The Night That Feeds

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<<link "TBD">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("TBD"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("TBD").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Character">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Character"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Character").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Credits">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Credits"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>

<<if $playername>> Your name is $playername, Aevan told you that you were named by your father. <<else>> ... <</if>> <<if $gender is "Man">> You are a man, your pronouns are he/him. <<elseif $gender is "Woman">> You are a woman, your pronouns are she/her. <<elseif $gender is "Nonbinary">> You are nonbinary, your pronouns are they/them. <<else>> ... <</if>> <<if $cistrans is "Cisgender">> You've always felt that your sex and gender are one and the same. <<elseif $cistrans is "Transgender">> Your gender and sex have always felt discordant to you. <<else>> ... <</if>> //In Development//

Vayle Vym

The Night That Feeds

An interactive story

:: StoryInit <<set $health = 100>> <<set $gold = 0>>

<<widget "are">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>are<<case false>>is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "were">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>were<<case false>>was<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s">><<switch $plural>><<case true>><<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>>

<a href="https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs/">Sugarcube 2 Documentation</a> <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 href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a> for sidebar images (<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/4CpyhNQ-LdU">light mode</a> and <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/1L71sPT5XKc">dark mode</a>)

<h3>StoryInterface</h3> The StoryInterface special passage, used by creating a special passage titled StoryInterface, allows you to override the default UI layout of Sugarcube. At its most basic, it consists of a div with the id "passages" that displays the data from your passages on the screen, as shown in example 1. You can add more complex layouts by adding more elements to this passage, such as menu bars, splash screens, headers and footers, as shown in example 2. Defining these divs is as simple as adding the necessary HTML to the StoryInterface passage; however, note that if a div is assigned a "data-passage" property, you should not add content to it within the StoryInterface passage. This property assigns a passage to that div. In example 2, the div with the id "ui-bar" has the data-passage property "UIBar", meaning it pulls its content data from a passage with the same name. These designations are case-sensitive. If you're just starting out with Twine/Sugarcube, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the language and the UI before working with StoryInterface. ''Example 1'' {{{<div id="passages"></div>}}} ''Example 2'' {{{<div id="ui-bar" data-passage="UIBar"></div>}}} {{{<div id="passages"></div>}}} {{{<div id="footer" data-passage="Footer"></div>}}} This will create a layout with three basic elements: the UI bar, the passage, and the footer. Content for the UI bar is found in the UIBar passage; likewise with the Footer passage & div. <h3>Accessing the UI functions</h3> Using StoryInterface by nature removes the built-in UI bar and the links contained within (Saves, Settings, Restart etc); these can all be replaced using their relevant APIs. The most common & useful of these are listed below. These commands can be placed inside links or buttons. {{{UI.saves() - opens the save UI}}} {{{UI.settings() - opens the settings UI}}} {{{UI.restart() - restarts the game}}} {{{Engine.backward()/Engine.forward() - undoes the previous action and returns the player to the previous passage/moves the player forward one action}}} Similarly to the above, you can use {{{<<back>>}}} to create a button that automatically undoes the last action, or {{{<<return>>}}} to return to the previous passage without undoing any variable changes made. <h3>Dialog functions</h3> You can set up dialog options to pop up upon clicking a link or button, which allows you to share information with the player without adding a new passage to the player's history or changing the state of the game. In order to do this, you need to set up the Dialog box, tell it what passage contains the content you want to display, and optionally, add a title. {{{Dialog.setup("Dialog Box Title");}}} {{{Dialog.wiki(Story.get("PassageName").processText());}}} {{{Dialog.open();}}} Any of these commands can be used in the default layout as well as StoryInterface - if you want extra save buttons, back buttons etc. <<back "Return">> <<link "Settings">><<script>>UI.settings();<</script>><</link>> <<button "Saves">><<script>>UI.saves();<</script>><</button>>

It got worse with with Aevan's death. Your older brother. It somehow got worse... Everyone knew he was the apple of your mothers eye, you apparently looked too much like dad to be loved, Aevan said that he was a bastard. Even though you never knew him, it was just bad luck. Aevan took care of you though, which was good because mom was never going to do that job. You and Aevan had the same eyes as dad, but Aevan looked very obviously like mom, with his round face, easy smile, freckled tawny skin, all crowned by mid-length chestnut curls. You frown, your mom's voice ringing in your head like a screaming banshee. "I can't believe this! You want me to keep his... his demon spawn?" She spits out the words full force. "I would rather die! At least Aevan looks normal, he could be normal! But that creature could never be normal, never." The man she's speaking to tries to cut in. "Lenna, c'mon..." "Don't you try, Sath! Take it, I want it out of my house before it curses us!" Her wild gaze locks onto mine as she finally notices me peering out of my room. "...Mama?" Her face twists into a look of disgust, she quickly turns on her heel and stalks out of the room. The man gives you a look of pity. And you know why, sure you look like a little version of your dad, and that counts for a lot of it, but it's the mark. People say you're cursed, demon born, or that you're a Necromancer. You don't know what's true, or why you have it. Maybe you were just unlucky. The mark is large, it swirls from your shoulder--all the way down your arm, to the fingertips. It's constantly illuminated, it looks like purple shifting black water is constantly moving over a light source.

"So, the tavern still rowdy?" You flick your eyes toward your gruff companion. "Ayep, soldiers. Heard one of 'em talkin' shit, some such nonsense. Think it was about the prince, missin'. Or the king, or royal fuckin' dog for all I care." You stifle a snort, the corners of your lips twitch up. "Do you think it'll cause problems making it to Vespoth?" A village further north, they better have a competent witch or magus there. He huffs out a large sigh. "Hmm. We better get a room. Get some rest, leave this fuckin' shithole behind." You nod, and groan. "Okay, let's do it." Maddock nods. You both turn to head back to the tavern, The Writhing Frog. The little hairs on your neck raise, a shiver crawling down your back like ice water. The eyes. Creeping closer, you try to stifle your panicked breathing. You slowly turn your head towards the feeling behind you. The shadow smiles. "Hey, you comin' kid?" Maddock breaks you out of your panic. You swallow thickly. [["Yeah, let's go."]]

You both head toward the enigmatic light of the inn, it casts mesmerizing shadows on the grass and dirt, the gnarled trees twist and curl menacingly under the light of the Moon and the Void above. You've always been drawn to looking up at the Void, enamored by it, as if something was calling to you in the inky reaches. Many call it sky, a word to try and distance the unknown from the dangerous. A mundane word, sky. You glance toward your companion from the corner of your eye. I wonder what he'd think about my... affliction. You muse to yourself. You flex the fingers of your marked arm, the light fabric of your cover feeling oppressive. At least I'll be able to take it off to sleep. You're at the entrance soon enough. The worn wood of the door is painted in an inviting shade of berry, it's painted well from what you can see. Your gaze lingers on a row of delicate florals painted at the base of the door, a huff escapes Maddock and you wonder if he noticed, does he appreciate the artistry or is he too practical for it? "A'right, kid. Follow me. Try not to attract too much... attention." He quirks his eyebrow, taking you in for a moment. "Well, n'more than usual" You furrow your brow and self consciously look down. You know what he's talking about, the bandages that cling to your healed burns. He takes the lead, opening the weathered doors. Your heart flutters faster, the inn is packed. The raucous noise is much more intense now, the hearth glows brilliantly, and the candles upon the crooked chandelier glitter slightly, casting odd shadows on the walls. The Ismuth royal colors are emblazoned on every shield and every gambeson, shining metal from their sword hilts glint along the walls. So far, no one pays either of you any mind. You follow Maddock's lead as he struts toward the innkeep. A tall older woman with round cheeks and dark hair smiles at you both. "Ah, welcome, welcome travelers." She wipes her freckled hands on her aproned dress. "What can I get you both tonight?" "A room, hot food, and even hotter baths, Ma'am." He nods his head toward the woman. "Ah, my name is Callie, dear. Just a single room?" Her brown eyes flit between the two of you. [[Your face heats up immediately at the insinuation. Your eyes suddenly find the floor very interesting. He must have a reason, I'm pretty sure we can afford seperate rooms. ♡]] [[Your gaze narrows on Maddock. He did say 'room', you can definitely afford two rooms, can't you? ♡]] [[You shrug. He did say 'room', maybe we're tighter on funds than you thought.]] [["Uhh, we're getting one room, Maddock?"]]

<<set $ShBo to Math.clamp($ShBo + 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $InEx to Math.clamp($InEx + 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $mad to Math.clamp($mad + 5, 0, 100)>> You notice Maddock has moved closer to you, your eyes meet his, a wolfish grin pulls at his stern features, you know he's noticed the feverish blush, the nervousness. It's the kind of thing a man like him feeds on. Great, here's where he decides to break the mask of impassivity. You move your eyes further up, and to the side, deftly avoiding his penetrating gaze. "Mhmm, Callie. One room f'me, and... my 'sociate." His gravelly voice sending shivers down my spine. What the fuck... She hums in an amused fashion. "Alrighty, names please?" She pulls out a large ledger, cracks along the spine, the worn leather creaks softly as she pulls it open, fluttering the pages until she gets to the one she needs. "Maddock. He/Him." Callie nods, scribbling down this information. "How long are you planning on staying?" "Two nights." Callie looks expectantly at you. "And you, dear?" "$playername, I use $playerpronouns." Callie grins at you both. "That will be 12 silver. And the rooms include food, and baths. Though, there is only a single bath attached to each room, and we actually have hot tanks that feed water into the rooms. Dinner will be served later in the evening. The days are a bit shorter this season, but we have a bell that signals when meal times start. Any questions?" Maddock looks at you, "All good but $heshe might have some." He smirks. You glower at him a bit before turning to Callie. [["Thank you, I have no questions."]] <<set $madflirt to "true">>

You notice Maddock has moved closer to you, your eyes meet his, a wolfish grin pulls at his stern features. The corners of my mouth twitch up, you bite the inside of your cheek. "Mhmm, Callie. One room f'me, and... my 'sociate." His gravelly voice sending shivers down my spine. What the fuck... She hums in an amused fashion. "Alrighty, names please?" She pulls out a large ledger, cracks along the spine, the worn leather creaks softly as she pulls it open, fluttering the pages until she gets to the one she needs. "Maddock. He/Him." Callie nods, scribbling down this information. "How long are you planning on staying?" "Two nights." Callie looks expectantly at you. "And you, dear?" "$playername, I use $playerpronouns." Callie grins at you both. "That will be 12 silver. And the rooms include food, and baths. Though, there is only a single bath attached to each room, and we actually have hot tanks that feed water into the rooms.. Dinner will be served later in the evening. The days are a bit shorter this season, but we have a bell that signals when meal times start. Any questions?" Maddock looks at you, "All good but $heshe might have some." He smirks. I glower at him a bit before turning to Callie. [["Thank you, I have no questions."]] <<set $madflirt to "true">>

"Mhmm, Callie. One room f'me, and my 'sociate." His gravelly voice penetrates through the noise. She hums in acknowledgement. "Alrighty, names please?" She pulls out a large ledger, cracks along the spine, the worn leather creaks softly as she pulls it open, fluttering the pages until she gets to the one she needs. "Maddock. He/Him." Callie nods, scribbling down this information. "How long are you planning on staying?" "Two nights." Callie looks expectantly at you. "And you, dear?" "$playername, I use $playerpronouns." Callie grins at you both. "That will be 12 silver. And the rooms include food, and baths. Though, there is only a single bath attached to each room, and we actually have hot tanks that feed water into the rooms. Dinner will be served later in the evening. The days are a bit shorter this season, but we have a bell that signals when meal times start. Any questions?" Maddock looks at you, "All good but $heshe might have some." He smirks. I glower at him a bit before turning to Callie. [["Thank you, I have no questions."]]

"Mhmm, Callie. One room f'me, and my associate." His gravelly voice penetrates through the noise. She hums in acknowledgement. "Alrighty, names please?" She pulls out a large ledger, cracks along the spine, the worn leather creaks softly as she pulls it open, fluttering the pages until she gets to the one she needs. "Maddock. He/Him." Callie nods, scribbling down this information. "How long are you planning on staying?" "Two nights." Callie looks expectantly at you. "And you, dear?" "$playername, I use $playerpronouns." Callie grins at you both. "That will be 12 silver. And the rooms include food, and baths. Though, there is only a single bath attached to each room, and we actually have hot tanks that feed water into the rooms. Dinner will be served later in the evening. The days are a bit shorter this season, but we have a bell that signals when meal times start. Any questions?" Maddock looks at you, "All good but $heshe might have some." He smirks. I glower at him a bit before turning to Callie. [["Thank you, I have no questions."]]

You and Maddock climb the rickety steps to the second floor. Where our 'single' room, and hot bath is waiting. "You're gettin' the first bath." Maddock breaks the silence. "Why'd we get a single room?" You whisper back at him. He stops a moment, turns back to me, inclines his head closer and whispers back. "Soldiers, I'm not trustin' why they're here. Better to stay in numbers." You incline your head. It makes sense. We continue, stepping off the stairs, into a hallway. Stopping midway, Maddock takes the key and opens the door to the room. He gestures for you to continue ahead. The room is bigger than you thought it would be. The bed looks comfy enough, though sharing with Maddock makes you feel... [[Indifferent, we slept near each other camping, this is the same.]] [[Flustered, you can feel your cheeks reddening all over again. You keep your gaze on the floor. ♡]] [[Intrigued. You smirk to yourself, this will be interesting. ♡]] [[It'll be fine, plus it could be a great opportunity to learn more about him.]] [[Annoyed. you don't want to sleep next to this big, smelly mountain man!]]

You place your bag at the foot of the bed. "Alright, I'll be back in a bit." You say as Maddock gets himself comfy on the bed, you look his way, he gives you a nod before closing his eyes and shimmying further into the comfort of the mattress. You stride toward to the door, opening it and revealing a tidy bathroom. After closing the door tightly, you go through the motions of undressing, and after a few moments of fiddling, you were able to work out how to fill the bath. You gently lower yourself down into the basin, a soft sigh escapes your lips as the hot water works at your sore muscles. You close your eyes, content to relax a moment. This.. this is nice.? You let out another groan of contentment. You open your eyes again, you notice a small bottle on the other side of the bath. You lean up to grab it, you open the cap and take a generous sniff. Sandalwood, and vetiver oil. Nice. You start massaging the oil all over your body, running it over your $playerhairlength hair. This is a nice surprise. A small smile forms on your lips as you start washing your body off. [[A few moments later...]]

You're practically vibrating because of your nerves. You shrug your bag off at the foot of the bed. You can feel his gaze on you, you're sure he felt the change in energy. "My, my, my..." His gravelly voice rumbles through the silence. He steps closer to you, as if cornering a scared animal. You step back on instinct, he continues forward. Your eyes gaze up at him, his eyes dark, a grin spread across his features. "You shy, pet?" His hand moves up, idly caressing your $playerhairlength hair. You let out a shaky breath, face hotter than ever, your knees suddenly unsteady. A sensation burning deep in your chest. Your heart feels as if it would leap from the cage of your ribs. Maddock tilts his head to the side. Eyes widening, grinning much more feral. You know you're $playerheight, but he just seems to tower over you, in size, and in intensity. "Wha' was that?" His tongue gently sweeps over his bottom lip. You bite your lip hard, summoning all your will--you dart around the man, opening the door opposite to the bed. "I am taking my bath!" You blurt out. You lock eyes one last time. His grin decreased into a smirk as he chuckles lightly, You slam the door shut. Pressing your back against the wood. Your breathing heavy, you intake the warm air, trying to clear your head from the moment. I have never met someone like him... NO. Stop it, stop it. He just seems to pull you in. You struggle a bit with the water system, but you figure out how to get the water moving through the pipes in only a few moments. You quickly remove your clothing, and gently ease yourself into the hot water. Anything to get your mind off this fucking ridiculous situation. You grab the only bottle of bathing oil, it smells of sandalwood and vetiver. You relish in the scent, running it over your body and through your $playerhairlength hair. [[From back in the room...]]

He looks back at you, an eyebrow quirked high on his brow. His mouth forms into a lazy grin. "Now, ain't this interestin'." "Oh?" Your eyes travel over the expanse of this man. He moves closer to you, leaning into the side of your head. "Take your bath, $playername. Be good." He runs a hand through your $playerhairlength hair. You back away from the man, reluctantly, you drop your bag at the foot of the bed. Then you stride past the bed to get to the door that leads to the bathroom, you pause a moment, then you flippantly state over your shoulder. "What if I'm rarely good?" You give him a small, not-so-innocent smile as you open the door and retreat inside. Closing it behind you with a final click. Once you close the door, you press your back against the wood. Your breathing heavy, you intake the warm air, trying to clear your head from the moment. I have never met someone like him... He just seems to pull you in. You click your tongue. Sure, you've flirted before, it's a game, a very fun game. You just didn't expect this, after everything. You struggle a bit with the water system, but you figure out how to get the water moving through the pipes in only a few moments. You quickly remove your clothing, and gently ease yourself into the hot water. You grab the only bottle of bathing oil, it smells of sandalwood and vetiver. You relish in the scent, running it over your body and through your $playerhairlength hair. [[He mulls over your words...]]

You're definitely excited to pester him with questions, like what's a mercenary taking on a job for free, what does Safira have over him? You place your bag at the foot of the bed. "Alright, I'll be back in a bit." You say as Maddock gets himself comfy on the bed, you look his way, he gives you a nod before closing his eyes and shimmying further into the comfort of the mattress. You stride toward to the door, opening it and revealing a tidy bathroom. After closing the door tightly, you go through the motions of undressing, and after a few moments of fiddling, you were able to work out how to fill the bath. You gently lower yourself down into the basin, a soft sigh escapes your lips as the hot water works at your sore muscles. You close your eyes, content to relax a moment. This.. this is nice. You let out another groan of contentment. You open your eyes again, you notice a small bottle on the other side of the bath. You lean up to grab it, you open the cap and take a generous sniff. Sandalwood, and vetiver oil. You start massaging the oil all over your body, running it over your $playerhairlength hair. 'This is a great surprise.' A small smile forms on your lips as you start washing your body off. [[A few moments later...]]

It's bad enough you had to deal with him camping, now you have to deal with him hogging the blankets. Your lips descend down, a grumpy frown marring your features. By the Void, you were hoping to get some actual sleep tonight. You place your bag at the foot of the bed. "Alright, I'll be back in a bit." You say as Maddock gets himself comfy on the bed, you look his way, he gives you a nod before closing his eyes and shimmying further into the comfort of the mattress. You stride toward to the door, opening it and revealing a tidy bathroom. After closing the door tightly, you go through the motions of undressing, and after a few moments of fiddling, you were able to work out how to fill the bath. You gently lower yourself down into the basin, a soft sigh escapes your lips as the hot water works at your sore muscles. You close your eyes, content to relax a moment. This.. this is nice. You let out another groan of contentment. You open your eyes again, you notice a small bottle on the other side of the bath. You lean up to grab it, you open the cap and take a generous sniff. Sandalwood, and vetiver oil. Nice. You start massaging the oil all over your body, running it over your $playerhairlength hair. This is a fantastic surprise. A small smile forms on your lips as you start washing your body off. Maybe it'll be worth the small price of bunking with Maddock. [[A few moments later...]]

You finish with your bath, drying yourself off with one of the fluffy towels provided. You sigh at how gentle the fabric is, this inn is oddly luxurious. You pause, and look at yourself in the small mirror. Your skin is glowing from the bath oil, you look radient with your...

Maddock lingers a moment, staring at the door that $playername retreated into. 'So cute... skittish as a rabbit.' He turns to the bed, his large hand running over the pillow closest to him. He can't wait to see $hisher head laying on these tonight. His chest warms in anticipation. They've slept close, camping necessitates that. However this is different. More intimate. He likes making $himher shy. It does things to him, things he hasn't felt in a long, long time. He hears $himher bathing, the slight splashing of the water. He sits down on the bed, it slightly creaking under his weight. By the Void, restraint is not his strong suit. When he wants something, someone, it's his. You're no exception. Though it's very rare for him to want someone. Special. He wants to see you shy again... He needs to. [[He runs his hands over his face.]]

A slow grin sits well on his face, he looks over at the pillow. Where you'll sleep. He can't wait to see $hisher head laying on these tonight. His chest warms in anticipation. They've slept close, camping necessitates that. However this is different. More intimate. He likes seeing $himher flirt. It does things to him, things he hasn't felt in a long, long time. He hears $himher bathing, the slight splashing of the water. He sits down on the bed, it slightly creaking under his weight. By the Void, restraint is not his strong suit. When he wants something, someone, it's his. You're no exception. Though it's very rare for him to want someone. Special. He wants to see you be all bratty again... He needs to. [[He chuckles to himself.]]

You groan lightly, enjoying how the hot water eases your sore muscles. Your thoughts inevitably turn back to Maddock, as if on reflex your face starts heating again. You curse youself for being so easy to ruffle. You feel a burning in your chest, you bite your lip... He is very attractive, in a wild way... and nobody has ever looked at me quite in the way that he does. Or made me feel this degree of... I kinda feel like prey. You hum to youself. Okay... shut up, $playername. You finish with your bath, drying yourself off with one of the fluffy towels provided. You sigh at how gentle the fabric is, this inn is oddly luxurious. You pause, and look at yourself in the small mirror. Your skin is glowing from the bath oil, you look radient with your...

You groan lightly, enjoying how the hot water eases your sore muscles. Your thoughts inevitably turn back to Maddock, as if on reflex you bite your lip. You feel a burning in your chest, you bite your lip... He is very attractive, in a wild way... and nobody has ever looked at me quite in the way that he does. Or made me feel this degree of... I kinda feel like prey. You hum to youself. Okay... shut up, $playername. You laugh to yourself, feeling very giddy. You want to see where this goes You finish with your bath, drying yourself off with one of the fluffy towels provided. You sigh at how gentle the fabric is, this inn is oddly luxurious. You pause, and look at yourself in the small mirror. Your skin is glowing from the bath oil, you look radient with your...

You really wish you could have slept without the glove on tonight. It's not uncomfortable, but you like to let your skin breathe. Even if the mark is hard to look at. You frown. Nothing for it... You open the door, with your things in hand, you enter the bedroom. Maddock is sitting on the bed, looking lost in thought. He jerks his head up as you step into the room more. "Hey kid, was the water alright?" "Yeah, it was really great, there's some nice smelling oil in there too, and the towels are really fluffy." "Well, I better get goin'. Dinner'll be starting soon." He shoves himself off the bed, gives you a nod and heads into the bathroom. Your stomach gives a little rumble. "I wonder what's for dinner?" You mumble to yourself as you start putting your things away. Should I put my pants back on? Ugh, I guess I should wear something. You dig around your bag and pull out your usual outfit, a clean <<cycle '$usualoutfit' autoselect>> <<option 'dress, with a flowery pattern'>> <<option 'dress, with dark accents, and a subtle star pattern'>> <<option 'shirt and pants, decorated with a light subtle pattern'>> <<option 'shirt and pants, decorated with a dark floral pattern'>> <<option 'robe with tasteful star ornaments'>> <<option 'robe with dark swirling patterns'>> <</cycle>> "This'll be nice, and not too wrinkled." You nod happily. You pull your clothes on, you run your hands over the smooth fabric. These are the nicest clothes you own, thanks to Aevan... [[The last time you saw him alive, actually alive, was nine years ago.]]

<<set $ShBo to Math.clamp($ShBo + 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $InEx to Math.clamp($InEx + 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $mad to Math.clamp($mad + 2, 0, 100)>> You really wish you could have slept without the glove on tonight. It's not uncomfortable, but you like to let your skin breathe. Even if the mark is hard to look at. Your hands shake a little. I wonder if he could actually like me... You open the door, peeking your head out first. Maddock is laying on the bed looking lost in thought. You ease the door open a titch more, his head pops up, and he smirks after seeing your eyes go wide at his immediate attention. "You're back f'me, pet!" He holds his arms out at you. "I missed ya somethin' awful. Now, how was the bath?" His eyes darken at the sight of you, and he lets his arms drop back down. "O-oh. The... um... the bath was fine." You cautiously step into the room, face blushing furiously. He glides his tongue over his teeth, stopping at his pronounced canines. He lifts himself off the bed, and stalks toward you. You find yourself taking a few hasty steps back until your back is pressed into the wooden wall. He hums. "Don't be scared of me, pet. I'm your protector." His deep voice low, almost dangerous. He reaches a hand out, gently caressing your $playerhairlength hair. Then he moves past you, and stalks into the bathroom without a look back. Closing the door behind him with a thud. You let out a small whimper. Safira never said he would give me heart attacks... You run a hand over your face, and roll your lips together. He makes me so fucking nervous. You tip tap quickly to the bed, flustered, and shaking, you dig through your bag. Your stomach gives a little rumble. "I wonder what's for dinner?" You mumble to yourself as you start putting your things away. Should I put my pants back on? No no, something new, clean. You dig around your bag and pull out your usual outfit, a clean <<cycle '$usualoutfit' autoselect>> <<option 'dress, with a flowery pattern'>> <<option 'dress, with dark accents, and a subtle star pattern'>> <<option 'shirt and pants, decorated with a light subtle pattern'>> <<option 'shirt and pants, decorated with a dark floral pattern'>> <<option 'robe with tasteful star ornaments'>> <<option 'robe with dark swirling patterns'>> <</cycle>> "This'll be nice, and not too wrinkled." You nod happily. You pull your clothes on, you run your hands over the smooth fabric. These are the nicest clothes you own, thanks to Aevan... [[The last time you saw him alive, actually alive, was nine years ago.]]

<<set $ShBo to Math.clamp($ShBo - 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $InEx to Math.clamp($InEx - 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $mad to Math.clamp($mad + 2, 0, 100)>> You really wish you could have slept without the glove on tonight. It's not uncomfortable, but you like to let your skin breathe. Even if the mark is hard to look at. You smirk. At least there's a distraction... You open the door, with your things in hand, you enter the bedroom. Maddock is sitting on the bed, looking lost in thought. He jerks his head up as you step into the room more. He gives you a slow hungry grin as his eyes travel the length of your body. "Water good?" "If only the tub were bigger, you could have found out sooner." You heave a dramatic sigh as you walk towards him, intentionally entering his space to dig through your bag so that he can get a good whiff of the bath oil you used. He hums. "You on purpose trying t'make it hard to leave, pet?" He reaches a hand out, gently caressing your $playerhairlength hair. Then he gets up in one fluid motion, and stalks into the bathroom without a look back. You groan to yourself. That man... You run a hand over your face, and give yourself a small secret smile. I think I like him. You do a little shimmy on the floor. Your stomach gives a little rumble. "I wonder what's for dinner?" You mumble to yourself as you start putting your things away. Should I put my pants back on? Ugh, I guess I should wear something. You dig around your bag and pull out your usual outfit, a clean <<cycle '$usualoutfit' autoselect>> <<option 'dress, with a flowery pattern'>> <<option 'dress, with dark accents, and a subtle star pattern'>> <<option 'shirt and pants, decorated with a light subtle pattern'>> <<option 'shirt and pants, decorated with a dark floral pattern'>> <<option 'robe with tasteful star ornaments'>> <<option 'robe with dark swirling patterns'>> <</cycle>> "This'll be nice, and not too wrinkled." You nod happily. You pull your clothes on, you run your hands over the smooth fabric. These are the nicest clothes you own, thanks to Aevan... [[The last time you saw him alive, actually alive, was nine years ago.]]

You were a child of fifteen years. Aevan was twenty-one, an up and coming guard. He always wanted to protect people... Aevan laughs loudly, a joyous occasion. His laugh always brings a smile to your face. "I can't believe you did that, $playername. I wish I could have seen the look on Madame Cainsbrough, it must have been magnificent." He sighs contentedly. "I don't want to leave you, my dear hilarious sibling, but work calls." "I wish you didn't have to patrol tonight, I wanted to talk more. It feels like we barely have time anymore." He puts a hand on your shoulder. "I know, but it'll go fast. It may not be as safe as it once was, but we have plenty of people working in the guard nowadays, it's safe! Plus we need the money, mom's debt isn't going to pay itself." You scoff, and fold your arms across your chest. "You mean my debt? After all, it is my fault." "Hey." Aevan cups my face with his tawny, freckled hands. "Don't talk like that, <<cycle '$sibnickname' autoselect>> <<option 'Bean'>> <<option ' Tiny'>> <<option 'Star'>> <<option 'Noodle'>> <<option 'Button'>> <</cycle>>." You pull your head back with a frown. "The only reason that debt exists is because of me, because Lenna couldn't just leave me the fuck alone." You turn to leave. [["I'm okay, I love you. have a safe patrol, okay?" I hate Lenna.]] [["I'm good, don't worry about me. Love ya'. Come back with a good story." I hate myself.]] [["Be safe, Aevan. See you soon, love you." I hate this life.]]

<<set $CoCr to Math.clamp($CoCr + 5, 0, 100)>> You left. Went about your business, avoided Lenna, helped Sathryn with his apothecary work. Ran some errands for your elderly neighbor, Caldo. You decided to treat your hard work with you favorite treat, a <<cycle '$favtreat' autoselect>> <<option 'honeybun'>> <<option 'mango with chili powder'>> <<option 'jug of milk tea'>> <<option 'bar of chocolate'>> <<option 'jug of spiced chai'>> <<option 'handful of cookies'>> <</cycle>>. You also decided to get Aevan his favorite as well, a cinnamon roll. The sun is getting lower in the sky, Aevan's patrol should be done. As you stop by home to drop things off you hear the town bell ringing. The blood freezes in your veins. An attack. You run. Faster. Faster. FASTER. You skid to a stop as the church looms ahead. There's a large crowd gathered in the cobbled streets, a looming figure sits atop the church steps, gesticulating to the crowd. "CALM." His booming voice rings out, Father Masser attempts to calm the masses. Their clamoring almost drowns him out. Frightened voices cling to the safety his presence provides. "The tainted have defiled the serenity of this village, but the threat has since been dealt with, at the loss of a brave young man--" No... no, no, no, nononononononono- "He will forever be remembered on this day, as a hero of Felldem, his name will be etched on the memorial obelisk. Young Erin--" Oh thank the Void... The relief pours into me. "... Er... I mean Aevan. Aevan Vicas, Heh... Anyway, we could really use the support of the town in these trying times, please refer to the donation box to my left..." You fall to your knees, your treats spilling from the falling bag that was in your arms, scattering across the muddy streets. The crowd turns to look at you. You don't understand why until you notice... [[You're screaming.]]

<<set $CoCr to Math.clamp($CoCr + 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $InEx to Math.clamp($InEx - 5, 0, 100)>> You left. Went about your business, avoided Lenna, helped Sathryn with his apothecary work. Ran some errands for your elderly neighbor, Caldo. You decided to treat your hard work with you favorite treat, a <<cycle '$favtreat' autoselect>> <<option 'honeybun'>> <<option 'mango with chili powder'>> <<option 'jug of milk tea'>> <<option 'bar of chocolate'>> <<option 'jug of spiced chai'>> <<option 'handful of cookies'>> <</cycle>>. You also decided to get Aevan his favorite as well, a cinnamon roll. The sun is getting lower in the sky, Aevan's patrol should be done. As you stop by home to drop things off you hear the town bell ringing. The blood freezes in your veins. An attack. You run. Faster. Faster. FASTER. You skid to a stop as the church looms ahead. There's a large crowd gathered in the cobbled streets, a looming figure sits atop the church steps, gesticulating to the crowd. "CALM." His booming voice rings out, Father Masser attempts to calm the masses. Their clamoring almost drowns him out. Frightened voices cling to the safety his presence provides. "The tainted have defiled the serenity of this village, but the threat has since been dealt with, at the loss of a brave young man--" No... no, no, no, nononononononono- "He will forever be remembered on this day, as a hero of Felldem, his name will be etched on the memorial obelisk. Young Erin--" Oh thank the Void... The relief pours into me. "... Er... I mean Aevan. Aevan Vicas, Heh... Anyway, we could really use the support of the town in these trying times, please refer to the donation box to my left..." You fall to your knees, your treats spilling from the falling bag that was in your arms, scattering across the muddy streets. The crowd turns to look at you. You don't understand why until you notice... [[You're screaming.]]

<<set $CoCr to Math.clamp($CoCr + 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $HoHo to Math.clamp($HoHo - 5, 0, 100)>> You left. Went about your business, avoided Lenna, helped Sathryn with his apothecary work. Ran some errands for your elderly neighbor, Caldo. You decided to treat your hard work with your favorite treat, a <<cycle '$favtreat' autoselect>> <<option 'honeybun'>> <<option 'mango with chili powder'>> <<option 'jug of milk tea'>> <<option 'bar of chocolate'>> <<option 'jug of spiced chai'>> <<option 'handful of cookies'>> <</cycle>>. You also decided to get Aevan his favorite as well, a cinnamon roll. The sun is getting lower in the sky, Aevan's patrol should be done. As you stop by home to drop things off you hear the town bell ringing. The blood freezes in your veins. An attack. You run. Faster. Faster. FASTER. You skid to a stop as the church looms ahead. There's a large crowd gathered in the cobbled streets, a looming figure sits atop the church steps, gesticulating to the crowd. "CALM." His booming voice rings out, Father Masser attempts to calm the masses. Their clamoring almost drowns him out. Frightened voices cling to the safety his presence provides. "The tainted have defiled the serenity of this village, but the threat has since been dealt with, at the loss of a brave young man--" No... no, no, no, nononononononono- "He will forever be remembered on this day, as a hero of Felldem, his name will be etched on the memorial obelisk. Young Erin--" Oh thank the Void... The relief pours into me. "... Er... I mean Aevan. Aevan Vicas, Heh... Anyway, we could really use the support of the town in these trying times, please refer to the donation box to my left..." You fall to your knees, your treats spilling from the falling bag that was in your arms, scattering across the muddy streets. The crowd turns to look at you. You don't understand why until you notice... [[You're screaming.]]

You sit at the table in Lenna's house, a warm cup of chai in front of you. Sathryn busies himself in the kitchen, muttering to himself. His hands shake as he attempts to make more tea. A tear rolls down your cheek. In one day, everything was ruined. You hear a door slamming shut, Lenna walks briskly into the room. The pitter patter of rain breaks the silence. "It should have been you." Lenna stares at you, the hate plain in her red rimmed eyes. "Lenna..." Sathryn attempts. "No! Don't you dare. Don't come to $hisher aid! This monster destroyed my family." She spits on the ground. "I should have left you on the church steps, I should have let them cleanse the evil in your soul. It wasn't enough that you had to be born, ruin my life. You had to take my baby boy from me!" She menaced closer, ever closer. "Remember this, spawn. Love doesn't exist, how could it for a monster? You are just like Lukyrzch, his Void damned face, well.. it's your face. Have you wondered what I see when I look at you? I see a curse, I should have been barren after Aevan, I should have taken the Lind root, I should have. You made him leave, and now Aevan left too, because of you." "LENNA! That is enough." Sathryn stands in front of her, shielding you from her gaze. "Maybe I should have taken in $playername right from the start, I thought you couldn't be this cruel, it seems I was wrong. The sins of the father, they're not the sins of the child! How could $heshe have ruined anything! They're a child! A child YOU made, a child you've neglected." Sathryn turns to me. "Now that you have no brother to take care of you, pack your things. You'll stay with me." He looks Lenna in the eyes. "It's what I should have done from the start." You nod. Pain floods you, you can't trust your voice right now. You get up and make your way around them. Your uncle's gaze bores into your mother's. Unyielding. You hurry to your room, opening the door, you step inside. It's sparse, Lenna never really gave you much except the bare minimum to survive in society, all of your clothes, toys, hobbies, came from Aevan's pay. It's why he joined the guard. To take care of you. "It's all my fault." You crumble inside. If you had never been born, Aevan would be alive. Alive and loved. You're the one who should have died. Yes, if you had died everyone would be happy, happy and loved. I just seem to suck the love out of life... [[You slowly start packing up your things.]]

You make sure to pack every single thing that Aevan gave you. You remember when Aevan pushed you to pick a hobby... Four years ago... "Come on, $sibnickname. You should get some skills! Learn something new, have some fun like others your age. You know, I'm training to become a guard, so I get a nice stipend for my training." "I don't want to take your money, brother..." He claps me on the back. "Oh come on, it's our money! I told you I'd take care of you, that includes fun things! Please, pick something. For me?" He gives me a wide eyed look and pushes out his bottom lip in a pout. "Ugh, fine!" You push your splayed hand into his face. "Just stop pouting already!" You decide to pick out the... [[Set of beautiful sketchbooks, and pens.]] [[Lute with pearl inlaid frets, body made of rosewood.]] [[Deck of intricately painted playing cards.]] [[Beautiful basket-hilt rapier, a faded inscription lies along the blade.]] [[A set of pots and seeds, with a small glass greenhouse, perfect for growing your own succulents.]]

<<set $playerskill to "artistry">> <<set $playerhobby to "drawing">> <<set $playerfun to "sktechbooks">> You were immediately drawn to the sketching set. Your hands had rubbed over the delicate leather embossing, your thumb smoothed over the visage of unicorns, dragons, all prancing in a meadow under a sky full of stars. It came with a lacquered wood box of pens, carved from Augrem bone, hand painted swirls of color fade from the end. You still have that first set, and all the ones after. You have drawn so many portraits, still lifes, and things that only resided in your imagination. Your first drawing was of Aevan, you both had cracked up at the absolute disservice you gave to your brother. You got better with time, and dedication. Eventually you had remade a portrait of him, something beautiful, he had given you the longest hug you've ever recieved. He had always kept it in a frame in his room. You packed them carefully with a sad smile on your face. Making sure no pages are at risk of folding in your bag. You made sure you took the portrait of Aevan as well, you would keep it always. [[You can't do this now.]]

<<set $playerskill to "performance">> <<set $playerhobby to "music">> <<set $playerfun to "lute">> Without much hesitation you had grasped the lute. The smooth rosewood felt right in your hands. You lightly touched the frets, real pearl had been set into the neck. You had never played before, but you had looked at Aevan. Wonder, and determination lit your features. You lightly strummed the strings, a warm sound emanated from the instrument. You had taken such good care of it, cleaning and oiling when needed. Replacing the strings when they had become old. Polishing the frets so that they gleamed. You often practiced in your favorite clearing that lay deep into the forest. You became rather good at playing. You even wrote a song just for your brother. When you were finally able to play it for him, he was rendered speechless. He quickly gave you a deep hug, you had thought you spied the sparkle of tears in his $playereyecolor eyes. Your hands brush over the instrument now, you lay a cloth over it, before gently laying it into the carrying case you traded for it. Tears threaten to spill from your eyes, you quickly close the case, pressing your sleeve to your eyes. [[You can't do this now.]]

<<set $playerskill to "sleight of hand">> <<set $playerhobby to "card tricks">> <<set $playerfun to "playing cards">> You had always been fond of using your hands to make things disappear, or sometimes appear in your pockets. Maybe sometimes you were fond of things that were... a little less than legal. What you were missing was something nice, and distracting. Magic tricks were a great diversion, you could wow a crowd, and potentially reach a bigger payday to boot. Plus these cards were just oh so pretty, hand painted, and accented with gold foil as well. Gorgeous, distracting, perfect. They would draw so many eyes away from your dextrous hands. Oh yeah, you could think up many ways to use these to your advantage. You allowed Aevan to pay for them, only because he was there, even though your fingers had been itching to just take. You break out into a fond smile as you slip the card pack into your bag, wherever you may end up, these will be a great boon. Your hands hesitate, and you bite your lip hard enough to draw blood. [[You can't do this now.]]

<<set $playerskill to "swordsmanship">> <<set $playerhobby to "fencing">> <<set $playerfun to "rapier">> You were immediately drawn to the shine of the sword, the gentle curvature of the basket, the curious inscription on the blade, in a language you had never seen before. You just had to hold it. It was perfect. You had pressed a finger to the blade, gently ran it down a smidge, testing it, a bead of blood had sprung from the small cut you had made. One side of your mouth curved up at the sight. Sharp as hell. Amazing. You had always been entranced by swordplay, it was like dancing. Especially fencing, there was something so graceful about the sport, but also something primal, savage. You had to learn, craved it, the rush of adrenaline you would get with a sword pressed against your throat would be... divine. You ran a finger along the flat of the blade, brushing against the inscription, you've since learned that it's written in Ancient Saelin. You haven't been able to find a translator. Some day... You place it in its sheath, gently caressing the leather. Then you sling it over your shoulder by the strap. You rub your eyes aggressively. I will not cry, not here. [[You can't do this now.]]

<<set $playerskill to "botany">> <<set $playerhobby to "gardening">> <<set $playerfun to "gardening set">> You had wandered towards a windowsill, hoping to find something interesting near the sunlight. What you found was a cute little gardening kit, a few terracotta pots, some tools and a glass greenhouse with some included seeds. You were enthralled by the idea of growing your own plants, you imagined cultivating beautiful flowers, and maybe some herbs, vegetables. There were so many possibilities! You snatched them up and brought the kit close to yourself with a small smile gracing your lips. You turned to Aevan with sparkles in your eyes, he had laughed, took them from you and bought them. You were able to grow many things over the years, you were also able to cultivate an orchid, no small feat, and presented it to your brother. He had such a large smile that day, he gave you a big hug after he set the orchid down. Your thumb grazes over the smooth glass of the greenhouse. You started packing everything up in your trunk. You'd need Uncle Sathryn to help you carry everything out. Your collection had grown over the years, but at least it was all packed up. Tears well in your eyes as you cover your face with your hands. [[You can't do this now.]]

You have a dinner to get ready for. You can't let anyone see. Monster. You clench your fists tightly, cruel crescents dig into your palms. You just wish... No, it doesn't help to think about it. You shove some of the spilled out contents of your bag back inside, eyes catching on your $playerfun, gently packed away. You quickly add <<cycle '$outfitacc' autoselect>> <<option 'makeup'>> <<option 'accessories'>> <<option 'makeup, and accessories'>> <<option 'cologne'>> <<option 'perfume'>> <<option 'a small bundle of herbs around your neck'>> <<option 'makeup, and cologne'>> <<option 'makeup, accessories, cologne'>> <<option 'accessories, cologne'>> <<option 'makeup, and perfume'>> <<option 'makeup, accessories, perfume'>> <<option 'accessories, perfume'>> <<option 'makeup, and a small bundle of herbs around your neck'>> <<option 'makeup, accessories, and a small bundle of herbs around your neck'>> <<option 'accessories, and a small bundle of herbs around your neck'>> <</cycle>>. A bell is rung, just as Maddock enters the room, freshly washed, towel over his head. He gives his hair a couple rubs, before throwing the towel back in the bathroom. His hair sticks up in places, now that it's clean, you notice a gentle wave to his slightly greyed black hair. [[You quickly look aside, feeling his gaze on you, he starts speaking. ♡]] [[You give him a wide grin, as you take him in. "You clean up nice, old man." ♡]] [[You give him a light smile, and a nod.]] [[You fly your hands out with exxagerated flair. "Finally!" You exclaim with a smirk.]] [[You jab your finger to the doorway. "Guess dinner's done." You say, unable, or unwilling to cut the surly tone from your words.]]

<<set $ShBo to Math.clamp($ShBo + 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $InEx to Math.clamp($InEx + 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $mad to Math.clamp($mad + 1, 0, 100)>> "Aren't ya' just sweet?" Maddock steps into your space, your heart rate picks up, your hands feel clammy. You're certain your face has already begun its traitorous blush. He looks you up and down. "Ya' look gorgeous." The smell of pine, and leather permeates the air around you. <<if $playerheight is "short">> You crane your head to look up at him. Your mouth drying at the compliment. You're certain he can hear your heart flutter in its cage. You want to look away. <<elseif $playerheight is "average">> You tilt your head to look up at him. Your mouth drying at the compliment. You're certain he can hear your heart flutter in its cage. You want to look away. <<elseif $playerheight is "tall">> You stare at him, eye to eye. Your mouth drying at the compliment. You're certain he can hear your heart flutter in its cage. You want to look away. <</if>> "Were you this affected when you met me, pet?" You clear your throat, you know you shouldn't trust your voice right now. Your eyes start watering, you don't know why. Then you just turn, and walk out of the room. Things are going too fast. Too fast. Too fast. Monster. You don't deserve to be happy. You don't deserve affection. It's all your fault. You're cursed. yourfaultyourfaultyourfaultyourfault- You quickly make your way down the creaking stairs, the inn is still packed, but not as loud as it was, dinner has just started, and the ale hasn't flowed nearly long enough yet. You hear Maddock's heavy steps thumping behind you, right after your own steps. You both enter the large common area, the soldiers all sit together, spread between a couple different tables. We take a round table near the fireplace. You both spend a few moments getting comfortable. You try not to stare at Maddock too much, you know what you did was rude, hopefully he can understand. You slip him a small, eager smile. The corners of his lips twitch up in response, and he gives you a small nod. A server comes to your table smiling brightly. "Hello, travellers." The young man gently lays down a sheet of paper. "Here is the menu for tonight, we have a few seasonal delicacies. I recommend the braised augrim, with sweet aromatics, and a side of mashed tubers, a flavorful blend of carrots, turnips, and potatoes." Maddock and you look at eachother for a bit. He grunts noncommitally. You pick up the menu, and read through it. "I want <<cycle '$dindinfood' autoselect>> <<option 'the tomato soup, with blackbread grilled with cheese'>> <<option 'the roasted vegetable platter with hummus, and flatbreads'>> <<option '...I actually want the braised augrim'>> <<option 'the Krek salad with Ismuth devils head mushrooms.'>> <<option 'the rilling, and onion stew, with rye bread'>> <<option 'the Alegos curry, with rice, and flatbreads'>> <</cycle>>, thank you." You give the man a small smile. Maddock takes the menu, and scans it quickly. "I want the Alegos curry." Maddock hands the menu back to the server. "Also two mugs of tea, if it pleases ya." The server leaves to go put in the orders. The inn is warm, the noise above a slight murmur as the soldiers drink and eat. Maddock splays his hands on the wooden table, then leans in close. "Is it just me, or is this place off?" He says barely above a whisper, he scans the room from the corner of his eye. [["I think you're right."]]

<<set $InEx to Math.clamp($InEx - 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $mad to Math.clamp($mad + 2, 0, 100)>> His lips quirk up. "Dinner time, eh? We better get movin'." He starts moving toward the door, opening it, and stalking through. You quickly make your way down hallway, to the creaking stairs after him, the inn is still packed, but not as loud as it was, dinner has just started, and the ale hasn't flowed nearly long enough yet. Maddock's heavy steps thump ahead of you, your own steps follow. You both enter the large common area, the soldiers all sit together, spread between a couple different tables. We take a round table near the fireplace. You both spend a few moments getting comfortable. A server comes to your table smiling brightly. "Hello, travellers." The young man gently lays down a sheet of paper. "Here is the menu for tonight, we have a few seasonal delicacies. I recommend the braised augrim, with sweet aromatics, and a side of mashed roots, and tubers, a flavorful blend of carrots, turnips, and potatoes." Maddock and you look at eachother for a bit. He grunts noncommitally. You pick up the menu, and read through it. "I want <<cycle '$dindinfood' autoselect>> <<option 'the tomato soup, with blackbread grilled with cheese'>> <<option 'the roasted vegetable platter with hummus, and flatbreads'>> <<option '...I actually want the braised augrim'>> <<option 'the Krek salad with Ismuth devils head mushrooms.'>> <<option 'the rilling, and tuber stew, with rye bread'>> <<option 'the Alegos curry, with rice, and flatbreads'>> <</cycle>>, thank you." You give the man a bright grin in return. Maddock takes the menu, and scans it quickly. "I want the Alegos curry." Maddock hands the menu back to the server. "Also two mugs of tea, if it pleases ya." The server leaves to go put in the orders. The inn is warm, the noise above a slight murmur as the soldiers drink and eat. Maddock splays his hands on the wooden table, then leans in close. "Is it just me, or is this place off?" He says barely above a whisper, he scans the room from the corner of his eye. [["I think you're right."]]

<<set $InEx to Math.clamp($InEx - 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $mad to Math.clamp($mad + 2, 0, 100)>> He chuckles a bit. "S'alright. I know yer starvin'. We're goin', kid." He starts moving toward the door, opening it, and stalking through. You quickly make your way down hallway, to the creaking stairs after him, the inn is still packed, but not as loud as it was, dinner has just started, and the ale hasn't flowed nearly long enough yet. Maddock's heavy steps thump ahead of you, your own steps follow. You both enter the large common area, the soldiers all sit together, spread between a couple different tables. We take a round table near the fireplace. You both spend a few moments getting comfortable. A server comes to your table smiling brightly. "Hello, travellers." The young man gently lays down a sheet of paper. "Here is the menu for tonight, we have a few seasonal delicacies. I recommend the braised augrim, with sweet aromatics, and a side of mashed roots, and tubers, a flavorful blend of carrots, turnips, and potatoes." Maddock and you look at eachother for a bit. He grunts noncommitally. You pick up the menu, and read through it. "I want <<cycle '$dindinfood' autoselect>> <<option 'the tomato soup, with blackbread grilled with cheese'>> <<option 'the roasted vegetable platter with hummus, and flatbreads'>> <<option '...I actually want the braised augrim'>> <<option 'the Krek salad with Ismuth devils head mushrooms.'>> <<option 'the rilling, and tuber stew, with rye bread'>> <<option 'the Alegos curry, with rice, and flatbreads'>> <</cycle>>, thank you. so much" You smirk at the man, and give him a wink. Maddock takes the menu, and scans it quickly. "I want the Alegos curry." Maddock hands the menu back to the server. "Also two mugs of tea, if it pleases ya." The server leaves to go put in the orders. The inn is warm, the noise above a slight murmur as the soldiers drink and eat. Maddock splays his hands on the wooden table, then leans in close. "Is it just me, or is this place off?" He says barely above a whisper, he scans the room from the corner of his eye. [["I think you're right."]]

<<set $ShBo to Math.clamp($ShBo - 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $InEx to Math.clamp($InEx - 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $mad to Math.clamp($mad + 1, 0, 100)>> "Old man. Huh, kid?" Maddock steps into your space, over enunciating the last word. Your mouth crawls into a smirk. Your eyes, half lidded. The smell of pine, and leather permeates the air around you. <<if $playerheight is "short">> You crane your head to look up at him. You lick the edge of your bottom lip. <<elseif $playerheight is "average">> You tilt your head to look up at him. You lick the edge of your bottom lip. <<elseif $playerheight is "tall">> You stare at him, eye to eye. You lick the edge of your bottom lip. <</if>> Maddock chuckles, a deep rumbling in his broad chest. "Easy, pet." He walks past you, looks back and quirks his eyebrow at you. Then continues out the room. A shudder works its way down your spine. But then the familiar feeling of guilt wraps its fist around your heart, squeezing tightly. Things are going too fast. Too fast. Too fast. Monster. You don't deserve to be happy. You don't deserve affection. It's all your fault. You're cursed. yourfaultyourfaultyourfaultyourfault- You quickly make your way down the creaking stairs, the inn is still packed, but not as loud as it was, dinner has just started, and the ale hasn't flowed nearly long enough yet. Maddock's heavy steps thump ahead of you, your own steps follow. You both enter the large common area, the soldiers all sit together, spread between a couple different tables. We take a round table near the fireplace. You both spend a few moments getting comfortable. A server comes to your table smiling brightly. "Hello, travellers." The young man gently lays down a sheet of paper. "Here is the menu for tonight, we have a few seasonal delicacies. I recommend the braised augrim, with sweet aromatics, and a side of mashed roots, and tubers, a flavorful blend of carrots, turnips, and potatoes." Maddock and you look at eachother for a bit. He grunts noncommitally. You pick up the menu, and read through it. "I want <<cycle '$dindinfood' autoselect>> <<option 'the tomato soup, with blackbread grilled with cheese'>> <<option 'the roasted vegetable platter with hummus, and flatbreads'>> <<option '...I actually want the braised augrim'>> <<option 'the Krek salad with Ismuth devils head mushrooms.'>> <<option 'the rilling, and tuber stew, with rye bread'>> <<option 'the Alegos curry, with rice, and flatbreads'>> <</cycle>>, thank you." You give the man an easy smile.. Maddock takes the menu, and scans it quickly. "I want the Alegos curry." Maddock hands the menu back to the server. "Also two mugs of tea, if it pleases ya." The server leaves to go put in the orders. The inn is warm, the noise above a slight murmur as the soldiers drink and eat. Maddock splays his hands on the wooden table, then leans in close. "Is it just me, or is this place off?" He says barely above a whisper, he scans the room from the corner of his eye. [["I think you're right."]]

<<set $CoCr to Math.clamp($CoCr - 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $InEx to Math.clamp($InEx + 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $mad to Math.clamp($mad - 3, 0, 100)>> Maddock quirks his eyebrow at you. Unimpressed. He starts moving toward the door, opening it, and stalking through. You take your time walking down the hallway, to the creaking stairs after him, the inn is still packed, but not as loud as it was, dinner has just started, and the ale hasn't flowed nearly long enough yet. Maddock's heavy steps thump ahead of you, your own steps follow loosely behind. You both enter the large common area, the soldiers all sit together, spread between a couple different tables. We take a round table near the fireplace. You both spend a few moments getting comfortable. A server comes to your table smiling brightly. "Hello, travellers." The young man gently lays down a sheet of paper. "Here is the menu for tonight, we have a few seasonal delicacies. I recommend the braised augrim, with sweet aromatics, and a side of mashed roots, and tubers, a flavorful blend of carrots, turnips, and potatoes." Maddock and you look at eachother for a bit. He grunts noncommitally. You pick up the menu, and read through it. "I want <<cycle '$dindinfood' autoselect>> <<option 'the tomato soup, with blackbread grilled with cheese'>> <<option 'the roasted vegetable platter with hummus, and flatbreads'>> <<option '...I actually want the braised augrim'>> <<option 'the Krek salad with Ismuth devils head mushrooms.'>> <<option 'the rilling, and tuber stew, with rye bread'>> <<option 'the Alegos curry, with rice, and flatbreads'>> <</cycle>>, thanks." You give the man an impassive stare before turning away. Maddock takes the menu, and scans it quickly. "I want the Alegos curry." Maddock hands the menu back to the server. "Also two mugs of tea, if it pleases ya." The server leaves to go put in the orders. The inn is warm, the noise above a slight murmur as the soldiers drink and eat. Maddock splays his hands on the wooden table, then leans in close. "Is it just me, or is this place off?" He says barely above a whisper, he scans the room from the corner of his eye. [["I think you're right."]]

Your eyes scan over the room. The outisde of this place made you think it would be a wreck, but stuff just looks a little off. The tables are just a bit too clean, the silverware just slightly too fine, the amenities too reliable, the soap is probably one of the biggest indicators. And for what reason? Your nose scrunches up slightly. It's definitely suspicious, but why? Is it dangerous? Is the owner just rich, and cares little for how the bones of this place is regarded? Is she a witch, and running an illegal potions shop out back? You pinch between your brows. "Does it matter? Do you think it's dangerous?" You whisper across the table to Maddock. He chews on his bottom lip in thought, then he shrugs. "Dunno, just noticin', keep your eyes out." [[You roll your eyes.]] [[The corner of your mouth hikes up as you shake your head.]] [[You furrow your brow in concern, your eyes darting around in thought.]] [[You open and clench your fist repeatedly under the table.]]

<<set $InEx to Math.clamp($InEx + 5, 0, 100)>> "A bit dramatic..." You mutter to yourself as the anxiety ebbs away. A clattering steals your attention away from your dining partner. You glance over Maddock's shoulder, and see a young woman, around your age, with a great mass of reddish coily hair, on her knees reaching for a fallen tankard. She's smiling at the table of soldiers. "Sorry about that Sir's, clumsy me." Her large eyes are lit up, literally. They're glowing gold, ah... she's a Witch. You keep watching her, your curiosity flaring. She picks up her prize, her bronze skin, golden eyes, and red hair making her a very striking figure. She notices your gaze, and somehow her smile gets even wider. Maddock tilts his head to the side as he looks behind him, looking directly at the woman. "Hmm." He grunts at you. She, bouncing on her feet, comes directly over to the both of you. You notice a smattering a freckles all over her face. "Well, hello there!" She chirps out, taking the both of you in. "Are you adventurers?" She blurts out. "Oh wait... um, so sorry. My name is Fellis, I just got so excited, I was hoping to meet some adventurers here, but all I met were a bunch of soldiers." Her lip comes out in a slight pout. "I've been wanting to see the world, you know! I came all the way here from Aisley!" Her cheeks grow a deep red. "Oh... I've been rambling, I'm so sorry, you're here to eat, I-uh, oh, I'm going over by the window, if you both want to talk I'll be over there." She hurries away with her head down, not letting either of you get a word in edge-wise. You look at Maddock, a bit dumbfounded, you let you a breathy laugh. "What was that?" Maddock runs a hand over his face. [[It's been a while since you've seen someone so genuinely... happy.]] [[You think she's beautiful... her joy rubs you the right way. You hope to get to know her better. ♡]]

<<set $InEx to Math.clamp($InEx - 5, 0, 100)>> A clattering steals your attention away from your dining partner. You glance over Maddock's shoulder, and see a young woman, around your age, with a great mass of reddish coily hair, on her knees reaching for a fallen tankard. She's smiling at the table of soldiers. "Sorry about that Sir's, clumsy me." Her large eyes are lit up, literally. They're glowing gold, ah... she's a Witch. You keep watching her, your curiosity flaring. She picks up her prize, her bronze skin, golden eyes, and red hair making her a very striking figure. She notices your gaze, and somehow her smile gets even wider. Maddock tilts his head to the side as he looks behind him, looking directly at the woman. "Hmm." He grunts at you. She, bouncing on her feet, comes directly over to the both of you. You notice a smattering a freckles all over her face. "Well, hello there!" She chirps out, taking the both of you in. "Are you adventurers?" She blurts out. "Oh wait... um, so sorry. My name is Fellis, I just got so excited, I was hoping to meet some adventurers here, but all I met were a bunch of soldiers." Her lip comes out in a slight pout. "I've been wanting to see the world, you know! I came all the way here from Aisley!" Her cheeks grow a deep red. "Oh... I've been rambling, I'm so sorry, you're here to eat, I-uh, oh, I'm going over by the window, if you both want to talk I'll be over there." She hurries away with her head down, not letting either of you get a word in edge-wise. You look at Maddock, a bit dumbfounded, you let you a breathy laugh. "What was that?" Maddock runs a hand over his face. [[It's been a while since you've seen someone so genuinely... happy.]] [[You think she's beautiful... her joy rubs you the right way. You hope to get to know her better. ♡]]

<<set $ShBo to Math.clamp($ShBo + 5, 0, 100)>> A clattering steals your attention away from your dining partner. You glance over Maddock's shoulder, and see a young woman, around your age, with a great mass of reddish coily hair, on her knees reaching for a fallen tankard. She's smiling at the table of soldiers. "Sorry about that Sir's, clumsy me." Her large eyes are lit up, literally. They're glowing gold, ah... she's a Witch. You keep watching her, your curiosity flaring. She picks up her prize, her bronze skin, golden eyes, and red hair making her a very striking figure. She notices your gaze, and somehow her smile gets even wider. Maddock tilts his head to the side as he looks behind him, looking directly at the woman. "Hmm." He grunts. She, bouncing on her feet, comes directly over to the both of you. You notice a smattering a freckles all over her face. "Well, hello there!" She chirps out, taking the both of you in. "Are you adventurers?" She blurts out. "Oh wait... um, so sorry. My name is Fellis, I just got so excited, I was hoping to meet some adventurers here, but all I met were a bunch of stuffy soldiers." Her lip comes out in a slight pout. "I've been wanting to see the world, you know! I came here from Aisley!" Her cheeks grow a deep red. "Oh... I've been rambling, I'm so sorry, you're here to eat, I-uh, oh, I'm going over by the window, if you both want to talk I'll be there for a while." She hurries away with her head down, not letting either of you get a word in edge-wise. You look at Maddock, a bit dumbfounded, you let you a breathy laugh. "What was that?" Maddock runs a hand over his face. [[It's been a while since you've seen someone so genuinely... happy.]] [[You think she's beautiful... her joy rubs you the right way. You hope to get to know her better. ♡]]

<<set $CoCr to Math.clamp($CoCr - 5, 0, 100)>> Your eyes scan the inn tactically, looking for anything more out of the ordinary. A clattering steals your attention away from your dining partner. You glance over Maddock's shoulder, and see a young woman, around your age, with a great mass of reddish coily hair, on her knees reaching for a fallen tankard. She's smiling at the table of soldiers. "Sorry about that Sir's, clumsy me." Her large eyes are lit up, literally. They're glowing gold, ah... she's a Witch. You keep watching her, your curiosity flaring. She picks up her prize, her bronze skin, golden eyes, and red hair making her a very striking figure. She notices your gaze, and somehow her smile gets even wider. Maddock tilts his head to the side as he looks behind him, looking directly at the woman. "Hmm." He grunts at you. She, bouncing on her feet, comes directly over to the both of you. You notice a smattering a freckles all over her face. "Well, hello there!" She chirps out, taking the both of you in. "Are you adventurers?" She blurts out. "Oh wait... um, so sorry. My name is Fellis, I just got so excited, I was hoping to meet some adventurers here, but all I met were a bunch of soldiers." Her lip comes out in a slight pout. "I've been wanting to see the world, you know! I came all the way here from Aisley!" Her cheeks grow a deep red. "Oh... I've been rambling, I'm so sorry, you're here to eat, I-uh, oh, I'm going over by the window, if you both want to talk I'll be over there." She hurries away with her head down, not letting either of you get a word in edge-wise. You look at Maddock, a bit dumbfounded, you let you a breathy laugh. "What was that?" Maddock runs a hand over his face. [[It's been a while since you've seen someone so genuinely... happy.]] [[You think she's beautiful... her joy rubs you the right way. You hope to get to know her better. ♡]]

The waiter stops by soon after, leaving fragrant dishes, and delicious drinks behind. You both dig in, enjoying the intricate flavors of your respective meals. You take greedy gulps of your tea, a fresh mint, and floral taste soothes your nerves, Your thoughts turn to Fellis. She's nice... She seems really charming, and bubbly. You bet she's well liked. You wonder what that's like... People don't like you, that's a fact. You're not a ray of sunshine, you're no pleasure to be around. This world has been nothing but pain. Maybe things could have been different if you hadn't done what you did, you would have eventually been happy again. Or if Aevan hadn't died... or if you weren't a monster... No... there was never going to be happiness there. Not without... Aevan I'll never see him again The pain The fear The desperation The Hunger Staring at me intently, its shadowed form smiles, stretching oddly, a cold pit forming in my stomach, it makes my head spin. A demented, twisted representation of a person, this is the creature that saved me. A clawed hand strokes down from my cheek to my neck. MINE A chill runs down your spine as you and Maddock eat, both deeply in thought, casting glances at Fellis, the soldiers. Slowly the room quiets down as people stumble back to their rooms. You feel tired... so tired. "I'm going to have a chat with that woman." Maddock asserts. You startle, looking at the mercenary, you wonder if he noticed your exhaustion. "You sure?" You bite the inside of your cheek. Maddock stretches out his arm, flexing his fingers. "It's my job." He graces you with one of his lazy smirks. [[You feel... grateful, for him. His strength. ♡]] [[A jealous pang seizes your heart in a tight grip. ♡]] [[You give him a tired smile. "Thanks."]] [[The side of your mouth tugs up. "Well, if you insist."]]

<<set $felli to Math.clamp($felli + 2, 0, 100)>> The waiter stops by soon after, leaving fragrant dishes, and delicious drinks behind. You both dig in, enjoying the intricate flavors of your respective meals. You take greedy gulps of your tea, a fresh mint, and floral taste soothes your nerves, Your thoughts turn to Fellis. Frankly it's weird, it's nice... though you can't really help the painful tug at your chest. It almost feels wrong for there to be happy people in a world like this. And she's absolutely gorgeous, you idly wonder if she could like how you look too? You scrunch your nose, and wipe those thoughts away, regardless she's a stranger. People don't like you, that's a fact. You're not a ray of sunshine, you're no pleasure to be around. This world has been nothing but pain. You wonder what it would've been like, maybe if you hadn't done what you did, you would have eventually been happy again. Or if Aevan hadn't died... or if you weren't a monster... No... there was never going to be happiness there. Not without... Aevan I'll never see him again The pain The fear The desperation The Hunger Staring at me intently, its shadowed form smiles, stretching oddly, a cold pit forming in my stomach, it makes my head spin. A demented, twisted representation of a person, this is the creature that saved me. A clawed hand strokes down from my cheek to my neck. MINE A chill runs down your spine as you and Maddock eat, both deeply in thought, casting glances at Fellis, the soldiers. Slowly the room quiets down as people stumble back to their rooms. You feel tired... so tired. "I'm going to have a chat with that woman." Maddock asserts. You startle, looking at the mercenary, you wonder if he noticed your exhaustion. "You sure?" You bite the inside of your cheek. Maddock stretches out his arm, flexing his fingers. "It's my job." He graces you with one of his lazy smirks. [[You feel... grateful, for him. His strength. ♡]] [[You give him a tired smile. "Thanks."]] [[The side of your mouth tugs up. "Well, if you insist."]] <<set $fellflirt to "true">>

<<set $mad to Math.clamp($mad + 2, 0, 100)>> A rush of warmth envelopes your chest, as a rush sends shivers down your back. A smile lightly dances on your lips. "Well, good luck parsing her intentions, and tell her I say 'hi'." You stand from the table, giving him another look over, you've only known him for a bit, in that short time, you've come to trust that he at least has the intention to protect you. Even if you aren't completely sure of his motivations. He gives you a small nod, as he stands after you, dusting his hands on his grey tunic. "See ya in a little while... pet." You exit the dining room, face bright red, and make your way up the stairs, back into your shared room. You take the time to get ready for bed, stripping down to your $underclothes, leaving your $usualoutfit folded up on a chair in the corner. You run your hands through your $playerhairlength hair, enjoying the smooth caress. You crawl into the large bed, <<if $playerheight is "short">> It engulfs your small frame, you completely spread out, snuggling into the soft sheets, still leaving tons of room. <<elseif $playerheight is "average">> You snuggle into the sheets, the bed a very comfortable size, leaving ample room around you. <<elseif $playerheight is "tall">> Surprisingly the bed accomadates your stature very well, there's definitely enough room for two, even with how big you both are. <<else>> ... <</if>> You're incredibly comfortable, your eyes getting heavier, and heavier as the moments pass until you're blissfully dead to the world. [[It gets impatient.]]

<<set $mad to Math.clamp($mad + 1, 0, 100)>> You politely excuse yourself then. "Gonna head to bed, wind down for the night." You say as you get up to leave. He gives you a small nod, as he stands after you, dusting his hands on his grey tunic. You exit the dining room, make your way up the stairs, back into your shared room. You take the time to get ready for bed, stripping down to your $underclothes, leaving your $usualoutfit folded up on a chair in the corner. You run your hands through your $playerhairlength hair, enjoying the smooth caress. You crawl into the large bed. <<if $playerheight is "short">> It engulfs your small frame, you completely spread out, snuggling into the soft sheets, still leaving tons of room. <<elseif $playerheight is "average">> You snuggle into the sheets, the bed a very comfortable size, leaving ample room around you. <<elseif $playerheight is "tall">> Surprisingly the bed accomadates your stature very well, there's definitely enough room for two, even with how big you both are. <<else>> ... <</if>> You're incredibly comfortable, your eyes getting heavier, and heavier as the moments pass until you're blissfully dead to the world. [[It gets impatient.]]

<<set $mad to Math.clamp($mad + 1, 0, 100)>> You excuse yourself then. "Gonna head to bed, don't stay up so late, old man." You say as you get up to leave. He gives you a scoff with a smirk, as he stands after you, dusting his hands on his grey tunic. "Sure, kid..." You exit the dining room, make your way up the stairs, back into your shared room. You take the time to get ready for bed, stripping down to your $underclothes, leaving your $usualoutfit folded up on a chair in the corner. You run your hands through your $playerhairlength hair, enjoying the smooth caress. You crawl into the large bed. <<if $playerheight is "short">> It engulfs your small frame, you completely spread out, snuggling into the soft sheets, still leaving tons of room. <<elseif $playerheight is "average">> You snuggle into the sheets, the bed a very comfortable size, leaving ample room around you. <<elseif $playerheight is "tall">> Surprisingly the bed accomadates your stature very well, there's definitely enough room for two, even with how big you both are. <<else>> ... <</if>> You're incredibly comfortable, your eyes getting heavier, and heavier as the moments pass until you're blissfully dead to the world. [[It gets impatient.]]

<<set $mad to Math.clamp($mad + 2, 0, 100)>> You're not quite sure why you're feeling jealous. It's not like light flirting means anything... right? No, you're not jealous. It's just anxiety, you're so far from what you've known, surrounded by strangers. You're not jealous. You stand abruptly, giving Maddock a quick wave, you give him one small look. He gives you a small nod, as he stands after you, dusting his hands on his grey tunic. "Be there soon... pet." His eyes linger on yours. You quickly exit the dining room, make your way up the stairs, back into your shared room. You hastily get ready for bed, stripping down to your $underclothes, leaving your $usualoutfit thrown on a chair in the corner. You run your hands through your $playerhairlength hair anxiously, not quite enjoying the smooth caress. You crawl into the large bed. <<if $playerheight is "short">> It engulfs your small frame, you completely spread out, snuggling into the soft sheets, still leaving tons of room. <<elseif $playerheight is "average">> You snuggle into the sheets, the bed a very comfortable size, leaving ample room around you. <<elseif $playerheight is "tall">> Surprisingly the bed accomadates your stature very well, there's definitely enough room for two, even with how big you both are. <<else>> ... <</if>> You're incredibly comfortable, you try not to think of anything, try not to focus on that twinge of envy. Envy for that beautiful woman entertaining your mercenary. When did you start thinking of him as yours? Even with all of the anxiety, and racing thoughts, your eyes are getting heavier, and heavier as the moments pass until you're finally dead to the world. [[It gets impatient.]]

It doesn't understand why you keep avoiding it. You shouldn't be afraid. It saved you, yes. It saved you from the Imposter. It carried you home, washed the blood from your face. It knew you were its as soon as it had laid eyes upon you in that pathetic village. It had seen the way the others had shunned you, hated you... hurt you. It would never hate you. Would never HURT you A snarl rips from its throat as its grasping claw digs its nails into the bark of a nearby tree. It stares at the crooked building, as each rooms light is snuffed out one by one. "Some day soon, little bird. You will not fly from me." It curls its facsimile of a smile, way past normal dimensions. Its eyes keep boring into the building. Right into the window. Of where you sleep [[Inside the dining hall.]]

Fellis stares at the mercenary, her fingers twirling into the fabric of her shirt. He's kinda scary... "So... I take it you're the one who usually handles people?" She chuckles nervously as his face remains stony. "Why don't we cut the chatter, tell me what ya want?" Maddock leans his elbow on the table and rests his head. "I just want to travel with you! That's all, you're obviously guarding $himher. I can help! Two guards are better than one, and I'm good Witch! I just want the chance." He heaves a loud sigh. "But why? You're just comin' up to random people, begging them to take you on?" He drums the fingers of his other hand idly. "You're about the age of $playername, but you're twice as naive. How have you survived this long?" Fellis bristles in her chair. "That's just a testament to how skilled I am." She replies cooly. Maddock let's out a breath with a chuckle rumbling in the back of his throat. <<if $madflirt is "true" and $fellflirt is "true">> He plants both hands on the table and leans closer to Fellis, tilting his head to the side, with a mocking smirk on his face, "And what makes you think I would let anyone get close to $himher? Especially some strange Witch?" His eyes continue boring into hers. "How could I trust that this isn't some kinda' ruse? That you actually mean no harm? You haven't given me any kind of assurances, beyond this bloomin' flower act." She crinkles her nose at him. "They're not your property, it's not up to you whether or not I get close." She brushes her hair behind her shoulder and pins him with a steely gaze. "They're under my protection, I will never, ever allow anything to endanger $himher." <<elseif $madflirt is "true">> He plants both hands on the table and leans closer to Fellis, tilting his head to the side, with a mocking smirk on his face, his voice low. "And what makes you think I would let anyone get close to $himher? Especially some strange Witch?" His eyes continue boring into hers. "How could I trust that this isn't some kinda' ruse? You haven't given me any kind of assurances, beyond this bloomin' flower act." <<elseif $fellflirt is "true">> "Just because you want to get close to my charge, doesn't mean I have to grant that request. You're pretty bold in a place like this." He lifts his hands up and gestures around. "How could I possibly trust that this isn't some kinda' ruse?" <<else>> "I don't trust your intentions, how could I know that this isn't some kinda' ruse?" <</if>> She gives a long drawn out sigh. "I understand... then I have no choice but to give you my bond." Fellis produces a dagger, and a worn piece of parchment. Maddocks eyes widen slightly. "You're not pullin' my leg. That's surprisin'." A light smile dances on her lips. "You must have done this before." He snorts. "I know blood bonds very... intimately." [[She makes the cut, blood dripping onto the page, golden magic tinged with red swirls up, into the air.]]

Maddock's eyes trail the magic until it rapidly sinks back into the page. Looking at the paper now, a blood contract is now clearly outlined with intent, the words shining in golden ink. A dangerous pact, causing death to the one who swore the vow if crossed. He shakes his head. Way too naive. [[Maddock leaves her there, making his way to the shared room. ♡]] [[Maddock leaves her there, making his way to the shared room.]]

<<elseif $madflirt is "true" and $fellflirt is "true">> He plants both hands on the table and leans closer to Fellis, tilting his head to the side, with a mocking smirk on his face, "And what makes you think I would let anyone get close to $himher? Especially some strange Witch?" His eyes continue boring into hers. "How could I trust that this isn't some kinda' ruse? That you actually mean no harm? You haven't given me any kind of assurances, beyond this bloomin' flower act." She crinkles her nose at him. "They're not your property, it's not up to you whether or not I get close." She brushes her hair behind her shoulder and pins him with a steely gaze. "They're under my protection, I will never, ever allow anything to endanger $himher."

He enters the room quietly, trying not to trigger any of the creaky floorboards, which he avoids with ease. He notices the rise and fall of your chest under the blankets, your limbs stretched out across the bed. His heart patters faster at the sight. He undresses, taking his time, his eyes never leaving your form. Maddock inches closer after depositing his clothing in a miserable heap, he pulls back a corner of the blanket, exposing the smooth fabric of the black glove that you always wore. He assumed the burns were much worse there, that the glove was to protect the sensitive flesh. He could see how the burns had affected your body, some of the red scars peeking just above your collarbones, how they edge up your neck ever so slightly on your left side, how your legs were nearly always covered with bandages in public, they didn't hurt you anymore, you had said. No, you didn't want people to keep staring at you. Yet they do still stare. He reaches out, his fingers lightly brushing that black glove, the palm of your hand. You let out a small whine, your eyebrows knotting up in the moonlight, you roll onto your side, he freezes a moment. You settle down, back into your deep sleep. Maddock presses his trembling fingers to his mouth, brushing them along his lips, and exhaling deeply. He climbs into bed, once he gets comfortable, his hip presses into your back. Igniting his nerves like fire. [[You stir in your sleep.]]

He enters the room quietly, trying not to trigger any of the creaky floorboards, which he avoids with ease. He notices the rise and fall of your chest under the blankets, your limbs stretched out across the bed. He chuckles lightly at the sight. He undresses, being efficient, he's tired as the Void. Maddock inches closer quietly after depositing his clothing in a miserable heap, he pulls back a corner of the blanket, exposing the smooth fabric of the black glove that you always wore. He assumed the burns were much worse there, that the glove was to protect the sensitive flesh. He could see how the burns had affected your body, some of the red scars peeking just above your collarbones, how they edge up your neck ever so slightly on your left side, how your legs were nearly always covered with bandages in public, they didn't hurt you anymore, you had said. No, you didn't want people to keep staring at you. Yet they do still stare. You let out a small huff, your eyebrows knotting up in the moonlight, you roll onto your side, he freezes a moment. You settle down, back into your deep sleep. He climbs into bed, once he gets comfortable, able to keep a small, respectful distance from you. [[You stir.]]

You mumble something under your breath. Maddock inches his head closer to listen. <<if $playerhobby is "music">> You mumble out a melody, the words half slurred, but a dream broken sonnet comes from your unconscious lips. Your fingers twitching, as if plucking at the lute that you keep. Maddock hopes that you would play, you lug it around, yet he's only seen it outside its case once. He craves to hear your true singing voice, to have you play him a song especially for him, to ravish you under the moonlight... You've been through so much, yet you haven't let that break you. He feels a surge of respect, mixed with... something else. He wants to protect you, to cup his hands around your face, look you deeply in the eyes, to brush his thumb along your lips. <<elseif $playerhobby is "card tricks">> He hears unintelligible muttering, then a slow smirk comes across your moonlit features as you chuckle out a "Got em', suckers..." His lips twitch, he stifiles his humor down, instead focusing on your shifty grin, he knew you were... a touch light-fingered, he wondered how far your skills extended past card tricks. He wonders what else your deft hands could be used for... He sighs. You've been through so much, yet you haven't let that break you. He feels a surge of respect, mixed with... something else. He wants to protect you, to cup his hands around your face, look you deeply in the eyes, to brush his thumb along your lips. <<elseif $playerhobby is "fencing">> You grunt out in pain, as your arms and legs twitch, your nose crinkles at some unseen enemy. Maddock's hands hover over you, for just a moment before he pulls back. You have the countenance of a warrior, but have you actually seen action? He grazes his eyes over any exposed skin, looking for injuries beyond the burns. You've been through so much, yet you haven't let that break you. He feels a surge of respect, mixed with... something else. He wants to protect you, to cup his hands around your face, look you deeply in the eyes, to brush his thumb along your lips. <<elseif $playerhobby is "gardening">> He hears broken mutterings of "Golden rod..." some grumbling, then "Helps hand hurty..." He stifles a laugh, his fingers itching to touch you again, to brush along your hairline, your neck... He'd never spent much time with any herbalists, instead preferring his own survival methods, and yet... having you around feels like wintermint on his tongue, yoour calming, helpful nature is a balm to his soul. You've been through so much, yet you haven't let that break you. He feels a surge of respect, mixed with... something else. He wants to protect you, to cup his hands around your face, look you deeply in the eyes, to brush his thumb along your lips. <<elseif $playerhobby is "drawing">> "Beautiful... stand... next t'the..." You grumble a little, "No! Not the chocolate fountain, ruin my sketches... cretin." His lips stretch into a slow grin, he bites his bottom lip. He's seen the pictures you try to hide... the candid sketches of him, done hastily in charcoal, he's even sat completely still in moments where you've both come across an idyllic scene while travelling together, a babbling brook here, a solitude meadow there. It's quite cute how you never caught on that he knew. He wonders if you would draw him as nature intended for him to be, laying on a bed of moss, completely nude, finger beckoning you away from your drawing, closer to his embrace... You've been through so much, yet you haven't let that break you. He feels a surge of respect, mixed with... something else. He wants to protect you, to cup his hands around your face, look you deeply in the eyes, to brush his thumb along your lips. <<else>> ... <</if>> He's drawn out of his thoughts by the shift in you. Your dreamlike state starts becoming more fitful, as you suck in a shock of air, tense up tightly, and a small mournful whimper comes from your lips. [[You're obviously hurting bad.]]

You scramble to clear the sodden earth, digging your fingers deep, clawing your way through. It had rained heavily the night before, making it that much easier for you to get to him. It's not over, it can't be. On the edge of town, your brother buried beneath the soil of the pine trees nearby. You grit your teeth, rocks blunting your nails, bloodying your hands as they scrape across your palms. A funeral you couldn't attend. You keep digging, deeper, deeper, deeper-- until. "Aevan." You whisper, almost reverently at the unnaturally pale face of your brother beneath the oil and herb soaked cloth. Clumps of earth clinging. You gingerly pull back the dirtied shroud, the wisps of his curly hair kissing his eyelids as it shifts with the movement. His long lashes curled perfectly against his skin. You pull him up, cradling his head on your lap. A small spattering of droplets fall upon his face, you look up to feel the coolness of the rain, only to realize that it isn't raining. Bringing a shaking hand to your cheek, you pull it back, marvelling at the wetness. You hadn't felt yourself crying. You press your lips to the crown of his head, closing your eyes tight. Your body rocking with the sobs erupting from your chest. [[You drag your dear brother deeper into the wood.]]

Dressed in his best, you gently lay your brother upon a flower bed, in the meadow you often like to retreat to. You hold aloft a dagger, sparkling in the moonlight, you weave your words into your innate magic, the curse finally worth something after all. You speak the old words, the damned, and banned words. You scream them, ripping them from your throat. A plea to the ancients. Bring my brother home to me. Wisps of dark purple smoke arise from the ground where you kneel, right next to Aevan. You dig the dagger into your left forearm, then the right. A sacred offering of blood, of flesh. You dig it deeper, red rivulets dripping lazily down to your elbows. You drop the dagger, a dull thud as it hits the grass. You hobble towards your brother, grasping his hands tightly, and rubbing them over your wounds. Bring my brother home to me. You bring your bloodied fingertips over your brothers gentle face, drawing precise runes under his eyes, and on his forehead. Then, you lift him once more into your lap. [[And you wait.]]

"$sibnickname?" A small voice croaks out. Your eyes immediately open, locking on his face. His eyebrows knitted in worry, big eyes looking you over. Your breathing becomes laborious as your vision swims. You blink back the tears that threaten to overwhelm you. "A-Aevan? Can it be?" Your grasp onto him tighter. His fingers weave themselves up, cupping your face. "Where are we, $sibnickname? What happened?" He loosens his grip on you as he sits up, looking around. "We're in the wood, brother. Y... You died, but now you're here! You're alive." You can barely get the words out. You can't believe it, your heart thuds heavily in your chest, it worked, it worked, Aevan was home again, everything would be good again, it wor-- Aevan turns his head slowly back toward you, a creeping lift of his lips starts taking over his once jovial features, his eyes now as sharp, and cruel as the dagger that now rests out of reach. A dark chuckle builds in the chest of Aevan, slowly spilling out as he splays his arms wide. Spikes of ice run down your back at the change in him. Your hands shaking with the sole realization. This is no longer Aevan The thing inhabiting your sibling's body marvels as he runs his hands over the grass, and moss. "Oh! How fun this is turning out to be! A fresh corpse for my form, and..." His tone dangerous, the entity's eyes lock dead on you, his tongue licking across his parched lips. "Sustenence. I have got to thank you properly for this gift, cursed child." In a flash, faster than should be, your not-brother pounces foward, cold hands of death locking up against your windpipe, cutting the sweet font to life off on a cruel grip. Your eyes bulge, as the moments drag on, your chest heaving, body begging for air, begging to live. Your weakened arms bat against the creature in a futile attempt, your hand presses against the side of his face, pushing for your life. A maniacal grin is spread across his features, marring your brother's face. Tainting him. Your vision darkens at the edges, your arms drop uselessly, you relax your head, it lolls to the side. You imagine a dark figure through the trees, coming forth as your pulse pounds in your ears. Your body nearly cries to sucumb to the immediate embrace of death, if only to avoid this tortuous crawl to the same fate. [[You stare at the figure, hoping that its real.]] [[You reach your left arm out to the figure. ♡]]

<<set $shayd to Math.clamp($mad + 5, 0, 100)>> mineminemineminemine- MINE. It bursts from the trees, hunched violently, locked onto the figure hurting you, HURTINGYOU. It sees you, lying limply, blood clinging to you both, you bring your arm up, shaking as you do, your eyes so full of the sight of it, pleading, grasping for it desperately, your lips make the slightest movement. It knows what that means. please The smallest hope. Its essence yearns for you, craves you, hungers for you. It charges forth, a guttural roar cracking from its throat. The figure startles, letting you go and scrambling back, his pretender eyes wide in fear. Its mouth curls into a cruel, thin likeness of a smile. It will satisfy the hunger now. It continues forward, to the pretender, he smells wrong, like dead man's blood, and spite. "You know you don't belong in that form, Bazathal. No... you do not belong at all, not in the flesh of their kin, not ever. It is lucky you made yourself so known to what is mine, I may not have been able to find you otherwise." Its deep primal voice taunts the other. Rapidly it unmorphs into the shadows clinging to this once peaceful place. It wraps itself around the pretender, forming its claws and raking the bastard out. I will drive you out, I will feast upon your essence, I will slurp you down into nothingness, never to be reborn. [[You wake.]]

<<set $shayd to Math.clamp($mad + 2, 0, 100)>> mineminemineminemine- MINE. It bursts from the trees, hunched violently, locked onto the figure hurting you, HURTINGYOU. It sees you, lying limply, blood clinging to you both, your eyes so full of the sight of it, pleading, your lips make the slightest movement. It knows what that means. please The smallest hope. It charges forth, a guttural roar cracking from its throat. The figure startles, letting you go and scrambling back, his pretender eyes wide in fear. Its mouth curls into a cruel, thin likeness of a smile. It will satisfy the hunger now. It continues forward, to the pretender, he smells wrong, like dead man's blood, and spite. "You know you don't belong in that form, Bazathal. No... you do not belong at all, not in the flesh of their kin, not ever. It is lucky you made yourself so known to what is mine, I may not have been able to find you otherwise." Its deep primal voice taunts the other. Rapidly it unmorphs into the shadows clinging to this once peaceful place. It wraps itself around the pretender, forming its claws and raking the bastard out. I will drive you out, I will feast upon your essence, I will slurp you down into nothingness, never to be reborn. [[You wake.]]

You can't remember the visions from last night's nightmare, but with your heart as heavy as it feels, you know it was about Aevan. There's a horrible pain in the emptiness of your soul where he used to reside. You open your eyes, blearily blinking into the light of morning. Shafts of light splinter off on the wall, peeking through the slatted shutters on the window. You turn your head to the side, seeing Maddock wrapped snugly in the blanket, his chest rising, and falling evenly with every breath. You close your eyes for a moment longer, not willing to get up to get the day started just yet. Not quite willing to let go of the faint feeling of Aevan. Will you forget his face some day? His voice, and how he used to tell you stories of adventure late at night when you couldn't sleep? Will you forget the whole of him, and of how he used to be the center of your world, the only light in the darkness? You frown, and idly wonder if it would be possible to extract your memories and keep them vibrant forever. You open your eyes again, rolling over to stare ad Maddock. [[He looks so peaceful. ♡]] [[Maybe I can wake him up with my mind. ♡]] [[I'm hungry.]]

You settle for staring at him, wide-eyed, all the while chanting in your head: wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up. You narrow your eyes, putting all of your intent into waking him up. "I can feel you staring, kid." Maddock grumbles, voice even grittier from sleep. "I don't know what you want this fuckin' early, so tell me." "I'm bored." You say with a cheeky grin. "Entertain me!" He opens one of his eyes, staring at you before it crinkles slightly. He shifts, then faster than you can react, he's swooped his arm over you, dragging you towards him and locking you in next to his chest. "W-what are you doing?!" You sputter, your neck flushing with embarrasment before flopping around like a dying fish, trying to escape from his grasp. "Lemme go, you crazy mountain man!" "Shh." He squeezes you tighter, then pats your head with his free hand. "Go back t' sleep." "Nooooooo. I don't want that, I wanna be up now, damn it." You try to wrestle your arms free to punch him, but you only manage to thud against his chest uselessly before giving up. You feel warm, very warm. You close your eyes, snuggling closer to Maddock, your face pressed in the crook of his neck, you can still smell the soap from yesterday. He huffs a sleepy laugh as you get comfortable. You just now realize the position you're in. Your face blazes with the fury of a roaring bonfire. Why does he have to smell so good. Why is he so--! You groan helplessly, unable, or unwilling to move away from this man who has ignited such feelings in you. He hums, his chest rumbles against you, his beard tickles the top of your head, he rubs circles into your back. "You should always get as much rest as you can, pet. We'll be on the road again soon." "Next you're gonna tell me to drink water and eat my vegetables." You grumble into his chest. Maddock chuckles, shifts a bit against the bed. "No, not yet anyway. You gotta take care of yourself on the road, make sure you're healthy and well rested" He pauses. "As much as you can be." "Speaking from experience, obviously." You slowly wrap your arm around his rib cage. "Aye, that's at least the one thing I'm not lacking in." The silence comes in soon after his last word is spoken, a comfortable silence. How long has it been since you've been held like this? Years, years and years. It's been so long, you've forgotten how nice it is.

You groan, finding it difficult to get up. You flop yourself off the bed, catching yourself before making a poor descent of your face to the floor.

You sit up a bit, placing your hand underneath your chin, and you watch him for a moment. His eyes twitch here and there, his greying beard has been growing out from the stubble it was when you first met. "I can feel you staring, kid." Maddock grumbles, voice even grittier from sleep. "I don't know what you want this fuckin' early, so tell me." Your eyes widen as you scramble to sit up. Your face burning, you avert your eyes away from him. He opens one of his eyes, staring at you before it crinkles slightly. He shifts, then faster than you can react, he's swooped his arm over you, dragging you towards him and locking you in next to his chest. "W-what are you doing?!" You squeak, your face burning even hotter somehow. "Shh." He squeezes you tighter, then pats your head with his free hand. "Go back t' sleep." You whimper, body shaking like a wet cat. He presses his mouth against your head. Giving you a gentle squeeze. "D'ya want me to let go, pet?" You shake your head into his chest, trying to hide your face, your hands pressing against his hard stomach. He grabs one of your arms and lays it across his waist. You feel warm, very warm. You close your eyes, snuggling closer to Maddock. He huffs a sleepy laugh as you get comfortable. He's so attractive, so interesting, so experienced... You whimper helplessly. He hums, his chest rumbles against you, his beard tickles the top of your head, he rubs circles into your back. "You should always get as much rest as you can, pet. We'll be on the road again soon." You nod your head, not trusting the words that might come out of your mouth, Maddock chuckles, shifts a bit against the bed. Then twists himself, so that you're laying on his stomach, instead of by his side. You let out a shocked little gasp. Your thighs press against his legs, you quickly grab the blanket to put it over your head. "Ya hidin'?" He questions, moving the blanket further up, to peek inside, he catches your eye and notices the blush stark against your $playerskin complexion. He gives you a smirk and moves you further up, so that your head rests in the crook of his neck instead. You can still smell the soap from yesterday. The silence comes in soon after his last word is spoken, a comfortable silence. How long has it been since you've been held like this? Years, years and years. It's been so long, you've forgotten how nice it is.

And a good thing too, you were having a particularly nasty nightmare. You've always had nightmares, though after everything that's happened for the last few years, they've been much worse. You sigh, staring up at the plain boards that make up the interior of the communal cabin. The hammock you lie in sways gently with the ship. <<cycle "$seasick" autoselect>> <<option "Though it doesn't help ease your bouts of nausea on this fucking boat.">> <<option "You've acclimated to the ship quickly, some of the crew even said that you naturally had sea legs.">> <</cycle>> Regardless, you didn't have a choice. You had to leave Amroes as fast as possible, it would have taken much longer to find passage across the country to Alegos than to take advantage of living in Felldem and buying passage at the port. Thank the Gods for Safira. Without her, you would have never been free. You would have been reduced to a pile of ash. <<cycle "$fear1" autoselect>> <<option "You're now deathly afraid of fire, you had never felt pain like that before, you can't stand being around it.">> <<option "You're now morbidly fascinated by fire, you enjoy being around it... touching it.">> <<option "You were more affected by the pain of the experience, not so much what caused the pain.">> <</cycle>> At least you'll be going to a more accepting land, so if you accidently lose your glove you won't be hunted down. <<switch $shaydetraits>> <<case "vestigial wings">> At least the sharp points along your shoulders of what would have been your wings are easily hidden under clothes. <<case "vestigial tail">> It's a good thing the small sharp nub at the end of what would have been a normal Firde tailbone is easily hidden under your clothes. <<case "a dark aura">> You've been told that there's a 'darkness' around you that puts people on edge, there's not much you could even do about that except shrug off the accusing looks of people sensitive to that kind of thing. <<case "vestigial wings, vestigial tail">> At least the sharp points along your shoulders of what would have been your wings are easily hidden under clothes and the small sharp nub at the end of what would have been a normal Firde tailbone is easily hidden under your clothes. <<case "vestigial wings, a dark aura">> At least the sharp points along your shoulders of what would have been your wings are easily hidden under clothes and you've been told that there's a 'darkness' around you that puts people on edge, there's not much you could even do about that except shrug off the accusing looks of people sensitive to that kind of thing. <<case "vestigial tail, a dark aura">> It's a good thing the small sharp nub at the end of what would have been a normal Firde tailbone is easily hidden under your clothes and you've been told that there's a 'darkness' around you that puts people on edge, there's not much you could even do about that except shrug off the accusing looks of people sensitive to that kind of thing. <<case "vestigial wings, vestigial tail, a dark aura">> It's a good thing the small sharp nub at the end of what would have been a normal Firde tailbone is easily hidden under your clothes same with the sharp points along your shoulders of what would have been your wings are easily hidden under your clothes, you've also been told that there's a 'darkness' around you that puts people on edge, there's not much you could even do about that except shrug off the accusing looks of people sensitive to that kind of thing. <</switch>> You hope it'll finally be safe, safer at least. It's been hard to hold onto that hope, to wish for something better for yourself, constantly questioning, do you deserve it? After all that had happened, all you had done, do you deserve to be happy without Aevan? Life has just been one pain after another, odd events cling to you like blood to your skin. You trace the deep scar on your visible forearm, a reminder of your hope, your animalistic desperation to try and bring back the one light in your life, the only person who made everything worth all the pain, your brother. A man who gave and gave, his love was endless, his life snuffed out as easily as if someone had blown him out like a candle. You resent the world for taking him from you. It should have been me. It should have been me... It should have been you. Yet here you are, on a ship, barred from the only home you've ever known, everyone turning against you in a moment, your one loss of control. But why shouldn't you use your gifts? Why shouldn't you have tried? You at least did something, even if it caused more pain. You were born with power, if you didn't use it to try and put things right, to help, to do anything at all, who would you be? [[A monster.]]

You don't want to be a monster, by the Void, you hope you already aren't one. Not after everything. You heft yourself from the swaying hammock, landing softly on your feet, your worn boots make a thud in the quiet of the cabin. You're surprised you're the last one to awaken, but maybe you shouldn't be. Not after your ordeal, you sorely needed the rest. You walk from the communal cabin and make your way to the galley, you're pretty certain you remember the way. Though this is a big ship... a small sliver of doubt creeps into your mind. Do you remember the way? Will you take a wrong turn? What happens if you do? What if someone sees you? Hears you? What if they ask what's under your sleeve? Your bandages? What if you get hurt again? You try to force these thoughts from your mind, shaking your head to bring yourself some clarity. "Get a grip... even if I lose the way, how hard can it be to find the galley, or at least someone to ask for directions?" You murmur to yourself. It won't be difficult, you've got this. You are not incapable, you are a person over your 20th Winter. Regardless of what has happened, you will persevere. Won't you? You clear your throat, you need to stop, need to stop talking to yourself, need to stop this constant overthinking. You need to blend in, you have to be normal. You continue walking, the sofft thud and sway of the ship your only companions through this waterborne coffin. You allow the tips of your fingers to graze against the sanded-down wood of the planks as you walk, you see a light ahead, natural light, the sun. It's almost poetic, Aevan would have written something beautiful, a new start, something about the healing light of a new dawn. Who in the Void knows what it could have been now? [[You make your way closer, the scent of salt fills your every breath...]]

What your companions think about you... Maddock: Affection <progress @value='$mad' max='100'></progress> Apathy The Hunger: Devotion <progress @value='$shayd' max='100'></progress> Loathing Fellis: Caring <progress @value='$felli' max='100'></progress> Revulsion Xep: Regard <progress @value='$xep' max='100'></progress> Coldness E. Ward: Fondness <progress @value='$ward' max='100'></progress> Spite

You are $cistrans, your name is $playername, Aevan told you that your father named you. You are in your mid twenties, your eye color is $eyes. In fact, you get a lot from dad, like being $playerheight, your skin color is $skin, your hair is $hairtex, you keep it $playerhairlength, and have his $haircolor hair, you also have $shaydetraits... it could be an issue if you were found out, or not... Your usual outfit consists of: $usualoutfit Aevan used to call you: $sibnickname Your main hobby is: $playerhobby Your main skill is: $playerskill You are romancing: $playerlock

It hurts, the sun in your eyes, its warmth upon your skin. Your lips curve into an almost reluctant smile, how long has it been since the stress has faded from the set line of your lips against your face? How long has it been since you haven't looked so haunted? Now you're here, in the middle of the ocean, the crew and passengers going about their business around you, few look your way, occupied with their work or sightseeing. You notice a young child giggling and their small hand wrapping itself into their guardian's cloak, something twinges in your stomach, you're quick to look away. Your steps are hesitant as you make your way to the railing, it's afternoon, the sky is clear. It's a beautiful day. You take a deep breath. The sound of someone behind you knocks you from your peace. "It's a vision, eh?" A soft voice says, you turn to look at a person quite a bit older than you, their face tanned and lined with years of shipwork no doubt. You find yourself mutely nodding as the person comes closer, they lean their wiry yet muscular arms against the railing and with a wistful smile they keep talking to you, much to your confusion. "When I was a youngin' like you, I had first started my journey on the sea. A fickle master it is." They sigh and smile as they watch a seabird dance in the sky, "But, well, the amount of folk I've met and shores I've visited made the seasickness worth it." They laugh and it's a beautiful sound, you find yourself smiling with them, wanting to take part in their jest, their joy. "This is my first time on a vessel like this." You add to the conversation, "I had been with my older brother on a raft in the river near our home before, he crashed us and we got soaked." You remember that time fondly, you were both just kids and it was when you were more sheltered from your mother's ire. When Aevan's sole purpose was to protect and love you like she never could. You don't catch what the parting words the sailor gives you before they're leaving you alone with your thoughts again. [[You make your way back down into the bowels of the ship...]] //will add more shoop around this area

Over the course of months you've kept up simple and nice conversations with the sailor whose name you finally learned, Samith, they make an effort to sit near you while you take your meals, not leaving you alone. You wonder if they can see how uncomfortable you are around all the people, how you feel so exposed, watched. You swear you see dark shadows peering at you from every corner. You try not to think about it so much, the implication scares you. You keep up walks to the deck, in the morning and the evening. The fresh air does wonders for you. <<cycle "$seasick" autoselect>> <<option "It's kept your mind off of how much you really need to puke your guts out everywhere. You can almost pretend you're not on a swaying hunk of wood out in the middle of absolute nothingness for leagues and leagues.">> <<option "The air can get stale down in the hull, especially with all the sweaty bodies down there. It's just not something you've ever been used to, being as isolated as you have been.... before all of this.">> <</cycle>> "LAND HO!" A woman from the crow's nest shouts with glee as she raises her spyglass and whoops, people milling about topside chatter excitedly, some happy about being able to take a proper bath once they get to civilization, others express desires for the different foods on the continent. "We'll be in Aisley soon, thank the Gods..." A young man in fine garb murmurs to himself as he rolls his eyes, "If I had to deal with another week on this ship, why I may have gone mad." An older woman near him nods in agreement, "I'll say! Not to mention the odd shadows, I do believe I'm suffering from cabin fever, a nice holiday is just what I need to relax myself after such excitement." Shadows? You can't blink for a moment, your mind processing what you just heard. Did she see IT too? Does she know what it is? Does she know it's my fault? Fuck. Panic rises in your chest, it feels like you're breathing in smoke. Fire flashes in your minds eye and you cross your arms, the stiff weave of the bandages crinkle slightly as you shift your weight from one foot to another. She can't. Nobody knows. Nobody here could possibly know what you've done. What you've unleashed. [[Hours pass and you're finally off the boat.]]

You're the last to leave the ship, it's time to start your journey in earnest, to meet the mercenary that the witch had told you about, to try and start a new life. To find a home. You hope Aevan would forgive you for what you've done, for leaving, for not being enough. You bite your lip until you taste the metallic tang of your own blood and you try to push the overwhelming barrage of emotions down. You take a deep breath and with a wave of your hand, you guide the enchantment on your trunk filled with things you couldn't leave behind to follow behind you. Another gift from the witch Safira, one of many you may never be able to repay, but you're thankful all the same, even as your mind screams at you that none of this is real, that it's all a trap, that the cards will fall and your suppoised run of good luck was all lies. I can't keep thinking like this. You follow the retreating backs of the other passengers as you gingerly make your way down the ramp, the groaning of the wood under your feet, the chatter of people and the sounds of the dock workers keep your mind occupied for now. Aisley. You're finally here, after four long months stuck on a boat filled with shadows and eyes. You just crave a real bath rather than the enchanted bars you rub against your skin, sure it keeps you clean, but you don't actually feel clean. You'd rather dunk yourself in an ice cold river than rub a thin bar of silver all over your body ever again. It can never actually replace the refreshing feeling of bathing, even though you know it's a lot more practical for seafaring. As you cast your gaze around you, you notice just how dense this city is. How different it is, in Felldem everything and everyone was spread out, but here it's almost like folk are living on top of each other. The buildings are made of a dark gray stone rather than the mossy wood you're accustomed to. The sky here is overcast, drowning everything in a sickly color. It's muted, muggy. Felldem had a lot of rainy and overcast days but it was also filled with the rich colors of the forest, the earth. Aisley feels visually dull in comparison. You wonder if all of Ismuth is like this. [[Now to find the man Safira spoke of.]]

You have a description, a name. Maddock. A mercenary she had told you, a man of large stature, a man who could protect you in these unfamiliar shores. A man with scars, a dark complexion, unruly hair. The picture that comes to your mind is of a bear. It almost makes you want to laugh, you restrain yourself. Barely. As you step off the ramp and onto the wood of the dock, you turn your head left, then right, you don't notice any tall burly men so you pick a random direction due west and start walking. You have no idea where to meet this man. You ponder over your situation as the scent of fish and oil assaults your nose. "Shit." You mutter as you click your tongue, did Safira even say where to meet this Maddock or are you expected to wander aimlessly? You can't remember, you don't know if she mentioned an inn, or a landmark. [[You decide to just keep walking.]] [[You think it'd be best to wait next to a visible landmark. WIP [[Screw this, you're going to find him. WIP

You feel like moving around will give you the best possible chance of being found, and who knows, you might see some interesting things here anyway. Since you've never been in a new city, not to mention an entirely new country before, you're eager to see the differences with your own eyes, explore a bit, see what the locals get up to. As you walk, the scent of the docks slowly fades the further you navigate into the heart of the city, you're not sure you should be walking so far, but your curiosity overrides your caution. You want to know what it's like, to smell it, taste it. To just be a nameless face in a crowd. To just be a person. Like anyone else. You smile to yourself as you duck your head for a moment to look along the ground, the murmur of people around you, once so oppressive feels... welcoming today. "Nanni said I could have the sweets! Please, I even finished all my chores and I didn't even take Asa's dolls today!" A chuckle followed by the crunch of baker's paper, an excited squeak, frantic ripping and little laughter reaches your ears. Your smile widens, it reminds you of being little yourself, looking up to Aevan, begging for a present he would have behind his back, or enjoying the treats he would have baking at home. You can never keep your mind off of him for long, he's everything to you. Was. Keeping on your journey, you lift your head, a fountain spits out fresh water up ahead, you know a lot of city officials hire artificers to make sure their population has fresh water to drink, you could use a sip of water right now. Hastening your steps you make your way closer to the fountain, your eyes are drawn up, to the statue hovering above the pool of water. It's made of a cream colored stone rather than the gray stone of the buildings. It's shaped like a fantastical augrim. Large, imposing with long curled horns and wings stretched out from its bulky back just behind the hump. You scoff and shake your head, it's odd, it's interesting. A herd animal celebrated in a place like this, revered in some way. It's like the statues at home, but those were all people, gods. Never anything as lowly as an animal. But you like it. It's different, realer than anything the church carved from immaculate crystal, bright, blinding, holy. Everything you're not. [[You head down a narrower way, cut through buildings, moving away from the strangers that surround you.]]

<<type 50ms>><l1><center>It’s so hard To let it go Bottled in How can it flow? Deep breath in It starts to catch You swell up inside Hard to attach A longing You pine Grasping You sigh A want Stays unnamed Too afraid to burden [[You turn ashamed.]]</center></l1><</type>> Feelings Vayle Vym

Welcome to the world, child of my blood. What shall I call you? <<textbox "$playername" "" "">> This name is for you, and you alone. I chose it special for you. Carry it well and with pride, know that yours is a long ever-surviving bloodline, you will endure all that may come to pass, this is my hope for you, my sweet child. Now, will you have the curled dark locks of hair of Lenna, or hair like mine? I wonder what side of yourself will be embraced. <<listbox "$haircolor" autoselect>> <<option "platinum Blonde">> <<option "golden Blonde">> <<option "honey Brown">> <<option "toasty Brown">> <<option "scarlet Red">> <<option "ginger Red">> <<option "raven Black">> <<option "onyx Black">> <<option "lavender Gray">> <<option "ash Gray">> <<option "arctic White">> <<option "snow White">> <</listbox>> <<listbox "$hairtex" autoselect>> <<option "coily">> <<option "curly">> <<option "wavy">> <<option "straight">> <</listbox>> And your eyes, what dazzling color shall they be? <<listbox "$eyes" autoselect>> <<option "brown">> <<option "blue">> <<option "gray">> <<option "golden">> <<option "green">> <<option "hazel">> <<option "red">> <<option "black">> <<option "violet">> <</listbox>> Are you born in the correct body or might you evolve? <<listbox "$cistrans" autoselect>> <<option "transgender">> <<option "cisgender">> <</listbox>> <<listbox "$gender" autoselect>> <<option "nonbinary">> <<option "woman">> <<option "man">> <</listbox>> Your skin is a beautiful shade of... <<listbox "$skin" autoselect>> <<option "black">> <<option "brown">> <<option "olive">> <<option "tan">> <<option "white">> <<option "pale white">> <</listbox>> How will you show your embarrasment, youngling? <<listbox "$blush" autoselect>> <<option "visible Blush">> <<option "actions">> <</listbox>> Will you betray your nature more physically, you have the mark, but how much will you look like us, feel like us? <<listbox "$shaydetraits" autoselect>> <<option "just the mark">> <<option "vestigial wings">> <<option "vestigial tail">> <<option "a dark aura">> <<option "vestigial wings, vestigial tail">> <<option "vestigial wings, a dark aura">> <<option "vestigial tail, a dark aura">> <<option "vestigial wings, vestigial tail, a dark aura">> <</listbox>> Will you grow like a tree or a flower? <<listbox "$height" autoselect>> <<option "tall">> <<option "average">> <<option "short">> <</listbox>> However you may look, never forget that you are my child. And no matter what may come, I will always love you. [[The lurching of the ship wakes you.]]

It's late affternoon, you're not any closer to finding the man Safira told you about. You didn't know what you expected, you're just one person, out of place. Maybe you should have stayed near the docks, gone somewhere where a mercenary would frequent. Where would that be exactly? A tavern? You huff out a long sigh as you grip the hem of your <<cycle "$clothesstart" autoselect>> <<option "worn tunic, the pants you wear have a few holes, but they're mostly intact, wearable.">> <<option "muted dress, the ends are frayed, it's a tad too short, it's one of Lenna's old dresses, repurposed for you.">> <<option "knee length shabby tunic, the leggings are ill-fitting, but they're clothes so you can't complain.">> <</cycle>> Your old boots are a bit too big for you, they were a pair of Aevan's, part of you is loathe to part with them, even though they hurt your feet, even though the blisters bleed. You don't want to part from a single piece of him. A shadow passes over your face, you look up. What greets you is the sight of a giant, you don't think you've met a man so large before. He stares down at you with deep brown eyes and a furrowed brow. Menace radiates off of him, a small shiver runs through your fframe as you press your lips together, sizing the man up. He's big, intimidatingly so, you're rather $height. Regardless of your stature, you feel like his presense alone would tower over anyone, even a statue. He's wearing furs, leather, buckles and straps bind around big muscles. You were wrong. He's not like a bear at all, he's a wolf. "Hmph." The man looks you up and down, a smirk forms on his lips, sharp, wolfish, "Didn't expect ya t' be quite the wanderer, didn't your ma' ever tell ya to stay put in a new place?" A deep voice like gravel comes from his lips. For a moment all you can do is open and close your mouth, much like the fish they were catching at the docks. This is the man? "Maddock." You say, your voice slightly hoarse, wavering from your shock. His eyes widen just a touch as a slow chuckle comes from his chest. You feel foolish, like a child. Of course you should have stayed put. Should have known better, but... you couldn't help it. That need to see, to experience. You narrow your eyes and take a deep breath. "Well, I had to make you work for your coin, didn't I?" You say with an flippant air you have to keep up, a wry smile tugs at the corners of your lips. You hope he's not expecting an apology of any sort, because you're not in the mood to give one. You found each other easily enough, he doesn't give off any indication of being upset. But who knows? "I think you n' I are gonna get on well enough." He runs a large scarred hand through his messy hair. You watch as the wavy strands trail along his neck, the rough scars there, how they trace along his face like broken shards of pottery, how the lines intersect, pull, mar. //end of current demo :3 [[He's fucking beautiful, in a wild and untamed sort of way. ♡ WIP [[You quickly shift your eyes away. ♡ WIP [[You wonder what could have happened WIP [[Did it hurt much? WIP

Feelings
Vayle Vym