. <<if $dream2_choice is 1>>"Patchin' people up, I think. Always a good thing to know<<elseif $dream2_choice is 2>>"Ridin'. It's an essential skill out here<<elseif $dream2_choice is 3>>"Survivin' in the wild... an' in barfights..<<elseif $dream2_choice is 4>>"Gamblin'. An' generally stuff that requires nimble fingers<<elseif $dream2_choice is 5>>"Shootin'. Always best to know yer basics<<else>>"Talkin'. It's not a bad idea to try that first when trouble arises<</if>>." The man nods, sitting back down on his stone. "Well, let's see then. Ready?" "I guess." "First riddle: When I was born I first grew fat and tall, and I went to keep people company at night. The more company I kept, the shorter I grew, and I'm prone to hurt those that pay no attention to me. What am I?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~A rude person.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "dreamflowers3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~A candle.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "dreamflowers3">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~The moon.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "dreamflowers3">> <</link>></div>\

"I'd like to be better with <<if $dream2_choice is 1>>patchin' people up, I think. Always a good thing to know<<elseif $dream2_choice is 2>>ridin'. It's an essential skill out here<<elseif $dream2_choice is 3>>survivin' in the wild... an' in barfights..<<elseif $dream2_choice is 4>>gamblin'. An' generally stuff that requires nimble fingers<<elseif $dream2_choice is 5>>shootin'. Always best to know yer basics<<else>>talkin'. It's not a bad idea to try that first when trouble arises<</if>>." The woman nods. "Huh, I believe I can see why," she says, looking you over. "This isn't meant as an insult, don't worry. Well then, for the first riddle. And mind you, darling, I'll only give you a special gift if you answer both correctly. Now: <<if $riddle1 is 1>>I am not alive, but I grow when you feed me. I steal people's breath away for myself, but I have no lungs<<else>>My place is at the table, but I am given no chair. I am cut and served, but never eaten<</if>>. What am I?" <hr><<nobr>> <<if $riddle1 is 1>> <div class="choice"><<link "~Silence.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "dreamriver3">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Fire.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "dreamriver3">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Sorrow.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "dreamriver3">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <div class="choice"><<link "~Arguments.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "dreamriver3">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Cards.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<goto "dreamriver3">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~A candle.">> <<set $continuity to 6>> <<goto "dreamriver3">> <</link>></div> <</if>><</nobr>>\

<<if $boost is 3>> <<if $dream2_choice is 1>> <<set $med to $med + 15>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 2>> <<set $ride to $ride + 15>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 3>> <<set $surv to $surv + 15>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 4>> <<set $card to $card + 15>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 5>> <<set $gun to $gun + 15>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk + 15>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $boost is 2>> <<if $dream2_choice is 1>> <<set $med to $med + 10>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 2>> <<set $ride to $ride + 10>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 3>> <<set $surv to $surv + 10>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 4>> <<set $card to $card + 10>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 5>> <<set $gun to $gun + 10>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk + 10>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $boost is 1>> <<if $dream2_choice is 1>> <<set $med to $med + 5>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 2>> <<set $ride to $ride + 5>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 3>> <<set $surv to $surv + 5>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 4>> <<set $card to $card + 5>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 5>> <<set $gun to $gun + 5>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk + 5>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $dream2 is 1>> <<if $continuity is 1>> You ponder.<br><br> "It's bark, isn't it?"<br><br> "Ya think so?"<br><br> "Yeah. It goes around the wood and so on, an' ev'rything else I can think of that might fit can go into the woods."<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "A fence?" you guess.<br><br> "A fence?"<br><br> "Yeah. No need to build it into the woods, right? So it would only go 'round it."<br><br> <<else>> You rub your ear in thought.<br><br> "A road, maybe?"<br><br> "Ya think so?"<br><br> "Yes. I mean... sure, it can go into the woods, but... it's technically more a 'path' then."<br><br><</if>> "Well, that's some good thinkin' there," the voice notes.<br><br> "Thank ya."<br><br> "Let's see now..." the voice mumbles. <<if $boost >0>> <<if $boost is 1>> "Huh. Not too bad. Ya got one of them right."<br><br> "Just one?"<br><br> "Yeah." The voice sounds a little guilty. "But hey, I don't think we coulda done better. Told ya we ain't good at riddles."<br><br> <<else>> <<set $d2gift to 1>> "Will ya look at that. Ya got both of'em right. Really nice."<br><br> You feel a bit of pride swelling in your chest.<br><br> <</if>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk + 5>> "Oh. Well..." You can't help it. The voice sounds dreadfully disappointed, and the creature is looking the part, too.<br><br> You blink, and realize what that must mean.<br><br> <<if $bold >74>> "I didn't guess a single one right, did I?"<br><br> "Most unfortunately, yeah."<br><br> "Bugger," you mutter.<br><br> <<elseif $bold <26>> "I... I didn't get a single one right, right?" you note, defeated.<br><br> "Most unfortunately, yeah."<br><br> You sigh heavily.<br><br> <<else>> "Oh. I guess... I didn't get a single one right, right?"<br><br> "Most unfortunately, yeah."<br><br> You frown.<br><br> <</if>> "Ah, don't be upset, mate. Ya really put some though into them answers, that was really impressive." <</if>> Then the voice sighs heavily, and the creature is beginning to look distressed.<br><br> "Well, now we gotta part ways. So, heed this warning," the voice says. <<elseif $dream2 is 2>> <<if $continuity is 1>> You tilt your head back and think.<br><br> "A moneybox," you answer, looking back at the woman.<br><br> "Oh?"<br><br> "Yes. When it's empty it's ignored. I wouldn't throw it out, 'cause... I mean it's meant to be filled an' all, but some people are weird. An' when there's money in it, some fellers will gladly break it open. I oughta know, I'm one o' them. An' I know some folks will hold onto one for dear life if they put anythin' else in it."<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You ponder.<br><br> "It's a house," you announce.<br><br> "Ah?"<br><br> "When it's empty it's ignored, sometimes torn down... so, thrown out in a way. When people keep money in it, and //just// money and such I mean, there'll be fellers that will gladly break it. Me an' Charlie for example. And once something else is in there lotsa fellers will protect it dearly. Sometimes even more than they'd protect money. I know I'd do."<br><br> "Ah, I see."<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You think about this for a bit.<br><br> "It's an egg!" you cry out.<br><br> "Is it?"<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "Sure. When it's empty, it's ignored an' usually thrown out. Though ya can make good use of the shell. When it is a regular egg with egg white and yolk, it's broken for cooking. Or after cooking, depends what ya wanna do with it. An', now, if there's a chick in it..."<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 4>> You ponder, and shake your head.<br><br> "I think the answer is 'nothing'.<br><br> "Oh?"<br><br> "This is a tricky one. I mean, if there's 'more' of nothin' in somethin' the thing gets lighter, right? Though... I'm not certain ya actually //put// nothin' into somethin'..."<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 5>> You scratch your ear in thought.<br><br> "Ah." You go. "It's a hole. Or well, holes, when you put more of them into something."<br><br> <<else>> You think about it.<br><br> "Air?"<br><br> "What makes you think so?"<br><br> "I mean, the more there is of it, the lighter something gets. Especially if it's hot air, like with them balloons."<br><br> <</if>> The woman seems amused and satisfied.<br><br> "Oh, I really like your way of thinking, darling."<br><br> "Ah... thank you...?"<br><br> "Now, now, let's see," the woman singsongs. <<if $boost >0>> <<if $boost is 1>> "Not too bad, darling. You got one of them right."<br><br> "Just one?"<br><br> "Oh, don't be sad. I will gladly admit I wouldn't have gotten a single one. So, you did better than I ever could."<br><br> <<else>> <<set $d2gift to 2>> "Ah, how droll, you got all of them right, darling." The woman chuckles and blows you a kiss. "There, for good luck. And that's not just an empty phrase."<br><br> You don't know what to make of it, though.<br><br> <</if>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk + 5>> "Oh dear, oh dear." The woman shakes her head, looking quite disappointed.<br><br> You blink, and realize what that must mean.<br><br> <<if $bold >74>> "I didn't guess a single one right, did I?"<br><br> "Most unfortunately, yes."<br><br> "Bugger," you mutter.<br><br> <<elseif $bold <26>> "I... I didn't get a single one right, right?" you note, defeated.<br><br> "Most unfortunately, yes."<br><br> You sigh heavily.<br><br> <<else>> "Oh. I guess... I didn't get a single one right, right?"<br><br> "Most unfortunately, yes."<br><br> You frown.<br><br> <</if>> "Ah, don't be upset, darling. I really like the thought you put into your answers. Remarkable. It shows that that pretty head of yours isn't just for looks."<br><br> <</if>> Then the woman gets up, looking sorrowfully up at the sky.<br><br> "Oh, I will say this was quite enjoyable, darling. But we will have to part ways. For now. But before you go, heed these words." She draws a deep breath, closing her eyes with a sad smile. <<else>> <<if $continuity is 1>> You think about it.<br><br> "A corpse," you answer.<br><br> "What makes you think so?"<br><br> "That's law stuff. Like, there's no crime until a body's been discovered an' all."<br><br> The man quirks a brow.<br><br> "That's quite some way of looking at it."<br><br> "So am I right?"<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You rub your chin in thought.<br><br> "A meal? I mean, in a way it's not //there// until it's eaten?"<br><br> "That... is an interesting answer?"<br><br> "But is it the right one?"<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You hum in thought.<br><br> "Oh! It's a hole," you exclaim.<br><br> "A hole?"<br><br> "Yes. It's not there until ya take away whatever is in its place." You pause. "The world is full of holes, if ya think about it..."<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 4>> "Humans?" you venture.<br><br> "You think so?"<br><br> "It's the best answer I can come up with."<br><br> <<elseif $continuity is 5>> You lean back and think about it.<br><br> "It's 'noise', innit?"<br><br> "Noise?"<br><br> "I think so. I mean, there's a lotta things these have in common, but this one seems... right?"<br><br> <<else>> You ponder this for a while.<br><br> "I'd say it's 'fees'."<br><br> "Do you?"<br><br> "Yeah. I mean, ya gotta pay for all these things, an' no one likes that."<br><br> <</if>> Once again the man shrugs.<br><br> "It's certainly not a bad answer."<br><br> The man paces around in the circle, rubbing his chin in thought.<br><br> <<if $boost >0>> "Not bad, $title $Name, not bad at all."<br><br> You sit back.<br><br> "How many did I guess right?"<br><br> "You got <<if $boost is 1>>one<<elseif $boost is 2>>two<<else>>all three right. Impressive<</if>>."<br><br> "Oh." You <<if $boost is 1>>nod, a little disappointed. "That's... yer not gonna tell me which, right?"<<elseif $boost is 2>>nod. "Yer not gonna tell me which one I got wrong, right?<<else>>grin a little. "Nice."<</if>><br><br> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk + 5>> The man paces around in the circle, rubbing his chin in thought. And looks at you a little... sad?<br><br> <<if $bold >74>> "Somethin' wrong?" you ask, when you realize something. "Eesh, I didn't guess a single one right, did I?"<br><br> The man nods.<br><br> "Bugger," you mutter. <<elseif $bold <26>> "I... I didn't get a single one right, right?" you wonder, guessing that this look can only mean that.<br><br> The man nods.<br><br> You sigh defeated.<br><br> <<else>> "Is something wrong?" you ask, and realize what's most likely going on. "Oh. I guess... I didn't get a single one right, right?"<br><br> The man nods.<br><br> You frown.<br><br> <</if>> "Don't let it bring you down," the man says, smiling softly. "You //did// deliver some amazing explanations for your answers, and //that// is an outstanding deed in and on itself. And who knows, it might be exactly what you need."<br><br> You nod. Not that you'd understand what that is supposed to mean in the slightest, but you're not going to ask.<br><br> <</if>> The man looks up at the sky for a moment, then snaps his head back to you.<br><br> "But be it as it may, I have something for you." He looks back at the moon again. <</if>> <hr><div class="choice">[[...|dream2clue]]</div>

<<set $dclue2 to true>>\ <div class='fade-in' style='--delay: 1.5s; --duration: 3.5s'>"//When the moon's gone to rest and answers you seek beware the fiends, for one of them you know but don't. Flee not into their arms, lest you know who is to follow you.//"</div> Something explodes. You flinch, startled, and look up to see the moon cracked like an egg, bleeding over the nightly sky and bathing everything in darkness. <hr><div class="choice">[[~And you wake up...|ch6end]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You ponder.<br><br> "A rude <<if $bold >=75>> person."<br><br> The man cocks his head at you.<br><br> "Is that your answer?"<br><br> You nod confidently.<br><br> <<elseif $bold >=30 and $bold <=70>> person... I think?"<br><br> "Well, is it your answer?"<br><br> You think about this for a moment and nod.<br><br> <<else>> person... maybe?"<br><br> "You're not certain?"<br><br> You shake your head.<br><br> "Well, is it your answer, though?"<br><br> "I can't really think of a better one..." you say. <</if>> "I mean, when someone is strong and rude and invites themself to other people's dinner, and then makes themself comfortable in the best chair... And if they're the violent and selfish type..." <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You ponder this for a moment.<br><br> "Oh! It's a candle!" you exclaim.<br><br> "Is it?"<br><br> <<if $bold >74>>"Of course! Sure, there's candles in all sorta shapes, seen some really novel ones in New Orleans, but<<elseif $bold <26>>"I... think so. Yes. Sure, there's other kinds of candles, but<<else>>"Yes. Sure, candles come in all shapes, but<</if>> most commonly ya got a tall, thin candle that grows thicker from all the wax melting as is burns shorter. Or a thick one that's being dipped into wax more often, but it still grows shorter are it burns. An' if ya don't pay attention to it it might burn yer house down." <<else>> You rub your chin in thought.<br><br> "Hmm... The moon," you answer, pointing up.<br><br> "The moon?"<br><br> <<if $bold >74>>"Yes, the moon<<elseif $bold <26>>"I... think so. I mean..<<else>>"Yes.<</if>> It grows all round an' then it grows... well, thinner rather than shorter, and, y'know, some people say that if ya don't pay attention to the phases of the moon it will do ya no good."<</if>><</nobr>> The man laughs. "I like your way of thinking, $title $Name," he says with a nod. "Alright, second riddle: <<if $riddle1 is 1>>I have a roof but no house, yet I have a room that cannot be entered<<else>>I taste better than I smell unless you bite me<</if>> What am I?" <hr><<nobr>> <<if $riddle1 is 1>> <div class="choice"><<link "~A mouth.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "dreamflowers4">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~A grave.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "dreamflowers4">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~A mushroom.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "dreamflowers4">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <div class="choice"><<link "~A tongue.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "dreamflowers4">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~A lemon.">> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<goto "dreamflowers4">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~A coin.">> <<set $continuity to 6>> <<goto "dreamflowers4">> <</link>></div> <</if>><</nobr>>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Huh." You rub your chin in thought. "A mouth?"<br><br> "What makes you answer that?"<br><br> "Well, a mouth has a roof, right, an' a 'room' that cannot be entered." You pause. "I mean..."<br><br> The man slowly flexes his fingers.<br><br> "I'll gladly ignore that part, if you like."<br><br> "Thank ya. So... is it a mouth?" <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "A grave," you answer, gloomily.<br><br> "A grave?"<br><br> "Once it's complete, it's got a roof an' a room ya can't enter, and it ain't a house at all. Right?" <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You ponder... and groan.<br><br> "It's a mush//room//, innit?"<br><br> "Maybe."<br><br> <<if $bold >74>>"No, don't 'maybe' me, this is a silly one. Also<<elseif $bold <26>>"Oh... well... Though, y'know<<else>>"Oh, don't be like that. And, y'know,<</if>> I'm quite certain the 'roofs' of a 'shroom are called caps." <<elseif $continuity is 4>> You grimace.<br><br> "It's a tongue, innit? It doesn't smell at all, and tastes very unpleasant when ya bite it."<br><br> "You seem to speak from experience."<br><br> "Wish I wouldn't." <<elseif $continuity is 5>> "A lemon," you say, without thinking twice.<br><br> The man blinks at you.<br><br> "Well... that's..." he begins, cocking his head at you. "That's not wrong..."<br><br> You cock your head as well.<br><br> "But is it //right//?" <<else>> "I think it's a coin." you say.<br><br> "A coin?"<br><br> "All things considered it tastes better than it smells. An' ya wouldn't wanna bite it too hard. Right?"<</if>><</nobr>> The man shrugs. "I'll take it as your answer. Now, the last one: <<if $riddle2 is 1>>I am not here until you take my body away<<else>>I come with every carriage and train, with every cart and horse, and leave with them. I'm no use to any, and many dislike me, but no honest work can be done without me<</if>>. What am I?" <hr><<nobr>> <<if $riddle2 is 1>> <div class="choice"><<link "~A corpse.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "boostdream2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~A meal.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "boostdream2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~A hole.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "boostdream2">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <div class="choice"><<link "~Humans.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "boostdream2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Noise.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<goto "boostdream2">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Fees.">> <<set $continuity to 6>> <<goto "boostdream2">> <</link>></div> <</if>><</nobr>>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You furrow your brow.<br><br> "Is it cheese?"<br><br> "Cheese?"<br><br> This seems to have slightly baffled the creature.<br><br> "Yes." You ponder. "Huh... or wouldn't it be the other way round?" <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You rub your chin in thought.<br><br> "Oh!" you exclaim. "It's wine."<br><br> "Is it?"<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "Sure. When it's still grapes it's good when they're fresh, but they can rot. But when it's wine... well, I mean if things go wrong it'll be vinegar, but even that has its appeal. Right?" <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You briefly roll your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>.<br><br> "It's humans."<br><br> "Humans?"<br><br> "Yeah. If being friends with Charlie taught me anythin', then it's that we can get really nasty with age, but some get better the longer they're dead."<br><br> "That... is certainly one way to look at things."<br><br> "So... am I right?" <<elseif $continuity is 4>> "Huh... A train engine, maybe?"<br><br> "What makes you think so?"<br><br> "I mean, it's fed coal, right? An' that coal in its 'stomach' turns into steam, coming out of the... I forgot if it's called chimney, but ya know what I mean."<br><br> "I see."<br><br> "So, is it a train?" <<elseif $continuity is 5>> You scratch your nose, thinking.<br><br> "Huh, it's an hourglass, isn't it?"<br><br> "What makes you think so?"<br><br> "Well, sand in an hourglass runs into its 'stomach', an' when that's full, ya turn it around, the stomach becomes the head an' the sand start running down again. Right?" <<else>> "I think it's a dream," you say.<br><br> "A dream?"<br><br> "A human, technically, but..." you shrug, "Going to sleep after a good meal and bring the weirdest dreams... Stuff like this, y'know."<br><br> You'd swear the creature smirks at that.<br><br> "So, is it 'a dream'?" you wonder.<</if>><</nobr>> "What do //you// think?" The creature asks in return. <<nobr>> <<if $boost is 2>> You pause and shrug after thinking about it, not entirely certain what to make of this.<br><br> Then the creature pauses, and turns its head to you again.<br><br> "Tell us, you said you would like to be better <<if $dream2_choice is 1>>at healing your fellow humans<<elseif $dream2_choice is 2>>at riding<<elseif $dream2_choice is 3>>at surviving in the wild and the wild parts of what some deem civilization<<elseif $dream2_choice is 4>>at gambling and all things requiring nimble fingers<<elseif $dream2_choice is 5>>at shooting<<else>>with talking<</if>>. But is there nothing else that you would like to be good at?"<br><br> You blink, a little confused.<br><br> "What do ya mean?"<br><br> "I mean what I said. Anything else you would like to be better at?"<br><br> You ponder. <hr> <<if $dream2_choice isnot 1>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Patchin' people up.</q>">> <<set $dream2_extra to 1>> <<goto "dreamforest3a">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $dream2_choice isnot 2>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Ridin'</q>">> <<set $dream2_extra to 2>> <<goto "dreamforest3a">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $dream2_choice isnot 3>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Survivin' in the wild... an' in barfights...</q>">> <<set $dream2_extra to 3>> <<goto "dreamforest3a">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $dream2_choice isnot 4>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Gamblin'. An' generally stuff that requires nimble fingers.</q>">> <<set $dream2_extra to 4>> <<goto "dreamforest3a">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $dream2_choice isnot 5>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Shootin'.</q>">> <<set $dream2_extra to 5>> <<goto "dreamforest3a">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $dream2_choice isnot 6>> <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Talkin'.</q>">> <<set $dream2_extra to 6>> <<goto "dreamforest3a">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <<else>> You pause and shrug after thinking about it, not entirely certain what to make of this. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next~|dreamforest4]]</div> <</if>> <</nobr>>

<<if $boost is 2>> <<if $dream2_choice is 1>> <<set $med to $med + 10>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 2>> <<set $ride to $ride + 10>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 3>> <<set $surv to $surv + 10>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 4>> <<set $card to $card + 10>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 5>> <<set $gun to $gun + 10>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk + 10>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $boost is 1>> <<if $dream2_choice is 1>> <<set $med to $med + 5>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 2>> <<set $ride to $ride + 5>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 3>> <<set $surv to $surv + 5>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 4>> <<set $card to $card + 5>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 5>> <<set $gun to $gun + 5>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk + 5>> <</if>> <</if>> "Now then," the creature ventures, "for the <<if $forest_bonus>>next<<else>>last<</if>> one: <<if $riddle2 is 1>>I am here when nothing is, and vanish when my name is spoken<<else>>To keep me you must give me away<</if>>. What am I?" <hr> <<if $riddle2 is 1>> <div class="choice"><<link "~Silence.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<if $forest_bonus>> <<goto "dreamforest5bonus">> <<else>> <<goto "dreamforest5nobonus">> <</if>> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~A secret.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<if $forest_bonus>> <<goto "dreamforest5bonus">> <<else>> <<goto "dreamforest5nobonus">> <</if>> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Time.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<if $forest_bonus>> <<goto "dreamforest5bonus">> <<else>> <<goto "dreamforest5nobonus">> <</if>> <</link>></div> <<else>> <div class="choice"><<link "~Breath.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<if $forest_bonus>> <<goto "dreamforest5bonus">> <<else>> <<goto "dreamforest5nobonus">> <</if>> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~A promise.">> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<if $forest_bonus>> <<goto "dreamforest5bonus">> <<else>> <<goto "dreamforest5nobonus">> <</if>> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Kindness.">> <<set $continuity to 6>> <<if $forest_bonus>> <<goto "dreamforest5bonus">> <<else>> <<goto "dreamforest5nobonus">> <</if>> <</link>></div> <</if>>

<<if $dream2_extra is 1>>"Patchin' people up<<elseif $dream2_extra is 2>>"Ridin'<<elseif $dream2_extra is 3>>"Survivin' in the wild... an' in barfights..<<elseif $dream2_extra is 4>>"Gamblin'. An' generally stuff that requires nimble fingers<<elseif $dream2_extra is 5>>"Shootin'<<else>>"Talkin'<</if>>. Why do ya ask?" "We would like to make you an offer. You have already proved to be a capable human. We can ask you one riddle more, and bestow a gift upon you as agreed. Or we can ask two riddles more, and bestow two gifts on you in equal measures." You pause and ponder. "What if I say no?" "Then we shall proceed as agreed." Again you pause. You still don't know what all of this is about, though you have a slight idea and it sends a shiver down your spine. You wonder if the bigger risk is worth it. "Now, what shall it be?" the creature asks. <hr><div class="choice"><<link `$bold >=75 ?"<q>Eh, I'm good.</q>" : "<q>Thank ya, but... No, I'll pass.</q>"`>> <<goto "dreamforest4">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "Alright, let's go for two more.">> <<set $forest_bonus to true>> <<goto "dreamforest4">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You mouth the riddle, pondering.<br><br> And groan a little as it hits you.<br><br> "It's 'silence' right? It's there when nothin' is, but the moment ya call it by it's name it's gone." <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You ponder for a while.<br><br> "A secret? Maybe? I mean, it's there until ya say what it is." <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You hesitate, thinking.<br><br> "I think it's 'time'."<br><br> "Time?"<br><br> "It's always there, but by the time ya tell the time, that moment is already gone." <<elseif $continuity is 4>> You scratch your ear in thought.<br><br> "Breath, maybe?"<br><br> "What makes you think so?"<br><br> "Well, it won't do ya no good to hold yer breath for too long. Ya'll only kick the bucket." <<elseif $continuity is 5>> You hesitate, thinking about this for a moment.<br><br> "A promise," you answer. "Can't keep yer promise if ya haven't given it." <<else>> You ponder this for a while.<br><br> "I think the answer is 'kindness'."<br><br> "Do you?"<br><br> "Yes. Ya gotta be kind to have people be kind to ya. At least ya should be."<</if>><</nobr>> "That's an interesting answer," the creature notes, looking you over. "Is that... good or bad?" "That is yet to be seen." The creature seems sunken in thought for a moment. "Now, we agreed on a final riddle: <<if $riddle3 is 1>>I whisper and cry without breath or voice, and bite without mouth or teeth. I cut without blades, and tug and pull without hands<<else>>When men get me they don't want me. When they don't want me, they search for me. When they can't find me, they'll take me home<</if>> What am I?" <hr><<nobr>> <<if $riddle3 is 1>> <div class="choice"><<link "~Ice.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "dreamforest6">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~The wind.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "dreamforest6">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~A wave.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "dreamforest6">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <div class="choice"><<link "~A cold.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "dreamforest6">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Misery. Or sorrow.">> <<set $continuity to 5>> <<goto "dreamforest6">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~A splinter. Or a tick.">> <<set $boost to $boost + 1>> <<set $continuity to 6>> <<goto "dreamforest6">> <</link>></div> <</if>><</nobr>>

<<nobr>><<if $boost is 4>> <<if $dream2_extra is 1>> <<set $med to $med + 10>> <<elseif $dream2_extra is 2>> <<set $ride to $ride + 10>> <<elseif $dream2_extra is 3>> <<set $surv to $surv + 10>> <<elseif $dream2_extra is 4>> <<set $card to $card + 10>> <<elseif $dream2_extra is 5>> <<set $gun to $gun + 10>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk + 10>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $continuity is 1>> You think about this.<br><br> "Ice? I think it's 'ice'."<br><br> "Why do you think so?"<br><br> "Have ya ever been on a lake in the middle o' winter, the ice creakin' and crackin' under yer feet an' then yer suddenly up to yer chin in freezin' water?" <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You rub your chin in thought.<br><br> "Ah! It's the wind."<br><br> "Do you think so?"<br><br> You nod.<br><br> "Wind whispers an' cries an' bites an' all that." You grimace a little. "An', <<if $mcnoswears>>goodness<<else>>damn<</if>>, it can pull hard, especially when yer on a slippery riverbank..." <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You ponder.<br><br> "A wave," you answer.<br><br> "What makes you answer like that?"<br><br> You harrumph.<br><br> "Have ya ever stood by the shore just a bit into the water, an' suddenly yer all underwater 'cause ya didn't pay much attention to the waves?" <<elseif $continuity is 4>> You scratch your nose in thought.<br><br> "A cold."<br><br> "A cold?"<br><br> You shuffle a little.<br><br> "Dunno if ya can even get some, but I'd say it really fits. Like, ya catch it, then do ev'rything to get rid of it, and when ya can't ya take it home and be miserable there. It helps when ya got someone with ya..." <<elseif $continuity is 5>> You think about this.<br><br> "Misery or sorrow," you answer.<br><br> "What makes you say that?"<br><br> "Ya ever suffered from them? Hope for them folks they got someone who can find it at home..." <<else>> You pause and ponder.<br><br> "A splinter. Or a tick... It's really hard to decide. I mean, both could be right..."<br><br> "Which do you deem more likely?"<br><br> "That's the thing, they're both perfectly possible. One's just nastier." <</if>><</nobr>> "Oh. We see." The creature paces across the clearing and then along its edge until it reaches you again. <<nobr>><<if $boost >0>> "Interesting, $title $Name, truly interesting."<br><br> You sit back, cocking your head.<br><br> "How... how many did I get right?"<br><br> "You have answered <<if $boost is 4>> each and every of the four riddles correctly. We're impressed."<br><br> "Oho." You nod quite satisfied. <<else>> <<if $boost is 1>>one riddle correctly<<elseif $boost is 2>>two riddles correctly<<else>>three riddles correctly. Impressive<</if>>."<br><br> "Oh." You <<if $boost is 1>>nod, a little disappointed. "That's... yer not gonna tell me which, right?<<elseif $boost is 2>>nod. "Yer not gonna tell me which one I got wrong, right?<<else>>grin a little. "Nice.<</if>>" <</if>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk + 5>> The creature shakes its head quite disappointed.<br><br> <<if $bold >74>> "Somethin' wrong?" you ask, when you realize something. "Oh... I didn't guess a single one right, did I?"<br><br> The creature nods softly.<br><br> "Bugger," you mutter.<br><br> <<elseif $bold <26>> "I... I didn't get a single one right, right?" you wonder, guessing that this look can only mean that.<br><br> The creature nods softly.<br><br> You sigh defeated.<br><br> <<else>> "Is something wrong?" you ask, and realize what's most likely going on. "Oh. I guess... I didn't get a single one right, right?"<br><br> The creature nods softly.<br><br> You frown.<br><br> <</if>> "Don't be too disappointed in yourself," the creature says, earnestly. "All your answers were given good reasoning, which is an impressive deed in and on itself. A talent that might be what you need in the end."<br><br> You nod. Not that you'd understand what that is supposed to mean in the slightest, but you're not going to ask. <</if>><</nobr>> The creature turns its back to you and looks up at the sky. "It's time to leave now. So heed our words." It draws a deep breath, the edges of its form shimmering like fraying cloth. <hr><div class="choice">[[...|dream2clue]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $boost is 3>> <<if $dream2_choice is 1>> <<set $med to $med + 5>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 2>> <<set $ride to $ride + 5>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 3>> <<set $surv to $surv + 5>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 4>> <<set $card to $card + 5>> <<elseif $dream2_choice is 5>> <<set $gun to $gun + 5>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk + 5>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $continuity is 1>> You mouth the riddle, pondering.<br><br> And groan a little as it hits you.<br><br> "It's 'silence' right? It's there when nothin' is, but the moment ya call it by it's name it's gone." <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You ponder for a while.<br><br> "A secret? Maybe? I mean, it's there until ya say what it is." <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You hesitate, thinking.<br><br> "I think it's 'time'."<br><br> "Time?"<br><br> "It's always there, but by the time ya tell the time, that moment is already gone." <<elseif $continuity is 4>> You scratch your ear in thought.<br><br> "Breath, maybe?"<br><br> "What makes you think so?"<br><br> "Well, it won't do ya no good to hold yer breath for too long. Ya'll only kick the bucket." <<elseif $continuity is 5>> You hesitate, thinking about this for a moment.<br><br> "A promise," you answer. "Can't keep yer promise if ya haven't given it." <<else>> You ponder this for a while.<br><br> "I think the answer is 'kindness'."<br><br> "Do you?"<br><br> "Yes. Ya gotta be kind to have people be kind to ya. At least ya should be."<</if>><</nobr>> "That's an interesting answer," the creature notes, looking you over. "Is that... good or bad?" "That is yet to be seen." The creature paces across the clearing and then along its edge until it reaches you again. <<nobr>> <<if $boost >0>> "Interesting, $title $Name, truly interesting."<br><br> You sit back, cocking your head.<br><br> "How... how many did I get right?"<br><br> "You have answered <<if $boost is 3>> each and every of the three riddles correctly. We're impressed."<br><br> "Oho." You nod quite satisfied. <<else>> <<if $boost is 1>>one riddle correctly<<else>>two riddles correctly<</if>><br><br> "Oh." You <<if $boost is 1>>nod, a little disappointed. "That's... yer not gonna tell me which, right<<else>>nod. "Yer not gonna tell me which one I got wrong, right<</if>>?"<</if>> <<else>> <<set $talk to $talk + 5>> The creature shakes its head quite disappointed.<br><br> <<if $bold >74>> "Somethin' wrong?" you ask, when you realize something. "Oh... I didn't guess a single one right, did I?"<br><br> The creature nods softly.<br><br> "Bugger," you mutter.<br><br> <<elseif $bold <26>> "I... I didn't get a single one right, right?" you wonder, guessing that this look can only mean that.<br><br> The creature nods softly.<br><br> You sigh defeated.<br><br> <<else>> "Is something wrong?" you ask, and realize what's most likely going on. "Oh. I guess... I didn't get a single one right, right?"<br><br> The creature nods softly.<br><br> You frown.<br><br> <</if>> "Don't be too disappointed in yourself," the creature says, earnestly. "All your answers were given good reasoning, which is an impressive deed in and on itself. A talent that might be what you need in the end."<br><br> You nod. Not that you'd understand what that is supposed to mean in the slightest, but you're not going to ask. <</if>><</nobr>> The creature turns its back to you and looks up at the sky. "It's time to leave now. So heed our words." It draws a deep breath, the edges of its form shimmering like fraying cloth. <hr><div class="choice">[[...|dream2clue]]</div>

You sit up in bed, panting and drenched in sweat. <<if $romance_charlie>>Next to you<<else>>In the other bed<</if>> Charlie stirs, but doesn't wake. You wonder if you //should// wake him, but you are at a loss about what you'd even tell him. Aside from that you had another strange nightmare. With a low sigh you try to calm yourself, before you sit there, gazing into the darkness. There's just something about these dreams that cause you a disorienting sense of dread. And it's not just that ominous warning. //When answer you seek...// Well, you are certainly doing that this whole <<if $mcnoswears>>soddin'<<else>>damn<</if>> time. With a small grunt you turn and light the lamp, get up and dress quietly, taking great care not to wake Charlie. You can do that later, once you made some sense of all of this. For now you need some fresh air to clear your head. Once you're set you put out the lamp again, slipping out of the room. The hotel lies quiet, as does the town. It's that weird hour in the morning just after the darkest of the night, when half the city heads out to work while the other returns from it. You walk along the boardwalk, not paying a lot of attention to the sights and sounds of the city around you. You mind is still trying to make sense of that warning. <<if $dclue1 is true>>The first one had already not made much sense, and this one's even worse<<else>>Look at it however you like, it won't get rhyme or reason<</if>>. If these... people, in lack of a better word for them... really wanted to help you they could gladly be a little less obscure. You groan frustrated and sigh, burying your hands in your pockets. Maybe you should have woken Charlie up. //Maybe// he would have had an idea. Maybe. Guess you'll tell him once you're back. For now you are forcing yourself to think of other things. Like what to do about your mission. Soon enough you'll be on your way to Potter's Springs, leaving behind the last outposts of 'civilization'. And once everything is done there... There's several ways to get to Devil's Creek, and it's impossible to pick one till you are standing at the fork in the road, with one path leading into the fire and the other into the frying pan. If only Mrs. Meadows would finally fill you in on everything. But <<if $imp >64>>you guess you<<else>>you<</if>> got to be patient. You kick grumpily at the dirt, stop, stretch and sigh, ready to head back to the hotel. Get a few more hours of sleep, preferably without any eerie dreams, and then get some nice breakfast. You sigh again, but the sigh turns into an alarmed, startled and muffled yelp as someone grabs you from behind, holding you in a choke-hold. You struggle, doing everything to break free, but the man holding you is <<if $mcsize is 1>>about three times your size,<<elseif $mcsize is 2>>two times your size,<<else>>about your size, just<</if>> in all directions. You had the misfortune of having had some much-too-close-for-comfort encounters with grizzlies, and you can't shake off the feeling this guy could just casually punch one out and carry it home on his shoulder. Still you struggle. "Oh, don't kill the little bird just yet," someone calls, and the giant's grip eases slightly as the man grunts in dismay. "'Tis no bird," he calls, angered. "An' I don't do birds. Tell'im I don't do birds, Amos." You squirm, world starting go get a bit darker and fuzzier around the edges, but still you spot two other guys. One is a short, scrawny, flaxen-haired feller that looks like put together from toothpicks, the other is a quite good looking guy with short red hair and a deep scar across his right cheek. The first guy is looking angered, disappointed and annoyed, while the second looks just annoyed. "Earl doesn't do birds, Wilkie," the second guy — Amos — notes, dryly and a bit bored, but lightly amused at the anger this cause the first guy. "Shame, really," Wilkie sneers, suddenly sidling up to you. Much too close for your taste. "Don't see how yer goin' to be a worthwhile bargainin' chip, birdie." You grunt, and on reflex knee him in the crotch. Wilkie howls, sinking to a knee in pain, before he scrambles up, grabbing your wrist. "Ya little..." You don't hear what he's calling you. All you hear is a nasty cracking sound, and you don't know if it's the pain or the lack of air that finally has the world around you go pitch-black dark. <div align="center"><div class="specfont">🙞End of Chapter 6🙜</div></div>\ <hr><div class="choice">[[~What Now?|inter1start]]</div>

"I'm by all means an //American// <<if $skincol <8>>//Citizen//, regardless what //some// people might think<<else>>//Citizen//<</if>>. But if ya really want to know me cultural roots an' all, eh, guess I don't actually mind tellin' ya me family came here..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Mexico.</q>">> <<set $nat to 3>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from Mexico">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from China.</q>">> <<set $nat to 5>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from China">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Ireland.</q>">> <<set $nat to 7>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from Ireland">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Canada.</q>">> <<set $nat to 9>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from Canada">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Haiti.</q>">> <<set $nat to 11>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from Haiti">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Scotland.</q>">> <<set $nat to 13>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from Scotland">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Japan.</q>">> <<set $nat to 15>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from Japan">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Puerto Rico.</q>">> <<set $nat to 17>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from Puerto Rico">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from France.</q>">> <<set $nat to 19>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from France">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from Australia.</q>">> <<set $nat to 21>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from Australia">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from England.</q>">> <<set $nat to 23>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from England">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from... Asia.</q>">> <<set $nat to 25>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from somewhere in Asia">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from... Africa.</q>">> <<set $nat to 27>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from somewhere in Africa">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from... Europe.</q>">> <<set $nat to 29>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from somewhere in Europe">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from the Caribbean.</q>">> <<set $nat to 31>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from somewhere in the Carribean">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from... South America.</q>">> <<set $nat to 33>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from somewhere in South America">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from... Oceania.</q>">> <<set $nat to 35>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from somewhere in Oceania">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...from... Central America.</q>">> <<set $nat to 37>> <<set $natio to "US-American, family originates from somewhere in Central America">> <<goto "cornerofearthroots1">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>> <<if $nat >1>> <<if $nat >=24>> "I suppose you're not going to go into more detail," Lynwood ventures, but there's a trace of amusement in his voice. "That is a rather sizeable part of our planet."<br><br> <<else>> Lynwood lets a scrutinizing gaze linger on you for a moment, and you can almost hear the gears turn in his head.<br><br> "Now the only question is if I can actually trust you on this, $title $Name."<br><br> There's a trace of amusement in his voice, nevertheless.<</if>> <<else>> Lynwood lets a scrutinizing gaze linger on you for a moment, and you can almost hear the gears turn in his head.<br><br> <<if $skincol is 1>> You grimace a little.<br><br> "I hope yer not goin' to comment on the fact that I'm Black."<br><br> Lynwood looks at you, a little alarmed, clearing his throat.<br><br> "I wasn't going to. But I will admit I am a little surprised." He trails off in thought for a moment. <</if>> <<if $skincol >=9>> You grimace a little.<br><br> "Oh, please don't say 'But you are White'," you groan.<br><br> Lynwood looks at you, a little alarmed, clearing his throat.<br><br> "I wasn't going to. But I will admit I am a little surprised."<br><br> "I am what I am. And more important than what //I// say about it is what my people say 'bout it."<br><br> Lynwood nods and trails off in thought for a moment. <</if>> "I don't presume you are going to disclose who your people are?" <</if>><</nobr>> You smirk, roll your shoulders, and shake your head. "Agent Lynwood, I'd be a terrible con artist if I wouldn't keep my little secrets, now wouldn't I?" The response is a long, exhausted sigh. "Well, I cannot blame you, $title $Name." A soft smile flits over Lynwood's face. "But I do thank you for sharing this with me." He gives you a curt nod and a tip of his head, and leaves. Once he's out of sight you let out a strained breath, and hurry back to your room. There's some bigger fish to fry, and they have some nasty teeth. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|backfrompost]]</div>

<<if $continuity is 1>> You look at Charlie, who shrugs, and back at Mrs. Meadows.<br><br> "Alright then. I mean, better safe than sorry." You try not to grimace too much about your stomach ache.<br><br> "I appreciate you showing the common sense to not delay things further," Mrs. Meadows says, sounding almost pleasant, then she looks you up and down. "I presume you overindulged yourself?"<br><br> You give a groaning sigh and nod. "A tiny bit, yes."<br><br> "Serves you right for forgoing medical necessities first," Mrs. Meadows huffs and strides past you towards <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Could we do that checkups afterwards?" you ask, though given how you grimace upon your stomach hurting, maybe... maybe you did go a little overboard at breakfast.<br><br> "I would not have considered that a good idea before, and judging by your look you are having doubts as well."<br><br> You pout at Mrs. Meadows upon that, but Charlie, carefully, claps you on the back.<br><br> "I think she's right, $nick," he says, smiling rather apologetic, and you groan a little.<br><br> "Oh, alright." You step aside. "Lead the way then."<br><br> And Mrs. Meadows does, heading back to <<else>> "I don't think there's any need for it, I'm fine," you say, and, naturally, your stomach decides that that would be the perfect moment to remind you that, yes, you did go overboard with breakfast a little bit. "...ow."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows quirks an unimpressed brow at you.<br><br> "Oh, are you quite certain about that?"<br><br> You glower, miserably, when Charlie pats you on the back.<br><br> "Maybe ya should listen to her, $nick," he says, smiling rather apologetic, and you groan.<br><br> "Oh, alright." You step aside. "Lead the way then."<br><br> And Mrs. Meadows does, heading back to <</if>> her room. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|meadowscheckupch7]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> And here you were under the impression that the moon was a celestial body.<br><br> You were also under the impression that the moon merely reflected the sun's light, but the contraption before you glows in a soft blue on its own.<br><br> You shuffled around a little, very carefully stepping out of bed as if you are unsure if the ground under your feet will even carry you. When they both do, <<if $mcglasses>>you put on your glasses and<<else>>you<</if>> step gingerly closer to the table, musing this 'moon' might be merely a strange, if not outright eccentric, lamp.<br><br> But the light is too stable to stem from any flame, and— looking at the table— there doesn't seem to be any way to even have a flame in the sphere. Nor any light bulb in case this was one of those newfangled electric lamps.<br><br> Still, this just can't be the real moon, it can't.<br><br> Carefully, you prod it, but aside from the thing wobbling a little in the shallow stand it's resting in nothing happens. And running your fingers over it does nothing either other than give you the impression that the perfectly smooth surface is made from some dry oilskin or rubbery leather.<br><br> Shaking your head, and move back to the bed (resisting the urge to see what might happen if you'd let the moon bounce onto the floor), just as <<elseif $continuity is 2>> With quite a bit of hesitation you put a foot onto the floor, almost expecting it to not be solid. The good news is that it's a perfectly fine and functional floor. The bad news is that it's unsettlingly smooth, but it doesn't feel like polished stone or tiles under your bare feet.<br><br> At least it isn't as cold as it looks, which is nice.<br><br> <<if $mcglasses>>You put on your glasses and<<else>>You<</if>> step over to the window, <<if $tac >=65 or $bold <=35>>peeking out<<else>>drawing back<</if>> the heavy curtains, staggering back at what you see beyond the window's lightly frosted glass:<br><br> While a little blurred, above and below is nothing but stars. Twinkling lights of various colors, some faint, others bright, and below a shining band that you reckon can only be the Milky Way.<br><br> Where on Earth are you? You wonder that, and almost laugh, because, by all means, you might not be on Earth at all.<br><br> You shudder, <<if $tac >=65 or $bold <=35>>withdraw from the window<<else>>draw the curtains close again<</if>> and head back to bed, just as <<else>> <<if $mcglasses>>You put on your glasses to be able to at least see,<<else>>You<</if>> pull the warm cover up to your face, gazing around, haunted. All of this feels unreal, like a dream. Sure, the moon might be nothing but a strange lamp, though it light feels a little too steady, and the bedsheets might simply be very, very expensive. You don't feel up to find out.<br><br> Still you try to make sense of it all. There has to be an explanation, right? You doubt that you're dead, you're too sore for that, but there's also no way that whoever kidnapped you with an ambush like that.<br><br> Also, for how long were you out, even?<br><br> You ponder all that, when <</if>> the door opens with a faint 'click'.<</nobr>> You catch a glimpse of a plain corridor bathed in the same dim, blue light as this room, maybe a little brighter, and a man steps into the chamber. He's tall, well-dressed in an odd dark blueish-gray suit with silver embroidery on the lapel and a broad-rimmed hat. <<nobr>>You flinch as you <<if $dream1 is 6 or $dream2 is 3>> recognize the man from your <<if $dream1 is 6 and $dream2 is 3>> dreams, both<<else>>dream<</if>> <<if $dream1 is 6>> some days <<if $dream2 is 3>>prior and just the other night<<else>>prior<</if>>, <<else>> just the other night, <</if>> and as before <<else>> notice how <</if>> his face shifts between thousands upon thousands of faces, with only the eyes remaining deep dark wells of black with the faintest pinpoint of light in them.<</nobr>> At least you are now certain you're dreaming again. You could really do with regular dreams for a change. "Ah, you are awake. Good," the man greets you as he catches your eye, taking off his hat. "We had gotten a little worried about your well-being." He closes the door and pulls up the chair next to the bed, sitting down and looking at you. "How are you feeling?" "Strange... An' sore all over," you answer after a moment, your tongue feeling like a dead fish in your mouth. At least its working. "What happened? Where am I?" You look around the room again. It hasn't changed at all, and after the abandoned town and the otherworldly landscape a simple, nondescript room feels a bit of a let down. The stranger leans back, folding his hands. "You're safe, if that's any reassurance. But you can't stay here for long." He draws a deep, pondering breath. "Also you died." You simply stare at him. "But..." No, this can't be right. You already figured you're too sore for that. "Several broken ribs, a fractured skull, on top of countless other smaller injuries, they really went to town on you. So we had to step in. I won't mince my words anymore, we //need// you, $title $Name." You mouth the words for a moment. A shudder as a memory, not more but a glimpse of a moment comes crawling back to you. You //do// remember waking up in... a barn or something, and there were others there, well, they weren't too happy with you being awake. You guess they went a bit too far with trying to knock you out again. But, no, wait. This makes no sense. "This is <<if $mcnoswears>>nonsense<<else>>bullshit<</if>>!" you burst out. "This is a dream, an' the dead don't dream. I asked Charlie...<<if $romance_charlie>>" you break off with a whimper, thinking of Charlie. This isn't fair to even think about, dream or not<<else>>" A gentle whine escapes your throat, wondering how Charlie would take this, if this weren't a dream<</if>>. "I-I asked Charlie 'bout that. Also I'd have run into Matt and-" The stranger raises a hand to stop you. "I said you died, not that you're dead." He shakes his head, curtly. "I'll make this quick, we don't have much time. We got you away from Death's Door at the eleventh hour, and patched you back up. You //are// alive, and you are //not// living on borrowed time. You'll be fine, unless you die again. We won't be able to step in again, whether it'd be you or Blayne, as long as the coast isn't clear. So, yes, you are fine, and you will be fine, and, again, we need you." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~None of that makes sense, what do you mean I'm back from the dead?">> <<goto "ch7dream2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Why me?">> <<goto "ch7dream2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Wait! What was that about Blayne?">> <<goto "ch7dream2">> <</link>></div>

The question barely left your mouth when the moon's light suddenly changes it's color to a dull orange, and the man frowns. "I'd love to answer that question, but as I said, we have no time. You being here bears a two-fold risk. If we keep you from your body too long, you //will// die for good, and, worse, the Otherling might catch on." You snap your head around. "The //what//?" You search your memory, because that name rings a very faint bell. "Wait. Mrs. Meadows..." "The Otherling is the entity the cult you're after worships, yes. Your Mrs. Meadows is bound to explain it all in due time, but here's what you need to know: That thing is an ancient evil and his cult is dead set on ending the world as we know it. Yes, we did put Blayne on its trail, but we all underestimated the foes he'd be up against. You are here because we've been able to make contact with you. We will continue to help the best we can, but, as I said, we cannot step in like we did now anymore. The Otherling might catch on, and everything that has been achieved so far would be for naught. So you and your posse need to do what you can. The fate of the world depends on it." You stare at the stranger, digesting all of this, when his gaze flicks back to the moon, and he shakes his head nervously. And a little annoyed. "I really do wish I'd have the time to explain this better to you." <<nobr>><<if $d2gift >0>> He pauses, cocking his head at you. "Oh, I do ought to give you this."<br><br> He rummages through his pockets and hands you a small leather pouch with something solid inside.<br><br> "This is <<if $d2gift is 1>>one of Salein's decks. If you thought you've been good at cheating at Faro before, you ought to play with these<<else>>a set of Heleia's business cards. If you need a convincing false identity to get into high society at the drop of a head, these will provide<</if>>. But use it wisely, or it'll lose its power."<br><br> The name means nothing to you, and this dream has gotten strange enough already.<br><br> "Thanks, I guess?"<br><br> The stranger <<else>> He <</if>> nods, more grim than you'd like to see. "You got to go back now. And please. Do what you can. The fate of the world hinges on you.<</nobr>> You're about to say something, when the moon's light goes out with what sounds like a sizzle and hiss, and you feel yourself slumping back into the <<if $d2gift >0>>pillow, clutching the pouch<<else>>pillow<</if>>. <hr><div class="choice">[[~So... are you dead or...|ch7backalive]]</div>

You'd love to say you jolted awake with a start. Well, technically you //did// wake up that way, the issue's just that it was less of a 'jolting awake' jolt, and more a 'jolt of pain going through your body' one. With a grunt and a groan you squirm a little, blinking at the ceiling. From what you can make <<if $mcglasses>>out (in absence of your glasses)<<else>>out<</if>> in the dim light filtering in through the gap between the curtains, you are back in your hotel room in New Hamelin. Something you have no explanation for given that the last thing you remember is that ambush. But at least it's a relief that your brain simply overreacted, making you dream that you've died and all. You sigh, exasperated, and try to sort your thoughts, when something next to you stirs. You look to find Charlie sitting by the side of the bed, fast asleep, his head resting on his crossed arms on the mattress. He looks exhausted and disheveled, and, by all means, he's been keeping watch over you. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Gently wake him up.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "ch7hotel">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Let him sleep.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "ch7hotel">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Wake him, I need to know what happened.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "ch7hotel">> <</link>></div>

You shuffle into a slightly more comfortable and upright position, stretching and letting your joints crack with a small wince. <<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> A smile flits over your lips and you <<if $romance_charlie>>caress your fingers over Charlie's hair, tucking a strand behind his ear<<else>>gently and almost playfully tap your fingers against his head<</if>> <<elseif $continuity is 2>> With a sigh you lean back and watch Charlie for a moment. If he's sleeping like this, on top of looking the way he looks, he really must need it <<else>> You huff mildly and give Charlie a nudge to the shoulder, and gently and almost playfully snip a finger against his head<</if>>.<</nobr>> Charlie stirs, waking, blinking, and the next thing you know he's flung his arms around you, holding you in a tight hug with a small hiccuping whimper. <<nobr>><<if $hugs >1>> "I-I'm sorry," Charlie stammers, pulling back hastily, "I know ya don't like hugs, I-I..."<br><br> "It's... It's alright," you reassure him, understanding. It would seem he's faring worse than what it looked like. But you give him a smile. <<else>> You cough briefly and Charlie pulls back to look at you. You smile. <</if>><</nobr>> "Ya look like ya've been terribly worried for me," you say. Charlie sniffles a little, rubbing his hand over his eye. "Of course I have. Yer pretty high up on the list o' people I'd hate to lose." "You old sap," you tease, mirroring the sad smile he gives you. You look at him again. No doubt, whatever happened had him in pieces, and you can almost see the weight falling off him as he sees you well enough to make small jokes. "Are you alright?" Charlie asks, looking you over with an expression you haven't seen on him since Grace's wedding. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>I think so...</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "ch7hotel1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I'm not sure...</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "ch7hotel1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>...No...</q>">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "ch7hotel1">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "I think so," you answer, but without as much confidence behind it as you'd hoped for. There's still too many thoughts swirling around in your head, not helping the slightest with the dizziness and the faint sense of nausea. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "I'm not sure." You shake your head, trying to clear it. You're still feeling dizzy, disoriented and a little nauseous, and your head feels fuller than it has any right to be. <<else>> "No," you admit, shaking your head in an attempt to chase away the dizziness and underlying sense of nausea. <</if>> "What happened?<</nobr>> "You tell me. Matt woke me in a panic two mornings back, sayin' ya been kidnapped. We came after you, and..." You sit up straight rather abruptly. "What, just you an' Matt?" Charlie gives you a lopsided smile. "No, I got the others to help, don't worry." "Ya got Lynwood an' Mrs. Meadows to help just like that? I'm impressed." The smile grows into a genuine one. "It was easier with Lynwood than with the Doc, but I'll tell ya the details later. First I need to know what happened, $nick." "I wish I'd know," you say, running <<if $mchair <10 or ($mchair >=15 and $mchair <=23)>>your fingers through<<else>>a hand over<</if>> your <<if $mchair is 27>>head<<else>>hair<</if>>. "You... remember that dream I told ya about?" Charlie nods. "The one with the ghost town?" "Yes. I... had another one like that. Not with a ghost town, but..." you explain the dream's landscape the best you can and the riddles, ultimately shaking your head. "I was so confused. That dream, that message at the end. I just wanted t' get some fresh air to clear me head. So I went for a walk." "An' got ambushed. Earl told us." You blink. "Who's Earl?" "The big guy o' that trio that got ya. We found him on the way to the farm, he's quite alright. Helped us get ya out." Charlie cocks his head and gives you an equally confused and concerned look. "Yer sure yer alright? Earl said he broke several o' yer ribs." You blink, and suddenly the entire ordeal comes back to you. You weren't mistaken about what happened then. You definitely remember the pain of broken ribs, a broke wrist, of something bursting inside you at the kick from a boot, the nasty crack as your head hit against a wooden beam. You press a hand against your side, feeling your ribcage. Everything's where it's ought to be. Your head's fine, your wrist... You feel your breath quickens as you stare into space in disbelief. "$nick?" <hr><div class="choice"><<link "Tell Charlie about the dream you just woke up from.">> <<goto "ch7hotel2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "No really, tell him.">> <<goto "ch7hotel2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "You had multiple fatal injuries that are just healed up and gone, tell him.">> <<goto "ch7hotel2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "This is something you can't just keep to yourself, not with there being no better explanation for all of this. Tell him.">> <<goto "ch7hotel2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "For crying out loud, //tell him//.">> <<goto "ch7hotel2">> <</link>></div>

"Charlie?" You whisper, trying to keep your voice from cracking. "That dream with the riddles... That wasn't the last one I had." Charlie sits up very slowly, looking at you bewildered. "What?" You tell Charlie what happened, your voice shaking as it sinks in that, yeah, you probably have been dead. As you finish, Charlie just stares at you for a moment, eye full of distress. <<nobr>><<if $hugs is 1>>You reckon you both could need a hug right now. You pull Charlie <<else>>No, you're not someone keen on physical contact, but after all of this, you feel both of you might need the reassurance that would come with a hug right now.<br><br> You exhale, roll your shoulders, and with shaking hands you pull Charlie (much to his surprise)<</if>> closer and rest your head on his shoulder with a heavy sigh.<</nobr>> Charlie carefully rubs your back, nuzzling his head against the side of yours. "$nick?" he then whispers. "Yes?" "I... I had the feelin' ya died. I thought I saw ya at the farm for a moment, wi' the same glow as Matt and..." he breaks off, trying to calm himself down. "We really bit off more than we can chew, I... I should have trusted ya 'bout the job." Charlie pulls back, chuckling sadly. "Next time, $nick. I'll make sure to remind ya." You chuckle as sadly, and take a deep breath. "What now? This is all a little much. And unsettlin' as all Hell." Charlie nods, crossing his arms. "We gotta talk to the Doc," he says. "Whatever information she's havin', we cannot wait till Potter's Springs for her t' spill the beans." You nod, rather sourly. "Think she's awake?" Charlie cranes his neck a little. "Matt says she's busy." There's a flicker of guilt crossing Charlie's face. "What's wrong?" A sigh. "I think what happened to ya, what happened when we rescued ya, affected her in some odd way. I don't know what it is, but..." Charlie shakes his head. "I think we oughta cross that bring when... if we ever get to it." You grumble in agreement. "It'd be easier if she'd be... more open." With another grumble, a more exhausted one, you lay back. "Alright, if we got some time, ya go an' tell me what happened." "Ya sure ya wanna hear it?" "I don't wanna think about the dying part, so I think hearin' 'bout the others might be a nice distraction. "Well then." <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|charliesummary]]</div>

Charlie ponders, and by the looks of it he's talking to Matt again. "I'll admit after Matt had woken me up I almost //did// set out on me own. Which, yes, woulda been a really daft idea. Matt made me get the others, an' after a bit back an' forth we headed to the Honeysett farm where those guys brought ya." You prick up your ears. "That name sounds familiar." Charlie nods curtly. "It's one o' the missing folks the sheriff told us about." "Ah. Go on." "On our way there we found Earl. Matt had spooked yer kidnappers' horses to slow'em down, an' Earl had gotten injured when his horse threw'im off." Maybe it was Charlie's reassurance that this Earl is an alright guy, maybe it's just the general idea of being thrown off a horse, but you still flinch in sympathy. Then you pause and blink. "Wait, did the other two just leave him where ya found him?" "Yes. Mrs. Meadows did patch him up, an' lookin' back I gotta give her respect for takin' her job an' oath serious. And once Earl was seen to, he told us he an' his brother been hired by someone Earl called 'Mr. Favor'." Charlie says the name as if it's bile hitting the back of his teeth. "Sounds like a dreadfully pleasant fella," you snark. "Is," Charlie deadpans, and then cocks his head at you. "$nick, have ya ever come across a Jean-Baptiste Favreau? Like before we started workin' together or when we set out on our own?" You cross your arms in thought. "That's this 'Mr. Favor' then, I assume?" Charlie confirms. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>The name rings a bell.</q>">> <<set $salomesveil_hint1 to true>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "charliesummary1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Not that I'd know, no.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "charliesummary1">> <</link>></div>

<div class="choice"><<link `$pol >=75 ?"<q>That's a kind offer, but let's continue as planned.</q>" : "<q>Naw. Let's continue as planned.</q>"`>> <<goto "dreamforest4">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link `$imp >=75 ?"<q>Naw, let's just end this. I'd rather continue things as intended.</q>" : "<q>Mhnn... It's tempting, but no. I'd rather continue things as intended.</q>"`>> <<goto "dreamforest4">> <</link>></div>\

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Huh, that name does ring a bell," you answer.<br><br> "Oh?" Charlie sits up, quite surprised and undoubtedly intrigued.<br><br> "Gimme a moment." You hum in thought, sorting through your memories. "When was it? Three, no two, two years ago, when you were helpin' Grace with the new house."<br><br> "That was when ya went to Buffalo, wasn't it?"<br><br> "Yes, but I did hop over to Toronto at some point. And if I ain't completely mistaken, a friend o' me mark mentioned meeting someone by that name later that day... 'bout a 'promised acquisition', I think."<br><br> Charlie listens and nods.<br><br> "Well that fits with what Lynwood said. Apparently <<else>> "Can't say I've heard that name before." You shrug, the slightest bit apologetic.<br><br> "Ah, 'twas worth the shot." Charlie shrugs, rubbing his chin. "Now, accordin' to Lynwood <</if>> this Favreau's a rather nefarious financier an' fixer. The kind o' person the rich an' powerful turn to with their problem an' desires."<</nobr>> You shudder. You know the type all too well. and judging by Charlie's tone Lynwood made this specific specimen out to be one of the worst. "As I mused, dreadfully pleasant fella," you grouse. "How come we haven't robbed him yet?" Charlie snorts bitterly. "Been wonderin' that too, truth be told. But if Lynwood's assessment o' that guy's correct, I'd not be surprised if at least a one or two of'em times we decided against a job 'cause I had a bad feelin' woulda been something where we'd have crossed paths with Favreau." At that Charlie falls silent, looking off to the side. And something tells you he's not talking to Matt. No. He's angry at himself. For not waking up in time to prevent your kidnapping. "Charlie?" Charlie flinches rather startled, and looks at you apologetic and guiltily. "Yes?" "It's not yer fault," you reassure. <<nobr>><<if $romance_charlie>> "Feels like it, though," Charlie admits, and you pat the mattress for him to sit down with you.<br><br> "Look," you begin once he shuffled over, gently laying your hand on his. "The last few days —weeks— have been messy. We oughta be still recoverin' from that job, but instead we're here, trying to ward off the end of the world. That can be a little distractin'."<br><br> Charlie chuckles and squeezes your hand.<br><br> "We'll get through this, Charlie," you say, smiling. "Maybe not everythin' will make sense, but we'll get through this."<br><br> A small nod follows, and Charlie leans over, pecking your cheek.<br><br> "Thank you, $nick."<br><br> You carefully nudge your forehead against his, before leaning back.<br><br> "Now, what else did I miss?"<br><br> Charlie ponders for a moment, gloomy mood definitely lifted.<br><br> "Where was I?"<br><br> "Earl."<br><br> "Oh, yeah. Right..." <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|charliesummary2]]</div> <<else>> "It," Charlie pauses, wringing his hands, "It feels like it, though. Look, $nick, I-I meant it when I said yer pretty high up on my list o' people I'd hate to lose. I..." He trails off and shakes his head. There's more he wants to say, but you reckon he likely still needs some time to sort his thoughts. <<if $char_fam or $char_friend>> After all what happened, no surprise.<br><br> You wait a moment, before you cock your head.<br><br> "Now, what else did I miss?" you say, startling Charlie a little.<br><br> "Huh? Oh." He ponders. "Where was I?"<br><br> "Earl."<br><br> "Oh, yeah. Right..." <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|charliesummary2]]</div> <<elseif $charom_maybe or $charom_hurt>> <br><br> The part you //hate// about all of this, especially seeing him like this, is that tight feeling wrapping itself around your heart. For crying out loud you //died//. It's a literal and very unsettling miracle that you are back. You and Charlie nearly lost one another, no matter the things Charlie can do. Maybe this is the right time //you// come clear about your feelings. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~No, this certainly //not// the right time. We both need to digest what happened first. I hope there'll be a better chance sooner than later.">> <<set $charom to $charom + 1>> <<goto "charliesum1a">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~No, I don't want to overwhelm Charlie with it right now. I just hope there'll be another chance at some point.">> <<set $charom to $charom + 1>> <<set $charom_shy to $charom_shy + 1>> <<goto "charliesum1a">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~Well, here goes nothing then, time to come clear.">> <<set $romance_charlie to true>> <<set $active_romance to true>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "charliesum1a1">> <</link>></div> <<else>> <br><br> The last time you've seen Charlie this frazzled was only a few days back—feels like an eternity, really— and you had walked out on him then.<br><br> Well, walking out on him is not much an option right <<if $warn_dream1>>now (not to mention last time the same beings that brought you back from dead now came and screwed your head back on right. Maybe don't test their good will)<<else>>now<</if>>, and it'd also be as unfair this time as it was before. Charlie cares greatly for you, maybe more than he lets on. If how he's faring right now shows anything, then it's that. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Want to know the worst part? I care more for him than I let on, too. I love him. I ought to tell him.">> <<set $romance_charlie to true>> <<set $active_romance to true>> <<goto "charliesum1a1">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~The worst part is that I care more for him then I let on, too. I love him, but I don't think he feels the same.">> <<set $charom to $charom + 1>> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "charliesum1b">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~It's unfathomable comforting to know. Charlie's like family to me.">> <<set $char_fam to true>> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "charliesum1b">> <</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "~I'm happy he cares about me like this. Charlie's the best friend I could have ever hoped for.">> <<set $char_friend to true>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "charliesum1b">> <</link>></div> <</if>> <</if>><</nobr>>

"Right, so, the Doc had patched Earl up, an' Earl had told us that Favreau hired him, his brother an' some guy named Wilkie to kidnap either you or me." You shudder. "Wilkie. That's the guy with the flaxen hair, right?" "Was," Charlie announces, almost gleefully. Seems the guy didn't leave much a good impression on him either. "Oh?" "Yes. Lynwood shot his head off when the guy tried to set some kittens on fire." You just stare. Then you harrumph. "Good riddance. Are them cats alright?" "Yeah, don't worry. Also Lynwood adopted one o' them. Or it adopted him, by what he told me." Now you just blink. You certainly have missed quite a bit. "But I'm gettin' ahead o' things," Charlie says, crossing his arms in thought. "With Earl taken care of, we set out to the farm." "Ya left him where he was?" "Mrs. Meadows assured us it'd be fine. So we headed to the farm, an' found it was bustlin' with mercenaries." "What? Why?" "Yer guess is as good as mine. Favreau is up to somethin', but no idea what that is. Isaac didn't know either." "Isaac?" "Isaac <<if $name.toLowerCase() is "delgado">>Delgado. Don't look at me like that, ya know how common that name is<<else>>Delgado<</if>>. <<if $salomesveil_hint>>Lynwood's friend who's looking into the //Salome's Veil// case, remember?<<else>>Remember when Lynwood wanted to talk to me 'bout somethin'? 'Twas about an old friend o' his. An' we met just that guy at the farm.<</if>> He was workin' with'em mercenaries. But he's on our side." "What?" Charlie shrugs. "That's a story ya oughta hear from his own mouth, I think." You shake your head to clear it, but nod. "Now, once we got a lay o' the land at the farm, an' Favreau had left with some o' his men, we split up to handle the remainin' bastards. Lynwood went to the barn wi' Burke an' O'Brian..." "I can imagine the latter two protested that quite a bit." "Ya'd be absolutely right," Charlie chuckles, but then grimaces sourly. "I went to the farmhouse with Mrs. Meadows, and well, turns out she had her own motives to have teamed up with me." "Ya don't sound like it were good motives." Charlie just shrugs nonchalantly. "She tried to shoot me." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>She //what//?</q>">> <<goto "charliesummary3">> <</link>></div>

A small, exhausted huff escapes your throat, maybe a little too loud, as it does draw Charlie's attention. "Yer alright, $nick?" You flinch, much to your dismay, and look at him. He's looking worried, and if you thought he was holding back something before, you are certain he's now. You can't tell what it is, and you're not willing to get your hopes up. "Yes, it's just... I'm fine." "Hey," Charlie whispers, searching your eye. "If there's anything..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Oh sod it all, just tell him.">> <<set $romance_charlie to true>> <<set $active_romance to true>> <<goto "charliesum1a1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~Just reassure him I'm fine.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "charliesum1b">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>><<if $bold >=80>> "Charlie, I love you!" you burst out, slumping back with a howl, burying your face in the pillow.<br><br> Judging by the sound that follow you nearly managed to have Charlie fall off the chair. "...w-what?" he stutters, catching himself.<br><br> You roll over and look at him as if you're about to apologise.<br><br> "I <<elseif $bold >20 and $bold <80>> "Charlie... I love you."<br><br> Charlie stares at you bewildered, as if he can't believe you just said that.<br><br> "I," you manage, "I <<else>> "Charlie, I..." you stutter, trying to gather all your strength.<br><br> "$nick, are ya alright?" The worry in Charlie's voice is devastating.<br><br> "I..." you begin anew, taking a deep breath. "I love you."<br><br> Charlie just stares at you.<br><br> You whimper, burying your face in your hands. "I'm sorry. I <</if>> love you, I shoulda said something before. I know ya don't feel the same but..."<</nobr>> Before you can finish Charlie has hurried over to sit on the edge of the mattress, looking at you with a mixture of fear and disbelief. "Y'mean it?", he whispers. "Of course I do. I wouldn't say it otherwise. But..." Things click into place and you sit up straight, with a speed that has your back protest. You don't have the mind to acknowledge it. "Wait... Charlie..." You search his face. "Charlie?" There is the faintest blush on Charlie's cheeks, and a blink later you realize that it's steadily growing to an almost alarmingly bring reddish pink. Charlie's averting your gaze, eye fixed on his hands on his knees, shuffling awkwardly. You quirk a brow and feel your cheeks warming up the same as Charlie's. "Oh," you manage. Charlie lets out a small, abashed but amused snort, scratching the side of his neck. "Ya'd think with both o' us makin' a livin' out of readin' people's faces..." he jokes, the sighs, relieved. "$nick, I-" You put a finger to his lip to hush him. "//You// are the guy makin' a live outta readin' people's faces. I'm the idiot that somehow never let ya get a good enough look in." Charlie smiles, a little lopsided, and takes your hand, giving it a soft squeeze. "I've been lookin' at ya so often, but I guess I didn't think ya'd feel the same," he says, resting his forehead against yours. "Lovely how it took some shite like me almost dyin' for us to get our act together," you mutter, mildly. You and Charlie just sit there for a while, eyes closed, breathing softly, till you both exhale and lean back a little. "$nick?" "Mhnn?" "Is it alright if I kiss ya?" You smile, and close your eyes again. The kiss is tender, but there's a melancholic undercurrent. A bitterness like of sour cherries. But it's sweet, and loving, and you feel a warmth of relief spreading from Charlie to you as he cups your face, running a gentle thumb over your ear. "Sorry this took so long," you say as you pull apart again. "Sorry I didn't notice it earli—" Judging by how Charlie suddenly knits his brows, you can imagine very well that Matt must just have thrown his hands up and yelled 'Finally'. You snort a laugh, and Charlie's grumbling response tells you you were spot on. "At least he had the decency to wait till we said what needed t' be said," Charlie grouses, sitting back with a pout. You chuckle. "He's still yer older brother, I don't think death would stop anyone from making use of that privilege." "Bah!" Nevertheless Charlie chuckles, before sighing. "But yeah, it's a little miserable that it took somethin' like this..." "Well, let's take it as the silver linin' behind the cloud." You take a deep breath and stretch. "Alright, but now I wanna know the rest of the story. What happened?" "Huh? Oh." Charlie ponders. "Where was I?" "Earl." "Oh, yeah. Right..." <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|charliesummary2]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1 or $continuity is 2>> <<if $continuity is 1>>A small, exhausted sigh escapes you, maybe a little too loud, as it does draw Charlie's attention<<else>>You nod curtly and sigh<</if>>.<br><br> "Yer alright, $nick?"<br><br> "Yeah," you lie, and stretch a little. "Just still very exhausted. Now, what <<else>> "Thank ya," you say, dragging Charlie from his gloom.<br><br> "Mhn?"<br><br> "For carin' this much for me. Yer the best friend I coulda ever hoped to <<if $continuity is 3>>meet, <<if $mcnoswears>>goodness<<else>>Hell<</if>>, I'd even call ya family<<else>>meet<</if>>".<br><br> "Oh." Charlie smiles, a little flustered. "Well..." He clears his throat. "I'm honored."<br><br> You smile back, and stretch.<br><br> "Now," you say, shuffling into a more comfortable position, "what <</if>> else did I miss?"<</nobr>> "Huh?" "What happened then?" Charlie blinks and seems to have some trouble collecting himself. Or maybe Matt just told him something unrelated. In any case, he ponders for a moment, before rubbing his chin. "Where was I?" "Earl." "Oh, yeah. Right..." <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|charliesummary2]]</div>

"Short version? Though it's kinda the same as the long version, she steadfastly believed I musta been in cahoots with the kidnappers." You rub your temples. "Oh, let me guess. Because she doesn't believe in ghosts, she decided that //that// can be the only explanation?" "Exactly." You groan and lay back, very much glaring at the ceiling for a moment, before you look at Charlie again. "How did ya manage to convince her not to shoot ya? I mean, last time somethin' like that happened it needed a mineshaft explodin' for us to get outta that unscathed." "Don't remind me." Charlie shakes his head. "Truth be told, I didn't. Matt did." "Uh-huh?" "Ya remember how I gave him permission for possession in really dire situations?" "Uh-huh," you repeat, though more at home with what's going on. "He did just that. The Doc an' I were so distracted by her aimin' a rifle at me that neither noticed the farmer was aimin' a shotgun at the two o' us. Matt took over just in time, tackled Mrs. Meadows to the ground, an' the farmer's shot hit the tree behind us. After that I was able to talk both of'em down." Charlie sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Once Mr. Honeysett was convinced we ain't with those mercenaries, he filled us in on what happened, and introduced us to Isaac. Who had knocked out the other mercs in the house." You digest that. "I hope this Isaac is here at the hotel with us now, 'cause I really wanna know that story, too." Charlie grins. "He is. Lynwood was furious Isaac left his brother's home in Boston, so, I believe, he wired his brother to come down here and pick up their wayward friend." "Well then." "Though I do hope yer goin' to get somethin' to eat before talkin' to him." You laugh curtly. "Of course. Now that ya mention it, I got hungry." "Good, 'cause I'm starvin' too." You give Charlie a soft, but little worried smile. "I hope ya ate while ya were watchin' over me." "Mrs. Meadows woulda given me enough o' an earful to make a cornfield if I hadn't." <hr><div class="choice">[[~You Don't Doubt That...|charliesummary4]]</div>

You smirk and stretch as if to finally test your limbs. Finding everything in order, you shuffle out of bed and head (albeit a little wobbly) over to the washing bowl to get whatever sweat and grime still remains on your face. "Do go on," you tell Charlie. "Mrs. Meadows had a look at Isaac, when we heard gunfire from the barn, followed by an explosion." You turn to look at Charlie, quizzically, and rather worried. "What?... Is ev'ryone's alright?" "I woulda told ya had we lost anyone," Charlie reassures you, shaking his head, confused to your surprise. "Good. Yer lookin' mighty baffled there, what's wrong." "I don't know. Still," Charlie pauses, looking for the right word, "shocked? There's some things that happened then I can't make heads nor tails of." "Like?" "First and foremost? You appearing dead an' then suddenly //not//. I've never seen somethin' like that..." You put down the washcloth and sit back down on the bed. "Oh?" "Did that guy from your dream tell ya //how// they got ya back?" You shake your head 'No'. "No, why?" "Y'know how I told ya what spirits look like?" Now you nod. Charlie had once described the dead as having a strange dull glow around them, and that there might even be rhyme and reason to its colors. Maybe. "When..." Charlie stops and draws a deep breath, collecting himself. "When I saw ya there for a moment, with that glow, I... Normally when someone's got a near death—Or, if ya want, a much-to-close-for-comfort death— experience, the glow just fades into a bright light before the spirit returns to the body. But with you? The glow..." Another pause. "Ya remember the solar eclipse eight years ago? How the light and the shadows were all wrong? Like that, just not. And feelin'... nicer?" Charlie's at a loss for words, which's never a good thing, but you can't blame him for it. Not under these circumstances. "I hope we'll get answers to all o' this as some point," you mutter. "I hope so too. I'm not against a good helpin' o' weird in me life, but I'd like it helpin' by helpin', not all at once." Charlie harrumphes decidedly, and picks the story back up. "Well," he says, "after that things happened quite fast. The barn was on fire, no one was gettin' in or out, an' then suddenly Earl shows up wi' the sheriff an' some townsfolk in tow." <hr><div class="choice">[[~Well Then...|charliesummary5]]</div>

"Huh, didn't expect that." "Neither did any o' us." Charlie shrugs. "But ya know what they say 'bout gift horses. Earl wanted to make good for what happened, an' I can't blame him." You just nod. "We got you, Earl's brother an' the others out o' the barn. Including the animals." Charlie pauses, and judging by the look on his face he's turning the next words around in his mind like they're a wax cylinder on a phonograph. As if he doesn't know what to do with them. "Charlie?" "Yes?" "What's wrong?" Charlie shakes his head and gets up. "I don't know. It's... It's just all been a bit much, as said." He rolls his shoulders. "Still need to digest everythin'." <<nobr>>Something' off, but you can't put your finger on it. Then again, this is Charlie. If he's not telling you <<if $romance_charlie>>something (the fact that he's been in love with you all along not withstanding)<<else>>something<</if>>, it means he doesn't have enough information to be certain it even //is// something. So you just nod and <<if $readbonus1 >=1>> pause briefly. The entire time Charlie's been telling you what happened you had the strangest sense of déjà-vu, but try as you want, you can't think of why. You shake off the thought and<<else>> and<</if>> go back to your morning routine and getting dressed.<br><br> Charlie goes over his own routine, but <<if $gf>> suddenly stops, looking at you.<br><br> "If yer goin' to meet <<if $arisaac.includes($fname.toLowerCase())>>the other Isaac<<else>>Isaac<</if>> how do I oughta introduce ya?"<br><br> //Huh?//<br><br> "Oh!" You smile awkwardly. "I don't think I'm in the right mind to really feel like anything right now, so... I'll just roll with what we have. But it's very <<if $romance_charlie>>kind and sweet<<else>>kind<</if>> o' ya to ask. Thank you."<br><br> Charlie smiles back, encouragingly, and give you a curt nod.<br><br> "Let's get some breakfast then, we deserve it." <<else>> turns to you once he's done.<br><br> "Breakfast then? We deserve it."<br><br> "We really do. An' then let's meet Lynwood's friend."<</if>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~About an Hour or So and One Very Hearty Breakfast Later|meetingisaac]]</div><</nobr>>

You'll gladly admit you ate much more than usual. Then again, you've been dead, temporarily, so you reckon you're allowed to be a little gluttonous today. You could gladly do without the resulting stomach ache, though. "Ow," you complain, following Charlie to Lynwood's room. "Ya sure ya don't wanna go see Mrs. Meadows first?" "I am startin' to consider it," you moan, holding your stomach, just as Mrs. Meadows steps out of Lynwood's room. Speak of the Devil and all. <<nobr>>"Good <<if $doublemeadows>>Morning<<else>>Morning, $Name<</if>>," she greets coldly, before glowering at Charlie. "I believe I had made it clear that I want to be informed as soon <<if $gf and $opentr>> as..." Mrs. Meadows pauses and looks at the two of you, questioningly.<br><br> "...'//$They//'," you answer, mildly miserable, "Still '$they'. Don't really feel like anything right now..."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows nods curtly and picks up the loose thread. "As soon <</if>> as $they <<if $plur>>are<<else>>is<</if>> awake again."<</nobr>> Charlie shrugs. "That's why we're here," he reassures, cheekily. "Humor is not your strong suit, Mulligan, and I'm no friend of it." Her frown grows even darker as she eyes you up and down. "Also what <<if $plur>>are<<else>>is<</if>> $they doing out of bed? No matter what injuries $they did or did not sustain, $they'<<if $plur>>ve<<else>>s<</if>> been unconscious for two days." "I'm fine, but I appreciate the concern." Another glower, and Mrs. Meadows shakes her head. <<if $doublemeadows>>"Flea- $title $Name<<else>>$title $Name<</if>> I would, especially in that case, very much //appreciate// if you would let me have a look at you first before you go and speak to <<if $name.toLowerCase() is "delgado" and $title is "Mr.">>the other Mr.<<else>>Mr.<</if>> Delgado." It's not a request, of course not. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "<q>Alright then.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<set $mead to $mead +10>> <<goto "meetingisaac1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>Are ya certain we can't do any checkups afterwards?</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $mead to $mead +5>> <<goto "meetingisaac1">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I don't think there's any need for it, I'm fine.</q>">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<set $mead to $mead -5>> <<goto "meetingisaac1">> <</link>></div>

<<if $gender is 2 or $gender is 3>> ''(This might be a bit of a personal question, but <<if $gender is 2>>life out here on the Frontier can be quite aggravating for a woman. Do you undertake any action<<else>>many people were wrong about what you are, so do you do anything<</if>> to mask your chest?)''<br><br> <<listbox "$tatas" autoselect>> <<option "~No, I don't." 0>> <<option "~No, I don't, 'cause I don't have a 'feminine chest' to begin with." 4>> <<option "~Yes, I do." 1>> <</listbox>> <<elseif $gender is 4>> ''(This might be a bit of a personal question, but many people were wrong about what you are, so do you do anything to give your chest a more 'feminine appearance'?)''<br><br> <<listbox "$tatas" autoselect>> <<option "~No, I don't." 0>> <<option "~Yes, I do." 3>> <</listbox>> <<else>> ''(This might be a bit of a personal question, but if people thought of you as a girl growing up, do <<if $gender is 5>>you<<else>>you, at times,<</if>> do anything to mask your chest?<br> Likewise if people thought of you as boy, do you do anything <<if $gender is 5>>to<<else>>to, occassionally,<</if>> give the appearance of a 'women's chest'?)''<br><br> <<if $gender is 5>> <<listbox "$tatas" autoselect>> <<option "~People thought me a girl, and I tend to match that visually." 0>> <<option "~People thought me a girl, and I tend to go for a more 'masculine' appearance.." 1>> <<option "~People thought me a girl, and I am flat enough for it to not matter." 4>> <<option "~People thought me a boy, and I tend to match that visually.." 2>> <<option "~People thought me a boy, and I tend to go for a more 'feminine' appearance." 3>> <</listbox>> <<else>> <<listbox "$tatas" autoselect>> <<option "~People thought me a girl, and I tend to match that visually, when I feel like it." 0>> <<option "~People thought me a girl, and I tend to go for a more 'masculine' appearance, when I feel like it." 1>> <<option "~People thought me a girl, and I am flat enough for it to not matter." 4>> <<option "~People thought me a boy, and I tend to match that visually, when I feel like it." 2>> <<option "~People thought me a boy, and I tend to go for a more 'feminine' appearance, when I feel like it." 3>> <</listbox>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if $gender is 2>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|hotelsetup2]]</div> <<else>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|bindcheck1]]</div> <</if>>

"Ya seem... more annoyed than usual," you <<if $bold <=35>>try<<else>>note<</if>> as you shuffle past Mrs. Meadows into the chamber. "Of course I am annoyed," Mrs. Meadows retorts, darkly, closing the door. "I do not take kindly to being taken for a fool." "No one's tryin' to do that," you counter, sitting down on the bed. Mrs. Meadows just glares, lips pressed into a thin line. "I was informed of //at least// three broken //ribs//, but when I had a look at you the other day I was not able to find any injuries aside from some scratches, small patches of dried blood and some bruises. Not a single life-threatening injury." "Maybe whoever told ya was mistaken about what happened to me." "The person who told me was the who broke your ribs." Oh... You sigh, defeated. "Look, can we just go with that explanation?" Mrs. Meadows gives you a long, cold and very disappointed look at that. "Guess not." You squirm and shuffle on the bed. You can't really tell her about those dreams, after all. "If you got anything to tell me, do so," Mrs. Meadows interrupts your thoughts. "If not then kindly do undress so I can have a proper look at the injuries you //did// sustain." <<nobr>>You <<if $tatas is 0>>peel out of your clothes, and hesitate<<else>>hesitate<</if>>.<br><br> <<if $tatas is 1 or $tatas is 3>> Mrs. Meadows gives you a considering glance and shakes her head. "<<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>, do you really believe I don't know what to expect underneath your clothes? You are not the first person like that that I've met."<br><br> "... Oh."<br><br> Again Mrs Meadows shakes her head.<br><br> "To me it's only important that one handles these things with care. <<if $tatas is 1>>I've met <<if $gender is 2>>women<<else>>people<</if>> like you, and people the midwife thought of as <<if $gender is 2>>women<<else>>women and was correct<</if>>, who'd cut themselves to ribbons with badly tied bandages, who seemed out to prove all these nonsensical myths about corsets and tightlacing true<<else>>I've met people like you who would nearly suffocate themselves with haphazardly done padding and odd cloth contraptions tied around their chest far too tightly<</if>>. And I have also met some who put astonishing ingenuity into creating stays and shifts and shirts to have everyone around them be none the wiser to what's going on."<br><br> You hesitate again, maybe a little uncomfortable, maybe a little irritated, maybe both and then some.<br><br> "Well, if ya already checked me for injuries ya..."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows sighs, with an apologetic tinge to her voice.<br><br> "With the prospect of several //severe// injuries neither of us could afford waiting for you to come to again to ask permission. Especially since those injuries would easily have meant you wouldn't regain consciousness at all."<br><br> You turn the statement in your head, then shudder, seeing that, by all means, you //did// sustain said injuries //and// you've actually been //dead//.<br><br> "Ya got a point there. An', I mean, ya woulda ask otherwise."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows nods, stoically.<br><br> "If we could kindly proceed then."<br><br> You nod, peel out of your clothes, but then hesitate again.<br><br><</if>> "What's the matter now?" Mrs. Meadows inquires.<</nobr>> <hr><div class="choice"><<link "Maybe just //do// tell her about the dream.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<set $mead to $mead +5>> <<goto "meadowscheckupch7a">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "Make something up or make small talk">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $mead to $mead -5>> <<goto "meadowscheckupch7a">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> Maybe it's a good idea to just spill the beans. Maybe not. After all, she did try to shoot Charlie for far less. If you actually would want to rank these things.<br><br> "Mrs. Meadows?"<br><br> "Yes?"<br><br> "If, just //if// I were to tell you the <<else>> "I was just thinkin'. Does it even matter what happened or didn't happen? I am fine, as ya can see, which means less work for ya. An' maybe Earl //was// simply mistaken. It was the witching hour, there's bound to be all sort o' strange sounds, it's dark, the city is just wakin' up and—" You snap your mouth shut when you see Mrs. Meadows' expression. No, she's not buying it. <<if $talk >=65>>Damn, you're usually better at this<<elseif $talk >35 and $talk <65>>Well, just means you ought to practice smooth-talking people a bit more or just leave things to Charlie<<else>>Well, to be fair, you usually leave the smooth-talking to Charlie for a reason<</if>>.<br><br> "I //believe// I have made myself //very clear// about not appreciating being taken for a fool, <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>."<br><br> You sigh heavily.<br><br> "I'm not tryin' to mock ya," you say. "Ya gotta believe me."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows doesn't look as if she has any intention to do so.<br><br> Now you groan, rather exasperated.<br><br> "Come //on//, what am I supposed to say?"<br><br> "Maybe try the truth?"<br><br> You cast her a challenging glare.<br><br> "Alright, the truth then," you sneer, "The <</if>> reason I am more well than I ought to be are some strange otherworldly beings that keep appearin' to me in equally strange dreams, an' apparently they brought me back from Death's door now just in <<if $continuity is 1>>time... How angry would ya get thinkin' I'm mockin' ya?<<else>>time. There.<</if>>"<</nobr>> Mrs. Meadows stops searching through her bag, carefully puts her tools to the side and steps over to the bed. She sits down, hands folded in her lap, staring ahead, face blank. Then without another word she just slumps back, defeated yet infuriated, by the looks of it. "Them again," she groans. "See, I knew ya wouldn't believe... What?" <hr><div class="choice">[[~No really. What?|meadowscheckupch7b]]</div>

Well, at least your brain seems to be having fun tripping over this information. "What?" You repeat, mouth agape in utmost disbelief. "Wait, ya //believe// me? For <<if $mcnoswears>>cryin' out loud<<else>>fuck's sake<</if>>, woman, ya tried to shoot Charlie for a less far-fetched story." "I tried to shoot Mulligan as I had //all// reason to believe he was out to do the same to me." "Charlie would never do that!" you rumble, offended in Charlie's stead. "I believe Mulligan has killed before." "Not without good reason, an' ya have not given him any such thing." "Well, //what else// was I to believe upon him trying to tell me a //ghost//..." Mrs. Meadows stops herself, frowns sourly, and sits up again. "I'd like to apologize." "Ya ought to apologize to Charlie." "Which I have already done." Mrs. Meadows shakes her head. "But I //am// sorry. It's just a very aggravating topic to me. So was I to believe that the ghost of the brother told him what happened?" There is an odd strain in her voice that you can't really sort into things. "Why not? Ya //know// Charlie's reputation, and ya interacted with him enough to get a good impression o' him, hustler or not. Is what ya thought really the more likely explanation?" There's a small, sharp intake of air from Mrs. Meadows and she briefly bites her lips. "Oh, alright." She grimaces. You smile, humorless. "See? But out o' curiosity, what made ya change yer mind about shootin' him?" Mrs. Meadows turns to you with the same expression of perpetually annoyed exhaustion you might very well start calling her default look. "I reckon Mulligan already told you what happened. But... if it gives you any peace of mind, I will concede that there might be //one// ghost." You almost laugh, though you're not certain if this even is a joke, when you catch an expression of deep-seated pain flitting over Mrs. Meadows face. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "Ask if she's alright.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<set $mead to $mead +5>> <<goto "meadowscheckupch7c">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "Change the topic.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $mead to $mead +10>> <<goto "meadowscheckupch7c">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "Ask what that's about.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<set $mead to $mead -10>> <<goto "meadowscheckupch7c">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Are you alright?" you ask, carefully. "Look, neither <<if $sel >54>>I<<else>>Charlie<</if>> nor <<if $sel >54>>Charlie<<else>>I<</if>> got any intention to mock ya or anything, an' right now yer looking terribly hurt 'bout the whole ghosts thing. Ya got me worried."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows glowers for a moment, then her face softens.<br><br> "I am alright. But thank you for the concern. Could we change the topic?"<br><br> You nod. "So <<elseif $continuity is 2>> You look at her, trying to fathom what might be wrong, and decide to not press the topic.<br><br> "So," you say instead. " <<else>> "What's with that face?" you ask, <<if $pol >54>>more bluntly than<<else>>as bluntly as<</if>> usual.<br><br> Mrs. Meadows glares at you with a fury boiling behind her eyes you haven't seen on her before. //Maybe// you should change the topic.<br><br> "Um, sorry..." you babble. "So <</if>> ya don't believe in ghosts but weird otherworldly dream beings that bring people back from death are fine?"<</nobr>> Admittedly, that is about as much a change of topic as going from biscuits to gravy, but it does the trick. "I believe Emmett's //word//. He has no reason to lie to me, even about something like this whole, in his words, fantastical business with the Academy." You blink. Twice. And very slowly. "Huh?" "I assume they have not yet introduce themselves to you then?" Mrs. Meadows reckons. "According to Emmett these beings introduced themselves as members of the //Academy for the Probation of the Occult and Reconnaissance of Inexplicable Affairs//." "That's..." "A mouthful, yes. Where it not for them appearing in dreams, I'd say they are a band of spiritists. And I can only relay what Emmett told me after what happened to him." Mrs. Meadows sighs, shoulders slumping slightly. "You have seen the state he's in. I'll admit at first I wrote his story off as hallucinations of a dying man... But then I heard about what happened from the men that witnessed the attack." You shuffle a little and listen. "The men Emmett was chasing didn't just //leave// him for death. They put about about a dozen bullets in him to leave no room for doubt." Mrs. Meadows lets the words hang heavy in the air. "He still had the scars when I saw him after he'd been brought home, but aside from those, and the injuries he's now recovering from, he was fine. I have no doubts the men that brought him back home found a deeper connection to whatever God they might believe in that day." "Can imagine," you mumble. A moment passes, before Mrs. Meadows flexes her hands and gets up. "Enough dilly-dallying now. You are sitting here half-naked and I doubt the Academy will appreciate you dying to pneumonia or similar because you got cold." You snort a brief laugh. It's nice to see Mrs. Meadows having something like a sense of humor. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|meadowscheckupch7d]]</div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Oh, tell me about it." You roll your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>. "I know this guy said they //can't// say anything, but..."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows raises her hand to interrupt you.<br><br> "Exactly. <<else>> "Oh, I don't know. I understand they got their reasons to not..."<br><br> Mrs. Meadows raises her hand to interrupt you.<br><br> "That is what I meant. <</if>> I said //could//, not //would//. By all means, them just telling us could be quite disastrous."<</nobr>> "Disastrous?" You tense slightly, all your senses on alert. "I don't know how your interactions with our //friends// of the Academy went, but if it was anything similar to what happened to Emmett, then you ought to know that they appear to have some concrete knowledge of the future." You nod. "And, <<if $mcswears>>good gracious<<else>>for fuck's sake<</if>>, aren't they cryptic about it." You groan, frustrated. "Ah, so they've been behaving towards you the same way they did to Emmett." Mrs. Meadows nods curtly. "Well, from what I understand they have to be, as otherwise— meaning if we suddenly know too well what the future holds— the Otherling and his followers might catch on all too easily, which..." "...would certainly be bad." You chew your lips in thought. "Well, they actually ain't any more cryptic than Charlie's cards, so I guess I just gotta pay better attention." Mrs. Meadows actually graces you with a brief amused smirk. "Well then," she goes. "I believe you were out to meet <<if $name.toLowerCase() is "delgado" and $title is "Mr.">>the other Mr.<<else>>Mr.<</if>> Delgado. And I have my own plans. So I shan't keep you from it anymore. I'll send Finley over with your medication later." You thank Mrs. Meadows, but then pause. "How's Lynwood's friend, anyway? Ya just said that ya had to take care of him, too. What happened?" "Didn't Mulligan tell you?" You shake your head. "No. Charlie said I ought to hear that story from the guy himself." "Good. How much do you know about <<if $name.toLowerCase() is "delgado" and $title is "Mr.">>the other Mr.<<else>>Mr.<</if>> Delgado?" <<if $salomesveil_hint>>"I know he's been a Pink. An' that he lost his job over a case. An' that his life went to shambles after <<if $knowofisaac>>that. Lynwood said he drowned his sorrow in morphine and opium<<else>>that<</if>>. Till Lynwood found him an' took him home<<else>>"Only that he's a friend o' Lynwood's<</if>>." "I see. Well, he's ought to fill you in on the rest. Just this much: Be nice to him, he means well, but he's a little like Giles when it comes to making terrible decisions about how to go about doing the right thing. Also do everyone a favor and don't take up too much of his time. He needs to recover from a variety of things." "I'll keep that in mind. Thank ya." <hr><div class="choice">[[~With that you leave|meetingisaac2]]</div>

It doesn't take too long to get through the checkup, and ultimately you overindulging at the breakfast table turns out to be the biggest of your issues. At least that's something easily handled by a good lay-down (and some concoction Mrs. Meadows promised to prepare) later on. "Can I ask ya something?" you venture, adjusting your clothes again. "It depends on the question," Mrs. Meadows answers, sorting her equipment back into her bag. "When were ya planning on actually tellin' us about that cult and this Academy and everything?" "The Academy? Admittedly never. We have enough on our plate with the cult, which is at least something mundane and graspable. But the cult itself? Once I can be certain of the available facts. Which I am obviously not. Not yet." You shuffle a little, wondering. "So Mr. Harlow's research didn't work out?" Mrs. Meadows cocks her head at you, before shaking it. "I hadn't yet have the time to talk to him again, actually. Between taking care of you //and// <<if $name.toLowerCase() is "delgado" and $title is "Mr.">>the other Mr.<<else>>Mr.<</if>> Delgado there just wasn't the time and focus needed." "Oh." "But I will, in fact, be meeting with him later today." "Ah." For a moment Mrs. Meadows gazes off into the distance. Then she wrinkles her nose. "I will say this. It would be quite brilliant if the //Academy// could just tell us what we need to know." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "Agree. It's quite annoying to be left in the dark when so much's at stake apparently.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "meadowscheckupch7e">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "Disagree. They might have their reasons.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "meadowscheckupch7e">> <</link>></div>

You're not surprised to find Charlie waiting for you in the corridor. "So, what did Mrs. Meadows say?" he asks, looking you over, and sounding, understandably, worried. "I'm fine, aside from some bruises an' scratches... And the stomach ache. That one's on me, though." Charlie chuckles, and pushes himself off the wall, heading back to Lynwood's room. You follow. "No comment on how ya oughta be dead?" "Wanna hear the punchline directly? Apparently them beings what keep appearin' in me dreams got in contact with Blayne, too." Charlie stops dead in his tracks, staring at you. He blinks, considering, and then rolls his shoulders in half-a-shrug. "I don't like how much sense that makes, $nick." "Neither do I. I just hope Mrs. Meadows finds anything in Mr. Harlow's books and finally fills us in on things." "You an' me both, $nick. You an' me both." <<nobr>>Charlie shakes off the mental cobwebs and you two head to Lynwood's room.<br><br> <<if ($fname + $name).toUpperCase() is "ARTHURMORGAN">> "By the way, I oughta warn ya, $nick," Charlie notes, just as you're about to knock.<br><br> "Mhn?"<br><br> "This Delgado... he could be yer twin ya never knew of."<br><br> "...Huh?"<br><br> "I'm not kiddin', it's uncanny."<br><br> "Huh. Well... I dunno what to make o' that."<br><br> Charlie shrugs as well, and knocks.<br><br> "Me neither, but it's better ya know beforehand."<br><br> "Much appreciated."<br><br><</if>> You hesitate briefly in front of the door.<</nobr>> "Ev'rything alright?" Charlie asks. "I dunno. A lot to digest..." you pause, frowning and rubbing your stomach. "Don't comment on that." "Wasn't goin' to," Charlie chuckles. <hr><div class="choice">[[You knock the door.|meetingisaac3]]</div>

''(Also how open are you about yourself?)''<br> <<listbox "$opentr" autoselect>> <<option "~I usually let people know, if there's no danger in doing so." true>> <<option "~I only let people I know I can absolutely trust know about things. Like Charlie." false>> <</listbox>> <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|hotelsetup2]]</div>

<<set $metisaac to true>>\ You find Lynwood in the middle of tidying up the room a bit. He does look surprised as you enter, perhaps having expected you in a much worse state, but gives you a curt nod. "$title $Name!", he greets. "You've recovered quickly." You nod a greeting back, and Lynwood puts down the books he's been holding, gesturing at the man sitting on the bed, sorting papers. "May I introduce you to my friend and colleague, Isaac Delgado?" <<nobr>>Whatever impression <<if $knowofisaac>> Lynwood's <<if ($fname + $name).toUpperCase() is "ARTHURMORGAN">>tale, Charlie's information<<else>>tale<</if>> and Mrs. <<else>> <<if ($fname + $name).toUpperCase() is "ARTHURMORGAN">> Charlie's information and <</if>> Mrs. <</if>> Meadows's description may have given you, you're still surprised.<br><br> Isaac Delgado turns out to be a tall, stocky, albeit //very// worse-for-wear looking man <<if $age <=32>> a bit older than you<<elseif $age >=40>>a bit younger than you<<else>>around your age<</if>>, with light brown skin, hair of the same color reaching just to his chin, a short scruffy beard and sharp but gentle <<if $arrdr.includes(($fname + $name).toUpperCase())>> <<if ($fname + $name).toUpperCase() is "ARTHURMORGAN">>eyes. The resemblance (aside from the details Charlie noted) //is// uncanny.<<else>>eyes. Mr. Delgado reminds you of someone, but you can't put your finger on it<</if>>. <<else>> eyes. <</if>><</nobr>> One of <<if $arrdr.includes(($fname + $name).toUpperCase())>>his eyes<<else>>which<</if>>, the left one, is currently sporting the slowly fading marks of a pretty nasty shiner. Yeah, in general he is looking about as put through the wringer as you ought to look. "$title $Name!," Delgado greets politely, and immediately looks at a loss as to how to proceed from here. <<nobr>><<if $salomesveil_hint>> "Lynwood over here told us ya lost yer job over a jewelry-theft case," you break the silence.<br><br> Delgado nods, looking displeased. Not at Lynwood, though, but at the memory of the case.<br><br> "Which is about the extend o' me knowledge 'bout ya," you add.<br><br> "Then I'd say we know about the same amount 'bout one another. <<else>> "So," you attempt to break the silence, "I believe I'm the only one in the room who has no idea who you are, 'cept that yer a friend o' Lynwood's."<br><br> Delgado nods, curtly. "Giles and Mr. Mulligan told me about as much information about you. <</if>> Things on your file not <<if ($fname + $name).toUpperCase() is "ARTHURMORGAN">> withstanding." He clears his throat, rather awkwardly. "Thus I also heard about..." he gestures at nothing in particular, but you can guess what he means. "My condolences."<br><br> "...Thank ya," you mutter, roll your shoulders and exhale.<br><br> <<else>> withstanding."<br><br> You huff.<br><br> <</if>> "Well, this isn't about me," you say.<br><br> "Right." Delgado falls silent for a moment, gazing at the ceiling in thought. <<if $salomesveil_hint>> "Seeing Giles already filled you in on the basics, I'll cut to the chase. <<else>> "My tale's not much of a story, but, well, you oughta know the basics. A couple of years back I began working for the Pinkertons. Same reason as Giles, wanting to do the right thing, and all. Looking back, though..." A shrug. "Long story very short, one day I got entrusted with a jewelry theft case. Locked box in a locked room in a house brimming with dinner guests and servants, some of the guests staying overnight. In short, an impossible theft.<br><br> It was intriguing. And I made good progress with the investigation, I think. Excluding a good number of suspects. But then..." A dark frown crosses Delgado's face. "I was told to drop the case. A stable hand had confessed to the theft. Which made no sense. There was no way in Hell he coulda done it. Also he said nothing about where the necklace went. Why confess to the theft but then don't tell where the loot is. I just had to look into it."<br><br> "But yer superiors said 'No'?" you ask.<br><br> "Worse. Outright forbade me from following the trail I was on. Dropped it officially, but... I couldn't just let it go. It felt wrong. I just knew there's something amiss. I kept investigating. And then I got fired over it."<br><br> You exchange a glance with Charlie.<br><br> "Rich people shenanigans?"<br><br> Charlie nods stoically.<br><br> "That's my thought, too," Delgado continues. "That's why I'm here."<br><br> "Ah?"<br><br> A nod. "Yes. I..." Delgado pauses and looks at Lynwood, who glowers a little. With a heavy, defeated groan Delgado picks up an earlier piece of information. "I should mention that the time after I got fired was Hell. Not only had I lost my job... I couldn't find new work, my marriage fell apart, and... If not for Giles and his family, I might not be alive anymore."<br><br> "I'm sorry to hear," you say, a part of you not knowing what to make of it. But Charlie approves of this man, so things should be alright.<br><br> "Thank you," Delgado says, giving you a crooked smile. "Anyway, let's cut to the chase. <</if>> I'm here because I heard that this Favreau had some connection to the case. I had to follow that trail."<</nobr>> <hr><div class="choice">[[...Oho?...|meetingisaac4]]</div>

"No, you had not," Lynwood grunts, arms crossed. "And I can't believe you lied to Sara and Tess about where you were going." "Lynwood's sister-in-law and sister," Charlie fills you in. "Ah." "Giles, I told you," Delgado defends himself, "Favreau had been looking into the case as well, so I..." "Took up a job as mercenary to kidnap $title $Name over there?" "I don't know //what// Favreau was needing men for. I think no one but Wilkie did." Lynwood groans and rolls his eyes. You wager his friend hadn't told him //that// piece of information yet. Then he looks at Charlie. Who, decidedly crosses his arms and pulls himself up to full height. "Out of the question, Agent Lynwood. This Wilkie ain't around anymore to begin with, and even if he'd be loiterin' around the threshold, Matt already warned me about him. No way I'm riskin' givin' someone like that any chance to set even a toe into the world of the living." Guess your first impression of this Wilkie was underestimating him by miles. You shudder. "So, what now?" you ask, after a deep breath. "Giles already cabled his brother, they'll be picking me up in a few days." Delgado sighs. If anything is clear, then it's that he'd much rather stay in the area to look into the case further. But judging by Lynwood's look and tone, you get the feeling that might pose an actual risk to the man's health. Not to mention that that case seems to have grown into an outright obsession. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "Side with Delgado. This Favreau spells trouble, and if that guy's involved with the old case...">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<set $isaac to $isaac +10>> <<set $lyn to $lyn -5>> <<goto "meetingisaac5">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "Side with Lynwood. Delgado ought to get back onto his feet first, all things considered.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $isaac to $isaac -5>> <<set $lyn to $lyn +5>> <<goto "meetingisaac5">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "Try to find a compromise between the two.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<set $isaac to $isaac +5>> <<set $lyn to $lyn +5>> <<goto "meetingisaac5">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "Stay out of it.">> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "meetingisaac5">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Mr. Delgado's got a point. For all I know this Favreau spells trouble, and if that guy's involved in the old case somehow..."<br><br> Lynwood doesn't seem too pleased.<br><br> "$title $Name, yes, Favreau spells an absurd amount of trouble, but as you can see Isaac's not really in any state //yet// to go on a wild goose chase like that. Especially not //alone// and most certainly //not// after //lying// to his //friends//."<br><br> The last bit was entirely and throughly directly at Delgado, who winces briefly, even recoiling a bit.<br><br> Lynwood shakes his head, calming down again with a heavy sigh.<br><br> "On top of that <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "With all due respect, Mr. Delgado, but Lynwood here's got a good point. I'm the one who's been put through the wringer but yer the one lookin' like it. Ya oughta get back to steady feet before ya do anything involvin' that Favreau. That guy spells trouble for all I know."<br><br> Delgado grumbles, while Lynwood gives graces you with a faint smile.<br><br> "Thank you," he says.<br><br> "Ah, c'mon, Giles," Delgado protests. "That bit of news was a godsend. We both know there's something wrong with the case, and if someone like Favreau is involved..."<br><br> "Isaac, I'm not having this discussion," Lynwood raises his voice, "Yes, it's a remarkable clue, but you are not //yet// in any state to go on a wild goose chase like that. Especially not //alone// and most certainly //not// after //lying// to your //friends//."<br><br> Delgado falls silent, looking awfully guilty.<br><br> "Besides," Lywnood adds with a heavy sigh. " <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You cock your head in thought. "I think you both got a point. And I also think ya both know that." Lynwood and Delgado look at you, and you explain. "I mean, this Favreau is bad news. Very bad news from all I understand. So him now doing something that connects him with that old case, that's a trail //I// would probably follow in yer situation, Mr. Delgado. That's a point to ya. But ya also don't look to be in any state to do so. <<if $mcnoswears>>Goodness<<else>>Hell<</if>>, I'm the one who's been put through the wringer but yer the one lookin' like it. So that's the point going to Lynwood. Ya ought to recover first."<br><br> Both men look at each other with a grumbling sigh.<br><br> Lynwood's the first to speak.<br><br> "Alright, I can agree with that. And Isaac? Whatever that Favreau has to do with your case, I'm certain you can pick the trail back up once you are fully recovered and back on steady feet. Besides <<else>> You just shrug.<br><br> "Don't ask me. Even with what I know 'bout the whole thing I don't think I'd be a good judge for this."<br><br> Thankfully Lynwood and Delgado nod understandingly.<br><br> "Besides, Isaac," Lynwood mutters darkly, "you're not really in any state //yet// to go on a wild goose chase like that. Especially not //alone// and most certainly //not// after //lying// to his //friends//."<br><br> Delgado winces briefly, even recoiling a bit.<br><br> Lynwood shakes his head, calming down again with a heavy sigh.<br><br> "On top of that <</if>> I can hardly go and wire Vincent to //not// come here after all. He's ought to be somewhere around Oklahoma by now."<</nobr>> With a defeated grunt Delgado slumps back into the bed. "Fine." Maybe it's the change of angle, but the moment he lays down he looks much more exhausted and worn than before, outright drained. So, yeah, maybe Lynwood's point is the much better one, all things considered. You're about to comment on it, when something nudges your leg. Looking down you find... a cat? A kitten, really. Tiny, maybe around three months old, black with uneven white socks and a marking on its chest looking remarkable like a little bowtie. "Umm..." you go, which given the general situation is probably one of the most eloquent statements anyone could make. "Oh, that's Herringbone," Charlie informs you, utterly nonchalantly. "He's the kitten I told ya about, the one that decided to adopt Lynwood." Lynwood bristles a little, pouting. "Mr. Mulligan, with all due respect, but we had this discussion. //I// adopted //him//." He does sound at least a little amused. At this, the kitten meows, as if to protest. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "'Side' with Charlie.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "meetingisaac6">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "'Side' with Lynwood.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "meetingisaac6">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "Say nothing.">> <<set $continuity to 3>> <<goto "meetingisaac6">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "Meow back.">> <<set $lynrom to $lynrom +1>> <<set $continuity to 4>> <<goto "meetingisaac6">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "Agent Lynwood, I don't see why yer complainin'," you quip, "I'd think it's nice to know one's wanted like that."<br><br> Lynwood groans and shakes his head, not doing a great job hiding a grin. <<elseif $continuity is 2>> "Gotta give it to Lynwood," you joke. "I really doubt the kitten's old enough to legally adopt anyone."<br><br> Charlie bites back a cackle. <<elseif $continuity is 3>> You simply shrug. <<else>> You shrug and meow back. The kitten seems satisfied.<</if>><</nobr>> "In any case," Lynwood starts over, decidedly, "That's the other reason I would have asked Vincent to come here anyway. To pick up Herringbone." Delgado harrumphs. "Did Vincent having to pick me up as well have him more or less annoyed at another cat in the house?" You blink and look questioningly at Lynwood. "I have three other cats at home," he explains, with a trace of almost parental pride to his voice, "I told you about Polka Dot. The other two are Paisley and Gingham." "I'm sensin' a pattern," you say, pause, and very slowly close your <<if $mconeeye>>eye<<else>>eyes<</if>>, hoping no one's going to comment on what you just said. You //do// hear Charlie stifle a cackle. "To answer the question," Lynwood continues, while the kitten scampers away and jumps onto his bed, "Vincent is angrier at you, Isaac. Naturally." Delgado huffs again. "Fine, fine." At this Lynwood exhales, shoulders slumping tiredly. "Thank you." He turns back to you. Half at least, he's also picking his books and notes back up. "So, now you know Isaac, $title $Name." "That I do." It's a bit of an awkward situation, all things considered, but it's substantially helped by the kitten batting at something in thin air and tumbling around on the bed. You watch for a moment, a stray thought crossing your mind and you cast a glance at Charlie, who nods nearly unnoticeable. "Well, guess we oughta leave again then, yer busy cleanin' up, after all," you say. A curt nod from Lynwood follows. "I guess we'll be seeing you at Lunch?" You wiggle your hand kinda-sorta-maybe. "Still battling with a too hearty breakfast, but we'll see." Another awkward pause follows. Lynwood sighs heavily again, puts his things down once more and pinches the bridge of his nose. "My apologies. This is all... It's just really been a long, long week." You nod, understandingly. "Yeah. An' it feels even longer. Well then..." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "Leave.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "meetingisaac7">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "Pet the kitten.">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "meetingisaac7">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You <<else>> You pause, looking at the cat.<br><br> <<if $pol >=65>>"Is it alright if<<else>>"Can<</if>> I pet him?" you ask.<br><br> Lynwood looks between you and the cat.<br><br> "If he lets you, certainly."<br><br> You step closer to the bed and hold out your hand for the kitten to sniff. He does so, butting his head against it till you give him some scritches.<br><br> After a moment you withdraw, <</if>> bid your fare- and get wells, and leave.<</nobr>> Closing the door to Lynwood's room behind you, you let out a long exhale. "Happy?" Charlie teases. "If not for everything else goin' on, yes." You lean against the wall, rubbing your chin in thought. "Penny for yer thought?" says Charlie, and you hum in response. "Just tryin' to take all this new information in." You shake your head to clear the fog in your brain. "How d'ya feel 'bout goin' for a walk? I could really need it." Charlie nods curtly. You certainly have a lot of thoughts to organize. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Outside.|veilandvisions]]</div>

It's a quiet day outside, as quiet as a day in a town like New Hamelin can get. You and Charlie stroll along the boardwalk in silent for a while, taking in the atmosphere. "We have a tendency to get ourselves in messes like that, don't we?" you note as you cross the streets towards a small nearby park. "Everyone has their talents," Charlie jokes, but his heart's not in it by the sound of it. You can't blame him. "Ya talked to this Delgado for longer, what's yer impression? Besides what ya already told me?" Charlie shrugs, burying his hands in his coat pockets. "Haven't really talked //that// much more," he says. "My impression's about the same as yours, I'd say." "What's wrong?" you ask. "I wish I'd know." "Bad feelin'?" A curt nod. "I just can't say from or in what direction. I don't like this, $nick. An' I don't mean Delgado's case. Rather... Ya oughta have seen the amount o' mercenaries Favreau had. Ain't making sense for anythin'. Not for whatever might be goin' on with that necklace, not for yer kidnappin'..." You smile a crooked smile. "How many mercenaries were there even?" "About a dozen at the farm. I mean, most of'em are dead now... But Favreau had more with'im." You stop and blink. "Maybe our reputation had him go for reinforcement." Charlie gives a curt laugh. "I think when our reputation's at the point that people see it fit to have a small army up against us, we //really// oughta retire." You laugh as well, turning the idea around in your head, when something occurs to you. "All jokin' aside. Why //did// that guy kidnap me to begin with?" you wonder. Charlie blinks. "Huh? Oh. Didn't I tell ya?" You shake your head. "You didn't. Eh, guess it slipped yer mind in all the, well, excitement. Ain't gonna blame ya, Charlie, I dunno if I'd have kept that many things straight in that situation." Charlie nods gracefully. "Thank you. Although, I don't think yer gonna believe it when I tell ya." "Try me." "That Favreau wanted to use either o' us as a bargaining chip to get his sister outta jail." "Huh?" Charlie stretches, grinning humorlessly. "That woman that tried to kidnap Miss Florence? That's that bastard's sister." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "What on //Earth//?">> <<goto "veilandvisions1">> <</link>></div>

"Her name's Robiquet. And, apparently, she's been a nurse at Merryborne." You grimace. "Yer kiddin'." "Not about things like this, you know me, $nick." Charlie shakes his head, stopping at a bank to sit down. You follow suit. "So what exactly happened?" you ask. "Well, long story short? Our best guess is she's been accompanying Favreau on whatever business brought him here, spots Miss Florence in town and..." "Wants to tie up loose ends," you take a stab in the dark. Charlie nods. "She still in jail?" you ask. "That she is." Charlie grins askew. "Seems Favreau is too cheap to bail her out." You grin back. "Rich people." You lean back and look at the sky. "Ya reckon he's gonna try somethin' again?" "Wouldn't surprise me. Talked to the Sheriff 'bout it already. He said he'll let us know if anything comes up." You hum in agreement, and turn your head to look at Charlie. You can't help it, there's an odd sense of melancholy about him. "Yer alright there?" Charlie shudders briefly as he snaps out of his spell. "Yes... No." He sighs. "I'm just... It's been a long, long week. Right now I'm just glad yer alright." <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~So am I. But I feel Charlie is blaming himself for what happened. He shouldn't.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<set $charlie to $charlie +10>> <<goto "veilandvisions2">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "~So am I. And I don't wanna imagine what would have happened had they gotten Charlie...">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<set $charlie to $charlie +10>> <<goto "veilandvisions2">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> "So am I." You search Charlie's face. "Charlie?"<br><br> "Mhnn?"<br><br> "Don't blame yerself for what happened."<br><br> "I—" Charlie begins to protest, but you cut him off.<br><br> "Charlie, I know that face, I know the tone. Last time I saw it was at Grace's wedding."<br><br> Charlie groans, defeated.<br><br> "Can ya blame me? I had a strange feelin' and..."<br><br> "Charlie, look at me. It's been a <<if $mcnoswears>>rotten<<else>>fuckin'<</if>> long and weird couple o' weeks. That feelin' could meant ev'rything given what's going on. It's not yer fault, just like what happened to Matt wasn't yer fault."<br><br> Again Charlie draws breath to protest, and you lock eyes with him.<br><br> "Don't make me wire Ada to screw yer head back on right," you joke. Half-joke, maybe.<br><br> Charlie glowers.<br><br> "Not the time for jokes."<br><br> "Got ya outta yer gloom." You smile gently. "An' I mean it: It's not yer fault, stop thinkin' it is. Charlie, let me guess, Matt's tellin' ya the same thing the whole morning, isn't he?"<br><br> At this Charlie rolls his eye.<br><br> "He's //this// close to just possessin' me to slap me in the face," he grumbles, albeit in good humor.<br><br> You cackle a little.<br><br> "Take it as a compliment," you <<else>> "So am I." You shudder briefly.<br><br> "What's wrong?"<br><br> "Just been thinkin'. Ya said this Favreau wanted to use either o' us as bargainin' chip, right? I'm tryin' not to imagine what woulda happen had they gotten //you// instead."<br><br> Charlie shudders as well.<br><br> "I mean," you continue, "I dunno how I woulda even known."<br><br> "Trust Matt to have found a way," Charlie muses. You blink.<br><br> "Yeah. But..." You swallow dryly. "I mean, I been dead... I dunno if those dream people..."<br><br> Charlie harrumphes. "They better. If they want us to help they oughta know they only get both o' us or none."<br><br> You cackle a little, and smile at Charlie.<br><br> "I'll make sure to let'em know," you <</if>> say. "By the by, talkin' about Matt. 'Twas kinda cute seein' him play with Lynwood's kitten. If my memory ain't failin' me he was deadly afraid o' cats."<</nobr>> "He's not afraid of'em, he just gets all sneezy and such." "He's dead." "Once bitten twice shy." Charlie shrugs. "Also that wasn't him. That was one o' Lynwood's ghosts." <hr><div class="choice">[[Oho?|veilandvisions3]]</div>

"They finally showed themselves for good?" you ask. "They did. And helped getting Lynwood to help rescuin' ya, pragmatically speakin'." "'Pragmantically speaking'?" Charlie just shrugs. "It would likely have taken a bit more convincin' without'em tellin' me some things." You nod sagely. "Well, tell'em 'Thanks' then, I guess." You pause, inspecting your hands absentmindedly. <<if $cur >=65>>"So, what<<else>>"Alright, I'm curious now. What<</if>> are they? Friends? Family? Poor sods Lynwood got wrongfully convicted?" Charlie smirks humorlessly. "No. But I ain't the person to tell ya the whole story, $nick. That's for Lynwood to do. It's quite personal." "Oh." Charlie gazes into the distance thoughtfully. "Lynwood and Lowell, actually," he notes, shaking his head. "Ah?" you go, just as a thought elbows its way to the front row of yes consciousness. Something about what Mrs. Meadows had said. "Wait. Does this got somethin' to do with the war?" Charlie meets your gaze, and nods. "Yes." "Oh." "See what I mean?" "...Yes." You watch the passersby pass by for a bit, till a familiar voice calls your attention. "Hey! $Name. Mulligan." You and Charlie turn to see O'Brian and Burke coming up the path, both looking a little disgruntled. "Hey," you greet back. "What brings you here? Don't tell me Mrs. Meadows sent ya after us." O'Brian shrugs. "Eh, depends if yer countin' her sayin' 'If ya see Mulligan and <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<elseif $name.toLowerCase() is "delgado">>the other Delgado<<else>>$Name<</if>> remind them not to try an' make a run for it'." "An' then tell //them// to remind //you// not to try an' make a run for it either," Burke adds, stoically. You and Charlie snicker a little. "Well, consider this yer reminder then," you say, jovially. "Don't try an' make a run for it." You pause, cocking your head. "So, what //does// bring you here?" "The Doc gave us some money to get new clothes," Burke mutters, looking very displeased. "For me that is." Pouting Burke kicks at the ground, and you look him over. By all means, his clothes look fine. Off-white cotton shirt, sleeves rolled up, dark green vest, unbuttoned, wine-red handkerchief with white dots tied around his neck, solid dark boots. All in all a regular wardrobe, just as worn as you'd expect it on someone living a life like Burke. The thing that //does// stand out a bit, however, are his pants. It's not that they are worn to the point of very well needing of replacement (which they are), iIt's rather... The rest of Burke's attire is dark, muted tones, while his pants are... an exercise in garishness, even for someone who usually, probably, can't be picky with what to buy. "Is it the pants?" you ask, dryly. "Yes," O'Brian hollers, throwing up his hands. "Thank you." He turns to Burke. "See, that's two people now besides me what said yer pants look terrible." "My pants look fine," Burke complains, defensively. "Yeah, on the floor." O'Brian bristles, and you cast a quick glance around if anyone heard that. Burke just groans. "C'mon!" They both look at you and Charlie, expectantly. "I'm stayin' out of this." Charlie defensively raises his hands. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Good call, so am I.">> <<set $continuity to 1>> <<goto "itdepants">> <</link>></div>\ <div class="choice"><<link "<q>I mean...</q>">> <<set $continuity to 2>> <<goto "itdepants">> <</link>></div>

<<nobr>><<if $continuity is 1>> You second Charlie's notion and motion.<br><br> "So am I," you say, and <<else>> You draw breath to say something, when Charlie places a hand on your arm to stop you.<br><br> "$nick, don't. Just. No. Don't."<br><br> You pause, and<</if>> shrug.<</nobr>> "So, ya wanna come along?" O'Brian asks after a moment. "Saw ya sittin' here, an' thought we might as well ask." You look at Charlie, who nods curtly, getting up. "Might as well, ain't got anythin' better to do." You have to agree. You get up, dust off your clothes, and look around the little park. "Where were ya headin'?" you ask. O'Brian gestures towards the far end of the park. "There's some good stores that way, pretty much the kind ya'd get on the coast." "Well, lead the way then," you say, and O'Brian does so. Burke follows behind, mumbling grumpily. More so than usual. "Yer really miffed about the pants," you wonder, and Burke gives you a brief glare. "Ya know, it's one thing if Seán says it. But that the Doc also comments on it!" Burke lets out a brief howl. "Like in what world is that woman interested in fashion?" He kicks at the ground, rambling. "That she's unhappy with me pants havin' seen much better days, that I get. 'Cause, yeah, they are the clothin' equivalent o' that ship of... Perseus?" "Theseus," Charlie helps out. "That guy, yeah." Burke nods, before drawing breath to continue rambling as you walk. "But, c'mon, they don't look that terrible or absurd." "Yes, they do," O'Brian pouts back. "Oh, come on now, Seán. They wouldn't sell'em to anyone but rich folks if they would. Besides," Burke concludes decidedly, "I've spend three year in prison garbs. I'm allowed a little bit o' garishness." Next to him, O'Brian sighs, but elbows Burke's side, gently. "Alright, alright, I'll give ya this one. But do ya //really// wanna face the Doc when ya come back to the hotel with new pants like that?" Burke considers. And groans, grimacing. "Oh, fine. I'll pick out something 'plain'." O'Brian cackles, and you think you hear a trace of triumph in it. You look at Charlie, who shrugs, but with a grin on his lips. "Ya two are some very strange bedfellows," you comment. "Yeah, but what's that gotta do with... Oh," Burke goes, innocently, stops, and snaps his mouth shut. A snort escapes O'Brian's at that, and he's trying decently hard to bite it back. <hr><div class="choice">[[...Well then...|ch7end]]</div>

You walk in silence for a bit, before stepping out of the park and into what can very well be counted as the commercial part of New Hamelin. Stores, offices and stalls of all kinds have found their home along the street that is still in the middle of getting a proper cobblestone paving, the result is a near overwhelming hodgepodge of sights, signs, sounds and smells. "By the by," you begin. "Has Mrs. Meadows already talked to this Harlow or is she on her way there now?" "She was just headin' out," O'Brian answers, scratching his nose. "How long has this cult even been active if there's books 'bout them?" You shrug. "Beats me, but on the upside, it means they've been thwarted before." "Yeah, but never proper," Burke mutters. "Otherwise we wouldn't be stuck with the whole mess." "From yer mouth to God's ear," you respond, smirking. "I take that //we// as a sign yer gonna tag along?" "Of course," Burke grouches, stalking past you and turning back to your little group. "That whole tunnel thing wouldn't even start before next spring, all things considered, so..." he stops, eyes going wide. "Shit. We got trouble." He hisses, ushering your group into a nearby alley, hazarding a glance around the corner. So do you, trying to find what alarmed him like that. "I'll be damned," Charlie mutters, and you follow his gaze. Nearby, on the steps leading to some notary office, stand two men, shaking hands, quite pleased with themselves. One is wiry and bespectacled with an expression looking like his teeth must be made out of lemons (despite, or maybe additionally to, the sardonic smile), the other, the older one, is small, stocky, well-dressed and sporting a sculpted mustache. <<if $salomesveil_hint1>>"Where have I seen that mug<<else>>"Anyone I ought to know<</if>>?" you whisper. <<if $salomesveil_hint1>>"Ya mean<<else>>"See<</if>> the guy with the fancy mustache?" Charlie hushes back. "That's Favreau." "Oh, great," you mutter. "Well, that's a notary office. Think he's doin' whatever he came to New Hamelin for?" "If he is," O'Brian pipes up, brows furrowed darkly, "then this whole thing reeks like Fulton's in a heatwave." You blink, baffled. "What? Why?" "See the other guy?" O'Brian points. "That is Gordon Farrer. He's Edward Brightwell's secretary." <div align="center"><div class="specfont">🙞End of Chapter 7🙜</div></div>\ <hr><div class="choice">[[~On to the next Chapter|endy]]</div>

Something is dreadfully amiss. The dreadful, icy and nauseating feeling spreading in your stomach has you know before you are even awake enough to realize that Matt is calling for you. Peeling your eye open you blink into the dimly lit room. By all means, it's early in the morning, the sun hasn't even really risen yet, but Matt looks as if he's standing in broad daylight. On a quite foggy day, but nevertheless. "What's wrong," you whisper, not awake enough to communicate coherently by thought, but not so sleepy that you would not take caution not to wake up $nick. That's when you realize just //what// is amiss. "Where's $nick?" you hush, your voice a croaking whisper, worry stealing your breath. //'Kidnapped,'// Matt answers, with an expression of despair you reckon must mirror your own perfectly. There are people, some of them self-proclaimed mediums, that claim that the dead lost their ability to feel emotions. Right now Matt is certainly proving them as wrong as it's humanly possible to prove someone wrong. Hastily you rub your eye and light the lamp, fishing for your clothes as soon as you can see. "What happened?" you demand, clambering out of bed and into your garments. //'$fname had a nightmare again, I think'// Matt answers, taking a calming breath, //'$They got up, got dressed and went for a walk. Clear $their head, I'd assume. I didn't think big of it. But when $they didn't return I got worried and went to check, and... found this trio what kidnapped $them, headin' to a farm bit outside o' town. One in the middle o' the woods.'// With a curt and disbelieving nod you sink back onto the bed, stopping mid-movement of pulling your boots on. How did you not notice $them leaving? How could you miss that? Biting back a whimper you finish getting dressed and grab your guns. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Matt stops you.|interludecharlie1]]</div>

//'Charlie, don't. These guys are a bit too much to handle alone. An' it ain't just the three of them, don't even think o' goin' there on yer own,'// he goes, and you wince softly. "I-I..." you stutter, flexing your hands nervously. With a deep breath you lean against the small table by the door and sort your thoughts. //'I won't,'// you answer in thoughts, pulling yourself together the best you can. Matt nods satisfied. //'Where's that farm?'// you ask. //'Past the woods north of town.'//, Matt answers. With a curt nod you grab your coat, fingers curling into it. //'Matt, is Mrs. Meadows awake?'//. Matt vanishes briefly, reappearing with a nod. //'Up since sunrise, so just a little bit longer than you.'// //'Sounds about right.'// Still trying to calm yourself you make your way down the corridor to Mrs. Meadows room, knocking urgently before you have even come to a full halt. Mrs. Meadows opens, looking at you intrigued and a little confused, both expressions however shifting into that of alarmed worry as the implications of you being up at this early hour already sink in. Huh, maybe you really ought to be more of an early bird at times, be less predictable. "What's the matter?" Mrs. Meadows inquires, judging by her look she's doing a mental tally of how many of her medical supplies she'll need as well as how much scolding she'll have to do. "$nick got kidnapped," you answer, keeping your voice as steady as possible. And as you expected (well, it was one of several anticipated scenarios) Mrs. Meadows pulls you into the room, hastily closing the door behind you. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludecharlie2]]</div>

You wake up feeling as if you had been thrown under a carriage. Which is to say slightly worse than what has become your regular morning ever since Nate's death. This morning's additional misery, you reckon, stems partially from the past days' stress and irritating nature, and partially from spending the night in the armchair by the window, as you have left the room's beds to Miss Florence and Finley. It's approximately a 30/70 split. You stretch, slowly and deliberately, evaluating which muscles, joints or ligaments will give you the most struggle. Everything is shaping up to become another long day ahead, and if your instincts do not fool you, said day has just started. "Are you always up this early?" someone —Miss Florence you recognize after a longer moment than is reasonable— asks. "Good morning," you respond with a trace of sourness directed rather at the pain between your shoulder blades than at the younger woman. "Yes, I am." You push the heavy curtains aside to peer out and nod curtly. It's barely past sunrise, the town is in the process of waking up, so your instinctual assessment of the current hour has been correct. "Granted, under normal circumstances I'd be up and about at a much earlier hour," you add, getting up and pulling hair pins from the now unruly birds nest your hair has become. On the bed Miss Florence comments on the sentiment of getting up that early with a short noise of distaste and disapproval. "Have you slept well?" you ask, as you sit down in front of the vanity mirror, ignoring that sentiment. "I guess," Miss Florence responds, sitting up from the reclining position she had been in. "It's hard to sleep after all what has happened." You just hum in agreement, brushing out your hair. Although you recognize that Miss Florence might be in the best position to understand what is commonly robbing you of a healthy sleep, you see no reason to unnecessarily involve her in your problems. "You really didn't need to let me have the bed," Miss Florence notes, as she moves to see to her own morning routine. "Yes, I did. You needed it much more urgently, and I'm used to unorthodox sleeping places." Miss Florence gives you a quite suspicious and scrutinizing look, a trace of misplaced concern on her face. "Fall asleep on your desk often?" she ventures, making small talk, you figure. "More often than I would like," you humor her. "I don't reckon overworking oneself is a healthy habit." She draws a heavy breath that gives away her next words, before a single syllable has even left her lips "Believe me, I know." "I had no intention to doubt you. But I prefer people staying out of my business." Again Miss Florence casts you a measured and measuring glance, before turning back to seeing about herself. <hr><div class="choice">[[~So do you.|interludemeadows1]]</div>

It isn't until Miss Florence produces a little container from her belongings that your attention is on anything but yourself. First you only pay little attention to the object. It is reminiscent of a thumb-sized bullet cartridge and its use eludes you, until Miss Florence twists the contraption's bottom, producing what looks to be a stick of beeswax out of the device, bringing it to her lips. "That is quite an interesting thing to see," you note. Miss Florence looks at you rather surprised. "I would have thought you would know what lipstick is," she says, and you search her face for evidence of mockery. You find none. "I do, but I was talking about the device you house it in. It is quite ingenious." At this Miss Florence's gaze lights up into a delighted beam. "That is too kind, ma'am. I made it myself." "Oh?" "Yes." There is an odd joy to be found in seeing the young woman's eyes sparkle as she breaks into an excited explanation. "I had a look into what a lipstick, or a stick of lip balm as it is in this case, could be put into to make it, well, more of a practical device. I got frustrated with the tins and jars and wax papers, it all proved to be quite impractical, a little unhygienic if one looked at it closer, and I have rather dry lips much to my dismay, so I am often in need of some sort of ointment." "It does look a little like a bullet cartridge," you point out, and Miss Florence nods. "That's what it is. Well, originally was. What I took the inspiration from I mean. Frankford Arsenal's .45 Colt cartridges, alongside some modified glass tubes. It was quite a bit of fiddling to get the twisting mechanism to work, and since then I refined it to make it more reliable. The result is what you see here." You arch your brows in an impressed and inquisitive arc. "Impressive, I must say, really impressive. Patent pending, I presume." At this Miss Florence — done with applying lipbalm — closes the devise and purses her lips in dismay. "Mrs. Meadows, with all due respect, but I believe you can guess how just //trying// to file for a proper patent would go for people like us. For someone who happens to be a woman, and not a white one on top of that. If I'd file a patent, it's all too likely that nothing will come of it, until I am old and gray and not in any position to defend my rights, when, poof, a white man will miraculously invent the exact same device." You roll your eyes. Not in annoyance at Miss Florence, but in annoyance at a world in which these words carry far too much truth for their own good. "And then he'd get celebrated by the press for making the lives of those poor, feeble, vain women so much easier with this revolutionary device," you agree, dryly and bitterly. "All while still condemning said women for using lipstick in the first place." You both exhale tiredly and in unison. In a strained silence the two of you finish your morning routines, and you duck behind the wooden screen nearby to change into clothes that have not been slept in. "But, well," Miss Florence picks up the hanging thread of discussion, "I still hope to live long enough to see a change for the better." "Becoming immortal is quite an ambitious endeavor," you observe, pinning your hair up proper. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludemeadows2]]</div>

Miserable. Pathetic and utterly miserable. How often have you promised how many good people -friends and family alike- that you'd take care of yourself? That you would treat your physical and mental wellbeing with the respect and care it deserves and requires? Yet here you are, once again, startling awake at the crack of dawn, not entirely certain that you've even actually //slept//. Not //'if'//, not //'whether or not'//, just //'that'// you've slept. Oh sure, here you are, the edges of a book painfully imprinted into your cheeks, your clothes rumbled and your vision blurred with tears as your body desperately attempts to wet your stingingly dry eyes. Miserable. You yawn, breath stale and soiled with last nights means to throw a much needed wrench into the rapidly turning gears of your brain. And did it do you any good? Of course not. It never does, but you just don't learn. Always telling yourself that this time it won't mess you up like this, that this time you'll be fine, get your work done and then get a proper rest. Pathetic. You groan and rub your throbbing face, trying to rub the pain out before you push yourself up and stagger over to the small wash basin by the window, splashing cold water into your face and gazing blearily at your reflection. Your siblings at home would probably not hesitate to force you into bed if they'd knew you are handling yourself like this. Again. With a long and exhausted sigh, you draw a breath and submerge your face in the icy water, coming back up with a spluttering gasp, wide awake, dissipating the fog crawling over your brain. There is so much to do. The room is, as usual, a mess, but at least everything you wanted to pack to send back home has been packed. Which leaves you with a room to clean, and a bottle of morphine to refill. Once again you reckon that Therese would never forgive you if she'd knew about it, and Vincent might go as far as to kick you out of his house for good. But they'd have to understand: With all these things on your mind, all these unsolved mysteries and undiscovered secrets it's a necessity to get //some// rest. It and opium. But latter requires you to interrupt your investigations, which rarely is a feasible option to begin with, and it's certainly not one right now. You dry your face and push yourself away from the table, sitting down on the bed for a moment to sort your thoughts. It'll be a long day again. At least yesterday's talk with <<if $salomesveil_hint>>Mulligan and $Name<<else>>Mulligan<</if>> had been fruitful, even though you feel you revealed a little too much without getting an equal amount in return. <<if $tell_lynbright>> Then again, Mulligan and $Name have not been as antagonistic towards you as they could have been, and they've given you quite an unexpected puzzle piece in the form of Mr. Brightwell's presence at the manor the night his son died. Something you'll have to look into as soon as this case allows it<<else>> While you must admit that Mulligan and $Name have not been as antagonistic towards you as they could have been, they are still a bunch of wanted criminals<</if>>. And still there's the mystery of what exactly Blayne tasked them with. It is quite an array of questions left open, and you are glad you already arranged to speak to $Name again, and maybe Mulligan once more, by extension. But first you need to clean the room, that should at least be doable, even for you. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludelyn1]]</div>

Miss Florence lets out a small, bemused snort. "That's rather bleak," she notes, but sighs. "But I can understand your train of thought." You nod stoically, adjust your clothes proper and see about your notes. "How are you feeling?" you ask after a moment. Miss Florence seems mildly caught off-guard at that question, but after a soft sigh she smiles. "Better, thank you." She watches you for a while, then turns her attention to Finley, who slowly seems to be waking up. You don't need to look at her to know what she wants to ask. "The idea to adopt him has occurred to me, but I believe it would be to our mutual disadvantage," you say. "Especially since his father is alive and well." Miss Florence appears rather embarrassed at that, mumbling a quick apology. "No need to apologize unnecessarily. You're not the first person to deem me his adopted mother, although the majority of people seems inclined to rather deem me his governess or something to that effect." You draw a sharp breath, not letting your annoyance at such treatment show. All while Miss Florence looks equally scandalized and saddened. "Is that because you're Chinese?" she asks, before realizing how personal and insensible a question that is. "I... I mean..." You put your pen down and turn around to face her, hands in your lap. "Yes. Yes it is. Miss Florence, you've just shown that you know well that women like us have a hard standing in this world. It could, of course, be much, much worse. Just remember the Anti-Immigration-Act that nearly passed a few years ago. But just because things are not as bad as they could be, there is no reason to deny that they could be better than they are. And I rather have people wrinkle their nose at the idea of me being Finley's adopted mother, than not having the very idea be an option at all due to my heritage." "I'd like ya to be me mum, ma'am..." Finley mumbles suddenly, sleepily and innocently, and you feel blood rush into your cheeks, the boy piercing through your emotional walls like a cannonball. But you shake your head. "Good morning. The sentiment is... appreciated." You hastily clear your throat. "But you have a family, Finn. Mr. Blayne has put a lot of work into reuniting you with your father, and..." "I know," Finley yawns, sitting up, "an'... an' I //am// grateful. But that doesn't mean I won't miss ya," he protests, rubbing sleep from his eyes and locking gazes with you. The sudden, urgent knock at the door is quite a bit of a lifesaver. You get up, straighten your clothes and open the door to find Mulligan standing there. Which, taking into account he's not much of a morning person if he can avoid it, is alarming enough on its own. But what sets all your senses on edge are the signs of severe stress he's exhibiting. Shaking, wringing his hands nervously, the haunted flicking of his gaze. Something must be devastatingly wrong. "What's the matter?" you inquire, and your mind races with the possibilities of what could cause such discomfort in a man like Mulligan, and what you'd need to be of assistance in most of these scenarios. A part of you is preparing a scolding, but another, more sensible one, reminds you that it has to be more than a simple injury, given Mulligan's state while at the same time he's not making a move to drag you over to their room to help. "$nick got kidnapped," Mulligan answers. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludemeadows3]]</div>

//That// was not any of the options for trouble you had anticipated. You grab Mulligan by the arm and pull him into your room, closing the door immediately. Miss Florence and Finley look more baffled than anything else at first, and Mulligan begins explaining what happened. "I just woke to find $nick gone, an'... " Mulligan pauses, briefly catching your eye, before the expression slips back into thorough devastation. "We gotta do somethin'. For all I know $their kidnappers took $them to a farm 'bout an hour north of town." Finley speaks up alarmed. "Is $title $Name alright?" he asks, and Mulligan squirms. "For... all I know, yes," he answers, voice still quite shaken. It is quite curious. You know Mulligan's reputation to be an actor worthy of the world's most famous stages, but you doubt that he's acting right now. He's genuinely besides himself, so something has to have happened to his partner $Name. But what could be the possible reasoning behind this kidnapping? Your mind racing with a list of the deeds, good and bad alike, that these two have committed over the course of their //career//. While you feel inclined to applaud the deeds done for honorable means, no matter what reason and result their undertakings might have yielded, they have wronged a lot of people, and thus ought to have made not too few enemies. Enemies out seeking revenge. You frown in dismay. "You certainly made yourself a lot of enemies," you say, and Mulligan glares a little. "I'd be surprised if that would not have been the case," he responds, his shoulders slumping a little. "I hope yer willing to help us with this?" "That depends on how you know what happened." "Huh?" Mulligan blinks, baffled. You wrinkle your nose and Mulligan glares back. "What? Do you think this is a ruse to get ya off our backs?" "Indeed," you respond coldly. Mulligan grimaces, drawing a deep, sharp breath. "Matt told me," he cries out, exasperated. There it is. That ghost humbug again. It's bad enough Benjamin believes in that nonsense, and for all you know Giles, of all people, has begun taking a liking to it too.. "Look, I know ya don't believe I can speak to the dead, but..." You cast him a long, cold stare, searching his face. You still don't know what he's playing at with all of this spiritualism spiel. But, as you figured, something //must// have happened to <<if $doublemeadows>>his partner<<else>>$Name<</if>> indeed, so //that// is a secondary concern. "Correct. I don't," you say. "But you //are// shaken to your core, and; despite all I have heard about your capabilities as an actor, I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you are not up to anything stupid. Because, must I remind you just who'd be on your tail if this goes sideways?" Given the long exhale of his that follows your words you reckon that he doesn't know what to make of your words. Good. "So... yer goin' to help, right?" Mulligan wonders, as if that is genuinely up for debate, and as if he doesn't pride himself with being able to easily read people. "Naturally," you reassure. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludemeadows4]]</div>

Then Mulligan falls silent for a moment, before his face twists in severe uneasiness. "Fuck..." he mutters, and hastily explains what's wrong as he notices the surprised looks from the rest of you. "Matt just told me the situation at the farmstead. Whoever's got $nick is also holdin' the farmer and his family hostages. Matt says there was a total o' seven kidnappers when he left. Matt says the three that kidnapped $nick struck him as yer petty crooks, ruthless but without much of a plan or wits. Except the youngest one who seems to have something going on in his brain, but he ain't inclined to make much use of that. "And then there's this other guy... Wiry, flaxen-haired feller named Wilkie. Creeps Matt out like nothing else..." Mulligan shudders. "Y'know, Matt was never someone to be easily shaken, an' that hasn't changed with death. So, this is really not a good sign." He sighs. "As for the others, Matt says they are yer typical hired muscle." Again you search Mulligan's face, before you nod soberly and head out of the room to get O'Brian and Burke. You have a vague idea what this is all about, namely that it //is// a ruse, and you don't like it, but it's best not to dillydally, lest Mulligan catches on. You knock on the door, rapidly and urgently, stepping back in surprise as this gets a response much faster than you had expected. "G'mornin'," Burke mutters, fruitlessly trying to blow some hair out of his face. "This better be urgent." You wrinkle your nose and look the young man over. He's disheveled but decently awake, and in the room behind him O'Brian is swaying into a sitting position, rubbing his face. "What's wrong?" O'Brian adds, yawning. Something about the two young men's look gives you the impression they know that something is amiss, although it might just have been through an uneasy feeling that did not let them sleep. "<<if $doublemeadows>>Fleabi- $title $Name<<else>>$title $Name<</if>> has been abducted, Mulligan claims," you announce unceremoniously. Burke blinks at you blearily, before the words register, and he's suddenly wide awake. "What?" he croaks, alarmed, before quickly looking back at O'Brian, who mirrors his expression. "I believe you heard me we-..." you don't get to finish your words when Burke closes the door in your face. A part of you can't blame him. You have come under the impression that Burke takes about as kindly to being made a fool of as you do. This reaction is thus perfectly understandable, given the absurdity of the news you just delivered at this early hour. You take a deep breath and turn on your heel to head back to your room, when the door opens again, Burke and O'Brian standing there fully dressed and their weapons on their hips, looking at you expectantly. You can't help but blink a little surprised. "I admit I had expected you to not take this serious," you inform them. "If ya were anyone else, we wouldn't have," Burke notes. "But as ya got not an inkling of humor in yer body..." Charming. Not incorrect, however. "So, what happened?," O'Brian asks. You quickly fill him and Burke in on what Mulligan said, and O'Brian nods grimly. "We got some rescuin' to do then, don't we?" he says, taking the lead back to your room. You frown inwardly. Either these two are terribly gullible or they are in on it. Neither of these prospects seems favorable. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludemeadows5]]</div>

You find Mulligan talking to Miss Florence as you arrive, and for some reason you get the impression that Mulligan is quite relieved at your return. "Can't catch a break, can we?" O'Brian mutters. His tone is annoyed, but you recognize a certain uneasiness as well. "Yer really great at pissin' people off that they went an' kidnapped $Name," Burke adds, "Wouldn't wanna be in the shoes of either of ya." "Too kind, really," Mulligan grouses, though there is reason to doubt he's in any way angry at Burke's lack of tact. "So, what now?" Burke then asks, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, as if itching to do something. "There aren't many options other than setting out to save $title $Name ourselves," you answer. "Getting the local law involved would be favorable, but I assume that whoever kidnapped $them might possibly kill $them at any sight of the sheriff or similar." The others, with the exception of Mulligan, nod at that. In fact, Mulligan seems to be sunken in some dark thoughts, till he looks up. "It would seem these men kidnapped $nick to exchange $them for their boss' sister," he says, rubbing his chin in thought. "That's what Matt says, at least." Interesting, and intriguing, you have to admit. He's really sticking to the story, and you are getting tired of humoring his antics. You wonder why you gave him any leeway before. But you //do// decide to play along. "I am still reluctant to rely on a supposed ghost's information, but right now it's all we got," you respond, putting your best face forward, giving a soft harrumph. "Oh, I think we can trust this," O'Brian counters, earning a quite hearty hum of agreement from Miss Florence. Which in turn earns her a surprised look from the young man. Mulligan seems sunken in thought again, before he suddenly asks Miss Florence if she might have a brother who would and could do such a thing as kidnapping $title $Name in exchange for her. Miss Florence blinks, baffled, sitting up in bed. "No," she says, searching Mulligan's face. "I mean, I have a brother, but he's in Lyon at the moment. Lyon in France, that is. I think there's some Lyons here in America, but, no, he's in France." Mulligan sighs and shakes his head, leaning back against the wall. "Hey," Burke suddenly speaks up. "What about that bitch that tried to kidnap Miss Florence here?" "Mrs. Robiquet?" Miss Florence asks equally surprised and innocently. "Ya know her?" Burke bursts out, and the rest of you share the surprise, it would seem. "She... she's been a nurse at Merryborne." <hr><div class="choice">[[What?|interludemeadows6]]</div>

That is...certainly unexpected. And it would appear everyone is sharing your sentiment. "I mean," Miss Florence continues, "I know her, didn't really talk to her, but that's why I was quite... freaked out when she showed up at the sheriff's office." The rest of you exchange knowing glances. "This Mrs. Rob....?" Mulligan begins. "Robiquet," Miss Florence answers. "This Mrs. Robiquet... What //do// ya know 'bout her?" Mulligan asks, and raises a gentle hand. "I hope I'm not ripping open old wounds." Miss Florence ponders, and albeit she tries to not let it show, there's unmistakable signs of uneasiness and discomfort, things like a slight shivering, the nervous biting of her lower lip, and the strained flexing of her hands. Then she draws a deep, calming breath, and leans back, recounting things. "Not much", she says. "She was a nurse at Merryborne, and... she often was around where I was held, but I only know her name from hearing it from the other staff members." Suddenly Miss Florence's face lights up with a realization. "Oh! But I'm certain she does have a brother. I remember her rambling about how he has more than enough money to pay for her train tickets if he wants her to visit him. And that he should just buy the train if he doesn't want to do that." Mulligan gives a small hiss at that, looking knowingly at the rest of the group. "Rich family then," he notes. Miss Florence nods. "Hold up," O'Brian interrupts, pinching the bridge of his nose in desperate thought. "If these wankers kidnapped $Name to exchange $them for that Robiquet woman, how do they expect that to work?" He frowns as this is met with confused looks. "I mean, $Name is an outlaw, right? An' this Robiquet woman tried to kidnap Miss Florence //and// kill the sheriff an' his men. There's not really anythin' to exchange like that. So, how the Hell do they expect this plan to work?" "Ya know very well that with rich people like that their intelligence is inversely proportional to the amount o' money they got," Burke deadpans, looking a little proud at himself when he realizes he got that term correct. "Can't argue with that," Mulligan grunts. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludemeadows7]]</div>

"What..." Finley pipes up, making Mulligan twitch briefly. Seems he had forgotten that the boy is here as well. "What if they wanna blackmail Mr. Mulligan into breakin' this Robiquet woman out?" Mulligan winces briefly, and judging by his expression he is considering that idea. "That would unfortunately make a lot of sense," he mutters. "I certainly wouldn't put it beyond people like that to try such a thing." "So, we're gonna go about this assuming that's the case?" O'Brian ventures, and Mulligan nods. "An' we better hurry," he says, pushing himself off the wall, before he checks his gun and heads out into the corridor. And by the sound of it he ran into Giles. You roll your shoulders and step closer, watch them talk until it's clear that Giles is, by all means, intrigued and maybe a bit worried about why Mulligan is looking this... frayed at the edges. <<nobr>><<if $lyn >=35 or $worriedforlyn>> It doesn't really surprise you, however. You have come under the impression that Giles is warming up to $title $Name, and vice versa. And the situation appears similar in Mulligan's case.<br><br> "$nick has been kidnapped, Agent Lynwood," Mulligan reveals, and Giles stares at him in disbelief. <<else>> Which is quite surprising, as, even though there were no outright animosities, neither Mulligan nor $Name seem to be remotely keen on the agent.<br><br> So you decide to answer in Mulligan's place.<br><br> "$title $Name has been abducted," you state, nonchalantly, and Giles stares, quite baffled.<</if>><</nobr>> "Come again?" he manages. "Kidnapped," you repeat the information. "We are on our way to rescue $them." Giles seems thoroughly astonished by this. "Just the four of you?" he asks, and for his sake you decide that the question is genuine and not an attempt at mockery. "I reckon you should come with us," you say, stepping past Mulligan. "You are a man of the law, Giles, as questionable as the methods of your agency may be." "Hold it," O'Brian interrupts. "Didn't //you// just point out gettin' the law involved will get $Name killed?" "The recognizable law, yes," you counter. "But Agent Lynwood's presence as a Pinkerton agent compared to a sheriff or marshal might be in our favor. He's far less recognizable as a man of the law." <hr><div class="choice">[[~They ought to admit you have a point.|interludemeadows8]]</div>

You notice Mulligan rolling his eye with a frown, just as the sound of opening doors alarms all of you to the fact that the other current residents of the hotel are getting curious if not angry about the ruckus you are causing here. You are about to usher everyone of your group either back into the room or send them downstairs, when Mulligan grabs Giles by the arm and drags him along. Staring after them for a moment, you then hurry back into your room, picking your rifle and six-shooter from the trunk at the foot of the bed, and nod at Finley. "Finn, you stay with Miss Florence. Get some breakfast from downstairs, and then lock the door until we're back. Understood?" Finley nods, and so does Miss Florence. You quickly check your weapons, before you hurry after Mulligan and Giles with Burke and O'Brian. You find the former two in front of Giles's room, arguing about something. "Not just that," Mulligan tells Giles, just as you reach them. "Two of'em have been part of yer old unit, //Bellegarde//." The color drains entirely from Giles's face at these words, before briefly coming back in a dark, angry red, only to fade again into a sickly pale hue as he first shakes his head, then nods curtly, pushing past Mulligan into his chambers. You quirk a brow, narrowing your eyes. You know Mulligan is good at reading people, but you cannot find an explanation as to how he'd know //that// bit of information. You know how careful and secretive (and ashamed) Giles is about it. Unless there really //are// ghosts... You shake off that notion immediately. "What was that?" O'Brian hushes. "That's something the agent's ought to explain to you others himself if he feels it to be the right thing to do," Mulligan says, just as Giles emerges with his weapons in place. "Let's make haste then," he says, and you all follow him out to get your horses. "Where's $title $Name being kept?" Giles asks as you near the edge of the city, and judging by his looks Mulligan realizes he hasn't revealed that bit of information to the agent yet. "The Honeysett farmstead a bit out of town," Mulligan answers. "Middle o' the woods." "Honeysett as in Isiah Honeysett?" you venture. You heard that name from Benjamin. Mulligan confirms. "Take it your ghosts told you?" There's no mockery in Giles's voice, which means he's either bitter about it or is starting to open up to the idea. Funny to think that you'd both be doing so at the same time. "Not just any," Mulligan says. "Told ya it's me brother Matthew." Giles turns to look at Mulligan and nods curtly. "Sorry for your loss, by the by. Couldn't tell you earlier." "That's kind of ya," Mulligan says, nodding back. Then he thinks of something "Agent Lynwood, do ya know anyone by the name of 'Robiquet'?" Giles seems to ponder this, but ultimately shakes his head. You reckon it isn't a 'no'. You know the family by name, but you can't remember if Nathan ever had to deal with them. Still you know enough about them to wager that they have likely employed the Pinkerton agency at some point. "Not personally," Giles says. "Only by name. Rich family from Virginia or Alabama. Made their money in sugar and cotton, lost nearly everything after the war when they found themselves having to pay the people doing the work for them. Went into shipbuilding and mining now, I believe." "How screwed is $Name in such company?" O'Brian muses out loud. "$They <<if $skincol >7>>could certainly be off much, much<<else>>couldn't be off<</if>> worse," Burke answers, and Mulligan glares at both of them. "Do you two ever think before you speak?" you scold, and both Burke and O'Brian sit up straight. "Sorry, ma'am." "Pull yourself together, you two," you continue, and the two utter a 'Yes, ma'am'. And the group rides on. It's not long till you can see the edge of the forest ahead, when something by some rocks and boulders nearby gets Mulligan's attention. <hr><div class="choice">[[~A horse!|interludemeadows9]]</div>

It's a lonely horse build like a brick house, a <<if $breed is 6 and $hcolor is 6>>chestnut Clydesdale (not <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$Name<</if>>'s, though)<<else>>chestnut Clydesdale<</if>>, saddled and trotting about nervously amongst the grass and rocks. There's no need to signal the others to stop at the sight, as they all know better than to ride on carelessly, and you retrieve your rifle. Better safe than sorry. Mulligan seems distracted for a moment, when a strained groan sounds from a large rock near the horse. "There's someone there," Burke alerts you at a movement, readying his gun, and Mulligan snaps his head around in urgency. "That's Matt's... fault," he says. "He says he spooked the horses of the kidnappers when they came through here. Overdid it a bit with the Clydesdale and she threw her rider off. Matt says the guy hit his head on one of the rocks and didn't get back up." Mulligan gulps at that, and you get the sense he's feeling more worried for the kidnapper than he's feeling relieved at having to deal with one opponent less. "The other's rode on," he continues. "But seems they nearly shot another guy who was insisting on checking if the other guy mighta been still alive." "Guy sure seems to be alive still," Burke notes. You feel as if a jolt of electricity went through your body and all your senses are on edge. On determined instinct you hop off your horse. "What now?" O'Brian asks, and before Mulligan can answer, you are marching over to the rock, rifle at the ready nevertheless. You step around the rock — boulder is the better word, really — to find a very tall and burly-built young man, maybe in his early twenties, laying there, the rock behind him smeared with blood from a wound on his head. You mutter various curses and wave the group over, calling for Mulligan to bring you your bag. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Which he does|interludemeadows10]]</div>

You nod him a quick 'Thank you' and see about checking the stranger's vitals, when the tall man's eyes flutter open. He's dizzy and disoriented, but he's alive. "Didn't know angels can be Chinese," he mutters, and you quirk an unimpressed brow. "I'm no angel, nor a demon, mainly on account that you are not dead," you retort and crouch down before the man to patch him up properly. "My Holly got spooked, ma'am," the man continues. "She never does that. She's a good horse." Then he blinks. "Is it because we took that $Name? I said to Amos we shouldn't. But Amos said we need the money." "What's yer name?" Mulligan asks, stepping closer. "Earl, sir," the man answers. "Earl Oakley." "Like Annie Oakley?" Mulligan ventures. "I wish, sir. She's a fine woman, that Miss Oakley. Even if her name wasn't Oakley all the time. She's still a fine lass." Then the man looks closer at Mulligan. "Oh. Yer the other one Mr. Favor told us to take if we mess up takin' $title $Name." Lovely. Just lovely what Mulligan and his partner are getting themselves into. Earl tries to sit up, but you push him back down. "Hold still," you order. "You got quite a nasty wound on your head, and I need to see to that." "From the rock, ma'am, when Holly threw me off," Earl says. You sigh. He ought to know that you can see that, but you are under the impression that Earl might not be as developed mentally as he is physically. There is a certain innocence to him, which makes the idea of what he has done, more precisely has been paid to do, even more upsetting. In any case you ought to help him with his injuries, and you have to do it proper. Then Giles speaks up. "Do we really have time for this?" You turn around and glare, but a pang of guilt hits you. <<if $doublemeadows>>Fleabite<<else>>$Name<</if>> is in danger, and time is of essence. You know that, but... "I can't just leave him laying here," you defend yourself. "Gotta give it to the Pink here," Burke speaks up. "If we wanna save $Name we oughta hurry." At this Earl does pull himself up into a more upright position. "$title $Name will be fine, Mr. Favor said," he says. "Can't make a bargain with a broken chip, he said." This doesn't sound all too reassuring... Especially not with how guilty Earl looks at the last part. You wonder if you might be wrong about Mulligan... <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludemeadows11]]</div>

"This 'Mr. Favor'," Mulligan suddenly speaks up, sounding intrigued. "What exactly does he want $title $Name for?" "The sheriff's got his sister because o' $title $Name an' you, an' Mr. Favor told us to go an' get ya //or// $title $Name, he said that very clearly. Get only one, not both. An' he said that will make the other get him his sister back. Amos said we could just go an' break her outta that cell, no big deal. Amos always says things are no big deal when they are, and Mr. Favor wouldn't hear any of it. Told us to do as he says. And to listen to this Wilkie. I like this Wilkie none, sir. Not even a bit." "Guess we were spot on with our guess," O'Brian mutters, and kicks at the ground as you finish patching Earl up. You rise back to your feet, nodding Burke and O'Brian to help Earl back to his feet. "Earl, where did they bring $title $Name to?" you ask. Earl points (to the Honeysett Farmstead, no less), guilt and thankfulness written equally on his face. "That way, ma'am. In the woods. It's a farmstead, ma'am, with a big barn. Wilkie wanted to do away with the farmers, but I just knocked them out. Can you make sure they are alright?" Then he shuffles a little uncertain, sitting down again. "An'... an' can ya make sure Amos is alright as well? Amos isn't bad, ma'am. Not much at least. He tries, but he's no good at bein' bad. That's what he always tells me I am, but he is just the same." You nod, and so does Mulligan, before you turn to O'Brian and Burke. "You two are the best riders. You get this man back to..." before you can finish Earl grabs your wrist, startling you. His grip is surprisingly gentle. Not weak from the potential blood loss, but genuinely gentle, even though his hand covering almost your entire lower arm. "No, ma'am. Ya go an' get $title $Name. I'll wait here. An'... can you tell $them I'm sorry? $title $Name seemed nice, and Mr. Favor is nothin' but a bad man." You looks at Earl for a moment, and quickly check him over again. He seems fine enough to be able to wait here till you return. So you nod and head back to your horse, mounting up. With a bit of hesitation Mulligan follows, as do the others, and you ride off. <hr><div class="choice">[[~A ride through the woods later.|interludemeadows12]]</div>

A winding and well-used path leads through the woods, and fresh tracks reveal that there has been recent use. The farmhouse at the path's end lies in the middle of a shallow valley, the trees along the edge of the little hollow provide plenty of cover. You leave the horses nearby, just out of view from the farm, and edge closer to the ledge, surveying the area below. There's a large barn, a paddock and a small orchard ready to be harvested to the left, and the farmhouse to the right. And a lot of open space between it. All of it occupied by grim looking men with more muscles than anyone should have, and as many morals as braincells. "I'm countin' five... no six outside," O'Brian hushes, lowering his spyglass. "An' at least two in the farmhouse." "So prob'ly more," Burke adds, "An' then some in the barn. At least them being in the farmhouse means the farmers are still alive. No need stationin' anyone there if that weren't the case." You and the rest of the group nod. "That makes at least eleven," Mulligan notes sourly and suddenly stiffens as if something startled him. You watch the blood drain from his face, and his eye grow quite glassy, before he suddenly slumps back, shivering, eye wide with fear. "No..." he manages in a choked whisper, slumping back, holding a hand to his mouth. "Please, God, no..." You straighten your back, having a grim idea of what might have caused this sudden reaction. "What's wrong?" Burke nudges Mulligan, as your group stares at the older man in worry. "It's $nick...$They", he stammers, trying desperately to calm himself. "Matt checked what's goin' on and... these guys beat $nick up pretty thoroughly. $They<<if $plur>>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> alive, but... we gotta hurry." There's tears dwelling up in the corner of Mulligan's eye as he looks at the group pleadingly. Somehow you had expected for things to get worse. "So we better make haste," you say, and turns back to the farm. With at least eleven opponents your chances are devastatingly low, if not outright zero. Then again, you and Giles are excellent shots, and with the right tactic you might be able to take out enough opponents to stand a chance in melee combat. Still it's nigh impossible to successfully save those you intend to save... <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludemeadows13]]</div>

"Thinking about the best approach, aren't you?" Giles suddenly asks, brow furrowed darkly. "Of course. Aren't you?" you retort, and Giles snorts a humorless laugh. "Not much to strategize here, is there?" he grunts. "We're outnumbered on either end of the farm, with the major part of our opponents right between the barn and the farmhouse. If we try to pick them off in either location their companions will rush in from the others and make short notice of us and their hostages." "$Name and the farmers," you note matter-of-factly. Giles nods. "Exactly. You know," he wonders. "It's strange. Nearly a dozen men, maybe more, for so few people? Sounds excessive." "What do you think?" you inquire, even though the same thought has occurred to you. Something is wrong here. "I can't tell," Giles answers, looking over the area again. "But this is the kind of manpower you bring if there's something else to pro-... Bloody Hell! You got to be kidding me!" He lowers his binoculars and blinks, and you need a moment to spot who he is looking at. It's a man leaving the farmhouse with two men in tow right now. Small, stocky, well-dressed, sporting a sculpted mustache. "What?" Mulligan asks, and Giles points towards the man. "You know who that is?" he asks, a bit to casually for your taste, giving away that he's trying to not let his thoughts show. "He looks familiar, but I dunno," Mulligan answers Giles's question, and Giles's gaze darkens. "Jean-Baptiste Favreau," he says, grimly. "Guess that's the ominous 'Mr. Favor'. If you ever researched the finances of anyone rich in this nation, you very likely stumbled upon the name." He pauses, waiting if any of you know the guy. While you do know the name, you decide to keep quiet and let Giles continue. "I'll tell you the details once $Name is safe and sound," he says, "but for now... He's quite bad news. The kind of man you don't want to cross, disappoint or insult. By having his family face consequence for, let's say, an attempted kidnapping. For example." "He's also leavin'," Burke interrupts, drawing everyone's attention back to the farm. Favreau is indeed climbing into a waiting coach, while a total of four men mount up, two of them on the coach, two on horses, all heavily armed. Favreau barks some orders you can't really make out, but there's a weight lifting off your heart as the group rides off into the opposite direction of where you are, leaving you with a more reasonable number of opponents to handle. "In the hope I won't jinx it, but damn, that's lucky for us," Burke mutters, and you inwardly agree. "Still got more than enough on our hands," Mulligan says, and you notice the faint, curt nod he's giving someone. "Give Matt a moment to check what we're up against now." It takes all your strength to not roll your eyes at that. <hr><div class="choice">[[~So you wait.|interludemeadows14]]</div>

A moment later you spot another such small nod from Mulligan, before he tells the group that there's half a dozen hired guns in the barn, and three in the house. Then he pauses. A mixture of bafflement, worry, and a trace off anger ghost over his face before he frowns. "Got another problem, it seems," he tells you. "They beat up this Amos pretty good. Matt says he needs help better sooner than later. An' the farmers are close to doin' something stupid." Oh, of course they are. You would have been surprised if things would have really gotten a little easier to handle for you. "Bugger," Burke mutters. "So, what now?" "We have to split up," Giles suggests. "Even with the numbers more even, it won't do if we clear one side of the farm, only to have the buggers on the other catch on. Especially if the farmers are about to try something." Burke nods, but then furrows his brows. "How long ya think we got?" he asks, looking at Giles, who blinks surprised. "You mean until the farmers do some-..." His face darkens. "You mean until Favreau will return, right?" Burke nods again. "There's no way in Hell that guy ain't headin' to town to force Mulligan here to free his sister. An' when he finds Mulligan gone..." "He'll come back here an' all Hell will break loose," Mulligan finishes the thought, shuddering. He knits his brows, face strained as if he's listening to something with great attention, before he sighs softly and relieved. "Matt says some other ghosts are keepin' an eye on Favreau. They'll make sure he won't come back here any time soon." You groan, quite annoyed. You're still not warmed up to the whole spirits thing... "Hey!" O'Brian suddenly calls out, nodding towards the farmhouse. One of the hired guns is making his way over to the barn, looking indisputably upset. "Seven in the barn then, two in the house," Mulligan mutters. "Is that better or worse?" "It doesn't make much of a difference," you answer, casually checking your rifle. "I suggest two of us head to the house and take out the two men there. The others get into position in the barn and await the others attacking from the other side." "Best choice we have," Giles agrees. "Only choice we got, innit?" Burke grunts, checking his weapons as well. "So, how we gonna do that?" "Giles is an excellent sharpshooter," you declare, and Giles blinks astonished. You guess he's not used to honest assessments of his abilities to come to a positive conclusion "One of us has to head to the farmhouse, the other heads to the barn." "Tommy should take the barn," O'Brian speaks up. "He's the better shot an' fighter outta the two o' us, makes more sense to have him where more people are." Burke nods curtly. And then everyone looks at you expectantly. Apparently the little posse that has been forming has, at least for now, decided to declare you their leader. Brilliant. Wise choice, but you still cannot find it in yourself to appreciated it. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludemeadows15]]</div>

At least it gives you an undeniable opportunity to sort this out for good. "I shall head to the farmhouse with Mulligan," you announce, maybe a little too quickly. Well, if Mulligan is as good at reading people as he claims to be, he ought to take this opportunity to come clean. If not, then it is all his own fault. Mulligan does nod in agreement, but you don't miss the bit of hesitation. So he made his choice, and it's a bad one. "Hold up!" O'Brian suddenly yowls in discontent. "That's leavin' Tommy and me with the Pinkerton." he complains. "I assure you, O'Brian, the feeling is mutual," Giles retorts, rolling his eyes for the briefest of moments. "O'Brian," Mulligan calls out, pinching the bridge of his nose, "it's not as if Lynwood's gonna drag ya off to Redhurst while we're dealin' with the guys in the house." "You don't know that!" Burke protests, sounding scandalized. "I do believe he knows that fairly well. I'm not an idiot." Giles frowns, checking his weapon. "$Name and the farmers are the priority now, and we have already wasted enough time." "We still ought to proceed with care," you speak up, checking your own weapons. Granted, you are not certain how much good a rifle and a six-shooter will do you in the small farmhouse. Or if sending Giles off with Burke and O'Brian is such a bright idea after all. But you have things to take care of. "Don't be rash, unless you have no other choice." The others nod, and you motion Mulligan to follow you to the house. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludemeadows16]]</div>

"I am not too certain our guns will be of much use to us," you muse as you and Mulligan hide at a gnarled old tree on the edge of the dense tree line at the back of the house. The house is a fairly small, two-story building that has certainly seen better times. It's not decrepit and al in all the farm seems to be doing decently. Aside from the current situation. "I wasn't plannin' on goin' in guns blazin'," Mulligan mutters. Well, why would he? "I didn't take you for that great a fool." There's a pause, before he suddenly cries out. "Oh, that's great!" "What is?" You are, admittedly, rather flabbergasted at this outburst. "Matt just told me the farmer overwhelmed the mercenaries. And that one of'em switched sides." What on... You grimace in disgust. Is he really still going on with this? He's supposedly so good at reading people. You decide to stay silent however. "We still oughta be careful," Mulligan notes, gaze fixed on the barn. Taking a deep breath, he rises to his feet slowly and waves you to follow. As if. Enough is enough. You raise your rifle, cocking it. Mulligan freezes and turns around slowly. Judging by his expression he is surprised, naturally... and disappointed? You had expected a few reactions, but plain disappointment that his plan failed was rather low on the list. Then again, you are aiming a rifle at his chest, and he //is// smart enough to not do anything stupid. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludemeadows17]]</div>

"Do us a favor, however," you keen. "Which would be?" Mulligan responds, slowly, raising his hands. "Cut out this nonsense about your //dead brother// telling you <<if $doublemeadows>>your lovely little partner<<else>>$Name<</if>>'s been kidnapped, that there's over a //dozen// mercenaries here, that the farmer overwhelmed his attackers and all that. Are you really expecting me, against all better knowledge, common sense and prior evidence, to believe you?" Mulligan gives an irritated grunt in response. "What?" you hiss, voice sour. "You know I don't believe you or anyone can commune with the dead. I have held back about it before when the others were present, for the sake of peace. It's a shame the others indulge in such ludicrous notions. But let them. I won't. I just don't understand why, by the looks of it, //that// tale was your go-to one instead of something... believable and realistic." "It's not a lie!" Mulligan protests. For crying out loud, who does he think he's fooling. "What else would it be?" "The truth?" Mulligan howls, genuinely baffled and a little aggravated. "You //really// expect me to believe that ghosts are real?" Why is he so insistent on that? "They are. Why are ya so bloody averse against the idea? $nick's in danger and you..." Ghost aren't real. Ghosts cannot be real. They //musn't// be real... If they were... You blink away the notion and draw a sharp breath, adjusting your rifle. "I am a woman of science, Mr. Mulligan. I have no time for this kind of nonsense." "Then, pray tell, how I would have known that $nick has been kidnapped," Mulligan snaps. By the looks of it he's getting angry. But there is a genuineness to it you didn't expect. "You... you are genuinely thinkin' I'm workin' //with// those bastards?" Mulligan's speechless. "All things considered, there's no other explanation, now is there?" you answer. "Know what, I //do// believe there's no kidnapping, and you just want to get me off your back. I believe I already told you so. Why you still latched onto this grotesque plan, I don't know." "Are you fuckin' kiddin' me?" Mulligan roars, throwing his hands up. "How is //that// explanation more realistic and likely than Matt..." You don't really register what happens then. All you know is that there's the slightest shift in Mulligan's expression, and then he has tackled you to the ground. <hr><div class="choice">[[...?!|interludemeadows18]]</div>

You barely register what happens, but just as your instinct kick in to defend yourself a shot rings out, the wood of the tree bursting into a myriad of splinters, just where you and Mulligan had just been standing. Breath catches in your chest as you stare at Mulligan, then you realize he just bloody well saved your //life//. A very stubborn voice in the back of your head is shouting at you that if he'd want to get rid of you he'd had just stepped away while you get shot. Maybe... just maybe... you were wrong about him. Doesn't explain the ghost nonsense... Unless... No, no, no, don't think about it. Instead you just stares at Mulligan in shock and with a hint of gratefulness, while Mulligan rapidly shakes his head as if he's trying to shake off a dizzy spell. You scramble to a sitting position, grateful your own rifle hasn't gone off in a whirl of action, and look around for whoever just shot at you. You spot the man with the shotgun at the door. Surprisingly, he's alone. He's dressed in sturdy boots and overalls, and his right hand is haphazardly wrapped with what looks to be a kitchen towel. He doesn't look like a hired gun to you, so... This has to be Mr. Honeysett, the farmer. "Mr. Honeysett?" Mulligan asks, keeping his hands where the man can see them. The man casts him a cautious, scrutinizing look over the sights of his firearm, and his eyes flick to you. "Ya ain't with this Favreau," he calls. "We ain't," Mulligan answers, quickly introducing the two of you. "This Favreau kidnapped a friend o' ours." The farmer nods and lowers his shotgun. "Come inside. Ain't no use for them men in the barn hearin' ya." Slowly and warily Mulligan lowers his hands and gets to his feet. "They ought to have heard the shot," you worry, uncocking your rifle. The farmer grimaces. "They'll likely figured their colleagues made short work o' us..." <hr><div class="choice">[[~Oh dear...|interludemeadows19]]</div>

A chill runs through your body at this, but you are all the more relieved when you step into the farmhouse's kitchen to find what ought to be the lady of the house and a little girl of maybe four or five sitting at the table, looking as well as the circumstances allow it. They are unharmed, but clearly shaken. And then there's the other two men, Favreau's mercenaries. The smaller one is laying slumped, unconscious and tied up against the wall. His colleague at the table, however, is one looking oddly <<if ($fname + $name).toUpperCase() is "ARTHURMORGAN">>familiar. And not just because he looks strikingly like <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>><<else>>familiar<</if>>. You search your memory and bite back an aggravated sigh. Isaac Delgado. A while back Giles had actually written to you asking about medical advise on how best to nurse someone back from the effects of opium and morphine. You had actually paid the household a quick visit, and, granted, Mr. Delgado had been in a much, much worse state. He is looking much better now —guess they actually heeded your advice— aside from currently nursing his eye and a couple of cuts and bruises. Nevertheless he shouldn't be here, and most certainly not working as a mercenary. That moment Delgado looks up, oddly surprised. "Who's that now?" he wonders, his voice a moody rumble with a hint of resignation. Then the eye not hidden under a wet cloth widens a little as he sees. "I'll be damned. I know you." "And I know you," you mutter, unamused. "Isaac Delgado, if I recall correctly. I believe you ought to be recovering from... your escapades at the East Coast." Delgado coughs awkwardly, looking away. "I can explain..." "Not now," you waves him off. "We have more pressing matters to attend to." You wrinkle your nose, looking around the room again to figure out who needs medical attention the most. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Good gracious...|interludemeadows20]]</div>

Well, Delgado has already been taken care off, but you'll have to have a look at the injuries later. The mercenary is out cold, and judging by Delgado's injuries and a similar bruise on the other man's cheek you reckon Delgado knocked him out. You'll leave him to the doctor in New Hamelin. The woman and the little girl are unharmed, which leaves the farmer, whose hand is merely wrapped up in a towel. You catch his eye and give him a firm nod. He understands and sits down, letting you have a look. Nothing's broken, but two fingers and the wrist are sprained, and there's a few cuts that need proper cleaning. You look back at Mrs. Honeysett, asking for supplies and she gets up to mildly unsteady feet, retrieving what you need. "Could ya fill us in on what happened?" Mulligan addresses the farmer while you do your work. "We expected ya bein' held hostage, an' ya said the others might think yer dead after the shot, all while yer sittin' here with one guy knocked-out an' the other looking like ya invited him over for tea... The black eye not withstandin'." The farmer smiles sourly. "They had orders to do us in. Till Mr. Delgado here found out 'bout Ida." He nods towards the little girl. "Already had my doubts 'bout this whole thing..." Isaac mutters, shifting the cloth to his neck. "And then a kid came into the picture, I had to draw a line, y'know? I..." He doesn't get further as the distant sound of several shots rings out, drawing everyone's attention. For goodness' sake, that came from the barn. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludemeadows21]]</div>

"What the Hell," Delgado goes, getting to his feet before his gaze turns to Mulligan. "Well, of course your bunch split up, didn't you?" "Naturally, we did," you confirm, checking your rifle. "And just as naturally these idiots have gotten themselves into trouble." You huff, determined, and head out. Mulligan follows you, thankfully immediately. Surprisingly, so are Delgado and the farmer. "Ya should really stay with yer wife an' daughter," Mulligan tells the latter. You ought to agree. "I can't. These men wanted to kill us for God knows what reason. If not for Mr. Delgado here," the farmer gestures at the man in question, but you cut him off. "That story will have to wait," you say, but give Delgado a curt nod. "Good for you coming around." "Thanks, ma'am." He frowns, however, "I don't think we got much of a chance. Unless ya brought a small army with ya..." "Only an old friend o' yours an' some rascals," Mulligan answers, but stops mid-sentence, baffled. You turn to look at what he's spotted and see something approaching through the woods. Riders. "Oh for..." Mulligan begins, muttering curses, his hand on his weapon. But stance relaxes the moment he realizes just who is approaching. It's Benjamin and his men, with Finley and Earl in tow, alongside two men you don't know. "Well... does this work out as an army?" Mulligan deadpans. You can't help it, you do feel the slightest sense of respect for the dryness. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludemeadows22]]</div>

The group stops just before you, and before anyone can get a word in Benjamin nods at Mr. Honeysett. "Alonzo, you alright?" he calls out. The farmer nods. "We are, just shaken. But them bastards are still in the barn." More shots ring out, and the sheriff shouts some orders before turning to you and Mulligan. "What happened? The boy said someone kidnapped $title $Name." "Long story, Benjamin," you answer. "I'd say we get these idiots' bacon out of the fire, then we explain." The sheriff nods, stoically. "How many men are the-..." he begins, but is cut off by an explosion from the barn. <hr><div class="choice">[[Oh for...!|interludemeadows23]]</div>

Flames lick from the gaps between the wood, and for a moment everyone just stares in disbelief. The sheriff is the first to wake from the spell, and he barks orders at his men to put the fire out. "We gotta get the others out of there," Mulligan addresses you, his voice strained and likely close to panic. "And the animals," Earl adds in a tone that leaves no room to object, and heads straight to the barn door. Mulligan shakes himself and follows, while you turn to get what you need to help the wounded. And you hope there are wounded left and not... You look back at the barn as you hurry to get your bag from your horse. You feel like the fire is much larger than it has any right to be. Giving Yun a calming rub you hurry back to the barn, just in time to see Mulligan, Burke and O'Brian carry <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$Name<</if>> out. $They <<if $plur>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> look too good, but much better than you'd have expected. $They'<<if $plur>>re<<else>>s<</if>> not conscious, though, but that's no surprise. You move to have a look at $them, while Mulligan collapses exhausted a few meters away (a quick glance tells you he's alright, just drained and needs to catch a breath). O'Brian hurried to help the sheriff and his men, and Burke is standing next to Mulligan, watching the fire. You turn back to <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>, and something strikes you as off. There's a few bruises and patches of dried blood, but a quick check reveals no bigger wounds. Now granted, Favreau wanted to use $them as a bargaining chip, but still, something feels weird. You remember how guilty Earl had sounded. Had they injured <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>> when they kidnapped $them? You'd have to ask Earl... If you can, that is. Snapping your head around to the barn, you look for any sights of him and the others... And what you see has you doubt your senses. The barn door is wide open now, as one side has fallen off its hinges, and there's Giles, Earl and <<if $name.toLowerCase() is "delgado">>the other Delgado<<else>>Delgado<</if>>, almost comically casually coming out of the burning building. Giles is carrying a saddlebag full of kittens, the cat in his arm, Delgado is leading the horses and cows, Amos and two unconscious guys slung over the horses' backs, and Earl's carrying the goat under one arm, the filly on his other shoulder and the goat's kid trotting behind him. "Huh. Guess he //did// go back for the cat," you hear Burke comment with practiced dryness. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Today is going to be a long long day|interludemeadows24]]</div>

Everything naturally takes a moment to calm remotely down. Earl has brought the animals to a paddock and tied the two still alive mercenaries to the fence, while you had a look at Amos. He's really in a bad shape. He'll survive, but he definitely needs your help quickly. "Ma'am?" Earl shuffles up to you, awkwardly, looking worried. "Will Amos be alright?" You nod, dusting off your clothes. "Yes, but we ought to get him inside so I can see to his wounds." Earl winces, making a very strange face. "Amos won't like that. He... he don't like people lookin' at him." He shuffles again, and you sigh. "Earl, your brother has a nasty wound on his head and judging by his clothes he's been stabbed. If I don't see to him..." you leave the rest hanging. Earl winces again, and nods. "Ya promise not to tell anyone?" You blink. What sort of request is that. "I'm a doctor. I'm supposed to keep these things to myself." Now Earl ponders this, nodding gratefully. "Thank you, ma'am. And, ma'am?" "Yes?" "Will $title $Name be alright, too? I-I think I broke a few ribs, at least two or three, an' Wilkie broke $their wrist. An' I dunno what else happened after Holly threw me off." He looks terribly guilty, but you are simply baffled, looking at <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>. Sure, you couldn't examine $them proper yet, but by all means, there's certainly nothing broken, certainly no ribs or wrists. Yet you doubt Earl misjudged what happened. A stray thought crosses your mind. It can't be that... You shake off the thought. "$They'll be fine," you reassure Earl. "Help me get $them and Amos into the house." You call for O'Brian to help, and head back to the house just as the barn behind you collapses unceremoniously. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludemeadows25]]</div>

Mrs. Honeysett is thankfully a smart woman, showing you to the guestroom almost immediately. "O'Brian, you go and get a wagon ready," you command, and turn to Amos, when Earl clears his throat. "Will Amos be alright?" "Hard to tell." You look the young man on the bed over, examining the wound on his head. Good. While it's bleeding profoundly, it's simply a cut in combination with a concussion, and no danger of lasting damage or lethal swelling. Proper stitches and some rest will do. You tell Earl as much. He nods along, just as Amos wakes up, grumbling drowsily. And, naturally, sitting up far too fast immediately. You're certain he's about to throw up, but he manages to keep everything in. He's coughing heavily, though, holding his chest. Then he looks at you blearily. "The fuck are you?" "I'm your doctor, young man," you response, curtly, and Amos looks at Earl. "Who the fuck is that?" "She's yer doctor, Amos," Earl answers. Amos pauses and frowns, holding his head. "I'm fine," he mutters. "You're not, you need stitches," you state. "Earl, go see if Mrs. Honeysett has the hot water ready." "Yes, ma'am." Earl shuffles off, and you glare at Amos. "Mr. Oakley, I advise you to cooperate. You have a heavily bleeding cut on your forehead, and you lost consciousness. Not too mention there's out to be damage to your thorax, judging by the state of your clothes" Amos stares back, almost, just almost making you blink first on account on how absurd he looks trying. "That gonna hurt?" "I am putting a needle and thread through your skin. Judging by how badly that scar on your cheek has healed I assume this is the first time you get proper stitches?" Amos squirms a bit and run the back of his hand over the scar. "Right, young man, lay back, and then tell me what happened." With a grunt Amos does as told, very begrudgingly, and you see about his head. "Ain't much to tell. Got into a fight with that fucker Wilkie over Earl, an' Wilkie... the wanker's cuckoo. Grabs a fuckin' ax and comes at me." "An ax?" "Yeah, when my back was turned. Got me in the back, but got the angle wrong or somethin'. An' when I turn around to face him he swings at me again and gets me in the head. I was fine, but, yeah, I blacked out." You blink, a little baffled. He sounds more annoyed that he could beat up this 'Wilkie', than worried about that man very clearly trying to kill him." <hr><div class="choice">[[~Good gracious.|interludemeadows26]]</div>

While Finley and Miss Florence — both already awake to your surprise — watch you quite baffled, you fill Mrs. Meadows in on what happened. "I just woke up to find $nick gone, an'... " you pause, taking a calming breath, and looking at the Doc, pleadingly. "We gotta do somethin'. For all I know $their kidnappers took $them to a farm 'bout an hour north of town." Finley looks the most alarmed. "Is $title $Name alright?" he asks, causing you to squirm a little. //'$They <<if $plur>>were<<else>>was<</if>> when I headed back here,'// Matt tells you. "For... all I know, yes," you answer the question, your voice shaking. And Mrs. Meadows frowns, deeply and darkly. At a glimpse you can tell she's pondering just //why// someone would kidnap $nick. "You certainly made yourself a lot of enemies," she says, her nose wrinkling ever so slightly in dismay, but there's a twitch of her brow that indicates a stray thought that threw a much more positive light on you. You narrow your eye at her, searching her face. "I'd be surprised if that would not have been the case," you respond, your shoulders slumping a little. After all, it's true. In all the time you've been riding with $nick you may have seen some weird and marvelous things, gotten out of quite a number of unbelievable and peculiar situations, and messed with a broad array of odd and strange characters. That's bound to piss some fellers off. "I hope yer willing to help us with this?", you continue, a little meekly. "That depends on how you know what happened." "Huh?" Oh. Oh for crying out loud. Is she serious? By what you can fathom she apparently decided that you are in cahoots with the kidnappers. She wrinkles her nose in open dismay now, and you glare back. Gracious, you came to her for help, she's expecting the worst it'd seem: Probably that you are trying to lure her out of town, dispose of her and then make a run for it. As if you'd ever. Well, alright, you would make a run for it, under very different circumstances, but you see no reason to harm her, so why would you? "What? Do you think this is a ruse to get ya off our backs?" you ask, bluntly, and rather annoyed. "Indeed," she responds coldly. You grimace, drawing a deep, sharp breath. You knew it, and you hate every second of it. You need to calm down, urgently. This won't do you good if you're not getting your mind remotely clear, and it will do $nick even worse. Alright. From the start again. "Matt told me," you cry out, exasperated, holding Mrs. Meadows's gaze. A twitch of the eyes and a slightly, sharp intake of breath. Yes, she's not pleased with this information and she's not believing it, as you expected. "Look, I know ya don't believe I can speak to the dead, but..." Mrs. Meadows straightens her posture more than you'd think possible (what you can tell is that she didn't even do it intentionally), somehow managing to make you feel as if she's glowering down at you despite being about a foot smaller than you. "Correct. I don't," she says. "But you //are// shaken to your core, and; despite all I have heard about your capabilities as an actor, I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you are not up to anything stupid. Because, must I remind you just who'd be on your tail if this goes sideways?" You frown and sigh. A part of you is furious that she'd believe you are out for betrayal, as if you wouldn't know Blayne would be on your tail. And all just because being able to talk to ghosts isn't part of her understanding of the world. For crying out loud. But at least she is willing to... help? Play along? Well, you better be careful. "So... yer goin' to help, right?" you ask, trying not to have your voice waver too much. "Naturally," she answers. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludecharlie3]]</div>

//'Charlie?'// //'Mnn?'// //'I've just checked the farmstead. There were about a dozen men there when I left, and I have a feeling there might be more to arrive,'// Matt tells you, //'But... Those men... It's odd... I don't think they are with those that actually kidnapped $fname.'// //'What do ya mean?'// //'The men that did the kidnappin'... They were yer petty crooks, ruthless but without much of a plan or wits. Well, the youngest one seems to have something going on in his brain, but he ain't inclined to make much use of that. And then there's this other guy... Wiry, flaxen-haired feller named Wilkie, if I heard it right. Creeps me out like nothing else.'// That's not good. Matt never was someone easily shaken, and that hasn't change in death. //'But those men at the farm...'// Matt shudders. //'They're yer typical hired muscle, just the kind rich bastards like most.'// "Fuck..." you mutter, earning surprised and confused glances from the people around you. Hastily you fill them in on what Matt just told you. Mrs. Meadows searches your face, but nods soberly and heads out of the room. Knowing her she's out to wake O'Brian and Burke. Matt vanishes for a moment, confirming the notion as he returns shortly after. "This is terrible," Miss Florence says, and you look at her. "I'm so sorry to hear this." "Thank you, miss. And it's my fault," you say, your mind still racing. "Oh, don't say that," Miss Florence goes. "I mean, you didn't hire those goons, did you?" "I..." you begin and blink, a sad smile tugging on your lips. "I'm just worried." "And I think you can see this through." With a heavy, gloomy sigh you shake your head. You really don't know. You have been in similar situations, but <<if $romance_charlie>>things have changed now, throwing a very different light on things<<else>>with everything that happened lately<</if>>. You rub your brow, shaking your head again. "Oh, please don't despair," Miss Florence says, smiling at you concerned and full of hope and honesty. "I'm certain you can see this through. Going by all I have by now seen and heard of you." This causes you to pause. "Thank you," you say, pressing your eye shut and forcing yourself to calm down. You are grateful for Mrs. Meadows returning that moment, Burke and O'Brian in tow. It's quite curious to see the two young men like they appear right now. Given their usual demeanor one might expect them to take a while to get ready when roused from their sleep, but here they stand, wide awake, and with an air of grim determination about them. It would seem <<if $almostend_hamelin or $nearend_hamelin>>that no matter how rough a start they and $nick had with each other, the<<else>>the<</if>> two have taken quite a liking to $nick. "Can't catch a break, can we?" O'Brian mutters, and you spot some unmistakable concern on his face, even though at first glance his tone might sound annoyed. "Yer really great at pissin' people off that they went an' kidnapped $Name," Burke adds, "Wouldn't wanna be in the shoes of either of ya." "Too kind, really," you grouse, but then again you know that Burke doesn't mean it in any condescending or insulting way. He just has the tact of a broken metronome. And, as Mrs. Meadows before, he's not wrong. Maybe $nick has a better point about starting a new life than you are willing to admit. "So, what now?" Burke then asks, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, itching to do something. "There aren't many options other than setting out to save $title $Name ourselves," Mrs. Meadows answers. "Getting the local law involved would be favorable, but I assume that whoever kidnapped $them might possibly kill $them at any sight of the sheriff or similar." The others nod, and you try to fight off the bad feeling still weighing you down, when Matt nudges your shoulder. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludecharlie4]]</div>

//'Charlie?'// //'Yes?'// //'Just remembered something. These men talked about usin' $fname as a bargaining chip.'// //'Bargaining chip? What for?'// Matt shrugs. //'No idea...'// he paused, scratching his head. //'Somethin' 'bout exchangin' $fname for their boss' sister? Can't make heads or tails of it.'// //'Ya did what ya can to help. Thank you.'// Your mind is racing. For what would anyone consider $nick as a bargaining chip? Who's sister? Is this about Miss Florence? This makes no sense. "It would seem these men kidnapped $nick to exchange $them for their boss' sister," you inform the others, rubbing your chin in thought. "That's what Matt says, at least." "I am still reluctant to rely on a supposed ghost's information, but right now it's all we got," Mrs. Meadows responds, putting her best face forward, but she's very obviously displeased. "Oh, I think we can trust this," O'Brian counters, earning a quite hearty hum of agreement from Miss Florence. Which in turn earns her a surprised look from the young man. Meanwhile you are still trying to put the pieces together. So, there //is// the possibility that all of this is all but a brutal misunderstanding by Miss Florence's family. That they think you are holding Miss Florence hostage or something, and are now trying to exchange her for $nick. For all Miss Florence has told you about her family, they might be quite protective of her, especially since Robert's death. Though you did not get the impression that they'd go this far. At all. But you know not to rule things out unless you have facts to justify it. "Miss Florence, if I may," you begin. "Permit me the question, I don't mean to insult ya, but... do ya have a brother who could and would do such a thing?" Miss Florence blinks, sitting up in bed. "No," she says, searching your face. "I mean, I have a brother, but he's in Lyon at the moment. Lyon in France, that is. I think there's some Lyons here in America, but, no, he's in France." Good, that's rules out. Not that it felt as if there was much a basis to rule it in to begin with. Shaking your head you lean against the wall. "Hey," Burke suddenly speaks up."What about that bitch that tried to kidnap Miss Florence here?" Oh, of course! You hate how rattled you must be to have overlooked this. "Mrs. Robiquet?" Miss Florence asks equally surprised and innocently. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludecharlie5]]</div>

"Ya know her?" Burke bursts out, and you share that surprised. Everyone in the room does, by all means. "She... she's been a nurse at Merryborne," Miss Florence says. "I mean, I know her, didn't really talk to her, but that's why I was quite... freaked out when she showed up at the sheriff's office." The rest of you exchange knowing glances. "This Mrs. Rob....?" you begin. "Robiquet," Miss Florence answers. "This Mrs. Robiquet... What //do// ya know 'bout her?" you ask, and raise a gentle hand. "I hope I'm not ripping open old wounds." Miss Florence ponders, and albeit she tries to not let it show, you spot the slight shiver shaking her thin frame, the nervous biting of her lower lip, before she draws a deep, calming breath, and leans back, recounting things. "Not much", she says. "She was a nurse at Merryborne, and... she often was around where I was held, but I only know her name from hearing it from the other staff members." Suddenly Miss Florence's face lights up with a realization. "Oh! But I'm certain she does have a brother. I remember her rambling about how he has more than enough money to pay for her train tickets if he wants her to visit him. And that he should just buy the train if he doesn't want to do that." With a small, knowing hiss you look first at Matt, then at the others. "Rich family then," you note. Miss Florence nods, and you run a hand through your hair, anger and disgust growing in your chest. "Hold up," O'Brian interrupts, pinching the bridge of his nose in desperate thought. "If these wankers kidnapped $Name to exchange $them for that Robiquet woman, how do they expect that to work?" He frowns as this is met with confused looks. "I mean, $Name is an outlaw, right? An' this Robiquet woman tried to kidnap Miss Florence //and// kill the sheriff an' his men. There's not really anythin' to exchange like that. So, how the Hell do they expect this plan to work?" "Ya know very well that with rich people like that their intelligence is inversely proportional to the amount o' money they got," Burke deadpans, looking a little proud at himself when he realizes he got that term correct. "Can't argue with that," you grunt. "What..." Finley pipes up, making you twitch briefly as you had completely forgotten that the boy is here as well. "What if they wanna blackmail Mr. Mulligan into breakin' this Robiquet woman out?" Well, there it is. You reckon the boy is spot on. Smart kid, and you mean it. "That would unfortunately make a lot of sense," you mutter, sunken in thought, but still giving the boy an approving glance. "I certainly wouldn't put it beyond people like that to try such a thing." "So, we're gonna go about this assuming that's the case?" O'Brian ventures, and you nod. "An' we better hurry," you say, pushing yourself off the wall, checking your gun and heading out into the corridor... <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludecharlie6]]</div>

...only to very nearly crash right into Agent Lynwood. "Mr. Mulligan," he greets, dryly, but with an air of surprise and maybe even relief. "I was just looking for you. Did not expect you to be up so early." Then he looks you over. "You look rather... exasperated." Lynwood cranes his neck to look at the rest of the posse, furrowing his brow. "I'm getting the impression something is quite amiss," he continues. <<nobr>>For a moment you consider lying to him to get him off your <<if $lyn >=35 or $worriedforlyn>> back, but not only has $nick taken a bit of a liking to him, he's also proved himself to be far from as vile and obnoxious as he could have been.<br><br> Considering things for a moment, you lower your voice.<br><br> "$nick has been kidnapped, Agent Lynwood," you say, and Lynwood stares at you in disbelief. <<else>> back, at the risk of causing a scene, when Mrs. Meadows speaks up.<br><br> "$title $Name has been abducted," she states, nonchalantly, and Lynwood stares, quite baffled.<</if>><</nobr>> "Come again?" he manages. "Kidnapped," Mrs. Meadows repeats the information. "We are on our way to rescue $them." By all means, you don't know what to make of her sharing that information like that. Lynwood, meanwhile, seems truly astonished. "Just the four of you?" he asks, and you search his face and voice for signs of mockery. But all you find is genuine concern, curiosity and an immense lack of sleep. Although he's hiding the latter quite well. There's also a faint smell of alcohol, both the drinkable kind and the cheap cologne one. "I reckon you should come with us," Mrs. Meadows then says, stepping past you. "You are a man of the law, Giles, as questionable as the methods of your agency may be." "Hold it," O'Brian interrupts. "Didn't //you// just point out gettin' the law involved will get $Name killed?" "The recognizable law, yes," Mrs. Meadows counters. "But Agent Lynwood's presence as a Pinkerton agent compared to a sheriff or marshal might be in our favor. He's far less recognizable as a man of the law." <hr><div class="choice">[[~From her mouth to God's ear.|interludecharlie7]]</div>

With a frown you roll your eye, just as the clicking and creaking of the doors along the corridor alarm you to the other guests on this floor getting angry or curious, if not both. //'Charlie!'// It's been a while since you've seen Matt out of breath, mostly on account of him being dead for over a decade. But right now he is, meaning he jumped between the hereafter and the threshold quite quickly. //'What?'// //'Just talked to our new friends,'// he says, catching his breath. //'Ya should take Lynwood along. Several of the hired muscles in the group are greybacks from his old unit.'// //'Yer kidding!'// Matt shakes his head. //'No such thing. But, good news, ya already sent two of'em to Hell back when they tried to kidnap Miss Florence. Still leaves two of'em alive.// A curt nod and you grab Lynwood by the arm, making your way to the stairs. Lynwood protests, but you just glare at him. "Listen, Agent," you begin as you head downstairs for his room. "For all we can tell these kidnappers are the kind o' hired muscle the rich and powerful of this fine nation love to hire when yer bloody agency is too mild-mannered for their taste and needs." Lynwood pulls himself free from your grasp just as you reach his room, staring at you in growing alarm. "How do you even know that?" he wonders, only to make a face that can only mean he realized, "Your ghosts, correct?" "My brother, in fact." Lynwood narrows his eyes at you. Not in a suspicious manner, but in way people do when they witness or think about something unpleasant and unsettling. "Matthew, wasn't it? Read the story." He falls silent in thought. "Listen," you snap. "If ya don't believe me, then say so. //Now//." Lynwood knits his brow in thought. You realize he's actually wondering if //you// shouldn't know very well whether or not he believes you or not. "It might surprise you," he then says, "but I do believe you. Wouldn't have sought your help if I wouldn't do so at least a little. So, these men... Your brother's certain about their nature?" "Not just that," you answer, just as the rest of your group reaches you. "Two of'em have been part of yer old unit, //Bellegarde//." Yes, it's unfair addressing him like that, given everything you've been informed about, but you figure that //this ways// he'll understand the gravity of the situation much better. The color drains entirely from Lynwood's face, before briefly coming back in a dark, angry red, only to fade again into a sickly pale hue as he first shakes his head, then nods curtly, pushing past you into his chambers. "What was that?" O'Brian hushes. "That's something the agent's ought to explain to you others himself if he feels it to be the right thing to do," you say, just as Lynwood emerges with his weapons in place. "Let's make haste then," he says, and you follow him out to get your horses. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludecharlie8]]</div>

It's odd, but for some reason—you reckon your brain is trying to distract itself from the Sword of Damocles hanging over your head— you particularly notice Lynwood's horse being a grey Missouri Foxtrotter mare with white sock and stocking markings on her hind legs. "Where's $title $Name being kept?" Lynwood asks as you near the edge of the city, and you realize you haven't told him yet. "The Honeysett farmstead a bit out of town," you answer. "Middle o' the woods." Lynwood opens his mouth to ask something, but decides against it. By the look on his face, and the way his gaze flicks back and forth between you and Mrs. Meadows, you figure he, rightfully, assumes that talking about ghosts would only lead to unnecessary quarreling. "Honeysett as in Isiah Honeysett?" Mrs. Meadows ventures. "The same" you confirm. "Take it your ghosts told you?" Lynwood interrupts. Just to make sure of his facts, by the sound of it. "Not just any," you say. "Told ya it's me brother Matthew." Lynwood turns to look at you and nods curtly. "Sorry for your loss, by the by. Couldn't tell you earlier." "That's kind of ya," you say with a curt nod, and you mean it. It's a bit unexpected hearing it from Lynwood, never the less. He's a Pinkerton after all, and given all his rambling about you being outlaws... Huh, hold up. "Agent Lynwood, do ya know anyone by the name of 'Robiquet'?" Lynwood seems to ponder this, but shakes his head. His expression however reveals that that's not a 'no', and that the answer isn't sitting right with him. "Not personally," he says. "Only by name. Rich family from Virginia or Alabama. Made their money in sugar and cotton, lost nearly everything after the war when they found themselves having to pay the people doing the work for them. Went into shipbuilding and mining now, I believe." "How screwed is $Name in such company?" O'Brian muses out loud. "$They <<if $skincol >7>>could certainly be off much, much<<else>>couldn't be off<</if>> worse," Burke answers, and you glare at both of them. "Do you two ever think before you speak?" Mrs. Meadows scolds harshly, and both Burke and O'Brian sit up straight. "Sorry, ma'am." "Pull yourself together, you two," Mrs. Meadows continues, and the two utter a 'Yes, ma'am'. And the group rides on. It's not long till you can see the edge of the forest ahead, when something by some rocks and boulders nearby gets your attention. <hr><div class="choice">[[~A horse!|interludecharlie9]]</div>

It's a lonely horse build like a brick house, a <<if $breed is 6 and $hcolor is 6>>chestnut Clydesdale (not $Name's, damn it)<<else>>chestnut Clydesdale<</if>>, saddled and trotting about nervously amongst the grass and rocks. There's no need to signal the others to stop at the sight, as they all know better than to ride on carelessly, and Mrs. Meadows retrieves her rifle as Matt addresses you, looking rather awkward and guilty. //'Umm...I should maybe have told ya 'bout this,'// he says, and you cast him a rather scolding glare. //'Should we worry?'// //'Maybe,'// he says and cranes his neck. //'Long story short, when those guys just came through here I spooked their horses, trying to get'em to stop. Overdid it a bit with the Clydesdale and she threw her rider off. Bloke hit his head on a stone and didn't get up again.'// Somehow you feel more sorrow at that then dread or relief. //'The others rode on, that Wilkie nearly shooting the other guy who was insisting on checking if the big guy mighta been still alive.'// //'Take it that Wilkie didn't wanna waste time,'// you muse, when you hear a strained groan from a large rock near the horse. "There's someone there," Burke alerts you at a movement, readying his gun. You better tell them what Matt did, and quickly. So you do. "Guy sure seems to be alive still," Burke notes as you finish relaying the information. "What now?" O'Brian asks, and before you can answer, Mrs. Meadows marches over to the rock, rifle at the ready nevertheless. What follows is her muttering in Cantonese, and you recognize she's swearing after a moment. Then she waves the group over, calling for you to get her her bag. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Which you do.|interludecharlie10]]</div>

The sight you find around the rock is a man the size of a grizzly or two laying slumped together against the stone. He's dizzy and disoriented, and the rock behind him is smeared with blood, but he's certainly alive. "Didn't know angels can be Chinese," he mutters, seeing Mrs. Meadows, blinking blearily. "I'm no angel, nor a demon, mainly on account of you not being dead," Mrs. Meadows retorts and crouches down before the man. "My Holly got spooked, ma'am," the man continues. "She never does that. She's a good horse." Then he blinks. "Is it because we took that $Name? I said to Amos we shouldn't. But Amos said we need the money." Well, at least that confirms that these are the guys Matt talked about. "What's yer name?" you ask, stepping closer. "Earl, sir," the man answers. "Earl Oakley." "Like Annie Oakley?" you venture. "I wish, sir. She's a fine woman, that Miss Oakley. Even if her name wasn't Oakley all the time. She's still a fine lass." Then the man looks closer at you. "Oh. Yer the other one Mr. Favor told us to take if we mess up takin' $title $Name." Jolly, innit? Earl tries to sit up, only to get pushed back down by Mrs. Meadows. "Hold still," she orders. "You got quite a nasty wound on your head, and I need to see to that." "From the rock, ma'am, when Holly threw me off," Earl says, and you begin getting nervous again. Matt nudges you gently, nodding you to keep calm. It is however Lynwood who speaks up. "Do we really have time for this?" Mrs. Meadows turns around, glares, but her face quickly softens with a trace of guilt. "I can't just leave him laying here," she says. "Gotta give it to the Pink here," Burke speaks up. "If we wanna save $Name we oughta hurry." At this Earl does pull himself up into a more upright position. "$title $Name will be fine, Mr. Favor said," he says. "Can't make a bargain with a broken chip, he said." This isn't as reassuring as you'd like it to be... Hmm... "This 'Mr. Favor'," you begin. "What does he want $title $Name for?" "The sheriff's got his sister because o' $title $Name an' you, an' Mr. Favor told us to go an' get ya //or// $title $Name, he said that very clearly. Get only one, not both. An' he said that will make the other get him his sister back. Amos said we could just go an' break her outta that cell, no big deal. Amos always says things are no big deal when they are, and Mr. Favor wouldn't hear any of it. Told us to do as he says. And to listen to this Wilkie. I like this Wilkie none, sir. Not even a bit." There we go. Just as you feared. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludecharlie11]]</div>

"Guess we were spot on with our guess," O'Brian mutters, and kicks at the ground as Mrs. Meadows finishes patching Earl up. She then rises back to her feet, nodding Burke and O'Brian to help Earl back up. "Earl, where did they bring $title $Name to?" she asks. Earl points, guilt and thankfulness written equally on his face. "That way, ma'am. In the woods. It's a farmstead, ma'am, with a big barn. Wilkie wanted to do away with the farmers, but I just knocked them out. Can you make sure they are alright?" Then he shuffles a little uncertain, sitting down again. "An'... an' can ya make sure Amos is alright as well? Amos isn't bad, ma'am. Not much at least. He tries, but he's no good at bein' bad. That's what he always tells me I am, but he is just the same." Mrs. Meadows nods, and so do you, before she turns to O'Brian and Burke. "You two are the best riders. You get this man back to..." before she can finish Earl grabs her wrist, startling her, his hand covering almost her entire lower arm. "No, ma'am. Ya go an' get $title $Name. I'll wait here. An'... can you tell $them I'm sorry? $title $Name seemed nice, and Mr. Favor is nothin' but a bad man." Mrs. Meadows looks at Earl for a moment, quickly checks him over again, before she nods and heads back to her horse, mounting up. With a bit of hesitation you follow, after Matt reassured you to stay here and make sure Earl doesn't do anything you'd regret. <hr><div class="choice">[[~A little later.|interludecharlie12]]</div>

There's a well-used track winding through the trees, leading to a sizable clearing in a shallow valley where the farmhouse is located. The trees along the edge of the little hollow provide plenty of cover and after leaving the horses nearby you edge closer, surveying the farm below. There's a large barn, a paddock and a small orchard ready to be harvested to the left, and the farmhouse to the right. And a lot of open space between it. All of it occupied by grim looking men with more muscles than anyone should have, and as many morals as braincells. "I'm countin' five... no six outside," O'Brian hushes, lowering his spyglass. "An' at least two in the farmhouse." "So prob'ly more," Burke adds, "An' then some in the barn. At least them being in the farmhouse means the farmers are still alive. No need stationin' anyone there if that weren't the case." The rest of you nods, agreeing to that. "That makes at least eleven," you note sourly, weighing your chances, as a shiver runs down your spine. //'Charlie?'// There's a dreadful, frightened tone in Matt's voice that, paired with the growing bad feeling, has you fear the worst. //'What... what's wrong?'// The pause Matt makes has your stomach turn. //'It's $fname...'// "No..." you manage in a choked whisper, slumping back, your stomach turning. "Please, God, no..." //'$They<<if $plur>>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> alive,'// Matt hastily reassures you, looking quite panicked at your reaction. "But those fucks gave $them quite a beatin', dunno what happened. Ya gotta hurry." "What's wrong?" Burke nudges you, and you realize everyone is looking at you with severe worry. "It's $nick...$They", you begin and relay what Matt just told you. The alarmed and devastated looks on the others' faces is not at all reassuring. "So we better make haste," Mrs. Meadows says, turning back to the farm. <hr><div class="choice">[[~What Now...|interludecharlie13]]</div>

"Thinking about the best approach, aren't you?" Lynwood asks, brow furrowed darkly. "Of course. Aren't you?" Mrs. Meadows retorts. Lynwood snorts a humorless laugh. "Not much to strategize here, is there?" he grunts. "We're outnumbered on either end of the farm, with the major part of our opponents right between the barn and the farmhouse. If we try to pick them off in either location their companions will rush in from the others and make short notice of us and their hostages." "$Name and the farmers," Mrs. Meadows notes matter-of-factly, but you're not really listening anymore. It's a feeling as if you've swallowed something rotten whole, and it festers in your chest. A cold, stinging pain all through your body, wrapping icy tendrils around your heart <<nobr>><<if $romance_charlie is false>> And one other feeling weighing you down even more: Guilt.<br><br> Not for not waking up and thus getting $nick kidnapped, that wasn't your fault, as much as you blame yourself for it. No. It's the guilt and despair over not being honest with $nick about what you feel for $them. You //love// $them, for God's sake. No matter how $they might feel about you, whether or not $they <<if $plur>>reciprocate<<else>>reciprocates<</if>> your feelings, $they still ought to know how you feel. And now you might never even get the chance to tell $them. Not while $they<<if $plur>>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> still alive, at least, you muse, bitterly. <<else>> And you know exactly why you are feeling like this:<br><br> As high up as the euphoria from $nick reciprocating your feelings has had you soar, as deep is the valley of despair you are plunging into at the prospect of losing $them like this.<br><br> All these years you've been riding together, all these years neither of you caught on to what the other felt, denied it even, felt it impossible.<br><br> And just when you open up about your feelings, this happens.<br><br> It's not the first time you fear for $nick, but it's so, so much worse now. <</if>><</nobr>> "Bloody Hell!" Lynwood exclaims, ripping you from your gloomy thoughts. "You got to be kidding me!" He lowers his binoculars and blinks. "What?" you ask, and he points towards the man currently leaving the farmhouse, two men in tow. The man is small and stocky, sporting a sculpted mustache, and carrying an air of boisterous arrogance that is, unfortunately, appearing to be backed up by a ruthless cunning. There's also an undeniable resemblance to the woman that tried to kidnap Miss Florence. Something else also strikes you as familiar, but you can't put your finger on it. "You know who that is?" Lynwood asks, almost casually, but the utter surprise and traces of worry betray his nonchalant demeanor. "He looks familiar, but I dunno," you admit, and see if Matt has an idea. He doesn't. "Jean-Baptiste Favreau," Lynwood says, darkly. "Guess that's the ominous 'Mr. Favor'. If you ever researched the finances of anyone rich in this nation, you very likely stumbled upon the name." He pauses, waiting if anyone else knows the guy, but continues as that isn't the case. "I'll tell you the details once $Name is safe and sound," he says, "But for now... He's quite bad news. The kind of man you don't want to cross, disappoint or insult. By having his family face consequence for, let's say, an attempted kidnapping. For example." That's not good. Though you are almost inclined to appreciate Lynwood's dry humor. "He's also leavin'," Burke interrupts in a stage whisper, drawing everyone's attention back to the farm. Favreau is indeed climbing into a waiting coach, while a total of four men mount up, two of them on the coach, two on horses, all heavily armed. Favreau barks some orders you can't really make out, but there's a weight lifting off your heart as the group rides off into the opposite direction of where you are, leaving you with a slightly more reasonable number of opponents to handle. "In the hope I won't jinx it, but damn, that's lucky for us," O'Brian mutters. "Still got more than enough on our hands," you say, making a curt nod at Matt. "Give Matt a moment to check what we're up against now." <hr><div class="choice">[[~So you wait.|interludecharlie14]]</div>

//'Six in the barn, three in the house,'// he informs you, and you forward the information. //'Not countin' Earl's brother.'// //'Pardon?'// you wonder. //'They put him through the wringer, too. Got a nasty wound on his head and back. He's looking worse than $nick.'// //'That's no good... Will he be okay?'// It's hard to tell why you are worried for someone you've never met but who you, by all means, shouldn't feel sorry for. Maybe it's because of the impression you got from Earl. //'If he gets medical help sooner than later, likely.'// //'And the farmers?'// //'Awake, so far uninjured, and probably up to do something stupid.'// //'So we gotta hurry even more...'// you frown, and turn to the others giving them the new information. "Bugger," Burke mutters. "So, what now?" "We have to split up," Lynwood suggests. "Even with the numbers more even, it won't do if we clear one side of the farm, only to have the buggers on the other catch on. Especially if the farmers are about to try something." Burke nods, but then furrows his brows. "How long ya think we got?" he asks, looking at Lynwood, who blinks surprised. "You mean until the farmers do some-..." His face darkens. "You mean until Favreau will return, right?" Burke nods again. "There's no way in Hell that guy ain't headin' to town to force Mulligan here to free his sister. An' when he finds Mulligan gone..." "He'll come back here an' all Hell will break loose," you finish the thought, shuddering. //'Matt?'// //'Far ahead o' ya, Charles,'// Matt informs you, with a grim playfulness. //'Our new friends gonna keep an eye on him. Make sure he won't come back here any time soon.'// With a soft, relieved sigh you tell the others what's going on. That's at least something. "Hey!" O'Brian suddenly calls out, nodding towards the farmhouse. One of the grizzlies is making his way over to the barn, looking indisputable upset. "Seven in the barn then, two in the house," you mutter, sourly. "Is that better or worse?" "It doesn't make much of a difference," Mrs. Meadows answers, casually checking her rifle. "I suggest two of us head to the house and take out the two men there. The others get into position in the barn and await the others attacking from the other side." "Best choice we have," Lynwood agrees. "Only choice we got, innit?" Burke grunts, checking his weapons as well. "So, how we gonna do that?" "Giles is an excellent sharpshooter," Mrs. Meadows declares in a tone so matter-of-fact that it's almost comical, while Lynwood looks as if he doesn't know what to make of that compliment. "One of us has to head to the farmhouse, the other heads to the barn." "Tommy should take the barn," O'Brian speaks up. "He's the better shot an' fighter outta the two o' us, makes more sense to have him where more people are." Burke nods curtly. And then all of you look at Mrs. Meadows expectantly. Were the situation not so dire it'd be almost comical how each of you decided that she'd be the best choice to take the lead. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludecharlie15]]</div>

"I shall head to the farmhouse with Mulligan," Mrs. Meadows announces after almost no hesitation, and you tense your muscles. Not because it'd be a bad idea, but the way she's carrying herself when she says it, the way she's first stoically avoiding to look at you, but then sharply snaps her head around... She's up to something. You figure she's very likely to still think that this is a trap, and that you're in cahoots with the kidnappers. There's a sense of disappointment flitting across your chest, but you do your best to not let it show. You nod in agreement. "Hold up!" O'Brian suddenly yowls in discontent. "That's leavin' Tommy and me with the Pinkerton." he complains. "I assure you, O'Brian, the feeling is mutual," Lynwood retorts, rolling his eyes for the briefest of moments. "O'Brian," you call out, pinching the bridge of your nose, "it's not as if Lynwood's gonna drag ya off to Redhurst while we're dealin' with the guys in the house." "You don't know that!" Burke protests, sounding scandalized. "I do believe he knows that fairly well. I'm not an idiot." Lynwood frowns, checking his weapon. "$Name and the farmers the priority now, and we have already wasted enough time." "We still ought to proceed with care," Mrs. Meadows speaks up, checking her own weapons. "Don't be rash, unless you have no other choice." The others nod, and Mrs. Meadows motions you to follow her to the house. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludecharlie16]]</div>

"I am not too certain our guns will be of much use to us," Mrs. Meadows begins as you hide at a gnarled old tree on the edge of the dense tree line at the back of the house. The house is a small, two-story building in need of a few new planks and a bit of fresh paint. Not much space to begin with, and you reckon the kidnapper's certainly have an advantage. Then again, and this worries and baffles you a little, no one's standing guard. "I wasn't plannin' on goin' in guns blazin'," you reassure Mrs. Meadows. "I didn't take you for that great a fool." Well, isn't that nice to know... //'Hey, good news, Charles,'// Matt interrupts your grumbling. //'The farmer overwhelmed the mercenaries. Well, one o' them. The other switched sides, by the look of it.'// "Oh, that's great!" "What is?" Mrs. Meadows looks at you a little baffled and worried, on top of her ever present expression of annoyance. With an air of relief you fill her in on what Matt said. This, however, only has the effect that bafflement and worry vanish off her face entirely, making room for more annoyance and a little bit of disgust. But she says nothing. "We still oughta be careful," you note, eye fixed on the house, ears pricked to listen for anything to clue you in on what's going on at the barn. You hope $nick's alright. Taking a deep breath, you rise to your feet slowly, silently waving Mrs. Meadows to follow you. What you get instead is the tell-tale //click// of a firearm being cocked. You freeze, turning slowly. Yep, as you expected, she's aiming her rifle at you. Great. <hr><div class="choice">[[...Just... great...|interludecharlie17]]</div>

"Do us a favor, however," Mrs. Meadows keens. "Which would be?" you respond, slowly, raising your hands. "Cut out this nonsense about your //dead brother// telling you <<if $doublemeadows>>your lovely little partner<<else>>$Name<</if>>'s been kidnapped, that there's over a //dozen// mercenaries here, that the farmer overwhelmed his attackers and all that. Are you really expecting me, against all better knowledge, common sense and prior evidence, to believe you?" An irritated grunt escapes your throat. "What?" Mrs. Meadows hisses, voice sour. "You know I don't believe you or anyone can commune with the dead. I have held back about it before when the others were present, for the sake of peace. It's a shame the others indulge in such ludicrous notions. But let them. I won't. I just don't understand why, by the looks of it, //that// tale was your go-to one instead of something... believable and realistic." "It's not a lie!" you protest. "What else would it be?" "The truth?" you respond, genuinely baffled and a little aggravated. "You //really// expect me to believe that ghosts are real?" "They are. Why are ya so bloody averse against the idea? $nick's in danger and you..." Mrs. Meadows draws a sharp breath, adjusting her rifle. "I am a woman of science, Mr. Mulligan. I have no time for this kind of nonsense." "Then, pray tell, how I would have known that $nick has been kidnapped?" you snap. As much as you hate it, you are getting angry at Mrs. Meadows, even thought she's aiming her rifle at you. The way she's talking, the way she's looking at you makes it clear she thinks you are working with those guys. And you reckon that that is solely because she doesn't believe in ghosts. "You... you are genuinely thinkin' I'm workin' //with// those bastards?" you manage. "All things considered, there's no other explanation, now is there? Know what, I //do// believe there's no kidnapping, and you just want to get me off your back. I believe I already told you so. Why you still latched onto this grotesque plan, I don't know." "Are you fuckin' kiddin' me?" you roar, throwing your hands up. "How is //that// explanation more realistic and likely than Matt..." Just then a shot rings out. <hr><div class="choice">[[...!|interludecharlie18]]</div>

Rattled and rather disoriented you tumble and scramble into a half-sitting position after, much to your own surprise, you had thrown yourself and Mrs. Meadows out of harms way, barely avoiding getting your brains and innards splattered across the grass by an unhealthy dose of buck-shot. Mrs. Meadows stares at you in shock and with a hint of gratefulness as she realizes what happened, while you rapidly shake yourself to get rid of the fog in your head that getting possessed always brings. It's no question that you ought to thank Matt for keeping an eye out for you later. If there is a later, though, seeing you still have to deal with the guy at the door who shot at you. Surprisingly, he's alone. And this feller doesn't look like a hired gun to begin with. No holster, no clothing meant for long travels on horseback. Instead he's dressed in sturdy boots, overalls from that newfangled blue fabric you keep forgetting the name of, and his right hand is haphazardly wrapped with what looks to be a kitchen towel. So, given everything you know, this can only be the farmer. Granted, you had hoped he'd not be hostile, but under the current circumstances you can't blame him. "Mr. Honeysett?" you ask, keeping your hands where the man can see them. The man casts you a cautious, scrutinizing look over the sights of his firearm, and his eyes flick to Mrs. Meadows. "Ya ain't with this Favreau," he calls. "We ain't," you answer, quickly introducing yourself and Mrs. Meadows. "This Favreau kidnapped a friend o' ours." The farmer nods and lowers his shotgun. "Come inside. Ain't no use for them men in the barn hearin' ya." Slowly and warily you lower your hands and get to your feet. "They ought to have heard the shot," Mrs. Meadows notes, uncocking her rifle, and the farmer grimaces. "They'll likely figured their colleagues made short work o' us..." <hr><div class="choice">[[~Oh bugger...|interludecharlie19]]</div>

A shiver runs down your spine and comes back up as burning anger, disgust and worry. All the more are you relieved when you step into the farmhouse's kitchen to find what ought to be the lady of the house and a little girl sitting at the table, looking as well as the circumstances allow it. More surprising is the sight of the two men in the kitchen. Both build like oxen, with the taller one looking just a little taller than you. He's stocky, quite handsome in a rugged way (albeit he's looking as if he's recovering from consumption or something similar nasty for a while), maybe in his mid-to-late thirties, and currently nursing his eye and a couple of cuts and bruises. His colleague, meanwhile, is looking more akin to a spilled sack of potatoes the way he's laying slumped, unconscious and tied up against the wall. Next to you Matt whistles through his teeth. //'See that <<if ($fname + $name).toUpperCase() is "ARTHURMORGAN">> guy looking startlingly like $nick<<else>>guy<</if>> cooling his eye there? Ya'll never guess who that is.'// //'Yer right, I won't.'// //'Isaac Delgado. Lynwood's friend.'// The same moment you're almost snapping your head around to stare at Matt's form Delgado looks up, oddly surprised. "Who's that now?" he wonders, his voice a moody rumble with a hint of resignation. Then the eye not hidden under a wet cloth widens a little as he spies Mrs. Meadows. "I'll be damned. I know you." "And I know you," Mrs. Meadows notes, unamused. "Isaac Delgado, if I recall correctly. I believe you ought to be recovering from... your escapades at the East Coast." Delgado coughs awkwardly, looking away. "I can explain..." "Not now," Mrs. Meadows waves him off. "We have more pressing matters to attend to." She wrinkles her nose, and you follow her gaze across the room. She's no doubt assessing who is needing medical attention the most. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Maybe You Got A Moment To Spare...|interludecharlie20]]</div>

"Could ya fill us in on what happened?" you address the farmer, while Mrs. Meadows sees to his hand. "We expected ya bein' held hostage, an' ya said the others might think yer dead after the shot, all while yer sittin' here with one guy knocked-out an' the other looking like ya invited him over for tea... The black eye not withstandin'." The farmer smiles sourly. "They had orders to do us in. Till Mr. Delgado here found out 'bout Ida." He nods towards the little girl. "Already had my doubts 'bout this whole thing..." Delgado mutters, shifting the cloth to his neck. "And then a kid came into the picture, I had to draw a line, y'know? I..." He doesn't get further as the distant sound of several shots rings out, drawing everyone's attention, and your heart sinks and you realize they came from the barn. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "//$nick!//">> <<goto "interludecharlie21">> <</link>></div>

"What the Hell," Delgado goes, getting to his feet before his gaze turns to you. "Well, of course your bunch split up, didn't you?" "Naturally, we did," Mrs. Meadows confirms, checking her rifle. "And just as naturally these idiots have gotten themselves into trouble." With that, she heads out. "Ya stay here," you tell the farmer and his family. The man just nods, and you follow Mrs. Meadows. To your surprise Delgado and the farmer fall in step with you. "Ya should really stay with yer wife an' daughter," you tell the latter. "I can't. These men wanted to kill us for God knows what reason. If not for Mr. Delgado here," he crooks a thumb at the man in question, when Mrs. Meadows interferes. "That story will have to wait," she says, but gives Delgado a curt nod. "Good for you coming around." "Thanks, ma'am." He frowns, however, "I don't think we got much of a chance. Unless ya brought a small army with ya..." "Only an old friend o' yours an' some rascals," you answer, but stop mid-sentence as you spot something approaching through the woods. Riders. "Oh for..." you begin, muttering curses, your hand on your weapon. Then you recognize who it is. It's the sheriff and his men, with Finley and Earl in tow, alongside two men you don't know. "Well... does this work out as an army?" you deadpan. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludecharlie22]]</div>

The group stops just before you, and before anyone can get a word in the sheriff nods at Mr. Honeysett. "Alonzo, you alright?" he calls out. The farmer nods. "We are, just shaken. But them bastards are still in the barn." More shots ring out, and the sheriff shouts some orders before turning to you and Mrs. Meadows. "What happened? The boy said someone kidnapped $title $Name." "Long story, Benjamin," Mrs. Meadows answers. "I'd say we get these idiots' bacon out of the fire, then we explain." The sheriff nods, stoically. "How many men are the-..." he begins, but is cut off by an explosion from the barn. <hr><div class="choice">[[Fuck!|interludecharlie23]]</div>

Flames lick from the gaps between the wood, and for a moment everyone just stares in disbelief. The sheriff is the first to wake from the spell, and he barks orders at his men to put the fire out. "We gotta get the others out of there," you address Mrs. Meadows, trying everything to keep panic from your voice. "And the animals," Earl adds in a tone that leaves no room to object, and heads straight to the barn door. The main door is ajar, just far enough to make for decent cover in case of a shootout with someone outside, and the small door set into is stand wide open. It's no way in though, as beyond the openings a fire, much larger than it has any right to be, is ablaze. Again your heart sinks. You got to get in there //somehow// before... Then you see it, breath catching painfully in your chest. By the barn you see $nick... Surrounded by the too familiar otherworldly glow of the dead. No. Please. No. No. No. Your heart feels like it's tying itself into a knot at the sight, but just as things start to sink in fully, the sight shifts to something you've never seen before. You've seen people having near-death, or, well, much-to-close-for-comfort death-experiences, where glow just fades into a bright light before the spirit returns to the body. But $nick? The glow is all... wrong. A few years ago, you witnessed a solar eclipse. The light, the shadows stopped looking and feeling real for a moment. And now the same impression is creeping up and down your spine. And then $nick's ghost just vanishes. //'What was...'// Matt starts, baffled, briefly blinking out of sight, and returning with a more baffled, but very relieved expression. //'Alright, just checked. $nick's fine, given the circumstances. Took quite a beating, though.'// You nod curtly, trying to calm down. //'We need to get $them outta there.'// Matt nods, and you notice Isaac gives you an odd look, likely wondering what's gotten to you. Can't blame him. That's when Earl lets out a roar that would make a grizzly turn tail and make a run for it... And charges for the side of the barn. Quite baffled, you follow. And find something curious: The small door on the side is barred and blocked from the outside. Not that you have the mind to process this finding. Or the time, as Earl makes short work of the wooden obstacle with a well-placed punch. <hr><div class="choice">[[...Well then...|interludecharlie24]]</div>

"Huh. Told ya that's perfectly possible," someone beyond the door comments casually and cockily. O'Brian. The smoke clears a little, just in time for you to spot Burke rolling his eyes. "Where's Amos?" Earl rumbles, and it's hard to miss the fear and panic in his voice. "Yer brother's in one of'em boxes," Burke informs him, coughing a little. "He's in pretty bad shape. They got him good, but I think he'll live. If we get outta here quick. " No kidding. "What about $nick?" you call. "Same deal," Burke answers, waving you to follow. Hastily you look around, and a shudder runs down your spine. Through the smoke and flames you spot several corpses. Favreau's men apparently all went to meet their maker and received a solid kick to the balls from the Lord above. What's no good news, however is that somewhere beyond the inferno you hear the animals panicking. And... "Where's Lynwood?" you ask, helping Burke to pick up $nick to get $them outside. "Beats me," O'Brian says. "He didn't go back for the cats, did he?" Burke wonders, and you can only blink befuddled. "Get out!" Earl bellows, pushing you out the door. Not that you need to be told twice. It's only when you put $nick down at a safe distance away that you notice neither Earl nor <<if $name.toLowerCase() is "delgado">>the other Delgado<<else>>Delgado<</if>> are with you. <hr><div class="choice">[[...|interludecharlie25]]</div>

You frantically look around for them, then at Matt, who's expression tells you that... yes, they are still in the barn. With a long exhale you slump down, exhausted, trying to sort your thoughts. The next few moments pass by like in a daze. Behind you, Mrs. Meadows is taking care of $nick, and O'Brian has joined the sheriff and his men in an effort to put the flames out. Burke is standing right next to you, glowering angrily at the inferno. You look back at the barn and for a moment get the feeling that there's something //off// about the fire. You've seen your share of burning buildings, but never like this. The flames seem to try to rise, to spread, but keep shriveling down, as if they are afraid of something. If you wouldn't know that it is impossible, you'd swear Burke is staring the fire down. Not that you have the time to think about it, really, as the universe decided to throw the next bit of bafflement at you straight away. The barn door is wide open now (one side actually having fallen off its hinges), and there's Lynwood, Earl and <<if $name.toLowerCase() is "delgado">>the other Delgado<<else>>Delgado<</if>>, almost comically casually coming out of the burning building. Lynwood is carrying a saddlebag full of kittens, the cat in his arm, Delgado is leading the horses and cows, Amos and two unconscious guys slung over the horses' backs, and Earl's carrying the goat under one arm, the filly on his other shoulder and the goat's kid trotting behind him. "Huh. Guess he //did// go back for the cat," Burke comments with practiced dryness. And here you thought you had seen it all. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludecharlie26]]</div>

Moments pass, and with another heavy, exhausted sigh you run a hand through your hair, shaking out soot and dust. "I think $Name'll be alright," Burke mutters as he sits down next to you, staring at the now dying flames. He's looking dreadful. "An' you?" you ask. "Yeah. Just... I think I'll need a long break after this. Burned down pretty fast, didn't it?" "It sure did." "Guess there was turpentine or somethin' in them canisters. That Wilkie was up to no good" Burke sits up slightly, looking back at the others. As do you. Lynwood is talking to <<if $name.toLowerCase() is "delgado">>the other Delgado<<else>>Delgado<</if>>, Earl has brought the animals to a paddock nearby and they seemed to have calmed, after which Earl went to help Mrs. Meadows and O'Brian to get $nick and Amos inside. The two men from the barn are tied up neatly on the fence around the paddock. "Think those guys'll actually answer our questions?" Burke muses. "About what's goin' on here? I'm not certain," you answer, shaking your head in disgust. "It's all..." You just frown. Burke nods and gets up, just as the barn caves in with much less of a crash than you would have expected. "Gonna see how Seán's doin'" he says, wandering off, more swaying and staggering than walking. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludecharlie27]]</div>

You lay back on the ground, arms outstretched, exhausted, listening to your heartbeat slowing down again. Now all you can do is hope. Matt lays down next to you, and you watch the wisps of smoke curl across the mid-morning sky above. //'Twas a close call,'// you mutter. <<nobr>>//'Burke's right, Charlie, $nick will be fine.'// There's a long pause. <<if $romance_charlie>> //'I don't think any God above would be// that //damn cruel to separate ya and $nick just after ya// finally //came clear 'bout yer feeling's.'//<br><br> You grumble.<br><br> 'Thanks,// you really know how to cheer one up.'//<br><br> //'I mean it, though. It took ya long enough.'//<br><br> You grumble again.<br><br> //'But ya still won't let me hear the end of it, will ya?'//<br><br> //'Not a snowball's chance in Arizona, Charles'.//<br><br> You don't even need to look to know the grin on Matt's face. And, admittedly, you do agree with him. <<else>> //'Charles? I think ya ought to take this as a cue to tell $nick what yer feelin'.//<br><br> You frown.<br><br> //'No, it's pointless. Ya know as well as I do $they <<if $plur>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> feel the same.'//<br><br> Another long pause.<br><br> //'$They still <<if $plur>>deserve<<else>>deserves<</if>> to know.'//<br><br> //'I don't want to make $them feel guilty or anythin', you know that. I... I want $them to be happy.'//<br><br> Matt sighs, gently but quite annoyed.<br><br> //'Y'know, Charles, I think $they <<if $plur>>want<<else>>wants<</if>>// you //to be happy too, so...'//<br><br> Now you sigh, contemplating.<br><br> //'Maybe yer right.'//<br><br> //'Of course I am.'//<br><br> //'I'll... say something once I know for certain $they'<<if $plur>>re<<else>>s<</if>> fine, alright?'//<br><br> Matt grumbles in agreement.<</if>><</nobr>> You watch the smoke and the clouds for another moment, before sitting up, looking around. The sheriff and his men are busy with the barn, Lynwood is still talking to his friend, giving him an earful by the looks of it. Also he seems to have acquired a cat while you weren't looking. Well then. You slowly get back up, dusting off your clothes, and decide to head over to Lynwood. Get to know what's going on and... You reluctantly admit to yourself you can't stand the idea of heading into the house to see how $nick's doing. Shaking your head to clear your thoughts, you walk over to Lynwood. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludecharlie28]]</div>

"Ya seem upset, care to introduce us?" you greet, and Lynwood frowns, more exhausted than annoyed. He gives you a brief nod, however, gesturing at his friend who is sitting on the ground now, looking terrible. "Mr. Mulligan, this is Isaac Delgado. I told you about him." Delgado nods in greeting. "So that's the medium you enlisted?" he asks, and you notice the rather tense posture. It's not the kind of tension you'd get with someone feeling unwell with the idea, it's strikes you more as if he's anticipating... no... as if he's waiting for something like an animal on the prowl, ready to pounce its prey. "That'd be me," you say, jovially. "My condolences for yer loss, Mr. Delgado." "Thank you." "Don't mind me sayin', but what are ya doin' here? Last Lynwood told me ya were recoverin' with his family..." "Apparently Favreau is somehow involved in the Salome's Veil case, Mulligan," Lynwood answers, visibly irritated and worried. "...What?" Lynwood looks at Delgado, waiting for his friend to explain. "Giles already told you I refuse to let go of that case. I mean, locked room, locked strongbox, house full of guests, and then I'm meant to believe a stablehand did it but refuses to say what he did with the necklace? Likely story." Delgado huffs, disgusted and almost insulted. "And then, through friends, I heard that this Favreau was looking into the worth and all of the necklace, even though it's supposedly still missing. I had to follow that trail, and..." "No, you had not," Lynwood protests, scrunching up his nose. "You ought to recover." "Giles, please, we are going in circles with this." Delgado lets out a pained and exhausted sigh, and Lynwood shakes his head. "See, you are not well. So I //am// going to wire Vincent. The others ought to be sick with worry." "I know, I know..." Delgado looks away guiltily. "Vincent's yer brother, if I recall correctly?", you ask. Lynwood confirms. "Yes." He sighs, absentmindedly petting the black-and-white kitten perched on his shoulder, just as Mrs. Meadows comes over from the farmhouse. "Everyone is taken care of," she announces, quirking the briefest of brows at the sudden cat. "$title $Name is stable enough to be transported, so we're bringing $them and Amos back to New Hamelin. And I'd greatly advice, you" she glares at Delgado, "to get your behind to the cart." With a grumble Delgado scrambles up and stalks over to the waiting cart by the farmhouse. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Well then...|interludecharlie29]]</div>

You watch the cart rattle away, your heart sinking. "$nick will be alright, right?" you ask, and Mrs. Meadows looks at you. "I still need to have a proper look at $them. Earl told me there ought to be some severe injuries, but..." You snap your head around. "And ya still have $them be brought all the way to New Hamelin?" "I said 'but', Mulligan. Your partner is stable, and I'd rather have them at the hotel than here." You frown, and glare at Mrs. Meadows, who frowns, her face softening mildly, though. "Mr. Mulligan, I know that you are worried, but I can only ask you to take my word as a doctor. I don't mean you any harm." "You tried to shoot me," you note, unimpressed. Now Lynwood quirks a brow. "I had my reasons," Mrs. Meadows mutters through grit teeth, but most certainly feeling guilty. "And..." she takes a deep breath. "I'd like to apologize for my reaction. It was not unreasonable however." "Did you try to shoot him because you don't believe in ghosts?" Lynwood speaks up and Mrs. Meadows snaps her head around. "Giles, please." she glowers. "This is between me and Mulligan." Lynwood sighs, and gives you a long look. You nod stoically. "I'd like to settle that once $nick is back on $their feet," you say, staring Mrs. Meadows down. She stares back, and nods curtly. "Good." Then you turn to head back to your horse with the others. "Mulligan," Lynwood calls out and you stop, looking back. "On a word." He nods you to step aside with him for a moment. You feel like you know what he wants to talk about. <hr><div class="choice">[[~You nod and follow...|interludecharlie30]]</div>

^^''(Note: You are now returning to your own head, my dear outlaw. Good luck.)''^^ <hr><div class="choice">[[~Carry on then.|ch7start]]</div>

As you step out of hearing range of the others, Lynwood takes a breath to speak, stopping and trying anew a few times. "It's some of the men ya helped savin'," you answer, anticipating the question, and Lynwood stops, staring at you wide-eyed. "I..." "Ya wanted to ask how I know about the //Bellegarde// business, and how I could know how some of'em mercenaries are familiar to ya." Lynwood inhales sharply, nodding, and avoiding your gaze. He rubs his face, suddenly looking more exhausted than you thought possible. "If it's any help," you say, "they have grown found o' ya. Ya've paid yer dues." Lynwood snaps his head around, staring even more bewildered. And with a slight sneer, and a lot of balled up frustration Lynwood answers. "I turned against everything I learned that day, Mulligan." His tone takes a more mocking nature as he continues. "Oh, against everything that's s good, and right and of value. Against my //loving family//." You meet his eye, and smile. "I've been told what ya told yer... //father dearest// when they told ya that that is how ya ought to view what happened." Lynwood blinks, and smiles, not without pride. "The old bastard and his ways are dead to me." He hesitates. "I know I still have some journey ahead of me..." He looks at you. "So, the boys are fine? Aside from being dead?" "They are." Lynwood seems to ponder something, looks back at where the sheriff is, then shakes his head, deciding against whatever he might have been musing about. "When whatever all of this is is over, I might ask you to tell me more, Mulligan." He turns. "Come, the others are half-way to New Hamelin already. It's been a dreadfully long day, and it's not even noon." You nod, and follow Lynwood to the horses, thoughts going back to $nick. Now all you can do is hope, pray, and hope you haven't pissed off every God that might listen. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~For $nick's sake...">> <<set $mainchar to true>> <<goto "ch7prestart">> <</link>></div>

The disadvantage of being awake and remotely sober is that your brain is now racing with even more questions. Especially everything concerning this Miss Beauchêne. She might be a very pleasant person, at least that's the impression you got, but some things just don't add up. Robert Brightwell never got engaged, to your knowledge. Now, you don't know what Miss Beauchêne's social status is, yet, but be it what it may be, she's Black. That alone would have been enough for the press to dig its teeth and claws into that story most viciously, like it did with Sara and Vincent. And then the whole sordid affair about Merryborne. Someone in this whole mess is lying, but, much to your dismay, you can't say who that might <<if $tell_lynbright>>be. You refrain from saying it's Mr. Brightwell. His lie about his whereabouts might easily have its own reasons<<else>>be<</if>>. You crack your neck and joints and go to change your clothes. While you doubt Mulligan and $Name will already be up on their own, it probably won't be a bad idea to check, in case you are wrong about their sleeping habits. If they are awake, you can talk to $Name, if not... You check your watch... if not you can come back here, go through your notes, then head downstairs for breakfast later and then to the post office, sending off another wire. You pause, pulling on your boots. You can almost hear Therese giving you an earful. About how you should lay down, sleep till breakfast is ready and then see to your business. You shake your head with a pang of guilt, finish dressing and head upstairs. Much to your dismay you find no one answering as you knock on Mulligan and $Name's door. Anger dwells up in you at the notion that these two have made a run for it, and you are all too ready to curse yourself for not arresting them at the first chance, when you're reminded, painfully, of another thing Therese keeps telling you: That you are a good, clever man with amazing instincts, but that you let your bias get in your way time and time again. You take a deep breath, pushing your assumptions aside. //Keep calm and listen to logic, Giles,// you tell yourself, take another deep breath and lean against the wall, trying to approach this without any assumptions. Mulligan and $Name are cunning, and they are certainly not careless. If the case in Baltimore is anything to go by they will not simply run away unless the coast is clear, no matter how much things are heating up for them. And even if they were, understandably, suspicious of you, they ought to know that they are not the focus of your investigation. So, unless they got seriously concerned about your presence, where could and would they have gone? You look down the corridor, realizing that Mrs. Meadows's room might be a good place to start asking. As it is just past sunrise, she's ought to be awake. You doubt she has changed that habit in the last few years. You gather your wits and head for her room... <hr><div class="choice">[[...|interludelyn2]]</div>

... only to nearly get run over by Mulligan. "Mr. Mulligan," you greet, dryly, but much to your dismay with more surprise than you would have liked. There's also an undeniable relief at the fact that Mulligan actually //is// already awake. After all, for all your research into him and $title $Name you hadn't pegged either down as an early bird. "I was just looking for you," you continue. "Did not expect you to be up so early." Something seems amiss, though. While, true, neither is an early bird as such, you reckon that they'd be up outside of their usual routine if the situation calls for it. A con, or fleeing from the outcome of one, or in general something to rattle one quite a bit. And looking Mulligan over he does look quite... nervous, and fraying at the seams right now. "You look rather... exasperated." You crane your neck a little, despite standing taller than Mulligan, to get a better look into Mrs. Meadows's room. There's O'Brian and Burke, Mrs. Meadows, naturally, Miss Beauchêne, and the O'Connor boy. $title $Name, however, is nowhere to be seen. "I'm getting the impression something is quite amiss," you thus note. Mulligan furrows his brow at you, very likely weighing the consequence of his answer. <<nobr>><<if $lyn >=35 or $worriedforlyn>> "$nick has been kidnapped, Agent Lynwood," Mulligan then informs you. <<else>> "$title $Name has been abducted," Mrs. Meadows states, nonchalantly.<</if>><</nobr>> You can't help but stare, quite baffled you reckon. "Come again?" you manage. "Kidnapped," Mrs. Meadows repeats the information. "We are on our way to rescue $them." That's... It would be an understatement to say 'concerning'. It's puzzling who would do such a thing. Of course, someone like $title $Name would make a considerable number of enemies. You ought to know, you are one of <<if $lyn >=35 or $worriedforlyn>>them, regardless how agreeable $they might have been towards you lately<<else>>them, by all means<</if>>. It still is thoroughly astonishing that such a thing has happened. But Mulligan looks genuinely concerned, and there's no reason why he should lie in this regard. Now, if he were on his own, maybe this might be a ruse, but with the other three of Blayne's little posse with him... You recognize this might be an additional problem. <<nobr>>"Just the four of you?" you ask, part concerned, part curious. <br><br> For all you've found about $title $Name, $they <<if $plur>>are<<else>>is<</if>> <<if $job is 3 or $strong is 3>> a capable <<if $job is 5 or $strong is 5>>fighter and skilled gunslinger, so<<else>>fighter, though not much use with a gun, so <</if>> <<else>> not an outstanding <<if $job is 5 or $strong is 5>>fighter but a skilled gunslinger, so<<else>>fighter, nor any use with a gun, still <</if>><</if>> $they would have put up a fight. Something anyone setting out to kidnap $them ought to have been aware of. And then there's the tall tales of the number of pursuers whose certain grasp $title $Name and Mulligan have managed to escape.<</nobr>> You would have almost been amongst their numbers, if not for a lucky sighting at the Clementsburg station. So, there's reason to doubt $Name's kidnapper would not have made sure $they'd be outnumbered no matter what. So these four might not stand much of a chance... "I reckon you should come with us," Mrs. Meadows then rips you from your thoughts, stepping past Mulligan. "You are a man of the law, Giles, as questionable as the methods of your agency may be." "Hold it," O'Brian interrupts. "Didn't //you// just point out gettin' the law involved will get $Name killed?" "The recognizable law, yes," Mrs. Meadows counters. "But Agent Lynwood's presence as a Pinkerton agent compared to a sheriff or marshal might be in our favor. He's far less recognizable as a man of the law." <hr><div class="choice">[[~She's as charming as ever...|interludelyn3]]</div>

You sigh, frustrated, as several doors along the corridor are opened, indicating both growing anger and growing curiosity of the other guests on this floor. While, as Mrs. Meadows just pointed out so helpfully, you are no sheriff or marshal, and certainly not a police officer, you contemplate pulling rank regardless and ushering these guests back into their room, when Mulligan grabs you by the arm and heads for the stairs. You protest, naturally, but Mulligan just glares at you. "Listen, Agent," he begins as he navigates towards your room. "For all we can tell these kidnappers are the kind o' hired muscle the rich and powerful of this fine nation love to hire when yer bloody agency is too mild-mannered for their taste and needs." You pull yourself free just as you reach your room, staring at Mulligan in growing alarm. As condescending and harsh as his assessment may have been, you know what type of men he's referring to. But... how in Hell would he even know that for certain? "How do you even know that?" you wonder out loud, before realization hits you. Maybe you really should have slept if you are this slow right now. "Your ghosts, correct?" "My brother, in fact." You narrow your eyes at Mulligan, as you search your memory. "Matthew, wasn't it?" you ask to clarify. You hadn't looked too closely into Mulligan's family as a whole, but the story had made quite the circles back in the day. Five men rob a bank, get away with nearly five thousand dollars. Then one of them rats out the other four, the Mulligan brothers amongst them. Matthew Mulligan was found having bled to death from several gun wounds a few days later, while Charlie Mulligan returned to his hometown in a catatonic state a month after that. Two weeks later the remains of their former companions were found in at least four different places in several states. "Read the story." "Listen," Mulligan begins darkly as you begin thinking after that. "If ya don't believe me, then say so. //Now//." ... You furrow your brow. Shouldn't he know better, given his reputation? Then again, you can wager how stressed he must be right now. "It might surprise you, but I do believe you. Wouldn't have sought your help if I wouldn't do so at least a little. So, these men... Your brother's certain about their nature?" "Not just that," Mulligan answer, just as the rest of his group reaches you. "Two of'em have been part of yer old unit, //Bellegarde//." You are not a man easily rattled. Confused, maybe. Surprised? Sure. But you take a bit of pride in not letting things shake you easily. But these words out of Mulligan's mouth make your blood run cold. Dozens of images, not one of them pleasant, replay in your mind, before anger dwells up at Mulligan speaking that dreadful name, before the implications of what he said, what he knows, and the idea of where he knows it from sink in. A different kind of anger, a different kind of memories, and a different kind of knowledge worm their way into your conscious thoughts, and you feel sick to your stomach. There are people you owe helping $title $Name to. Some alive, some dead, and all of them part of a life you had hoped to have left behind. You shake your head to clear it, nod curtly at Mulligan and head into your room. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludelyn4]]</div>

As you check your weapons you begin feeling the eyes of the dead on your back in a way you haven't felt them in decades. This isn't how you had expected this investigation to go. Just for a moment you entertain the thought to leave that entire posse to rot, but you reckon there's more people alive than dead that would never forgive you such a decision. Therese, Vincent, Sara, Isaac, old Elam, Benjamin, Mrs. Meadows, and, of course, you yourself. You've vowed to do the right things in life, and you are not going to stop honoring that vow now. Once more you check your gun, holster it, and head back to the others. "Let's make haste then," you say, and lead them out to get the horses. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Outside|interludelyn5]]</div>

It's a lonely horse build like a brick house, a <<if $breed is 6 and $hcolor is 6>>chestnut Clydesdale (not $title $Name's, though)<<else>>chestnut Clydesdale<</if>>, saddled and trotting about nervously amongst the grass and rocks. There's no need to signal the others to stop at the sight, as they all know better than to ride on carelessly, and Mrs. Meadows retrieves her rifle. "There's someone there," Burke alerts you at a movement, readying his gun, as Mulligan speaks up hastily. "That's Matt's... fault," he says. "He says he spooked the horses of the kidnappers when they came through here. Overdid it a bit with the Clydesdale and she threw her rider off. Matt says the guy hit his head on one of the rocks and didn't get back up." Mulligan gulps at that, and you get the sense he's feeling more worried for the kidnapper than he's feeling relieved at having to deal with one opponent fewer. "The other's rode on," he continues. "But seems they nearly shot another guy who was insisting on checking if the other guy mighta still been alive." "Guy sure seems to be alive still," Burke notes. "What now?" O'Brian asks, and before Mulligan can answer, Mrs. Meadows marches over to the rock, rifle at the ready nevertheless. What follows is her muttering in Cantonese, and you bite back a smile at hearing her curse like this. Then she waves you all over, calling for Mulligan to get her her bag. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Which he does.|interludelyn7]]</div>

The sight you find around the rock is a man the size of a grizzly laying slumped together against the stone. He's dizzy and disoriented, and the rock behind him is smeared with blood, but he's certainly alive. "Didn't know angels can be Chinese," he mutters, seeing Mrs. Meadows, blinking blearily. "I'm no angel, nor a demon, mainly on account that you are not dead," Mrs. Meadows retorts and crouches down before the man. "My Holly got spooked, ma'am," the man continues. "She never does that. She's a good horse." Then he blinks. "Is it because we took that $Name? I said to Amos we shouldn't. But Amos said we need the money." "What's yer name?" Mulligan asks, stepping closer. "Earl, sir," the man answers. "Earl Oakley." "Like Annie Oakley?" Mulligan ventures. "I wish, sir. She's a fine woman, that Miss Oakley. Even if her name wasn't Oakley all the time. She's still a fine lass." Then the man looks closer at Mulligan. "Oh. Yer the other one Mr. Favor told us to take if we can't take $title $Name." You stand back, searching your memory for the names. You know of Amos and Earl Oakley. Two petty thieves from California, often working as hired muscles, even though Amos seems much more brains than brawns. Then again, Earl has enough muscle for four grown men. And both of them have a reputation to be thoroughly inept. The bell the name 'Mr. Favor' rings however... You really don't like its sound. You hope it's just a coincidence. Earl tries to sit up, only to get pushed back down by Mrs. Meadows. "Hold still," she orders. "You got quite a nasty wound on your head, and I need to see to that." "From the rock, ma'am, when Holly threw me off," Earl says, and you note Mulligan getting nervous. As do you. While this certainly isn't a ruse, you know how Mrs. Meadows can be when people are in need of help. But time is of essence right now. "Do we really have time for this?" you thus speak up. Mrs. Meadows turns around, glares, but her face quickly softens with a trace of guilt. "I can't just leave him laying here," she says. "Gotta give it to the Pink here," Burke speaks up. "If we wanna save $Name we oughta hurry." At this Earl does pull himself up into a more upright position. "$title $Name will be fine, Mr. Favor said," he says. "Can't make a bargain with a broken chip, he said." You don't like the sound of this. By the sound of it $Name has been kidnapped to be exchanged for something, and you wonder what. You already figured $Name and Mulligan made a lot of enemies, but something tells you the reason for this abduction is more recent. And the only event that comes to mind is the botched attempt on Miss Beauchêne's freedom. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Curious.|interludelyn8]]</div>

"This 'Mr. Favor,' Mulligan interrupts. "What exactly does he want $title $Name for?" "The sheriff's got his sister because o' $title $Name an' you, an' Mr. Favor told us to go an' get ya //or// $title $Name, he said that very clearly. Get only one, not both. An' he said that will make the other get him his sister back. Amos said we could just go an' break her outta that cell, no big deal. Amos always says things are no big deal when they are, and Mr. Favor wouldn't hear any of it. Told us to do as he says. And to listen to this Wilkie. I like this Wilkie none, sir. Not even a bit." Well, there's your answer to that then. You were right. The name 'Wilkie' however rings a couple of alarm bells, but try as you may nothing specific manages to worm its way to the front of your consciousness. "Guess we were spot on with our guess," O'Brian mutters, kicking at the ground as Mrs. Meadows finishes patching Earl up. She then rises back to her feet, nodding Burke and O'Brian to help Earl back to his feet. "Earl, where did they bring $title $Name to?" she asks. Earl points, guilt and thankfulness written equally on his face. "That way, ma'am. In the woods. It's a farmstead, ma'am, with a big barn. Wilkie wanted to do away with the farmers, but I just knocked them out. Can you make sure they are alright?" He shuffles a little uncertain, sitting down again. "An'... an' can ya make sure Amos is alright as well? Amos isn't bad, ma'am. Not much at least. He tries, but he's no good at bein' bad. That's what he always tells me I am, but he is just the same." Mrs. Meadows nods, and so does Mulligan, before Lian turns to O'Brian and Burke. "You two are the best riders. You get this man back to..." before she can finish Earl grabs her wrist, startling her, his hand covering almost her entire lower arm. "No, ma'am. Ya go an' get $title $Name. I'll wait here. An'... can you tell $them I'm sorry? $title $Name seemed nice, and Mr. Favor is nothin' but a bad man." Lian looks at Earl for a moment, quickly checks him over again, before she nods and heads back to her horse, mounting up. You follow, your mind still racing with the search for the names of 'Wilkie' and the unwelcome possibility of just //who// might be behind this 'Mr. Favor'. <hr><div class="choice">[[~A short ride through dense woods later...|interludelyn9]]</div>

A winding and well-used path leads through the woods, fresh tracks indicating recent use. The farmhouse at its end lies in the middle of a shallow valley, the trees along the edge of the little hollow provide plenty of cover. You leave the horses nearby, just out of view from the farm, and edge closer to the ledge, surveying the area below. There's a large barn, a paddock and a small orchard ready to be harvested to the left, and the farmhouse to the right. And a lot of open space between it. All of it occupied by grim looking men with more muscles than anyone should have, and as many morals as braincells. "I'm countin' five... no six outside," O'Brian hushes, lowering his spyglass. "An' at least two in the farmhouse." "So prob'ly more," Burke adds, "An' then some in the barn. At least them being in the farmhouse means the farmers are still alive. No need stationin' anyone there if that weren't the case." You nod, as does the rest of the group. "That makes at least eleven," Mulligan notes sourly and suddenly stiffens as if something startled him. You watch the blood drain from his face, and his eye grow quite glassy, before he suddenly slumps back, shivering, eye wide with fear. "No..." he manages in a choked whisper, slumping back, holding a hand to his mouth. "Please, God, no..." Something is very wrong, and you have an unsettling idea what it might be. "What's wrong?" Burke nudges Mulligan, as your group stares at the older man in worry. "It's $nick...$They", he stammers, trying desperately to calm himself. "Matt checked what's goin' on and... these guys beat $nick up pretty thoroughly. $They<<if $plur>>'re<<else>>'s<</if>> alive, but... we gotta hurry." You spot the tears dwelling up in the corner of Mulligan's eye as he looks at your group pleadingly. This is certainly not the news you had hoped for, but unfortunately those you had expected. "So we better make haste," Lian says, and turns back to the farm. <hr><div class="choice">[[~You can guess what she's thinking.|interludelyn10]]</div>

"Thinking about the best approach, aren't you?" you ask, brow furrowed darkly. "Of course. Aren't you?" Mrs. Meadows retorts. You snort a humorless laugh. "Not much to strategize here, is there?" you grunt. "We're outnumbered on either end of the farm, with the major part of our opponents right between the barn and the farmhouse. If we try to pick them off in either location their companions will rush in from the others and make short notice of us and their hostages." "$Name and the farmers," Mrs. Meadows notes matter-of-factly. You nod. "Exactly. You know," you begin wondering. "It's strange. Nearly a dozen men, maybe more, for so few people? Sounds excessive." "What do you think?" Mrs. Meadows inquires. "I can't tell," you answer, scanning the farm again. "But this is the kind of manpower you bring if there's something else to pro-... Bloody Hell! You got to be kidding me!" You lower your binoculars and blink, looking after a man leaving the farmhouse with two men in tow right now. Small, stocky, well-dressed, sporting a sculpted mustache. Great. Just the person you had hoped //not// to see here. Jean-Baptiste Favreau. 'Mr. Favor', //of course//. Highly trusted, renown banker, and cunning businessman. Someone the rich of this nation turn to when financial trouble (or any trouble, really) arises. He has employed your agency a few times in the past, and while you only know him from hearsay and photographs, you've come under the impression that he is as ruthless as he's pompous and arrogant. A man you neither cross nor disappoint if you know what's good for you. You search your memory, vaguely remembering that his sister did marry into the Robiquet family. That's two families then one would be wise not to cross. "What?" Mulligan asks, and you points towards Favreau. "You know who that is?" you ask, almost casually, doing your best to not let your concerns show. "He looks familiar, but I dunno," Mulligan answers your question. "Jean-Baptiste Favreau," you say, gloomily. "Guess that's the ominous 'Mr. Favor'. If you ever researched the finances of anyone rich in this nation, you very likely stumbled upon the name." You pause, maybe the others know something about Favreau. There's certainly a lot to tell, and especially people like Mulligan or O'Brian —who take such delight in conning this kind of people— ought to know something. Unfortunately, they don't. You sigh inwardly. "I'll tell you the details once $Name is safe and sound," you say, "But for now... He's quite bad news. The kind of man you don't want to cross, disappoint or insult. By having his family face consequence for, let's say, an attempted kidnapping. For example. "He's also leavin'," Burke calls out in a stage whisper, drawing everyone's attention back to the farm. Favreau is indeed climbing into a waiting coach, while a total of four men mount up, two of them on the coach, two on horses, all heavily armed. Favreau barks some orders and the carriage sets into motion into the opposite direction of where you are. Well, that leaves you with a more reasonable number of opponents to handle. "In the hope I won't jinx it, but damn, that's lucky for us," Burke mutters, and you're inclined to agree. "Still got more than enough on our hands," Mulligan says. "Give Matt a moment to check what we're up against now." <hr><div class="choice">[[~So you wait.|interludelyn11]]</div>

After a moment you spot a small nod from Mulligan, before he tells the group that there's now half a dozen hired guns in the barn, three in the house. Then he pauses. A mixture of bafflement, worry, and a trace off anger ghost over his face before he frowns darkly. "Got another problem, it seems," he tells you. "They beat up this Amos pretty good. Matt says he needs help better sooner than later. An' the farmers are close to doin' something stupid." Oh, isn't that just great? You sigh inwardly, wondering if this can even end well. There's no question that your group will have to split up, and everything then will have to be timed well. Which is easier said than done. "Bugger," Burke mutters. "So, what now?" "We have to split up," you suggest. "Even with the numbers more even, it won't do if we clear one side of the farm, only to have the buggers on the other catch on. Especially if the farmers are about to try something." Burke nods, but then furrows his brows. "How long ya think we got?" he asks, looking at you. What kind of question is that even? How should you know what the farmers are up to precisely? "You mean until the farmers do some-..." you begin, confused, when things click into place. Burke isn't asking about the farmers. He figured Favreau is likely on his way to seek out Mulligan, and when he'll find the hotel room empty.... "You mean until Favreau will return, right?" Burke nods again. "There's no way in Hell that guy ain't headin' to town to force Mulligan here to free his sister. An' when he finds Mulligan gone..." "He'll come back here an' all Hell will break loose," Mulligan finishes the thought, shuddering. He knits his brows, face strained as if he's listening to something with great attention, before he sighs softly and relieved. "Matt says some other ghosts are keepin' an eye on Favreau. They'll make sure he won't come back here any time soon." You quirk a brow, a shiver running down your spine. Something about the way Mulligan said that has your hairs stand on end, and you feel as if things you thought you had buried deep have just found a handy spade. "Hey!" O'Brian suddenly calls out, nodding towards the farmhouse. One of the hired guns is making his way over to the barn, looking indisputable upset. You know the expression. Something has come up that he needs to talk to their leader to. "Seven in the barn then, two in the house," Mulligan mutters. "Is that better or worse?" "It doesn't make much of a difference," Mrs. Meadows answers, and casually checks her rifle. "I suggest two of us head to the house and take out the two men there. The others get into position in the barn and await the others attacking from the other side." "Best choice we have," you agree. "Only choice we got, innit?" Burke grunts, checking his weapons as well. "So, how we gonna do that?" "Giles is an excellent sharpshooter," Mrs. Meadows declares in a tone so matter-of-fact that it's almost comical, and you blink astonished. She's usually not someone to give out compliments, especially not to someone like you. But you refrain from asking aloud if she's mocking you. "One of us has to head to the farmhouse, the other heads to the barn." "Tommy should take the barn," O'Brian speaks up. "He's the better shot an' fighter outta the two o' us, makes more sense to have him where more people are." Burke nods curtly. You look at Mrs. Meadows, thinking it might be best if she'd take the lead here, and, to your surprised, the others had the same idea, looking at her expectantly. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludelyn12]]</div>

"I shall head to the farmhouse with Mulligan," she notes, after a brief moment. Mulligan does nod in agreement, although he does hesitate a little. "Hold up!" O'Brian suddenly yowls in discontent. "That's leavin' Tommy and me with the Pinkerton," he complains. You sigh inwardly. "I assure you, O'Brian, the feeling is mutual," you retort, rolling your eyes. "O'Brian," Mulligan calls out, pinching the bridge of his nose, "it's not as if Lynwood's gonna drag ya off to Redhurst while we're dealin' with the guys in the house." "You don't know that!" Burke protests, sounding scandalized. "I do believe he knows that fairly well. I'm not an idiot." You frown, and check your weapon. You doubt you'd have a chance against the two of them at the same time. "$Name and the farmers are the priority now, and we have already wasted enough time." "We still ought to proceed with care," Mrs. Meadows speaks up, checking her own firearms. "Don't be rash, unless you have no other choice." The others nod, and Mrs. Meadows motions Mulligan to follow you to the house. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludelyn13]]</div>

"Ya think the Doc wants us to take'm hired guns alive?" Burke grouses, and it's hard to tell if he's serious. "Burke, I ought to inform you that at least some of these men have fought in the Civil War," you say, before you can stop yourself. Then again, they ought to know that not only are you outnumbered, but your opponents are, supposedly, trained soldiers. Burke blinks at you. "How the Hell d'ya even know that?" "Mulligan," you answer, not thinking about it. Maybe you don't want to think about it to begin with. "Oh, great, he tells //you// but not us?" Burke mutters, and O'Brian looks equally displeased. "Did you get the impression that Mulligan is in any state to think clearly?" you ask, feeling a sudden urge to defend Mulligan. The two men ponder this and shake there heads, looking the slightest bit guilty. "See? Now come, we got to at least //try// and get $Name out of there." You check your weapons again and get up, taking a deep breath. A part of you regretting you didn't bring some liquid courage with you... But a bigger part being proud of you that you didn't. With a determined nod you turn and head towards the back of the barn, Burke and O'Brian thankfully following. And even more thankfully they are not trying to bicker with you. Means they can fathom the situation's gravity. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludelyn14]]</div>

''End of Current Interlude Testbuild'' <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~Back to the Main Character">> <<set $mainchar to true>> <<goto "ch7start">> <</link>></div>

This uses Maliface's <a target="_blank" href="https://github.com/MalifaciousGames/Mali-s-Macros/tree/main/listen-macro">listen macro</a> <<listen>> ''4. What's the color of your skin?'' <<listbox "$skincol" autoselect>> <<option "~Black." 1>> <<option "~Deep Brown." 2>> <<option "~Brown." 3>> <<option "~Olive." 4>> <<option "~Tan." 5>> <<option "~Copper (reddish brown)." 6>> <<option "~Ochre (yellowish brown)." 7>> <<option "~White/Pale." 8>> <</listbox>> <<when>> <<redo>> <</listen>><<nobr>> <<do>> <<if $skincol <=1>> <<elseif $skincol >1>> ''4-A. Would 'Authorities' and 'Official Documents' consider you 'Caucasian/White'?'' <<listbox "$cau">> <<option "No, they would not." false>> <<option "Yes, they would." true>> <</listbox>> <</if>> <</do>> <</nobr>> [[next|testywesty]]

"You can consider yourself lucky," you say, finishing cleaning up Amos' stitches and carefully wrapping the young man's head up. "Whatever happened to have that man stop attacking you likely saved your life." "I know, I know," Amos grouses, squirming a little and holding his arm to his body. "Did he get you in the arm or is that an unrelated injury?" "I think I twisted somethin' when I tried fending him off," Amos grouses. "I'll be fine. Not the first time..." "The arm is bleeding," you note, nonchalantly. Either he thinks you wouldn't notice, or he hasn't noticed it yet himself. "I'll be fine." "Take off your jacket," you order, "I need to see to your arm and..." "No," Amos snarls, getting up much too fast for his current state, and it's only due to your quick reaction that he doesn't hit his head open again on the bedpost or nightstand. "Are you certain you want to forbid me from doing my work?" you ask, dryly, as the young man squirms angrily. "Very certain. Lemme go!" Amos squirms again, and you get the sense that he's trying to fight dirty, incapable of doing so due to his injuries. Ultimately he lets out a small, howling yelp, gasping for air in a way that sounds like a strained laugh. All indicators that he's in severe pain. You let go of him, carefully, and he sinks to his knees at the side of the bed, gasping and holding his chest before completely slumping down on the ground. "I'll be fine," he gasps, and you don't believe a single word of it. "You got a cut on your arm that's bleeding through your jacket again, and you got hit on the back with an //ax// hard enough that it ripped through your clothes. You can let me see to all your wounds or you can leave now and quite potentially succumb to them." "No." Amos insists, just as the door opens and Earl returns. "Is everything alright?" he asks. Amos glowers. "Yes. Come, let's leave." He tries to stand up, thrice, stopping after the third time with a groan. "Your brother has a bad wound on his arm, and got hit in the back with an ax. I need to see to those injuries or they might kill him." "I'll be fine," Amos mutters, hugging his arms to his chest. Earl look positively torn. "Amos doesn't like taking off his shirt, ma'am," he says, but looks guilty as Amos glares angrily. "I can respect that, but I am a doctor, and I can't help him if I can't assess the damage. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludemeadows27]]</div>

Earl looks at his brother pleadingly, a different kind of stare-down, and finally Amos lets out an annoyed grunt. One that sounds significantly like a 'fine'. You help him back onto the bed, and he begins to roll up his sleeve. "You'll need to take off your //entire// jacket and shirt for me to get to where the cuts are located," you inform him, but he just glowers. "No, I don't." You look him straight into the eyes and pull up a chair, sitting down across from him without breaking eye-contact. "What is it?" you ask. "Listen, this is obviously not the first injury you ever sustained, but your aversion to help is concerning and positively preposterous..." Amos mouths your words for a seconds. "It means you are being utterly ridiculous, and I'm simply trying to help," you explain. "I get the impression you know very well what's at stake, yet you refuse to cooperate. What's wrong, young man?" With a light glare and shivering frame Amos searches your eyes. Then he looks at Earl, and frowns, his already small statue sinking together a little. "Swear yer not goin' to tell anyone. An' if yer goin' to lecture me 'bout it, I'll..." "What is it?" you intone. Amos growls, but it fades into a whimper as he holds his arm. With a shaking breath he begins worming out of his jacket and shirt, and... <hr><div class="choice">[[...Oh.|interludemeadows28]]</div>

"I see," you say, leaning back and folding your hands in your lap. "I ought to inform you you are not the first person I have met who turned out to be a different sex from what they were thought of at birth." Amos glowers again, slowly peeling off his shirt entirely. "I also ought to inform you that your... over enthusiasm with the bandages might very well have saved your live," you add. Now Amos blinks. "They acted as a cushion, together with your layers of clothing. Without that, the ax might very well have severed your spine." Amos winces and curl in on himself a bit, shuddering. Good, at least things are sinking in. "Now let me see your arm," you say, and, still begrudgingly Amos lets you do your work. "Yer not angry at Amos, right?" Earl asks, and you pick up on the kind of worried tone that speaks of a strong protective sense. "What for? About him being a bit of a stubborn ass? Yes, but I had worse patients. But about that?" You gesture at the bandages. "Why should I? Science is an ever evolving field, and it wouldn't be the first or last time the scientific 'facts' some stuffy old men in smoke-filled chambers decided on turned out to be thoroughly wrong. Good gracious, some of these men genuinely believe that phrenology nonsense." Amos squirms, though to his credit his trying to do it not too much. "That's the thing where they go an' cut around in yer brain 'cause they think that taken out certain bits will makes ya a 'proper person', right?" You pause your work and look at him. "I— assume they tried that on you?" "Tried to try. That was when Earl and I ran away from home for good. Ya know, there's some things ya ought to //protect// yer kids from, not do to them." With a heavy, melancholic huff Amos falls silent, letting you finish seeing to his arm. <hr><div class="choice">[[~next|interludemeadows29]]</div>

"There," you announce, bandaging the arm. "Try not to use the arm too much, but don't refrain from using it either." Amos mutters something that does sound like a 'Thank you' and reaches for his shirt. "If I may offer some advice," you begin, leaning back. "Your approach with the bandages is terrible. You are cutting yourself to ribbons, and this will also have a negative impact on your breathing and ribcage." Amos turns to you and glowers darkly. "I ain't going to go withou—" You raise a hand to stop him. "I was offering to show you how to do it easier, more effectively and safely. And I do very much advice you to see about getting stays to flatten and straighten your figure." "Huh? That's possible?" Judging by the look he's giving you he genuinely was unaware of it. "It is. Now, I'll help you with the bandages, and then I'd advise you and Earl to come to New Hamelin with us to heal up." Amos looks past you at Earl, and nods. "But we ain't stayin' with ya. We... got our own places to be." "Naturally." You nod, and a few minutes later Amos is dressed proper again (the cuts and tears in his clothes not withstanding), and you head out to where there others are after exchanging a few words of gratitude with Mrs. Honeysett. <hr><div class="choice">[[~Outside|interludemeadows30]]</div>

You dust off your clothes, heading to where Mulligan, Giles and Delgado are standing together, talking. Delgado is looking quite unstable on his feet. For crying out loud. "Everyone is taken care of," you announce. Then you, a little baffled, notice the cat perched on Giles' shoulder. You might actually ask him about it later, but right now there are more important things to take care of. "$title $Name is stable enough to be transported, so we're bringing $them and Amos back to New Hamelin. And I'd greatly advice, you" you glare at Delgado, "to get your behind to the cart." With a grumble Delgado scrambles up and stalks over to the waiting cart by the farmhouse. Good. At least //someone// is being decently reasonable today. "$nick will be alright, right?" Mulligan asks as the cart rattles away, and you look at him. "I still need to have a proper look at $them. Earl told me there ought to be some severe injuries, but..." Mulligan snaps his head around. "And ya still have $them be brought all the way to New Hamelin?" "I said 'but', Mulligan. Your partner is stable, and I'd rather have them at the hotel than here." Mulligan frowns, and glares at you. You huff. You can't blame him for being worried, after all. You try to be nice. "Mr. Mulligan, I know that you are worried, but I can only ask you to take my word as a doctor. I don't mean you any harm." "You tried to shoot me," Mulligan notes, unimpressed. To which Giles quirks an accusing brow. Oh please. You were perfectly reasonable in your logic, weren't you? Alright, maybe the whole playing along to get Mulligan on his own, even after the evidence that he's telling the truth mounted... No, no, no. Don't think like that. There. Are. No. Ghosts. Well, one ghost, maybe, yes. But that's it. "I had my reasons," you mutter through grit teeth. "And..." you take a deep breath. "I'd like to apologize for my reaction. It was not unreasonable however." "Did you try to shoot him because you don't believe in ghosts?" Giles ventures and you snap your head around. "Giles, please." You glowers. "This is between me and Mulligan." Giles sighs, and gives Mulligan a long look. Mulligan nods stoically. "I'd like to settle that once $nick is back on $their feet," Mulligan then says, attempting to stare you down. You stare back, but nod curtly. "Good." Then Mulligan turns to head back to the horses with you. Only for Giles to call out to him, whisking him off to the site, out of hearing range. A part of you wonders what they're talking about. But these things will have to wait. //Right now// you need to get back to the hotel, see to <<if $doublemeadows>>fleabite<<else>>$title $Name<</if>>, and then finally make the needed preparation to finally see to what Emmett tasked you with. <hr><div class="choice"><<link "~It's going to be a long, long day...">> <<set $mainchar to true>> <<goto "ch7prestart">> <</link>></div>

"Where's $title $Name being kept?" you ask as the group reaches the edge of the city. You should maybe have asked before, but you reckon you hadn't had the mind for it before. "The Honeysett farmstead a bit out of town," Mulligan answers.. "Middle o' the woods." "Honeysett as in Isiah Honeysett?" Mrs. Meadows ventures. The name does not mean anything to you. Mulligan confirms. "Take it your ghosts told you?" You feel like slapping yourself for that question. How //else// would Mulligan know, and he has already told you that he's got the information from none other than his dead brother. "Not just any," Mulligan says, and you try to make out whether or not he's bitter about it. "Told ya it's me brother Matthew." You turns to look at him, nodding curtly and apologetic. "Sorry for your loss, by the by. Couldn't tell you earlier." "That's kind of ya," Mulligan says, nodding back, and then he pauses for a moment "Agent Lynwood, do ya know anyone by the name of 'Robiquet'?" You search your memory. You know the name, and a bit about their reputation. And that is enough to make your skin crawl. "Not personally," you answer thus. "Only by name. Rich family from Virginia or Alabama. Made their money in sugar and cotton, lost nearly everything after the war when they found themselves having to pay the people doing the work for them. Went into shipbuilding and mining now, I believe." "How screwed is $Name in such company?" O'Brian muses out loud. "$They <<if $skincol >7>>could certainly be off much, much<<else>>couldn't be off<</if>> worse," Burke answers, and Mulligan glares at both of them. "Do you two ever think before you speak?" Mrs. Meadows scolds, and both Burke and O'Brian sit up straight. "Sorry, ma'am." "Pull yourself together, you two," Mrs. Meadows continues, and the two utter a 'Yes, ma'am'. And the group rides on. It's not long till you can see the edge of the forest ahead, when something by some rocks and boulders nearby gets Mulligan's attention. <hr><div class="choice">[[~A horse!|interludelyn6]]</div>