Garden of Bones Revision Template

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<center> O mother, what is the way of things, that we may be cast aside while mortals make merry and mischief without care for our troubles of eld? Come, all you who would hear me; let us pierce the veil of realms and so behold what they beheld when first the world was made. 𝀈 Lamentations of the Undying <<link "➤" "memory 1">><<randomSound>><</link>> </center>

<<audio "shatter-1" play>>\ <center>\ <<fadein 4s 4s>>\ <<fadeout 4s 9s>>\ Your glimmering memories splinter around you, into you... <</fadeout>>\ <</fadein>>\ </center>\ <<timed 14s>>\ <<goto "memory 2">>\ <</timed>>\

<<audio "violin" play loop>>\ <<audio "desert-no-wind" fadeout>>\ <<fadein 3s 1s>>\ They turn dark as they shatter, vibrant colours bleeding away until only shards of obsidian glass remain. You kneel in the ruins of it all, watching the remnants of your life fracture into pieces. The acrid stench of smoke and incense burns your nose, your gaping mouth. The sound of cracking glass shakes your body. Cracking glass, and a distant <<link "screaming." "memory 3">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 2s 0.5s>>\ You think the one who is screaming might be you. But that is not your focus. Right now, you are preoccupied by the precious fragment you hold tightly in your hands--a shard of memory. You squint into its unstable depths. It <<linkreplace "flickers." t8n>>flickers. Like the moon through stormy branches. The immaterial plane of your own <<link "maddening mind." "memory 4">><<randomSound>><</link>><</linkreplace>> <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 1s 0.5s>>\ Something is tearing that mind of yours apart. From within. And with each unmade shard you feel less of yourself. Your essence systematically rifled through and destroyed. Some strongholds within your waking consciousness--the rock-solid remembrance of how to breathe or how to move your limbs--are left undisturbed. No time to be relieved. The serene pool of knowledge--hard-won and acquired over a lifetime of struggle and triumph--is less fortunate. Ripples of disturbance soon smooth into <<link "forgetfulness. " "memory 4a">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 1s 0.5s>>\ Other strongholds shatter altogether, crumbling into soot and dust. Memories of faces, of places. Of soft winter winds and the warmth of the sun. Yet this one memory in particular you hold onto with everything you have left. All is chaos. Dissaray. But you cling to it desperately, <<linkreplace "because..." t8n>>because you have an impression that you should. A fleeting echo of a different, very recent memory--which has already been <<link "eradicated." "memory 5">><<randomSound>><</link>><</linkreplace>> <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 1s 0.5s>>\ Thick, cloying scents of metal and fear taint your senses. Glance down. Hands are bleeding--the flickering shard bites into your palms, red liquid running between your knuckles and pattering into the darkness below as you hunch your shoulders, panting. Those distant screams echo in your ears. It hurts to hold on... Maybe, if you let go, the pain will stop. But the echoes bring <<link "whispered warnings." "memory 6">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 1s 0.5s>>\ And so you kneel there, tightening your grip instead, until a softly-spoken command washes over your resolve. Ethereal, overwhelming. It pulls you along by a name you shouldn't know, but do--or a name you once knew, but don't anymore. Which is it? You're confused, and grasp onto the familiarity. //<<link "That summons..." "name">><<randomSound>><</link>>// <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 1s 0.5s>>\ <<link "Ire" "memory 6a">><<set $Ire to "Ire", $ire to "ire", $IRE to "IRE">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> //It pools like acid on your tongue... an anger so deep and hot that it has very nearly burnt itself to ashes--yet still it lingers.// <<link "Justice" "memory 6a">><<set $Ire to "Justice", $ire to "justice", $IRE to "JUSTICE">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> //It rings in your mind with the force of a clanging bell... a weapon of echoes which shiver the bones of all who hear its cry, even the one which tolls the bell--lawful resonance from a hollow shell.// <<link "Wrath" "memory 6a">><<set $Ire to "Wrath", $ire to "wrath", $IRE to "WRATH">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> //It is a stern summoning which wields grim strength... its ferocity cools the breath in your lungs, turning your will to iron--relentless, as inevitable as the coming of winter.// <<link "Lenity" "memory 6a">><<set $Ire to "Lenity", $ire to "lenity", $IRE to "LENITY">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> //It murmurs like a laugh between sunset and the dark of night... the illusory glimmer of stars in the sky, or a lantern far away--a promise of mercy forever out of reach.// <<link "Elegance" "memory 6a">><<set $Ire to "Elegance", $ire to "elegance", $IRE to "ELEGANCE">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> //It is graceful, soft, and settles over you with an eerie calm... the perfect understanding of what must be accomplished, and the practiced precision it requires--a beautiful darkness, known yet somehow unknowable.// <<link "Enmity" "memory 6a">><<set $Ire to "Enmity", $ire to "enmity", $IRE to "ENMITY">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> //It bites and heals like bitter herbs... a quickness, a boldness, a dance between stark apathy and obsession--the song of one swift to act, a nimble hatred.// <<link "Malice" "memory 6a">><<set $Ire to "Malice", $ire to "malice", $IRE to "MALICE">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> //It gnaws at your patience like a rabid starvation, a bleeding venom... it slowly erodes whatever it touches, or ravenously devours--that which it ruins, ruins itself in turn.// <</fadein>>

<<fadein 1s 0.5s>>\ //''Let go, $Ire.''// You search for a recognition of that voice--//that// voice, you know that voice--but the memory snaps free and disintigrates before your bleary eyes. Your brows knot in confusion. An unseen touch, gentle and unfamiliar, presses against that knot, as if attempting to smooth it away. ''//This could have been over so quickly; freedom awaits, but the more you resist, the longer it will take. These memories can only hurt you, now. Let go of what was, and embrace what lies ahead.//'' ⮞ <<link "You hesitate--you don't want to fight against yourself, but you aren't sure what to do, or even who you are anymore. Should you let go? You need to //know// what the right decision is." "memory 7">><<set $i.issues to "indecisive">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Press it tightly against yourself, trapped by a miserable conviction--you //can't// let it go! You don't want to be abandoned. Left alone, in the dark." "memory 7">><<set $i.issues to "abandonment">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Cling to the shattering shard, your actions made desperate by the dark resignation which settles over you even now--you were never strong enough, were you? Never enough... and you never will be." "memory 7">><<set $i.issues to "self-doubt">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Weigh the whispering demand against your own fading echo--you are assured of your own intelligence, and need no other voice to advise you. You will fight to hold on. You know it is for the best, and you are strong enough to do this." "memory 7">><<set $i.issues to "self-assured">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 1s 0.5s>>\ <<if $i.issues.includes('indecisive')>>You hesitate, wavering, and the shard of memory flickers so violently you fear it will go out altogether. Breathless, you press it close, warm blood soaking into the linen cloth which veils your chest. <<elseif $i.issues.includes('abandonment')>>Metal blooms in your mouth as you bite your cheek and tongue, the shard of memory flickering so violently you fear it will go out altogether. You breathe stiffly through your nose, sucking air into your tight, dry lungs, and holding the shard close as warm blood soaks into the linen cloth which veils your chest. <<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>Hot, sticky tears of despair roll down your face as the shard of memory flickers so violently you fear it will go out altogether. Breathless, you press it close, tucking your body lower as warm blood soaks the linen cloth which veils your chest. <<else>>You calm yourself, pulling slow, steady breaths through your nose as the shard of memory flickers so violently in your determined grasp that you think it might go out altogether. You flinch and press it close, warm blood soaking into the linen cloth which veils your chest. <</if>> Your mentor. You remember her, softly. The calm reassurance of her hand on your shoulder. The gleam of her dark hair bound in a crown of braids. Those simple, practical layers she favoured. How soft the fabrics felt when she hugged you. A void swirls where her face used to be, a starless sky in the night. You grip the memory with all the strength which remains to you, eyes tightly shut. Fighting to preserve it exactly as it was in that moment, even as that moment slips through your unwilling fingers. Her distant voice beckons you and a company of abyssal children your own age, whose faces you also once knew. She speaks of a night long ago: when Changeless fashioned the two races, that they might shepherd his lesser works and inhabit the <<link "realms…" "memory 8">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 1s 0.5s>>\ "The kin of the air he breathed into being with the breeze at moonset and a rainbow shimmer of dragonfly wings--they resemble us in passing, yet are somewhat different in form. Sharp features and sharper minds, pointed ears and pointed teeth." Everyone knows about the elf-kind and their pointed ears, but pointed teeth, too? Nobody ever told you that. You wonder what she means by 'sharper minds.' It all sounds... ⮞ <<link "Fascinating! You want to know more." "memory 8a">><<set $i.childThinks to "intrigued">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "A little scary, to be honest." "memory 8a">><<set $i.childThinks to "scared">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Boring--you don't really care to form an opinion." "memory 8a">><<set $i.childThinks to "bored">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 1s 0.5s>>\ "They are guardians of a neighboring land unknowable to mortal folk, and it is said that their elfin laughter can only be heard from afar in the gloaming. It was decreed they should rule the realm of the enchanted, where magic shatters across fields of scorched sand and the beasts are wild and strange." <<if $i.childThinks.includes('intrigued')>>Your friend̷͙͎͋ͅ ̷̞̬̪̾.̵̵̨̧̧̺͍̖̫̭̱͇̀̂̈͐̔̔̀́̑̕̕.̵̫̗͑̄ ̶̼̘͍̟̭͇̼̗̇͑͑̾͠.̴̻̦͇̠̀̿̉͗̽̚ ̴̧̗̖̩̬̩̬̈.̸̮̋ ŝ̷̅̀ays they don't really exist, but you've always believed in them. They sound delightful: you'd quite like to hear them laugh someday. You bet it's beautiful and fierce--they are warrior folk after all. Words like 'vile' and 'capricious' haven't done much to discourage your interest, and it seems your mentor shares your enthusiasm.<<elseif $i.childThinks.includes('bored')>>Your friend̷͙͎͋ͅ ̷̞̬̪̾.̵̵̨̧̧̺͍̖̫̭̱͇̀̂̈͐̔̔̀́̑̕̕.̵̫̗͑̄ ̶̼̘͍̟̭͇̼̗̇͑͑̾͠.̴̻̦͇̠̀̿̉͗̽̚ ̴̧̗̖̩̬̩̬̈.̸̮̋ ŝ̷̅̀ays they exist, but truthfully you don't really care either way. Delightful or vile, you've never met one--you guess if you ever do, you can decide what you think then, but as you told̷͙͋ͅ.̵̫̗͑̄ ̶̼̘͍̟̭͇̼̗̇͑͑̾͠.̴̻̦͇̠̀̿̉͗̽̚ ̴̧̗̖̩̬̩̬̈., that's about as likely as catching a thunderstorm in a cookie jar.<<else>>Your friend̷͙͎͋ͅ ̷̞̬̪̾.̵̵̨̧̧̺͍̖̫̭̱͇̀̂̈͐̔̔̀́̑̕̕.̵̫̗͑̄ ̶̼̘͍̟̭͇̼̗̇͑͑̾͠.̴̻̦͇̠̀̿̉͗̽̚ ̴̧̗̖̩̬̩̬̈.̸̮̋ ŝ̷̅̀ays they don't really exist, but you've always believed in them. They sound frightful: their laughter must be beautiful and fierce, and you're glad you've never heard it--they are warrior folk after all. Words like 'vile' and 'capricious' have certainly discouraged your interest over the years, but it seems your mentor doesn't share your concerns.<</if>> A tiny hand waves frantically in front of you--one of the other children. "Yes, a question?" "I thought magic wasn't real!" Your mentor is quiet for a moment. "Most don't believe in it... but just because //we// can't understand it doesn't mean it isn't real. And for the kin of the air, magic may be spun as easily as thread. They were gifted immortality at the beginning of all things, in the likeness of the one who gave them breath--and now they walk the plane of their existence unendingly and without rest, as wise caretakers of all things desolate." Her voice is warm and affectionate, like honey and sunshine. It surprises you. Does she hold a fondness for the immortal //kin// of which she speaks? You know so little about them. You think you would like to know more. But her next words are about you. "Our people, the folk of the earth, rule this realm of the mundane. But the gift we received was mortality, and with it the promise of reuniting one day, to live in bliss forever with Changeless. You see, we have simpler features, and gentler minds, shaped by his hands... and it is difficult for us to endure so long when we are so beautifully brittle. Our bodies are woven of rustling grass and sculpted from the rich clay beneath." Clay is just fancy mud--and you can make a lot of useful things with mud and clay, but people definitely aren't one of them as far as <<link "you were aware." "memory 8b">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 1s 0.5s>>\ "I'm made of dirt?" you hear yourself muttering. You pinch your arm in confusion. It doesn't //look// like dirt. "Dirt and grass!" pipes up another child, unhelpfully. You //know// that. You were listening too! "Our beginnings might have been humble, but we have become a people of great wisdom and innovation, despite our many trials." She makes a sweeping gesture across her impressionable brood. "Look around you and admire all these wide, wondering eyes! For they were made to catch and hold the light of the rising sun." You lift your hand in question, and the faceless void turns to you with a softness. "Have you ̷̃som̷̨̛̠̳̯̣̙̬̯̘̃̃̉̈́̕͜ething to ̵̌͒̍̃ask.̸̭̿̌͑̈́̓̔̾̕͝͠ ̵̺̥̌͒̍̃̄̀̒̚͝.̸̧̧̠̱̘͕̇͌̀̓̈́̓́̇͜.̶̶̢̨͉̣̦̞͚̭̺̈́͑̿͗̕ͅ.̴̞̮̈́ ̵͌̊ " The memory shudders violently. You struggle to hold the splintering pieces together, strained effort dampening your face with sweat and tears. The scene cracks within your grasp, shifting further away--or are you shifting further from it? No, you are still holding on! But you remember. Remember. You must not let it go. If you think hard enough, you can hear your own youthful voice echoing across the growing chasm... ⮞ <<link "“But we are the //most// loveliest, right?” you ask, a little worried. Your adorableness has always given you an advantage, and... well, maybe it bothers you a bit that the kin of the air might be more enchanting in appearance than you are. Some part of you knows this isn't a reasonable expectation, but a much bigger part of you wants it to be true. $alert_label" "memory 9">><<set $i.quirk to "vain">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“How do we know that for sure if nobody was there to see it? Bedtime stories, at best...” you mutter skeptically, immensely bothered that you are expected to accept this as the truth without any further proof. Surely the adults have learned not to take you for a fool by now. $alert_label" "memory 9">><<set $i.quirk to "skeptic">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I want to hear their laughter in the gloaming!” you sigh absently<<if $childScary is true>>, despite your trepidation<</if>>. You have often been accused of being an airhead by other children and adults alike, sometimes affectionately and sometimes as a reprimand, but it doesn't really bother you. Much. $alert_label" "memory 9">><<set $i.quirk to "airhead">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Are we going to eat soon?” you inquire, not a bit sheepishly; food is important! You spend most of your day snacking, and when you aren't snacking, you're thinking about what to eat next. Watching your elders cook in anticipation of the sweet or savory delights to follow, and helping when allowed, is one of life's greatest joys. $alert_label" "memory 9">><<set $i.quirk to "foodie">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "...but whatever you were about to say is lost when a slightly older child sitting nearby talks over your words: “Miss, the little mudpie is all dirty again!” You never cared much for appearances; some called you slovenly. You just prefer to run around barefoot with wind-touseled hair. Clothes are for wearing, not keeping clean. $alert_label" "memory 9">><<set $i.quirk to "unkempt">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 1s 0.5s>>\ <<if $i.quirk.includes('foodie')>>Your nameless mentor laughs. Crisp and clear, like chimes in the breeze. "Yes, of course. But don't you want to hear the rest of the story first?" "Alright," you agree readily, settling back in contentment. At least now you have something to look forward to!<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>Your nameless mentor laughs. Crisp and clear, like chimes in the breeze. "If their people are kin of the air, and we are shaped from clay, then our ideas of beauty are surely as different as stories of how we came to be--but by my own measure, we are //all// of us very pretty! Now, do you want to hear the rest of my tale?" "Alright," you agree with a sigh, settling back in resignation and tugging at your sleeve. You know she only said that so that the others didn't feel badly.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('skeptic')>>Your nameless mentor laughs. Crisp and clear, like chimes in the breeze. "Perhaps that is a line of inquiry to take up with the priest or the local historian--I can arrange that for you, if you wish. But don't you want to hear the rest of the story, first?" "Alright," you agree rather sulkily, settling back in resignation. You know when you're being pandered to.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('airhead')>>Your nameless mentor laughs. Crisp and clear, like chimes in the breeze. "And maybe someday you shall--now, don't you want to hear the rest of the story?" "Yes," you agree readily, settling back in contentment. At least now you have something to daydream about!<<else>>Your nameless mentor laughs. Crisp and clear, like chimes in the breeze. "Our 'little mudpie' showed up on time this morning, and the willingness to listen and learn is our greatest asset, isn't it? Now, unless you are keen on staying behind after our lesson today, perhaps you also would like to hear the rest of the story." "Alright," your neighbor sighs sulkily, and you feel their eyes on you even if you cannot see their face; your mentor's approval encompasses you like a warm hug.<</if>> "Long ago--so long ago that these memories have nearly fallen away from our people--identical twins were born to a fey enchantress in the realm of the air. As they grew and learned of the world around them, they two would often slip away to the veil and step through to our realm of the mundane." <<if $i.childThinks.includes('intrigued')>>"Why?" you ask, curious. "We don't have pointy teeth. We have boring teeth." Some of your teeth fell out recently, because your bigger teeth are growing in--it might have been more exciting if they were pointed. You wonder if the kin of the air have little teeth that fall out too, and wish one of the twins was here now, so you could find out.<<elseif $i.childThinks.includes('bored')>>"Why?" you ask, despite your better judgment. "I bet it's just the same here as it is there--if //there// is even real." Your best friend has been desperate to go to the fey realm for years, and is worried about being left behind if you were ever so lucky as to be swept away by the kin of the air. You begrudgingly promised to bring back an interesting-looking rock if you did, so it could be added to your friend's carefully curated collection.<<elseif $i.childThinks.includes('scared')>>"Why?" you ask, trying to hide the quaver in your voice. You are frightened by the thought of //fey// coming //here//. "What did they want from us?" One of your friends told you that the kin of the air sometimes cross the barrier between realms at night, hoping to find small children so they can enchant them and steal their ears. You aren't sure why they would want your ears, specifically, but you unconsciously hunch your shoulders, hands at the ready to cover them up if your mentor's foolish words summon an ancient being.<</if>> "To those who live eternally, anything different is of interest--even the young ones who have not lived so long understand this. Here, reality was heavy and strange to their kin. Our folk were simpler, and the magic gentler. The elder twin surveyed our ancestors fondly, wishing to touch, to see, to greet them--but the youngest looked with envy, for our realm appeared more beautiful to those youthful eyes than the unforgiving deserts where they dwelt." Until now, you were thinking about <<if $i.quirk.includes('foodie')>>what you will be eating for lunch,<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>whether it was mortal beauty that the youngest envied,<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('skeptic')>>why your mentor insists upon teaching things that can't be proven true,<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('unkempt')>>whether you could sneak away to play in the garden and pick some fresh berries when everyone else is eating lunch,<<else>>whether sneaking out at dusk and into the forest to hear that airy laughter is a very bad idea,<</if>> but there her voice sinks lower than it ought to, and there is a sadness in it which catches <<link "the breath in your throat." "memory 9a">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 1s 0.5s>>\ <<audio "wind-ambient" loop volume 0 fadein>>\ "But not all stories have sunny endings, do they, children?" You are not the only one to start paying more attention. Most of the others have stopped hopping about on the summer grasses, or whispering to the child sitting beside them, or weaving lopsided bracelets from berry vines. "These gifted twins bickered and fought--as children often do." You distantly realize the expression on your mentor's face must have changed with the tone of her voice as titters and snorts of agreement ring out in the clearing. "Yes, who would know this better than any of you! And the immortal kin of the air are no different in that way. But it was said by all their closest kindred that those twins loved each other, most, above all things. The very best of friends were they! Magic blessed them both with equal power, and so both were brought before the king of the air, who had grown weary of rule after many long years." "I'd never 'grow weary of rule'!" someone shouts from across the clearing. "That's dumb." Your mentor taps her chin. "Well, they do live forever--if you had to do one thing forever, wouldn't you grow weary of it someday?" "No! Not if I could tell other people what to do." "Fair enough," she relents, a smile in her words. "At any rate, it seems the old fey king from our story did not take your point of view, and it was decreed that when they came of age, one of these twins should be the next successor to the crown--but which?" ''//$Ire... <<link "come to me." "memory 9b">><<randomSound>><</link>>//'' <</fadein>>\

<<audio "shatter-2" play>>\ <<fadein 1s 0.5s>>\ But the warning words echo from far away, incomprehensible. Your child self and the other children wait for her to speak, mesmerized, as you kneel in the crumbling ruins of your own mind--shaking violently, nauseous and dripping sweat and blood, gripping the shard to your chest and pressing it deeper into your ribs as if you could plant its precious flickering knowledge there. "The twins clasped hands, then, and made a secret pact: not one would rule the realm, but two, together, until their power <<link "waned." "memory 10">><<randomSound>><</link>>" <</fadein>>\

<<audio "violin" fadeout>>\ <center>\ <<fadein 4s 2s>>\ <<fadeout 4s 7s>>\ The memory shatters against your heart. <</fadeout>>\ <</fadein>>\ </center>\ <<timed 12s>>\ <<goto "chapter 1">>\ <</timed>>\

<<audio "shatter-3" play>> <center>\ !<<link "🙡 1 • THE EYELESS WATCHER 🙣" "creator 1">><<randomSound>><</link>> </center>

<center>\ <<fadein 3s 1s>>\ <<fadeout 3s 5s>>\ //"...to me, $Ire."// <</fadeout>>\ <</fadein>>\ </center>\ <<timed 8s>>\ <<goto "creator a">>\ <</timed>>\

<center>\ <<fadein 3s 0.5s>>\ <<fadeout 3s 5s>>\ A hollow voice pulls you //up// from the shattered oblivion. <</fadeout>>\ <</fadein>>\ </center>\ <<timed 8s>>\ <<goto "creator 1e">>\ <</timed>>\

<<audio "wind-ambient" fadeout>>\ <<audio "intro" play loop>>\ <<fadein 3s 0.5s>>\ Your eyes flutter open. A silver goblet shakes in your fingers, and berry-stained liquid drips <<link "from your lips..." "creator 1c">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 3s 0.5s>>\ The taste on your tongue is a lingering startlement. Stickier than honey. More bitter than wine. You <<link "lift your gaze." "creator 1a">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 2s 0.5s>>\ Above the stool where you sit there looms a figure unfamiliar. Unfamiliar, and unknowable, for a cloth half-mask veils an unseen stare. The pale linen is beaded and tasselled with silver thread, and stained with a design of rich green, or maybe brown--it is difficult to understand colours in the unstable light. The dark pattern of interlocking symbols is clear enough, resembling human eyes: one forever shut, and one awake. Your own eyes drift from the veil to the curve of an arched nose, refined and somehow proud, if a nose could be such a thing. Beneath the nose, a delicate smirk, and a narrow chin. The upturned mouth is startlingly dark, the skin around it mottled. You wonder, briefly, if they too have tasted of the goblet in your hands. Yet it is not a dripping stain, but ashen veins which marr the blemished surface. Tapering ears, long and pointed, are ornamented in silver jewelry and tipped in rings of black paint or dust, and wreaths of coal-dark hair bound in elegant braids slip across one sloping shoulder. As if their bearer has only recently bent low to observe you. A sightless being, smiling down in bliss. You try to remember who they are, studying the tiered necklace which collars their chest, intricate shapes of silvered metal cascading over elaborately embroidered linen robes, and your head... aches. The goblet reclaims your bleak fascination, as you turn it over in your trembling hands. It is still laden with that which you drank and etched with a glyphic language you know not. You know not of anything, <<link "now." "creator 1b">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\

The goblet slips from your nerveless fingers with a [[crash.|creator 1d]]

<<audio "drink-spill" play>>\ Ruddy liquid splashes across your bare feet. The shock and cold of it is startling, but there is no room for a response in your empty, ringing consciousness. Your blurred attention wanders to another pair of feet beside yours--slender bones, long toes, scarcely visible beneath the trailing robes. The figure standing near is clad in leather sandals, delicate straps woven and interlaced in the same precise fashion—by the same precise fingers—as the coal-black braids which crown their head. All that remains to your grasping thoughts is the enigmatic aspect which tips down and regards you impassively, the burnished skin and sharp-edged teeth of an entity you are, acutely, aware that you should fear. Yet beneath the bronze of those visible features, a pallor: as of one which craves the sun, yet shuns its warmth and light. One slender finger curls against your numb face as it leans closer, breath cooling the tip of your round human ear in a shivering exhale. ⮞ <<link "“Behold yourself, mortal,” he demands of you, softly." "creator 1db">><<set $U to "Umr", $Z to "Zanai", $heshe to "he", $HESHE to "HE", $himher to "him", $HIMHER to "HIM", $hisher to "his", $HISHER to "HIS", $hishers to "his", $HISHERS to "HIS", $himself to "himself", $HIMSELF to "himself", $HeShe to "He", $HimHer to "Him", $HisHer to "His", $HisHers to "His", $Himself to "Himself", $brothersister to "brother", $BrotherSister to "Brother", $brotherssisters to "brothers", $kingqueen to "king", $kingsqueens to "kings", $KingQueen to "King", $KINGQUEEN to "KING">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Behold yourself, mortal,” she commands of you, softly." "creator 1db">><<set $U to "Umyra", $Z to "Zelara", $heshe to "she", $HESHE to "SHE", $himher to "her", $HIMHER to "HER", $hisher to "her", $HISHER to "HER", $hishers to "hers", $HISHERS to "HERS", $himself to "herself", $HIMSELF to "HERSELF", $HeShe to "She", $HimHer to "Her", $HisHer to "Her", $HisHers to "Hers", $Himself to "Herself", $brothersister to "sister", $BrotherSister to "Sister", $brotherssisters to "sisters", $kingqueen to "queen", $kingsqueens to "queens", $KingQueen to "Queen", $KINGQUEEN to "QUEEN">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $heshe is "he">>It is a distinctive voice, not soon forgotten: a self-assured timbre with cracked traces of a cool breeze whistling through broken stone.<<else>>It is a distinctive voice, not soon forgotten: a self-assured melody with cracked traces of a cool breeze whistling through broken stone.<</if>> Dark, worn, and hollow. And... Familiar. Somewhere, insects are chirring. You wince as that long finger taps your listless jaw, tenderly, toward a rippling panel of mirrored glass. The watery surface stills and smooths the instant your eyes fall upon it, flat and serene as if it had always been so. Or maybe it always has been. Two figures appear in the veiled darkness of the mirror... a reflection. Tallest looms the silhouette standing beside you, a lithe form clad in dust-coloured robes, arms clothed to the wrist in form-fitting sleeves and twisted round with metal bands fashioned into the likeness of twin serpents, and above all, that distressing mask. Torchflame and the light of an inconstant moon illuminate open pillars and the railing behind $himher as a row of curtains flaps gently before the approaching storm. Beyond the railing, it is too dark to see anything. The reflection immediately in front of you, however, is seated upon a dark wooden stool and tasselled cushion. A silver goblet lies at their feet in a berry-dark pool of <<link "congealing liquid." "face shape">><<randomSound>><</link>>

Is that... you? You blink. The face blinks back. It is $i.skinTone in hue, set with an array of features you dully denote as $i.faceShape. Your arms are partly bared beneath the expansive sleeves of a pale tunic which reaches past your knees, halfway to the ankles of your bare feet. It is almost sheer. A breath of storm-wind kisses the nape of your neck and you shiver, becoming aware of your own half-nakedness. Beneath the soft linen fibers, your figure is notably $i.bodyType. In that moment, you are looking at a stranger, wearing a stranger's garb. It is oddly solemn and off-putting. As if you are clad in nightclothes, or a burial shroud. The red wine splashed across sand-coloured tiles underfoot only casts another hue of unease upon the picture, and you are briefly distracted by a thin garment of a similar fashion to yours, neatly folded and resting near the twisted wooden frame of the mirror. Something happened here. //What// happened here?<<if $i.tattoo.Location.includes('none')>><<else>> <<if $i.tattoo.Location.includes('wrist') or $i.tattoo.Location.includes('ankle') or $i.tattoo.Location.includes('ear')>>There is a single small tattoo on your $i.tattoo.Location, in the shape of <<if $i.tattoo.motif.includes('snake skeleton')>>a writhing snake skeleton<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('serpent')>>a coiling serpent<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('moth')>>a moth<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('butterfly')>>a butterfly<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('bird')>>a bird in flight<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('sun')>>the sun<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('moon')>>the moon<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('waves')>>waves of water<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('sun and moon')>>both the sun and the moon<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('knotted pattern')>>a pattern of interlocking knots<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('geometric pattern')>>a pattern of geometric shapes<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('intricate pattern')>>a pattern of intricate designs<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('floral pattern')>>flowers<<else>>one single bloom<</if>>, and you <<if $i.tattoo.Location.includes('ear')>>tug at your ear to see it more clearly.<<elseif $i.tattoo.Location.includes('ankle')>>shift your foot slightly to see it with more clarity.<<elseif $i.tattoo.Location.includes('wrist')>>slightly tilt your wrist to see it more clearly.<</if>><<elseif $i.tattoo.Location.includes('back')>>You catch a wisp of ink on your back and find yourself shifting in the chair, turning slightly to catch a glimpse of the pattern which spans your shoulders. It is a tattoo, in the shape of <<if $i.tattoo.motif.includes('snake skeleton')>>a writhing snake skeleton<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('serpent')>>a coiling serpent<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('moth')>>a moth<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('butterfly')>>a butterfly<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('bird')>>a bird in flight<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('sun')>>the sun<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('moon')>>the moon<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('waves')>>waves of water<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('sun and moon')>>both the sun and the moon<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('knotted pattern')>>a pattern of interlocking knots<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('geometric pattern')>>a pattern of geometric shapes<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('intricate pattern')>>a pattern of intricate designs<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('floral pattern')>>flowers<<else>>one single bloom<</if>>, and you grasp your upper arm in your trembling hand, pulling it slightly to better see the design through the covering of fabric--which you now realize is somewhat sheer.<<elseif $i.tattoo.Location.includes('full body')>>Your entire body is dark with ink, but the overwhelming pattern seems to evoke <<if $i.tattoo.motif.includes('snake skeleton')>>a writhing snake skeleton<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('serpent')>>a coiling serpent<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('moth')>>a moth<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('butterfly')>>a butterfly<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('bird')>>a bird in flight<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('sun')>>the sun<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('moon')>>the moon<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('waves')>>waves of water<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('sun and moon')>>both the sun and the moon<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('knotted pattern')>>a pattern of interlocking knots<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('geometric pattern')>>a pattern of geometric shapes<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('intricate pattern')>>a pattern of intricate designs<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('floral pattern')>>flowers<<else>>one single bloom<</if>>, and you simply stare at your exhausted reflection, taking in the rhythm and sway of the design through the covering of fabric--which you now realize is somewhat sheer.<<else>><<if $i.tattoo.Location.includes('feet') or $i.tattoo.Location.includes('hands') or $i.tattoo.Location.includes('legs')>>There are matching tattoos on your $i.tattoo.Location.<<else>>There is a tattoo on your $i.tattoo.Location.<</if>> The pattern seems to evoke <<if $i.tattoo.motif.includes('snake skeleton')>>a writhing snake skeleton<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('serpent')>>a coiling serpent<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('moth')>>a moth<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('butterfly')>>a butterfly<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('bird')>>a bird in flight<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('sun')>>the sun<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('moon')>>the moon<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('waves')>>waves of water<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('sun and moon')>>both the sun and the moon<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('knotted pattern')>>a pattern of interlocking knots<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('geometric pattern')>>a pattern of geometric shapes<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('intricate pattern')>>a pattern of intricate designs<<elseif $i.tattoo.motif.includes('floral pattern')>>flowers<<else>>one single bloom<</if>> and you stare for a long while, blinking slowly, as if seeing it for the first time. You are seeing it for the first time. Aren't you? But it must have been there before.<</if>> <</if>><<if $i.gauge.includes('small')>>Your earlobes are slightly stretched, almost enough for you to put your smallest finger through... <<elseif $i.gauge.includes('large')>>Your earlobes are stretched wide, and you hook your finger through one of the empty loops, momentarily fascinated. <<else>> <</if>>The cloth tunic draped over your form is mockingly simple beside the extravagant linen robes embroidered in silver and green, beneath the looming veil bent over your reflected shoulder. That eyeless attention pulls your focus again in the mirror, and that writhing grin which crawls beneath the dyed fabric--white teeth, all pointed, and brighter against an ashen mouth. It is something out of a tale you never wished to hear the end of. A tale you’ve long since forgotten. It presses in on you, demanding, greedy for your attention, devouring your senses. The reflection wavers in warning... Half-there, half-not. Obscured by a murk, a mist. As if there is something missing from the esurient imitation that was present at first glance. You fight through the fog. Through the muted pain beneath your skull. To behold the uncanny beside you, to comprehend it; but $heshe is unmoving, unspeaking, and $hisher smile never fades. At last, you dare to greet your own eyes <<link "in the mirror." "eye color beard">><<randomSound>><</link>>

They peer out from beneath a <<if $i.faceShape.includes('rugged')>>steep brow<<elseif $i.faceShape.includes('round')>>soft brow<<elseif $i.faceShape.includes('angular')>>narrow brow<<elseif $i.faceShape.includes('squared')>>pronounced brow<<else>>refined brow<</if>>, their depths <<if $i.eyeColour.includes('brown')>>dark and swirling, like earth after a rain.<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('light brown')>>light and speckled, like dust in the sun.<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('black')>>nearly black as the night itself.<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('blue')>>blue like the ocean.<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('light blue')>>celestial like a summer sky.<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('green')>>perceptively green and verdant.<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('gold')>>gold, like a burning sun.<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('silver')>>silver, like a winter's moon.<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('violet')>>violet, a soft and royal bloom.<<else>>grey as a swift-moving stormcloud.<</if>> Their lightlessness fills you with an empty dread, and you cast a searching glance across the rest of your face, <<if $i.hair.facial.includes('none')>>smooth and soft.<<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('shaven')>>clean-shaven.<<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('stubble')>>with its stubbled facial hair.<<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('beard')>>and neatly trimmed beard.<<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('chin beard')>>and neatly trimmed chin beard.<<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('moustache')>>and neatly trimmed moustache.<<else>>and lengthy beard.<</if>> Once, and then again, and then you blink, silently acknowledging that whatever hint you're desperate for cannot be found there. The repressed bubble of panic blooms dangerously close to the surface. Dangerously close to bursting from your ribs. Deep within, you know. You have done something you should never have done. Your left eye twitches as <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('shorn') or $i.hair.Length.includes('short')>>an elegant palm flattens your close-cropped hair against your skull.<<elseif $i.hair.Length.includes('chin-length')>>$hisher finger trails through your jaw-length hair, ruffling it like a curtain.<<elseif $i.hair.Length.includes('medium')>>$heshe tucks a strand of hair behind your rounded ear--it brushes your shoulder.<<elseif $i.hair.Length.includes('long')>>$heshe hooks $hisher finger around a loop of your lengthy hair, pulling it taut.<<else>>that thin finger traces an esoteric pattern across your bared scalp.<</if>> A small spark of unfelt emotion wavers behind those glassy $i.eyeColour eyes staring solemnly back at you. What are you forgetting? It must be important, no? Wait, what can you remember? Something, surely... Anything to explain the leering face above you. You @@filter:blur(0.1px);have@@ @@filter:blur(0.2px);seen@@ @@filter:blur(0.4px);that@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);countenance@@ @@filter:blur(1px);before,@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);only@@ @@filter:blur(0.4px);moments@@ @@filter:blur(0.2px);ago--@@ Stifling a grunt of frustration, you squint into the mirror again, watching your features warp in dim distress as if you are merely an onlooker, observing someone else's plight. Why are you here, with $himher? @@filter:blur(0.3px);And@@ @@filter:blur(0.6px);where@@ @@filter:blur(0.9px);is@@ @@filter:blur(1.2px);here?@@ "You gifted your name to $U of the arid plains," $heshe murmurs, with a rhythm that sweeps you along like the winds of an early spring. "We who dwell here are the kin of the air, as your... simpler brethren call us. And names, as all mortals once knew--as, indeed, you knew when first we met--have great power on the tongues of the deathless…" Even as your slowed mind grasps at the emptiness and returns with a worsening ache and less than nothing of use, something rises up within you, a protest. ⮞ <<link "Your features visibly contort in confusion, despite a belated attempt to smother the emotion." "creator 4a">><<set $i.heartSleeve to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You remain blank-featured and empty-eyed--hiding the inner turmoil is natural. Like breathing." "creator 4a">><<randomSound>><</link>>

$U… $U… you’ve heard that name, before. Haven't you? Something within you is awakening, or trying to awaken. <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>> Your face twitches and frowns as you struggle<<else>>You conceal the effort, struggling in silence<</if>> to shake off the numbing stupor. What was in that drink? You vaguely recall dark tales of the undying, those who dwell in a faraway place of @@filter:blur(0.2px);sand@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);and@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);heat.@@ @@filter:blur(1.1px);Far@@ @@filter:blur(1.3px);from@@ @@filter:blur(1.4px);home...@@ @@filter:blur(1.2px);though@@ @@filter:blur(1px);the@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);word@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);means@@ @@filter:blur(0.2px);little@@ to you, at the moment. You know the dangers of the deathless… but who warned @@filter:blur(0.2px);you@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);of@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);those@@ @@filter:blur(1.1px);dangers?@@ @@filter:blur(1.3px);A mother?@@ @@filter:blur(1.4px);A friend?@@ @@filter:blur(1.2px);The@@ @@filter:blur(1px);concepts@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);linger@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);but@@ @@filter:blur(0.2px);the@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);faces@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);and@@ @@filter:blur(1.1px);voices@@ @@filter:blur(1.3px);and@@ @@filter:blur(1.1px);places@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);are@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);frustratingly...@@ indistinct. Absent. There is a gash, an unravelled place, a terrible rending of reality, and your consciousness frays a little more at the knowing of it. Instead of familiar faces, your attempts at remembering are greeted by a swirling abyss. No intimate voices return to reassure you; there is only a void of remnant echoes where the voices used to reside. ⮞ <<link "Given the situation and your current lack of memory, it might be best to accept that you have done something regrettable and act accordingly." "creator 5">><<set $blunt +=1>><<set $e1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "All you can think about now is how worried your family must be; you had one, right? No, have one. Everyone has a family." "creator 5">><<set $soft +=1>><<set $e2 to true>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "This situation is insane enough that you might actually have done it—if it isn't all just a dream, of course." "creator 5">><<set $acerbic +=1>><<set $e3 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Typical. Well, you can't say that for certain, but if you're going off of everything you know about yourself so far... typical." "creator 5">><<set $acerbic +=1>><<set $e4 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Your heart is pounding, but there must be a halfway-decent reason why you agreed to this; try for a smile and see how that goes." "creator 5">><<set $agreeable +=1>><<set $e5 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $e1 is true>>These thoughts weigh heavily upon you, and you ponder what insanities must have occurred for your life to have veered so far @@filter:blur(0.1px);from@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);whatever@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);it@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);once@@ @@filter:blur(0.2px);was.@@ You are unaware of the fact that your hands have knotted into fists until a breathy sigh beside you startles you from your stupour. The sound of gentle resignation... or annoyance. <<elseif $e2 is true>>These thoughts press into you, surprisingly disruptive, and you knot your hands together tightly as you ponder the unknown that awaits you... and what unknowns you surely left behind. There is a breathy sigh beside you, the sound of gentle resignation. <<elseif $e5 is true>>You try for a resolute smile in the reflection, but it's not altogether convincing as the corners of your mouth wobble. Perhaps if you showed some teeth... You glance up at $U to find $himher staring back--you think. $HeShe pulls $hisher mouth into a smile that mirrors yours, with a vastly sharper array of teeth. Your confidence melts. <<else>>Are you the sort of person to drink something you haven't prepared yourself? Possibly. Possibly you took drinks from strangers on the regular. You pinch your wrist--first gently, then harder, frustration gnawing at you. There is a <<if $heshe is "she">>note of breathy laughter<<else>>rasping chuckle<</if>>. <</if>>"No, do not trouble yourself," $heshe soothes, $hisher overtones pressing down on your soul even as $hisher touch lifts slightly. "Our journey here was arduous. But before the rest and replenishment which I promised you, there was also a promise you made to me. Do you remember it?" Oddly, as $U speaks the words, you do. You cannot recall the promise itself. Yet you sense the importance of it—the binding weight—and some small sliver of the aching horror which compelled you, then, to speak those faded words with such conviction. It returns to your mind as the will to live seeps slowly back into your limbs, an unwelcome ghost from a past all @@filter:blur(0.2px);too@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);recent...@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);it must@@ @@filter:blur(1.1px);have been@@ @@filter:blur(1.3px);yesterday...@@ @@filter:blur(1.4px);no, today...@@ @@filter:blur(1.2px);no,@@ @@filter:blur(1px);what@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);day@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);is@@ @@filter:blur(0.2px);it—?@@ The ache stabs your head again. Stars of pain flash brightly. You blink rapidly to clear away the lights, tears of surprise pricking at the corners of your eyes, too shaken to battle the mist any longer. As you drift back to this off-putting unreality you have awakened to, the smile on $U's face grows disturbingly pleased, and the hand descends to rest upon your head again. As if to press your scattered thoughts into the ground. You cannot move, but your body is swayed. ⮞ <<link "That touch fills you with burning rage, and you stiffen, jaw set tight." "creator 6">><<set $firstAnger to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You fall still, sinking down beneath the touch; it is strangely a comfort to know you are not alone with your thoughts." "creator 6">><<set $firstComfort to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "As the splayed fingers curl into your forehead, you flinch, shivering uncontrollably—a primal terror takes you." "creator 6">><<set $firstFear to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

The fingers tighten, <<if $firstFear is true>>the warmth slightly smothering your fear but doing little to abate it.<<elseif $firstAnger is true>>as if to smother your anger, but the resentment smolders beneath the unwelcome warmth of their grip.<<else>>$hisher thumb stroking the side of your head very gently as you relax slightly beneath the embrace; it is, unexpectedly, rather warm.<</if>> If you could get up, <<if $firstComfort is true>>lean into the touch<<else>>remove yourself from this place<</if>>, you would, but the peculiar heaviness of your limbs and your shallow breathing occludes any attempt to do so. "You will have forgotten much of which we spoke, but the deal we struck shall have your obeisance, nonetheless…" remarks $U, tilting $hisher cloth mask with a significant pause. "I came to you as one of the undying, seeking a bargain, but I never told you my name. There is no name above mine in this place, for I stand before you now as $U, $KingQueen of the Deathless Lands. Here among the kin of the air you are subject to the laws of our domain." <<if $firstFear is true>>$HisHer hand lifts as $heshe speaks, to your immense relief, but the relief is shortlived: with each word $U appears taller, splindlier, and more alarming in $hisher strangeness; the arms are very slightly too long, $hisher neck too tall, shoulders too <<if $heshe is "he">>broad<<else>>knobbly<</if>> and $hisher face far too gaunt.<<elseif $firstAnger is true>>$HisHer hand lifts as $heshe speaks, and you feel the tension ease, but your relief is shortlived: with each word $U appears taller, splindlier, and more alarming in $hisher strangeness; the arms are very slightly too long, $hisher neck too tall, shoulders too <<if $heshe is "he">>broad<<else>>knobbly<</if>> and $hisher face far too gaunt.<<else>>$HisHer hand lifts as $heshe speaks, to your twisting disappointment, but this quickly leaves your mind: with each haughty declaration $U appears taller, splindlier, and more alarming in $hisher strangeness; the arms are very slightly too long, $hisher neck too tall, shoulders too <<if $heshe is "he">>broad<<else>>knobbly<</if>> and $hisher face far too gaunt.<</if>> But the poise, the strength, and the current of careless derision leaves little doubt of $hisher truthfulness. $HeShe looks as if $heshe could end your life with a flick of $hisher hooked finger, and after all... @@filter:blur(0.8px);The@@ @@filter:blur(1.4px);deathless@@ @@filter:blur(2.1px);do not@@ @@filter:blur(3.2px);lie.@@ "Get on your knees." There is a suggestion beneath the words. A suggestion that you obey. ⮞ <<link "Get on your knees respectfully. $alert_label" "respect 1">><<set $uMaster to true, $respect to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10)>><<set $ch1.mem.push('kneltRespect')>><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Get on your knees resentfully and maintain eye contact. $alert_label" "resent 1">><<set $uRespect to true, $resent to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 3, 0, 19)>><<set $ch1.mem.push('kneltResent')>><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Bite your lip and shrink into yourself, timid but resistant. $alert_label" "resist 1">><<set $uEnamoured to true, $resist to true, $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<set $ch1.mem.push('timidResist')>><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Rise, pressing your mouth shut, and stare narrowly into the eyeless mask. $alert_label" "rise 1">><<set $uRival to true, $rise to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 2, 0, 19), $dishonourRoll +=1>><<set $ch1.mem.push('riseStare')>><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Attempt to leave the stool and fall to your knees instead. $alert_label" "fall 1">><<set $uEnamoured to true, $fall to true, $clumsy to $clumsy + 1, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 2, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<set $ch1.mem.push('attemptFall')>><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> <<unset $e1, $e2, $e3, $e4, $e5>>\

<<notify 5s>>$U respects your decision.<</notify>> Blood rushes through your ears, keeping time with the ever-quickening drumbeat of your heart. Quietly, with intention, eyes fluttering downward and your head sinking low... ...you kneel before the eyeless $kingqueen. For too long, you hunch upon the cool stone floor, knees bruising painfully, awaiting a word to rise, until at last your back spasms and your body slumps forward without your consent. Soft, leather-clad footsteps steal closer as a pleased and thoughtful hum rises above the chirring insects and rustling curtains. "We will, I think, accomplish everything that you have forgotten, and more," $heshe says, a gentleness softening $hisher speech. "Though you may have doubted me until the moment you sealed our agreement; I hope I can convince you to trust in my judgment, without all those mortal preconceptions which burdened yours..." You glance up, <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>wincing from the headache and your bruising knees<<else>>firming your features against the headache and your bruising knees<</if>>, and the eyeless $U appraises you with a surprising softness, that smile flattening into a thin, mottled line; yet it is something a bit warmer, if not altogether friendly. It feels more real, somehow, than the crooked smile did. Your eyes return slowly to the silver goblet and darkening stain upon the floor, red droplets spackling the stone. $HeShe takes another step closer; the flowing robes brush through the liquid from the goblet and it blooms across the ornate hem, dying the fair flowing cloth and its silver embroidery crimson. To your numb disbelief, $U lowers $himself to one knee on the stones before you, an elbow draped across the flowing robes which have settled upon your knees. “By the terms of our agreement, the price you paid was dear—but I assure you, you were most willing to pay it." The words are spoken with a murmuring cadence, more soothing than they ought to have been, and more candid than you expected them to be. “Do not resent me for the unremembered, yes? We must become well acquainted, you and I, if we are each to attain our desires…” ⮞ <<link "Observe $himher skeptically." "respect 2">><<set $r1 to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Scoff." "rise 2">><<set $r2 to true, $acerbic +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“You know how creepy that sounds,” you mutter, “right?”" "respect 2">><<set $r5 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“What desires?” you ask quietly, attempting to keep the confusion from your voice." "respect 2">><<set $r6 to true, $reclusive +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Desires? What do you mean?” you inquire in as light a tone as possible, striving in vain to meet $hisher eyes beneath the mask." "respect 2">><<set $r6 to true, $outgoing +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I might not remember my name, but I can think of a few desires... care to take a guess?” you say, offering a delirious grin. $flirt_label" "respect 2">><<set $r7 to true, $bold +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Blush and lower your eyes, suddenly and painfully aware of how underdressed you are. $flirt_label" "respect 2">><<set $r8 to true, $shy +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $r7 is true>>A strained smile twists your face as the hilarity of the situation belatedly occurrs to you--knelt as you are in such simple raiment before the $kingqueen of the air, with nothing to your name and nothing to lose. It might not be the wisest decision you've ever made, but there's no way to know if you're a disappointment to your forgotten self, and so you freely give voice to your observations: "I can think of a few desires, presently... care to guess?" You're not sure if it's a genuine question or if this mind-bending encounter has become terribly funny in your stupoured state, but maybe you can sort that out later. A muscle above $U's mouth pulls taut. Secret smile, the beginnings of a frown, or an eye twitch beneath the mask. "For the present..." $heshe begins, but the thought hangs unfinished between you. Instead,<<elseif $r8 is true>>Heat sears your face, burning like wildfire all the way to the tips of your ears and down the back of your neck as the impropriety of the situation belatedly occurrs to you--knelt as you are in such simple raiment before the $kingqueen of the air. You awkwardly tug at the rumpled tunic to make yourself as presentable as possible, under the circumstances. As you wonder whether $U noticed your discomfort--your face flames even hotter at the thought, the burning blush spreading to the tips of your ears, and you accept that there is no chance of a deception--there is the soft sound of someone clearing their throat. You glance up as<<elseif $r5 is true>>Your eyebrow crawls higher in disbelief. "You know how creepy that sounds, right?" $HisHer mask twitches slightly, and $heshe tilts $hisher head. "Enlighten me." The pair of you stare at one another for an ineffable length of time as your muddled mind tries and fails to settle on a satisfactory explanation, until at last<<elseif $r1 is true>>As you squint in hesitant silence,<<elseif $r2 is true>>As you let out a quick, breathy laugh of disbelief,<<elseif $r6 is true>>"You, that your kindred may live, even if you should be torn from their embrace... and I, that the glory of my visions may prevail, even if my family should be torn asunder." As you take a moment to consider those sentiments,<<else>>As you take a moment to steady yourself,<</if>> $KingQueen $U offers you a single long-fingered hand, upturned... and you notice for the first time that $hisher fingers are almost as dark as $hisher mouth, as if smudged with soot or ink. There is a faint disfiguration of the smallest finger on $hisher left hand, as if it had been burned and recently healed, or broken and never set right. The imperfection is, in itself, of little interest; but an imperfection where you never expected to see it has a strange effect on your delirious senses. The stone walls around you muffle a distant rumble as a mild breeze ruffles past the curtains and brushes against your face, cooling it. The mingled scents of rainfall and blossoms call to you sweetly... a promise of relief from the frustration, the bewilderment. You find yourself leaning into it, your head tipping toward the pillars and the open sky beyond. The undying one who kneels before you remains umoved. “I knew that you would suffer from confusion, but I did forget how exacting these enchantments can be to those without magic of their own,” $U murmurs, a hint of amusement colouring $hisher words. “Mortals never really understand what they are about when they gift a name to one of my kindred—so for your sake, I offer a new name in its place… at least, until the completion of our deal.” Your focus returns to $U and you glower, taking a shallow <<link "breath." "creator queries 1">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<notify 5s>>$U will remember your defiance.<</notify>> Blood rushes through your ears, keeping time with the ever-quickening drumbeat of your heart. You rise to your feet, slowly, with purpose and a great deal of effort, until you are standing tall beneath $hisher regard. "If..." You take a moment to steady yourself, arranging the words in your pounding head. "...if I cannot remember the $kingsqueens and <<if $heshe is "she">>kings<<else>>queens<</if>> of my own realm, then I won't profess my allegiance to you. Find another mortal to grovel at your feet, if that is what you desire. I will not." Your chin lifts ever so slightly. The eyeless $U appraises you steadily, mouth flattening into a thin, mottled line, and you realize only in the absence of that perpetual smirk that $hisher aspect had been ever so slightly warmer with it in place. Not friendly, perhaps, but certainly not this stark coldness… It feels more real, somehow, than the crooked smile did. “Intriguing,” $heshe purrs calmly, $hisher head tipping further and further to the side, as if you are a curious beetle $heshe noticed crawling up the wall--but nothing more. “I forget, now and then, that your troublesome kin lack the instincts for self-preservation.” “To the contrary,” you manage grimly, barely moving your mouth. This is self-preservation. Your head remains frozen in place, defiant, but your eyes return slowly to the silver goblet and darkening stain upon the floor, red droplets spackling the stone. $HeShe withdraws slightly, moving beyond your reach; the flowing robes brush through the liquid from the goblet and it blooms into the ornate hem, dying the fair flowing cloth and its silver embroidery crimson. To your numb disbelief, $U lifts $hisher chin to level $hisher mask with you calmly, no trace of anger or dismay visible in $hisher bearing, though a hint of that smirk returns to play about the corner of $hisher dark, bloodshot mouth. “By the terms of our agreement, the price you paid was dear—but I assure you, you were most willing to pay it." The words are spoken with a murmuring cadence, more soothing than they ought to have been, yet more candid than you expected them to be. "Allow me to refresh your memory: the potion you agreed--" the impatient emphasis is not lost on you "--to drink has properties which are... particularly binding. I will not hesitate to sever our deal if your allegiance proves false, and I would so very much hate for that to happen. After all, we must accomodate one another, you and I, if we are each to attain our desires…" ⮞ <<link "Observe $himher skeptically." "rise 2">><<set $r1 to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Scoff." "rise 2">><<set $r2 to true, $acerbic +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“You know how creepy that sounds,” you mutter, “right?”" "rise 2">><<set $r5 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“What desires?” you ask quietly, attempting to keep the confusion from your voice." "rise 2">><<set $r6 to true, $reclusive +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Desires? What do you mean?” you inquire in as light a tone as possible, striving in vain to meet $hisher eyes beneath the mask." "rise 2">><<set $r6 to true, $outgoing +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I might not remember my name, but I can think of a few desires... care to take a guess?” you say, offering a delirious grin. $flirt_label" "rise 2">><<set $r7 to true, $bold +-1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Blush and lower your eyes, suddenly and painfully aware of how underdressed you are. $flirt_label" "rise 2">><<set $r8 to true, $shy +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $r7 is true>>A strained smile twists your face as the hilarity of the situation belatedly occurrs to you--clad as you are in such simple raiment before the $kingqueen of the air, with nothing to your name and nothing to lose. It might not be the wisest decision you've ever made, but there's no way to know if you're a disappointment to your forgotten self, and so you freely give voice to your observations: "I can think of a few desires, presently... care to guess?" You're not sure if it's a genuine question or if the whole encounter has become terribly funny in your stupoured state, but maybe you can sort that out later. A muscle above $U's mouth pulls taut. Secret smile, the beginnings of a frown, or an eye twitch beneath the mask. "For the present..." $heshe begins, but the thought hangs unfinished between you. Instead,<<elseif $r8 is true>>Heat sears your face, burning like wildfire all the way to the tips of your ears and down the back of your neck as the impropriety of the situation belatedly occurrs to you--clad as you are in such simple raiment before the $kingqueen of the air. You awkwardly tug at the rumpled tunic to make yourself as presentable as possible, under the circumstances. As you wonder whether $U noticed your discomfort--your face flames even hotter at the thought, the burning blush spreading to the tips of your ears, and you accept that there is no chance of a deception--there is the soft sound of someone clearing their throat. You glance up as<<elseif $r5 is true>>Your eyebrow crawls higher in disbelief. "You know how creepy that sounds, right?" $HisHer mask twitches slightly, and $heshe tilts $hisher head. "Enlighten me." The pair of you stare at one another for an ineffable length of time as your muddled mind tries and fails to settle on a satisfactory explanation, until at last<<elseif $r1 is true>>As you squint in hesitant silence,<<elseif $r2 is true>>As you let out a quick, breathy laugh of disbelief,<<elseif $r6 is true>>"You, that your kindred may live, even if you should be torn from their embrace... and I, that the glory of my visions may prevail, even if my family should be torn asunder." As you take a moment to consider those sentiments,<<else>>As you take a moment to steady yourself,<</if>> $KingQueen $U offers you a single long-fingered hand, upturned... and you notice for the first time that $hisher fingers are almost as dark as $hisher mouth, as if smudged with soot or ink. There is a faint disfiguration of the smallest finger on $hisher left hand, as if it had been burned and recently healed, or broken and never set right. The imperfection is, in itself, of little interest; but an imperfection where you never expected to see it has a strange effect on your delirious senses. The stone walls around you muffle a distant rumble as a mild breeze ruffles past the curtains and brushes against your face, cooling it. The mingled scents of rainfall and blossoms call to you sweetly... a promise of relief from the frustration, the bewilderment. You find yourself leaning into it, your head tipping toward the pillars and the open sky beyond. The undying one who stands before you remains umoved. “I knew that you would suffer from confusion, but I did forget how exacting these enchantments can be to those without magic of their own,” $U murmurs, a hint of amusement colouring $hisher words. “I will have plenty of time to persuade you. Mortals never really understand what they are about when they gift a name to one of my kindred—so for your sake, I offer a new name in its place… at least, until the completion of our deal.” Your focus returns to $U and you glower, taking a shallow <<link "breath." "creator queries 1">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<notify 5s>>$U finds your actions intriguing.<</notify>> The eyeless $U appraises you, that ephemeral smile tugging at the dark, bloodshot mouth until it lifts into something a bit warmer, a bit kinder--if not altogether friendly. It feels more real, at least, than the crooked smirk did. “Ah, frail one,” $heshe purrs calmly, $hisher head tipping further and further to the side, as if you are a curious beetle, but little more than that. “I forget how easily frightened your kind have ever been.” Your head remains frozen in place, but your eyes return slowly to the silver goblet and darkening stain upon the floor, red droplets spackling your feet. $HeShe withdraws slightly, and then—to your numb disbelief—lowers $himself to one knee on the stones before you, an elbow draped across the flowing robes which have settled upon your feet; the liquid blooms into the ornate hem, dying the fair flowing cloth and its silver embroidery crimson. “Do not fear me, yes?" The words are spoken with a murmuring cadence, more soothing than they ought to have been, yet more candid than you expected them to be. "We must become well acquainted, you and I, if we are each to attain our desires...” ⮞ <<link "Observe $himher skeptically." "resist 2">><<set $r1 to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Scoff." "resist 2">><<set $r2 to true, $acerbic +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“You know how creepy that sounds,” you mutter, “right?”" "rise 2">><<set $r5 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“What desires?” you ask quietly, attempting to keep the confusion from your voice." "resist 2">><<set $r6 to true, $reclusive +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Desires? What do you mean?” you inquire in as light a tone as possible, striving in vain to meet $hisher eyes beneath the mask." "resist 2">><<set $r6 to true, $outgoing +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I might not remember my name, but I can think of a few desires... care to take a guess?” you say, offering a delirious grin. $flirt_label" "resist 2">><<set $r7 to true, $bold +-1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Blush and lower your eyes, suddenly and painfully aware of how underdressed you are. $flirt_label" "resist 2">><<set $r8 to true, $shy +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $r7 is true>>A strained smile twists your face as the hilarity of the situation belatedly occurrs to you--clad as you are in such simple raiment before the $kingqueen of the air, with nothing to your name and nothing to lose. It might not be the wisest decision you've ever made, but there's no way to know if you're a disappointment to your forgotten self, and so you freely give voice to your observations: "I can think of a few desires, presently... care to guess?" You're not sure if it's a genuine question or if this mind-bending encounter has become terribly funny in your stupoured state, but maybe you can sort that out later. A muscle above $U's mouth pulls taut. Secret smile, the beginnings of a frown, or an eye twitch beneath the mask. "For the present..." $heshe begins, but the thought hangs unfinished between you. Instead,<<elseif $r8 is true>>Heat sears your face, burning like wildfire all the way to the tips of your ears and down the back of your neck as the impropriety of the situation belatedly occurrs to you--clad as you are in such simple raiment before the $kingqueen of the air. You awkwardly tug at the rumpled tunic to make yourself as presentable as possible, under the circumstances. As you wonder whether $U noticed your discomfort--your face flames even hotter at the thought, the burning blush spreading to the tips of your ears, and you accept that there is no chance of a deception--there is the soft sound of someone clearing their throat. You glance up as<<elseif $r5 is true>>Your eyebrow crawls higher in disbelief. "You know how creepy that sounds, right?" $HisHer mask twitches slightly, and $heshe tilts $hisher head. "Enlighten me." The pair of you stare at one another for an ineffable length of time as your muddled mind tries and fails to settle on a satisfactory explanation, until at last<<elseif $r1 is true>>As you squint in hesitant silence,<<elseif $r2 is true>>As you let out a quick, breathy laugh of disbelief,<<elseif $r6 is true>>"You, that your kindred may live, even if you should be torn from their embrace... and I, that the glory of my visions may prevail, even if my family should be torn asunder." As you take a moment to consider those sentiments,<<else>>As you take a moment to steady yourself,<</if>> $KingQueen $U offers you both long-fingered hands, upturned... and you notice for the first time that $hisher fingers are almost as dark as $hisher mouth, as if smudged with soot or ink. There is a faint disfiguration of the smallest finger on $hisher left hand, as if it had been burned and recently healed, or broken and never set right. The imperfection is, in itself, of little interest; but an imperfection where you never expected to see it has a strange effect on your delirious senses. The stone walls around you muffle a distant rumble as a mild breeze ruffles past the curtains and brushes against your face, cooling it. The mingled scents of rainfall and blossoms call to you sweetly... a promise of relief from the fear, the bewilderment. You find yourself leaning into it, your head tipping toward the pillars and the open sky beyond. The undying one who kneels before you remains umoved. “I knew that you would suffer from confusion, but I did forget how exacting these enchantments can be to those without magic of their own,” $U murmurs, a hint of amused affection colouring $hisher words. “Mortals never really understand what they are about when they gift a name to one of my kindred—so for your sake, I offer a new name in its place… at least, until the completion of our deal.” Your focus returns to $U and you take a shallow <<link "breath." "creator queries 1">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<notify 5s>>$U is amused.<</notify>>\ <<audio "fall" play>>\ You push yourself up off the stool, your body moving before your mind has decided exactly how to proceed. It proceeds in a downward trajectory, feet fumbling over one another and knees smashing into the cool stone floor. Your arms fly out and grab for something--anything-- Fistfuls of dense cloth. Your fingers drag through the material, and it slows your fall enough to keep your elbows from bashing into the ground. Frantic breaths push against your ribs as the intense burst of alarm prickles through your entire body before slowly dissipating. That could have been worse. At least you didn't crack your head. Though it certainly feels as if your skull has already been split wide open, and the sudden movement is jarring; you wince, groaning quietly and fiercely gripping the fabric that spared your elbows. A stiff inhale drifts down from above. Your palms slicken with sweat, soiling the imperial robes of a deathless $kingqueen, as you realize... When you crane your neck to look up, $U is already peering down at you, $hisher chin tucked very low to $hisher chest, leaning in the opposite direction of your clawing hands; and you are, effectively, staring up $hisher pointed nose. Suddenly you find yourself thankful that you cannot see $hisher eyes. Before you can find the words to make light of the situation or throw yourself upon $hisher mercies, some of the tension leaves $hisher rigid frame, and—to your numb disbelief—$heshe lowers $himself to one knee on the stones before you, gently tugging the flowing robes from your grasping hands with thin, uncertain fingers. Your eyes return slowly to the silver goblet and darkening stain upon the floor, red droplets spackling your knees. The liquid blooms into the ornate hem, dying the fair flowing cloth and its silver embroidery crimson. The eyeless $U appraises you, the dark, bloodshot mouth lifting into something a bit warmer, if not altogether friendly--and perhaps a hint of dry humour. It feels more real, at least, than the crooked smirk did. "How amusing..." $heshe purrs calmly, $hisher head tipping further and further to the side, as if you are a curious beetle which has alighted upon $hisher woven sandal--but little more. "...or perhaps, ridiculous. I forget how easily shattered your kin have ever been; but you will trust me, yes?" The words are spoken with a murmuring cadence, more soothing than they ought to have been, yet more candid than you expected them to be. $HisHer eyes rove across your fallen figure. "We must become well acquainted, you and I, if we are each to attain our desires... and it seems we are off to a memorable beginning, in that regard." The emphasis of the word 'memorable' is hardly lost on you. ⮞ <<link "Observe $himher skeptically." "fall 2">><<set $r1 to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Scoff." "fall 2">><<set $r2 to true, $acerbic +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Yelp and apologize profusely." "fall 2">><<set $r3 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Mumble a numb apology." "fall 2">><<set $r4 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“You know how creepy that sounds,” you mutter, “right?”" "fall 2">><<set $r5 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“What desires?” you ask quietly, attempting to keep the confusion from your voice." "fall 2">><<set $r6 to true, $reclusive +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Desires? What do you mean?” you inquire in as light a tone as possible, striving in vain to meet $hisher eyes beneath the mask." "fall 2">><<set $r6 to true, $outgoing +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I can think of a few ways to make it even more memorable...” you say, offering a delirious grin. $flirt_label" "fall 2">><<set $r7 to true, $bold +-1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Blush hotly, fumbling to straighten your simple tunic. $flirt_label" "fall 2">><<set $r8 to true, $shy +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $e3 is true>>A strangled sound twists from your throat as you shuffle backwards, staring at your shaking hands in abject terror. "I... please, forgive me... I didn't--" "Calm yourself, mortal." You glance up as<<elseif $r4 is true>>You shuffle slightly backwards, staring at your shaking hands and mourning your scuffed knees in dissociated terror. "I... please, I didn't..." "Calm yourself, mortal." You glance up as<<elseif $r7 is true>>A strained smile twists your face as the hilarity of the situation belatedly occurrs to you: inelegantly sprawled before the $kingqueen of the air on scuffed elbows and bruised knees. It might not be the wisest decision you've ever made, but there's no way to know if you're a disappointment to your forgotten self, and so you freely give voice to your observations: "I can think of a few ways to make it even more memorable..." You're not sure if it's a genuine suggestion or if this mind-bending encounter has become terribly funny in your stupoured state, but maybe you can sort that out later. A muscle above $U's mouth pulls taut. Secret smile, the beginnings of a frown, or, more likely, an eye twitch beneath the mask. "For the present..." $heshe begins, but the thought hangs unfinished between you. Instead,<<elseif $r8 is true>>Heat sears your face, burning like wildfire all the way to the tips of your ears and down the back of your neck as the impropriety of the situation belatedly occurrs to you--inelegantly sprawled as you are before the $kingqueen of the air on scuffed elbows and bruised knees. You sit up, the dizziness intensifying, and frantically tug at the rumpled tunic to make yourself as presentable as possible, under the circumstances. As you wonder whether $U noticed your discomfort--your face flames even hotter at the thought, the burning blush spreading to the tips of your ears, and you accept that there is no chance of a deception--there is the soft sound of someone clearing their throat. You glance up as<<elseif $r5 is true>>Your eyebrow crawls higher in disbelief. "You know how creepy that sounds, right?" $HisHer mask twitches slightly, and $heshe tilts $hisher head. "Enlighten me." The pair of you stare at one another for an ineffable length of time as your muddled mind tries and fails to settle on a satisfactory explanation, until at last<<elseif $r1 is true>>As you squint in hesitant silence,<<elseif $r2 is true>>As you let out a quick, breathy laugh of disbelief,<<elseif $r6 is true>>"You, that your kindred may live, even if you should be torn from their embrace... and I, that the glory of my visions may prevail, even if my family should be torn asunder." As you take a moment to consider those sentiments,<<else>>As you take a moment to steady yourself,<</if>> $KingQueen $U offers you both long-fingered hands, upturned... and you notice for the first time that $hisher fingers are almost as dark as $hisher mouth, as if smudged with soot or ink. There is a faint disfiguration of the smallest finger on $hisher left hand, as if it had been burned and recently healed, or broken and never set right. The imperfection is, in itself, of little interest; but an imperfection where you never expected to see it has a strange effect on your delirious senses. The stone walls around you muffle a distant rumble as a mild breeze ruffles past the curtains and brushes against your face, cooling it. The mingled scents of rainfall and blossoms call to you sweetly... a promise of relief from the fear, the bewilderment. You find yourself leaning into it, your head tipping toward the pillars and the open sky beyond. The undying one who kneels before you remains umoved. “I knew that you would suffer from confusion, but I did forget how exacting these enchantments can be to those without magic of their own,” $U murmurs, a hint of amused affection colouring $hisher words. “Mortals never really understand what they are about when they gift a name to one of my kindred—so for your sake, I offer a new name in its place… at least, until the completion of our deal.” Your focus returns to $U and you take a shallow <<link "breath." "creator queries 1">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<notify 5s>>$U respects your decision.<</notify>> Blood rushes through your ears, keeping time with the ever-quickening drumbeat of your heart. You kneel, slowly, purposefully, but your eyes never break from that looming mask. The eyeless $kingqueen appraises you with a matched steadiness, that smile flattening into a thin, mottled line; it is something a bit colder, a bit more calculating, yet not altogether unfriendly. It feels more real, somehow, than the crooked smile did. “Intriguing,” $heshe purrs calmly, $hisher head tipping further and further to the side, as if you are a curious beetle $heshe noticed crawling across the stone--but nothing more. “I forget, now and then, that your kin lack deference for ours after so long an absence.” Your head remains frozen in place, defiant, but your eyes return slowly to the silver goblet and darkening stain upon the floor, red droplets spackling your the stone. $HeShe takes a step closer; the flowing robes brush through the liquid from the goblet and it blooms into the ornate hem, dying the fair flowing cloth and its silver embroidery crimson. To your numb disbelief, $U lowers $himself to one knee on the stones before you, an elbow draped across the flowing robes which have settled upon your knees; $heshe levels $hisher masked stare with you calmly, no trace of anger or dismay visible in $hisher bearing, though a hint of that smirk returns to play about the corner of $hisher dark, bloodshot mouth. “By the terms of our agreement, the price you paid was dear—but I assure you, you were most willing to pay it." The words are spoken with a murmuring cadence, more soothing than they ought to have been, yet more candid than you expected them to be. “Do not resent me for the unremembered, yes? We must become well acquainted, you and I, if we are each to attain our desires…” ⮞ <<link "Observe $himher skeptically." "resent 2">><<set $r1 to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Scoff." "resist 2">><<set $r2 to true, $acerbic +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“You know how creepy that sounds,” you mutter, “right?”" "resent 2">><<set $r5 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“What desires?” you ask quietly, attempting to keep the confusion from your voice." "resent 2">><<set $r6 to true, $reclusive +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Desires? What do you mean?” you inquire in as light a tone as possible, striving in vain to meet $hisher eyes beneath the mask." "resent 2">><<set $r6 to true, $outgoing +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I might not remember my name, but I can think of a few desires... care to take a guess?” you say, offering a delirious grin. $flirt_label" "resent 2">><<set $r7 to true, $bold +-1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Blush and lower your eyes, suddenly and painfully aware of how underdressed you are. $flirt_label" "resent 2">><<set $r8 to true, $shy +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $resist is true>>$HeShe is less imposing in this moment, $hisher silhouette gentler in spite of the mask and the eerie longness of $hisher limbs and fingers, kneeling there before you. It gives you enough courage to gather your wits and think for a moment.<<elseif $fall is true>>$HeShe is less imposing in this moment, $hisher silhouette gentler in spite of the mask and the eerie longness of $hisher limbs and fingers, kneeling there beside you. It gives you enough courage to gather your wits and think for a moment.<<elseif $respect or $resent is true>>$HeShe is less imposing in this moment, $hisher silhouette gentler in spite of the mask and the eerie longness of $hisher limbs and fingers, kneeling there before you. It gives you enough courage to gather your wits and think for a moment.<<else>>$HeShe is less imposing in this moment, $hisher silhouette gentler in spite of the mask and the eerie longness of $hisher limbs and fingers, observing you almost as an equal. It gives you enough courage to gather your wits and think for a breath.<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1d")>>⮞ <<link "“Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”" "query 1d">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1g")>>⮞ <<link "“Why are your eyes covered?”" "query 1g">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why are your eyes covered?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1a")>>⮞ <<link "“Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”" "query 1a">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1b")>>⮞ <<link "“Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”" "query 1b">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1c")>>⮞ <<link "“I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”" "query 1c">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1e")>>⮞ <<link "“Will I ever remember who I am?”" "query 1e">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Will I ever remember who I am?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1f")>>⮞ <<link "“You’re a liar.”" "query 1f">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 2, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “You’re a liar.”<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Say nothing and clench your jaw. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $silent to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Start to cry softly – this is all too much… $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $cry to true, $weepingIre + 1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Incline your head silently. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $finished to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $r1, $r2, $r3, $r4, $r5, $r6, $r7, $r8>>

"It is not a question of what I will do with the name you gave me--I have already bartered for it. Perhaps with wealth or the cure for an ailment, or even with the long lives and prosperity of those you once held close to your heart... not an uncommon exchange, during the days when your kin beseeched us frequently. It was you who begged me for this deal; not I." A small glowing insect bumbles past, drifting in over the stormy balcony in search of shelter, and $U turns $hisher veiled head. Though that tells you nothing of use; even you can hear the gentle buzzing of its wings. "No, it is a matter of what you will now do with the deal we struck." "But what will that be?" you emphasize, <<if $rise or $resent is true>>your rasping voice ringing out with a volume you had not thought yourself capable of in your present state.<<else>>your voice rasping weakly in your throat.<</if>> "What am I to do, to repay you? What did I agree to?" You are too lucid now to believe there was no deal--you are here, with $U, after all--but to give $himher your trust implicitly is not a path you dare tread... "Of course: you must kill my $brothersister. But we can discuss the details later. There is much to be done; I shall not have you fail at this task." ➤ <<link "“W-what!?”" "query 1a 2">><<set $what to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤ <<link "Swallow hard, your mouth as dry as sand." "query 1a 2">><<set $speechless to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤ <<link "A shocked laugh escapes you. “Hah... no?”" "query 1a 2">><<set $laugh to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤ <<link "You are stunned: coercing you into such an agreement, you are now very sure, would have been impossible." "query 1a 2">><<set $tears to true, $soft +=1, $hero +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤ <<link "Sink back in the chair, overwhelmed, but also... oddly relieved; at least there's an end in sight." "query 1a 2">><<set $end to true, $antihero +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $what is true>>"Oh, come, there's no need to be so aghast... you didn't think a deal with the kin of the air would be so simple, did you? Although, at the time, I suppose you were unaware it was my twin $brothersister that you would be sent after; you would have heard rumours of $hisher power, and it may have unduly influenced you. With your memories set aside, you stand a much better chance of success, simply from a dearth of self-doubt." $U places a finger to $hisher neck, digging $hisher dark nail into the collar of lavish jewelry. "But I will prepare you well beyond the talents you need to acquire before then, and if you are careful, it can certainly be achieved. Who knows... you may even survive." $HisHer chin moves up and down slightly, as if glancing over you from head to toe. "Now, have you anything moderately intelligent or, perhaps, useful to exclaim?"<<elseif $speechless is true>>"Oh, come, there's no need to be so aghast... you didn't think a deal with the kin of the air would be so simple, did you? Although, at the time, I suppose you were unaware it was my twin $brothersister that you would be sent after; you would have heard rumours of $hisher power, and it may have unduly influenced you. With your memories set aside, you stand a much better chance of success, simply from a dearth of self-doubt." $U places a finger to $hisher neck, digging $hisher dark nail into the collar of lavish jewelry. "But I will prepare you well beyond the talents you need to acquire before then, and if you are careful, it can certainly be achieved. Who knows... you may even survive." $HisHer chin moves up and down slightly, as if glancing over you from head to toe. "If you've anything intelligent to say, speak now, while I am listening."<<elseif $laugh is true>>"Oh, come now... you didn't think a deal with the kin of the air would be so simple, did you? Although, at the time, I suppose you were unaware it was my twin $brothersister that you would be sent after; you would have heard rumours of $hisher power, and it may have unduly influenced you. With your memories set aside, you stand a much better chance of success, simply from a dearth of self-doubt." Your mind stops reeling momentarily, and for that one blessed moment all the pain leaves your head, as if the shock has driven it away. $U places a finger to $hisher neck, digging $hisher dark nail into the collar of lavish jewelry. "But I will prepare you well beyond the talents you need to acquire before then, and if you are careful, it can certainly be achieved. Who knows... you may even survive." $HisHer chin moves up and down slightly, as if glancing over you from head to toe. The pounding in your head slowly returns. "If you've anything intelligent to say, speak while I am still listening."<<elseif $tears is true>>An expression of mild annoyance crosses $hisher face. "Oh, come, there's no need for that... you didn't think a deal with the kin of the air would be so simple, did you? Although, at the time, I suppose you were unaware it was my twin $brothersister that you would be sent after; you would have heard rumours of $hisher power, and it may have unduly influenced you. With your memories set aside, you stand a much better chance of success, simply from a dearth of self-doubt." Your mind stops reeling momentarily and all the pain leaves your head, as if the shock has driven it away. $U places a finger to $hisher neck, digging $hisher dark nail into the collar of lavish jewelry. "But I will prepare you well beyond the talents you need to acquire before then, and if you are careful, it can certainly be achieved. Who knows... you may even survive." $HisHer chin moves up and down slightly, as if glancing over you from head to toe. The pounding in your head slowly returns. "If you've anything intelligent to say, speak now, while I am listening."<<elseif $end is true>>An expression of mild amusement crosses $hisher face. "I was expecting some resistance... at the time of our agreement, you were unaware it was my twin $brothersister that you would be sent after; you would have heard rumours of $hisher power, and it may have unduly influenced you. With your memories set aside, you stand a much better chance of success, simply from a dearth of self-doubt." Your mind stops reeling momentarily and all the pain leaves your head, as if the shock has driven it away. $U places a finger to $hisher neck, digging $hisher dark nail into the collar of lavish jewelry. "I will prepare you well beyond the talents you need to acquire before then, and if you are careful, it can certainly be achieved. Who knows... you may even survive." $HisHer chin moves up and down slightly, as if glancing over you from head to toe. The pounding in your head slowly returns. "If you've anything of use to say, speak now, while I am listening."<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1d")>>⮞ <<link "“Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”" "query 1d">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1g")>>⮞ <<link "“Why are your eyes covered?”" "query 1g">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why are your eyes covered?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1a")>>⮞ <<link "“Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”" "query 1a">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1b")>>⮞ <<link "“Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”" "query 1b">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1c")>>⮞ <<link "“I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”" "query 1c">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1e")>>⮞ <<link "“Will I ever remember who I am?”" "query 1e">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Will I ever remember who I am?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1f")>>⮞ <<link "“You’re a liar.”" "query 1f">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “You’re a liar.”<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Say nothing and clench your jaw. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $silent to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Start to cry softly – this is all too much… $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $cry to true, $weepingIre + 1, $weepingIre + 1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Incline your head silently. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $finished to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if hasVisited("query 1d")>>The quirk of $hisher mouth twists further.<<else>>$HisHer mouth quirks.<</if>> "<<if $resist or $fall is true>>Are you worried, frail one? Fear not: you are safe in my house, hidden deep in my realm, sheltered from these barren lands which are so unforgiving to the weak--the sands beyond these walls would gladly swallow you whole. You gave me your name for safekeeping and safe is where I shall keep it, for as long as you respect my authority here."<<elseif $rise is true>>I understand you are defiant of authority, but my patience will not last forever. It would be wise to comprehend that you are now in my house, hidden deep in my realm, and that these barren lands are unforgiving to the dull of wit--the sands beyond these walls would gladly swallow you whole. You gave me your name for safekeeping and safe is where I shall keep it, for as long as you respect my authority here."<<else>>It would be wise to comprehend that you are now in my house, hidden deep in my realm, and that these barren lands are unforgiving to the inexperienced--the sands beyond these walls would gladly swallow you whole. You gave me your name for safekeeping and safe is where I shall keep it, for as long as you respect my authority here."<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1d")>>⮞ <<link "“Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”" "query 1d">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1g")>>⮞ <<link "“Why are your eyes covered?”" "query 1g">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why are your eyes covered?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1a")>>⮞ <<link "“Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”" "query 1a">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1b")>>⮞ <<link "“Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”" "query 1b">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1c")>>⮞ <<link "“I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”" "query 1c">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1e")>>⮞ <<link "“Will I ever remember who I am?”" "query 1e">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Will I ever remember who I am?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1f")>>⮞ <<link "“You’re a liar.”" "query 1f">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “You’re a liar.”<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Say nothing and clench your jaw. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $silent to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Start to cry softly – this is all too much… $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $cry to true, $weepingIre + 1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Incline your head silently. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $finished to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

"Love turns us all into idiots, I am afraid." There is a spitting venom behind the words, and you <<if $rise or $resent is true>>ready yourself for something dreadful, but the dreadful never comes.<<else>>cower away, readying yourself for something dreadful, but the dreadful never comes.<</if>> $HeShe only lifts $hisher chin and gazes at you. A piercing gaze, even with no eyes. "I suppose you wouldn't know, would you?" $heshe murmurs, blinking slowly. "This 'never' of which you speak is a pretty lie who wraps herself in truth; we are old friends, she and I. Perhaps... you may come to know her, too, someday..." The sharp edges of $U's expression soften. It is not pity, that much you know, but something is different, and you struggle to interpret the subtle shift in mood. "But you did love, precious mortal. Of that I am quite certain. Mortals always do, even if that love is, in the end, a selfish endeavor--though it is not for me to judge thusly. Take that as comfort, or condemnation, whichever you please. I have upheld my end of the bargain and now you will uphold yours." <<if !visited("query 1d")>>⮞ <<link "“Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”" "query 1d">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1g")>>⮞ <<link "“Why are your eyes covered?”" "query 1g">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why are your eyes covered?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1a")>>⮞ <<link "“Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”" "query 1a">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1b")>>⮞ <<link "“Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”" "query 1b">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1c")>>⮞ <<link "“I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”" "query 1c">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1e")>>⮞ <<link "“Will I ever remember who I am?”" "query 1e">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Will I ever remember who I am?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1f")>>⮞ <<link "“You’re a liar.”" "query 1f">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “You’re a liar.”<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Say nothing and clench your jaw. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $silent to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Start to cry softly – this is all too much… $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $cry to true, $weepingIre + 1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Incline your head silently. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $finished to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

At that, $U barks a short laugh--it sounds rougher than the rest of $hisher speech, and upsettingly human. Your frayed nerves twitch in dismay at the echoing loudness. "No, of course not... Hah. Me, give you my name. Imagine, a mere mortal such as yourself walking about calling themselves '$U.' Whatever would you do with a name such as mine? You are of the earth, and have not the power to weave breath into life or death. No, when our deal is complete, you shall have your old name back, if you wish it. Though, for the present…" When $hisher attention settles upon you again, it is with a keen interest. <<if hasVisited("query 1b")>>The quirk of $hisher mouth twists further.<<else>>$HisHer mouth quirks.<</if>> "We did agree upon a name that will lend purpose to your new life here--whether you welcome that purpose now or or not." ⮞ <<link "“I won't take any name—I want my old one back //now//.”" "query 1d 2">><<set $wantitback to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“If I don't remember agreeing to this, it never happened!”" "query 1d 2">><<set $neverhappened to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Please, I just want to go home...”" "query 1d 2">><<set $please to true, $soft +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Alright,” you manage weakly." "query 1d 2">><<set $alright to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“What is it?” you inquire politely." "query 1d 2">><<set $polite to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“What name?” you huff, annoyed." "query 1d 2">><<set $annoyed to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You decide not to respond." "query 1d 2">><<set $taciturn to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $taciturn is true>>$U observes you quietly for several moments, as you observe $himher in turn; $heshe seems to be waiting for something... but you aren't going to give it to $himher. At last $heshe passes a hand across $hisher half-veiled face, and takes an audible breath. "You are my $ire, given life--that is the only name you may cling to in this realm, and I trust it shall serve you well... that you may well serve me."<<elseif $alright is true>>$U seems to be waiting for something more, but you merely look at $himher, flustered. At last $heshe indulges you, unruffled by your confusion, and you realize that $heshe was only allowing you space to think, and speak more if you had more to say. "You are my $ire, given life--that is the only name you may cling to in this realm, and I trust it shall serve you well... that you may well serve me."<<elseif $polite is true>>$U seems <<if $uRival is true>>surprised<<elseif $resent is true>>slightly surprised<<else>>oddly pleased<</if>> by your quick acquiescence, but you merely look at $himher, waiting. At last $heshe indulges you. "You are my $ire, given life--that is the only name you may cling to in this realm, and I trust it shall serve you well... that you may well serve me."<<elseif $annoyed is true>>$U observes you quietly for several moments, a muscle below $hisher hidden left eye twitching as you observe $himher in turn; $heshe seems to be waiting for something, perhaps a further outburst, but you merely look at $himher expectantly. At last $heshe passes a hand across $hisher half-veiled face, and takes an audible breath. "You are my $ire, given life--that is the only name you may cling to in this realm, and I trust it shall serve you well... that you may well serve me."<<elseif $wantitback is true>>$U observes you quietly for several moment; $heshe seems to be waiting for a further outburst, but you merely look at $himher expectantly. At last $heshe passes a hand across $hisher half-veiled face, and takes an audible breath. "You are my $ire, given life--that is the only name you may cling to in this realm, and I trust it shall serve you well... that you may well serve me."<<elseif $neverhappened is true>>$U observes you quietly for several moments, a muscle below $hisher hidden left eye twitching as you observe $himher in turn; $heshe seems to be waiting for something, perhaps a further outburst, but you merely look at $himher expectantly. Defiant. At last $heshe passes a hand across $hisher half-veiled face, and takes an audible breath. "Clearly it will take you some time to fully comprehend your situation; I am willing to overlook this temporary fragility and give you the opportunity to reflect on who you are now, and how you wish to comport yourself moving forward. You are my $ire, given life--that is the only name you may cling to in this realm, and I trust it shall serve you well... that you may well serve me."<<elseif $please is true>>$U observes you quietly for several moments as you attempt to communicate the earnest nature of your request; $heshe seems to be waiting for something... but you merely look at $himher expectantly, begging with your eyes. At last $heshe passes a hand across $hisher half-veiled face, and takes an audible breath. "Clearly it will take you some time to fully comprehend your situation; I am willing to overlook this temporary fragility while you reflect on who you are now, and how you wish to comport yourself moving forward. You are my $ire, given life--that is the only name you may cling to in this realm, and I trust it shall serve you well... that you may well serve me."<</if>> ⮞ <<link "“Why can't I choose my own name?”" "query 1d 3">><<set $why to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.”" "query 1d 3">><<set $ridiculous to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“So... you're insane.”" "query 1d 3">><<set $insane to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 3, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 5, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Can't you just take me back to wherever I came from and find someone else?”" "query 1d 3">><<set $takemeback to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Th-thank you...”" "query 1d 3">><<set $thankyou to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I accept this name, and this task.”" "query 1d 3">><<set $accept to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Nod." "query 1d 3">><<set $nod to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $polite, $annoyed, $alright, $tellme, $wantitback, $neverhappened, $taciturn, $please>>\

<<if $why is true>>"You did," $heshe says simply, brushing $hisher hands together as if dusting the entire matter from $hisher slender fingers. "Any further questions?"<<elseif $thankyou is true>>"Th-thank you..." Your face <<if $shy or $bold gte 6>>is still aflame and it isn't getting any cooler<<else>>warms slightly with embarrassment<</if>>--why does each word which dances from the tip of $hisher tongue sound so formal and solemn to your ears? What are you even supposed to say to that? "It is good that you welcome it; this was only a part of our agreement. Mortals must have names, even in my realm. It wouldn't do to keep referring to you as 'mortal.'" $U brushes $hisher hands together as if dusting the entire matter from $hisher slender fingers. "Any further questions?"<<elseif $accept is true>>As you speak the words, your last shred of independence departs along with them... any possible denial, any chance that this was a dream, has evaporated altogether. <<if $uMaster or $uEnamouredMaster is true>>$U watches you coolly, but something about the gaze warms the tips of your ears<<elseif $uRespect is true>>$U watches you coolly, but something about the gaze kindles a warmth in your chest<<elseif $uRival is true>>$U watches you coolly, and you get the sense that $heshe is weighing something in $hisher mind<<elseif $uRespectMaster is true>>$U watches you coolly, and you find yourself increasingly uncomfortable beneath $hisher stare<</if>>--why does each word which dances from the tip of $hisher tongue sound so formal and solemn to your ears? What else were you supposed to say? "It is good that you welcome it; this was only a part of our agreement, a fragment of the task before you. Mortals must have names, even in my realm. It wouldn't do to keep referring to you as 'mortal.'" $U brushes $hisher hands together as if dusting the entire matter from $hisher slender fingers. "Any further questions?"<<elseif $nod is true>>You watch $himher with some intrigue; why does each word which dances the tip of $hisher tongue sound so formal and solemn to your ears? There is nothing you could add beyond your assent. $HeShe can have it. "It is good that you are not in opposition to it; this was only a part of our agreement, a fragment of the task before you. Mortals must have names, even in my realm. It wouldn't do to keep referring to you as 'mortal.'" $U brushes $hisher hands together as if dusting the entire matter from $hisher slender fingers. "Any further questions?"<<elseif $ridiculous is true>>"Perhaps it is, given that you cannot remember hearing of much at all," $heshe says cuttingly, brushing $hisher hands together as if dusting the entire matter from $hisher slender fingers. "Any further questions?"<<elseif $insane is true>>$HisHer head turns sharply, and a cold light gleams on $hisher bared teeth. "Possibly." You half-muttered that last word under your breath, and so you were only half-expecting to be heard--and certainly not expecting that response. "You admit it?" "We are all a little insane, in our own way, are we not?" There is a cunning shrewdness to the words, as if they will return to stab you later... but $U only brushes $hisher hands together as if dusting the entire matter from $hisher slender fingers. "Any further questions?"<<elseif $takemeback is true>>$HisHer head turns sharply, and a cold light gleams on $hisher bared teeth. "Possibly. But then you would be bound to a promise you can never keep. Even now, I am sure it is pulling at your frail mortal mind, and the consequences of a promise to my kin left unfulfilled would be... agonizing." You aren't sure what to make of that response, but the dread twists deeper into your soul. <<if $soft > $blunt>>"What--ah, what<<else>>"What<</if>> do you mean by that?" "You would certainly find out, if I were less merciful and fulfilled your request." There is a cunning shrewdness to the words, as if they will return to stab you later... but $U only brushes $hisher hands together as if dusting the entire matter from $hisher slender fingers. "Any further questions?"<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1d")>>⮞ <<link "“Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”" "query 1d">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1g")>>⮞ <<link "“Why are your eyes covered?”" "query 1g">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why are your eyes covered?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1a")>>⮞ <<link "“Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”" "query 1a">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1b")>>⮞ <<link "“Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”" "query 1b">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1c")>>⮞ <<link "“I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”" "query 1c">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1e")>>⮞ <<link "“Will I ever remember who I am?”" "query 1e">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Will I ever remember who I am?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1f")>>⮞ <<link "“You’re a liar.”" "query 1f">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “You’re a liar.”<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Say nothing and clench your jaw. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $silent to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Start to cry softly – this is all too much… $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $cry to true, $weepingIre + 1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Incline your head silently. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $finished to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

There is an uncomforting pause. Then $hisher lower lip pulls between $hisher teeth slightly, hollowing one cheek, and for a moment a splash of levity lifts the lines of $hisher face. "If you keep your promise--and all goes well--I shall be the one to return that knowledge to you." You are unable to decide how to feel about that, but your hungry mind devours the suggestion anyway: it is, in its own twisted right, a kindled flame. Dark as it is, sputtering though it may be. The distant allure of hope feeds your numb senses, and yet... <<if !visited("query 1d")>>⮞ <<link "“Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”" "query 1d">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1g")>>⮞ <<link "“Why are your eyes covered?”" "query 1g">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why are your eyes covered?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1a")>>⮞ <<link "“Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”" "query 1a">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1b")>>⮞ <<link "“Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”" "query 1b">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1c")>>⮞ <<link "“I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”" "query 1c">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1e")>>⮞ <<link "“Will I ever remember who I am?”" "query 1e">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Will I ever remember who I am?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1f")>>⮞ <<link "“You’re a liar.”" "query 1f">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “You’re a liar.”<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Say nothing and clench your jaw. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $silent to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Start to cry softly – this is all too much… $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $cry to true, $weepingIre + 1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Incline your head silently. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $finished to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 2, 0, 19)>>"You're a liar," <<if $rise is true>>you accuse $himher fiercely, narrowing your eyes at the impervious veil.<<elseif $resist or $respect is true>>you say softly, your eyes downcast, swallowing hard as you speak the words.<<elseif $fall is true>>you sigh wearily, unable to keep your eyes from sinking down to your knees.<<else>>you say lowly, maintaining eye contact.<</if>> "If you could remember our first meeting," $U murmurs, almost to $himself, "you would know it is only the truth which I speak." @@filter:blur(0.9px);For@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);the@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);kin of@@ @@filter:blur(0.3px);the@@ @@filter:blur(0.1px);air...@@ cannot @@filter:blur(0.2px);speak@@ @@filter:blur(0.4px);falsely.@@ A shiver passes through you. Before you can comprehend the fact that you do, indeed, remember something significant, $U gives a short wave of $hisher hand, pursing $hisher lips thoughtfully. "Regardless, in time, I still hope to acquire your trust, if not your regard; this entire arrangement will be very inconvenient for both of us, elsewise." <<if !visited("query 1d")>>⮞ <<link "“Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”" "query 1d">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1g")>>⮞ <<link "“Why are your eyes covered?”" "query 1g">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why are your eyes covered?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1a")>>⮞ <<link "“Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”" "query 1a">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1b")>>⮞ <<link "“Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”" "query 1b">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1c")>>⮞ <<link "“I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”" "query 1c">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1e")>>⮞ <<link "“Will I ever remember who I am?”" "query 1e">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Will I ever remember who I am?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1f")>>⮞ <<link "“You’re a liar.”" "query 1f">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “You’re a liar.”<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Say nothing and clench your jaw. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $silent to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Start to cry softly – this is all too much… $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $cry to true, $weepingIre + 1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Incline your head silently. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $finished to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

"Why..." The increase of tension around $U's veil warns you against asking before you can even speak the words, as if $heshe knows what you are going to say. "...do you cover your face? Why not show yourself to me?" $HeShe pulls away, $hisher back straightening, and though $heshe does not rise from the kneeling posture, the aura surrounding you has darkened considerably. The hesitation which follows does not seem unconfident, but careful. "Do you wish so much to see my eyes?" is the response that $heshe settles on, a bit too smoothly for comfort. "You flatter me; but there will be plenty of time for such... intimacies, later." <<if $bold gte 6>>You find the dry suggestion peculiar, given that this fey entity deferred your obvious overtures mere moments ago; a bemusing contradiction that you have not the wits to contemplate. You wonder if $heshe is mocking you.<<elseif $shy gte 6>>The dry suggestion brings the heat to your face again, and you blink rapidly to collect yourself. You wonder if $heshe is mocking you.<<else>>The dry suggestion trails before you, mocking your question.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "“That isn't an answer: why the veil?”" "query 1g 2">><<set $whymask to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Can you see me, or are you--?”" "query 1g 2">><<set $areyou to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Is that a promise?” $flirt_label" "query 1g 2">><<set $lookforward to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You feel a little bit breathless, and aren't certain why. $flirt_label" "query 1g 2">><<set $bitbreathless to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $areyou is true>>The $kingqueen sways forward slightly, $hisher reply a rasping breath: "Am I what?" You <<if $resist is true>>lean further back upon the stool, shaken.<<elseif $respect is true>>lean away, shaken.<<elseif $resent is true>>lean away, shaken.<<elseif $rise is true>>take a step backward, shaken.<<else>>shuffle away on your hands and knees, shaken.<</if>> <<if $rise is true or $firstAnger is true>>"Nothing," you say, meeting $hisher gaze as evenly as possible. You consider an attempt at yanking the mask from $hisher face--just to see what would happen--before thinking better of it.<<elseif $resent is true>>"Nothing," you say, meeting $hisher gaze as evenly as possible. You consider an attempt at yanking the mask from $hisher face--just to see what would happen--before thinking better of it.<<else>>"N-nothing..." The deflection pops out of your mouth before you can stop it. You consider the wisdom of an apology, but decide that there is no use--you already asked, $heshe is already angry, and anything further feels like a mistake.<</if>><<elseif $whymask is true>>The $kingqueen sways forward slightly, $hisher reply a rasping breath: "Because I deem it useful, and that is all you need know." You <<if $resist is true>>lean further back upon the stool, shaken.<<elseif $respect is true or $resent is true>>lean away, shaken.<<elseif $rise is true>>take a step backward, shaken.<<else>>shuffle away on your hands and knees, shaken.<</if>> <<if $rise is true or $resent is true or $firstAnger is true>>"Ah," you say, meeting $hisher gaze as evenly as possible. You consider an attempt at yanking the mask from $hisher face--just to see what would happen--before thinking better of it.<<else>>"A-ah..." The hesitant sound leaves your throat before you can stop it. You consider the wisdom of an apology, but decide that there is no use--you already asked, $heshe is already angry, and anything further feels like a mistake.<</if>><<elseif $lookforward is true>>You really are in a mood to try your luck--you suppose awakening with no memory and nothing to lose but your life will do that to a person. Or maybe there was something of interest between the two of you before your memories disappeared and left you with this awful headache? Why else would you utter those words, your gaze fixed firmly upon the closed eye emblem of that staring mask<<if $firstFear is true>>, as if it did not frighten you at all?<<else>>, as if it were not hiding something horrible.<</if>> <<if $uMaster or $uEnamoured is true>>The $kingqueen shows you a sliver of $hisher teeth, something you are already recognizing as a sign of genuine amusement. "I am not in the habit of making promises to mortals."<<else>>The $kingqueen sways forward slightly, $hisher reply a rasping breath: "I am not in the habit of making promises to mortals."<</if>> You <<if $resist is true>>lean further back upon the stool, shaken.<<elseif $respect is true or $resent is true>>lean away, compelled by the force of $hisher presence.<<elseif $rise is true>>take a step backward, compelled by the force of $hisher presence.<<else>>shuffle away on your hands and knees, compelled by the force of $hisher presence.<</if>> <<if $rise is true or $resent is true or $firstAnger is true>>You meet $hisher gaze as evenly as possible and consider an attempt at yanking the mask from $hisher face--just to see what would happen--before thinking better of it. <</if>><<if $Master is true>><<if $shy gte 6>>Your heart flutters distractedly and you grasp at your loose tunic, desperate for something to ground yourself; a few more thoughts flit through your mind, but anything further feels like a mistake.<<else>>Your heart flutters distractedly and your eyes linger on $hisher mouth; a few more thoughts flit through your mind, but anything further feels like a mistake. <</if>><<elseif $uEnamoured is true>><<if $shy < $bold>>Your heart flutters distractedly and you grasp at your loose tunic, desperate for something to ground yourself; a few more thoughts flit through your mind, but anything further feels like a mistake. <<else>>Your heart flutters distractedly and your eyes linger on $hisher mouth; a few more thoughts flit through your mind, but anything further feels like a mistake. <</if>><<elseif $uMaster is true>><<if $shy > $bold>>Your heart flutters distractedly and you grasp at your loose tunic, desperate for something to ground yourself; a few more thoughts flit through your mind, but anything further feels like a mistake. <<else>>Your heart flutters distractedly and your eyes linger on $hisher mouth; a few more thoughts flit through your mind, but anything further feels like a mistake. <</if>><<else>>"N-no..." The hesitant word leaps forth before you can stop it. You consider apologizing, but decide that there is no use--you already asked, $heshe is already angry, and anything further feels like a mistake.<</if>><<elseif $bitbreathless is true>>You suppose awakening with no memory would cause delusions in almost anyone, but... was there was something of interest between the two of you, perhaps, before your memories disappeared and left you with this awful headache? You can scarcely imagine it. But why else would you rest your gaze upon the closed eye emblem of that staring veil<<if $firstFear is true>>, as if it did not frighten you at all?<<else>>, as if it were not hiding something horrible.<</if>> <<if $uMaster is true>>The $kingqueen shows you a sliver of $hisher teeth, something you are already recognizing as a sign of genuine amusement. "Go on, frail mortal; ask me anything you please."<<elseif $uEnamoured is true>>The $kingqueen shows you a sliver of $hisher teeth, something you are already recognizing as a sign of genuine amusement. "Go on, frail mortal; ask me anything you please."<<else>>The $kingqueen sways forward slightly with a rasping breath: "What?" You <<if $resist is true>>lean further back upon the stool, shaken.<<elseif $respect or $resent is true>>lean away, compelled by the force of $hisher presence.<<elseif $rise is true>>take a step backward, compelled by the force of $hisher presence.<<else>>shuffle away on your hands and knees, compelled by the force of $hisher presence.<</if>> <<if $rise is true>>"Nothing." You meet $hisher gaze as evenly as possible and consider an attempt at yanking the mask from $hisher face--just to see what would happen--before thinking better of it.<<elseif $resent is true>>"Nothing." You meet $hisher gaze as evenly as possible and consider an attempt at yanking the mask from $hisher face--just to see what would happen--before thinking better of it.<<elseif $firstAnger is true>>"Nothing." You meet $hisher gaze as evenly as possible and consider an attempt at yanking the mask from $hisher face--just to see what would happen--before thinking better of it.<<else>>"N-nothing..." The deflection pops out of your mouth before you can stop it. You consider apologizing, but decide that there is no use--you already asked, $heshe is already angry, and anything further feels like a mistake.<</if>><</if>><</if>> <<if !visited("query 1d")>>⮞ <<link "“Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”" "query 1d">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Are you saying you want to give me //your// name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1g")>>⮞ <<link "“Why are your eyes covered?”" "query 1g">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why are your eyes covered?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1a")>>⮞ <<link "“Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”" "query 1a">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why did I give you my name and what are you going to do with it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1b")>>⮞ <<link "“Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”" "query 1b">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Can't you just tell me what my old name was?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1c")>>⮞ <<link "“I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”" "query 1c">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “I would never have agreed to forget... everything.”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1e")>>⮞ <<link "“Will I ever remember who I am?”" "query 1e">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Will I ever remember who I am?”<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1f")>>⮞ <<link "“You’re a liar.”" "query 1f">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “You’re a liar.”<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Say nothing and clench your jaw. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $silent to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Start to cry softly – this is all too much… $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $cry to true, $weepingIre + 1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Incline your head silently. $end_label" "end query 1">><<set $finished to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if !visited("query 1d")>>$U observes you quietly for several moments, as you observe $himher in turn<<if $cry is true>>, your throat getting tighter and your eyes stinging more fiercely<<elseif $silent is true>>, your face getting hotter and your jaw getting tighter<</if>>; $heshe seems to be waiting for something... but at last $heshe passes a hand across $hisher half-veiled face, and takes an audible breath. "You are my $ire, given life--that is the only name you may cling to in this realm, and I trust it shall serve you well... that you may well serve me. And before you protest, you did agree to this. It is, I think, for the best."<<else>>Everything is spinning now.<</if>> <<if !visited("query 1a")>> You are too lucid now to believe there was no deal--you are here, with $U, after all--but to give $himher your trust implicitly is not a path you dare tread. "I should add," $heshe notes dryly, "that I did barter for your name. Perhaps with wealth or the cure for an ailment, or even with the long lives and prosperity of those you once held close to your heart... not an uncommon exchange, during the days when your kin beseeched us frequently. It was you who begged me for this deal; not I." A small glowing insect bumbles past, drifting in over the stormy balcony in search of shelter, and $U turns $hisher veiled head. Though that tells you nothing of use; even you can hear the gentle buzzing of its wings. "But what will that be?" you emphasize, <<if $rise or $silent or $resent is true>>your rasping voice ringing out with a volume you had not thought yourself capable of in your present state.<<else>>your voice rasping weakly in your throat.<</if>> "What am I to do, to repay you?" It is very unfair that you cannot even remember those whom you sacrificed for. "Of course: you must kill my $brothersister." The world stops spinning, and for that one moment all the pain flees your body, chased away by shock. What?! "But we can discuss the details later. There is much to be done; I shall not have you fail at this task.. you didn't think a deal with the kin of the air would be so simple, did you? Although, at the time, I suppose you were unaware it was my twin $brothersister that you would be sent after; you would have heard rumours of $hisher power, and it may have unduly influenced you. With your memories set aside, you stand a much better chance of success, simply from a dearth of self-doubt." $U places a finger to $hisher neck, digging $hisher dark nail into the collar of lavish jewelry. "But I will prepare you well beyond the talents you need to acquire before then, and if you are careful, it can certainly be achieved... and you may even survive." The pounding in your head slowly returns.<</if>> <<if $cry is true>> You attempt to arrange all the thoughts in your head. Your aching head. There are so many thoughts. All of them swirling. Difficult to pin down. You fancy you can still hear the goblet ringing at your feet where it fell... or is the echo only in your ears? And then there is the veiled entity which <<if $rise is true>>stands<<else>>kneels<</if>> before you in a posture of serene supplication, terribly familiar and yet somehow entirely unknown to you, <<if $resist or $fall is true>>hands<<else>>hand<</if>> extended, waiting. Waiting... The vision smears before you and warmth rushes to your cheeks, your nose, the tips of your ears as tears fill your eyes. Don't cry, you think hopelessly. You have the vague sense that you've thought this @@filter:blur(0.3px);before,@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);but...@@ @@filter:blur(1px);...if you did...@@ @@filter:blur(2px);...it must have been when...@@ @@filter:blur(3px);...you were still your own person...@@ @@filter:blur(6px);<div aria-label="Your thoughts blur together."> ...code-diving, are we? I see you... </div>@@ @@filter:blur(3px);You@@ @@filter:blur(2px);should@@ @@filter:blur(1.8px);wipe@@ @@filter:blur(1.5px);your@@ @@filter:blur(1px);nose before@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);it starts@@ @@filter:blur(0.6px);running@@ @@filter:blur(0.3px);down@@ @@filter:blur(0.1px);your@@ face-- You flinch with a quick intake of breath. $U has moved unsettlingly close, $hisher countenance consuming the entirety of your field of vision, pulling your focus in, to $himher. From this distance, even through the blur of your headache, it is possible to discern the dark freckles flecked across the bridge of $hisher nose and both hollow cheeks. Stained lips part slightly, and you see a small depression through the right side of $hisher upper lip, as if a scar from long ago never fully healed. $HisHer head tips, neck straining forward, and you could almost convince yourself that this unearthly spectre is fully within your sway; something about your display of tears has caught $hisher interest in some way. You lean to the right, shrugging your shoulders, and $heshe softly shifts with you. Fascinated. No. Hypnotized. //Or... is $heshe hypnotizing me?// A strangely distressing thought--or it would be, if any of this felt even a little bit real. As you open your mouth to break the silence, $heshe reaches up with one bony hand, smudged fingers curling slightly. That hand drifts toward your cheek. ⮞ <<link "Move away shyly." "creator 7a">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Lift your hand to block $himher firmly." "creator 7b">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Grab $hisher wrist without thinking." "creator 7d">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 5, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 5, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Let whatever is about to happen, happen." "creator 7c">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<elseif $silent is true>> You attempt to arrange all the thoughts in your head. Your aching head. There are so many thoughts. All of them swirling. Difficult to pin down. You fancy you can still hear the goblet ringing at your feet where it fell... or is the echo only in your ears? And then there is the veiled entity which <<if $rise is true>>stands<<else>>kneels<</if>> before you in a posture of serene supplication, terribly familiar and yet somehow entirely unknown to you, <<if $resist or $fall is true>>hands<<else>>hand<</if>> extended, waiting. Waiting... The vision blurs before you and warmth rushes to your cheeks, your nose, the tips of your ears as the life drains from your body. Don't faint, you think hopelessly. You have the vague sense that you've thought this @@filter:blur(0.3px);before,@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);but...@@ @@filter:blur(1px);...if you did...@@ @@filter:blur(2px);...it must have been when...@@ @@filter:blur(3px);...you were still your own person...@@ @@filter:blur(6px);<div aria-label="Your thoughts blur together."> ...code-diving, are we? I see you... </div>@@ @@filter:blur(3px);You@@ @@filter:blur(2px);should@@ @@filter:blur(1.8px);lie@@ @@filter:blur(1.5px);down@@ @@filter:blur(1px);now before@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);you fall@@ @@filter:blur(0.6px);and@@ @@filter:blur(0.3px);hit@@ @@filter:blur(0.1px);your@@ head-- You flinch, gritting your teeth. $U has moved unsettlingly close, $hisher countenance consuming the entirety of your field of vision, pulling your focus in, to $himher. From this distance, even through the blur of your headache, it is possible to discern the dark freckles flecked across the bridge of $hisher nose and both hollow cheeks. Stained lips part slightly, and you see a small depression through the right side of $hisher upper lip, as if a scar from long ago never fully healed. $HisHer head tips, neck straining forward, and you could almost convince yourself that this unearthly spectre is fully within your sway; something about your display of weakness has caught $hisher interest in some way. As you open your mouth to break the distressing silence, $heshe reaches up with one bony hand, smudged fingers curling slightly. That hand drifts toward your cheek. ⮞ <<link "Move away shyly." "creator 7a">><<set $r1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Lift your hand to block $himher firmly." "creator 7b">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Grab $hisher wrist without thinking." "creator 7d">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 5, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 5, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Let whatever is about to happen, happen." "creator 7c">><<set $r1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<else>> You attempt to arrange all the thoughts in your head. Your aching head. There are so many thoughts. All of them swirling. Difficult to pin down. You fancy you can still hear the goblet ringing at your feet where it fell... or is the echo only in your ears? And then there is the veiled entity which <<if $rise is true>>stands<<else>>kneels<</if>> before you in a posture of serene supplication, terribly familiar and yet somehow entirely unknown to you, <<if $resist or $fall is true>>hands<<else>>hand<</if>> extended, waiting. Waiting... The vision blurs before you and warmth rushes to your cheeks, your nose, the tips of your ears as the life drains from your body. Don't faint, you think hopelessly. You have the vague sense that you've thought this @@filter:blur(0.3px);before,@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);but...@@ @@filter:blur(1px);...if you did...@@ @@filter:blur(2px);...it must have been when...@@ @@filter:blur(3px);...you were still your own person...@@ @@filter:blur(6px);<div aria-label="Your thoughts blur together."> ...code-diving, are we? I see you... </div>@@ @@filter:blur(3px);You@@ @@filter:blur(2px);should@@ @@filter:blur(1.8px);lie@@ @@filter:blur(1.5px);down@@ @@filter:blur(1px);now before@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);you fall@@ @@filter:blur(0.6px);and@@ @@filter:blur(0.3px);hit@@ @@filter:blur(0.1px);your@@ head-- You flinch with a quick intake of breath. $U has moved unsettlingly close, $hisher countenance consuming the entirety of your field of vision, pulling your focus in, to $himher. From this distance, even through the blur of your headache, it is possible to discern the dark freckles flecked across the bridge of $hisher nose and both hollow cheeks. Stained lips part slightly, and you see a small depression through the right side of $hisher upper lip, as if a scar from long ago never fully healed. $HisHer head tips, neck straining forward, and you could almost convince yourself that this unearthly spectre is fully within your sway; something about your face has caught $hisher interest in some way. As you open your mouth to break the distressing silence, $heshe reaches up with one bony hand, smudged fingers curling slightly. That hand drifts toward your cheek. ⮞ <<link "Move away shyly." "creator 7a">><<set $r1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Lift your hand to block $himher firmly." "creator 7b">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Grab $hisher wrist without thinking." "creator 7d">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 5, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 5, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Let whatever is about to happen, happen." "creator 7c">><<set $r1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <</if>>

This time, you have some control of yourself. You pull back, expecting to break the trance, but $U is wholly unaffected by your reluctance, and the finger swiftly brushes against the dampness of your cheek. The left side of $hisher upper lip lifts slightly, torchlight glinting on teeth... and you would wonder if it was the faintest sneer, if your senses weren't wholly taken by the touch on your face. Nothing that looks so cold and lifeless should be so warm... A shudder crawls through you; it is a cobweb touch, scarcely real, and you feel it clinging to you after the moment has passed. The touch is gone, a fleeting thing--as quickly as it came. $HisHer attention tilts to $hisher finger, <<if $cry is true>>gleaming damp with your tear,<<else>>as if the sight of it now offends $himher,<</if>> and the moonlight passes behind a cloud. You wonder once again if $U relies solely on senses beyond sight. A rumble of thunder shudders the stone floor, and $heshe tips $hisher veil to the pillars as the curtains flap more fiercely, like angry ghouls still wrapped in the garments of <<link "a past life." "creator 8">><<randomSound>><</link>>

This time, you are not wandering in a stupor. You lift your hand to block $hisher gesture, shattering the trance. $U hesitates, $hisher hand hovering near to touching yours, as if $heshe had been unaware of $hisher actions. The left side of $hisher upper lip lifts slightly, torchlight glinting on teeth... the faintest sneer. A shudder crawls through you at $hisher nearness. And the moment is gone, a fleeting thing--as quickly as it came. $HisHer attention tilts to your hand, as if the sight of it offends $himher, and the moonlight passes behind a cloud. You wonder once again if $U relies solely on senses beyond sight. A rumble of thunder shudders the stone floor, and $heshe tips $hisher veil to the pillars as the curtains flap more fiercely, like angry ghouls still wrapped in the garments of <<link "a past life." "creator 8">><<randomSound>><</link>>

The finger softly brushes against the dampness of your cheek, the left side of $hisher upper lip lifting slightly, torchlight glinting on teeth... and you would wonder if it was the faintest sneer, if your senses weren't wholly taken by the touch on your face. Nothing that looks so cold and lifeless should be so warm... A shudder crawls through you; it is a cobweb touch, scarcely real, and you feel it clinging to you after the moment has passed. The touch is gone, a fleeting thing--as quickly as it came. $HisHer attention tilts to $hisher finger, <<if $cry is true>>gleaming damp with your tear,<<else>>as if the sight of it now offends $himher,<</if>> and the moonlight passes behind a cloud. You wonder once again if $U relies solely on senses beyond sight. A rumble of thunder shudders the stone floor, and $heshe tips $hisher veil to the pillars as the curtains flap more fiercely, like angry ghouls still wrapped in the garments of <<link "a past life." "creator 8">><<randomSound>><</link>>

The left side of $hisher upper lip lifts slightly, torchlight glinting on teeth... the faintest sneer. This time, your stupored body is not so dulled and senseless--you reach out and snatch $U's thin wrist before the hand can complete its approach, <<if $rise or $resent is true>>breathing hard, face flushed in anger.<<else>>breathing hard, face flushed in confusion.<</if>> $U hesitates, fingers curling slightly, as if $heshe had been unaware of $hisher actions until that moment. A shudder crawls through you as $hisher wrist flexes beneath your fingers. There is a flash of something foreign--perhaps rage. It is difficult to tell without seeing $hisher eyes. This time when $heshe speaks, each word is gnashed between $hisher pointed teeth and rolled across $hisher tongue before it greets your ears. "How... very... daring of you, $Ire." You release $hisher arm as if it had stung you. And the moment is gone, a fleeting thing--as quickly as it came. $HisHer attention tilts to $hisher wrist, as if the sight of it now offends $himher, and the moonlight passes behind a cloud. You wonder once again if $U relies solely on senses beyond sight. A rumble of thunder shudders the stone floor, and $heshe tips $hisher veil to the pillars as the curtains flap more fiercely, like angry ghouls wrapped in the garments of <<link "a past life." "creator 8">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "intro" fadeout>><<audio "intro-ambient" play loop>>\ <<if $rise is true>>$U turns abruptly, the trailing hem of $hisher stained robes swishing against your ankles, and<<else>>$U stands swiftly, the trailing hem of $hisher stained robes swishing against your face, and<</if>> stalks across the hall toward the open sky, leaning out across the railing and into the coming storm, $hisher back turned to you. A damp, earthy scent washes over the open balcony, crackling with unseen energy and petrichor. "So rare…" $heshe murmurs with something that is almost like fondness, as if the storm itself were a living thing. “The storm, $Ire... did you know? No... I will tell you. Such wonders seldom pass across the arid plains; our storms are dust and sand and wind, nothing like those from the realm in which you dwelt. It is said that storms of rain only arise at the turning of fates, when the veil between our realms is thin. There is beauty in rarity. So beautiful, and this... merely a portent of what is yet to be."<<if $shy or $bold gte 6>> You stare at $himher in blank fascination, mesmerized by the strange beauty which brought a blush to your face; another bloom of heat rises within you, even<<else>> The words are lost to the sound of the storm without and the all-consuming silence of the storm within<</if>> as you grasp weakly at your head in a surreal horror, as if your hands could feel the hollow place left by the memories which fled you. The nothingness that you are.<<if $cry is true>> More cold, bitter tears trickle down your face.<</if>> What is this? Where are you? Why are you...? Your breaths are strained, your fists clenched, <<if $respect or $fall is true>>baffled by<<else>><<if $firstAnger is true>>enraged by<<elseif $firstComfort is true>>aghast at<<else>>stricken by<</if>><</if>> $hisher impassivity. <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>What are you supposed to do with all of these scattered emotions, ripped loose and raging against the emptiness like the billowing curtains before the storm? Has $heshe no regard for you at all?<<else>>Beneath the still waters of your outward calm, you can feel the emotions welling, circling, ripped loose and raging against the emptiness like the billowing curtains before the storm. Has $heshe no regard for you at all?<</if>> Your loyalty is only another acquisition--of no more intrinsic value than the glazed pottery and elegant tapestries lining the smooth stone wall. You cast your glance to and fro, searching for memories now long lost to the spell-craft of a deathless $kingqueen. Why would $heshe care? It is at least, you have pieced together, $hisher fault you are here… Or is it? If only you could @@filter:blur(0.5px);remember...@@ @@filter:blur(1px);Remember.@@ @@filter:blur(2px);Remember.@@ @@filter:blur(3px);No—no, it’s gone.@@ @@filter:blur(2px);All gone.@@ @@filter:blur(1px);There@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);is@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);only@@ @@filter:blur(0.3px);the@@ abyss. ⮞ <<link "Your mouth twists slightly to one side—hands knotting. Punch the mirror. $alert_label" "punch">><<set $i.break to "rage", $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 2, 0, 19), $dishonourRoll +=2>><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Huddle in on yourself and begin to weep fully. $alert_label" "weep">><<set $i.break to "cry", $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 2, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19), $weepingIre + 1>><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You don't reply. You can't think. You can barely move. All you can do is scream. $alert_label" "scream">><<set $i.break to "scream">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stare blankly, and then sink down to the polished stone floor, unable to remain standing. $alert_label" "catatonic">><<set $i.break to "blank">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Wild, storming laughter wrenches from your throat. $alert_label" "laugh">><<set $i.break to "laugh", $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> <<unset $r1>>\

You grab the first thing within your purview—that damned silver goblet—and clench it viciously. But the cold metal glyphs cutting into your fingers offer no comfort, nor answers. You are scarcely aware of your actions before it has left your hand, flying across the hall; it pings off the pillar $U leans against and clangs across the stone floor, skipping and rolling until it hits the wall. The crownless $kingqueen whirls upon you, dark hair flying, but you are too far gone for fear. It is difficult to fathom the eldritch sound which is dredged from your own strangled chest—you do not understand, you are not in control of it, you can only feel it clawing at your throat—wrenched up, up, up from a horror too abyssal for your fraying mind to comprehend. Torn from a realm you once called home, stripped bare, unravelled, and remade with a magic you may never have believed in. Now, you never had a choice but to believe… To believe in… The yell, the scream, whatever it is, blots out the confusion in exchange for release. Your nails dig into your palms, something damp trickling down your wrists, and you <<if $rise is true>> at last fall to your knees—<<else>>crumple against the welcoming ground—<</if>>not to pay obeisance to any thing outside of your own self, but only to honor the rage, the grief, the frustration that now demands tribute—demands it without mercy. The room turns black around you; there is nothing but the ringing in your ears. A stronger breeze sweeps over you, <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('shorn')>>ruffling your shorn hair<<elseif $i.hair.Length.includes('chin-length') or $i.hair.Length.includes('short')>>whipping your short hair around your eyes<<elseif $i.hair.Length.includes('long') or $i.hair.Length.includes('medium')>>lashing your unkempt hair about your shoulders<<else>>caressing your bare scalp<</if>> and piercing the simple garment draped over your body with a coolness, the cloth flapping quietly. You rail against a realm you have forgotten. A realm that has, most likely, forgotten you. Or are you crying out to it—beseeching it to take you back? Did those who knew you understand what you had done? Those you cared for—did they care? When you return… will they be gone? Have you always been alone? Maybe you lied. Maybe you’ve been lied to. There are no answers. There is only a swirling void. Everything... <<link "is..." "scream 2">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "suspense" play>>\ <center>\ <<fadein 3s 1s>>\ <<fadeout 3s 4s>>\ //SPLINTERING// <</fadeout>>\ <</fadein>>\ </center>\ <<timed 9s>>\ <<goto "scream 3">>\ <</timed>>\

<<fadein 4s 2s>>\ You retch and howl until tears of pain are streaming down your face, until your throat is ragged and your voice has all but abandoned you. A dullness overtakes your body again, and as the blackness recedes a new blur creeps in around the edges of your vision… limbs trembling, utterly spent, hunched over the cold stones beside a rippling mirror and a dented silver goblet. Between heaving breaths, you catch the distant patter of rain on stone. And your head… @@filter:blur(0.7px);Oh,@@ @@filter:blur(1px);Changeless,@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);your@@ @@filter:blur(0.4px);head.@@ <<link "Continue" "scream 4">><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤ <</fadein>>\

It takes many moments to return to your senses, and more than once you feel in danger of losing consciousness altogether--if not from the throbbing pain and flickering lights beneath your skull, then from simple exhaustion. When you do come to, your eyes are crusted and dim, and it is difficult to focus even with a few hard <<link "blinks." "scream 5">><<randomSound>><</link>>

A blurred figure sits roughly a body-length away, cross-legged; a slender object is perfectly balanced upon $hisher knees, and you recognize it as a very long stick or whittled branch. No… a decorated staff. There is an angular crook at one end which nestles a luminous crystal the colour of a harvest moon. The length of the staff is carved with glyphs and wrapped in leather, cordage, and beadwork—stone beads of green and darker green. Ornaments of feather and bone trail down to rest upon the floor beside $himher as rain thunders across the balcony, softly dampening the edges of $hisher robes. Both ends of the arcane staff appear unnaturally darkened, not unlike $hisher hands. Perhaps burnt. It is clearly a weapon used for bludgeoning… and, you suspect, more <<link "esoteric endeavors." "scream 6">><<randomSound>><</link>>

Long stained fingers hover above the staff, quietly weaving a strand of black hair into a slender braid, and when you shift your gaze to $U's face, you assume from the cant of $hisher head that $hisher veiled eyes are still focused on $hisher work—that is, if $heshe can see at all. Either way, $heshe is paying you no heed. At least you think not, until the head lifts slightly. $HisHer voice greets you, a bit wearier than before. “Are you quite finished, $Ire?” ⮞ <<link "“Shut up.”" "scream 7">><<set $shutup to true, $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I don't know...”" "scream 7">><<set $speaking to true, $agreeable +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stare, but without really seeing $himher." "scream 7">><<set $nosee to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Glower blearily, pressing a hand to your head." "scream 7">><<set $glower to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $speaking is true>>You open your mouth--and what emerges is more whistling sigh than spoken word. "I... don't know..." If only you could stifle the skull-splitting hangover of whatever was in that drink.<<elseif $shutup is true>>"Sh-shuttup," you manage in a broken slur, mangled almost beyond belief. Surprisingly, it evokes no reaction from your capricious companion, who either did not hear or did not deem it worthy of a response.<<elseif $nosee is true>>Your eyes unfocus beneath the skull-splitting hangover of... whatever was in that drink, no matter how hard you try to keep them open.<<elseif $glower is true>>You glare through unfocused eyes, your palm finding your forehead, but it does very little to stifle the skull-splitting hangover of... whatever was in that drink.<</if>> An unpleasant impression of being acknowledged and dismissed weighs down your shoulders--$heshe seems unbothered by the display, but you sense the undercurrent of irritation. Or disappointment. The unreasonable--no, @@filter:blur(0.3px);the unfairness@@ @@filter:blur(0.6px);of this--@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);You've felt@@ @@filter:blur(0.3px);this@@ @@filter:blur(0.2);before--@@ "Agh!" A muffled cry slips out of you, barely a croak, and you grasp at your neck with a wince, breathing hard. That pervasive ache is back, and it’s only getting worse… $U ties off the end of the braid with a dexterous flick and inhales steeply. "I suppose you have not the strength to walk." ⮞ <<link "Implore $himher with a hopeful gaze. You could use a helping hand..." "catatonic 8">><<set $hopeful to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Study $himher warily; surely $heshe isn't offering you $hisher assistance." "catatonic 8">><<set $wary to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Get up—you certainly don't want that //thing// touching you!" "catatonic 8">><<set $nope to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $speaking, $nosee, $glower>>

<<if $nope is true>>You struggle to your feet, moving painfully slowly, but once upright everything starts spinning again. A wave of nausea overpowers you and you lean against the wall, breathing hard. The<<elseif $hopeful is true>>You tighten your mouth and widen your eyes in a silent request. Surely, if you look as pathetic as possible--and how can you not look pathetic after tearing out your own throat with retching screams for what must have been hours--$U will take pity on you. Half a moment later, the<<else>>You can barely see the pinch of narrowing eyes beneath the embroidered veil, and $hisher lips part slightly, as if to murmur a few short words. Instead, $hisher<</if>> steep inhale rushes forth in a painfully slow exhale, whistling between $hisher teeth, and $U rises--very slowly. The crook $heshe carries is planted upon the stone with a hollow thunk which is quickly muffled by the night raging around you. When $heshe is at last standing upright, $heshe does not address you immediately, but delicately brushes the dust from $hisher robes. Everything is wavering in and out of focus, now... Thunder rumbles overhead, and the rain intensifies, dampening the balcony and flying in with the wind. The tapestries sway to and fro, some of the weighted branches which pull them taut rattling against the wall, and the breeze blows over the empty mouths of the clay jars in a hollow, dissonant lament. “Here.” You realize the $kingqueen has proffered $hisher hand again, but this time there is something clasped within it—a folded bit of cloth, dyed a verdant green. You look up with bleary eyes, and $heshe firms $hisher expression. “Breathe this in; it will calm your mind and ease the pain in your head.” ⮞ <<link "Squint your watering eyes—does $heshe think you're an idiot?" "creator 9">><<set $foolmeonce to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Snatch the cloth and slap it over your mouth and nose." "creator 9">><<set $snatch to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Run away. Surely you can summon the strength." "creator 9">><<set $runaway to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

That rippling metal goes still as your gaze falls upon it again--mocking you. A madness overtakes your common sense, and you clench your fist viciously, nails biting into your palms. You are scarcely aware of your actions before your hand is moving; it collides with the eldritch mirror. There is a screech of rending metal as the mirror shimmers beneath your knuckles, and then a crack like lightning. The crownless $kingqueen's reflection whirls upon you, dark hair flying, but it is too late, and you are too far gone for fear. It shatters. Not the way a thing of metal or glass ought to shatter, but one piece at a time, the crack stopping, starting, stopping again, each branching out from your fist, and the more cracks appear, the more broken faces stare back at you, the more $eyecolour eyes peer out in muted anger. You are not in control of it--the anger. You can only feel it clawing at your throat, threatening a yell of rage—wrenched up, up, up from a horror too abyssal for your fraying mind to comprehend. Torn from a realm you once called home, stripped bare, unravelled, and remade with a magic you may never have believed in. Now, you never had a choice but to believe… To believe in… A pair of bony hands seize your shoulders, and a feral hiss stings your ear. You stumble back, your hand pulling free of the shattered mess as something warm trickles down your wrists. At last <<if $rise is true>>you fall to your knees—<<else>>you crumple against the welcoming ground—<</if>>shoved down by the same cruel hands of fate which dragged you from your home. $U shouts twisted words in a language you cannot understand, your weakened limbs shuddering beneath the fury... and shaking with a powerless mortal rage: the rage of a wild thing, backed into a corner and jabbed with spears and arrows. A stronger breeze sweeps over you, <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('shorn')>>ruffling your shorn hair<<elseif $i.hair.Length.includes('chin-length') or $i.hair.Length.includes('short')>>whipping your short hair around your eyes<<elseif $i.hair.Length.includes('long') or $i.hair.Length.includes('medium')>>lashing your unkempt hair about your shoulders<<else>>caressing your bare scalp<</if>> and piercing the simple garment draped over your body with a coolness, the cloth flapping quietly. There is nothing but the ringing in your ears as the room turns black around you, your teeth clenched, pulse pounding. Your forehead presses against the stone, $U's palm cradling the back of your skull and $hisher tight fingers jabbing into your scalp. You think briefly of the realm you have forgotten. A realm that has, most likely, forgotten you. There is no use calling out to it—or you would beseech it to take you back. Did those who knew you understand what you had done? Those you cared for—did they care? When you return… will they be gone? Have you always been alone? Maybe you lied. Maybe you’ve been lied to. There are no answers. There is only a swirling void. Everything... <<link "is..." "punch 2">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "suspense" play>>\ <center>\ <<fadein 3s 1s>>\ <<fadeout 3s 4s>>\ //SPLINTERING// <</fadeout>>\ <</fadein>>\ </center>\ <<timed 9s>>\ <<goto "punch 3">>\ <</timed>>\

<<fadein 4s 2s>>\ You lie beneath $U's furious grip and smile quietly to yourself, mouth open, panting into the ground, drifting further... and further... A dullness overtakes your body again, and as the blackness recedes a new blur creeps in around the edges of your vision… limbs trembling, utterly spent, hunched over the cold stones beside a shattered mirror and a dented silver goblet. Between heaving breaths, you catch the distant patter of rain on stone. And your head… @@filter:blur(0.7px);Oh,@@ @@filter:blur(1px);Changeless,@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);your@@ @@filter:blur(0.4px);head.@@ <<link "Continue" "punch 4">><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤ <</fadein>>\

A blurred figure sits roughly a body-length away, cross-legged; a slender object is perfectly balanced upon their knees, and you recognize it as a very long stick or whittled branch. No… a decorated staff. There is an angular crook at one end which nestles a luminous crystal the colour of a harvest moon. The length of the staff is carved with glyphs and wrapped in leather, cordage, and beadwork—stone beads of green and darker green. Ornaments of feather and bone trail down to rest upon the floor beside $himher as rain thunders across the balcony, softly dampening the edges of $hisher robes. Both ends of the arcane staff appear unnaturally darkened, not unlike $hisher hands. Perhaps burnt. It is clearly a weapon used for bludgeoning… and, you suspect, more <<link "esoteric endeavors." "punch 6">><<randomSound>><</link>>

Long stained fingers hover above the staff, quietly weaving a strand of black hair into a slender braid, and when you shift your gaze to $U's face, you assume from the cant of $hisher head that $hisher veiled eyes are still focused on $hisher work—that is, if $heshe can see at all. Either way, $heshe is paying you no heed. At least you think not, until the head lifts slightly. $HisHer voice greets you, a bit wearier than before. “Are you quite finished, $Ire?” ⮞ <<link "“Shut up.”" "punch 7">><<set $shutup to true, $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I don't know...”" "punch 7">><<set $speaking to true, $agreeable +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stare, but without really seeing $himher." "punch 7">><<set $nosee to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Glower blearily, pressing a hand to your head." "punch 7">><<set $glower to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $speaking is true>>You open your mouth--and what emerges is more whistling sigh than spoken word. "I... don't know..." If only you could stifle the skull-splitting hangover of whatever was in that drink.<<elseif $shutup is true>>"Sh-shuttup," you manage in a broken slur, mangled almost beyond belief. Surprisingly, it evokes no reaction from your capricious companion, who either did not hear or did not deem it worthy of a response.<<elseif $nosee is true>>Your eyes unfocus beneath the skull-splitting hangover of... whatever was in that drink, no matter how hard you try to keep them open.<<elseif $glower is true>>You glare through unfocused eyes, your palm finding your forehead, but it does very little to stifle the skull-splitting hangover of... whatever was in that drink.<</if>> You glance down at your hand, flexing your fingers slightly, and wince as your knuckles split again and fresh blood wells up from the congealing crust of your injuries. An unpleasant impression of being acknowledged and dismissed weighs down your shoulders--$heshe seems unbothered by the display, but you sense the undercurrent of irritation. Or disappointment. The unreasonable--no, @@filter:blur(0.3px);the unfairness@@ @@filter:blur(0.6px);of this--@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);You've felt@@ @@filter:blur(0.3px);this@@ @@filter:blur(0.2);before--@@ "Agh!" A muffled groan slips out of you, barely a croak, and you grasp at your neck with a grimace, breathing hard. That pervasive ache is back, and it’s only getting worse… $U ties off the end of the braid with a dexterous flick and inhales steeply. "I suppose you have not the strength to walk." ⮞ <<link "Implore $himher with a hopeful gaze. You could use a helping hand..." "catatonic 8">><<set $hopeful to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Study $himher warily; surely $heshe isn't offering you $hisher assistance." "catatonic 8">><<set $wary to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Get up—you certainly don't want that //thing// touching you!" "catatonic 8">><<set $nope to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $speaking, $nosee, $glower>>

<<if $nope is true>>You struggle to your feet, moving painfully slowly, but once upright everything starts spinning again. A wave of nausea overpowers you and you lean against the wall, breathing hard. The<<elseif $hopeful is true>>You tighten your mouth and widen your eyes in a silent request. Surely, if you look as pathetic as possible--and how can you not look pathetic, bloodied and battered as you are--$U will take pity on you... Or, at least, not murder you outright for destroying $hisher mirror: you can only hope that promise you allegedly made about killing $hisher $brothersister is somehow too valuable for such recompense. Half a moment later, the<<else>>You can barely see the pinch of narrowing eyes beneath the embroidered veil, and $hisher lips part slightly, as if to murmur a few short words. Instead, $hisher<</if>> steep inhale rushes forth in a painfully slow exhale, whistling between $hisher teeth, and $U rises--very slowly. The crook $heshe carries is planted upon the stone with a hollow thunk which is quickly muffled by the night raging around you. When $heshe is at last standing upright, $heshe does not address you immediately, but delicately brushes the dust from $hisher robes. Everything is wavering in and out of focus, now... Thunder rumbles overhead, and the rain intensifies, dampening the balcony and flying in with the wind. The tapestries sway to and fro, some of the weighted branches which pull them taut rattling against the wall, and the breeze blows over the empty mouths of the clay jars in a hollow, dissonant lament. “Here.” You realize the $kingqueen has proffered $hisher hand again, but this time there is something clasped within it—a folded bit of cloth, dyed a verdant green. You look up with bleary eyes, and $heshe firms $hisher expression. “Breathe this in; it will calm your mind and ease the pain in your head.” ⮞ <<link "Squint your watering eyes—does $heshe think you're an idiot?" "creator 9">><<set $foolmeonce to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Snatch the cloth and slap it over your mouth and nose." "creator 9">><<set $snatch to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Run away. Surely you can summon the strength." "creator 9">><<set $runaway to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

You fumble for the first thing within your purview—that damned silver goblet—and clench it desperately. But the cold metal glyphs cutting into your fingers offer no comfort. You are scarcely aware of your actions before it has left your hand, flying across the hall; it pings off the pillar $U leans against and clangs across the stone floor, skipping and rolling until it hits the wall. The crownless $kingqueen whirls upon you, dark hair flying, but you are too far gone for fear. It is difficult to fathom the wracking sobs which are dredged from your own strangled chest—you cannot feel it, you are not in control of them, you can only hear the retching and gasping, clawing at your throat—wrenched up, up, up from a horror too abyssal for your fraying mind to comprehend. Torn from a realm you once called home, stripped bare, unravelled, and remade with a magic you may never have believed in. Now, you never had a choice but to believe… To believe in… You hunching your shoulder, wrapping your arms about your ribs as if that could contain your grief, and you <<if $rise is true>> at last fall to your knees—<<else>>crumple against the welcoming ground—<</if>>not to pay obeisance to any thing outside of your own self, but only to honor the rage, the grief, the frustration that now demands tribute—demands it without mercy. The room turns black around you; there is nothing but the ringing in your ears. A stronger breeze sweeps over you, <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('shorn')>>ruffling your shorn hair<<elseif $i.hair.Length.includes('chin-length') or $i.hair.Length.includes('short')>>whipping your short hair around your eyes<<elseif $i.hair.Length.includes('long') or $i.hair.Length.includes('medium')>>lashing your unkempt hair about your shoulders<<else>>caressing your bare scalp<</if>> and piercing the simple garment draped over your body with a coolness, the cloth flapping quietly. You wail against a realm you have forgotten. A realm that has, most likely, forgotten you. Or are you crying out to it—beseeching it to take you back? Did those who knew you understand what you had done? Those you cared for—did they care? When you return… will they be gone? Have you always been alone? Maybe you lied. Maybe you’ve been lied to. There are no answers. There is only a swirling void. Everything... <<link "is..." "weep 2">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "suspense" play>>\ <center>\ <<fadein 3s 1s>>\ <<fadeout 3s 4s>>\ //SPLINTERING// <</fadeout>>\ <</fadein>>\ </center>\ <<timed 9s>>\ <<goto "weep 3">>\ <</timed>>\

<<fadein 4s 2s>>\ You cry until your your eyes are swollen shut, until the sobs have left your throat ragged and voiceless, and tiny stars are dancing across the void. A dullness overtakes your body again, and as the blackness recedes a new blur creeps in around the edges of your vision… limbs trembling, utterly spent, hunched over the cold stones beside a rippling mirror and a dented silver goblet. Between heaving breaths, you catch the distant patter of rain on stone. And your head… @@filter:blur(0.7px);Oh,@@ @@filter:blur(1px);Changeless,@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);your@@ @@filter:blur(0.4px);head.@@ <<link "Continue" "weep 4">><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤ <</fadein>>\

A blurred figure sits roughly a body-length away, cross-legged, a slender object perfectly balanced upon their knees; you recognize it as a very long stick or whittled branch. No… a decorated staff. There is an angular crook at one end which nestles a luminous crystal the colour of a harvest moon. The length of the staff is carved with glyphs and wrapped in leather, cordage, and beadwork—stone beads of green and darker green. Ornaments of feather and bone trail down to rest upon the floor beside $himher as rain thunders across the balcony, softly dampening the edges of $hisher robes. Both ends of the arcane staff appear unnaturally darkened, not unlike $hisher hands. Perhaps burnt. It is clearly a weapon used for bludgeoning… and, you suspect, more <<link "esoteric endeavors." "weep 6">><<randomSound>><</link>>

Long stained fingers hover above the staff, quietly weaving a strand of black hair into a slender braid, and when you shift your gaze to $U's face, you assume from the cant of $hisher head that $hisher veiled eyes are still focused on $hisher work—that is, if $heshe can see at all. Either way, $heshe is paying you no heed. At least you think not, until the head lifts slightly. $HisHer voice greets you, a bit wearier than before. "Are you quite finished, $Ire?" ⮞ <<link "“Shut up.”" "weep 7">><<set $shutup to true, $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I don't know...”" "weep 7">><<set $speaking to true, $agreeable +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stare, but without really seeing $himher." "weep 7">><<set $nosee to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Glower blearily, wiping your tears." "weep 7">><<set $glower to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $speaking is true>>You open your mouth--and close it again, stifling another sob and only managing a few short words. "I--don't know..." If only you could stifle the skull-splitting hangover of whatever was in that drink.<<elseif $shutup is true>>"Sh-shuttup," you manage in a broken slur, mangled almost beyond belief. Surprisingly, it evokes no reaction from your capricious companion, who either did not hear or did not deem it worthy of a response.<<elseif $nosee is true>>Your eyes unfocus beneath the skull-splitting hangover of... whatever was in that drink, no matter how hard you try to keep them open.<<elseif $glower is true>>You glare through unfocused eyes, wiping at the mess of tears and snot which cover your face, but it does very little to stifle the skull-splitting hangover of... whatever was in that drink.<</if>> An unpleasant impression of being acknowledged and dismissed weighs down your shoulders--$heshe seems unbothered by the display, but you sense the undercurrent of irritation. Or disappointment. The unreasonable--no, @@filter:blur(0.3px);the unfairness@@ @@filter:blur(0.6px);of this--@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);You've felt@@ @@filter:blur(0.3px);this@@ @@filter:blur(0.2);before--@@ "Agh!" A muffled cry slips out of you, barely a croak, and you grasp at your neck with a wince, breathing hard. That pervasive ache is back, and it’s only getting worse… $U ties off the end of the braid with a dexterous flick and inhales steeply. "I suppose you have not the strength to walk." ⮞ <<link "Implore $himher with a hopeful gaze. You could use a helping hand..." "catatonic 8">><<set $hopeful to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Study $himher warily; surely $heshe isn't offering you $hisher assistance." "catatonic 8">><<set $wary to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Get up—you certainly don't want that //thing// touching you!" "catatonic 8">><<set $nope to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $speaking, $nosee, $glower>>

<<if $nope is true>>You struggle to your feet, moving painfully slowly, but once upright everything starts spinning again. A wave of nausea overpowers you and you lean against the wall, breathing hard. The<<elseif $hopeful is true>>You tighten your mouth and widen your eyes in a silent request. Surely, if you look as pathetic as possible--and how can you not look pathetic after coughing up your lungs with retching sobs for what must have been hours--$U will take pity on you. Half a moment later, the<<else>>You can barely see the pinch of narrowing eyes beneath the embroidered veil, and $hisher lips part slightly, as if to murmur a few short words. Instead, $hisher<</if>> steep inhale rushes forth in a painfully slow exhale, whistling between $hisher teeth, and $U rises--very slowly. The crook $heshe carries is planted upon the stone with a hollow thunk which is quickly muffled by the night raging around you. When $heshe is at last standing upright, $heshe does not address you immediately, but delicately brushes the dust from $hisher robes. Everything is wavering in and out of focus, now... Thunder rumbles overhead, and the rain intensifies, dampening the balcony and flying in with the wind. The tapestries sway to and fro, some of the weighted branches which pull them taut rattling against the wall, and the breeze blows over the empty mouths of the clay jars in a hollow, dissonant lament. “Here.” You realize the $kingqueen has proffered $hisher hand again, but this time there is something clasped within it—a folded bit of cloth, dyed a verdant green. You look up with bleary eyes, and $heshe firms $hisher expression. “Breathe this in; it will calm your mind and ease the pain in your head.” ⮞ <<link "Squint your watering eyes—does $heshe think you're an idiot?" "creator 9">><<set $foolmeonce to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Snatch the cloth and slap it over your mouth and nose." "creator 9">><<set $snatch to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Run away. Surely you can summon the strength." "creator 9">><<set $runaway to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

You grab the first object within reach—that damned silver goblet—and hold it quietly. But the cold metal glyphs pressing into your palms offer no answers. Something about this... all of this... is beyond your comprehension. In the face of such madness, what can you do, but despair? The crownless $kingqueen turns back you, dark hair swishing, but you are too far gone for fear. Your breaths grow shallow, and when you try to breathe more deeply there is an eldritch, burbling wheeze wrenched up from your own strangled chest—you cannot ease the pressure. You can only feel it clawing at your throat—wrenched up, up, up from a horror too abyssal for your fraying mind to comprehend. Torn from a realm you once called home, stripped bare, unravelled, and remade with a magic you may never have believed in. Now, you never had a choice but to believe… To believe in… The promise of darkness and peace blots out the confusion in exchange for release. Your fingers dig into the edges of empty goblet, something damp trickling down your wrists, and you <<if $rise is true>> at last fall to your knees—<<else>>crumple against the welcoming ground—<</if>>not to pay obeisance to any thing outside of your own self, but only to honor the absence of any lingering rage, grief, or frustration. It is the apathy which now demands tribute—demands it without mercy. You are not in control of it--the despair. The room turns black around you; there is nothing but the ringing in your ears. A stronger breeze sweeps over you, <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('shorn')>>ruffling your shorn hair<<elseif $i.hair.Length.includes('chin-length') or $i.hair.Length.includes('short')>>whipping your short hair around your eyes<<elseif $i.hair.Length.includes('long') or $i.hair.Length.includes('medium')>>lashing your unkempt hair about your shoulders<<else>>caressing your bare scalp<</if>> and piercing the simple garment draped over your body with a coolness, the cloth flapping quietly. Your forehead presses against the stone, $U's voice murmuring from afar. There is the sound of approaching footsteps, but they seem distant, unimportant. It is all so distant and unimportant. You think briefly of the realm you have forgotten. A realm that has, most likely, forgotten you. There is no use calling out to it—or you would beseech it to take you back. Did those who knew you understand what you had done? Those you cared for—did they care? When you return… will they be gone? Have you always been alone? Maybe you lied. Maybe you’ve been lied to. There are no answers. There is only a swirling void. Everything... <<link "is..." "catatonic 2">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "suspense" play>>\ <center>\ <<fadein 3s 1s>>\ <<fadeout 3s 4s>>\ //SPLINTERING// <</fadeout>>\ <</fadein>>\ </center>\ <<timed 9s>>\ <<goto "catatonic 3">>\ <</timed>>\

<<fadein 4s 2s>>\ A dullness overtakes your body again, and as the black apathy creeps further, deeper, twisting its claws into your chest, you retreat into the solace of your mind… limbs trembling, utterly spent, hunched over the cold stones beside a rippling mirror and a dented silver goblet. Between heaving breaths, you catch the distant patter of rain on stone. And your head… @@filter:blur(0.7px);Oh,@@ @@filter:blur(1px);Changeless,@@ <<link "Continue" "catatonic 4">><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤ <</fadein>>\

Long stained fingers hover above the staff, quietly weaving a strand of black hair into a slender braid, and when you shift your gaze to $U's face, you assume from the cant of $hisher head that $hisher veiled eyes are still focused on $hisher work—that is, if $heshe can see at all. Either way, $heshe is paying you no heed. At least you think not, until the head lifts slightly. $HisHer voice greets you, a bit wearier than before. “Are you quite finished, $Ire?” ⮞ <<link "“Shut up.”" "catatonic 7">><<set $shutup to true, $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I don't know...”" "catatonic 7">><<set $speaking to true, $agreeable +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stare, but without really seeing $himher." "catatonic 7">><<set $nosee to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Glower blearily, pressing a hand to your head." "catatonic 7">><<set $glower to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $speaking is true>>What does it matter, anyway? If only you could stifle the skull-splitting hangover of whatever was in that drink. You open your mouth... and close it again, nearly swallowing the sentiment. But it leaves your tonuge in a whisper despite your better judgment: "I don't know..."<<elseif $shutup is true>>"Sh-shuttup," you manage in a broken slur, mangled almost beyond belief. Surprisingly, it evokes no reaction from your capricious companion, who either did not hear or did not deem it worthy of a response.<<elseif $nosee is true>>Your eyes unfocus beneath the skull-splitting hangover of... whatever was in that drink, no matter how hard you try to keep them open.<<elseif $glower is true>>You glare through unfocused eyes, your palm finding your forehead, but it does very little to stifle the skull-splitting hangover of... whatever was in that drink.<</if>> An unpleasant impression of being acknowledged and dismissed weighs down your shoulders--$heshe seems unbothered by the display, but you sense the undercurrent of irritation. Or disappointment. The unreasonable--no, @@filter:blur(0.3px);the unfairness@@ @@filter:blur(0.6px);of this--@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);You've felt@@ @@filter:blur(0.3px);this@@ @@filter:blur(0.2);before--@@ "Agh..." A muffled murmur slips out of you, barely a groan, and you weakly grasp at your neck, breathing hard. That pervasive ache is back, and it’s only getting worse… $U ties off the end of the braid with a dexterous flick and inhales steeply. "I suppose you have not the strength to walk." ⮞ <<link "Implore $himher with a hopeful gaze. You could use a helping hand..." "catatonic 8">><<set $hopeful to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Study $himher warily; surely $heshe isn't offering you $hisher assistance." "catatonic 8">><<set $wary to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Get up—you certainly don't want that //thing// touching you!" "catatonic 8">><<set $nope to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $speaking, $nosee, $glower>>

<<if $nope is true>>You struggle to your feet, moving painfully slowly, but once upright everything starts spinning again. A wave of nausea overpowers you and you lean against the wall, breathing hard. The<<elseif $hopeful is true>>You tighten your mouth and widen your eyes in a silent request. Surely, if you look as pathetic as possible--and how can you not look pathetic in this state--$U will take pity on you. Half a moment later, the<<else>>You can barely see the pinch of narrowing eyes beneath the embroidered veil, and $hisher lips part slightly, as if to murmur a few short words. Instead, $hisher<</if>> steep inhale rushes forth in a painfully slow exhale, whistling between $hisher teeth, and $U rises--very slowly. The crook $heshe carries is planted upon the stone with a hollow thunk which is quickly muffled by the night raging around you. When $heshe is at last standing upright, $heshe does not address you immediately, but delicately brushes the dust from $hisher robes. Everything is wavering in and out of focus, now... Thunder rumbles overhead, and the rain intensifies, dampening the balcony and flying in with the wind. The tapestries sway to and fro, some of the weighted branches which pull them taut rattling against the wall, and the breeze blows over the empty mouths of the clay jars in a hollow, dissonant lament. “Here.” You realize the $kingqueen has proffered $hisher hand again, but this time there is something clasped within it—a folded bit of cloth, dyed a verdant green. You look up with bleary eyes, and $heshe firms $hisher expression. “Breathe this in; it will calm your mind and ease the pain in your head.” ⮞ <<link "Squint your watering eyes—does $heshe think you're an idiot?" "creator 9">><<set $foolmeonce to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Snatch the cloth and slap it over your mouth and nose." "creator 9">><<set $snatch to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Run away. Surely you can summon the strength." "creator 9">><<set $runaway to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

Everything you have experienced in the past hour—perhaps many hours—burbles up within you... You grasp the first object within reach—that damned silver goblet—and cradle it quietly. But the cold metal glyphs pressing into your palms offer no answers. Something about this... all of this... is beyond your comprehension. In the face of such madness, what can you do, but laugh? "Ah..." The goblet falls from your hand, rolling across the floor. "H-hah..." As the first cracked laugh wisps from your throat, the crownless $kingqueen turns swiftly, dark hair whirling, but you are too far gone for fear. It is difficult to fathom the cackling, wheezing, unhinged cries which spill from your strangled chest—you do not understand, you are not in control of it, you can only feel it clawing at your throat—wrenched up, up, up from a horror too abyssal for your fraying mind to comprehend. Torn from a realm you once called home, stripped bare, unravelled, and remade with a magic you may never have believed in. Now, you never had a choice but to believe… To believe in… The confusion that has been put upon you is sundered by a madness entirely your own. Your nails dig into your palms, something damp trickling down your wrists, and you <<if $rise is true>> at last fall to your knees—<<else>>crumple against the welcoming ground—<</if>>not to pay obeisance to any thing outside of your own self, but only to honor the insanity, the grief, the frustration that now demands tribute—demands it without mercy. The room turns black around you; the ringing of your own laughter is the only sound. A stronger breeze sweeps over you, <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('shorn')>>ruffling your shorn hair<<elseif $i.hair.Length.includes('chin-length') or $i.hair.Length.includes('short')>>whipping your short hair around your eyes<<elseif $i.hair.Length.includes('long') or $i.hair.Length.includes('medium')>>lashing your unkempt hair about your shoulders<<else>>caressing your bare scalp<</if>> and piercing the simple garment draped over your body with a coolness, the cloth flapping quietly. You laugh at the futile emptiness of a realm you have forgotten. A realm that has, most likely, forgotten you. Or are you crying out to it—beseeching it to take you back? Did those who knew you understand what you had done? Those you cared for—did they care? When you return… will they be gone? Have you always been alone? Maybe you lied. Maybe you’ve been lied to. There are no answers. There is only a swirling void. Everything... <<link "is..." "laugh 2">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "suspense" play>>\ <center>\ <<fadein 3s 1s>>\ <<fadeout 3s 4s>>\ //SPLINTERING// <</fadeout>>\ <</fadein>>\ </center>\ <<timed 9s>>\ <<goto "laugh 3">>\ <</timed>>\

<<fadein 4s 2s>>\ You laugh until the manic tears are streaming down your face, until your eyes are swollen shut and the shrieks of grim hilarity have left your throat ragged and voiceless, and tiny stars are dancing across the void. A dullness overtakes your body again, and as the blackness recedes a new blur creeps in around the edges of your vision… limbs trembling, utterly spent, hunched over the cold stones beside a rippling mirror and a dented silver goblet. Between heaving breaths, you catch the distant patter of rain on stone. And your head… @@filter:blur(0.7px);Oh,@@ @@filter:blur(1px);Changeless,@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);your@@ @@filter:blur(0.4px);head.@@ <<link "Continue" "laugh 4">><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤ <</fadein>>\

Long stained fingers hover above the staff, quietly weaving a strand of black hair into a slender braid, and when you shift your gaze to $U's face, you assume from the cant of $hisher head that $hisher veiled eyes are still focused on $hisher work—that is, if $heshe can see at all. Either way, $heshe is paying you no heed. At least you think not, until the head lifts slightly. $HisHer voice greets you, a bit wearier than before. “Are you quite finished, $Ire?” ⮞ <<link "“Shut up.”" "laugh 7">><<set $shutup to true, $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I don't know...”" "laugh 7">><<set $speaking to true, $agreeable +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stare, but without really seeing." "laugh 7">><<set $nosee to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Disguise the urge to laugh again as a cough, glowering blearily." "laugh 7">><<set $glower to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $speaking is true>>You open your mouth--and all that you manage is more a whistling laugh than anything coherent. Or is it a sob? "I--//hah//--don't--//know.//" If only you could stifle the skull-splitting hangover of whatever was in that drink.<<elseif $shutup is true>>"Sh-shuttup," you manage in a broken slur, mangled almost beyond belief. Surprisingly, it evokes no reaction from your capricious companion, who either did not hear or did not deem it worthy of a response.<<elseif $nosee is true>>Your eyes unfocus beneath the skull-splitting hangover of... whatever was in that drink, no matter how hard you try to keep them open.<<elseif $glower is true>>You glare through unfocused eyes, your palm finding your forehead, but it does very little to stifle the skull-splitting hangover of... whatever was in that drink.<</if>> An unpleasant impression of being acknowledged and dismissed weighs down your shoulders--$heshe seems unbothered by the display, but you sense the undercurrent of irritation. Or disappointment. The unreasonable--no, @@filter:blur(0.3px);the unfairness@@ @@filter:blur(0.6px);of this--@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);You've felt@@ @@filter:blur(0.3px);this@@ @@filter:blur(0.2);before--@@ "Agh!" A muffled cry slips out of you, barely a croak, and you grasp at your neck with a wince, breathing hard. That pervasive ache is back, and it’s only getting worse… $U ties off the end of the braid with a dexterous flick and inhales steeply. "I suppose you have not the strength to walk." ⮞ <<link "Implore $himher with a hopeful gaze. You could use a helping hand..." "catatonic 8">><<set $hopeful to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Study $himher warily; surely $heshe isn't offering you $hisher assistance." "catatonic 8">><<set $wary to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Get up—you certainly don't want that //thing// touching you!" "catatonic 8">><<set $nope to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $speaking, $nosee, $glower>>

<<if $nope is true>>You struggle to your feet, moving painfully slowly, but once upright everything starts spinning again. A wave of nausea overpowers you and you lean against the wall, breathing hard. The<<elseif $hopeful is true>>You tighten your mouth and widen your eyes in a silent request. Surely, if you look as pathetic as possible--and how can you not look pathetic after losing your mind to retching hysteria for what must have been hours--$U will take pity on you. Half a moment later, the<<else>>You can barely see the pinch of narrowing eyes beneath the embroidered veil, and $hisher lips part slightly, as if to murmur a few short words. Instead, $hisher<</if>> steep inhale rushes forth in a painfully slow exhale, whistling between $hisher teeth, and $U rises--very slowly. The crook $heshe carries is planted upon the stone with a hollow thunk which is quickly muffled by the night raging around you. When $heshe is at last standing upright, $heshe does not address you immediately, but delicately brushes the dust from $hisher robes. Everything is wavering in and out of focus, now... Thunder rumbles overhead, and the rain intensifies, dampening the balcony and flying in with the wind. The tapestries sway to and fro, some of the weighted branches which pull them taut rattling against the wall, and the breeze blows over the empty mouths of the clay jars in a hollow, dissonant lament. “Here.” You realize the $kingqueen has proffered $hisher hand again, but this time there is something clasped within it—a folded bit of cloth, dyed a verdant green. You look up with bleary eyes, and $heshe firms $hisher expression. “Breathe this in; it will calm your mind and ease the pain in your head.” ⮞ <<link "Squint your watering eyes—does $heshe think you're an idiot?" "creator 9">><<set $foolmeonce to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Snatch the cloth and slap it over your mouth and nose." "creator 9">><<set $snatch to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Run away. Surely you can summon the strength." "creator 9">><<set $runaway to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $snatch is true>>You are beyond caring about $U's intentions. You are beyond caring what happens next. In fact, you might be beyond caring whether you live or die, with this pain in your head that seems to be getting worse again--you aren't sure you could stomach that. You <<if $i.break.includes('laugh')>>choke out one more breathless laugh and <</if>><<if $i.break.includes('blank')>>raise your numb and barely responsive hand to <</if>>snatch the powder-laced fabric <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>in your bleeding hand <</if>>with a quickness that seems to startle $U, if $hisher slight flinch away is any indication, and clamp it over your <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>tear-stained, still-running <</if>>face, breathing in so quick and deep that, if possible, you might have snorted the cloth up your nose.<<elseif $foolmeonce is true>>Like hell you're touching that after what happened with the drink. Your head might feel like it's about to crack wide open, but you still have common sense. You huff in intense concentration, shuffling upright. In your mind, you gave the command to //move// as quickly as the intermittent flashes of lightning which break through the storm. Unfortunately, the speed at which your limbs obey is excrutiatingly slow. Enough that $U merely tips $hisher head slightly to watch you, as if confused by your efforts. But the quirk of that readily-smirking mouth belies the ruse. "None of that, now," $heshe murmurs, and with the quickness of a striking snake, the cloth stifles your face. You reach up and grab that bony wrist in both hands, holding your breath and wrenching the cloth away, but it...<<else>>Move. Legs move. Move, legs... You huff in intense concentration, shuffling upright. In your mind, you gave the command to //move// as quickly as the intermittent flashes of lightning which break through the storm. Unfortunately, the speed at which your limbs obey is excrutiatingly slow. Enough that $U merely tips $hisher head slightly to watch you, as if confused by your efforts. The quirk of that readily-smirking mouth belies the ruse. "None of that, now," $heshe murmurs, and with the quickness of a striking snake, the cloth stifles your face. You reach up and grab that bony wrist in both hands, holding your breath and wrenching the cloth away, but it...<</if>> It reminds you of @@filter:blur(0.9px);something@@ @@filter:blur(1.4px);green...@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);...spice,@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);and@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);resin.@@ @@filter:blur(0.1px);A scent@@ @@filter:blur(0.3px);that@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);carries@@ @@filter:blur(0.9px);you@@ @@filter:blur(1.2px);home.@@ Damp longing pricks your eyes. @@filter:blur(1.7px);Home.@@ <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>You ready yourself to protest violently, but<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>Another bubble of mirth wells up in your throat as<<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>The dampness wells up again as<<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>Your ravaged lungs and throat burn as<<else>>You surrender yourself to the sorrow as<</if>> you slump sideways, falling against the wall of stone and plaster. The tension drains out of you as $U watches, very still in your periphery. The headache was so excrutiating, so all-consuming, that you had no concept of how debilitating it truly was until it isn't there anymore, and the sudden cessation of that blistering gash in your memories is as overwhelming as--as something else you can't quite remember. Regardless, you are grateful. Relief. Simple relief... Released at last from your shackles of pain by its welcome reprieve, you are no longer thinking clearly, if you ever were. There is a long moment of nothing, until you hear a quiet click of disapproval. Those thin fingers reach out quickly, tugging at the collar of your sweat-soaked tunic. Straightening it. The bleary veil before you drifts into focus again, what is visible of the face below it faintly wrinkled in distaste. $HeShe silently returns the crook to--wherever it had come from. You aren't quite sure, and more confusingly $hisher movements seemed to blur as $heshe hid the weapon, obscuring it from view. <<if $heshe is "she">>"I suppose... this cannot be helped<<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>; do know that if you attempt to bite me, mortal, I will certainly bite you back<<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>; do know that if you start screaming again, mortal, I will not feel badly about dropping you on these stones<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>; there is no need to bestir yourself, mortal--trust that I will not harm you<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>; do know that if you attempt to bite me, mortal, I will certainly bite you back<<else>>; do try not to cry again, mortal--I find such displays to be rather a nuisance<</if>>." In the wake of that ominous assurance, the trailing robes swish before you as your vision smears and a pair of bony hands slip under your arms. "Up, now." It is hardly a command, but you are too weak to resist. And slightly too dazed to determine if you should. $U grunts softly, her gentle breath <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none') or $i.hair.Length.includes('shorn')>>cooling the sweat on your scalp,<<else>>stirring your grimey hair,<</if>> and hauls you upright, tugging you closer until you are both standing, your body leaning against her flat, narrow chest and one of her arms wrapped around your waist in support. She quietly loops your own arm around her shoulders, loosely securing your wrist. Any chance of a fight departs your lungs, and you are helplessly aware of the cradled closeness, and the surprising strength hidden in those arms. The embrace, intimate and frighteningly casual, smells of smoke. That acrid burnt aura which clings to her skin and hair settles over you, yet beneath its fragrance you discern the scents of amber and aromatic resins, and a strange, spiced flower you cannot place. You dimly realize… ⮞ <<link "You must weigh very little compared to $U, given her lanky stature." "creator 10">><<set $i.weight to "light">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Though you are fairly average in weight, perhaps a bit less or more than $U, she doesn't seem overly burdened." "creator 10">><<set $i.weight to "average">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "The self-proclaimed queen of the deathless is struggling slightly beneath you." "creator 10">><<set $i.weight to "heavy">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<else>>"I suppose... this cannot be helped<<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>; do know that if you attempt to bite me, mortal, I will certainly bite you back<<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>; do know that if you start screaming again, mortal, I will not feel badly about dropping you on these stones.<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>; there is no need to bestir yourself, mortal--trust that I will not harm you.<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>; do know that if you attempt to bite me, mortal, I will certainly bite you back<<else>>; do try not to cry again, mortal--I find such displays to be rather a nuisance.<</if>>" In the wake of that ominous assurance, the trailing robes swish before you as your vision smears and a pair of bony hands slip around your ribs. "Up, now." It is hardly a command, but you are too weak to resist. And slightly too dazed to determine if you should. With an elegance you didn't expect, $U hauls you against his broad, flat chest, and then quickly shifts position so that your knees are draped across his elbow. He gets to his feet with a soft grunt, the gentle breath <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('shorn') or $i.hair.Length.includes('none')>>cooling the sweat on your scalp.<<else>>stirring your grimey hair.<</if>> Any chance of a fight leaves your body, and you are helplessly aware of the cradled closeness, and the surprising strength hidden in those arms. The embrace, intimate and frighteningly casual, smells of smoke. That acrid burnt aura which clings to his skin and hair settles over you, yet beneath its fragrance you discern the scents of musk and aromatic resins, and a strange, spiced flower you cannot place. As he stands there with your deadweight now clasped firmly in his arms, you dimly realize… ⮞ <<link "You must weigh very little compared to $U, given his lanky stature." "creator 10">><<set $i.weight to "light">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Though you are fairly average in weight, perhaps a bit less or more than $U, he doesn't seem overly burdened." "creator 10">><<set $i.weight to "average">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "The self-proclaimed king of the deathless is struggling slightly beneath you." "creator 10">><<set $i.weight to "heavy">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>More dampness spills down your cheeks and you sniffle helplessly—surely there is nothing left to cry! Your eyes are painfully dry. $U makes a gentle noise of resigned disgust as a mixture of snot and salty tears soak into $hisher robes. You reflexively jerk away, but $hisher wiry hands clamp tighter around you.<<elseif $i.break.includes('rage') is true>>Your battered hand falls to rest against $hisher robes, and $U makes a gentle noise of resigned disgust as your blood soaks into the material. You reflexively jerk away, but $hisher wiry hands clamp tighter around you.<<elseif $i.break.includes('scream') or $i.break.includes('laugh')>>Your throat is tattered and dry, though the pain has numbed significantly, and you cough into $U's robes. $HeShe makes a gentle noise of resigned disgust and you reflexively jerk away, but $hisher wiry hands clamp tighter around you.<<else>>Though the pain has numbed significantly, you can scarcely keep your head upright; it rolls limply against $U's shoulder as your eyes twitch in exhaustion. $HeShe makes a gentle noise of resigned disgust and you reflexively jerk away, but $hisher wiry hands clamp tighter around you.<</if>> "Foolishness," you hear, as the two of you proceed down the wind-swept balcony in whatever direction $hisher footsteps may lead. You have the off-putting sense that rather than being spoken to you directly, it is merely an observation, set loose to drift away into the storm without regard for who might catch it, if anyone. As you move through the balcony, more tapestries appear, as well as glyphs and carvings set deep into the wall, all of it illumined by the watchful presence of the flickering torches. The granduer suggests wealth and leisure, perhaps a gathering-place in more clement weather. You glimpse a few stately figures recessed in the shadows, some as tall as $U, or taller, with faces of metal or stone. Identical shields rest behind their shoulders and in their unmoving hands are gleaming spears which reach nearly half a body-length above their armoured heads. They might be statues. Or... are there are others like the $kingqueen, under those solemn masks? It's difficult to tell, and harder still to care. No sooner has the thought flitted through your mind than the torch overhead is snuffed by a gout of wind and rain. Soot, oil, and wax spatter the wall as $U quickly covers your face, turning away and sheltering you with $hisher body, slender fingers pressing into your skin--only for a few seconds. Your heart beats faster <<if $firstFear is true>>in fear<<elseif $firstAnger is true>>in irritation<<else>>and you allow the closeness to offer you some comfort<</if>>; you almost feel alive again. The warmth of $hisher body soaks through your tunic, but when $heshe speaks, every word is colder than the last: <<if $i.break.includes('blank')>>"You must revive yourself, in time; 'tis only you, my $Ire, who will suffer from this languor--not I."<<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>"You should know this also, my $Ire: your new life here will not be kind to frail hearts and teary lamentations. It will bring you no solace--nor mercy."<<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>>"You should know this also, my $Ire: there was never any need for such a violent demonstration. It is only you who will suffer it--not I."<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>"You should know this also; 'tis only you, my $Ire, who will suffer if sanity escapes your waking grasp--not I."<<else>>"You must revive yourself in time, my $Ire: your new life here will not be kind to frail minds, and such a display will bring neither solace nor mercy. It is only you who will suffer it--not I."<</if>> ⮞ <<link "“Oh,” you mutter sullenly, barely conscious, “we'll see about that...”" "creator 11">><<set $revenge to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 2, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 3, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Apologize weakly, embarrassed." "creator 11">><<set $norevenge to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Remain silent." "creator 11">><<set $undecided to true, $silentType +=1, $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "wind-ambient" loop volume 0 fadein>>\ <<if $revenge is true>>Your threat is little more than a cracked wheeze, but $U falters for a single stride as you dig your fingers into $hisher robes. You wonder if $heshe is going to drop you <<if $heshe is "she">>where you stand--but she hauls you onward, this time at a brisk pace so that your legs drag slightly with each fumbling step, up, past the end of the open balcony and into a darker ascent.<<else>>where $heshe stands--but he carries you onward, this time at a brisk pace so that your legs bounce slightly with each step, up, past the end of the open balcony and into a darker ascent.<</if>> Any deal you struck with $himher, however binding, is as good as dissolved in your mind; if this is only a nightmare, so much the better... but if you never wake up, then you will find a way to awaken your own self somehow. There has to be a path forward for you that doesn't involve... ...whatever this $kingqueen has planned. If you're going to murder someone, it won't end well for <<link "$U." "creator 12">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $norevenge is true>>"I..." It is little more than a cracked wheeze, an airy bubble on your lips. $U falters for a single stride as you dig your fingers into $hisher robes, and you wonder if $heshe is going to drop you <<if $heshe is "she">>where you stand--but she hauls you onward, this time at a brisk pace so that your legs drag behind slightly with each fumbling step, up, past the end of the open balcony and into a darker ascent.<<else>>where $heshe stands--but he carries you onward, this time at a brisk pace so that your legs bounce slightly with each step, up, past the end of the open balcony and into a darker ascent.<</if>> Emboldened, you finish the thought: "I'm... sorry." $U continues to <<if $heshe is "she">>drag you<<else>>loft you<</if>> up the stairs as if you had said nothing at all. Any deal struck with the kin of the air, however unpleasant, is surely binding; if this is only a nightmare, so much the better, but if you never wake up... then you will find a way to awaken your own self somehow, no matter <<link "what." "creator 12">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>You sigh; it is little more than a cracked wheeze, but $U falters for a single stride as you dig your fingers into $hisher robes. You wonder if $heshe is going to drop you <<if $heshe is "she">>where you stand--but she hauls you onward, this time at a brisk pace so that your legs drag behind slightly with each fumbling step, up, past the end of the open balcony and into a darker ascent.<<else>>where $heshe stands--but he carries you onward, this time at a brisk pace so that your legs bounce slightly with each step, up, past the end of the open balcony and into a darker ascent.<</if>> Surely any deal struck with the kin of the air, however binding, is only as valid as you can remember; if this is only a nightmare, so much the better... but if you never wake up, then you will find a way to ascertain the necessary pieces of information to form a reasonable conclusion about what has happened to you. Perhaps this is the only path forward. Perhaps there is a path that doesn't involve... ...whatever this $kingqueen has <<link "planned." "creator 12">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

There is no way of knowing how long it truly takes to climb to the top of those stairs as you <<if $heshe is "she">>stumble ever upward, pausing to rest only once or twice and leaning ever more heavily upon $U's thin but unexpectedly sturdy shoulder as you ascend, always up and up, round a corner and up again,<<else>>sink ever deeper into $U's thin but unexpectedly relentless embrace, never pausing, always up and up, round a corner and up again,<</if>> occasional flashes of lightning revealing narrow arched windows and a mosaic pattern in the tiles of the steps which is somehow both geometric and elegant. You wonder how $U is navigating in the pitch-black while wearing a veil over $hisher eyes. $HisHer swishing movements seem calculated--no faltering steps, no hesitation. But after some time has passed you notice a shift in $hisher balance, as if $heshe is lingering longer on the right foot than the left. It's subtle, but enough change in the rhythm and sway of your ascent that you are conscious of it, even in this half-awareness. Just as you are beginning to despair of the journey ever ending, drifting in and out of a nightmarish uncertainty, a <<if $heshe is "she">>harsh<<else>>gutteral<</if>> command shudders through $U's chest and into yours--a language both sharp and grumbling, like lightning and thunder in one. The sudden sound and movement is alarming. Even more alarming are the two previously unseen figures which step forward from the arched alcoves. The sound of creaking wood makes you <<if $heshe is "she">>stand up<<else>>pull yourself up straighter<</if>>, fingers grasping at $U's collared necklace for balance. The elaborate passage you stand within is slowly illuminated as a single door swings open--the lavishly carved wooden frame is stained very dark against the pale stone. From beyond, a serene, periwinkle glow ebbs and @@filter:blur(0.1px);flows@@ @@filter:blur(0.3px);like@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);the@@ @@filter:blur(0.9px);wavelets@@ @@filter:blur(1px);of a@@ @@filter:blur(1.4px);lake...@@ You <<if $heshe is "she">>stumble forward,<<else>>brace yourself against $U's tunic,<</if>> ignoring $hisher inhale of annoyance, and together you enter the room. The enclosed space swirls with an aura of rain and florals. Soft scents. Not the spiced incense which clings to $U. It is welcoming, less intense. The source of that floral aroma blooms across the ceiling far above you: flowers which glow like little moons. A scattering of their lurid petals have fallen down to grace the floor, their dimmer light revealing a woven mat and a large square rug that trails into darkness. One of those luminescent petals drifts down before your face, and you reach out <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>with your bloodied hand<<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>with your tear-stained hand<<else>>with your shaking hand<</if>> to catch it. The feather-weight of it soothes your soul, and the glow responds to your touch, shining brighter. "Nightblooms," $U murmurs in response to an unasked question. "This is to be your sanctuary; for how many days, I cannot say. But you are safest here within these walls." Safe from what? you wish to ask, but your weary tongue refuses to oblige. "Rest until you are well enough to<<if $weighty is true>> carry your own weight." There is a wry resentment beneath the statement, which is followed by a gusting sigh.<<else>> walk again." The statement is followed by a resentful sigh.<</if>> Your next sensations are tactile and oddly grounding<<if $firstAnger or $firstFear is true>> in spite of everything<</if>>: rustling woven grasses and a soft, careful hand slipped beneath your head, laying you to rest with quiet precision. The fingers dance across your temple, <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none')>>a fleeting touch.<<else>>straightening a wisp of hair.<</if>> <<if $heshe is "she">>Her nails are unusually long, and cold when they graze your ear.<<else>>His nails are short and dulled, and cold when they graze your ear.<</if>> Your leaden limbs are unresponsive, but it prompts a gentle shiver. "Be at peace and awaken gently, my <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>fearless<<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>dewy-eyed<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>frail-minded<<else>><<if $firstFear is true>>timid<<elseif $firstAnger is true>>bitter<<else>>impressionable<</if>><</if>> $Ire..." You can no longer keep your eyes alert; they flutter shut as a darkness takes you. There are no vivid dreams in this abyssal plane. There is only the absence of memory, as your weary mind wanders to and fro through empty halls and eternity, searching for a friendly face, an outstretched hand, for something familiar in the weeping darkness. ⮞ <<link "You weep back to the darkness, despondant and forsaken." "creator 13">><<set $ch1.mem.push('dreamForsaken'), $weepingIre + 1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You rage against the darkness, determined to find your lost self." "creator 13">><<set $ch1.mem.push('dreamRage')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You wander listlessly, uncaring of the darkness around you." "creator 13">><<set $ch1.mem.push('dreamUncaring')>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "intro-ambient" fadeout>>\ <center>\ <<fadein 3s 1s>>\ <<fadeout 3s 4s>>\ But no one comes to find you. <</fadeout>>\ <</fadein>>\ </center>\ <<timed 8s>>\ <<goto "creator 13a">>\ <</timed>>\

<center>\ <<fadein 3s 1s>>\ <<fadeout 3s 4s>>\ You are alone. <</fadeout>>\ <</fadein>>\ </center>\ <<timed 8s>>\ <<goto "creator 13b">>\ <</timed>>\

<<timed 2s>> <<goto "creator 14">> <</timed>>

<<fadein 4s 2s>>\ A distant lament pulls you from your unhappy wanderings... an echoing voice. You open your <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>tear-crusted eyes<<else>>puffy eyes<</if>>, and are greeted by partial darkness and a bleary swirl of the blooming vines overhead. More soft light floats in from somewhere to your left, just enough to illuminate the domed ceiling and motes of dust. It all spins slowly above you as you gather your wits. Beneath the crawling vines, you detect a pattern laid into the stone, highlighted with touches of faded paint. It might be any colour under the glow of the nightblooms. <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>The combination of tears and mucous has dried on your face, just as disgusting as it was the previous night, if slightly stickier. <<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>You try to mumble a mild oath but nothing comes out... your voice is even more absent after a night of rough sleep. <<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>Your muscles are stiff and aching, as if you have spent days lying listless on the stone floor; for all you know, you did. <<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>Your face feels stretched and strained, the muscles around your mouth terribly sore from laughing, and your chest hurts when you breath in. <<else>><</if>>There is no peaceful moment of unremembrance; perhaps because your mind doesn't have much to hold onto, it has kept a firm grip on where you are and what little knowledge you do possess. A soft blanket rests across your chest and arms, a bit tangled now and pulled into a fierce embrace after your restless sleep--you certainly don't remember that being there when $U left you.<<if $i.break.includes('rage')>> You notice as you move your hand that it feels considerably bulkier than before... it is wrapped--neatly and tightly, though not so tight as to be painful--in a beige strip of cloth. The bandage smells herbal and woodsy, and, when you flex your knuckles, gives more easily than you would have expected.<</if>> <<link "Continue" "creator 14e">><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤ <</fadein>>\

<<audio "oud" play loop>>\ You <<if $bold gte 2 or $shy gte 2>>loosen your grasp and <</if>>attempt to sit up, every joint in your body popping in protest. "Ah--aaaoww..." It is then that you realize there is no distant voice, after all. The eerie lamentation is just the wind rushing past this... ...your... ...$hisher foreign domicile. <<if $i.issues.includes('indecisive')>>Is it really foreign to me? Maybe I don't remember this place. How can I know for sure? I can't decide what to do if I don't have all the information... but the $kingqueen won't tell me anything useful. Will $heshe? Your heart skips a beat. If $heshe won't, then I'll have to figure all of this out on my own somehow--<<elseif $i.issues.includes('abandonment')>>Is it really foreign to me? Maybe I don't remember this place. Maybe when that $kingqueen comes back I can ask--wait, what if $heshe never comes back? Your heart skips a beat. If $heshe doesn't, then I'll have to figure this out on my own somehow--and what if I need help before then? What if--?<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>Is it really foreign to me? Maybe I don't remember this place. How can I know for sure? Your heart skips a beat. I can't figure this out on my own... but the $kingqueen won't tell me anything useful. Will $heshe? If $heshe won't, then what am I going to do?<<else>>Is it really foreign to me? Maybe I don't remember this place. How can I know for sure? You take a deep breath to slow your heart rate. I can't decide what to do if I don't have all the information... but the $kingqueen won't tell me anything useful. Will $heshe? Well, if $heshe won't, then I'll have to figure this out on my own somehow--<</if>> Grimacing, you rub your eyes; what are you thinking? Freshly awakened and still half adrift is not the best moment for introspection; in fact, an opportune moment might not exist. Because how can anyone contemplate their life if there's nothing left to contemplate--? You take a deep breath, acknowledging that this is the same mental path you were just wandering down. Truly there might never be an opportune moment for //anything//, ever again... No--I can't think like that, either. You push the looming panic <<link "away." "creator 14a">><<randomSound>><</link>>

This time when you look around, with your <<if $i.issues.includes('self-assured')>>many swirling thoughts<<else>>inner doubts<</if>> firmly compartmentalized for 'later,' you manage to take in the sights a bit more efficiently. The room itself is built of the same stone as the balcony below; a warm, pale colour, even beneath the moonlight glow of the flowers. Like sand or dusty earth. It is smooth to the touch, but the walls and ceiling seem more textured, and there are places which appear to have been patched with a slightly darker material. But the most eye-catching feature of the tower are the painted carvings. You approach. They are depicting <<if $heshe is "she">>elegant<<else>>slender<</if>> figures in motion... most of those figures at odds with each other. Your fingers glide across the wall, some of the depictions incredibly brutal--disembowelings, beheadings, even one victor who appears to hold a bleeding heart in his hands--until at last you brush across a pair of elfin duelists locked in combat; one of these is wielding a blade, and the other is blocking their downward strike with a crooked staff which looks suspiciously familiar. Elegant crowns adorn both their heads in this rendering, one of curving silver with a serpent at the brow, and the other of spiked gold and hawkish wings. They remind you of the moon and sun... Two $kingsqueens. It sparks something within you, and you find yourself murmuring words, words that should be unknown to you, yet fly too readily to the tip of your tongue: //"Not one would rule the realm, but two, together, until their power waned."// An unimportant riddle, perhaps, or all that remains of a rhyme you once heard. It nags at you--the murmuring. Your eyes wander around the room, but your head feels thick, the carvings are curiously twined together, and you keep losing count right around one hundred. You remove your hand, brushing dust across your tunic, and stare <<if $i.break.includes('blank')>>blankly.<<else>>curiously.<</if>> This room--these carvings--the stone--it all seems very ancient. But that figure is $KingQueen $U. It must be. Is $heshe wearing a veil? You bend even closer, and find a tiny dot of paint which might resemble an eye; you think it might be yellow or orange, and blow it on faintly, clearing some dust away, but the view is no better. And the figure beside $himher... <<if $hero lte 4>>You gaze at it curiously, tipping your head and flattening your hand against the wall. The $brothersister. You have a hazy recollection that you are supposed to kill $himher. Both siblings are cowled and armoured with black hair flowing, $U's hair clearly done up in braids, the twin wearing $hishers long and loose. Red robes stream around $hisher form like water, tossed up by an unfelt wind. Lithe, but a little bit broader in the shoulders, you think, although it's difficult to tell. They appear nearly identical. Well, you think grimly, admiring the depiction. If your life is the price for mine... For that is what $U has done. Taken your life, without bloodshed.<<else>>You gaze at it curiously, tipping your head and flattening your hand against the wall. The $brothersister. You have a hazy recollection that you are supposed to kill $himher. <<if $hero gte 1>>The thought turns your stomach...<<elseif $antihero gte 1>>The thought intrigues you slightly...<<else>>You aren't entirely certain how to process that.<</if>> Both siblings are cowled and armoured with black hair flowing, $U's hair clearly done up in braids, the twin wearing $hishers long and loose. Red robes stream around $hisher form like water, tossed up by an unfelt wind. Lithe, but a little bit broader in the shoulders, you think... although it's difficult to tell. They appear nearly identical. There must be another way, you think grimly, admiring the depiction. If your life is the price for mine... what an extortionate payment. But that is what $U has done. Taken your life, without bloodshed.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Search the images, grimacing slightly as you move closer." "creator 14b">><<set $soft +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Inspect the images more closely, genuinely intrigued." "creator 14b">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Turn away from the sight." "creator 14c">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $ill is true>>A breathy, incredulous, and decidedly unamused laugh escapes you as your stomach twists. Ugh... So this is who you'll be working for. Probably best not to overthink that--$heshe clearly wanted you to see this, but you won't let it rattle you. <<if $soft > $blunt>>Then again, who are you trying to fool? You've never felt more rattled in your life. Probably. Not this again...<</if>><<elseif $eccentric is true>>So this is who you'll be working for. A bit peculiar, but you're feeling just a bit more grounded right now and you aren't going to overthink it--$heshe clearly wanted you to see this, so why let it rattle you? It's a display of power, or wealth, or... something.<<elseif $pathetic is true>>The level of ego that would be required to have these motifs immemorialized is laughable, and you consider pointing it out to $U the next time you see $hisher sallow face.<<elseif $tremble is true>>A sigh escapes you as you lower your hand, fingers still trembling. Ugh... So this is who you'll be working for. Probably best not to overthink that--$heshe clearly wanted you to see this, but you won't let it rattle you. <<if $soft > $blunt>>Then again, who are you trying to fool? You've never felt more rattled in your life. Probably. Not this again...<</if>><</if>> Even so, you can't help but wonder about the truth behind the images. Most of those wounds don't look survivable, to say the very least. Is it some kind of parable, $hisher twisted aspirations, or is there more here <<link "than meets the eye?" "creator 14c">><<randomSound>><</link>>

You glance back along the row of painted carvings which line each wall, and observe that all of the images appear similar. Not the manner of death--those are wildly different--but one figure is more often striking or defending with a staff or crook, while the other seems to favor bladed weapons. Upon closer inspection, they all have black hair, except where it is bound by hood or helm. Pacing along the wall, you trail your hand across each, again, fingers bumping over the indentations of those ancient depictions, dust falling away beneath your touch. Yellow eyes when visible. The same two warriors, dealing death to one another in an endless cycle of suffering. ⮞ <<link "If you weren't already feeling a bit ill, you definitely are now." "creator 14d">><<set $ill to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "What's it to you, beyond an eccentricity?" "creator 14d">><<set $eccentric to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You scoff. This screams self-obsession, and it's more than a little pathetic." "creator 14d">><<set $pathetic to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You lower your hand, trembling slightly; this... isn't healthy." "creator 14d">><<set $tremble to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if hasVisited("creator 14d")>>But such thoughts can also be pondered in the ever-elusive hour of 'later.' <</if>>A tall, narrow window which rises into an ornate arch peers out across an unknown landscape, a mist of daylight lofting through, but there is no direct sunshine spilling into the room to throw shadowy patterns of the floral stone latticework across the tower walls. It covers the entire window, barring any attempt at clambering outside. The nightblooms have shed a few more of their glowing petals upon <<if $bold gte 2 or $shy gte 2>>the green cloth of the soft, tasselled blanket which covered you.<<else>>the mosaic of stone tiles on the floor.<</if>> Beneath the sprawling, grass-woven mat whereupon you sought your repose, soft enough provide some cushion from the ground, is a large rug stitched with patterns that--although not glyphic in nature--seem to rhyme with the designs etched into the goblet and the staff. It is not a small room, by your estimation. You have nothing to compare it to beyond the balcony and an abstract impression that it is bigger than what you were used to... @@filter:blur(0.8px);before.@@ In the corner is a small carved table with intricate latticework around the circular edges, upon which sits a simple basin and modest mirror. Beside the table stand several vases of glazed clay, inlaid not with glyphs but elegant, spiraling designs which are both abstract and mesmerizing; just as you think you've found the end of the pattern on the tallest vase, it pulls you into another wave, and you lose yourself for a few moments in following the paths within the pottery. One of these holds an assortment of dried grasses and flowers and //interesting//-looking branches--you aren't certain if it's the angular shapes or the fact that they are all dead which lend a menacing air to the arrangement--and the others appear to be empty. You suspect this to be a rather spiritless attempt at making the space cosy or welcoming. When you glance down, you catch sight of a wooden object <<if $bold gte 2 or $shy gte 2>>partly hidden beneath the blanket, and pull it free:<<else>>sitting nearby:<</if>> a platter of what at first you think might be meat of some kind from the deep orange-red colour of it, until you look closer and notice that it's a sweet-smelling citrus fruit, vibrant and glistening and very neatly arranged. A whole fish, seared in its scales, features in the center of the tray, garnished with a hearty sprig of green herbs that smell like... You squint, putting a finger to your temple. ...dillweed, and maybe thyme? ⮞ <<link "Your mouth waters at the sight and scent of it--baked to perfection with a hint of garlic and herbs." "creator 14f">><<set $i.vegan to false>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You feel slightly nauseated as you stare into its black eyes, and resolve not to eat it--at least the fruit doesn't look back at you." "creator 14f">><<set $i.vegan to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

There is also a corked flask of clear glass which appears to hold water--not that you trust any substance proffered by the kin of the air to be all that it appears.<<if $i.quirk.includes('foodie')>> At first, you are strangely moved by the sight and scent of something edible; but the more you stare at it, the more unsettled you become. You aren't sure exactly //what// it is that you find so off-putting, but there is a meticulous exactness to the way it's been arranged. Lifeless--like the dead branches in the vase. Your fingers twitch toward a slice of fruit, nudging it slightly out of place. You can't help but think that you would have presented it somewhat differently--half the joy of a good meal is found in the very first glance. Or... something like that. You wince, rubbing at your eye as a dull ache starts behind it. //Wait. What's that?//<</if>> Frowning, you free a slip of folded brown paper tucked under the flask. A note... As you pull it open, another page flutters free, folded even smaller--but the writing on the brown paper has caught your attention. Instead of arcane glyphs, it is written in letters that you can understand<<if $i.eyesight.includes('farsighted')>>. You hold the paper closer, but as you do, your vision swims and everything is unclear for a moment. The letters are out of focus... Surprised, you hold up your hand in front of your face--but even your fingers are slightly blurred. You blink several times and your vision clarifies, unfocusing several more times as you hold the paper near and then further away. At last it seems to settle into your former clearsightedness, and you rub your eyes wearily. You must be more tired than you thought.<<else>>:<</if>> <center>\ ''$KingQueen $U of the Arid Plains sends $hisher greetings to $hisher $Ire, along with $hisher regrets if last night's meeting was unpleasant. <<if $i.break.includes('cry') or $i.break.includes('scream')>>The responsibility for some part of this oversight rests with $hisher indiscretions.<</if>> <<if $uMaster is true>>Your demonstration of compliance was unexpected, and it is no small matter to kneel before the ruler of a foreign realm. You are, however, here, for the present at least. Consider it a single step toward your greater purpose.<<elseif $uEnamoured is true>>Your display of incompetence was unexpected, but appreciated; it is important to know what challenges lie ahead and the act of falling prone at the feet of a $kingqueen is seldom unwelcome. Doubtless it was disorienting to awaken in such a manner. You are, however, here, and it remains to be seen what can be made of you.<<elseif $uRival is true>>Your demonstration of defiance was unexpected, but appreciated; and it is no small matter to kneel before the ruler of a foreign realm. You are, however, oath-bound to the will of your $kingqueen, for the present at least. Consider this as the world begins to turn upon a plan which would not be possible without you. Consider also that you are not irreplaceable.<<elseif $uRespect is true>>Your demonstration of compliance was unexpected, and it is no small matter to kneel before the ruler of a foreign realm. You are, however, here, and it remains to be seen what can be made of you. Consider this first meeting a single step toward a greater purpose which would not be possible without you.<<else>>Your display of deference was unexpected, but appreciated; although if one did not know better, it could be seen as reluctance. It was doubtless disorienting to awaken in such a manner. You are, however, here, and it remains to be seen what can be made of you.<</if>> Enclosed is the contract you agreed upon. Several copies have been made and magic is binding, so do not bother attempting to dispose of it. Inspect it to your satisfaction, but keep in mind that whatever your protests, it is impossible to change your path now. Fate is an unforgiving master, to which even the great $kingsqueens of eld were beholden. There is much to be discussed, but //most// importantly, a //basin of spring water// and //several clean cloths// have been provided; your host wishes you to //cleanse your body regularly//. <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>Do note that if you break this mirror, it will not be replaced.<</if>> This food is pure, and the $kingqueen is uninterested in the effort required to find another mortal if you starve yourself. Eat.'' </center>\ The only inconsistency is a small ink blot at the end of the word which precedes 'unpleasant,' as if $heshe was uncertain of how to describe your confrontation: either this note is from $U $himself, or $heshe took $hisher time dictating it to someone else. You unfold the other paper and find a very neatly drawn-up contract detailing your various obligations as a "retainer of the $kingqueen," which notably includes refraining from lifting a hand to $U or $hisher subjects with intent to cause harm. Notable, because it is the first item of interest. Unlike the letter, this is phrased as if $U $himself is speaking to you. When you compare the handwriting, it is slightly different. Oddly, less polished and professional, yet somehow more //intentional//. Marks which seem erratic and spidery at first glance are, upon closer inspection, almost threatening in their rigid sameness--a quick and efficient hand. You are apparently 'subject to the laws of the realm,' which $U is careful to note means that while you do owe your 'immortality' to the $kingqueen, $heshe is sworn to look after your best interests. The language used is //dubious//, at best--especially given the rest of the contract, and <<if $i.quirk.includes('airhead')>>while you do entertain the lovely delusion for a moment that this makes you //more// important than the rest of $hisher subjects, it would be unwise to assume<<else>>you have no delusions<</if>> that $hisher loyalty is to $hisher own kin first. //Why else would $heshe pull you away from yours?// <<if $agreeable > $acerbic>>mourns a soft voice<<else>>mocks a bitter voice<</if>> in the back of your mind. It ends with a glyphic symbol which looks a bit like a serpent--you assume this is $hisher seal or signature. And at the bottom, in a different hand, someone else has written: //$IRE// Leaning closer, you trace it with your finger. The print feels chillingly familiar. You <<if $i.break.includes('blank') or $i.break.includes('cry')>>blearily<<else>>quietly<</if>> read both articles several times, <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>forehead knotting, <</if>>searching for any hidden context. No mention of when you might next see $himher, which is far from reassuring. The second signature does appear to be your handwriting--you wish it was your old name, instead, but of course $U wouldn't make it so easy to reclaim your lost identity. ⮞ <<link "Very seriously consider starving yourself to spite $himher, though your ravenous hunger wins out in the end." "creator 15">><<set $resentfuleat to true, $eat to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Decide to at least try some of the fruit, and poke at it curiously." "creator 15">><<set $eat to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Push the platter away; you aren't hungry." "creator 15">><<set $starve to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $starve is true>>You pick up one of the fruit slices, holding it under your nose; it smells sweet, almost sickly so, but there's nothing quite so cloying or alarming as the taste of the drink or the scent of the cloth from which you inhaled. Still, it isn't enough to tempt your listless appetite... Besides, you are fairly certain @@filter:blur(0.1px);you've@@ @@filter:blur(0.2px);never@@ @@filter:blur(0.4px);seen@@ @@filter:blur(0.6px);one of@@ @@filter:blur(0.9px);these,@@ @@filter:blur(1.4px);let alone@@ @@filter:blur(1.6px);held@@ @@filter:blur(1.4px);one, let@@ @@filter:blur(0.9px);alone eaten@@ @@filter:blur(0.6px);one... what@@ @@filter:blur(0.5);if it gives@@ @@filter:blur(0.3px);you@@ a rash or something? You set it aside and resolve not to eat it; perhaps if you ask politely you can prepare your own meal next time. Of course, there is no knowing when your self-important benefactor will return. Currently, the thought of seeing $himher again...<<elseif $eat is true>><<if $resentfuleat is true>>You crumple the note in your hand and toss it aside; for more or less an hour you glower down at the platter, listening to your stomach complain and curling your lip at the preciously arranged fruit. It's starting to smell very good, however... Damn it.<</if>> You pick up one of the fruit slices, holding it under your nose; it smells sweet, almost sickly so, but there's nothing quite so cloying or alarming as the taste of the drink or the scent of the cloth from which you inhaled. You are fairly certain @@filter:blur(0.1px);you've@@ @@filter:blur(0.2px);never@@ @@filter:blur(0.4px);seen@@ @@filter:blur(0.6px);one of@@ @@filter:blur(0.9px);these,@@ @@filter:blur(1.4px);let alone@@ @@filter:blur(1.6px);held@@ @@filter:blur(1.4px);one, let@@ @@filter:blur(0.9px);alone eaten@@ @@filter:blur(0.6px);one... what@@ @@filter:blur(0.5);if it gives@@ @@filter:blur(0.3px);you@@ a rash or something? An experimental bite proves its sticky sweetness, juice running down your face, and your stomach growls for more before you have even swallowed it. You wipe your face with the sleeve of your tunic and shove the rest of it into your mouth, quickly eating everything else on the platter<<if $i.vegan is true>>--except the fish. After a moment of thought, you wrinkle your nose and pick the fresh herbs off of it. They smell delicious and you are //very// hungry.<<else>>.<</if>> Thirsty, you uncork the bottle and give that a sniff, too. It smells... good, in a way, but also plain. Like nothing. Exactly the way water should smell. You sip from this, although more slowly, until your thirst is quenched, and replace the cork to keep it from evaporating--after all, who knows when your self-important benefactor will return? Currently, the thought of seeing $himher again...<</if>> ⮞ <<link "...is abhorrent. You want nothing to do with $U, and you aren't about to hide your disaste for the fey $kingqueen. $alert_label" "creator 15a">><<set $intentionsClear1 to true>><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Whatever your thoughts on this morbid task, you hope--regardless of the outcome--you can find a friend, or at the very least an ally, in $U. $alert_label" "creator 15a">><<set $intentionsTrueFriend1 to true>><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You have no personal interest in $U, but tricking $himher into thinking of you as a friend and ally could work to your advantage... especially when you're far from confident in $hisher true intentions. $alert_label" "creator 15a">><<set $intentionsFalseFriend1 to true>><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "One better? Tricking $U into believing that you //love// $himher. $HeShe doesn't seem to be the trusting type, but at the very least, it could be amusing--and it might even keep you alive. $alert_label" "creator 15a">><<set $intentionsFalseLover1 to true>><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Any rational thoughts you might have had about $U and $hisher true intentions are paralyzed by the lingering scents of smoke and incense on your tunic: it makes your heart pound rather erratically. $flirt_label $alert_label" "creator 15a">><<set $intentionsTrueLover1 to true>><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "No. Whatever life you had before is gone forever: $U demands your loyalty, and $heshe clearly has a plan in place. Maybe... committing yourself wholly to $hisher cause will save your sanity, if nothing else can. $alert_label" "creator 15a">><<set $intentionsDevoted1 to true, $dishonourRoll - 1>><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>>

<<if $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>>All of your feelings have been swirling together like a muddied river since you awakened, but here in the cool dark of the desert tower, everything is clearer than before. It's a foolish notion. It could end with you sitting lifeless beside your own severed head. But if you can manage it, wouldn't it be so very satisfying? //You stole my mind, I'll steal your heart.// "Eye for an eye," you <<if $soft > $blunt and $agreeable > $acerbic>>whisper<<elseif $blunt > $soft and $agreeable > $acerbic>>grunt<<elseif $blunt > $soft and $acerbic > $agreeable>>taunt<<else>>sing<</if>> under your breath. You don't know where you heard that, and the headache which threatens to overwhelm you as you pinch your brows in thought does nothing but affirm your distrust. $HeShe did this to you... erased you... and maybe it would be safer not to conceal your true feelings. But you can't leave your fate to a fey $kingqueen. Your heart beats faster as you think of the tiny scar on $hisher upper lip, the blemish on $hisher finger. If $heshe can be hurt--and $hisher $brothersister can be killed--maybe you can end $U's perfect life one day, too. Or, at the very least, reclaim your own. You decide to live--in part--for that day, even if it never comes.<<elseif $intentionsClear1 is true>>All of your feelings have been swirling together like a muddied river since you awakened, but here in the cool dark of the desert tower, everything is clearer than before. It's a foolish notion--defiance in the face of something deathless, and you a mere mortal, going against the $kingqueen of $hisher kin, no less. It could end with you sitting lifeless beside your own severed head. $HeShe can force your head to bow, but your heart, your mind--those things remain your own. What you can do, you will. "Eye for an eye," you <<if $soft > $blunt and $agreeable > $acerbic>>whisper<<elseif $blunt > $soft and $agreeable > $acerbic>>grunt<<elseif $blunt > $soft and $acerbic > $agreeable>>taunt<<else>>sing<</if>> under your breath. You don't know where you heard that, and the headache which threatens to overwhelm you as you pinch your brows in thought does nothing but affirm your disgust. $HeShe did this to you... erased you... and maybe it would be safer to conceal your hatred. But you can't. Your heart beats faster as you think of the tiny scar on $hisher upper lip, the blemish on $hisher finger. If $heshe can be hurt--and $hisher $brothersister can be killed--maybe you can end $U's perfect life one day, too. Or, at the very least, reclaim your own. You decide to live--in part--for that day, even if it never comes.<<elseif $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true>>All of your feelings have been swirling together like a muddied river since you awakened, but here in the cool dark of the desert tower, everything is clearer than before. It's a foolish notion--to lie, to put out your hand in vain for the trust of something deathless, and you a mere mortal. Deceiving a $kingqueen of $hisher kin, no less. It could end with you sitting lifeless beside your own severed head. "Eye for an eye," you <<if $soft > $blunt and $agreeable > $acerbic>>whisper<<elseif $blunt > $soft and $agreeable > $acerbic>>grunt<<elseif $blunt > $soft and $acerbic > $agreeable>>taunt<<else>>sing<</if>> under your breath. You don't know where you heard that, and the headache which threatens to overwhelm you as you pinch your brows in thought does nothing but affirm your distrust. $HeShe did this to you... erased you... and maybe it would be safer not to conceal your true feelings. But you can't leave your fate to a fey $kingqueen. Your heart beats faster as you think of the tiny scar on $hisher upper lip, the blemish on $hisher finger. If $heshe can be hurt--and $hisher $brothersister can be killed--maybe you can end $U's perfect life one day, too. Or, at the very least, reclaim your own. You decide to live--in part--for that day, even if it never comes.<<elseif $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true>>All of your feelings have been swirling together like a muddied river since you awakened, but here in the cool dark of the desert tower, everything is clearer than before. It's a foolish notion--to put out your hand in vain for the trust of something deathless--a $kingqueen of $hisher kin, no less--and you a mere mortal. It could end with you sitting lifeless beside your own severed head. "I might be a fool," you <<if $soft > $blunt and $agreeable > $acerbic>>whisper<<elseif $blunt > $soft and $agreeable > $acerbic>>grunt<<elseif $blunt > $soft and $acerbic > $agreeable>>taunt<<else>>sing<</if>> under your breath. Because you can't help but stick out your neck anyway. You have a feeling... //Have I always been like that?// The headache which threatens to overwhelm you as you pinch your brows in thought does nothing but affirm your own decision. $HeShe did this to you... erased you... and maybe it would be safer to keep your distance. But you can't. $HeShe is all you have... for now.<<elseif $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>All of your feelings have been swirling together like a muddied river since you awakened, but here in the cool dark of the desert tower, everything is clearer than before. It's a foolish notion--to put aside your doubts for the devotion of something deathless--a $kingqueen of $hisher kin, no less--and you a mere mortal. It could end with you sitting lifeless beside your own severed head. Yet still you incline it gently, closing your eyes, and silently pledge yourself to $hisher cause. "I might be a fool," you <<if $soft > $blunt and $agreeable > $acerbic>>whisper<<elseif $blunt > $soft and $agreeable > $acerbic>>grunt<<elseif $blunt > $soft and $acerbic > $agreeable>>taunt<<else>>sing<</if>> under your breath. Because you can't help but make that silent vow. //Have I always been like this?// The headache which threatens to overwhelm you as you pinch your brows in thought does nothing but affirm your own decision. $HeShe did this to you... erased you... and maybe it would be safer to keep your distance. To distrust. To doubt. But you can't. $HeShe is all you have... for now.<<else>>All of your feelings have been swirling together like a muddied river since you awakened, but here in the cool dark of the desert tower, everything is clearer than before. It's a foolish notion. It could end with you sitting lifeless beside your own severed head. //You stole my mind, I'll steal your heart.// You don't know where you heard the phrase 'steal your heart,' but the headache which threatens to overwhelm you as you pinch your brows in thought does nothing but affirm your infatuation. Your heart beats faster as you think of the tiny scar on $hisher upper lip, the blemish on $hisher finger. $HeShe might not be mortal, but $heshe can be hurt. Maybe there is something you can offer $U after all--$heshe did this to you... erased you... and maybe it would be safer to keep your distance. But you won't. More than that, you //can't//. $HeShe is all you have... for now.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Dread buzzes in your head at the thought of $U's return." "creator 16">><<set $dread to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Maybe you can finally get some answers." "creator 16">><<set $answers to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "A sense of anticipation brings a flush to your face. $flirt_label" "creator 16">><<set $flush to true, $shy +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You suddenly realize how badly you want it--to see $himher again." "creator 16">><<set $youwantit to true, $bold +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>⮞ <<link "Breaking the mirror was a reflex; breaking $hisher face will be calculated." "creator 16">><<set $breakmirror to true, $revenge +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "Your fists clench as tightly as the core of your essence, brow furrowing, jaw working." "creator 16">><<set $breakmirror to true, $revenge +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<if $breakmirror is true>>Whatever your feelings, $KingQueen $U will receive what $heshe is owed... oh yes, you'll make sure of that. It just might not be what $heshe expects from you. The thought eases some of the tension around your ribs, but your fingers and your jaw knot tighter and tighter.<<elseif $answers is true>>Maybe when $heshe deigns to reappear, you'll finally get some answers--whatever your feelings, your new "$kingqueen" will find you more of a nuisance than $heshe expected if you're going to be persuaded to uphold your end of the deal. Not that you have much of a choice, it seems... thanks to a self you have forgotten.<<elseif $dread is true>>Maybe your new "$kingqueen" will never reappear, and you'll never have to uphold your end of the deal. Not that you have much of a choice, it seems... thanks to a self you have forgotten. Whatever your feelings, this haunts you.<<elseif $flush is true>><<if $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>Sitting here in the soft light with the remnant fatigue of your headache, your thoughts clear enough to wonder how much of that magnetic pull was $U's essence as kin of the air, a being of magic and breath, and how much was... ...real. More importantly, what is under that veil? Maybe it's simple curiosity, or maybe it's loneliness, but... how desperate would it sound if you asked $U to touch you again? You already miss the feeling of <<if $heshe is "she">>$hisher arm around you<<else>>$hisher arms around you<</if>>, <<if $heshe is "she">>guiding your footsteps, pulling you in when you faltered.<<else>>cradling you softly, as if you were a thing both precious and breakable.<</if>> You know it was an embrace of necessity, and meant nothing to $himher. You know you shouldn't want it to, after everything. But you do.<<else>>Sitting here in the soft light with the remnant fatigue of your headache, your thoughts clear enough to wonder how much of that magnetic pull was $U's essence as kin of the air, a being of magic and breath. More importantly, what is under that veil? How desperate would it sound if you asked $U to touch you again? $HeShe might think it simple curiosity, or maybe loneliness... but so much of what happened that first night is a blur to you now. You wrinkle your nose, remembering the feeling of $hisher arms around you, <<if $heshe is "she">>guiding your footsteps, pulling you in when you faltered.<<else>>cradling you softly, as if you were a thing both precious and breakable.<</if>> You know it was an embrace of necessity, and meant nothing to $himher. But that--the meaning of a touch--can always change.<</if>><<else>><<if $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true>>Sitting here in the soft light with the remnant fatigue of your headache, your thoughts clear enough to wonder how much of that magnetic pull was $U's essence as kin of the air, a being of magic and breath, and how much was... ...real. More importantly, what is under that veil? Maybe it's simple curiosity, or maybe it's loneliness, but... you already miss the feeling of $hisher arms around you, <<if $heshe is "she">>guiding your footsteps, pulling you in when you faltered.<<else>>cradling you softly, as if you were a thing both precious and breakable.<</if>> You know it was an embrace of necessity: hardly an offering of friendship or even a token of goodwill. You know you shouldn't want it to mean anything, after everything. But that--the meaning of a touch--can always change. Even if it seems far out of reach.<<else>>Sitting here in the soft light with the remnant fatigue of your headache, your thoughts clear enough to wonder how much of that magnetic pull was $U's essence as kin of the air, a being of magic and breath. More importantly, what is under that veil? How desperate would it sound if you asked $U to touch you again? $HeShe might think it simple curiosity, or maybe loneliness... but so much of what happened that first night is a blur to you now. You wrinkle your nose, remembering the feeling of $hisher arms around you, <<if $heshe is "she">>guiding your footsteps, pulling you in when you faltered.<<else>>cradling you softly, as if you were a thing both precious and breakable.<</if>> You know it was an embrace of necessity: hardly an offering of friendship or even a token of goodwill. You know you shouldn't want it to mean anything, after everything. But that--the meaning of a touch--can always change.<</if>><</if>> Your thoughts trail into silence as the wind continues to whoop and howl softly, lulling you into an unconscious meditation. For a long while you sit, and try not to think... because every time your thoughts turn toward the life you left behind, the bleariness returns to the edges of your vision, and a dull ache forms beneath your brows, frighting you away from further contemplation. At last, you acknowledge the circular table in the corner--fashioned of a wood that might be nearly crimson in colour. A matching stool and tasselled cushion sits beside it. Are you expected to admire yourself in the circular confines of the mirror perched there? Perhaps //someone// had, some time ago. The table is in the darkest corner of the room, furthest from the window and out of the glow of the nightblooms, but a tiny vessel sits beside the gleaming reflection; you rise to <<link "investigate." "creator 16b">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "ceramic" play>>\ @@filter:blur(0.9px);It's...@@ @@filter:blur(1.4px);an...@@ @@filter:blur(1.8px);oil@@ @@filter:blur(2px);lamp...@@ You flinch, shaking off the discomfort, and touch its smooth surface. It's glazed like the tall vases along the wall, but something about the design feels much more intricate. Delicate. You wonder who fashioned it as your fingertip glides over the gentle braising in the surface, and you note the oil-soaked wick near the pinch of the lamp, unburnt and clearly meant to be lit. Your eyes quickly fall upon something that @@filter:blur(0.5px);looks@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);a bit@@ @@filter:blur(0.9px);like a...@@ Don't think--headache. Move. Intuit. Learn. If you learn everything forbidden all over again, the spell--curse--whatever the hell you drank--it can't attack you for that, right? Sighing, you retrieve a long, whittled twig from the table and stare at the blackened end of it; you are fairly certain you've never seen anything quite like this before, but when you take a deep breath it smells a bit sulfurous. There are glyphs carved into the surface of this, too, or at least you think so. They are hidden away in an etching of intricate scrollwork. You squint, suspicious; the kin of the air are a people closely acquainted with magic, after all. Now, how to light it? ⮞ <<link "Blow softly on the burnt end." "creator 16c">><<set $firesoftly to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Strike it aggressively against the table." "creator 16c">><<set $firestrike to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Whisper, “Catch fire, please.”" "creator 16c">><<set $firewhisper to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stare at it with all your might." "creator 16c">><<set $firestare to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "match" play>>\ You aren't really expecting anything to happen when you <<if $firesoftly is true>>bring it to your lips and blow across the charred surface, so the gout of flame which bursts into being sends you reeling backwards.<<elseif $firestrike is true>>smack the charred surface against the edge of the table, so the gout of flame which bursts into being sends you reeling backwards.<<elseif $firewhisper is true>>hold it aloft and politely whisper, "Catch fire, please," to the charred surface, so the gout of flame which bursts into being sends you reeling backwards.<<else>>focus the intensity of your gaze toward the charred surface, so the gout of flame which bursts into being sends you reeling backwards.<</if>> Your grip loosens and you... ⮞ <<link "Make a quick recovery—barely." "creator 16d">><<set $recovery to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Fumble and drop the flame." "creator 16d">><<set $clumsy to $clumsy + 1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $recovery is true>>You can thank your apparently lightning-fast reflexes as you drop the twig to avoid burning your fingers and then somehow snatch it out of the air with your other hand, a bit further from the flame.<<else>>You drop the twig with a hiss of pain as the flame scorches your fingers. It falls exactly where your bare foot was only moments ago, before you hopped backward. Fortunately the rug does not extend to the mirror and table, so when you dart down and snatch it from the stone, a bit of ash powders the floor but it seems otherwise unharmed.<</if>> "Bold of you, giving your '$Ire' reason //and// means to burn it all down," you can't help huffing under your breath<<if $breakmirror is true>>. Before long, you find yourself actually squinting at the idea--it's quite possibly the worst you've had so far, but there's something undeniably appealing about it<</if>>. When you hold it to the wick, the lamp blooms brightly, and a flickering light dances across your face, revealing... you, again. This time in more refined detail than the distant torches of the balcony. A few items nearby catch <<link "your wandering eye." "gift from u">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $recovery>>\

Beside the basin--which is half-full of clear water--there is a flat roundish object, wrapped neatly in a soft, plain fabric that you can only guess is meant to be used for washing up, or drying your face after. When you shake the cloth, a bar of what must be scented soap falls into your palm: it has a scummy texture and the faint aroma of something herbal and citrusy. Near the soap and cloth sits a small porcelain bottle which appears to hold an oil or liquid when you pick it up and tilt it slightly. <<if !$i.piercings.includes('none')>>A drawstring bag is tucked against the bottle, detailed with tassels and a geometric pattern that captures your eye.<</if>><<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none') and !$i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>> A wooden comb rests nearby, shaped like half a moon.<<elseif !$i.hair.facial.includes('none')>> A wooden comb rests nearby, shaped like half a moon, alongside a small metal box engraved with the likeness of a horned beetle.<</if>> And tucked beneath this, another folded paper.<<if !$i.piercings.includes('none')>> You tip the bag upside-down over your hand, shaking it slightly, <<if $i.piercings.includes('ears')>>and two silver pieces settle in your palm: earrings.<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('septum')>>and a small silver hoop settles in your palm: a septum ring.<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('nose')>>and a few small silver hoops settle in your palm: nose rings.<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('lip')>>and a few small silver hoops settle in your palm: lip rings.<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('ears and septum')>>and a few small silver pieces settle in your palm, including a septum ring and a pair of simple earrings.<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('many')>>and a jumble of small silver pieces tumble into your palm, some of them spilling onto the table with a clatter. The design is simple, but familiar to you: nose rings, earrings, all manner of hoops and bars.<<else>><</if>><</if>><<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>> A pair of round wooden spools rest nearby, stained a rich, dark colour, so dark it appears almost black in the lamplight light, with an inlay that might be bone or antler. You touch them cautiously--and then glance into the mirror. They would fit nicely into your empty earlobes.<</if>> The note, upon unfolding, looks like a page from an accountant's book or a brief list of errands. ''//Common Soap//--for cleanliness, olive and ash, with lemon peel //Linen Cloth//--for the washing of your face and body //Talon File//--for the care and cleaning of your nails //Lufa//--a vine-ripened gourd from my gardens, for exfoliation, dry or dampened //Olive Oil//--with honey, nourishing to the body,'' <<if $i.hair.facial.includes('shaven')>>''soothing after a shave''<<else>>''gentle enough for daily use''<</if>><<if !$i.hair.facial.includes('none')>> ''//Boxwood Razor//--copper blade, enchanted for your protection //Balm//--to tame your beard, if desired''<<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none') or $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>> ''//Rosewood Comb//--for like purpose''<</if>><</if>><<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none')>><<if $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>> ''//Hair Beads//--rosewood, to be used or set aside at your own discretion''<<elseif $i.hair.texture.includes('kinky') or $i.hair.texture.includes('curly')>> ''//Rosewood Comb//--wide teeth, to manage your hair''<<if $i.hair.Length.includes('shorn') or $i.hair.Length.includes('short')>>'', short though it is at present''<</if>><<else>> ''//Rosewood Comb//--fine teeth, to manage your hair''<<if $i.hair.Length.includes('shorn')>>'', short though it is at present''<</if>><</if>><</if>><<if !$i.piercings.includes('none')>> ''//Silver Pieces//--made to your measurements''<</if>><<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>> ''//Ear Spools//--patterned after those you once wore''<</if>> You turn it over, and see more of the same efficient handwriting on the back. ''Much has been taken from you in the recent past<<if !$i.piercings.includes('none') or !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>, including your adornments; my kin do not wear such things, but it was not difficult for me to order them crafted<</if>>. <<if !$i.hair.facial.includes('none') and !$i.hair.facial.includes('shaven')>><<if !$i.piercings.includes('none') or !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>Neither do we<<else>>My kin do not<</if>> grow hair on our faces, but <<else>><</if>>I hope the implements provided are of use. All relics of your nameless life were burnt to ashes upon your arrival, so do not ask after your belongings. Nothing on this list is a replacement, for some items cannot be replaced. And I would not have you to consider this a gift. Rather, these offerings are necessaries which will improve the quality of your waking hours and were prepared for you accordingly.'' To 'improve the quality of your waking hours'? Why does that sound patronizing? $HeShe is giving you... what, //enrichment?// Maybe $heshe doesn't want you to become unsightly from lack of care. Or is it to keep you from faltering into an even bleaker mental state? So you don't try to run, or cause a fuss? And yet, $heshe did think of you in some capacity. That much is clear, at least. ⮞ <<link "You crumple the note--this only makes you angry." "gift reaction">><<set $giftAngry to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "An ineffable sadness creeps over you, eyes pricking." "gift reaction">><<set $giftSad to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You know it shouldn't matter--shouldn't mean anything--but the tight ache around your heart eases slightly." "gift reaction">><<set $giftHappy to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Overwhelm. Is it anger, or joy? Would you even know the difference anymore?" "gift reaction">><<set $giftOverwhelmed to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You don't care." "gift reaction">><<set $giftDontCare to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<unset $r1>>\ <<if $giftSad is true>>You've only known yourself for a matter of hours. Hardly even a full day. Most of it spent unconscious, or barely aware of your surroundings. But the loneliness you feel--for a time, a place, a purpose that you've lost--it's almost unbearable. Made even worse by these strange notes left behind by an unseen host. Is it even //possible// they were meant to give you some measure of solace, after everything, or did $heshe know it would sting your weary heart in such a way? You are truly bewildered. Everything is bewildering, except for the isolation. Abandoned. Directionless. Adrift, out of time, out of sight, out of mind. Lonely... for something you can't even remember? How are you supposed to make sense of that? You grip the <<if !$i.piercings.includes('none') or !$i.gauge.includes('none')>><<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>wooden<<else>>tiny silver<</if>> adornments in the palm of your hand<<elseif !$i.hair.Length.includes('none')>><<if $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>>wooden beads in the palm of your hand<<else>>moon-shaped comb in one hand<</if>><<else>>elegant porcelain bottle in one hand<</if>>, tears welling in the corners of your eyes. <<if $blunt > $soft>>That makes about as much sense as anything else that's happened to you in the past few days. <</if>>Everything smears together and you sniff slightly, wiping the back of your other wrist across your face. <<if $blunt > $soft>>Ridiculous.<<else>>One tear slips free, as if to spite you.<</if>><<elseif $giftHappy is true>>You've only known yourself for a matter of hours. Hardly even a full day. Most of it spent unconscious, or barely aware of your surroundings. But the loneliness you feel--for a time, a place, a purpose that you've lost--it's almost unbearable. Maybe that's why these strange notes left behind by an unseen host spark some warmth in your chest. Is it even //possible// they were meant to give you some measure of solace, after everything, or was $heshe unaware that it would sting your weary heart in such a way? You are truly bewildered. Everything is bewildering, except for the isolation. Adrift, out of time, out of sight, out of mind. Lonely... for something you can't even remember? How are you supposed to make sense of that? And yet... You grip the <<if !$i.piercings.includes('none') or !$i.gauge.includes('none')>><<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>wooden<<else>>tiny silver<</if>> adornments in the palm of your hand<<else>><<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none')>><<if $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>>wooden beads in the palm of your hand<<else>>moon-shaped comb in one hand<</if>><<else>>elegant porcelain bottle in one hand<</if>><</if>>, tears welling in the corners of your eyes. <<if $blunt > $soft>>That makes about as much sense as anything else that's happened to you in the past few days. <</if>>Everything smears together and you sniff slightly, wiping the back of your other wrist across your face. <<if $blunt > $soft>>Ridiculous.<<else>>One tear slips free, as if to spite you.<</if>> You press the not-gift against your chest for a brief moment. $HeShe didn't have to. But $heshe did.<<elseif $giftOverwhelmed is true>>You've only known yourself for a matter of hours. Hardly even a full day. Most of it spent unconscious, or barely aware of your surroundings. But the loneliness you feel--for a time, a place, a purpose that you've lost--it's almost unbearable. Made even more confusing by these strange notes left behind by an unseen host. Is it even //possible// they were meant to give you some measure of solace, after everything, or did $heshe know it would sting your weary heart in such a way? You are truly bewildered. Everything is bewildering, except for the isolation. Abandoned. Directionless. Adrift, out of time, out of sight, out of mind. Lonely... for something you can't even remember? How are you supposed to make sense of that? You grip the <<if !$i.piercings.includes('none') or !$i.gauge.includes('none')>><<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>wooden<<else>>tiny silver<</if>> adornments in the palm of your hand<<else>><<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none')>><<if $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>>wooden beads in the palm of your hand<<else>>moon-shaped comb in one hand<</if>><<else>>elegant porcelain bottle in one hand<</if>><</if>>, feeling //choked.// Everything smears together and you open your mouth to speak, as if that would help solidify your thoughts, although no one is present to hear them. Nothing comes out but a <<if $soft > $blunt>>gentle<<else>>rough<</if>> sigh.<<elseif $giftAngry is true>>Warmth rushes to your face and your left eye twitches slightly. You've only known yourself for a matter of hours. Hardly even a full day. Most of it spent unconscious, or barely aware of your surroundings. But the loneliness you feel--for a time, a place, a purpose that you've lost--it's too much. Made even more infuriating by these strange notes left behind by an unseen host. Is it even //possible// they were meant to give you some measure of solace, after everything, or did $heshe know it would sting your weary heart in such a way? You are truly bewildered. Everything is bewildering, except for the isolation. Abandoned. Directionless. Adrift, out of time, out of sight, out of mind. Lonely... for something you can't even remember? How are you supposed to make sense of that? You grip the <<if !$i.piercings.includes('none') or !$i.gauge.includes('none')>><<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>wooden<<else>>tiny silver<</if>> adornments in a relentless fist<<else>><<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none')>><<if $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>>wooden beads in a relentless fist<<else>>moon-shaped comb in a relentless fist<</if>><<else>>elegant porcelain bottle in a relentless fist<</if>><</if>>, //choking// on anger. Everything smears together and you open your mouth to speak, as if that would help solidify your thoughts, although no one is present to hear them. Nothing comes out but a <<if $soft > $blunt>>gentle<<else>>rough<</if>> sigh.<<else>>Is this supposed to make you feel something? To give you some measure of solace, after everything? If so, $heshe would be disappointed to see how unaffected you are by this discovery. You've only known yourself for a matter of hours. Hardly even a full day. Most of it spent unconscious, or barely aware of your surroundings. But the loneliness you feel--for a time, a place, a purpose that you've lost--it's disorienting. Made even more confusing by these strange notes left behind by an unseen host. You are truly bewildered. Everything is bewildering, except for the isolation. Abandoned. Directionless. Adrift, out of time, out of sight, out of mind. Lonely... for something you can't even remember? How are you supposed to make sense of that? You hold the <<if !$i.piercings.includes('none') or !$i.gauge.includes('none')>><<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>wooden<<else>>tiny silver<</if>> adornments loosely in the palm of your hand<<else>><<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none')>><<if $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>>wooden beads loosely in the palm of your hand<<else>>moon-shaped comb loosely in one hand<</if>><<else>>elegant porcelain bottle loosely in one hand<</if>><</if>>, feeling... hollow. You open your mouth to speak, as if that would help solidify your thoughts, although no one is present to hear them. Nothing comes out but a <<if $soft > $blunt>>gentle<<else>>rough<</if>> sigh.<</if>> ⮞ <<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>><<link "Smooth your thumb across the polished rosewood discs thoughtfully. You might as well wear them." "use gift">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<if !$i.piercings.includes('none') and $i.gauge.includes('none')>><<link "Admire the way the jewelry glints as you tilt your hand. You might as well wear them." "use gift">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none')>><<if $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>><<link "Thoughtfully roll the wooden beads between your palms. You might as well use them." "use gift">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "Pick up the comb and run your finger over the tines. You might as well use it." "use gift">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>><<link "Consider the assortment of items before you. You might as well use them." "use gift">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "No. You don't want this. You don't trust these things." "leave gift">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<set $useGifts to true>>\ But first, you should probably wash your face... ⮞ <<link "Or your entire body, which is coated in a thin layer of sweat and dust." "use gift 2">><<set $r1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "No, just the face for now. What if someone enters without knocking?!" "use gift 2">><<set $r2 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Uh... maybe later." "use gift 2">><<set $ch1.mem.push('noWash')>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $r1 is true>>You have no reservations about stripping off the lightweight tunic, and start scrubbing.<<elseif $r2 is true>>Your face heats at the mere thought. Then you dip the cloth in the basin and start scrubbing.<<else>>You sniff the soap, which has a clean, pleasant smell that reminds you of a rainstorm, with clear notes of citrus--but you're tired, and something about the thought of using the soap $U set aside specifically for you is intimidating. It will erase the last little bit of... well, you. Your scent. No, you'll consider washing up another time...<</if>> <<if $r1 is true or $r2 is true>>The soap has a clean, pleasant smell that reminds you of a rainstorm, with clear notes of citrus that are mild enough not to disturb your senses. It doesn't take very long before you feel at least moderately presentable. The water in the basin looks unappealing now, to say the least, but someone will bring you fresh water. Hopefully. Someday. <</if>>You <<if $r1 isnot true and $r2 isnot true>>replace the soap and <</if>>set the lufa aside for later, but the file fits well in your hands and is surprisingly dense. As you deftly buff away the snags and sharp edges of your nails, you decide that it isn't merely //carved// into the shape of a talon, but it was, in fact, a talon of itself--an intimidatingly large one, at that.<<if $effectsInv.has('comb')>> The moon-shaped comb is also well-made, and <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('shorn')>>quickly tidies the bits of your <<if $i.hair.greying is true>>greying <</if>>$i.hair.texture hair that are slightly mussed--not that there's much to be neatened, with how short it is.<<elseif $i.hair.Length.includes('short')>>makes short work of the tangles in your <<if $i.hair.greying is true>>greying <</if>>$i.hair.texture hair--not that there's much to be tangled, with how short it is.<<else>>makes surprisingly short work of the tangles in your <<if $i.hair.greying is true>>greying <</if>>$i.hair.texture hair.<</if>><<if !$i.hair.facial.includes('none') and !$i.hair.facial.includes('shaven')>> You briskly work the tines through your <<if $i.hair.greying is true>>greying <</if>>$i.hair.colour $i.hair.facial. Then you slowly and methodically lather <<if $i.hair.facial.includes('shaven')>>your entire face<<else>>around the edges of your $i.hair.facial<</if>> before taking the copper blade to your stubble. It is almost meditative work, and when you are finished, you have the distinct impression that you have never experienced such a clean, close shave before.<</if>><<if !$i.hair.facial.includes('shaven') and !$i.hair.facial.includes('none')>> You open the metal box, taking a moment to admire the impression of the beetle, and find a waxy balm within, as promised. You rub a little of it onto your fingers, and work it into the ends of your $i.hair.facial.<</if>><</if>><<if $effectsInv.has('beads')>> Next, you take one of the wooden beads and slowly, quietly, meditatively work it over the longest lock of your hair. Then the next. And the next. Until there are no beads left. They aren't weighty, but add a pleasant texture to your hair and occasionally clack together when you shake your head.<</if>><<if $effectsInv.has('pieces')>> <<if $i.piercings.includes('ears')>>The set of silver earrings beckons you, and you quietly pick them up, letting the oil lamp glisten on the reflective surface--it feels familiar and sad, like pulling the thread of an unravelling garment, or stumbling upon the beginnings of something abandoned, never to be completed. You fasten them to the piercings in your ears, taking your time.<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('ears and septum')>>The small collection of silver earrings and septum jewelry beckons you, and you quietly pick up the earrings, letting the oil lamp glisten on the reflective surface--it feels familiar and sad, like pulling the thread of an unravelling garment, or stumbling upon the beginnings of something abandoned, never to be completed. You put on the earrings, taking your time, and then fasten the septum ring to your nose.<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('septum')>>The silver adornments beckon you, and you quietly pick up the nearest of them, letting the oil lamp glisten on the reflective surface--it feels familiar and sad, like pulling the thread of an unravelling garment, or stumbling upon the beginnings of something abandoned, never to be completed. You fasten the ring to the piercing in your septum, taking your time.<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('nose')>>The small collection of silver adornments beckons you, and you quietly pick them up, letting the oil lamp glisten on the reflective surface--it feels familiar and sad, like pulling the thread of an unravelling garment, or stumbling upon the beginnings of something abandoned, never to be completed. You fasten one of them to the piercing in your nose, taking your time.<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('lip')>>The silver adornments beckon you, and you quietly pick them up, letting the oil lamp glisten on the reflective surface--it feels familiar and sad, like pulling the thread of an unravelling garment, or stumbling upon the beginnings of something abandoned, never to be completed. You fasten one of them to your lip piercing, taking your time.<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('many')>>The modest collection of silver adornments beckons you, and you quietly pick them up, letting the oil lamp glisten on the reflective surface--it feels familiar and sad, like pulling the thread of an unravelling garment, or stumbling upon the beginnings of something abandoned, never to be completed. You fasten each of them in place, taking your time.<</if>> $U wore a silver necklace... Perhaps the same artist who made that piece also crafted these?<</if>><<if $i.gauge.includes('none')>><</if>><<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>> At last, you delicately slip the wooden spools into your stretched earlobes with something close to reverence.<</if>> When you're finished, you shake a few drops of the honeyed oil onto your fingers and work it into your scalp, your face, your shoulders. It has a mild smell. Earthy, like dirt, with a hint of the ethereal--beeswax and petrichor. Not unlike the soap. As you take a shallow breath, blinking into the mirror, your aspect looks right, again. Alive again. Somehow. In a way that you hadn't realized it seemed wrong before, <<if !$i.gauge.includes('none') or !$i.piercings.includes('none')>> as if a missing piece has been replaced.<<else>> as if this simple act of tidying yourself has restored some spark of life to your soul.<</if>> You swallow hard. Because it isn't the same. //Isn't the same as... what?// Your jaw tightens, but your gaze flickers up again. To the mirror. ⮞ <<link "Lean in curiously for a better look, meeting your own eyes quietly." "creator 16e">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Grin at your reflection and toss yourself a wink as you lean closer." "creator 16e">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<set $useGifts to false>>\ <<if !$i.piercings.includes('none') or !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>You let the <<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>wooden spools fall through your fingers and shove the bottle of oil away. As if in protest, a mild smell wafts toward your face, though it remains corked. Earthy, like dirt, with a hint of the ethereal--honey and petrichor. You take a shallow breath, blinking into the mirror.<<else>>silver pieces fall through your fingers and shove the bottle of oil away. As if in protest, a mild smell wafts toward your face, though it remains corked. Earthy, like dirt, with a hint of the ethereal--honey and petrichor. You take a shallow breath, blinking into the mirror.<</if>> You swallow hard. Because, no matter what $U offers you, it isn't the same. //Isn't the same as... what?// Your jaw tightens, but your gaze flickers upward.<<else>><<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none')>><<if $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>>You flick one of the wooden beads with your finger, watching it roll across the table and fall to the floor. Then the next. And the next. Until there are no beads left. When you're finished, you shove the bottle of oil away. As if in protest, a mild smell wafts toward your face, though it remains corked. Earthy, like dirt, with a hint of the ethereal--honey and petrichor. You take a shallow breath, blinking into the mirror. You swallow hard. Because, no matter what $U offers you, it isn't the same. //Isn't the same as... what?// Your jaw tightens, but your gaze flickers upward.<<else>>You let the moon-shaped comb fall from your hand<</if>> and shove the bottle of oil away. As if in protest, a mild smell wafts toward your face, though it remains corked. Earthy, like dirt, with a hint of the ethereal--citrus and petrichor. You take a shallow breath, blinking into the mirror. You swallow hard. Because, no matter what $U offers you, it isn't the same. //Isn't the same as... what?// Your jaw tightens, but your gaze flickers upward.<<else>><<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none')>><<if $i.hair.facial.includes('none')>>You set aside the soap and shove the bottle of oil away. As if in protest, a mild smell wafts toward your face, though it remains corked. Earthy, like dirt, with a hint of the ethereal--honey and petrichor. You take a shallow breath, blinking into the mirror. You swallow hard. Because, no matter what $U offers you, it isn't the same. //Isn't the same as... what?// Your jaw tightens, but your gaze flickers upward.<<else>><<if $i.hair.facial.includes('shaven')>>You set aside the razor and shove the bottle of oil away. As if in protest, a mild smell wafts toward your face, though it remains corked. Earthy, like dirt, with a hint of the ethereal--honey and petrichor. You take a shallow breath, blinking into the mirror. You swallow hard. Because, no matter what $U offers you, it isn't the same. //Isn't the same as... what?// Your jaw tightens, but your gaze flickers upward.<<else>>You set aside the metal box, glowering at the impression of the beetle, and shove the bottle of oil away. As if in protest, a mild smell wafts toward your face, though it remains corked. Earthy, like dirt, with a hint of the ethereal--honey and petrichor. You take a shallow breath, blinking into the mirror. You swallow hard. Because, no matter what $U offers you, it isn't the same. //Isn't the same as... what?// Your jaw tightens, but your gaze flickers upward.<</if>><</if>><</if>><</if>><</if>> To the mirror. ⮞ <<link "Lean in curiously for a better look, meeting your own eyes quietly." "creator 16e">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Grin at your reflection and toss yourself a wink as you lean closer." "creator 16e">><<randomSound>><</link>>

Your $i.faceShape features <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none')>>are more familiar upon a second gazing; it makes you wonder, how often you had truly seen yourself, caught a glimpse of your own reflection, before...<<else>>are framed by $i.hair.colour hair. The colour itself is even more familiar upon a second gazing; it reminds you of something, from before...<</if>> Wincing, you rub an ache from your temple<<if $i.hair.facial.includes('shaven')>> and smooth your fingers across your <<if hasVisited('use gift')>>freshly-shaven<<else>>stubbled<</if>> chin. <<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('stubble')>> and smooth your fingers across your stubbled chin. <<if hasVisited('use gift')>>You left a bit of length, despite the shave; it just felt right.<<else>>It's growing into a proper beard. Maybe you'll let it keep growing.<</if>><<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('beard')>> and smooth your fingers across your <<if hasVisited('use gift')>>neatly waxed<<else>>unkempt<</if>> beard.<<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('moustache')>> and smooth your fingers across your <<if hasVisited('use gift')>>neatly waxed<<else>>unkempt<</if>> moustache.<<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('long beard') or $i.hair.facial.includes('chin beard')>> and smooth your fingers across your <<if hasVisited('use gift')>>neatly waxed<<else>>unkempt<</if>> beard.<<else>>--best not to think about anything from your past. At least for now.<</if>> Your gaze lingers on <<link "your complexion." "complexion">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none')>>Beyond the lack of hair and your $i.eyeColour gaze,<<else>>Beyond the <<if $i.hair.texture.includes('wavy') or $i.hair.texture.includes('curly')>>unruliness<<elseif $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>>locks<<else>>straight nature<</if>> of your hair itself,<</if>> one thing grabs your attention--perhaps the most noticeable feature of your face. <<radiobutton "$i.skinExtras" "freckles" checked>>  Your smattering of freckles. <<radiobutton "$i.skinExtras" "vitiligo">>  Your duality of skin tones--darker in places, yet in others your aspect is nearly as pale as the nightblooms above you. <<radiobutton "$i.skinExtras" "moles">>  The moles dotted about your face. <<radiobutton "$i.skinExtras" "none">>  It is not any one thing of note, but the whole of your face itself; although your $i.eyeColour eyes are currently pulling your attention with their <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>intensity<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>depth of a strange sorrow<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>glaze of apathy<<else>>bloodshot, glistening tearfulness<</if>>. You also notice a... <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar through your eyebrow" checked>>  ...scar through your eyebrow, which makes your $i.faceShape face look more hawkish. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar across your lip">>  ...scar across your lip. It is more noticeable than $U's imperfection. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar on your chin">>  ...scar on your chin; you rub it curiously with your thumb. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scars on your knees">>  ...few unremarkable scars on your knees, and you brush your hand across them softly. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar across your neck">>  ...scar across your neck--you touch it uncomfortably. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar on your arm">>  ...scar on your arm. It <<if $i.skinTone.includes('fair') or $i.skinTone.includes('light') or $i.skinTone.includes('warm and ruddy') or $i.skinTone.includes('olive')>>is easier to sense with touch than sight against your <<if $i.skinTone.includes('warm and ruddy') or $i.skinTone.includes('olive')>>warm<<else>>fair<</if>> skin.<<else>>is a visible contrast against your $i.skinTone skin.<</if>> <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar on your leg">>  ...scar on your leg. You aren't sure how you acquired it, but you you can guess it kept you off your feet for a while. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar across your back">>  ...scar across your back. You have to twist around and reach with your fingers to feel it, but you can sense it tugging against the motion. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar across your chest">>  ...scar across your chest--you can only just see it above the low neckline of your tunic, and follow it lightly with your fingertips. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar across your stomach">>  ...scar across your stomach. You touch it quietly for a moment through the fabric. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar across your ribs">>  ...scar along your ribs. Putting a hand on your side, you take a shallow breath, just wondering. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "none">>  ...distinct lack of obvious scars; you trail your fingers over your face, intrigued. <<link "Continue" "insecurities">><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤

As you stare at yourself, the back of your neck tingles. As if a spindly presence looms over your shoulder--so similar to the way $U's nearness felt on the balcony in the storm-light, lurking near, only a dim reflection in the much larger mirror you were peering into when you first awakened. Honestly, you were too hungover from whatever was in that drink to think of it then, but now you're thinking there was something a bit peculiar about that entire arrangement, to begin with. And does it have anything to do with why you feel that prickling dread crawling up your spine again as you gaze into this reflective surface? The longer you stare at <<if $i.faceShape.includes('rugged')>>the chiseled planes<<elseif $i.faceShape.includes('angular')>>the angular planes<<elseif $i.faceShape.includes('squared')>>the chiseled planes<<else>>the soft planes<</if>> of your glassy-eyed aspect in the flickering light, the less real it seems. Even so, your critical focus continually wanders to one flaw in particular. <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "nose" checked>>  Your prominent nose. <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "asymmetry">>  The asymmetry of your features. <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "chin">>  A recessed chin. <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "smalleyes">>  Small, unremarkable eyes. <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "thin lips">>  Your thin lips--even thinner than $U's. <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "crooked teeth">>  Crooked teeth when you force a smile. <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "blemishes">>  The uneven texture and blemishes of your skin. <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "rbf">>  Your harsh, angry countenance--even when you try to soften it. The creeping disatisfaction which gnaws at you is an unfortunate reminder that there has always been something you disliked about yourself--even if you can't remember exactly why, some things remain the same. <<if $i.tattoo.Location.includes('none') and $i.piercings.includes('none')>>⮞ <<link "Why couldn't $U have relieved you of this burden along with your memories, as a courtesy?" "creator 17a">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Strangely, it's almost a relief--at least //this// can never be stolen from you, no matter how unpleasant it might be." "creator 17a">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "Why couldn't $U have relieved you of this burden along with your memories, as a courtesy?" "tattoos mirror">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Strangely, it's almost a relief--at least //this// can never be stolen from you, no matter how unpleasant it might be." "tattoos mirror">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<if !$i.tattoo.Location.includes('none')>>Satisfied with this discovery of your own unsatisfaction, you at last <<if $i.tattoo.Location.includes('ankle') or $i.tattoo.Location.includes('feet')>>bend down and <</if>>run your <<if $i.tattoo.Location.includes('arms')>>hands<<elseif $i.tattoo.Location.includes('hands')>>fingers<<else>>hand<</if>> across the $i.tattoo.motif adorning your $i.tattoo.Location. <<if $tattooExtra is true>>You have several tattoos, but this one catches your attention first. <</if>>Here, as you inspect it more closely, the colour looks mostly... <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.colour" "black" checked>>  ...black, ink staining your $i.skinTone skin <<if $i.skinTone.includes('deep black') or $i.skinTone.includes('brown')>>even darker.<<else>>dark.<</if>> <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.colour" "brown">>  ...an earthy brown, the colour of comfort and deep forests<<if $i.skinTone.includes('deep black') or $i.skinTone.includes('brown')>>, a subtle change from your natural complexion<<else>><</if>>. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.colour" "red">>  ...a striking red, which you think might be even brighter in the daylight. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.colour" "purple">>  ...lavender, a dusky purple beneath the unsteady light of the nightblooms. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.colour" "blue">>  ...blue, the colour of a lake you can't remember. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.colour" "yellow">>  ...warm yellow, like the clouds at sunrise. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.colour" "green">>  ...a green that makes you feel alive. You wish you knew why-- //No. Don't think about it.// <</if>><<if hasVisited('leave gift')>><<if !$i.piercings.includes('none')>>Your wandering fingers find the empty <<if $i.piercings.includes('septum') or $i.piercings.includes('nose') or $i.piercings.includes('lip')>>piercing<<else>>piercings<</if>>, where something ought to fit. It bothers you, the emptiness... Stolen from you, like your memories. <</if>><</if>><<link "Continue" "creator 17a">><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤

<<audio "oud" fadeout>>\ <<if !visited("tattoos mirror")>>You stare at your <<else>>Your attention drifts back to your <</if>><<if $i.flaw.includes('nose')>>nose, the clear and unwelcome focal point of your face,<<elseif $i.flaw.includes('asymmetry')>>lopsided face<<elseif $i.flaw.includes('chin')>>pathetically sloping chin<<elseif $i.flaw.includes('small eyes')>>small, sad eyes<<elseif $i.flaw.includes('thin lips')>>thin, barely-there mouth<<elseif $i.flaw.includes('crooked teeth')>>crooked teeth, the smile curling down into a frown<<elseif $i.flaw.includes('rbf')>>rigid, unfriendly glower<<else>>blemished face<</if>> for another moment of conflicted silence. Your shoulders prickle again, the uneasy //watched// feeling returning--stronger than before. Flinching, you turn to glance at the door again. No one--of course. The lamp sputters, and another petal floats to the ground nearby. At last you make your way across the circular room, wearily stepping over the <<if $eat or $resentfuleat is true>>empty platter <<if $i.vegan is true>>--well, empty except for that unsettling fish--<</if>><<else>>untouched platter of food <</if>>and reaching out to try the handle. Locked. $U had implied you would be working together closely, and the kin of the air cannot lie. But... did $heshe ever tell you so in plain words? You suppose it's possible that there was a miscommunication. You attention falls to the single window, heart still tapping a quick, anxious rhythm after your recent discovery. The soles of your bare feet pad across stone, rug, and the edge of the mat in silence. Your hand lifts, outstretched toward the ghost of the sun. As you push your arm through the latticework, the temperature increases slightly: the room is being kept cool somehow--perhaps simply owed to the shade itself. It is an unfairness, to behold that sun and its shining brilliance, and yet you cannot touch its rays, no matter how far you <<link "reach." "creator 17b">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "vulture" play>>\ A dark shape dives past your fingertips with an echoing shriek and a rushing wind and you yank back, heart in your throat. <<link "What the hell was that?" "creator 16a">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "duduk" play>>\ As you lean in for another look, a massive bird of prey with sandy brown feathers and a wicked hooked beak wings a wide, unhurried arc around... ...the tower. Of course, <<if $heshe is "he">>now you remember how many damn stairs there were. They had not been so important at the time, since he carried you up them all.<<else>>you clambered your way up here, after all--draped over $U's shoulder like an indolent drunkard, but you can still feel the burning in your legs.<</if>> And now you are upsettingly far away from the ground below. If you fell from this height, you would certainly die on impact. You crane your neck upward and see only swaths of dusty blue above. //Am I in the tallest tower?// More of them reach up below you, most of the roofs domed like your tower. Others rise into twisting stone spires. Though there are none which overtake your vantage point. <<if $i.quirk.includes('airhead')>>You are temporarily distracted imagining what it would be like to slip through the lattice and balance on the window-ledge... There is water glimmering below--could you reach it if you flung yourself far out from the tower? No, that's too far. And wouldn't the impact still shatter your body? If only you could fly, like that bird of prey. Maybe you could fashion yourself a pair of wings from the grass-woven mat. Then you would jump from the ledge and sail far across the wall, out into the desert sands with the hot winds lifting you up higher and higher, until you find a way back to whatever place you've come from. Maybe your memories are out there, somewhere, in the desert sands-- //That's ridiculous,// whisper half a dozen mocking voices in your head. Has... someone told you that before? It wakes you up to grim reality, and you curl a hand around the stone latticework; the touch cools your palm, drawing your out of the pointless daydream. <</if>>From the tower nearest to yours, a thin curl of white smoke billows into the breeze, quickly dissipating as it rises from a simple arrangement of sooty metal pipes. The smoke has partially smudged the sandstone ledges above. There are windows set into that stone, dark and stained. Either the glass itself is stained, or something from within has stained the glass. Or both. Your gut twists. You know somehow--an intuition, perhaps, or... Another sense you can't quite understand. $HeShe is there. Knowing this, it is difficult to tear your gaze away. Below--so far below that your head spins again--a maze of wide stairsteps leads down to several well-trodden paths and more austere buildings, though these are smaller than the towers which surround you. Lush greenery sprawls beneath, dotted by pools of sand, and a few tiny figures that walk among the trees. They are draped in robes of pale linen much like $U's attire and yet--if you had to guess even from this distance--far simpler in construction. <<if $i.eyesight.includes('farsighted')>>You squint as your vision swims... Everything is unclear for a moment, the figures wavering and out of focus. Surprised, you hold up your hand in front of your face--<<if $i.eyesight.includes('blurred')>>and even your fingers are slightly blurred.<<else>>but you can clearly see your fingers.<</if>> You blink several times at the sights below and your vision clarifies, unfocusing several more times as you squint, and squint again. At last it seems to settle into your former clearsightedness, and you rub your eyes wearily: you must be more tired than you thought.<<else>><</if>> The trees seem to have been planted as an orchard. Wild, @@filter:blur(0.2px);by the@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);standards@@ @@filter:blur(0.9px);of a@@ @@filter:blur(1.3px);place@@ @@filter:blur(0.9px);you@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);have@@ @@filter:blur(0.2px);forgotten,@@ but clearly well-kept. And the entire map is split by the laziest river you could possibly imagine. Broad and flat, with smaller rivulets that snake around the buildings. Notably, several of those have been built on pillars above the shining surface, but it must be a gentle river most of the time, because other outbuildings and gardens are nestled right along the bank, in the reeds. It flows beneath you--beneath the maze of stairs, beneath the imposing towers. You cannot see the other side, but you can see where it meets the stone walls surrounding this fortress, meandering through twisting grates of metal or stone. If you listen //very// hard, you think you can hear the distant rush of water, but it sounds too fast and chaotic to belong to the river below. You cannot see where it's coming from, and soon give up looking for a source. The wall and grates are the same colour as the spire, perhaps only a few persons tall, or perhaps twelve, or taller. It's impossible to grasp a proper sense of scale from so far above. You don't think they were built to keep people in, but you can't understand what it could be keeping out. You're not sure you want to. Because, <<link "beyond the walls..." "creator 16f">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "oud" loop volume 0 fadein>>\ There is nothing but endless, blowing sand. Windswept dunes hug the winding river and low-lying cliffs touch the horizon as far as your watering eyes can see, but the lush greenery within the boundaries of the gate stops there, only a few grasses and shrubs dotting the sandy riverbank. Some of that sand has drifted into the corners of the walls, piling up beneath the relentless force of the dry, hot winds. Your ribs constrict and you back away from the window, swallowing hard. There is nowhere to go--nothing but the desert heat and the merciless gaze of a sun which cannot see you here, in this lofty prison. A drop of sweat trickles down your spine and you glance at the nightblooms again, unable to face the spinning world below. Your fingers curl into your palms. More awake than you have ever been, and yet remembering nothing of significance. But your feelings... Those are beginning to crystallize. ⮞ <<link "Reach out and reverently touch the lurid blooms—your sole companions." "creator 17">><<set $reverent to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Snatch a fistful of blossoms and scatter the beheaded flowers across the room." "creator 18">><<set $scatter to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Sink slowly to the ground amidst the petals which have already fallen." "creator 17">><<set $fallen to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $reverent is true>>As you reach your hand up, longing for the ineffable, the vines rustle and the petals unfurl. It looks like something from a dream you have forgotten. Those luminous petals are almost within your grasp. You uncurl your hand, rising onto the tips of your toes. The nearest flower blooms, that periwinkle glow falling from the center of its petals to kiss your face. You shudder in a shallow breath, fingertips dusting the soft edges of the flower, and the glow shines a ruddy light through the bones of your hand. <<if $dreamForsaken is true>>"I'm all alone," you whisper quietly.<<elseif $dreamRage is true>>"I'll find a way," you whisper quietly.<<else>>"Nothing matters anymore," you whisper quietly.<</if>> The other nearby flowers rustle in response, their petals opening wider as if to embrace you... <<link "Or consume you." "passage1">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<elseif $fallen is true>>As you gaze up at the silent blooms, longing for the ineffable, fatigue overtakes you and you sink down to the stony floor, bowing your head low... the fallen petals are scattered around you, beneath you, still glowing like pale embers. It looks like something from a dream you have forgotten. You scoop up a palmful of luminous castoffs and tip your hand, their periwinkle glow blushing brighter to kiss your face. You shudder in a shallow breath, fingertips dusting the soft, crumpled edges of the drying flowers. <<if $dreamForsaken is true>>"I'm all alone," you whisper quietly.<<elseif $dreamRage is true>>"I'll find a way," you whisper quietly.<<else>>"Nothing matters anymore," you whisper quietly.<</if>> The flowers above you rustle in response, their petals opening wider as if to embrace you... <<link "Or consume you." "passage1">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</if>><<unset $dreamForsaken, $dreamRage, $dreamUncaring>>

<<set $totaldevastation to 0>>\ As you reach your hand up, the vines rustle and the petals unfurl. It looks like something from a dream you have forgotten. Those luminous petals are almost within your grasp. You uncurl your hand, rising onto the tips of your toes, and snatch the nearest bloom. That periwinkle glow falls from its brethren to kiss your face. You shudder in an angry breath, closing your fist around the flower. The glow shines a ruddy light through the bones of your hand. <<if $dreamForsaken is true>>"I'm all alone," you whisper quietly.<<elseif $dreamRage is true>>"I'll find a way," you whisper quietly.<<else>>"Nothing matters anymore," you whisper quietly.<</if>> With a vicious yank, the flower snaps free of the vines and you throw it far across the room, petals scattering in a wide arc and fluttering down like ashy embers. The vines above you rustle, tiny new leaves of a paler green sprouting where the blossoms were beheaded, but the other stems appear to be retreating deeper into the cracks from which they blossomed, withdrawing from your angry presence. It makes you think <<if $firstFear is true>>of the way you first cowered before $U.<<else>>of something...<</if>> It makes you think of fear. <<if !visited("platter")>>⮞ <<link "Kick the platter." "platter">><<set $kickplatter to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Kick the platter.<</if>> <<if !visited("mirror")>>⮞ <<link "Break the mirror." "mirror">><<set $breakmirror to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Break the mirror.<</if>> <<if !visited("vines")>>⮞ <<link "Uproot the vines." "vines">><<set $uprootvines to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Uproot the vines.<</if>> <<if !visited("vase")>>⮞ <<link "Shatter the vases." "vase">><<set $shattervases to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Shatter the vases.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Apologize to the flowers. $end_label" "creator 19">><<set $apologizeflowers to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—kick the door. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—scream at the top of your lungs. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—laugh until you scream. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—break down into desolate sobs. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "Surrender to the weight pressing in on you—lie down in the middle of it all. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "Burn it all down. $end_label" "arson">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $dreamForsaken, $dreamRage, $dreamUncaring>>\

<<set $totaldevastation to $totaldevastation+1>>\ You wad up the blanket and throw it against the wall, but it flops to the ground a few paces away from actually hitting anything, and the sound it makes is not very satisfying. Casting your gaze about, it lands on the fruit tray. You stumble forward, and kick it as hard as you can. <<if $eat is true>>The wooden platter thunks against the handle of the door and bounces across the floor, an echoing din that rings out long after the platter itself has stopped spinning.<<else>> Fruit topples everywhere as the wooden board thunks against the handle of the door and bounces across the floor, an echoing din that rings out long after the platter itself has stopped spinning.<</if>> Much more satisfying. But you aren't finished yet. <<if !visited("platter")>>⮞ <<link "Kick the platter." "platter">><<set $kickplatter to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Kick the platter.<</if>> <<if !visited("mirror")>>⮞ <<link "Break the mirror." "mirror">><<set $breakmirror to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Break the mirror.<</if>> <<if !visited("vines")>>⮞ <<link "Uproot the vines." "vines">><<set $uprootvines to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Uproot the vines.<</if>> <<if !visited("vase")>>⮞ <<link "Shatter the vases." "vase">><<set $shattervases to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Shatter the vases.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Apologize to the flowers. $end_label" "creator 19">><<set $apologizeflowers to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—kick the door. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—scream at the top of your lungs. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—laugh until you scream. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—break down into desolate sobs. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "Surrender to the weight pressing in on you—lie down in the middle of it all. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "Burn it all down. $end_label" "arson">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<set $totaldevastation to $totaldevastation+1>>\ You turn to the little table in the corner, with its flickering oil lamp and modest mirror. The mirror-- You grab it, <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>your hand aching beneath the bandage,<</if>>screwing your face into a snarl as your reflection snarls back, and hurling it away. It shatters. You weren't certain it would. The sound is beautiful... like sorrow and laughter and tinkling glass. <<if !visited("platter")>>⮞ <<link "Kick the platter." "platter">><<set $kickplatter to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Kick the platter.<</if>> <<if !visited("mirror")>>⮞ <<link "Break the mirror." "mirror">><<set $breakmirror to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Break the mirror.<</if>> <<if !visited("vines")>>⮞ <<link "Uproot the vines." "vines">><<set $uprootvines to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Uproot the vines.<</if>> <<if !visited("vase")>>⮞ <<link "Shatter the vases." "vase">><<set $shattervases to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Shatter the vases.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Apologize to the flowers. $end_label" "creator 19">><<set $apologizeflowers to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—kick the door. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—scream at the top of your lungs. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—laugh until you scream. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—break down into desolate sobs. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "Surrender to the weight pressing in on you—lie down in the middle of it all. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "Burn it all down. $end_label" "arson">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<set $totaldevastation to $totaldevastation+1>>\ The easiest place to start getting rid of these vile blooms are the vines trailing down the walls--they aren't vile on their own merits, of course, although the way they respond to your touch and attention disturbs you. No, they are vile because they were planted here. Enchanted here. By $himher. For you. Or maybe not--maybe they've always been here. Maybe that's even worse. You snatch at the stems<<if $i.break.includes('rage')>> with your unbandaged hand<</if>>, wary of thorns, but when no pain sparks in your fingertips, you grab fistfuls and tear them away from the plaster and stonework. They pull free with a lovely tearing sound, ripping and popping out of the cracks in the wall and loosening the vines further overhead than you can reach. A few of them break, snapping free, and you toss those aside and stomp on them, gathering more. It is impossible to tear them all down... but when you are finished, breathless and sweating and panting, all but a handful of blooms lie across the floor, vines scattered everywhere and bits of plaster dusting the entire room. It's... ⮞ <<link "Perfect." "vines 2">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Horrible." "vines 3">><<randomSound>><</link>>

...perfect. You stand in the middle of it all, surveying the damage as if it were a work of art. And yet it is only a fragment of the sundering that you endured, a mere whisper of the devastation $U wrought upon your mortal mind. <<if $i.break.includes('laugh')>>A gulping laugh slips from your throat as you realize...<<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>>The teeth-gritting grimace slips from your face as you realize...<<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>A gulping sob slips from your throat as you realize...<<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>A rough cry slips from your throat as you realize...<<else>>The grimace of effort which still adorns your face slips once more into apathy as you realize...<</if>> Nothing could ever compare. <<if !visited("platter")>>⮞ <<link "Kick the platter." "platter">><<set $kickplatter to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Kick the platter.<</if>> <<if !visited("mirror")>>⮞ <<link "Break the mirror." "mirror">><<set $breakmirror to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Break the mirror.<</if>> <<if !visited("vines")>>⮞ <<link "Uproot the vines." "vines">><<set $uprootvines to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Uproot the vines.<</if>> <<if !visited("vase")>>⮞ <<link "Shatter the vases." "vase">><<set $shattervases to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Shatter the vases.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Apologize to the flowers. $end_label" "creator 19">><<set $apologizeflowers to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—kick the door. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—scream at the top of your lungs. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—laugh until you scream. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—break down into desolate sobs. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "Surrender to the weight pressing in on you—lie down in the middle of it all. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "Burn it all down. $end_label" "arson">><<randomSound>><</link>>

...horrible. And you--you stand in the middle of it all, surveying the damage as if it were a work of art. Yet this is only a fragment of the sundering that you endured, a mere whisper of the devastation $U wrought upon your mortal mind. <<if $i.break.includes('laugh')>>A gulping laugh slips from your throat as you realize...<<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>>The teeth-gritting grimace slips from your face as you realize...<<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>A gulping sob slips from your throat as you realize...<<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>A rough cry slips from your throat as you realize...<<else>>The grimace of effort which still adorns your face slips into apathy as you realize...<</if>> Nothing could ever compare. <<if !visited("platter")>>⮞ <<link "Kick the platter." "platter">><<set $kickplatter to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Kick the platter.<</if>> <<if !visited("mirror")>>⮞ <<link "Break the mirror." "mirror">><<set $breakmirror to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Break the mirror.<</if>> <<if !visited("vines")>>⮞ <<link "Uproot the vines." "vines">><<set $uprootvines to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Uproot the vines.<</if>> <<if !visited("vase")>>⮞ <<link "Shatter the vases." "vase">><<set $shattervases to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Shatter the vases.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Apologize to the flowers. $end_label" "creator 19">><<set $apologizeflowers to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—kick the door. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—scream at the top of your lungs. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—laugh until you scream. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—break down into desolate sobs. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "Surrender to the weight pressing in on you—lie down in the middle of it all. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "Burn it all down. $end_label" "arson">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if !visited("platter", "mirror", "vines")>>Darting away from the window<<else>>Stomping across the floor<</if>><<if !visited("platter")>><<if $eat is true>> and accidentally stepping on the edge of the platter and upending it with a loud clatter,<<else>> and stepping on the edge of the platter, fruit tumbling at your heels,<</if>><</if>> you set your sights on the largest of the vases--about half your height, tall and elegant. You take it roughly in both hands, heaving it sideways--it's heavy, but not terribly so. You could lift it over your head and throw it if you wanted to. As you tip it, something catches your eye inside the empty vase. A few indentations, like purposeful scratches. ⮞ <<link "Look closer." "creator 18d 2">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Who cares?" "smash">><<randomSound>><</link>>

It seems to be almost a signature of some sort, and when you stoop lower to confirm, you notice that the lines form an abstract glyph or illustration. It's the shape of a small butterfly. The oddly human detail gives you pause. Someone crafted this vase by hand; and the pottery itself is one of the only objects in the room to bring you peace when you look upon it. It feels old, and sturdy. The cool energy soaks into your hands, and now you are thinking about the hands that shaped it. Perhaps $U, but more likely one of $hisher kinfolk you saw wandering the garden. They must be attendants or commoners--how could a cold-blooded viper like that boast of family? After all, you've been hired--no, tricked into assassinating $hisher $brothersister. "Why couldn't $heshe just do it $himself?" you find yourself muttering. "Don't want to get your hands dirty, $U? And I'm made from dirt, is that it?" You don't understand why, but the words ring true... <<if $firstAnger is true or $i.break.includes('rage')>>It only makes you angrier.<<else>>The thought brings a whisper of sorrow<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Spare the vases." "spare">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Smash them." "smash">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<set $totaldevastation to $totaldevastation+1>>\ You aren't pathetic enough to be swayed by a few strange scratches. The vase looks valuable--but you don't need a reason to smash it. It's here in front of you, and that's enough. You too could be smashed apart at any moment by an uncaring power; at least this you have some say in. Gritting your teeth, you heft the vase over your shoulders, and toss it as far as you can. It explodes when it hits the stone and you throw an arm across your face, wincing as tiny shards of pottery scratch your skin and pelt against your tunic. When the dust settles, you pick up the next, and repeat your actions. A satisfying crash that ricochets around the room, dust, and pelting debris. And then the next. Crash. Hesitation hinders you when you heft the smallest vase, a squat little thing stained an earthy green with a frog motif carved around the base. It might be nice to have something left to throw at $U $himself--or whoever opens that door next. You'll spare this one... for now. <<if !visited("platter")>>⮞ <<link "Kick the platter." "platter">><<set $kickplatter to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Kick the platter.<</if>> <<if !visited("mirror")>>⮞ <<link "Break the mirror." "mirror">><<set $breakmirror to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Break the mirror.<</if>> <<if !visited("vines")>>⮞ <<link "Uproot the vines." "vines">><<set $uprootvines to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Uproot the vines.<</if>> <<if !visited("vase")>>⮞ <<link "Shatter the vases." "vase">><<set $shattervases to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Shatter the vases.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Apologize to the flowers. $end_label" "creator 19">><<set $apologizeflowers to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—kick the door. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—scream at the top of your lungs. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—laugh until you scream. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—break down into desolate sobs. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "Surrender to the weight pressing in on you—lie down in the middle of it all. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "Burn it all down. $end_label" "arson">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<run memorize ('achievement_spareVessel', true)>><<set $achievement_spareVessel to true>><<audio "notif" play>><<notify 5s>>Achievement: \ spare the vessel<</notify>>\ <<set $shattervases to false>><<set $sparevases to true>>\ Now that it comes to it, you can't bring yourself to break it. Were you this pathetic in your past life, too? It looks valuable, but that would be all the more reason to smash it--no, there is something other than its value, something intrinsically irreplaceable about the object itself and how out of place it appears. You too could be smashed apart at any moment by an uncaring power, and you feel a strange kinship with that vase. Grimacing, you let the vase rock back into place and lean against the wall, surveying the rest of the room through narrowed eyes. <<if !visited("platter")>>⮞ <<link "Kick the platter." "platter">><<set $kickplatter to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Kick the platter.<</if>> <<if !visited("mirror")>>⮞ <<link "Break the mirror." "mirror">><<set $breakmirror to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Break the mirror.<</if>> <<if !visited("vines")>>⮞ <<link "Uproot the vines." "vines">><<set $uprootvines to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Uproot the vines.<</if>> <<if !visited("vase")>>⮞ <<link "Shatter the vases." "vase">><<set $shattervases to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ Shatter the vases.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Apologize to the flowers. $end_label" "creator 19">><<set $apologizeflowers to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—kick the door. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—scream at the top of your lungs. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—laugh until you scream. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>⮞ <<link "Unleash the pressure in your chest—break down into desolate sobs. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "Surrender to the weight pressing in on you—lie down in the middle of it all. $end_label" "creator 19">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "Burn it all down. $end_label" "arson">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if hasVisited("smash", "vines", "mirror", "platter")>><<run memorize ('achievement_nothingSpared', true)>><<set $achievement_nothingSpared to true>><<audio "notif" play>><<notify 5s>>Achievement: nothing spared<</notify>><</if>>\ <<if $apologizeflowers is true>>All the dying petals scattered before you <<if visited("vines")>>like a sea of wavering coals<<else>>like a trail of wavering stars<</if>> seems... unjust, somehow. You hadn't expected them to recoil in fear.<<if $i.heartSleeve is false>>Sighing and rubbing your forehead, you pinch the bridge of your nose and squint up at the blooms rustling above you. "It's been... a long... day, I suppose," you mutter absently. "I shouldn't have..." The petals of the flowers nearest to you ruffle quietly.<<else>>Worrying your bottom lip, you look up at the blooms rustling above you, your heart giving an extra hard thump. "I'm... I'm sorry," you mutter absently, your eyes pricking as your brow furrows in dismay. "I shouldn't have..." The petals ruffle quietly.<</if>> They didn't deserve your wrath. You glance around at the tattered flowers<<if hasVisited("smash")>>, shattered pottery<</if>><<if visited("platter")>>, toppled platter<</if>><<if hasVisited("mirror")>>, shards of broken mirror<</if>> and general disarray. It pulls a weary sigh from your bones, and you sink to your knees amid the petals, uncaring as the nightblooms rustle in response, their petals opening wider as if to embrace you... <<link "Or consume you." "passage1">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<else>> The tattered flowers<<if hasVisited("smash")>>, shattered pottery<</if>><<if hasVisited("platter")>>, toppled platter<</if>><<if hasVisited("mirror")>>, shards of broken mirror<</if>> and general disarray smears into one blur of confusion. An abstraction--an unreality. Not your reality. You don't know where you're supposed to be, but it's not here... it isn't this. It isn't... <<if $i.break.includes('scream')>> "Hah... how... haaaa--" This time, your throat burns immediately, hot like fire, but your voice pitches and you keep screaming. Maybe the fire will cleanse you. Restore everything to what it once was. Is this divine retribution? A punishment? Betrayal? Did you commit some terrible act in your previous life? Maybe you were running from someone. Maybe you were @@filter:blur(0.4px);just@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);trying@@ @@filter:blur(0.9px);to@@ @@filter:blur(1.2px);save@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);yourself...@@ @@filter:blur(1.5px);Maybe...@@ @@filter:blur(2px);Maybe.@@ You rock back and forth on your knees amid the petals, sweat pouring down your face and dripping to the unfeeling stone, and the nightblooms rustle in response, their petals opening wider as if to embrace you... <<link "Or consume you." "passage1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>> "Hah... how... haaaa--" This time, your eyes sting immediately, pain like fire, but you weep anyway. Maybe the tears will cleanse you... restore everything to what it once was. Is this divine retribution? A punishment? Betrayal? Did you commit some terrible act in your previous life? Maybe you were running from someone. Maybe you were @@filter:blur(0.4px);just@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);trying@@ @@filter:blur(0.9px);to@@ @@filter:blur(1.2px);save@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);yourself...@@ @@filter:blur(1.5px);Maybe...@@ @@filter:blur(2px);Maybe.@@ You rock back and forth on your knees amid the petals, sweat and tears and mucous pouring down your face and dripping to the unfeeling stone, and the nightblooms rustle in response, their petals opening wider as if to embrace you... <<link "Or consume you." "passage1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>> You taking a running leap and slam yourself bodily against that damn door. It doesn't even have the decency to rattle beneath your weight. Your shoulder burns, hot like fire, but you wrench back and kick the door with your bare foot instead. Maybe the pain of a few broken toes will cleanse you... restore everything to what it once was. Is this divine retribution? A punishment? Betrayal? Did you commit some terrible act in your previous life? Maybe you were running from someone. Maybe you were @@filter:blur(0.4px);just@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);trying@@ @@filter:blur(0.9px);to@@ @@filter:blur(1.2px);save@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);yourself...@@ @@filter:blur(1.5px);Maybe...@@ @@filter:blur(2px);Maybe.@@ You kick the door again. Again. Again. Pound your bandaged fist on the carved wood until it bleeds. Take the platter and bash it against the crack between the stone and the door, over and over and over until the tiniest, smallest, most insignificant splinter falls away beneath your relentless battering. When you are out of breath and thoroughly beaten, you stagger, and then slump to the ground, rocking back and forth on your knees amid the petals. Sweat pours down your face and drips to the unfeeling stone, and the nightblooms rustle in response, their petals opening wider as if to embrace you... <<link "Or consume you." "passage1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>"Hah... how..." This time, you give up before you can even try, closing your eyes and slumping down to rest amidst the petals. Maybe their moonlight glow will cleanse you... restore everything to what it once was. Is this divine retribution? A punishment? Betrayal? Did you commit some terrible act in your previous life? Maybe you were running from someone. Maybe you were @@filter:blur(0.4px);just@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);trying@@ @@filter:blur(0.9px);to@@ @@filter:blur(1.2px);save@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);yourself...@@ @@filter:blur(1.5px);Maybe...@@ @@filter:blur(2px);Maybe.@@ You lie quietly, half in a trance, beads of sweat trickling down your face and dripping to the unfeeling stone. The nightblooms above rustle in response, and when you blink your blurry eyes, their petals open wider as if to embrace you... <<link "Or consume you." "passage1">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<else>> "Hah... how... ha... HAH--" This time, your throat burns immediately, hot like fire, but you keep laughing into the face of absurdity. Maybe the fire will cleanse you... restore everything to what it once was. Is this divine retribution? A punishment? Betrayal? Did you commit some terrible act in your previous life? Maybe you were running from someone. Maybe you were @@filter:blur(0.4px);just@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);trying@@ @@filter:blur(0.9px);to@@ @@filter:blur(1.2px);save@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);yourself...@@ @@filter:blur(1.5px);Maybe...@@ @@filter:blur(2px);Maybe.@@ You rock back and forth on your knees amid the petals until the laugh pitches into a shriek, sweat pouring down your face and dripping to the unfeeling stone. Above, the nightblooms rustle in response, their petals opening wider as if to embrace you... <<link "Or consume you." "passage1">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><</if>>

<<audio "oud" fadeout>>\ <center>\ <<fadein 3s 1s>>\ <<link "🙡 one day later 🙣" "creator 20">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\ </center>\

<<fadein 2s 1s>>\ You have never been hungrier in your <<linkreplace "life..." t8n>>life... <<link "Probably." "creator 21">><<randomSound>><</link>><</linkreplace>> <</fadein>>\

<<fadein 1s 1s>>\ Most of the long, monotonous hours have been whiled away <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>wrapping and rewrapping the bandage on your bruised and bloodied hand<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>exerting a pointed effort to think of something amusing and encountering a headache each time you try<<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>wishing you had the energy to wash your perpetually tear-stained face and sticky eyes<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>lying down, unmoving, exhausted, contemplating nothing and yet finding even that to be entirely too much effort<<else>>dismally clearing your throat and occasionally attempting to speak in a vain hope that your throat will hurt a bit less the next time<</if>>, and counting the blossoms on the ceiling. You have been to the window again, several times, but never see anything of interest. The screeching desert bird has not returned, either. You might be glad of that. The incessant wind is beginning to fray at whatever shred of sanity you've managed to hold onto, but overall, the intense isolation is <<if $i.introvert is true>>better than the alternative; you doubt you have ever been opposed to <<link "solitude." "creator 22">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>immensely frustrating; the solitude is slowly and steadily gnawing at your <<link "frayed nerves." "creator 22">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> <</fadein>>\

<<audio "wind-ambient" fadeout>>\ <<audio "desert-storm" play loop>>\ With your fitful sleeping and intermittent bouts of delerium and denial, you aren't certain exactly how much time has passed--probably no more than a day or two--but you're certain it's well past time for more food. <<if $starve is true>>You finally gave in and <<if hasVisited("platter")>>collected the scattered and now rather bruised remainder of the fruit platter, eating it<<else>>ate the sliced fruit,<</if>> one careful, mouthwatering piece at a time, but nothing seems to have gone terribly awry... and the<<else>>The sliced fruit was delicious so you ate it all rather quickly, and the<</if>> scent was overpowering. If you truly wished to starve yourself, you would definitely need to toss the fruit through the window and hope it didn't land anywhere obvious--or on anyone's head. Both intriguing concepts--the disposal of the food itself and the general idea of fruit as a weapon--that you tuck away in the back of your mind for later, just in case. Regardless, pounding on the door seems not to have attracted any attention, nor have your <<if $i.introvert is true>>begrudging entreaties<<else>>loud entreaties<</if>> for more food or water. Not that you trust what scant details about your previous life that you do remember, but your abstract recollections of the kin of the air seem to have existed in a place between fear and tale-telling, as if most of your people no longer believed in them at all. $U $himself even alluded to an estrangement from mortals: what if $heshe can survive without food for days, or even weeks, and assumes the same of you? $HeShe might not return until you've already perished of hunger. A terrifying thought--and one that demands action, however foolish. <> <<if $i.break.includes('blank')>> Though... you are very tired, and it's difficult to care even in the face of starvation. It's not as if it's easier to lie there and do nothing, but it would be more effort to do something, so doing nothing is your preference. <<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>> Tears may bring temporary solace but they will do nothing to abate your hunger; you can't exactly feast on your own sorrows. $U probably could, you think, <<if $shy or $bold gte 2>>a little impressed by how terrifying that is.<<else>>a little spitefully.<</if>> <<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>> Lying here and twitching with an occasional smirk, disconsolate sob, or dry remark to absolutely no one--and, if you're lucky, amusing yourself enough to prompt a genuine chuckle at your own nonsense--is not going to keep you from starving, no matter how passionately you lecture the empty platter. <<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>> Pacing around the room, kicking the door, and leveraging your full weight against every bar on the window might bring temporary relief but it comes at a cost--and the cost is currently gnawing at your empty stomach. <<else>> Your throat hurts quite a lot, and you wish for the cooling touch of the fruit. You cover your mouth, eyes squeezed shut, swallowing hard as you imagine the sugary sweetness... the juice, trickling down the back of your throat. Your half-hearted grasp for the bottle fumbles with fatigue and it tips over, water sloshing against the cork as it rolls out of reach. <</if>><> You listlessly glance toward the window, wondering for the first time what it would take to wedge yourself <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>through<<else>>through<</if>> the bars, and whether you have perhaps ever successfully scaled a flat stone tower. As if summoned by your thoughts, a light scuff from the corridor outside makes you flinch. ...a sandaled footstep? <<if hasVisited("smash")>>⮞ <<link "Sit up and reach for the small green vase you have confiscated as a makeshift weapon, clutching it tightly in your hands." "stay">><<set $hasvase to true, $ch1.mem.push('vaseServant')>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "Sit up and reach for the smallest of the vases--a squat little thing stained an earthy green with a frog motif carved around the base. Good for throwing. You hope." "stay">><<set $hasvase to true, $ch1.mem.push('vaseServant')>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "Rise and stand tall in the center of the room, arms crossed, readying yourself to face $himher again." "stay">><<set $standtall to true, $novase to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "A forced smile appears on your face; this is the best time to appear friendly, harmless, and worthy of a good meal!" "stay">><<set $smile to true, $novase to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Crouch near the door, braced to run--as soon as it opens, you're as good as gone." "run">><<set $run to true, $novase to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $totaldevastation gte 2>>⮞ <<link "Sit proudly in the middle of your mess, eager to see how $heshe likes your new design choices." "stay">><<set $proudmess to true, $novase to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<if $hasvase is true>>You wait impatiently, holding your breath as you heft the vase, left eye twitching partly from hunger and partly from intense concentration. The door opens, first a crack, and then wide enough to glimpse a slender figure on the other side. You throw it, and the improvised weapon whips out of your hands with considerable force<<if $i.bodyType.includes('muscular')>>--which isn't exactly a shock, given your formidable frame<<elseif $i.bodyType.includes('thin')>>--which is a bit shocking, given your thin frame<</if>>. A sharp cry pierces your ears as the pottery explodes several heads above your intended target—a target that is several heads shorter than you remember $U being the night before. A wooden platter flips into the room, fruit scattering in every direction and a cluster of round berries rolling toward you. Glass shatters. Liquid spills across the stone tiles. You catch a quick glimpse of an elfish face adorned in refined patterns of white and gold paint. Her ears are long and tapered, though not as long as $U's. Eyes wide to better behold you. Blue eyes, bright and open as the desert sky and framed by a wavy fringe of dark bangs, not black but ash-brown. Soft lengths of red linen waft around her ethereal figure, skirts embroidered with tiny butterflies and colourful flowers of blue and green. She takes a startled step back. Unlike $U, her garments do not trail across the floor. The hem swishes above her ankles, and she is not wearing sandals. Only a pair of tinkling anklets grace her feet. You blink rapidly, stunned—and then deeply disappointed. You also feel just a bit bad for startling her, though not badly enough to apologize. Whoever that was is in $U's employ, but you find the look on her narrow face far more interesting: shock, and--terror? Afraid... of me? <<if $totaldevastation gte 2>>Well, you suppose that’s justified, given the current state of your accomodations.<<else>>That is entirely unjustified—not that you know much about yourself yet, besides how ravenously hungry you feel after a full day of fasting. As far as you are aware, you never resorted to devouring any of $U’s kinfolk, although there’s no way to know anything for certain—<</if>> Before you can reconcile this strange response with your state of exhausted helplessness, the servant darts <<link "away." "stay 1">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<elseif $standtall is true>> You wait impatiently, standing tall in the middle of the room where you have a clear view of the door and the first glimpse of anyone who might enter, your left eye twitching partly from hunger and partly from anticipation. The door opens, first a crack, and then wide enough to glimpse a slender figure on the other side—you lift your chin. A wooden platter appears, and you behold an elfish face adorned in refined patterns of white and gold paint. Her ears are long and tapered, though not as long as $U's. Eyes wide to better behold you. Blue eyes, bright and open as the desert sky and framed by a wavy fringe of dark bangs, not black but ash-brown. Soft lengths of red linen waft around her ethereal figure, skirts embroidered with tiny butterflies and colourful flowers of blue and green. Not $U. She takes a swaying step forward. Unlike $U, her garments do not trail across the floor. The hem swishes above her ankles, and she is not wearing sandals. Only a pair of tinkling anklets grace her feet. The look on her narrow face is one of apprehension, and the platter wobbles slightly when she <<if $totaldevastation gte 1>>glances about the ransacked room.<<else>>meets your firm gaze.<</if>> A few berries roll off the platter. She tightens her grip and places it elegantly on the floor—you weren’t aware that someone could bend over elegantly, but she sways forward somehow, toe tapping the ground and springing back again in a quick, birdlike manner—and observes the empty platter from your last meal. Clearly, she is meant to fetch it back to wherever it came from. Her eyes dart back to you, glistening with fear, and you blink rapidly, stunned. Is she afraid… of me? <<if $totaldevastation gte 2>>Well, you suppose that’s justified, given the current state of your accomodations.<<else>>That is entirely unjustified—not that you know much about yourself yet, besides how ravenously hungry you feel after a full day of fasting. As far as you are aware, you never resorted to devouring any of $U’s kinfolk, although you suppose there’s no way to know anything for certain.<</if>> Never mind that. You need more food—food, water, something to restore a bit of sanity to your unstable mind. What was the delay to begin with? As soon as you open your mouth to speak, she emits a soft gasp of dismay, nearly upending the platter, and darts out of the <<link "room." "stay 1">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<elseif $smile is true>> You wait patiently, left eye twitching partly from hunger and partly from intense concentration. The door opens, first a crack, and then wide enough to glimpse a slender figure on the other side—you lift your chin and prepare a gentle wave. A wooden platter appears, and you behold an elfish face adorned in refined patterns of white and gold paint. Her ears are long and tapered, though not as long as $U's. Eyes wide to better behold you. Blue eyes, bright and open as the desert sky and framed by a wavy fringe of dark bangs, not black but ash-brown. Soft lengths of red linen waft around her ethereal figure, skirts embroidered with tiny butterflies and colourful flowers of blue and green. Not $U. She takes a swaying step forward. Unlike $U, her garments do not trail across the floor. The hem swishes above her ankles, and she is not wearing sandals. Only a pair of tinkling anklets grace her feet. The look on her narrow face is one of apprehension, and the platter wobbles slightly when she <<if $totaldevastation gte 1>>glances about the ransacked room.<<else>>meets your firm gaze.<</if>> A few berries roll off the platter. She tightens her grip and places it elegantly on the floor—you weren’t aware that someone could bend over elegantly, but this woman managed it before your waking eyes—and casts a furtive look to the empty platter from your last meal. Clearly, she is meant to fetch it back to wherever it came from. Her eyes dart back to you, glistening with fear, and you blink rapidly, stunned. Is she afraid… of me? <<if $totaldevastation gte 2>>Well, you suppose that’s justified, given the current state of your accomodations. But you’re smiling! Doesn’t that mean anything? Maybe nobody here smiles...<<else>>That is entirely unjustified. Not that you know much about yourself yet, besides how ravenously hungry you feel after a full day of fasting. But you’re smiling, which should convey a message of warmth and appreciation! Do smiles mean something different here?<</if>> Never mind that. You need more food—food, water, something to restore a bit of sanity to your unstable mind. What was the delay to begin with? As soon as you open your mouth to speak, she emits a soft gasp of dismay, nearly upending the platter, and darts out of the <<link "room." "stay 1">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<else>> You wait patiently, holding your breath, your left eye and the left corner of your smirk both twitching, partly from hunger and partly from intense concentration. Maybe you have actually lost your mind altogether. The door opens, first a crack, and then wide enough to glimpse a slender figure on the other side—you tip your head and arch your brows, leaning back on your palms and propping yourself up in the midst of this unapologetic disaster. A wooden platter appears, and you behold an elfish face adorned in refined patterns of white and gold paint. Her ears are long and tapered, though not as long as $U's. Eyes wide to better behold you. Blue eyes, bright and open as the desert sky and framed by a wavy fringe of dark bangs, not black but ash-brown. Soft lengths of red linen waft around her ethereal figure, skirts embroidered with tiny butterflies and colourful flowers of blue and green. Not $U. She takes a swaying step forward. Unlike $U, her garments do not trail across the floor. The hem swishes above her ankles, and she is not wearing sandals. Only a pair of tinkling anklets grace her feet. The look on your face is probably one of immense disappointment, but her narrow countenance is all anxious apprehension, and the platter wobbles slightly when she glances about the ransacked room. A few berries roll off the platter. She tightens her grip and places it elegantly on the floor—you weren’t aware that someone could bend over elegantly, but this otherworldly entity has managed it before your waking eyes—and critically eyes the empty platter from your last meal. Clearly, she is meant to fetch it back to wherever it came from. Her eyes dart back to you, glistening with fear, and you blink rapidly, stunned. Is she afraid… of me? Well, you suppose that’s justified, given the current state of your accomodations. But never mind that. You need more food—food, water, something to restore a bit of sanity to your unstable mind. What was the delay to begin with? As soon as you open your mouth to speak, she emits a soft gasp of dismay, nearly upending the platter, and darts out of the <<link "room." "stay 1">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<audio "door" play>>\ “WAIT—” The door slams. It occurs to you that $U could be following close behind. The thought is… <<if $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsTrueLover1 is true or $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>somehow <</if>><<link "un-comforting." "stay 2">><<randomSound>><</link>>

Several minutes pass in nervewracking silence before the low murmur of voices can be heard. You widen your eyes slightly, straining to catch a few of the drifting words. The language is unfamiliar. One of them is very obviously the servant, her tones quick and frantic, but there is a second voice, <<if $heshe is "she">>ethereal, unhurried, but with an aura of authority. The melody beneath it sends a chill up your spine.<<else>>low, unhurried, but with an air of authority. The resonance sends a chill up your spine.<</if>> <<if $smile is true>>⮞ <<link "Try the friendly approach again—if it's who you think it is, $heshe, at least, doesn't seem to be afraid of you." "stay 3">><<set $smileagain to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "Try the friendly approach—if it's who you think it is, $heshe, at least, doesn't seem to be afraid of you." "stay 3">><<set $smileagain to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> <<if $hasvase is true>>⮞ <<link "That viper is getting $hisher head smashed in @@filter:blur(0.2px);like@@ @@filter:blur(0.4px);a@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);harvest@@ @@filter:blur(0.4px);pumpkin@@—grab a shard of the vase." "stay 3">><<set $smashheadshard to true, $ch1.mem.push('shardUm')>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "That viper is getting $hisher head smashed in @@filter:blur(0.2px);like@@ @@filter:blur(0.4px);a@@ @@filter:blur(0.8px);harvest@@ @@filter:blur(0.4px);pumpkin@@—grab the vase." "stay 3">><<set $smashheadanger to true, $ch1.mem.push('vaseUm')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You are utterly terrified for no discernable reason—which is to say, every reason. On second thought, grab the vase!" "stay 3">><<set $smashheadscared to true, $ch1.mem.push('vaseUmScared')>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> <<if $totaldevastation gte 2>>⮞ <<link "Better to sit with your mess, and hope for the best." "stay 3">><<set $confess to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<if $smashheadanger is true>><<if $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>$HeShe might be attractive but that won't spare $himher the consequences of leaving you alone without answers. <<elseif $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true>>You might be trying to get on $hisher good side, but that won't spare $himher the consequences of leaving you alone without answers. <<elseif $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>You might might have pledged your loyalty, but that won't spare $himher the consequences of leaving you alone without answers. <<else>><</if>>The crook of $U’s staff enters your purview and <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>you smile tightly, gripping the vase and waiting for your opportunity.<<else>>you stare stonefaced at the door, gripping the vase.<</if>> The instant $hisher cowled figure appears, you react--almost on instinct. The staff blurs and $U shifts position slightly, movements too quick to parse with your human eyes as the pottery explodes in a cloud of green shattered glaze and red clay dust. Scattered pieces clink against the stone tiles of the floor.<<elseif $smashheadscared is true>><<if $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>$HeShe might be terribly attractive, but now that you're about to come face-to-face with $U again, it's the //terror// that revives itself first. <<elseif $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true>>You might be trying to get on $hisher good side, but now that you're about to come face-to-face with $U again, you'd be lying if you said you weren't afraid. <<elseif $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>You might might have pledged your loyalty, but now that you're about to come face-to-face with $U again, you'd be lying if you said you weren't afraid. <<else>><</if>>The crook of $U’s staff enters your purview. <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>You pant in quiet impatience, hands sweaty and shaking.<<else>>You stare stone-faced at the door, shaking quietly and gipping the vase with sweaty hands.<</if>> The instant $hisher cowled figure appears, you react--compelled by fear. The staff blurs and $U shifts position slightly, movements as one and too quick to parse with your human eyes as the pottery explodes in a cloud of dust. Scattered pieces clink against the stone tiles of the floor.<<elseif $smashheadshard is true>><<if $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>Your first attempt might have been a fail, but the fact that $heshe happens to be terribly attractive won't spare $himher the consequences of leaving you alone without answers. <<elseif $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true>>Your first attempt might have been a fail, but just because you're trying to get on $hisher good side doesn't mean $heshe will be spared the consequences of leaving you alone without answers. <<elseif $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>You might have pledged your loyalty, but that doesn't mean $heshe will be spared the consequences of leaving you alone without answers. <<else>><</if>>The crook of $U’s staff enters your purview and <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>you smile tightly, gripping half of the cracked vase and waiting for your opportunity.<<else>>you stare stonefaced at the door, gripping the shard.<</if>> The instant $hisher cowled figure appears, you react--almost on instinct. The staff blurs and $U shifts position slightly, movements too quick to parse with your human eyes as the pottery explodes in a cloud of green shattered glaze and red clay dust. Scattered pieces clink against the stone tiles of the floor.<<elseif $smileagain is true>>The first thing you see is not $U, but the crook of $U's staff. You smile tightly, a bit of sweat dampening your palms as that cowled figure appears.<<else>>The first thing you see is not $U, but the crook of $U's staff. You sit on your knees amidst the desecration, a bit of sweat dampening your palms as $hisher hooded figure appears.<</if>> When $heshe glances up, you find yourself staring into the unmistakable blink-eyed veil obscuring a <<if $heshe is "she">>delicate<<else>>narrow<</if>> face--$heshe is draped in another set of ornate robes, these ones dyed a lush green. Up close you notice that the green neckline of the inner robes rise halfway to $hisher chin, the hem swishing across $hisher sandaled feet, and a collared necklace drapes over all the layers. It dangles from thin chains, each piece of metal hammered into the shape of crescent moons that spill down like a silver waterfall. $HisHer arms are sleeved to the wrist where they meet cuffed bracelets, and sparkling rings tactfully adorn several fingers of each hand. Today, you glimpse a smudge of black soot, paint, or charcoal across $hisher stained lips, darkening them further, and it has been applied with equal care to the tip of each long, pointed ear. The colour matches the spidery veins around $hisher thin, disapproving mouth. Flaunted wealth. A feral <<link "sophistication." "stay 4">><<randomSound>><</link>>

$U tilts $hisher head to one side in that pose you well recognize from your half-dreamt encounter of the night before; you assume from the subtle movements of $hisher face that $hisher eyes are flicking across the entire room, one side to the other. <<if hasVisited("platter", "mirror", "vines")>><<if !visited("smash")>>$HeShe lingers on the vases lining the wall, and $hisher mouth flattens in an expression of intense distaste. "Of course," $heshe mutters. Not what you were expecting—it's as if $heshe is disappointed that they were spared your wroth. But there is not much time for bemusement as<</if>><<else>>Then<</if>> $hisher attention settles on you, and the lips peel back in a humourless grin.<<if $totaldevastation >= 3>> "It appears you appreciate a more… rustic accomodation." You blink rapidly: not the response you were expecting.<<elseif $totaldevastation <= 0>> <<if $i.break.includes('rage') or $i.break.includes('blank')>>"I had my misgivings, owed to the lack of protest, that you may have died, and it made the silence less enjoyable than it ought to have been. I am pleased to find you are alive and... well." The pause before 'well' is not lost on you.<<else>> "I expected to find more of a mess, given the... oh, what would be the most apt description in your silly mortal dialect?" One hand waves in delicate thought. "...hellish screeching echoing across my gardens?" You blink rapidly. <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>Could $heshe hear you... //crying//, up here?<<else>>Could $heshe hear you... losing your ever-loving //mind// up here?<</if>> You glance uncomfortably toward the stone latticework and its distinct lack of a barrier to the open air. "I had to shut my window," $U adds, a sourness creeping over $hisher expression.<</if>><</if>><<if $smileagain is true>> $HeShe steps fully into the room and shuts the door quietly, pressing forward, head snaking toward you, the single open eye of the mask assessing you with a ravenous interest. $HeShe shapes $hisher smile to match your own. A little too well.<</if>> <<if $smashheadanger or $smashheadshard is true>><<if $stratPunch is true>> "As ambitious as I anticipated after our first meeting. <<else>> "So, you do have a little ambition, after all.<</if>> Laudable… but I’d prefer not to begin my day with such alarum, so we will simply have to redirect your efforts. I hope you understand." $U remains at distance, chin lifted to mirror yours, the single open eye of the mask assessing you with sharp interest.<<elseif $smashheadscared is true>> As you shuffle backwards, $U presses forward, head snaking toward you, the single open eye of the mask assessing you with a ravenous interest. $HeShe knows. $HeShe knows you're afraid. <<if $stratPunch is true>>"As ambitious as I anticipated after our first meeting.<<else>>"You do have a little ambition, after all.<</if>> Laudable... but I’d prefer not to begin my day with such alarum, so we will simply have to redirect your efforts. I hope you understand." $HeShe leans so close $hisher breath warms your forehead. You have never felt more alone.<</if>> "A few matters of importance have been left unresolved, my $Ire." An unrelenting invitation, the threat beneath clear and cold. "I find myself quite looking forward to our impending conversation," $heshe says fondly, but you see $hisher, knuckles whitening as $hisher grip tightens around the weapon. "After all, there is so very much to discuss... wouldn't you <<link "agree?" "stay 5">><<randomSound>><</link>>"

The handle turns. You move out of view, flattening yourself against the wall... breath held. The door opens, first a crack, and then wide enough to see a long, slender hand on the other side--your cue to run. You barrel around the corner, shoulder slamming into something soft, and there is a shrill, effiminate cry that pierces your ears. A wooden tray flips across the hall, fruit scattering in every direction and a cluster of round berries rolling toward the stairs. A glass bottle hits the floor, and cracks, water gushing everywhere. The figure you've just piled into is quite a bit shorter than you were expecting, and staggers against the wall, slim face adorned in patterns of white and gold paint. Her ears are long and tapered, though not as long as $U's. Eyes wide to better behold you. Blue eyes, bright and open as the desert sky and framed by a wavy fringe of dark bangs, not black but ash-brown. Soft lengths of red linen waft around her ethereal figure, skirts embroidered with tiny butterflies and colourful flowers of blue and green. She takes a startled step back. Unlike $U, her garments do not trail across the floor. The hem swishes above her ankles, and she is not wearing sandals. Only a pair of tinkling anklets grace her feet. The look on her narrow face is one of shock--and terror--as she puts up her hands to cover her throat and cowers before you, eyes glistening. Afraid... of me? <<if $totaldevastation gte 2>>Well, you suppose that's justified, given the state of the room behind you.<<else>>That is entirely unjustified--not that you know much about yourself yet, besides how hungry you are. As far as you are aware, you never devoured any of $U's kinfolk.<</if>> You do feel just a little bit bad for startling the woman--clearly a commoner from the simple linen attire--but not badly enough to stop and apologize. Whoever that is clearly works for $U, and $heshe could be right behind them. You might only have a few minutes, if that, to get down the stairs without tripping and falling on your face... Or being apprehended. Your knees shake, starved of nutrients and oxygen both, and you... <<if $hasvase is true>>⮞ <<link "Grip the shard of pottery you confiscated from the broken vase, and shove past." "run 2">><<set $shard to true, $ch1.mem.push('shardGuards')>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "Snatch the neck of the glass bottle that just shattered in front of your eyes." "run 2">><<set $bottle to true, $ch1.mem.push('bottleGuards')>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "Shove her past her, empty-handed." "run 2">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<set $statueReveal to true>>\ <<if $shard is true>>The shard is <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>dulled against your bandaged palm--an unexpected benefit--and you're willing to use it if you have to:<<else>>sharp against your palm, but you're willing to use it if you have to:<</if>><<else>>You curl <<if $bottle is true or $shard is true>>the fingers of your other hand into a fist<<else>>your fingers into fists<</if>>, gritting your teeth, braced for anything:<</if>> you haven't thought past what you'll do after you've escaped the tower, and you aren't about to start thinking now. There is a frightened shout from behind you, and as you plunge headlong down the hall toward the stairs, two figures step away from a pair of alcoves, one on each side of the corridor... Figures holding spears. The shadowy statues of that stormy night, as it happens, were never statues at all but guards with absurdly heavy armour and very real weapons. Weapons that are now pointed at you<<if $bottle is true or $shard is true>>--and all you have is a <<if $bottle is true>>broken bottle<<else>>shard of pottery<</if>><<else>>. <</if>>$U implied that your services were needed, but you can be replaced--at great effort--if necessary. You let out a strangled and exhausted cry of frustration, which has the marvelous and entirely unexpected effect of causing both guards to hesitate, as if startled. Emboldened, you sprint even faster and dart past them, lungs tearing and heart pounding. Footsteps echo behind you, but yours are barefoot and much quieter; perhaps that is why you are also able to dodge the second set of guards. They lower their spears too late, and you are bounding down the flight of stairs unimpeded and filled with a wild, reckless courage--already you've made it past three wardens put in your path to prevent such an exit. Is it even possible that you could make it outside to the garden, and from there--? ⮞ <<link "Your bare ankle twists on the next step and you fling out your hands to catch yourself as you fall." "run 3">><<set $falltemp to true, $clumsy to $clumsy + 1, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Your ankle twists, but you manage to save yourself--barely--by grabbing a window ledge." "run 3">><<set $savetemp to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $falltemp is true>>Luckily, you are a few short stairs away from another flat corridor, and manage to avoid breaking your face. Your arms may not be so fortunate, and you slide a few paces across the polished stone, grunting in pain. The four sets of frantic footsteps behind you draw nearer, and before you manage to heave yourself upright, a pair of strong hands latches onto each of your arms. You twist savagely, <<if $shard is true>>taking a wild stab at your captors, but the shard crumbles against the metal armor<<else>>but the grip is preternaturally strong<</if>> and you find yourself strung between two very tall guards, your shoulders threatening to pull free of their sockets.<<else>>You just manage to grasp the window ledge, slowing your fall, and stumble awkwardly down onto another level corridor, grunting in pain as your ankle twists again. The four sets of frantic footsteps behind you draw nearer, and before you manage to put aside the pain and keep running, a pair of strong hands latches onto each of your arms. You twist savagely, <<if $shard is true>>taking a wild stab at your captors, but the shard crumbles against the metal armor<<elseif $bottle is true>>swinging the broken bottle, but it misses and your arm is caught, pinned against a metal breastplate<<else>>but the grip is preternaturally strong<</if>> and you find yourself strung between two very tall guards, your shoulders threatening to pull free of their sockets.<</if>> When you glance up, you are staring into the unmistakable blink-eyed veil obscuring a <<if $heshe is "she">>delicate<<else>>narrow<</if>> face--$heshe is draped in another set of ornate robes, these ones dyed a lush green. "What a fascinating <<link "surprise" "run 4">><<randomSound>><</link>>..."

<<if $i.break.includes('rage') or $i.break.includes('cry')>>Your face flames with embarrassment... or anger.<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>You go limp for a moment, sagging down between the two guards--four of them now, two on each side--but your shoulders burn so you wearily shuffle upright again, leveling your tired eyes at $U.<<else>>You ignore $himher for a moment, panting and struggling to catch your breath as you ponder the ridiculousness of this situation...<</if>> <<if $uRespect is true>>To your surprise, $heshe flicks a finger at the guards, and two of them release you, stepping back and pointing both their spears in your direction. The other two guards tighten their grip, however, and your hopes are dashed. $U readjusts the books in $hisher arms, and gives you a little nod. The set of $hisher mouth is almost... disappointed.<<if $bold gte 2 or $shy gte 2>> It's enough to wound you, somehow.<</if>> "You impress me, and I am truly flattered, Ire; had I known you wished to see me so badly, I would have come sooner." You blink, and suddenly notice that the staff from last night has appeared in $hisher hands, the crook of it resting gently against $hisher elbow. Did you simply overlook it before? You open your mouth, but $U tsks quietly. <<elseif $uRival is true>>To your surprise, $heshe flicks a finger at the guards, and two of them release you, stepping back and pointing both their spears in your direction. The other two guards tighten their grip, however, and your hopes are dashed. $U readjusts the books in $hisher arms, a dry smile touching $hisher mouth, and gives you a little nod. "You impress me, and I am truly flattered, Ire; had I known you wished to see me so badly, I would have come sooner." You blink, and suddenly notice that the staff from last night has appeared in $hisher hands, the crook of it resting gently against $hisher elbow. Did you simply overlook it before? You open your mouth, but $U tsks quietly. <<elseif $uMaster or $uRespectMaster is true>>You half-expect $U to order the guards to release you... but that was hoping for too much, it seems. Instead, $U readjusts the books in $hisher arms, head tipping to one side, smirking quietly. $HeShe says nothing for a long while, and you are so distracted by the intensity of that regard that you cannot find the words to demand food and water, ask $himher why $heshe hasn't come to visit you, or shout accusations. It occurs to you suddenly... $HeShe enjoys seeing you like this. You feel a bit sick to your stomach. You blink, and suddenly notice that the staff from last night has appeared in $hisher hands, the crook of it resting gently against $hisher elbow. Did you simply overlook it before? You open your mouth, but $U tsks quietly. <<elseif $uEnamoured>>To your surprise, $heshe flicks a finger at the guards, and two of them release you, stepping back and pointing both their spears in your direction. The other two guards tighten their grip, however, and your hopes are dashed. $U readjusts the books in $hisher arms, and gives you a little nod. The set of $hisher mouth is almost... disappointed.<<if $bold gte 2 or $shy gte 2>> It's enough to wound you, somehow.<</if>> "You impress me, and I am truly flattered, Ire; had I known you wished to see me so badly, I would have come sooner." $HisHer frown curls into a fond smile, teeth gleaming. It chills you to the bone. You blink, and suddenly notice that the staff from last night has appeared in $hisher hands, the crook of it resting gently against $hisher elbow. Did you simply overlook it before? You open your mouth, but $U tsks quietly. <<else>>To your surprise, $heshe flicks a finger at the guards, and two of them release you, stepping back and pointing both their spears in your direction. The other two guards tighten their grip, however, and your hopes are dashed. $U readjusts the books in $hisher arms, and gives you a little nod. The set of $hisher mouth is almost... disappointed.<<if $bold gte 2 or $shy gte 2>> It's enough to wound you, somehow.<</if>> "You impress me, and I am truly flattered, Ire; had I known you wished to see me so badly, I would have come sooner." $HisHer frown curls into a fond smile, teeth gleaming. It chills you to the bone. $HeShe says nothing for a long while, and you are so distracted by the intensity of that stare that you cannot find the words to demand food and water, ask $himher why $heshe hasn't come to visit you, or shout accusations. It occurs to you suddenly... $HeShe enjoys seeing you like this. You feel a bit sick to your stomach. Before you can speak, $U tsks quietly. You blink, and suddenly notice that the staff from last night has appeared in $hisher hands, the crook of it resting gently against $hisher elbow. Did you simply overlook it before? <</if>> "It seems I forgot what resourceful creatures you mortals can be--when you aren't bespelled into a waking stupour, of course." It is a threat. Clear, and cold. "A simple mistake," $heshe says calmly, but you see $hisher, knuckles whitening as $hisher grip tightens around the weapon. "A mistake that I shall, by no means, <<link "repeat." "run 5">><<randomSound>><</link>>"

<<audio "desert-storm" fadeout>>\ <<audio "ambient-quiet" loop volume 0 fadein>>\ The <<if $acerbic gte $agreeable>>urge to make a glib remark<<elseif $acerbic < $agreeable>>instinct to defy the odds and greet $himher with a pleasant aspect<<else>>urge to speak for yourself<</if>> dies a quick death against your teeth. What does one even say to that? Is it a compliment? A threat? Neither? $U's elegantly draped silhouette towers over you, slumped as you are in the arms of the guards; up close you notice that the green neckline of the inner robes rise halfway to $hisher chin, the hem swishing across $hisher sandaled feet, and a collared necklace drapes over all the layers. It dangles from thin chains, each piece of metal hammered into the shape of crescent moons that spill down like a silver waterfall. $HisHer arms are sleeved to the wrist where they meet cuffed bracelets, and sparkling rings tactfully adorn several fingers of each hand. Today, you glimpse a smudge of black soot, paint, or charcoal across $hisher stained lips, darkening them further, and it has been applied with equal care to the tip of each long, pointed ear. The colour matches the spidery veins around $hisher thin, disapproving mouth. Flaunted wealth. A feral sophistication. You now recognize that pinched tightness about $hisher painted face as control... of what, you are sure have not yet seen. And, of course, there is the very literal mask, ever-present and always-watching. It gives weight to $hisher cold words, even if you would rather it did not. ⮞ <<link "“Resourceful? That's me!” You accept the compliment and ignore the rest." "run 6">><<set $run5a to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Whatever you say. You're the $kingqueen here--allegedly.”" "run 6">><<set $run5b to true, $acerbic +=1, $blunt +=1, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Ah... hah...” You laugh nervously. “I don't know what to say to that...”" "run 6">><<set $run5c to true, $soft +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“But first, good morning!” Smile like nothing out of the ordinary is happening." "run 6">><<set $run5d to true, $soft +=1, $agreeable +=1, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Kick and struggle to free yourself--you aren't giving up that easily!" "run 6">><<set $run5e to true, $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Remain silent. If $heshe has something to say, $heshe should say it. You won't be goaded." "run 6">><<set $run5f to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $run5d is true>>$U observes you quietly for so long that you feel the heaviness of that silence in your bones. Then a slow smile emerges. <<if $blunt > $soft and $acerbic > $agreeable>>"Not the greeting I was expecting, certainly..."<<elseif $soft > $blunt and $agreeable > $acerbic>>"Pleasant... as ever."<<elseif $soft > $blunt and $acerbic > $agreeable>>"Good morning."<<else>>"Indeed? Well, it would be rude not to respond in kind. Good morning, $Ire."<</if>><<elseif $run5a is true or $run5f is true>>$U observes you quietly for so long that you feel the heaviness of that silence in your bones. Then a slow smile emerges.<<elseif $run5c is true>>$U observes you quietly for so long that you feel the heaviness of that silence in your bones. Then a slow smile emerges. "In such cases, it is best to say nothing at all."<<elseif $run5b is true>>$U observes you quietly for so long that you feel the heaviness of that silence in your bones. Then a slow smile emerges. "Allegedly."<<else>>$U observes you quietly as you twist in the grasp of the guards, sweating and grunting with the effort. Although they hold you firmly in place, you do get the slight satisfaction of knowing that you're making their job more difficult. It's poor recompense for your efforts, and you--hungry and tired and thirsty as you are--soon find yourself spent. "You have no right--" you gasp, the righteous fury of your words dampened by the wheezing intake of your breath. You don't give up entirely, but as you sink back toward the stairs, savagely wrenching one of your arms when the guard to the right tightens their grip, a slow smile emerges to disturb $U's tacitern observance.<</if>> A delicate finger flicks upward, and the guards turn about, dragging you--//backwards//--up the stairs. <<if $run5e is true>>You instinctively kick your feet again, yanking at your wardens' grip and spitting on the chiseled stone at $U's feet. $HeShe merely lifts the trailing robes and steps around it, following after you. <<if $blunt > $soft>>"Where have you been, anyway?" you finally accuse, the words scraping against your throat.<<else>>"Where were you?" you finally , an unspoken accusation scraping against your throat.<</if>> That smile never wavers. It's unsettling in its rigid sameness, and almost makes you wish you hadn't opened your mouth at all. "I was preparing for our meeting today, of course." You <<if $i.break.includes('laugh')>>laugh weakly<<else>>cough weakly<</if>>, suddenly more aware of <<if $devastation gte 2>>the mess that awaits you above.<<else>>the reason you were brought here to begin with.<</if>> <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>"And how is that going," you mutter, sullen.<<else>><<if $acerbic > $agreeable and $blunt > $soft>>"And how is that going?" you ask roughly.<<elseif $agreeable > $acerbic and $soft > $blunt>>"And, how is that going?" you ask gently, attempting to establish at least the illusion of a friendly conversation.<<elseif $acerbic > $agreeable and $soft > $blunt>>"And how is that going?" you ask gently, narrowing your eyes at $himher.<<else>>"And how is that going?" you ask bluntly, attempting to establish at least the illusion of a friendly conversation.<</if>><</if>> "Well, I trust." $U is exceptionally talented, you have decided, at disguising threats in an otherwise <<link "benign statement." "run 7">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<elseif $run5a is true or $run5d is true or $run5c is true>>You attempt to gather your balance and shuffle along with them, but walking backwards while armed guards are hauling you up a flight of stairs at an alarming pace is difficult enough that your dignity would have been better spared the attempt. <<if $blunt > $soft or $acerbic > $agreeable>>"Where have you been?" you accuse with a weary sigh, relinquishing control as your bare heels scrape against the stone.<<else>>"Where have you been?" you sigh wearily, relinquishing control as your bare heels scrape against the stone.<</if>> It doesn't hurt, numb as you are from the rush of nearly falling face-first down a flight of stairs. That smile never wavers. It's unsettling in its rigid sameness, and almost makes you wish you hadn't opened your mouth at all. "Preparing for today, of course." You clear your throat weakly, uncomfortably aware of <<if $devastation gte 2>>the mess that awaits you above.<<else>>the reason you are here.<</if>> <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>"And how is that going," you mutter, sullen.<<else>><<if $acerbic > $agreeable and $blunt > $soft>>"And how is that going?" you ask roughly.<<elseif $agreeable > $acerbic and $soft > $blunt>>"And, how is that going?" you ask gently, attempting to establish at least the illusion of a friendly conversation.<<elseif $acerbic > $agreeable and $soft > $blunt>>"And how is that going?" you ask gently, narrowing your eyes at $himher.<<else>>"And how is that going?" you ask bluntly, attempting to establish at least the illusion of a friendly conversation.<</if>><</if>> "Well, I trust." $U is exceptionally talented, you have decided, at disguising threats in an otherwise <<link "benign statement." "run 7">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>You attempt to gather your balance and shuffle along with them, but walking backwards while armed guards are hauling you up a flight of stairs at an alarming pace is difficult enough that your dignity would have been better spared the attempt. You sigh, relinquishing control as your bare heels scrape against the stone. That smile never wavers. It's unsettling in its rigid sameness. You <<if $acerbic > $agreeable or $blunt > $soft>>'smile' back flatly, the corners of your mouth depressing into your cheeks in a mocking imitation.<<elseif $soft > $blunt and $agreeable > $acerbic>>return the smile with one of your own, not sure what else to do.<<else>>stare back at $himher, expressionless.<</if>> <<if $devastation gte 2>>The mess that awaits you above<<else>>The reason you are here<</if>> prickles your neck with sweat. The mutual silence is tolerable at present. Whatever comes next <<link "might not be." "run 7">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

The guards drag you in first--unceremoniously--and continue to hold your arms firmly in place as $U's silhouette appears at the door. It's not //your// space--but you spent enough time alone to feel some sense of peace here, if not ownership. These sandy walls, with their dark, painted carvings, fill most of your memories now. Not that you want to spend much time dwelling on how few of those you have... That thread of sanctity snaps as $U quietly crosses over into your space. A wave of one hand is all that is necessary for the guards to release you. They separate themselves quickly--with the deft caution of someone releasing a caged animal--and disappear through the door with the swish of leather and a clinking of armour. $HeShe tilts $hisher head to one side in that pose you well recognize from your half-dreamt encounter of the night before; you assume from the subtle movements of $hisher face that $hisher eyes are flicking across the entire room, one side to the other. <<if hasVisited("platter", "mirror", "vines")>><<if !visited("smash")>>$HeShe lingers on the vases lining the wall, and $hisher mouth flattens in an expression of intense distaste. "Of course," $heshe mutters. Not what you were expecting—it's as if $heshe is disappointed that they were spared your wroth. But there is not much time for bemusement as<</if>><<else>>Then<</if>> $hisher attention settles on you, and the lips peel back in a humourless grin.<<if $totaldevastation >= 3>> "It appears you appreciate a more… rustic accomodation."<<elseif $totaldevastation <= 0>> <<if $i.break.includes('rage') or $i.break.includes('blank')>> "I had my misgivings, owed to the lack of protest, that you may have died, and it made the silence less enjoyable than it ought to have been. I am pleased to find you are alive and... well."<<else>>"I expected to find more of a mess, given the... oh, what would be the most apt description in your silly mortal dialect?" One hand waves in delicate thought. "...hellish screeching echoing across my gardens?" You blink rapidly. <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>Could $heshe hear you... //crying//, up here?<<else>>Could $heshe hear you... losing your ever-loving //mind// up here?<</if>> You glance uncomfortably toward the stone latticework and its distinct lack of a barrier to the open air. "I had to shut my window," $U adds, a sourness creeping over $hisher expression.<</if>><</if>> $HeShe steps fully into the room and shuts the door quietly, pressing forward, head snaking toward you, the single open eye of the mask assessing you with a ravenous interest. <<if $totaldevastation >= 3>> "<<if $stratPunch is true>>As ambitious as I anticipated after our first meeting.<<else>>So, you do have a little ambition, after all.<</if>>"<</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're not speaking until $heshe does." "silence 1">><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Quick, think of something disarming to say. “It's... very hot here.”" "speak 1">><<set $veryhot1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $totaldevastation gte 1>>⮞ <<link "No sense delaying the inevitable. “So, when are you going to kill me?”" "speak 1">><<set $whenkill1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Get on your knees and shamelessly beg for mercy.”" "speak 1">><<set $beg1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<audio "desert-storm" fadeout>>\ <<audio "ambient-quiet" loop volume 0 fadein>>\ The <<if $acerbic >= $agreeable>>urge to make a glib remark<<elseif $acerbic < $agreeable>>instinct to defy the odds and greet $himher with a pleasant aspect<<else>>urge to speak for yourself<</if>> dies a quick death against your teeth. What does one even say to that? Is it a compliment? A threat? Neither? You now recognize that pinched tightness about $hisher painted face as control... of what, you are sure have not yet seen. And, of course, there is the very literal mask, ever-present and always-watching. It gives weight to $hisher cold words, even if you would rather it did not. ⮞ <<link "“Whatever you say. You're the $kingqueen here--allegedly.”" "stay 6">><<set $stay5b to true, $acerbic +=1, $blunt +=1, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Ah... hah...” You laugh nervously. “I don't know what to say to that...”" "stay 6">><<set $stay5c to true, $soft +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“But first, good morning!” Smile like nothing out of the ordinary is happening." "stay 6">><<set $stay5d to true, $soft +=1, $agreeable +=1, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Remain silent. If $heshe has something to say, $heshe should say it. You won't be goaded." "stay 6">><<set $stay5f to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $stay5d is true>>$U observes you quietly for so long that you feel the heaviness of that silence in your bones. Then a slow smile emerges. <<if $blunt > $soft and $acerbic > $agreeable>>"Not the greeting I was expecting, certainly..."<<elseif $soft > $blunt and $agreeable > $acerbic>>"Pleasant... as ever."<<elseif $soft > $blunt and $acerbic > $agreeable>>"Good morning."<<else>>"Indeed? Well, it would be rude not to respond in kind. Good morning, $Ire."<</if>><<elseif $stay5f is true>>$U observes you quietly for so long that you feel the heaviness of that silence in your bones. Then a slow smile emerges.<<elseif $stay5c is true>>$U observes you quietly for so long that you feel the heaviness of that silence in your bones. Then a slow smile emerges. "In such cases, it is best to say nothing at all."<<elseif $stay5b is true>>$U observes you quietly for so long that you feel the heaviness of that silence in your bones. Then a slow smile emerges. "Allegedly."<<else>>You sigh. That smile never wavers. It's unsettling in its rigid sameness. You <<if $acerbic > $agreeable or $blunt > $soft>>'smile' back flatly, the corners of your mouth depressing into your cheeks in a mocking imitation.<<elseif $soft > $blunt and $agreeable > $acerbic>>return the smile with one of your own, not sure what else to do.<<else>>stare back at $himher, expressionless.<</if>><</if>><<if $stay5f isnot true>> <<if $blunt > $soft>>"Where have you been, anyway?" you finally accuse, the words scraping against your throat.<<else>>"Where were you?" you finally whisper, an unspoken accusation scraping against your throat.<</if>> That smile never wavers. It's unsettling in its rigid sameness, and almost makes you wish you hadn't opened your mouth at all. "I was preparing for our meeting today, of course." You <<if $i.break.includes('laugh')>>laugh weakly<<else>>cough weakly<</if>>, suddenly more aware of <<if $devastation gte 2>>the mess that awaits you above.<<else>>the reason you were brought here to begin with.<</if>> <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>"And how is that going," you mutter, sullen.<<else>><<if $acerbic > $agreeable and $blunt > $soft>>"And how is that going?" you ask roughly.<<elseif $agreeable > $acerbic and $soft > $blunt>>"And, how is that going?" you ask gently, attempting to establish at least the illusion of a friendly conversation.<<elseif $acerbic > $agreeable and $soft > $blunt>>"And how is that going?" you ask gently, narrowing your eyes at $himher.<<else>>"And how is that going?" you ask bluntly, attempting to establish at least the illusion of a friendly conversation.<</if>> "Well, I trust." $U is exceptionally talented, you have decided, at disguising threats in an otherwise benign statement.<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're not speaking until $heshe does." "silence 1">><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Quick, think of something disarming to say. “It's... very hot, here.”" "speak 1">><<set $veryhot1 to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $totaldevastation gte 1>>⮞ <<link "No sense delaying the inevitable. “So, when are you going to kill me?”" "speak 1">><<set $whenkill1 to true, $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Get on your knees and shamelessly beg for mercy." "speak 1">><<set $beg1 to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 2, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 2, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<audio "sorrow" loop volume 0 fadein>><<audio "oud" fadeout>><<set $dishonourRoll +=3>><<run memorize ('achievement_lightUp', true)>><<set $achievement_lightUp to true>><<set $ch1.mem.push('arsonTrue')>><<audio "notif" play>><<notify 7s>>Achievement: light it up<</notify>>\ A stray breath of wind sweeps in through the lattice, disturbing the dead air around you, and your gaze falls upon the little table in the corner... and the fire-stick. You can't tear your eyes away from it. Maybe because you are standing here, nearly naked, stripped of your dignity and your memories and your power. Clad in a stranger's garb, locked away in a stranger's house, beholden to a stranger's oath, and stranded in a stranger's land. You have nothing except what $heshe gave you--and $heshe gave you fire. "Strange gift," you murmur under your breath. "Gift of fire." Is this what $heshe wants you to do? Burn it all down? Immolate yourself? No. But what do you know? //Nothing.// So then, why do you pile your sparse furnishings in the center of the room? And why is your arm now outstretched toward the burnt twig? Why do you take it in your unsteady fingers, and turn it over in your hands, eyes dully roving the delicate scrollwork? ⮞ <<link "Sadness tightens your ribs: if this is all that remains to you... what is the point of anything?" "arson 2">><<set $blazeSad to true>><<audio "match" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You are angry and that's all that matters: burn it down." "arson 2">><<set $blazeAngry to true>><<audio "match" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Manic laughter presses against your throat: why not?" "arson 2">><<set $blazeManic to true>><<audio "match" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Your breaths come quicker, in, out, a gentle wheeze of panic: you //have// to get $hisher attention somehow--you won't be left alone here to starve!" "arson 2">><<set $blazeDesperate to true>><<audio "match" play>><</link>>

<<audio "fire-1" loop volume 0 fadein>>\ <<if $firesoftly is true>>You bring it closer, as if to kiss the glyphs, and blow softly.<<elseif $firestrike is true>>You hesitate only for a moment, and then strike it quickly against the wall.<<elseif $firewhisper is true>>"Catch fire, please," you whisper again, the words more pained than before.<<elseif $firestare is true>>You stare at the charred glyphs with a focused intensity, as before.<</if>> <<linkreplace "A spark..." t8n>>A spark, and a crackle. <<fadein 3s 1s>>It takes more readily than you expected... You grab the wooden stool and toss it into the middle of the room--toss everything you can get your hands on, flammable or not--and watch the little conflagration rise higher, <<if hasVisited("vines")>>climbing over the tattered vines.<<elseif $totaldevastation gte 2>>climbing over your shattered crimes.<<else>>licking at the rug and woven mat.<</if>> <<linkreplace "This is what you wanted." t8n>>This is what you wanted. <<link "//Is this what you wanted?//" "arson 2b">><<randomSound>><</link>><</linkreplace>><</fadein>><</linkreplace>>

The tongues of flame are... different, you think. More beautiful than they ought to be in your unremembered memories. Swifter to bite the fuel. Quicker to leap. It's ethereal, the way your flickering fire spreads from mat to vine to stone--kisses the floor, then spits at the ceiling without a hint of wind. This is a realm you do not know. It is home to the kin of the air. Maybe their breath... is everywhere. Everywhere... The air is thicker now, choking. A vaporous smoke swirls toward your bare feet, brushing against your toes and encircling your ankles like wispy fingers. The heat stings your face. ⮞ <<link "Watch the flames dance higher, transfixed." "arson stay 1">><<set $arson2stay to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Hold out your hand--embrace the warmth." "arson stay 1">><<set $arson2embrace to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Dart to the window, suddenly panicked." "arson 3">><<set $arson2window to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "fire-1" fadeout>><<audio "fire-2" loop volume 0 fadein>>\ Your eyes linger on the all-devouring flame for a moment longer. The light curls higher, twisting, writhing, seething, consuming. <<if $i.break.includes('blank')>>You can almost //feel// it, this heat that kills the numbness in your soul. Instead of nothing, you feel something--terror.<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>You could almost laugh, with the joy of //feeling// something--and then the sweltering heat melts your courage.<<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>>It tamps out the fury in your soul and you can finally //feel// something other than resentment: an infernal flame.<<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>It stokes the helpless terror in your soul--to think that you summoned this unpredictable flame.<<else>>The dancing light distracts you for a moment, and as perpetual sob which is caught in your throat breaks free, the tears are drying in your eyes.<</if>> It wants... //You.// Breath caught, you sprint for the open air. The stone latticework of the window is cool beneath your hands and you shove past, all the way up to your shoulder, gulping deep breaths and gesturing wildly. The tiny figures drift below you, the size of wandering beetles from this high above the ground. A small congregation of them are gathered around someone clad in long, trailing robes. The distance makes details nearly irrelevant, but that someone might be wearing an elaborate headpiece. You squint, eyes watering profusely. You don't see a crooked staff, but that entity looks familiar--would you be so fortunate? Or perhaps unfortunate... Smoke floats over your head, curling past you and wisping into the breeze beyond your prison. Your eyes sting, blurring your vision, and you try to force the latticework apart. The sandy stone bruises your fingers. ⮞ <<link "Yell as loudly as you can--maybe someone will hear you." "arson 4 climb">><<set $arsonhelp to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stubbornly continue tugging at the latticework." "arson 4 climb">><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Give up..." "arson stay 1">><<set $arsongiveup to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Run to the door and start pounding." "arson door 1">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "fire-2" fadeout>><<audio "fire-3" loop volume 0 fadein>>\ You dart around the reaching flames and bang your fist against the door. Fire crackles loudly behind you, and when you glance over your shoulder it is crawling toward your feet. Your stomach curls in dread--there is something sickeningly sentient about the way it moves. "Fire!" you shout, pounding "FIRE! Fire! //Fire,// get me out, //get me out--//" You aren't even sure what you're saying anymore. Sweat blooms across your skin, silently dripping to the floor. Your thin tunic clings to your body. You don't want this. You don't want to die. There is a muffled shouting behind the door but you are glancing over your shoulder, focused on the all-devouring flame. The language is unfamiliar, tones quick and frantic, voices warbling together in confusion. But that is unimportant now. Now that you've done what you've done, perfect clarity descends upon you: you can't die here. Not here, in this prison of stone. //"Fire fire fire fire!"// The words are scraping the back of your throat, barely coherent, tearing into one long scream. Before you can react, several things happen <<link "at once." "arson door 2">><<audio "door" play>><</link>>

Another muffled shout rises above the confusion. <<if $heshe is "she">>Ethereal, forceful, and commanding. The melody beneath it sends a chill up your spine.<<else>>Low, forceful, and commanding. The resonance sends a chill up your spine.<</if>> You twitch backward--there is a loud //bang//--the door flies open--and a blast of energy sweeps through you, suppressing all thought for a brief moment. The flames <<link "//drop//." "arson stay 1c">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "fire-2" fadeout>><<audio "fire-3" loop volume 0 fadein>>\ <<if $arsonhelp is true>>"Fire!" you shout, <<if $i.bodyType.includes('thin') or $i.bodyType.includes('toned')>>sticking an arm through the stone lattice and waving frantically--but you can't shove your shoulder through, and the latticework manacles you to the tower. The sensation fuels your panic as the heat intensifies behind you.<<else>>trying desperately to shove your arm through the most open part of the latticework, but it's too tight--and the merciless pinch of the stone on your elbow, manacling you to the tower, only fuels your panic as the heat intensifies behind you.<</if>> "FIRE! Fire! //Fire,// get me out, //get me out--//" You aren't even sure what you're saying anymore. You don't want this. You don't want to die.<<else>>You grit your teeth and grimace, tugging at the stone. You don't want anyone to see you--but what are you going to do if you force your way out? Fall several hundred bodylengths and crack your spine across the bridge below you? From this height, would there even be a //crack// or would you simply evaporate on contact, your remains scattered across the palace grounds?<</if>> When you look down again, sweat beading along your forehead and trickling down the back of your neck, the figure is gone. The others are gathered together and talking amongst themselves, but a few appear to be looking in your direction. You clamber up onto the ledge, desperate both to escape the heat and catch their attention, and curl your fingers around the bars. Now that you've done what you've done, perfect clarity descends upon you: you can't die here. Not here, in this prison of stone. //"Fire fire fire fire!"// The words are scraping the back of your throat, barely coherent, tearing into one long scream-- And a shadow leaps up directly in front of your face, blotting out the sun. ⮞ <<link "You cry out, losing your balance and falling off the window ledge--toward the leaping flames." "arson 5 climb">><<set $ra1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You tighten your grip on the lattice for stability as your body twitches backward." "arson 5 climb">><<set $ra2 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You jolt, startled, and then try to shove your hand through the lattice--//“GET ME OUT OF HERE!”//" "arson 5 climb">><<set $ra3 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $ra1 is true>>A thin hand shoots through the lattice, iron fingers bruising your arm and yanking you back. You manage to clap your hand down on the ledge to keep from tumbling onto your neck. When you are assured of your balance, they let go quickly, and that<<elseif $ra2 is true>>You manage to shuffle out of the way as an<<else>>Something shunts through the lattice, impacting your chest and knocking the wind from your lungs--a wooden staff. You cough and fumble backwards, slipping down to the floor as an<</if>> elegant, bejeweled hand wraps around the stone--it wavers, and for a moment it's almost translucent. There is a loud //thump//--you stagger backward--and a blast of energy sweeps through you, suppressing all thought for a brief moment. The flames <<link "//drop//." "arson 6 climb">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "fire-3" fadeout>>\ They drop //through// the charred stone floor, as if up and down are temporarily reversed or a sudden gout of wind has burst from the ceiling. A breeze cools your skin as dust and ashes levitate, suspended in the air. Through the speckles of debris you see $U silhouetted before the window, a single streak of soot smudging the left side of $hisher face, staff held out in both clenched fists like a brittle battering ram--a thin, deceptively harmless-looking thing that belies the power which emanated from it. You think, distantly, that this description fits both weapon and weilder. "I do hope, mortal, that you //wanted// my full attention," $U whispers, lips scarcely moving, the breath twisting savagely. "Because you certainly have it now..." ⮞ <<link "Blind rage overpowers you: attack $U." "arson attack">><<set $attackU to true, $dishonourRoll +=2, $ch1.mem.push('arsonAttack')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stare in a fragile horror... //Why have you done this?//" "arson 4">><<set $e1 to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Smile disarmingly. “I missed you!”" "arson 4">><<set $e2 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stare in numb disbelief. “You actually came?”" "arson 4">><<set $e3 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“You're even less charming than I remembered.”" "arson 4">><<set $e4 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Great,” you say tersely. “Then let me go home.”" "arson 4">><<set $e5 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You don't know what to say." "arson 4">><<set $e6 to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "fire-1" fadeout>><<audio "fire-2" loop volume 0 fadein>>\ <<if $arson2embrace is true>>You hold out your hand<<elseif $arsongiveup is true>>You sigh, slipping to the floor<<else>>You stand perfectly still<</if>> as the light curls higher, twisting, writhing, seething, consuming. It is warm. And warmer... There is a muffled shouting behind the door but you barely twitch, focused on the all-devouring flame. The language is unfamiliar, tones quick and frantic, each voice warbling together in confusion. But that is unimportant now. Fire licks your fingers and begins to crawl around your feet. Sweat blooms across your skin, silently dripping to the floor. Your thin tunic clings to your body. It is something sacred, this unbearable <<link "warmth." "arson stay 1d">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "fire-2" fadeout>><<audio "fire-3" loop volume 0 fadein>>\ <<if $i.break.includes('blank')>>You can almost //feel// it, this heat that kills the numbness in your soul. It's nice, you think, to feel something instead of nothing...<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>You could almost laugh, with the joy of //feeling// something--even if it is a sweltering heat.<<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>>It soothes the fury in your soul... you can finally //feel// something other than resentment, even if it is an infernal flame.<<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>It soothes the helpless terror in your soul... strange how this decision, at least, was within your control--to summon this unpredictable flame.<<else>>The dancing light distracts you for a moment, and you find the perpetual sob which is caught in your throat eases... you tilt your head, tears drying in your eyes.<</if>> Another muffled voice rises above the rest. <<if $heshe is "she">>Ethereal, unhurried, but with an aura of authority. The melody beneath it sends a chill up your spine.<<else>>Low, unhurried, but with an air of authority. The resonance sends a chill up your spine.<</if>> Before you can react, several things happen <<link "at once." "arson stay 1b">><<audio "door" play>><</link>>

Your arm twitches back as the flame scorches your palm--there is a loud //bang//--the door flies open--and a blast of energy sweeps through you, suppressing all thought for a brief moment. The flames <<link "//drop//." "arson stay 1c">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "fire-3" fadeout>>\ They drop //through// the charred stone floor, as if up and down are temporarily reversed or a sudden gout of wind has burst from the ceiling. A breeze cools your skin as dust and ashes levitate, suspended in the air. Through the speckles of debris you see $U standing before you, a single streak of soot smudging the left side of $hisher face, staff held out in both clenched fists like a brittle battering ram--a thin, deceptively harmless-looking thing that belies the power which emanated from it. You think, distantly, that this description fits both weapon and weilder. "I do hope, mortal, that you //wanted// my full attention," $U whispers, lips scarcely moving, the breath twisting savagely. "Because you certainly have it now..." ⮞ <<link "Blind rage overpowers you: attack $U." "arson attack">><<set $attackU to true, $dishonourRoll +=2, $ch1.mem.push('arsonAttack')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stare in a fragile horror... //Why have you done this?//" "arson 4">><<set $e1 to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Smile disarmingly. “I missed you!”" "arson 4">><<set $e2 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stare in numb disbelief. “You actually came?”" "arson 4">><<set $e3 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“You're even less charming than I remembered.”" "arson 4">><<set $e4 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Great,” you say tersely. “Then let me go home.”" "arson 4">><<set $e5 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You don't know what to say." "arson 4">><<set $e6 to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $ra1, $ra2, $ra3>>\

<<audio "sorrow" fadeout>><<audio "ambient-quiet" loop volume 0 fadein>>\ <<if $e1 is true>>$U does not seem inclined to listen to a response either way, so why bother attempting one? You fearfully shift your stare to the left of the closed eye on the cloth mask, and let your own eyes unfocus, looking through $himher rather than the place where $hisher gaze should be. <<if $heshe is "she">>The smallest finger of $U's left hand twitches.<<else>>$HisHer jaw knots.<</if>><<elseif $e4 is true>><<if $heshe is "she">>The smallest finger of $U's left hand twitches.<<else>>$HisHer jaw knots.<</if>> "As are you." There is a heartbeat of silence.<<elseif $e2 is true>><<if $heshe is "she">>The smallest finger of $U's left hand twitches.<<else>>$HisHer jaw knots.<</if>> "That is not... is that why..." You continue smiling <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>to hide the quiver in your lip<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>through the blank despair which is currently eating at your soul<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>to hide the chaos, the madness swirling in your chest<<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>to keep yourself from falling to your knees and screaming<<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>>to keep the burning rage tamped down in your soul<</if>>. "What if I said yes?"<<elseif $e6 is true>>$U does not seem inclined to listen to a response, so why bother attempting one? You shift your stare slightly to the left of the closed eye on the cloth mask, and let your own eyes unfocus, looking through $himher rather than the place where $hisher gaze should be.<<elseif $e3 is true>><<if $heshe is "she">>The smallest finger of $U's left hand twitches.<<else>>$HisHer jaw knots.<</if>> "Why would I not?" The assurance feels like a trick, somehow.<<elseif $r4 is true>><<if $heshe is "she">>The smallest finger of $U's left hand twitches.<<else>>$HisHer jaw knots.<</if>> You stare, blankfaced, and clench your jaw <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>to hide the quiver in your lip<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>to hide the blank despair which is currently eating at your soul<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>to hide the chaos, the madness swirling in your chest<<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>to keep yourself from falling to your knees and screaming<<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>>to keep the burning rage tamped down in your soul<</if>>.<<elseif $e5 is true>><<if $heshe is "she">>The smallest finger of $U's left hand twitches.<<else>>$HisHer jaw knots.<</if>> "And you thought burning my home to ashes would earn my favour?" You <<if $agreeable > $acerbic>>force a smile and clench your<<if $heshe is "he">> own<</if>> jaw <<else>>stare, blankfaced, and clench your jaw<</if>> <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>to hide the quiver in your lip<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>to hide the blank despair which is currently eating at your soul<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>to hide the chaos, the madness swirling in your chest<<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>to keep yourself from falling to your knees and screaming<<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>>to keep the burning rage tamped down in your soul<</if>>.<</if>> <<if $uRival is true>>"I can't say I'm surprised, $Ire... but you have made me //very// unhappy." The simple, clipped tones are not comforting.<<else>>"I thought, $Ire, that we had an understanding from the beginning." Something unpleasant colours $hisher words, but you can't place it with one distinct emotion. Perhaps it is many. Or none. You're not sure which is more terrifying.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Either way, you keep your silence." "arson 4b">><<set $arson4silence to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“...You seem out of breath.”" "arson 4b">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $arson4silence is true>><<if hasVisited('arson 5 climb')>> "I transmuted the stone to a composition that would enable a physical entity to pass through unharmed--not the most elegant solution, but certainly the most obvious one," $heshe explains, sounding even more winded than before--possibly from exasperation rather than exhaustion. "And now I have misspent some portion of my magic extinguishing a blaze that was feasting quite happily on unfiltered mortal <<if $blazeSad is true>>sorrow<<elseif $blazeAngry is true>>anger<<elseif $blazeManic is true>>madness<<elseif $blazeDesperate is true>>panic<</if>>--you had better have a very //fine// explanation for this--"<<else>>"I left a very important meeting to run up seven hundred stairs," $heshe says, sounding even more winded than before--possibly from exasperation rather than exhaustion. "And I have now misspent some portion of my magic extinguishing a blaze that was feasting quite happily on unfiltered mortal <<if $blazeSad is true>>sorrow<<elseif $blazeAngry is true>>anger<<elseif $blazeManic is true>>madness<<elseif $blazeDesperate is true>>panic<</if>>--you had better have a very //fine// explanation for this--"<</if>><<else>><<if hasVisited('arson 5 climb')>>"Yes, how very //observant// of you," $heshe says with a petrifying honesty. "I thought it wise to act quickly, so I transmuted the stone to a composition that would enable a physical entity to pass through unharmed--not the most elegant solution, but certainly the most obvious one--and now I have misspent some portion of my magic extinguishing a blaze that was feasting quite happily on unfiltered mortal <<if $blazeSad is true>>sorrow<<elseif $blazeAngry is true>>anger<<elseif $blazeManic is true>>madness<<elseif $blazeDesperate is true>>panic<</if>>--I think I have earned the //right// to be a bit //winded//--"<<else>>"Yes, I am a bit //winded//, I suppose," $heshe says with a petrifying honesty. "Given that I left a very important meeting to run up seven hundred stairs, and have now misspent some portion of my magic extinguishing a blaze that was feasting quite happily on unfiltered mortal <<if $blazeSad is true>>sorrow<<elseif $blazeAngry is true>>anger<<elseif $blazeManic is true>>madness<<elseif $blazeDesperate is true>>panic<</if>>--I think I have earned the //right// to be a bit //winded//--"<</if>><</if>> $HeShe visibly bites $hisher tongue, sneering, and turns slightly away from you... As if the entire affair is disgusting. But that's only a facade, isn't it? The moment nearly escaped $hisher control in some way. You have no proof of this. It's only a suspicion, if a disconcerting one. You think about remarking on it before your thoughts veer in a different direction--the way $heshe just gently touched upon a word which resembles the tightness in your chest, from before you started the fire. <<if $blazeSad is true>>"Sorrow?"<<elseif $blazeAngry is true>>"Anger?"<<elseif $blazeManic is true>>"Madness?"<<elseif $blazeDesperate is true>>"Panic?"<</if>> you can't help but murmur--some part of you seeks to understand. The cruel, mocking tone of $hisher reply makes you wish you hadn't. "I shall repeat myself once more, $Ire, for your benefit: this realm is unlike the gentle lands where you lived before. The sands and mountains here are not ambivilent to your presence. They watch you. They listen. They know your heart. Most perilously of all, they //feed//. What you put into this realm, you will receive tenfold, so heed my advice and keep a close guard over your emotions, lest their very existence betray our cause." ⮞ <<link "“Why would you give me fire if you knew what could happen?”" "arson 5">><<set $a1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You breathe heavily, silent, struggling to collect all of your emotions..." "arson 5">><<set $a2 to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Your cause. Not mine.”" "arson 5">><<set $a3 to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $e1, $e2, $e3, $e4, $e5, $e6>>

<<if $a1 is true>>$U glowers at you. An impressive feat for someone whose eyes are entirely hidden. "I must admit my list of concerns did not include my chosen $Ire lighting everything in this tower--including yourself--//ablaze//!"<<elseif $a2 is true>>$U inspects you for a long while, allowing you to compose yourself, before muttering, "I must admit my list of concerns did not include my chosen $Ire lighting everything in this tower--including yourself--//ablaze."<<elseif $a3 is true>>$U glowers at you. An impressive feat for someone whose eyes are entirely hidden. "Yes, you have made //that// perfectly clear. I must admit my list of concerns did not include my chosen $Ire lighting everything in this tower--including yourself--//ablaze//!"<</if>> The obvious strikes you. $HeShe is angry not because you lit the fire, but because of what that action implies. Because--$heshe needs you alive? And now $heshe thinks you don't have a sense of self-preservation. //That might be true.// At the very least, you'd be hard-pressed to argue against it effectively. So you don't. "The warmest of flames burn to the coldest of ashes," $U remarks bitterly, rubbing a bit of soot between $hisher thumb and forefinger--as if that were a perfectly ordinary thing to say. $HisHer otherwise smooth face scrunches ever so slightly in contempt, and your attention is drawn to a patch of freckles on $hisher prominent nose. ⮞ <<link "You would retort if you could find the words--you hope the simmering glare speaks loudly enough." "arson 6">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You are too busy fighting for composure to even think of replying." "arson 6">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Actually, you are too busy being vaguely terrified that $heshe is going to kill you." "arson 6">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $arson4silence>>\

<<audio "sorrow" fadeout>><<audio "ambient-quiet" loop volume 0 fadein>>\ One moment you are leaping forward. In the next, a blunt force impacts your chest. <<if $i.bodyType.includes('thin')>>You're pretty sure you hear something crack as you yelp and stagger backwards,<<else>>You yelp and stumble back, off-balance,<</if>> and a jolt of energy snaps through your ribs, catching all of your nerves and twanging them like bowstrings. You brace yourself against the wall--barely--before slumping to the stone tiles. What... what were you doing? There was fire... $U is here... And now you can't breathe. Your limbs twitch as you fight to draw a breath. Just one single breath. <<if $blunt gte $soft>>You grit your teeth and manage to pull in a wheezing, pathetic gasp for air.<<else>>A soft, choking sound leaves your throat as you manage to pull in a wheezing, pathetic gasp for air.<</if>> You cough, squinting up at the <<if hasVisited("vines")>>sparse and twinkling remains of the nightblooms--only a few unfurled blossoms remain tucked away in the cracks of the ceiling.<<else>>lush canopy of serenely glowing nightblooms which cling to the cracked ceiling above.<</if>> $U leans over you, and from this angle you can see //up// into the abyss of the draped veil--just a sliver of darkness lurking beneath... and then a flourish of golden light. But it's gone too quick, and you are uncertain of what you have actually seen, if anything at all. You're more concerned with how you ended up on the floor. "The warmest of flames burn to the coldest of ashes," $U remarks bitterly, rubbing a bit of soot between $hisher thumb and forefinger--as if that were a perfectly ordinary thing to say. $HisHer otherwise smooth face scrunches ever so slightly in contempt, and your attention is drawn to a patch of freckles on $hisher prominent nose. ⮞ <<link "You would retort if you could--you hope the simmering glare speaks loudly enough." "arson 6">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You are too busy fighting for air to even think of replying." "arson 6">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Actually, you are too busy being vaguely terrified that you are going to die." "arson 6">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if hasVisited('arson attack')>>It occurs to you that your moment of impulsivity has landed you in an even more vulnerable state, sitting crumpled at $U's feet. <<if $i.break.includes('blank')>> It's the only reason why you manage to drag yourself upright... barely.<<else>>You manage to drag yourself upright, wincing as your joints pop and crack in protest.<</if>> <</if>>$U opens $hisher mouth again, and you are relieved when there is a soft creak as the door opens behind $himher. First a crack, and then wide enough to glimpse a slender figure on the other side--you lift your chin and behold an effeminate elfish face adorned in refined patterns of white and gold paint. Her ears are long and tapered, though not as long as $U's. Eyes wide to better behold you. Blue eyes, bright and open as the desert sky and framed by a wavy fringe of dark bangs, not black but ash-brown. Soft lengths of red linen waft around her ethereal figure, skirts embroidered with tiny butterflies and colourful flowers of blue and green. She takes a swaying step forward. Unlike $U, her garments do not trail across the floor. The hem swishes above her ankles, and she is not wearing sandals. Only a pair of tinkling anklets grace her feet. The look on her narrow face is one of apprehension, and she tightens her grip on the door. Her eyes dart to $U, and then back to you, glistening with fear. You blink rapidly, stunned. Is she afraid… of $himher, or me? Well, you suppose either is justified, given the current state of your accomodations. She whispers a gentle inquiry in that other language, but $U's voice is oddly flat as $heshe replies in your own tongue, the lack of intonation startling after the spark of rage. "Aikani, please inform the high priest and company that there was an... incident... with one of the younger sorcerers. I must see to it personally, and send my regrets. Our convocation will resume tomorrow. And find a suitable sleeping mat and blanket to replace the ones which have burned." Akhani starts to leave, but $U stops her with a single twitch of $hisher finger. "When I next summon you, please be ready with the items I prepared yesterday evening." There is an unreadable twist of her expression, and she murmurs an assent before backing out of the room. <<if $dishonourRoll gte 4>> $U smooths a hand through $hisher elaborately braided and ornamented hair, which you only now notice is <<if hasVisited('arson 5 climb')>>bereft of a crown and also <</if>>somewhat rumpled, but $hisher head never moves, and the invisible, staring eyes--tucked away behind that staring veil--never leave you. Darkness settles over the room,<<if hasVisited('vines')>> and even the glowing petals in the furthest corners of the tower, untouched by the fire, seem to dim,<</if>> prompting a silent shiver.<<else>>"You have all but ruined my plans for the day, $Ire... I am not used to such..." $U smoothes a hand through $hisher elaborately braided and ornamented hair, which you only now notice is <<if hasVisited('arson 5 climb')>>bereft of a crown and also <</if>>somewhat rumpled. "...//annoying// disruptions."<</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're not speaking until $heshe asks a direct question." "silence 1">><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "$HeShe doesn't look happy, and you are absolutely the cause of that unhappiness. Quick, think of something disarming to say. “It's... very hot, here.”" "speak 1">><<set $veryhot1 to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $totaldevastation gte 1>>⮞ <<link "No sense delaying the inevitable. “So, when are you going to kill me?”" "speak 1">><<set $whenkill1 to true, $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Get on your knees and shamelessly beg for mercy." "speak 1">><<set $beg1 to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 2, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 2, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> <<unset $a1, $a2, $a3>>\

<<if $veryhot1 is true>>$U was subtly turning toward the window, but all movement stills: though you can't see $hisher eyes, the aura of $hisher movements reads as a slow blink. "We are in a desert." <<if $intentionsClear1 is true or $intentionsFalseFriend1 or $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>You <<if $agreeable > $acerbic>>wrinkle your nose<<elseif $soft > $blunt and $agreeable > $acerbic>>hep-hem<<elseif $acerbic > $agreeable and $blunt > $soft>>clear your throat<<else>>sigh<</if>>. //Right.// <<elseif $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>><<if $bold > $shy>>You allow yourself a faint laugh, but your face is turning red.<<else>>You fight hard to keep a flush of embarrassment from rising to your cheeks, which only makes you blush hotter.<</if>> "Yes... I knew that."<<else>><<if $bold > $shy>>You force a faint laugh, but your face is turning slightly red.<<else>>You fight hard to keep a flush of embarrassment and annoyance from rising to your cheeks, which only makes you blush hotter.<</if>> "Yes... I knew that."<</if>><<elseif $whenkill1 is true>>$U was subtly turning toward the window, but all movement stills: though you can't see $hisher eyes, the aura of $hisher movements reads as a slow blink. "After bringing you all the way here?" "But..." You glance around the room. "Did you think I would leave anything truly valuable within <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>shattering distance of the mortal who broke my mirror<<else>>reach of a mortal<</if>>?" $U inquires, very slowly, as if you are stupid. Before you can answer, $heshe says, "You don't know me at all." Your instinct to <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>glare more hotly than the desert sun<<else>><<if $acerbic > $agreeable>>think of a witty retort<<else>>think of a way to placate $himher<</if>><</if>> is scattered by the realization that you can't tell if this is a serious statement, an accusation, or a joke. <<if $intentionsClear1 is true or $intentionsFalseFriend1 or $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>You <<if $agreeable > $acerbic>>wrinkle your nose<<elseif $soft > $blunt and $agreeable > $acerbic>>hep-hem<<elseif $acerbic > $agreeable and $blunt > $soft>>clear your throat<<else>>sigh<</if>>. <<elseif $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>><<if $bold > $shy>>You allow yourself a faint laugh, but your face is turning red.<<else>>You fight hard to keep a flush of embarrassment from rising to your cheeks, which only makes you blush hotter.<</if>> <<else>><<if $bold > $shy>>You force a faint laugh, but your face is turning slightly red.<<else>>You fight hard to keep a flush of embarrassment and annoyance from rising to your cheeks, which only makes you blush hotter.<</if>> <</if>><<else>>$U was subtly turning toward the window, but as soon as your knees hit the floor all movement stills: though you can't see $hisher eyes, the aura of $hisher movements reads as a slow blink. "Please," you say again, hands knotted together and trembling in your lap. You keep your head down, jaw tight, breaths shallow. "I... I won't do anything like this again--I swear it." There is a gentle swish of cloth as $U shifts $hisher balance to the other foot. "Kill you? After bringing you all the way here?" "But..." You dare to glance up, gaze darting around the room. "Did you think I would leave anything truly valuable within <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>shattering distance of the mortal who broke my mirror<<else>>reach of a mortal<</if>>?" $U inquires, very slowly, as if you are stupid. Before you can answer, $heshe says, "Stop groveling and get up." <<if $intentionsClear1 is true or $intentionsFalseFriend1 or $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>You cautiously uncurl your spine and shuffle to your feet again, <<if $agreeable > $acerbic>>wrinkling your nose<<elseif $soft > $blunt and $agreeable > $acerbic>>hep-hemming<<elseif $acerbic > $agreeable and $blunt > $soft>>clearing your throat<<else>>sighing softly<</if>>. <<elseif $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>><<if $bold > $shy>>You cautiously uncurl your spine and shuffle to your feet again, allowing yourself a faint laugh, but your face is turning red.<<else>>You cautiously uncurl your spine and shuffle to your feet again, fighting hard to keep a flush of embarrassment from rising to your cheeks, which only makes you blush hotter.<</if>> <<else>><<if $bold > $shy>>You cautiously uncurl your spine and shuffle to your feet again, forcing a faint laugh, but your face is turning slightly red.<<else>>You cautiously uncurl your spine and shuffle to your feet again, fighting hard to keep a flush of embarrassment and annoyance from rising to your cheeks, which only makes you blush hotter.<</if>> <</if>> "Begging for your life is a waste of breath," $U informs you blandly. "As is begging for your death." Something about the grim words and the casual, uncaring way the $kingqueen has tossed them in your direction makes you <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>want to lie down on the floor and start crying<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>want to go back to sleep and give up on this entire affair<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>want to burst out laughing or start sobbing hysterically--just to watch $hisher reaction, of course.<<else>>twitch your fingers, a whispered breath escaping between your gritted teeth<</if>>.<</if>> A strained silence follows. You <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>take a shuddering breath and<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>let your hands dangle limply at your sides, empty and boneless, and<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>huff a laughing breath and<<else>>clench your fists and<</if>> cast your glance away, uneasy. <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>You <<if $respect is true or $resent is true>>may have knelt, but you <</if>>are not broken. Your mind is not broken. Even as you think this, you remember the sound of shattering glass... //I'm not broken,// you think <<if $i.issues.includes('indecisive')>>desperately. //...am I?// Maybe you have always doubted yourself.<<elseif $i.issues.includes('abandonment')>>desperately. If you're broken, you'll be incapable of making allies. But who can you appeal to in this desolate wasteland? //Not broken. Not yet.//<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>wearily, fear prickling under your resolve. //My mind is strong...// A lie.<<else>>stubbornly, glaring into the gently drifting pollen. //Not yet.//<</if>> It doesn't matter what $U says or does--$heshe hides behind a mask, but you hide nothing. You care not for trust or affection. You want $himher to fear you one day. You want $himher crawling on the ground before you like the serpent $heshe resembles--to bare $hisher pointed teeth in absolute submission. Let the truth be known, and let $himher punish you for it if it comes to that. You may have lost half your wits to this bargain, but you will never be intimidated into compliance.<<elseif $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true>>You <<if $respect is true or $resent is true>>may have knelt, but you <</if>>are not broken. Your mind is not broken. Even as you think this, you remember the sound of shattering glass... //I'm not broken,// you think <<if $i.issues.includes('indecisive')>>desperately. //...am I?// Maybe you have always doubted yourself.<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>desperately. If you're broken, you'll be incapable of making allies. But who can you appeal to in this desolate wasteland? //Not broken. Not yet.//<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>wearily, fear prickling under your resolve. //My mind is strong...// A lie.<<else>>stubbornly, glaring into the gently drifting pollen. //Not yet.//<</if>> It doesn't matter what you have to do to earn $hisher trust--once you have it, perhaps more options will make themselves known. It's a slim hope, but what else do you have? You'll never forget that this is a ruse--an act. $HeShe has not removed $hisher mask; now you will wear one, too.<<elseif $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>>You <<if $respect is true or $resent is true>>may have knelt, but you <</if>>are not broken. Your mind is not broken. Even as you think this, you remember the sound of shattering glass... //I'm not broken,// you think <<if $i.issues.includes('indecisive')>>desperately. //...am I?// Maybe you have always doubted yourself.<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>desperately. If you're broken, you'll be incapable of proving yourself--of winning affection. $HisHer support is all you have in this desolate wasteland. //Not broken. Not yet.//<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>wearily, fear prickling under your resolve. //My mind is strong...// A lie.<<else>>stubbornly, glaring into the gently drifting pollen. //Not yet.//<</if>> You <<if $bold > $shy>>ignore the pounding in your chest and let your eyes wander across the veil, the hawkish nose, lingering on those blackened lips and falling to the tapping, rhythmic fingers. You could tell yourself you only want to earn $hisher trust but that would be a lie.<<elseif $shy > $bold>>swallow thickly and avert your gaze, afraid that your eyes will meet $hishers without your knowledge. Afraid they will linger on those blackened lips before falling to the tapping, rhythmic fingers. You could tell yourself you only want to earn $hisher trust but that would be a lie.<<else>>let your eyes wander across the veil, the hawkish nose, lingering on those blackened lips and falling to the tapping, rhythmic fingers. You could tell yourself you only want to earn $hisher trust but that would be a lie.<</if>> The pit of your stomach knots in dread. It doesn't matter what you have to do to earn $hisher trust--once you have it, perhaps more options will make themselves known. It's a slim hope, but what else do you have? You'll never forget that this is a ruse--an act. $HeShe has not removed $hisher mask; now you will wear one, too. You want more than trust. You want $hisher blind affection. You want $himher crawling on the ground before you like the serpent $heshe resembles--to bare $hisher pointed teeth in absolute submission. Maybe then you will gain control of your own fate.<<elseif $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>> You <<if $respect is true or $resent is true>>may have knelt, but you <</if>>are not broken. Your mind is not broken. Even as you think this, you remember the sound of shattering glass... //I'm not broken,// you think <<if $i.issues.includes('indecisive')>>desperately. //...am I?// Maybe you have always doubted yourself.<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>desperately. If you're broken, you'll be incapable of proving yourself--of winning affection. $HisHer support is all you have in this desolate wasteland. //Not broken. Not yet.//<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>wearily, fear prickling under your resolve. //My mind is strong...// A lie.<<else>>stubbornly, glaring into the gently drifting pollen. //Not yet.//<</if>> You <<if $bold > $shy>>ignore the pounding in your chest and let your eyes wander across the veil, the hawkish nose, lingering on those blackened lips and falling to the tapping, rhythmic fingers. You could tell yourself you only want to earn $hisher trust but that would be a lie.<<elseif $shy > $bold>>swallow thickly and avert your gaze, afraid that your eyes will meet $hishers without your knowledge. Afraid they will linger on those blackened lips before falling to the tapping, rhythmic fingers. You could tell yourself you only want to earn $hisher trust but that would be a lie.<<else>>let your eyes wander across the veil, the hawkish nose, lingering on those blackened lips and falling to the tapping, rhythmic fingers. You could tell yourself you only want to earn $hisher trust but that would be a lie.<</if>> $HeShe has not removed $hisher mask; surely a mutual trust would begin with that--no masks, no false pretenses--and yet you want more than trust. You know so little of $himher, but you want $himher to look at you honestly. To tell you the truth. Whatever that truth might be.<<else>> You <<if $respect is true or $resent is true>>may have knelt, but you <</if>>are not broken. Your mind is not broken. Even as you think this, you remember the sound of shattering glass... //I'm not broken,// you think <<if $i.issues.includes('indecisive')>>desperately. //...am I?// Maybe you have always doubted yourself.<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>desperately. If you're broken, you'll be incapable of proving yourself a worthy ally to the $kingqueen of the air--whatever $hisher plans, isn't it better than being left alone in this desolate wasteland? //Not broken. Not yet.//<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>wearily, fear prickling under your resolve. //My mind is strong...// A lie.<<else>>stubbornly, glaring into the gently drifting pollen. //Not yet.//<</if>> $HeShe has not removed $hisher mask; removing yours first would not be wise. But something has to give. Somehow, you must find a way to earn $hisher trust--once you have it, perhaps more options will make themselves known. It's a slim hope, but what else do you have?<</if>> ⮞ <<link "You decide to ask $U why $heshe has come to see you now." "tower convo 1">><<set $s3gentle to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You rudely demand to know why $U is here, and when you can leave." "tower convo 1">><<set $s3rude to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You watch $U quietly, waiting for... something." "tower convo 1">><<set $s3watch to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

The sun is slowly rising, but though the brightness of the sky lifts the colour and the mood very slightly, turning the shadows of the room from blue to purple, the two of you remain drenched in the gloom of the tower. You have reason to believe that the $kingqueen enjoys belittling you with $hisher remarks, and you keep a close eye on $hisher stained mouth, waiting for it to loose an insult. Instead, <<if $totaldevastation gte 1>>$heshe stretches forth a hand, long fingers splayed, and the air in the room ripples gently, like a rock thrown into a pond. When those ripples wash through you, you shiver at the touch of coldness. The sundered remains of the <<if hasVisited('smash')>>vases <</if>><<if hasVisited('vines')>>vines <</if>><<if $totaldevastation gte 2>>and <</if>><<if hasVisited('mirror')>>shards of mirror<</if>> seem to liquify, and for a breath, it's impossible to tell if they are suspended in the air or wavering upon the ground. Before you can decide, they melt into dried ash <<if hasVisited('arson')>>and join the scorch marks on the floor and walls<</if>>, swirling into a small cloud of dust and disappearing out the window with one lazy wave of $U's hand. <</if>>$U takes a few more casual steps, sandaled toes slipping beneath the long robes, and picks up the <<if hasVisited('arson')>>overturned<</if>> stool <<if !visited('arson')>>sitting beside the little table <</if>><<if $heshe is "she">>with both careful hands<<else>>with a flick of $hisher wrist<</if>>, slowly returning to the window and setting it down<<if hasVisited('arson')>> right-side up<<else>> noiselessly<</if>>. <<if $arson is true>>$HeShe casually brushes a flake of charred wood from the seat and sweeps $hisher hand across it; a puff of dust scatters, startling you. The stool is now perfectly clean, if slightly cracked and warped from the heat, and $heshe lowers $himself upon it as if the humble resting place were a $kingqueen's throne.<<else>> <</if>> The staff is once more laid inert across $hisher knees, and $heshe simply looks at you. At least, //you// are the direction in which $heshe appears to be staring--and you can feel that now-familiar disapproval radiating from beneath the veil. It is apparent that you are expected to speak. ⮞ <<link "You feel no such obligation." "silence 2">><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You //want// to speak but are now held captive against your will by the painfully awkward silence." "silence 2">><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You decide to ask $U <<if hasVisited('arson')>>what $heshe expects from you, exactly.<<else>>why $heshe has come to see you now.<</if>>" "tower convo 1">><<set $s3gentle to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You rudely demand to know <<if hasVisited('arson')>>what $heshe expects from you, exactly, and more importantly when you can leave.<<else>>why $U is here, and when you can leave.<</if>>" "tower convo 1">><<set $s3rude to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>>

Instead, you <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>take a shuddering breath and<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>let your hands dangle limply at your sides, empty and boneless, and<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>huff a laughing breath and<<else>>clench your fists and<</if>> cast your glance away, steadfastly ignoring the ruler of the realm. <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>You <<if $respect is true or $resent is true>>may have knelt, but you <</if>>are not broken. Your mind is not broken. Even as you think this, you remember the sound of shattering glass... //I'm not broken,// you think <<if $i.issues.includes('indecisive')>>desperately. //...am I?// Maybe you have always doubted yourself.<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>desperately. If you're broken, you'll be incapable of making allies. But who can you appeal to in this desolate wasteland? //Not broken. Not yet.//<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>wearily, fear prickling under your resolve. //My mind is strong...// A lie.<<else>>stubbornly, glaring into the gently drifting pollen. //Not yet.//<</if>> It doesn't matter what $U says or does--$heshe hides behind a mask, but you hide nothing. You care not for trust or affection. You want $himher to fear you one day. You want $himher crawling on the ground before you like the serpent $heshe resembles--to bare $hisher pointed teeth in absolute submission. Let the truth be known, and let $himher punish you for it if it comes to that. You may have lost half your wits to this bargain, but you will never be intimidated into compliance.<<elseif $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true>>You <<if $respect is true or $resent is true>>may have knelt, but you <</if>>are not broken. Your mind is not broken. Even as you think this, you remember the sound of shattering glass... //I'm not broken,// you think <<if $i.issues.includes('indecisive')>>desperately. //...am I?// Maybe you have always doubted yourself.<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>desperately. If you're broken, you'll be incapable of making allies. But who can you appeal to in this desolate wasteland? //Not broken. Not yet.//<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>wearily, fear prickling under your resolve. //My mind is strong...// A lie.<<else>>stubbornly, glaring into the gently drifting pollen. //Not yet.//<</if>> It doesn't matter what you have to do to earn $hisher trust. You'll never forget that this is a ruse--an act. $HeShe has not removed $hisher mask; now you will wear one, too.<<elseif $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>>You <<if $respect is true or $resent is true>>may have knelt, but you <</if>>are not broken. Your mind is not broken. Even as you think this, you remember the sound of shattering glass... //I'm not broken,// you think <<if $i.issues.includes('indecisive')>>desperately. //...am I?// Maybe you have always doubted yourself.<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>desperately. If you're broken, you'll be incapable of proving yourself--of winning affection. $HisHer support is all you have in this desolate wasteland. //Not broken. Not yet.//<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>wearily, fear prickling under your resolve. //My mind is strong...// A lie.<<else>>stubbornly, glaring into the gently drifting pollen. //Not yet.//<</if>> You <<if $bold > $shy>>ignore the pounding in your chest and let your eyes wander across the veil, the hawkish nose, lingering on those blackened lips and falling to the tapping, rhythmic fingers. You could tell yourself you only want to earn $hisher trust but that would be a lie.<<elseif $shy > $bold>>swallow thickly and avert your gaze, afraid that your eyes will meet $hishers without your knowledge. Afraid they will linger on those blackened lips before falling to the tapping, rhythmic fingers. You could tell yourself you only want to earn $hisher trust but that would be a lie.<<else>>let your eyes wander across the veil, the hawkish nose, lingering on those blackened lips and falling to the tapping, rhythmic fingers. You could tell yourself you only want to earn $hisher trust but that would be a lie.<</if>> The pit of your stomach knots in dread. It doesn't matter what you have to do to earn $hisher trust. You'll never forget that this is a ruse--an act. $HeShe has not removed $hisher mask; now you will wear one, too. You want more than trust. You want $hisher blind affection. You want $himher crawling on the ground before you like the serpent $heshe resembles--to bare $hisher pointed teeth in absolute submission. Maybe then you will gain control of your own fate.<<elseif $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>You <<if $respect is true or $resent is true>>may have knelt, but you <</if>>are not broken. Your mind is not broken. Even as you think this, you remember the sound of shattering glass... //I'm not broken,// you think <<if $i.issues.includes('indecisive')>>desperately. //...am I?// Maybe you have always doubted yourself.<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>desperately. If you're broken, you'll be incapable of proving yourself--of winning affection. $HisHer support is all you have in this desolate wasteland. //Not broken. Not yet.//<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>wearily, fear prickling under your resolve. //My mind is strong...// A lie.<<else>>stubbornly, glaring into the gently drifting pollen. //Not yet.//<</if>> You <<if $bold > $shy>>ignore the pounding in your chest and let your eyes wander across the veil, the hawkish nose, lingering on those blackened lips and falling to the tapping, rhythmic fingers. You could tell yourself you only want to earn $hisher trust but that would be a lie.<<elseif $shy > $bold>>swallow thickly and avert your gaze, afraid that your eyes will meet $hishers without your knowledge. Afraid they will linger on those blackened lips before falling to the tapping, rhythmic fingers. You could tell yourself you only want to earn $hisher trust but that would be a lie.<<else>>let your eyes wander across the veil, the hawkish nose, lingering on those blackened lips and falling to the tapping, rhythmic fingers. You could tell yourself you only want to earn $hisher trust but that would be a lie.<</if>> $HeShe has not removed $hisher mask; surely a mutual trust would begin with that--no masks, no false pretenses--and yet you want more than trust. You know so little of $himher, but you want $himher to look at you honestly. To tell you the truth. Whatever that truth might be.<<else>>You <<if $respect is true or $resent is true>>may have knelt, but you <</if>>are not broken. Your mind is not broken. Even as you think this, you remember the sound of shattering glass... //I'm not broken,// you think <<if $i.issues.includes('indecisive')>>desperately. //...am I?// Maybe you have always doubted yourself.<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>desperately. If you're broken, you'll be incapable of proving yourself a worthy ally to the $kingqueen of the air--whatever $hisher plans, isn't it better than being left alone in this desolate wasteland? //Not broken. Not yet.//<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>wearily, fear prickling under your resolve. //My mind is strong...// A lie.<<else>>stubbornly, glaring into the gently drifting pollen. //Not yet.//<</if>> $HeShe has not removed $hisher mask; removing yours first would not be wise. But something has to give. Somehow, you must find a way to earn $hisher trust.<</if>> $U continues to stare at you, fingers methodically tracing the etched pattern of glyphs on the crooked staff. Your eyes are pulled to those fingers almost against your will: dark. <<if $heshe is "she">>Long nails, blackened, but well-kept.<<else>>Blackened, well-kept nails.<</if>> Is it a stain, or something within the hands themselves that has discoloured them? The servant's hands were not stained in such a way. Your gaze wanders about the tower, sometimes to the window. Once, you feel dizzy, and reach for the bottle of water to get a drink. When you have to relieve yourself, $U leaves and returns with something new: a long-stemmed pipe carved of jade-green stone. In the bowl of the pipe, you see a crumbling of herbs. $HeShe presses lightly into the crushed leaves with a finger, and there is a faint hiss. A wisp of smoke curls up from the pipe and $U lifts it delicately to $hisher mouth, no longer facing your directly but ostensibly gazing at the wall on the opposite side of the room. The acrid scent of burning herbs drifts to the place where you stand. ⮞ <<link "Wrinkle your nose--you have an instant dislike for that." "silence 3">><<randomSound>><<set $i.thinks.push('smokingDislike')>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Smoke somewhere else,” you mutter, annoyed." "silence 3">><<randomSound>><<set $i.thinks.push('smokingDislike'), $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Can I have some of that?” you ask, genuinely intrigued." "silence 3">><<set $i.thinks.push('smokingInterest'), $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "It's a nice, woodsy smell; you have no complaints." "silence 3">><<set $i.thinks.push('smokingScent')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "It doesn't matter to you in the slightest." "silence 3">><<randomSound>><</link>>

$U doesn't so much as glance in your direction, but gently puffs at the pipe, wisps of curling smoke trailing the corners of $hisher mouth and wafting toward the ceiling. Maybe it's just your imagination, but the flowers rustle slightly and recoil. ⮞ <<link "You decide to ask $U <<if hasVisited('arson')>>what $heshe expects from you, exactly.<<else>>why $heshe has come to see you now.<</if>>" "tower convo 1">><<set $s3gentle to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You rudely demand to know <<if hasVisited('arson')>>what $U expects from you, exactly, and more importantly when you can leave.<<else>>why $U is here, and when you can leave.<</if>>" "tower convo 1">><<set $s3rude to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You watch $U quietly, intrigued by the dancing smoke." "tower convo 1">><<set $s3watch to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if !visited('silence 1')>>You have reason to believe that the $kingqueen enjoys belittling you with $hisher remarks, and you keep a close eye on $hisher stained mouth, waiting for it to loose an insult. Instead, <<if $totaldevastation gte 1>>$heshe stretches forth a hand, long fingers splayed, and the air in the room ripples gently, like a rock thrown into a pond. When those ripples wash through you, you shiver at the touch of coldness. The sundered remains of the <<if hasVisited('smash')>>vases <</if>><<if hasVisited('vines')>>vines <</if>><<if $totaldevastation gte 2>>and <</if>><<if hasVisited('mirror')>>shards of mirror<</if>> seem to liquify, and for a breath, it's impossible to tell if they are suspended in the air or wavering upon the ground. Before you can decide, they melt into dried ash <<if hasVisited('arson')>>and join the scorch marks on the floor and walls<</if>>, swirling into a small cloud of dust and disappearing out the window with one lazy wave of $U's hand. <</if>>$U takes a few more casual steps, sandaled toes slipping beneath the long robes, and picks up the <<if hasVisited('arson')>>overturned<</if>> stool <<if !visited('arson')>>sitting beside the little table <</if>><<if $heshe is "she">>with both careful hands<<else>>with a flick of $hisher wrist<</if>>, slowly returning to the window and setting it down<<if hasVisited('arson')>> right-side up<<else>> noiselessly<</if>>. <<if hasVisited('arson')>>$HeShe casually brushes a flake of charred wood from the seat and sweeps $hisher hand across it; a puff of dust scatters, startling you. The stool is now perfectly clean, if slightly cracked and warped from the heat, and $heshe lowers $himself upon it as if the humble resting place were a $kingqueen's throne.<<else>> <</if>> The staff is once more laid inert across $hisher knees, and $heshe simply looks at you. At least, //you// are the direction in which $heshe appears to be staring--and you can feel that now-familiar disapproval radiating from beneath the veil. <</if>>You aren't sure what to believe, but the way $heshe sits before you, elegant, arresting, and cold, reminds you of a story you were told about death. It frightened you. A long time ago. Maybe you're actually dead, and $heshe has come to take you away. After all, you remember so little of your life before. Maybe you've ended up in the afterlife somehow--or maybe that is your ultimate and untimely destination, when this task has been accomplished.<<if $s3gentle is true>> Knowing nothing makes your mind wander, and you have to know, to hear it again, or find something true in the lie: <<if hasVisited('arson')>>"What... do you want from me, exactly?"<<else>>"Why... are you here, exactly?"<</if>><<elseif $s3rude is true>> Knowing nothing makes your mind wander, and you have to know, to hear it again, or find something true in the lie: <<if hasVisited('arson')>>"What //exactly// do you want from me, //$U//, and how soon can I leave?"<<else>>"What are you doing here, //$U//?"<</if>><<else>><</if>> "First order of business," $U mutters<<if hasVisited("silence 2")>>, flicking a bit of ash from the pipe and waving a hand--it disappears into thin air<<else>> in a strangely distracted manner<</if>>. "If you insist upon refering to me directly, at any time, for any reason, let it be as 'my $kingqueen.' Our names are ill-suited for mortal tongues." ⮞ <<link "Oh, you're //definitely// calling $himher $U at every available opportunity." "tower convo 2">><<set $ch1.mem.push('noTitle')>><<set $Uinformal to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 4, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 4, 0, 19), $dishonourRoll +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You make a mental note of that; no need to anger $himher unnecessarily." "tower convo 2">><<set $Uinformal to false>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Hah. Is that a challenge? You're sure you can think of something even more ill-suited. Maybe something like..." "choose your insult">><<set $Uannoy to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $s3gentle, $s3rude, $s3watch>>

A few possibilities run through your mind, but you finally settle on the one that makes you snort the loudest: <<textbox "$insult" "">> ⮞ <<link "On second thought, $U will do--maybe you were never one for wordplay." "tower convo 2">><<set $ch1.mem.push('noTitle')>><<set $Uinformal to true, $Uannoy to false, $dishonourRoll +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Heh, yes... that's the one.">><<set $ch1.mem.push('insultUm')>><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 9, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 10, 0, 19), $dishonourRoll +=2>><<randomSound>><<if $insult is "">><<replace "#textbox-error">> You may have lost your memories but not your wit--surely you can think of //something// clever.<</replace>> <<else>> <<replace "#textbox-error">><</replace>> <<run Engine.play("tower convo 2")>> <</if>><</link>>

"And can you not //guess// at <<if hasVisited('arson')>>our next steps<<else>>my errand here<</if>>?" continues $U, <<if hasVisited("silence 2")>>artfully trailing another wisp of smoke from the left side of $hisher mouth<<else>>drumming $hisher fingers once across the window ledge<</if>>. "Or have I underestimated your intelligence? <<if $s3rude is true>>You will not be leaving soon, and <</if>>I have already told you once the oath you swore." <<if $Uinformal is true>>"So tell me again, $U." You can't tell if $heshe is amused or annoyed by your insistence on $hisher given name. Or <<link "neither." "tower convo 3">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</if>><<if $Uinformal is false>>"So tell me again, my $kingqueen." You can't tell if $heshe is amused or annoyed by the request. Or <<link "neither." "tower convo 3">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</if>><<if $Uannoy is true>>"So tell me again, $insult." $U lowers the pipe slightly, and flattens $hisher already dour expression into an openly annoyed one. "Names are not to be taken or given lightly." You stare at $U, <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>curling your lip<<if $acerbic gte $agreeable>>--but it twists into an open smirk<</if>>.<<elseif $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true>>pasting a smile on your face<<if $acerbic gte $agreeable>>--even as you fight to keep it from blooming into a smirk<</if>>.<<elseif $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>>wondering if you've made a mistake<<if $acerbic gte $agreeable>> even as you bite back a secret smirk<</if>>.<<elseif $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>afraid you've made a mistake.<<else>>biting your lip<<if $acerbic gte $agreeable>> and a secret smirk<</if>>; was that too much?<</if>> "Who said I gave it lightly? I put a lot of thought into that just now." $U shrugs and appears to glance away, but the tightness in their shoulders remains. "If you insist, $U will do." You can't tell if $heshe is amused or annoyed by the interaction. Or neither. ⮞ <<link "Well, you're not completely heartless. $U it is." "tower convo 3">><<set $Uannoy to false, $Uinformal to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Nope, you've already gotten attached to $insult--especially after //that// reaction." "tower convo 3">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<if hasVisited('silence 2')>>Instead of replying to your original question, $U taps the pipe with a fingernail and sets it upon the windowledge with a delicate clink. $HeShe stands and claps $hisher hands.<<else>>Instead of replying to your original question, $U stands and claps $hisher hands.<</if>> //"Aikani!"// It is barked out with a fierceness that <<if $firstFear is true>>makes you flinch.<<else>>arrests your attention.<</if>> <<if hasVisited('arson')>><<else>>It strikes you as a name, although it could just as well be a command: you know nothing of this language.<</if>> Before you can blink, the door creaks ajar and a delicate figure slips into the room. She is bowed nearly in half and shuffles in very quietly, face to the floor, before straightening up. <<if hasVisited('arson')>> The servant.<<else>>When she does, you recognize her immediately. The servant.<</if>> She appears much more composed than the first time you glimpsed her, although a spark of fear gleams in her eye when she glances in your direction. You notice something you didn't see the first time--a shimmer in the air around her. At first it looks like a heat warp on a hot summer's day, but as you continue staring you notice several mirror images of different colours layered together, as if her outline is split into many irridescent versions that are constantly passing over one another. The illusion wavers like a watery reflection, scarcely discernable, and when you glance away you can no longer see it out of the corner of your eye. It's only when you focus on her with intention that it again becomes visible. You wipe an arm across your face and it's still there... Some sort of magic? When you instinctively glance back to $U, you find $himher facing you rigidly, shoulders tense. It makes you think twice about mentioning the oddity you've witnessed<<if $i.extrovert is true>> and you bite your tongue<<else>>--not that you were planning to speak up anyway--but regardless, you bite your tongue<</if>>, relieved when $hisher attention slips away again. Aikani--if that is her name--carries a pile of folded cloth upon a polished wooden board. The fabric is <<if $i.eyeColour.includes('brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('black')>>a fresh, unbleached linen, partly dyed and accented with a luxurious green, not unlike the robes $U is wearing today, though somehow the colour is distinctly different. $HisHer clothing is a deeper hue, and these are more muted, softer.<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('blue') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light blue')>>a fresh, unbleached linen, partly dyed and accented with a warm brown colour that is almost closer to purple or mauve.<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('green')>>a fresh, whitened linen and accented with a deep and gradiated blue-green that looks similar to the colour of rippling water.<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('grey')>>a surprisingly dark taupe linen, accented by darker dyes that appear similar in tone to charcoal or ash. The combination is arresting.<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('silver')>>a surprisingly dark twilight blue, accented by lighter shades that appear closer to the brown-grey colour of natural linen fibers.<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('gold')>>a fresh, unbleached linen, partly dyed and accented with a surprisingly fiery red.<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('violet')>>a fresh, whitened linen, partly dyed and accented with oranges and yellows that flow together like honey.<</if>> Beside the clothes are nestled a single scroll, a flat object which resembles a folded map, and a single glass vial that shimmers a dusky purple in the dim, filtered light of the <<if hasVisited('silence 2')>>setting sun<<else>>rising sun.<</if>> There is a moment of hesitation as she locks eyes with you, and then turns to her $kingqueen. $U offers a brisk nod. "Approach." There is a gusting annoyance to the invitation, which makes you feel slightly less alone beneath the $kingqueen's disapproval. <<if $intentionsClear1>>Your lip curls.<<elseif $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true or $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true>>You take it as an encouraging sign that $U is impatient and rude even to $hisher elfish subjects, apparently.<<elseif $intentionsTrueLover1 is true or $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>It warms you a little on the inside to know that $U is impatient and rude to everyone--you aren't special in that way. Thankfully.<<else>>You're relieved to know that $U is impatient and rude to everyone--being singled out in yet another hue would make your attempt to ingratiate yourself that much harder.<</if>> The message is casual, but clear: //My presence is enough to ensure your safety.// To keep her safe... From <<link "you." "fit 1">><<randomSound>><</link>>

$U lifts the clothing with a practiced precision as effortless as it is unnecessary and flattens $hisher palms like a tray<<if hasVisited("run 2")>> as Aikani sets the wooden platter--and the other items--on the window ledge<<if hasVisited("silence 2")>> next to $U's still-smoldering pipe<</if>><</if>>. And you stand up a bit straighter: it is only now that you consciously register what is so off-putting about $U's movements. They are too... //perfect//. Too efficient. It's unsettling, as if every move has been rehearsed, practiced, refined in a thousand ways a thousand times all leading up to that one inconsequential moment that will be tossed away and forgotten immediately after. Suddenly off-balance, you redirect your focus and eye the brocaded fabrics <<if $i.quirk.includes('skeptic')>>with a skeptical interest, searching for flaws or irregularities--they are too valuable to be given away freely, so there might be a hidden motivation behind this presentation.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>with interest, absorbing the dyed colours and threadwork and greedily wondering how they would look against your $i.skinTone skin--it's hard //not// to be infatuated with the brilliant display, given your current attire.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('foodie')>>with some <<if $intentionsClear1>>reluctant <</if>>amusement: memories or not, you're pretty sure it isn't //every// day that a pile of clothing is presented to you like fruit on a platter.<<else>>with interest, raising your eyebrow at the dyed colours and threadwork. You can't help but wonder how they would hold up to the rigours of daily wear; you think you're a fairly good judge of clothing and the articles appear well-made, but their pristine cleanliness and crisp folds are begging to be wrinkled and dirtied.<</if>> They look more fit for the casual wear of a distant royal than a peasant--or prisoner--which is the best guess you can take at your place in the social hierarchy of this palace. <<if $soft gte $blunt and $agreeable gte $acerbic>>"For me...?" you ask, hesitating.<<elseif $blunt gte $soft and $acerbic gte $agreeable>>"For me," you repeat dryly.<<elseif $agreeable gte $acerbic and $blunt gte $soft>>"For me?" you ask, surprised.<<elseif $acerbic gte $agreeable and $soft gte $blunt>>"For me?" you ask, not entirely convinced of the words you heard.<</if>> There is a tug of $hisher lip and $heshe continues to offer the garments, chin lifted. You finally take them, <<if $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>appreciative in spite of the unusual introduction to both $U $himself and the clothes.<<elseif $intentionsClear1 is true>>curious despite the sour taste of this entire affair.<<elseif $intentionsTrueLover1>>your face warming at the nearness of $hisher fingertips to yours.<<elseif $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true>>appreciative of the unexpected opportunity to feign a sense of appreciation... so maybe it's a little bit genuine after all.<<else>>forcing a soft smile and glancing up at $himher <<if $shy > $bold>>shyly<<elseif $bold > $shy>>boldly<<else>>coyly<</if>>--the kin of the air cannot lie and $heshe is surrounded by truth-telling immortals, so while $heshe is probably //more// inclined to be suspicious, you might have a slight advantage in feigning appreciation.<</if>> You discover a pair of woven sandals which point up at the toe, similar to the ones the $U was wearing the night before. <<if $i.quirk.includes('unkempt')>>Well, you won't get much wear out of those--you've never been one for shoes. It's much better to feel the ground beneath your feet.<</if>> As for the clothes, they are surprisingly dense, but light, and you run your finger across the simple pattern of the fabric. When you unfold them you are presented with a loose tunic and a pair of trousers. A sash slips free, and you <<if $clumsy gte 2>> make a grab for it but the untied belt falls to the floor, sliding across the standstone to rest at $U's feet. $HeShe steps back without remark as you awkwardly retrieve the strip of cloth, mumbling something incomprehensible.<<else>>snag it elegantly in two fingers before it can slither away, returning your attention to the clothing.<</if>> The trousers are tight enough below the knee to hug your legs, loose and billowing around the thighs, and the tunic, while a draping garment, does not appear ill-fitting. There is not one stitch out of place. "I'm expected to wear these." It is not really a question, but $U answers anyway. "I had them made specifically to your measurements." $U folds $hisher hands together. "Do you find them satisfactory?" ⮞ <<link "“Are you asking my opinion?” you remark, surprised." "fit 2">><<set $fit1a to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 3, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 3, 0, 19), $ch1.mem.push('askingConfused')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Yes, very satisfactory. These are well-made.”" "fit 2">><<set $fit1b to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 3, 0, 19), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 3, 0, 19), $ch1.mem.push('satisfiedSurprised')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Nothing you give me will ever be satisfactory.”" "fit 2">><<set $fit1c to true, $uFriendship -=4, $uRomance -=4, $ch1.mem.push('nothingRemember')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“How about you keep these, and give me what //you're// wearing instead.”" "fit 2">><<set $fit1d to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 10, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 12, 0, 19), $dishonourRoll +=2, $ch1.mem.push('giveAngered')>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $i.eyeColour.includes('brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('black')>><<set $fit to "green">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('blue') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light blue')>><<set $fit to "mauve">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('green')>><<set $fit to "teal">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('silver')>><<set $fit to "blue">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('gold')>><<set $fit to "red">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('violet')>><<set $fit to "orange">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('grey')>><<set $fit to "charcoal">><</if>>\

<<if $fit1a is true>><<notify 5s>>$U is confused by your response.<</notify>><<elseif $fit1b is true>><<notify 5s>>$U is surprised by your response.<</notify>><<elseif $fit1c is true>><<notify 5s>>$U will remember your words.<</notify>><<else>><<notify 5s>>$U is angered.<</notify>><</if>>\ <<if $fit1a is true>>\ "Yes, I am." $U tips $hisher head. "The quality of the fabric should not even be a question. Is the colour and cut to your liking?" You take a moment to inspect it more closely--the $fit fabric does not appear all that remarkable, although it is well-made, but you hadn't considered the colour before. "I thought it would accent the <<if $i.eyeColour.includes('black')>>dark<<else>>$i.eyeColour<</if>> of your eyes," $U says, as if that was to be expected. "A <<if $i.eyeColour.includes('brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('blue') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light blue')>>softened <<else>>contrasting <</if>>$fit and that particular shade of <<if $i.eyeColour.includes('blue') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light blue')>>blue<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light brown')>>brown<<else>>$i.eyeColour<</if>> often look well together."<<elseif $fit1b is true>>\ $U's face doesn't even twitch in the general direction of a smile, but $heshe does incline $hisher head slightly. "The quality of the fabric is peerless. Is the colour and cut to your liking?" You take a moment to inspect it more closely--the $fit fabric does not appear all that remarkable, although it is well-made<<if $i.quirk.includes('unkempt')>>, something you particularly appreciate<</if>>. You hadn't considered the colour. "I thought it would accent the $i.eyeColour of your eyes," $U says, some hidden thought lifting the tone of $hisher voice slightly. "A <<if $i.eyeColour.includes('brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('blue') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light blue')>>softened <<else>>contrasting <</if>>$fit and that particular shade of <<if $i.eyeColour.includes('blue') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light blue')>>blue<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light brown')>>brown<<else>>$i.eyeColour<</if>> often look well together."<<elseif $fit1c is true>>\ $U's face doesn't even twitch in the general direction of a frown, but $heshe does incline $hisher head slightly. "Noted." Something about that single word strikes you as ominous. "The quality of the fabric is peerless. Perhaps the colour and cut is not to your liking, then..." You take a moment to inspect it more closely--the $fit fabric does not appear all that remarkable, although it is well-made, but you hadn't considered the colour before. "I thought it would accent the $i.eyeColour of your eyes," $U says, some hidden thought twisting the tone of $hisher voice. "A <<if $i.eyeColour.includes('brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('blue') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light blue')>>softened <<else>>contrasting <</if>>$fit and that particular shade of <<if $i.eyeColour.includes('blue') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light blue')>>blue<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light brown')>>brown<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('violet')>>purple<<else>>$i.eyeColour<</if>> often look well together."<<else>>\ $U smiles broadly. An expression of amusement or interest--or maybe you're misreading it horribly, because the sight of that warm smile on $U's face is oddly chilling. There is an uncomfortable beat of silence, which is mercifully broken up by Aikani folding into another deep bow. The door opens from the outside--the guards, maybe?--and without another word, she backs out of the room. A soft wooden //thump// clatters around the tower room as the door closes again. <<if $heshe is "she">>$U's voice lilts upward, trailing away in a whisper.<<else>>$U's voice pitches down into a lulling baritone.<</if>> "Is the colour not to your liking?" You take a moment to inspect it more closely--the $fit fabric does not appear all that remarkable, although it is well-made, but you hadn't considered the colour before. "I thought it would accent the $i.eyeColour of your eyes," $U says flatly, straightening $hisher spine and lacing $hisher fingers more tightly together. "A <<if $i.eyeColour.includes('brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('blue') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light blue')>>softened <<else>>contrasting <</if>>$fit and that particular shade of <<if $i.eyeColour.includes('blue') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light blue')>>blue<<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light brown')>>brown<<else>>$i.eyeColour<</if>> often look well together."<</if>> ⮞ <<link "“...you did?” you manage<<if $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>>. It's not hard to act flustered.<<else>>, flustered.<</if>> $flirt_label" "fit 3">><<set $fit2a to true, $shy +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "A coy smile touches your lips. “How sweet.” $flirt_label" "fit 3">><<set $fit2b to true, $bold +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“//Oh,//” you murmur, surprised. $HeShe thought about that?" "fit 3">><<set $fit2c to true, $reclusive +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“It's a nice thought,” you admit, glancing up at $himher with open appreciation." "fit 3">><<set $fit2d to true, $outgoing +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You give $himher a nod and rub the fabric appreciatively--it's true." "fit 3">><<set $fit2e to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You glare at $himher. “I hope you're not expecting applause for that.”" "fit 3">><<set $fit2f to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I'm here to do a job, not look nice at your request.”" "fit 3">><<set $fit2g to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You aren't sure how to feel about this..." "fit 3">><<set $fit2h to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $fit2f is true>>"I would find it distasteful," $U says. <<if $acerbic > $agreeable>><<if $intentionsClear1 is true or $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>> You offer a slow clap. $U ignores you.<<else>>You refrain from offering a slow clap--barely.<</if>><<else>> You aren't sure whether you're more offended or just surprised.<</if>><<elseif $fit2a is true>>$U offers you a scathing stare. "Need I repeat myself for your benefit?" You lean away--that wasn't the response you expected. Before you can decide whether to explain that your soft questioning of the matter wasn't meant to be taken literally, $heshe has already passed judgment: <<elseif $fit2e is true>>$U offers you a cursory nod in return.<<elseif $fit2h is true>>Either you are feeling too many feelings to feel anything in light of this, or you indeed feel nothing at all--far be it from you to determine which it is.<<else>>You lean into the moment with your response, hoping to prompt a reaction from $U, but to your disappointment there is no change in expression.<</if>> "Seeing it in your hands, it is clear I was not mistaken. You will wear it. As I will be having to look at your face unfortunately often, at least I would like the experience to be as pleasant as possible. Let us move onto more substantial matters." ⮞ <<link "Sigh, relieved to move on from...whatever that was." "queries prelude">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You grit your teeth and fold your hands compliantly--but your fingernails bite into your wrists." "queries prelude">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Allow yourself an agreeable smile; if that's what $heshe wants, you're in no position to disagree." "queries prelude">><<set $fit3b to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "A little smirk belies your silence--you'll have your say... eventually." "queries prelude">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Understandable.” It's not--in fact it's downright offensive--but what else is there to say?" "queries prelude">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>⮞ <<link "“You want me to look my best, I want to look my best. No disagreement there,” you admit candidly, wondering if $heshe'll find that relatable: at least your new 'employer' has $hisher priorities in line." "queries prelude">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>\ <<unset $fit2a, $fit2b, $fit2c, $fit2d, $fit2e, $fit2f, $fit2g, $fit2h>>

Another stiff inhale is the only acknowledgment you receive--soft but noticeable<<if $fit3b is true>>, and you're <<if $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true or $intentionsFalseLover1 is true or $intentionsClear1 is true>>very aware<<else>>slightly disappointed<</if>> that $U does not return your smile<</if>>. The $kingqueen is either very impatient or slightly short of breath; either way, that quick breath //in// is a tell. You aren't certain //what// it's been telling you, yet. Possibly many things, or just a general state of annoyance, which wouldn't be that helpful since $U--whatever the smile or frown $heshe wears--strikes you as the sort to reside indefinitely within that <<link "state." "queries prelude 2">><<audio "finger-snap-echo" play>><</link>>

$HeShe snaps $hisher fingers, the action chased by a startlingly sharp echo in the windswept quiet of the tower. You blink hard. "Now pay attention," $heshe mutters, pressing $hisher lips together so that the slight depression of the scar becomes more noticeable. Yes, you're sure of it: $U resides in that state of annoyance <<link "//indefinitely//." "queries 2 prelude 1">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>Despite your disdain for the entire affair, <<elseif $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true or $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>>Despite your intentions, <<else>>Despite your best effort to accomodate $hisher demand, <</if>>you are <<if $i.break.includes('cry') or $i.break.includes('scream')>>trembling slightly, watching $hisher next movements through bleary eyes<<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>>trembling slightly, fists clenched<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>shaking slightly, and your mind is already drifting out the window<<else>>shaking slightly, your mouth wavering from a frown to an uneasy smile and back again<</if>>. You //really// don't want that headache to <<link "come back again." "queries 2 prelude 1a">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<fadein 1s 0.5s>>\ <<linkreplace "//Not.//" t8n>>Not. <<link "//Broken.//" "queries 2 prelude 1b">><<audio "suspense" play>><</link>> <</linkreplace>><</fadein>>\

<<fadein 1s 0.5s>>\ It takes you a moment to realize that $U is talking again. "...to worry yourself, $Ire. I don't intend to leave you alone and in the dark--at least, not permanently. And I'm certain you're wondering why." "Why...?" you murmur, struggling to return to the conversation. "Why you've been locked away in this tower," $U murmurs distantly. "I assure you: it is only to keep you safe." <<if $i.introvert is true>>//From what?// you wonder bleakly, feeling strongly that you've had this thought before and recently... though you do not ask. It seems that $U has guessed your thoughts.<<else>>You feel strongly that you've had this thought before and decide to risk it. "From what?"<</if>> The confession is not immediate. When it comes, it is spoken with a chilling calm. "From others like myself. From the kin of the air. Have you not comprehended that by now? Only the most trusted of my retainers and wardens know you are here, $Ire. I can't have you snatched out from under my nose like a rabbit in the claws of a hawk. There is a momentous task before you, and your very presence here is perilous, as is the path ahead. You must be prepared and invested, both. And so I ask: what interests you here?" You squint at the array of items presented. ⮞ <<link "First to the bottle of swirling purple liquid. It looks poisonous and faintly luminescent." "queries 2 prelude 3">><<set $item to "glass bottle">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "It is actually the second item which pulls your attention: a folded piece of parchment--it looks like a map." "queries 2 prelude 3">><<set $item to "map">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "The third item is a rolled paper. You don't know what's inside... <<if $i.break.includes('blank')>>and though lethargy dulls your curiosity, <<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>and though a sense of sadness dulls your curiosity, <<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>>and though that simmering discontent dulls your curiosity, <<else>>and though your chaotic tangle of emotions overwhelms your curiosity, <</if>>the unknown tugs at your mind." "queries 2 prelude 3">><<set $item to "rolled paper">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\

$U waits, <<if $heshe is "she">>one hand perched lightly on her hip, the other dangling loosely at her side--ready for something, whether to retrieve the item in question or engage in a different way.<<else>>arms crossed, chin lifted. Fingers lightly dancing above his elbow--ready for something, whether to retrieve the item in question or engage in a different way.<</if>> <<if $item is "map">>⮞ <<link "You announce that the $item has caught your interest--perhaps a bit too eagerly." "queries location">><<set $q2talk to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You sigh and point at the $item." "queries location">><<set $q2point to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You remain sullen and silent." "queries location">><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $item is "glass bottle">>⮞ <<link "You announce that the $item has caught your interest--perhaps a bit too eagerly." "queries magic">><<set $q2talk to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You sigh and point at the $item." "queries magic">><<set $q2point to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You remain sullen and silent." "queries magic">><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<else>>⮞ <<link "You announce that the $item has caught your interest--perhaps a bit too eagerly." "queries twin">><<set $q2talk to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You sigh and point at the $item." "queries twin">><<set $q2point to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You remain sullen and silent." "queries twin">><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<if $q2talk is true>>"I don't know what that is, but--"<<elseif $q2point is true>>Almost before you have singled it out, $heshe responds to your decision.<<else>>Apparently, a single glance is enough.<</if>> $U moves quickly. Again, the motion reminds you of a striking snake: swift and precise. $HeShe retrieves the glass bottle with those tapping fingers, holding it up to the bloom of muted light near the window and swirling it gently. Sediment rises from the bottom--fragments of petals or leaves, you think, along with the scattering glitter of reflective dust. "Mortals are weak, and most importantly, perishable." //Perishable?// Are you being compared to a fruit? "Yet you brought me here to kill someone--and I might die anyway," you point out<<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>, with very little enthusiasm.<<elseif $intentionsTrueFriend1 or $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>, <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>unable<<else>>barely able<</if>> to keep the note of distress from your voice.<<elseif $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>, unsure how to feel about this prospect. Even so, you are able to keep the note of distress from your voice. $U will tell you everything you need to know, but it's worth mentioning.<<else>>, letting a note of distress bleed into your voice--maybe $heshe will feel bad. //Maybe.//<</if>> "You didn't seem to care about that." "There are many ways to die in the desert before you come within a stone's throw of my $brothersister. You will require strength, quickness, and a working knowledge of magic to accomplish this task--and since mortals have no inherent gift for manipulating the elements, we must augment your abilities with derivatives such as potions and powders. There are few things you ought to know about me, but one is this: I am a master of potion-brewing, and have dedicated well over half my life to perfecting the craft. Everything, from the simplest of enchantments to endeavors that even the great $kingsqueens of eld dared not attempt. You can trust that my potions will do as I say." Spoken as if $heshe could simply threaten any mistakes out of existence: a not-unfathomable prospect given $hisher imposing personality. And over //half// $hisher life? You blink rapidly, unable to calculate how many hours that might amount to. Probably a terrifying number. "What else would you like to know about this matter?" $heshe <<if $heshe is "she">>murmurs<<else>>grumbles<</if>> patiently--or maybe not. You can't tell how thin that patience has been stretched. "Start talking." ⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qm1">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“So, do I have to //drink// these, or...?”" "qm2">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'manipulating the elements'?”" "qm3">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "Well now that $heshe //told// you to start talking, you don't want to. $end_label" "recap">><<set $nopenoquestions to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $q2talk, $q2point>>

<<if $pathetic is true>>"There are well over one hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--tell me, I'm curious: what kind of self-obsessed delusions do you have to find a display like this... anything but laughable?"<<else>>"There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls," you begin carefully. "I have one question: why?"<</if>> $U is very visibly and predictably annoyed by this diversion of topic--<<if $pathetic is true>>but not, it seems, by your irreverent phrasing. You wonder if $heshe took it literally, or somehow missed the scoff in your words. The<<else>>but the<</if>> wrinkle of annoyance quickly smooths away and $heshe glances around the tower, as if noticing all those unforgettable depictions of death and war for the first time, or with a renewed appreciation. The thought sickens you slightly. "Ah... yes. Do you like them?" ⮞ <<link "“It's so self-aggrandizing that... I suppose it's //almost// a little impressive,” you admit dourly." "laughable 2">><<set $laughable1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Not really,” you say softly, casting your eyes down. “It's... upsetting to look at.”" "laughable 2">><<set $laughable2 to true, $dislikeMotif to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I do,” you say. You aren't lying. They're alarmingly intriguing." "laughable 2">><<set $laughable3 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“It's grotesque--why should I have to live with your little history lesson?”" "laughable 2">><<set $laughable4 to true, $dislikeMotif to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You shrug. It doesn't affect you in any particular way, so you aren't going to pretend that it does." "laughable 2">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $laughable1 is true>>"My $brothersister agreed with you, when $heshe saw them... of course, I look forward to a much more permanent memorial of the last time we fought one another--when your errand is complete."<<elseif $laughable2 is true>>"I believe my $brothersister found it so as well, when $heshe saw them... such emotionality was partly to blame for $hisher downfall, both figurative and literal. Of course, I look forward to a much more permanent memorial of the last time we fought one another--when your errand is complete."<<elseif $laughable3 is true>>"My $brothersister agreed with you, when $heshe saw them... it is a monument to a millennia of strife. Of course, I look forward to a much more permanent memorial of the last time we fought one another--when your errand is complete."<<elseif $laughable4 is true or $laughable2 is true>><<if $uTrust gte 11 or $uRomance gte 11>><<set $curtainMotif to true>>$U hums quietly. "If you really dislike them..." You wait uncomfortably, not sure why $U's focus rests on you you so intensely--your dislike should be //obvious//. <<if $laughable2 is true>><<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>If not your unsteady voice then surely the way you are clasping your hands together to keep them from trembling.<<else>>Despite the tight clasp on your hands to keep them from trembling, your voice remains unsteady.<</if>><</if>> "...I'll see what can be done to alleviate your distress. But this tower remains the safest place for you to reside, and so it is here that you shall stay." A breath you didn't know you were holding stirs the air in a <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>sigh of relief<<else>>muffled sigh of relief--you hope $U didn't notice, but your hopes are dashed by a faint smile.<</if>> "I do believe my $brothersister agreed with you, in part, when $heshe saw them; such emotionality was partly to blame for $hisher downfall, both figurative and literal. Of course, I look forward to a much more permanent memorial of the last time we fought one another--when your errand is complete."<<else>>$U hums quietly. "You dislike them, do you?" You wait uncomfortably, not sure why $U's focus rests on you so intensely--your dislike should be //obvious//. <<if $laughable2 is true>><<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>If not your unsteady voice then surely the way you are clasping your hands together to keep them from trembling.<<else>>Despite the tight clasp on your hands to keep them from trembling, your voice remains unsteady.<</if>><</if>><</if>> "This tower remains the safest place for you to reside, and so it is here that you shall stay. But I do believe my $brothersister agreed with you, in part, when $heshe saw them; such emotionality was partly to blame for $hisher downfall, both figurative and literal. Of course, I look forward to a much more permanent memorial of the last time we fought one another--when your errand is complete."<<else>>"My $brothersister disliked them, I think, when $heshe saw them... of course, $heshe never told me so directly. I look forward to a much more permanent memorial of the last time we fought one another--when your errand is complete."<</if>> You glance at the wall, suddenly curious, as if you could ever hope to find that particular depiction amidst the hundreds of others. $HeShe claps $hisher hands together, the soft, sharp sound pulling your attention from the carvings. "Questions, $Ire. //Ask// me another." <<if $item is "map">><<if !visited("ql4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "ql4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql1")>>⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”" "ql1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql2")>>⮞ <<link "“How far away is it?”" "ql2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How far away is it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql3")>>⮞ <<link "“Why is your $brothersister there?”" "ql3">><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why is your $brothersister there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You shake your head: you're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $item is "glass bottle">><<if !visited("qm1")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qm1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qm2")>>⮞ <<link "“So, do I have to //drink// these, or...?”" "qm2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “So, do I have to //drink// these, or...?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qm3")>>⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'manipulating the elements'?”" "qm3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What do you mean, 'manipulating the elements'?”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You shake your head: you're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<if !visited("qt4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qt4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt1")>>⮞ <<link "“Who painted this?”" "qt1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Who painted this?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt3")>>⮞ <<link "“What is $hisher name?”" "qt3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What is $hisher name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt2")>>⮞ <<link "“$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”" "qt2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You shake your head: you're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

$U stares at you as if you are thick in the head. //"Yes."// That's it, no further elaboration. ⮞ <<link "“What I meant was... do I //have// to drink them?!” You're panicking a little." "qm2a">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Reach for the bottle--let's have a swig!" "qm2b">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Shrug. That's a good enough explanation for you." "qm2c">><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

$U's expression of boredom never changes once as $heshe says, "That would be preferable." You <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>grimace.<<else>>swallow a grimace.<</if>> "Preferable, to..." "Forcing it down your throat or otherwise compelling you to drink them with an enchantment--a perfect waste of my time and resources. That would make me very unhappy." Unhappy? $U? What about //your// happiness? A prickle of sweat starts at the back of your neck, and you can feel //it// welling up in your chest again... the urge to <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>burst into tears<<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>scream<<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>>throw something<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>crumple into yourself and close your eyes forever.<<else>>start laughing, or crying, or maybe throw something<</if>>-- "If you're going to make a scene again, please wait until after our conversation is finished." The frost in those words extinguishes the heat gathering in your chest, as if a cold breeze had swept through the window, and you fight against a shiver. It sweeps over you anyway, jerking your limbs like puppet strings. //Was that magic?// It left a chill tingling up and down your spine, like frostbitten fingers in the dead of night--certainly not friendly or inviting, or like something you'd wish to experience more of in any way. Least of all that rather horrible-looking potion. <<if !visited("qm1")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qm1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qm2")>>⮞ <<link "“So, do I have to //drink// these, or...?”" "qm2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “So, do I have to //drink// these, or...?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qm3")>>⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'manipulating the elements'?”" "qm3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What do you mean, 'manipulating the elements'?”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

You can't complain: question asked, question answered. <<if !visited("qm1")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qm1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qm2")>>⮞ <<link "“So, do I have to //drink// these, or...?”" "qm2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “So, do I have to //drink// these, or...?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qm3")>>⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'manipulating the elements'?”" "qm3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What do you mean, 'manipulating the elements'?”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "And speaking of questions, you've finished asking them. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

$U flicks the bottle out to you, holding it loosely by the neck--to avoid an accidental brush of fingers, you think. "Now is as good a time as any to see how my magic affects you. The dose is very important--you won't need as much as someone like myself. Mortals are more susceptible to magical persuasion." $HeShe backs away a step. Maybe to give you some space. Or maybe for other reasons--how are you to know? "A small sip should suffice." ⮞ <<link "You squint first at $U, and then the bottle, before gulping it down--what's the worst that could happen?" "qm2b2">><<set $ch1.mem.push('potionMishap')>><<set $dishonourRoll +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Touch it to your tongue, cautiously--no way do you want to overdose on whatever this is." "qm2b1">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You try a small sip, as instructed." "qm2b1">><<set $sip to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $sip is true>><<else>>$U huffs a breath in a rhythm that sounds unnervingly like a <<if $heshe is "she">>giggle<<else>>chuckle<</if>>. <<if $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>It shivers your entire body.<<elseif $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>You can't help but enjoy the <<if $heshe is "she">>lofting lightness<<else>>resonance<</if>> of it.<<else>>It feels more like a warning than a reassurance.<</if>> "It won't kill you." You look around, waiting, but nothing has changed. Maybe it //won't// kill you. <</if>>You take a small sip, and cough. For being so alluringly irridescent, the liquid within is far more bitter than expected--and you immediately decide that nothing so delightful to look at should taste so disappointingly vile. It's unexpectedly syrupy as well, and sticks to the inside of your mouth with a burst of berry-like sweetness that's almost //worse// than the initial taste. //Like the enchanted wine...// you reflect, dimly. When you look up again, the glowing flowers and bloom of light from the <<if hasVisited("silence 2")>>sunset<<else>>sunrise<</if>> beyond the window seem brighter. You sway a little, disoriented by the sudden change, and blink much more rapidly hoping to clear away the feeling of lightheadedness. "You get used to it," $U remarks blandly. "The taste or the dizziness?" you manage, spluttering again. "The taste. Every potion will have a different effect. This one happens to augment the available light--drink enough, and you can see clear as day on a starless night." <<if !visited("qm1")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qm1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qm2")>>⮞ <<link "“So, do I have to //drink// these, or...?”" "qm2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “So, do I have to //drink// these, or...?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qm3")>>⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'manipulating the elements'?”" "qm3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What do you mean, 'manipulating the elements'?”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're VERY finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 5, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 10, 0, 19)>>$U lets out a sharp //tch// of disapproval as you throw back your head and down the entire glittering contents in a single swallow. Maybe it was simple defiance, or maybe you really do have a death wish, or maybe you're just too numb to care, and wanted to feel something different. For being so alluringly irridescent, the liquid within is far more bitter than expected--and you immediately decide that nothing so delightful to look at should taste so disappointingly vile. You sputter, offended, but it's unexpectedly syrupy as well and sticks to the inside of your mouth with a burst of berry-like sweetness that's almost //worse// than the initial taste. It reminds you of the enchanted wine. Despite your actions, it's almost a relief when nothing happens-- //''POP.''// Your ears depressurize at the same time as the dim light of the room //explodes// into blinding white light that sears your eyes. For an instant you see everything in searing crystalline detail--and then nothing at all. You scream, throwing your arms over your face and stumbling backward. The bottle falls from your hand. Moments pass in hours before a bony hand grips the back of your head <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none')>><<else>>, fingers digging savagely into your hair<</if>> and $U's muffled voice utters three sharp words that sound like cracking metal. Your scalp tingles and a lightheaded dizziness floods your senses. Your mouth opens. The vomit that trickles out is definitely purple, and it tastes just as foul coming up as going down, but the pounding in your head recedes and the lights dim to an uncomfortable--but tolerable--brightness. $U mutters something else that you don't understand but it sounds suspiciously like a curse. "Why would--!? No. Don't answer that." You feel $hisher breath on your ear<<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none')>> and $hisher fingers dig into you savagely<</if>>. "If you do that again, I will end our contract prematurely. Your competence was a part of this agreement, and you will execute my instructions to the best of your ability or I will execute you to the best of mine." <<if $uRespect is true>>There is a sigh that sounds vaguely disappointed, but the fingers loosen slightly.<<elseif $uRival is true>>There is a sigh that sounds vaguely impatient, and the fingers dig deeper.<<elseif $uMaster is true>>The fingers loosen slightly, moving to grip the back of your tunic instead. It's both demeaning and somehow reassuring.<<else>>There is a sigh that sounds surprisingly longsuffering, but the fingers loosen slightly, moving to grip the back of your tunic instead. It's both demeaning and somehow reassuring.<</if>> "Do you //understand// me?" You brace your palms against the floor, chest heaving, bile trickling up your nose. Without waiting for a response, $U pulls away, leaving you alone in your filth. It slowly swirls into the cracks of the stone floor and disappears--you blearily acknowledge that $U must have had some hand in that--but your mouth still tastes terrible. Coughing, you wipe your face and return your attention to the present moment. A difficult task, given that your eyes are watering and your throat stings with acid. "This potion augments the available light--drink enough, and you can see clear as day on a starless night. Or quite possibly you can blind your enemies with the scorching rays of a noonday sun, if your enemy happens to be a //fucking imbecile//." <<if $acerbic > $agreeable>>You can't even find it within yourself to summon a witty retort.<<else>>You can't even find it within yourself to be offended at the slight.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're //never// tasting a drop of that vileness again." "qm2b3">><<set $potionAverse to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You definitely want another chance to try it later, although maybe the right way this time." "qm2b3">><<set $qmright to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Well, it could have been worse... ugh." "qm2b3">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $qmright is true>>You're shaking--but mostly from the rush. Before everything went sideways you had a moment of clarity where even the smallest details were visible, and time seemed... slower, somehow. As if that blinding instant lasted almost an hour. Was that part of the intended effect? Your fingers are trembling, and you press them to the sides of your head to steady yourself, coughing. Next time <<if $intentionsDevoted1 is true or $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>you'll<<else>>you //might//<</if>> listen to $U.<<elseif $qmnever is true>>You're shaking--and not from the rush. Before everything went sideways you had a moment of clarity where even the smallest details were visible, and time seemed... slower, somehow. As if that blinding instant lasted almost an hour. Was that part of the intended effect? Your fingers are trembling, and you press them to the sides of your head to steady yourself, coughing. $U has nothing to worry about: you //won't// be doing that again, because you'll never drink another one of $hisher potions. That was terrifying.<<else>>You're shaking--and not from the rush. Before everything went sideways you had a moment of clarity where even the smallest details were visible, and time seemed... slower, somehow. As if that blinding instant lasted almost an hour. Was that part of the intended effect? You press your trembling fingers to the sides of your head to steady yourself, coughing. $U has nothing to worry about: you won't be pulling a stunt like that again. You're not exactly a fan of uncontrollable vomiting.<</if>> <<if !visited("qm1")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qm1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qm2")>>⮞ <<link "“So, do I have to //drink// these, or...?”" "qm2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “So, do I have to //drink// these, or...?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qm3")>>⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'manipulating the elements'?”" "qm3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What do you mean, 'manipulating the elements'?”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're VERY finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $qmright>>

$U's mouth curls downward and $heshe shakes the <<if hasVisited("qm2b2")>>now-empty <</if>><<if hasVisited("qm2b1")>>now partly-empty <</if>>bottle a bit closer to your nose. "What part of that question pertains to the topic at hand?" <<if $blunt gte $soft and $agreeable gte $acerbic>>You toss him a <<if $intentionsClear1>>scathing <</if>>smile and shrug. "I was curious."<<elseif $soft gte $blunt and $acerbic gte $agreeable>>You shrug and smile slightly. "I was curious."<<elseif $soft gte $blunt and $agreeable gte $acerbic>>"It doesn't!" you admit carefully, tossing $himher a <<if $intentionsClear1>>scathing <<else>>smile. "I was curious."<</if>><<else>>"I was curious," you explain candidly<<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>, glaring in defiance.<</if>><</if>> "The mortal concept of time and aging is not understanding of life in this realm. Would you think me young because my hair is black and my skin is smooth? How old is old when your kin live forever? I cannot answer that in a way that would satisfy you." <<if $acerbic > $agreeable>>"So is that a... what, thousand years? Ten thousand years? A million?"<<else>>"I guess that's fair," you murmur, pressing your mouth together. You probably wouldn't like to be asked your age if you were immortal either.<</if>> Maybe $heshe can't even remember. <<if $acerbic > $agreeable>> "Adorable," $U mutters.<</if>> The look you get is scathing enough to dissuade you further interrogation. <<if !visited("qm1")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qm1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qm2")>>⮞ <<link "“So, do I have to //drink// these, or...?”" "qm2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “So, do I have to //drink// these, or...?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qm3")>>⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'manipulating the elements'?”" "qm3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What do you mean, 'manipulating the elements'?”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

"There's an energetic pull and push against everything in existence at all times. Those who are attuned to it can feel that push and pull, and manipulate it to suit their ends. Mortal senses are..." $HeShe taps $hisher head. "Dulled. There is little need for such sensory perception and manipulation in your realm. Here, there is all too often more to be encountered than that which is immediately visible. Our sharp senses keep us from wandering into unnecessarily dangerous situations." You wonder what the point is of being immortal if avoiding danger is still a concern. Something about the way $heshe phrased that disturbs you... <<if !visited("qm1")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qm1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qm2")>>⮞ <<link "“So, do I have to //drink// these, or...?”" "qm2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “So, do I have to //drink// these, or...?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qm3")>>⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'manipulating the elements'?”" "qm3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What do you mean, 'manipulating the elements'?”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $q2talk is true>>"I don't know what that is, but--"<<elseif $q2point is true>>Almost before you have singled it out, $U responds to your decision. <<else>>Apparently, a single glance is enough. <</if>> $HeShe takes up the folded map, holding it delicately, and you notice that the parchment is slightly creased and worn. "When I deem you fit to confront my $brothersister and fullfill your oath, we will be traveling to another place: a garden where time runs slower and the river rushes swiftly. It is considered a forbidden ground. The last remaining ruins of a much older civilization still stand there, and thus few enough of my kin have ever set foot upon its mossy soil. As for those of your realm--you will be the first." //Well that's comforting.// $U shakes open the map and lets it settle between you on the floor, tapping it with $hisher staff. "We are here at Zengh Palace, the palace of the winds, near a sacred site we call the Broken Veil... it is named thusly for the largest gate to your world is there, and it is through that gate that we traveled together." You cast a sharper look at $U, wondering again what happened before you could remember. How long were you travelling together, to begin? What did you tell $himher during that time? Did you speak at all? Did you have to travel far to reach the Broken Veil in your own realm? But none of those questions make it past your tongue. Still, you put the information away in your mind, in case it should prove useful later. "The Running Water--" $HeShe taps the dark line snaking around the other markers. "—flows directly through the palace grounds, and we will follow it to the garden. The river feeds it. A relic of the elder days, and the site of a great disaster. It is the only wild garden which does not need to be tended by the kin of the air to endure. We call it the //Maw//, but it has no true title, so you can call it whatever you wish. Some of our scholars name it Green Death, for the plants have drunk so much blood<<if $i.introvert is true>>." "What would you call it?" <<if $blunt is true>>A perfectly logical question.<<else>>Maybe you shouldn't be asking, but you can't help wanting to know.<</if>><<else>>--" "So what do you call it?" you ask, <<if $agreeable is true>>and then press your fingers over your mouth as $U looks up suddenly.<<else>>arching an eyebrow as $U looks up suddenly.<</if>><</if>> "...whoever thought of 'Green Death' should be pilloried for excessive dramatics." You suspect that $U also has a flair for the dramatic. You elect not to remark on that at this present time. "I call it the Maw, like anyone else with dignity." "You said I can call it whatever I want." <<if hasVisited('fall 1')>>"Yes. Your dignity fell off a stool and landed at my feet only yesterday."<<else>>"Yes. And I am free to make judgments accordingly."<</if>> $U slowly--very slowly--so slowly that, in the ensuing quiet, you can hear the faint brush of the wooden staff across the paper--traces the river to a symbol on the opposite side of the map which is unmistakably representative of lush foliage. It is tucked between two cliffs: a vale in the desert. Then $heshe taps the garden with a note of finality. "Ask your questions now, $Ire," $heshe murmurs, flicking $hisher fingers in your direction. "What else would you like to know about the garden?" <<if !visited("ql4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "ql4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql1")>>⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”" "ql1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql2")>>⮞ <<link "“How far away is it?”" "ql2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How far away is it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql3")>>⮞ <<link "“Why is your $brothersister there?”" "ql3">><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why is your $brothersister there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You press your mouth shut: to be honest, you'd rather put this off as long as possible; preferably forever. $end_label" "recap">><<set $nopenoquestions to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $q2talk, $q2point>>

$U's mouth curls downward and $heshe irritably taps the symbol with $hisher staff again. "What part of that question pertains to the topic at hand?" <<if $blunt gte $soft and $agreeable gte $acerbic>>You toss him a <<if $intentionsClear1>>scathing <</if>>smile and shrug. "I was curious."<<elseif $soft gte $blunt and $acerbic gte $agreeable>>You shrug and smile slightly. "I was curious."<<elseif $soft gte $blunt and $agreeable gte $acerbic>>"It doesn't!" you admit carefully, tossing $himher a <<if $intentionsClear1>>scathing <<else>>smile. "I was curious"<</if>><<else>>"I was curious," you explain candidly<<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>, glaring in defiance<</if>>.<</if>> "The mortal concept of time and aging is not understanding of life in this realm. Would you think me young because my hair is black and my skin is smooth? How old is old when your kin live forever? I cannot answer that in a way that would satisfy you." <<if $acerbic > $agreeable>>"So is that a... what, thousand years? Ten thousand years? A million?"<<else>>"I guess that's fair," you murmur, pressing your mouth shut. You probably wouldn't like to be asked your age if you were immortal either.<</if>> Maybe $heshe can't even remember. <<if $acerbic > $agreeable>> "Adorable," $U mutters.<</if>> The look you get is scathing enough to dissuade you further interrogation. <<if !visited("ql4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "ql4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql1")>>⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”" "ql1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql2")>>⮞ <<link "“How far away is it?”" "ql2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How far away is it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql3")>>⮞ <<link "“Why is your $brothersister there?”" "ql3">><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why is your $brothersister there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

"Exactly what I said." $U trails a finger along the carvings in the staff. "When the city collapsed, our most powerful enchanters attempted to save it--and failed. Some believe this anomaly is because of its location, others that the spells cast in haste unravelled the fabric of time. It is rumored that thousand years in the garden can pass in a single day... though that is rare. More often, a span of weeks or months, or less. I've searched for a pattern myself and drawn several //interesting// conclusions, though nothing definite." "Does that mean I'll get old quickly?" you ask, suddenly very concerned. "If anything, it may prolong your life--although we can't be certain. I will not be entering the garden with you, so time will pass much more slowly for me." "And you're supposed to do... what, for a thousand years?" $U tilts $hisher head. "Do?" You stare at $himher, not quite comprehending the confusion--both of you are baffled. At last, you venture, "While you wait." "I am well acquainted with waiting--but I will be waiting nearby, of course. To see that you do the job properly." ⮞ <<link "Ugh. “I'd rather you didn't.”" "ql1a">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Thank Changeless--it would be so much worse to go alone!" "ql1b">><<randomSound>><<set $thankchangeless to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Of course $heshe is..." "ql1a">><<randomSound>><</link>>

You glance up to find $U's fingers tapping a silent rhythm against the collared waterfall of silvered metal. "You will have time to grow accustomed to the idea." How magnanimous. <<if !visited("ql4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "ql4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql1")>>⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”" "ql1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql2")>>⮞ <<link "“How far away is it?”" "ql2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How far away is it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql3")>>⮞ <<link "“Why is your $brothersister there?”" "ql3">><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why is your $brothersister there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

You glance up to find $U's fingers tapping a silent rhythm against the collared waterfall of silvered metal. "Does that distress you?" <<if $thankchangeless is true>><<if $i.extrovert is true>><<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>"Definitely not, no--" you manage emphatically, half-gasping the word in weary relief. "I was afraid you would send me alone." <<else>>"No," you say softly. "Not at all." <</if>><<else>>You shake your head, offering a simple, "No." <</if>><<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>You allow some of the tension to fall from your shoulders as the worried frown slips from your face. <</if>><</if>><<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>Despite your intense dislike of $U, <<if $i.extrovert is true>>being alone strikes you as worse than even the curse of $hisher company.<<else>>and your lack of preference for being sociable, you aren't a fool: going it alone would be out of your depth.<</if>><<elseif $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true or $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>>This works out for the better, given that it's easier to swindle someone if they're within eyesight and earshot--besides that, <<if $i.extrovert is true>>being alone in this realm strikes you as a very bad idea--and being alone in general, of course.<<else>>This works out for the better, given that it's easier to swindle someone if they're within eyesight and earshot--besides that, you aren't a fool: going it alone would be out of your depth.<</if>><<else>>Your infatuation with $U's uncanny strangeness notwithstanding, <<if $i.extrovert is true>>being alone in this realm strikes you as a very bad idea--and being alone in general, of course.<<else>>you aren't a fool: going it alone would be out of your depth.<</if>><</if>> <<unset $thankchangeless>>\ <<if !visited("ql4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "ql4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql1")>>⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”" "ql1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql2")>>⮞ <<link "“How far away is it?”" "ql2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How far away is it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql3")>>⮞ <<link "“Why is your $brothersister there?”" "ql3">><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why is your $brothersister there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

"Not far." $U pauses for thought or emphasis. "Also, very far. It depends on how you define 'far away,' mortal." "How many days of travel?" "We'll be going on foot--it should take no more than three weeks from here to the outpost." ⮞ <<link "“Outpost?” you ask curiously." "ql2b">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You blink, hoping for some elaboration." "ql2b">><<set $elaboration to true>><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Sure. Outpost. Whatever." "ql2c">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $elaboration is true>>Maybe $U is fluent in blinks, because $heshe says, <</if>>"There is another ruins outside the garden, where time begins to unravel. It is a modern watchtower, though still in some disrepair; that is our first destination." //Modern by what estimation?// "When do we leave?" "When I decide you're ready to leave, of course." At least $heshe answered your question. Three weeks of travel... someday. Everything about this situation--particularly the timeline--feels worrisomely murky. <<if !visited("ql4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "ql4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql1")>>⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”" "ql1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql2")>>⮞ <<link "“How far away is it?”" "ql2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How far away is it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql3")>>⮞ <<link "“Why is your $brothersister there?”" "ql3">><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why is your $brothersister there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $elaboration>>

At least $heshe answered your question. Three weeks of travel... someday. Everything about this situation--particularly the timeline--feels worrisomely murky. <<if !visited("ql4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "ql4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql1")>>⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”" "ql1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql2")>>⮞ <<link "“How far away is it?”" "ql2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How far away is it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql3")>>⮞ <<link "“Why is your $brothersister there?”" "ql3">><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why is your $brothersister there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

$U glances away, turning $hisher head toward the window. ...avoidance? "Nobody would think to look for a body or a spirit there--and as there are only a few paths which enter the garden, it was an easier place to ward against anyone coming or going without my consent." A surprisingly straightforward answer. //There must be more to it than that.// <<if !visited("ql4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "ql4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql1")>>⮞ <<link "“What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”" "ql1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What do you mean, 'time runs slower' there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql2")>>⮞ <<link "“How far away is it?”" "ql2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How far away is it?”<</if>> <<if !visited("ql3")>>⮞ <<link "“Why is your $brothersister there?”" "ql3">><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Why is your $brothersister there?”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $q2talk is true>>"I don't know what that is, but--"<<elseif $q2point is true>>Almost before you have singled it out, $heshe responds to your decision.<<else>>Apparently, a single glance is enough.<</if>> $U moves quickly, but hesitates for a moment, staring at the $item. Before you can wonder--or //ask//--if $heshe's reluctant to pick it up, $hisher blackened fingers snatch it and unfurl what is revealed to be a very skilled likeness of... $himself? Or at least that's what it appears to be, rendered in thin, colourful brushstrokes. "This is a copy," $heshe remarks grimly, almost to $himself, before handing it to you--$heshe keeps $hisher fingers well away from yours. The implications of that statement<<if $intentionsClear1 is true>> fail to disturb you<<elseif $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsTrueLover1 is true or $intentionsDevoted1 is true>> are slightly hurtful<<else>> are amusing<</if>><<if hasVisited("arson")>>, though given the fact that you very recently set everything ablaze in this very tower, you do acknowledge it's a worthy concern<<elseif !visited("arson") and $totaldevastation gte 3>>, though given several happenings in this very tower since your arrival, you do acknowledge it's a worthy concern<</if>>. You hold up the rendering in front of you to compare the painted face, side-by-side, with $U's glowering countenance. At least, it would have been side-by-side if the spindly $kingqueen had not retreated one tactful step. The flat visage upon the paper seems almost three dimensional, so painstakingly perfect is the brushwork. Then you begin to notice subtle differences: for one thing, the sharp-toothed smile looks more genuine than any of $U's imitations, and for another the entire face is visible. Golden eyes are squinted in mirth, and many dark freckles scatter across the bridge of the nose and high point of the cheeks. $HisHer sparse jewelry is the colour of the sun, and $hisher bronze shoulders are bared. <<if $heshe is "she">>A red, tight-fitted garment embroidered lavishly with unfamiliar leaves and small birds in flight hugs $hisher neck and chest, both the closeness and the cut of the fabric presenting an unabashed display of $hisher figure.<<else>>A red, sleeveless vest embroidered lavishly with unfamiliar leaves and small birds in flight hangs loosely about $hisher shoulders, exposing most of $hisher chest and presenting an unabashed display of $hisher figure.<</if>> It's a striking contrast to $U's ensemble--sleeved to the wrists and neck, with impractical robes that trail several lengths behind $himher. Despite their similar features, the $brothersister appears visibly more muscular and toned in the arms and upper body; although you can still see the wirey frame beneath, it's less pronounced than $U's sharp angles and bony joints. Long black hair spills across one shoulder in a loose single braid, somehow both elegant and undone. There is something more effortless and casual about the individual in the portrait than you suspect $KingQueen $U could ever be. $U unveils $hisher pointed teeth in a silent grin that could have been mistaken for a grimace. "I thought it might be useful for you to observe my $brothersister's likeness. Commit it to memory--every last detail. This is as $heshe appeared before we last parted ways, but you may find $heshe looks... somewhat different, now." <<if $heshe is "she">>She flutters her fingers, lips quirking thoughtfully.<<else>>$HeShe rolls $hisher shoulders loosely under the robes.<</if>> "Of course, that is only to be expected after living in death for several thousand years." Living in death? Several thousand years? "Go on, ask your questions," $heshe sighs, lifting $hisher chin slightly; the gesture is probably an invitation of sorts, though it does nothing but emphasize $hisher unusual height and frightfully thin proportions. ⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qt4">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Who painted this?”" "qt1">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“What is $hisher name?”" "qt3">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”" "qt2">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "Say nothing: you really, truly //don't// want to know more. $end_label" "recap">><<set $nopenoquestions to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $q2talk, $q2point>>

"I did." You stare at the painting with a new perspective, slightly awed. ⮞ <<link "“This is awful,” you say, wondering how the same hands that rendered this painting in such loving detail could attempt the murder of that same sibling?" "qt4a">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 2, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 3, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“This is awful,” you mutter; the painting is terrible and spiritless--there's no life in it at all." "qt4b">><<set $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 2, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“You have a talent for this,” you murmur, and you mean every word." "qt4c">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I wish I could learn to paint like this...”" "qt4d">><<randomSound>><</link>>

The lament slips away from you like a leaf on a breeze, and it must have fluttered out the window because $U does not acknowledge your words at first. And when the answer comes, you wonder if $heshe heard you right. "Yes it is." You look up in vain--the unfeeling, unflinching mask hides any true emotion. "You agree?" $U lifts one finger briefly. You think it might be $hisher way of shrugging. <<if !visited("qt4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qt4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt1")>>⮞ <<link "“Who painted this?”" "qt1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Who painted this?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt3")>>⮞ <<link "“What is $hisher name?”" "qt3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What is $hisher name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt2")>>⮞ <<link "“$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”" "qt2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

"Talent means nothing when you've lived as long as I have," $U says, rather apathetically. "Anyone could make such a rendering if they're given many hundreds of years to perfect their craft." You <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>squint at $himher narrowly. "I was giving you a compliment."<<else>><<if $agreeable > $acerbic>>look up, aghast. "I was giving you a compliment."<<else>>look up, eyebrows raised. "I was giving you a compliment."<</if>><</if>> "Nothing you could give me has any value." $U looks away. "Compliments least of all--save your flattery for my charming $brothersister... if there's enough left of $hisher mind to understand them." You swallow whatever you were going to say next on the topic. <<if !visited("qt4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qt4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt1")>>⮞ <<link "“Who painted this?”" "qt1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Who painted this?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt3")>>⮞ <<link "“What is $hisher name?”" "qt3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What is $hisher name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt2")>>⮞ <<link "“$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”" "qt2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $heroic > $antiheroic>>Your hands tremble in confusion.<<else>>You stare at the painting, blank-faced in confusion.<</if>> You don't understand... The thought slips away from you like a leaf on a breeze, and it must have fluttered out the window because $U does not acknowledge your words whatsoever. In fact, $heshe is so still you wonder if $heshe even heard you. When the answer comes, it surprises you. "Yes it is." You look up in vain--the unfeeling, unflinching mask hides any true emotion. You swallow whatever you were going to say next on the topic. <<if !visited("qt4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qt4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt1")>>⮞ <<link "“Who painted this?”" "qt1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Who painted this?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt3")>>⮞ <<link "“What is $hisher name?”" "qt3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What is $hisher name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt2")>>⮞ <<link "“$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”" "qt2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

Your hands tremble<<if $heroic > $antiheroic>>: you'd rather learn to do this than study up on how to murder a possibly-innocent immortal.<<else>> with reverence and perhaps a trace of jealousy.<</if>> "And you can--perhaps not that well, but we don't all have a thousand years to fritter away on the arts," $U remarks, rather apathetically. <<if $intentionsTrueLover1 is true or $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsDevoted1 is true>><<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>You want to ask if $heshe'll teach you--but that seems a bit forward, so you bite your tongue.<<else>>"Will you teach me?"<</if>><<else>><<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>You loathe $himher almost as much as you loathe the fact that you actually //want// something from $himher...<<else>>You don't like the fact that there's something you actually //want// from $U...<</if>> <<if $i.heartsleeve is true>>but you have to ask. "Will you teach me?"<<else>>You want to ask if $heshe'll teach you--but that seems a bit forward, so you hesitate.<</if>><</if>> <<if $i.heartsleeve is true>>The request slips away from you like a leaf on a breeze, and it must have fluttered out the window because $U does not acknowledge your words whatsoever. In fact, $heshe is so still you wonder if $heshe even heard you. "I'm afraid there will be no time for that."<<else>>The request flutters away from your tongue like a leaf on the breeze. $U does not seem to notice your inner conflict. In fact, $heshe is so still you wonder if $heshe is even looking at you until $heshe speaks again. "It's just as well. You will be very much occupied with other concerns... though, when our deal is complete, you can consider mastering other arts with whatever time remains to you."<</if>> "Oh," you say, lowering the painting, and swallow whatever you were going to say next on the topic. <<if !visited("qt4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qt4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt1")>>⮞ <<link "“Who painted this?”" "qt1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Who painted this?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt3")>>⮞ <<link "“What is $hisher name?”" "qt3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What is $hisher name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt2")>>⮞ <<link "“$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”" "qt2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

You were kind of hoping <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>to anger them<<elseif $intentionsTrueLover1 is true or $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>>for a sign that your admiration disturbed $himher<<else>>to spark an interesting reaction<</if>>, but $heshe merely lifts one shoulder. "It's possible. As twins, we began life nearly identical in appearance, but my $brothersister has always been more charismatic." Though you try to find a hint of jealousy in the words, $heshe is either hiding it well, or it truly doesn't bother $himher in the slightest. Then again, why would $heshe care about your opinion? You're 'only' a mortal, after all. ⮞ <<link "“$HeShe has a nice smile,” you note quietly, more to yourself than $U." "qt2a">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“What do you mean by that?”" "qt2b">><<randomSound>><</link>>

"My $brothersister never had to be exceptionally diligent to charm anyone $heshe considered 'useful'--something to keep in mind," $heshe adds, rather pointedly. <<if !visited("qt4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qt4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt1")>>⮞ <<link "“Who painted this?”" "qt1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Who painted this?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt3")>>⮞ <<link "“What is $hisher name?”" "qt3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What is $hisher name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt2")>>⮞ <<link "“$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”" "qt2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

"Yes," murmurs $U. "I once thought so, too." <<if !visited("qt4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qt4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt1")>>⮞ <<link "“Who painted this?”" "qt1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Who painted this?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt3")>>⮞ <<link "“What is $hisher name?”" "qt3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What is $hisher name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt2")>>⮞ <<link "“$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”" "qt2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

$U's mouth curls downward and $heshe flicks a finger in the direction of the painting. "What part of that question pertains to the topic at hand?" <<if $blunt gte $soft and $agreeable gte $acerbic>>You toss him a <<if $intentionsClear1>>scathing <</if>>smile and shrug. "I was curious."<<elseif $soft gte $blunt and $acerbic gte $agreeable>>You shrug and smile slightly. "I was curious."<<elseif $soft gte $blunt and $agreeable gte $acerbic>>"It doesn't!" you admit carefully, tossing $himher a <<if $intentionsClear1>>scathing <<else>>smile. "I was curious"<</if>><<else>>"I was curious," you explain candidly<<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>, glaring in defiance<</if>>.<</if>> "The mortal concept of time and aging is not understanding of life in this realm. Would you think me young because my hair is black and my skin is smooth? How old is old when your kin live forever? I cannot answer that in a way that would satisfy you." <<if $acerbic > $agreeable>>"So is that a... what, thousand years? Ten thousand years? A million?"<<else>>"I guess that's fair," you murmur, pressing your mouth together. You probably wouldn't like to be asked your age if you were immortal either.<</if>> Maybe $heshe can't even remember. <<if $acerbic > $agreeable>> "Adorable," $U mutters.<</if>> The look you get is scathing enough to dissuade you further interrogation. <<if !visited("qt4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qt4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt1")>>⮞ <<link "“Who painted this?”" "qt1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Who painted this?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt3")>>⮞ <<link "“What is $hisher name?”" "qt3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What is $hisher name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt2")>>⮞ <<link "“$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”" "qt2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "You're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

"I will tell you when it becomes relevant." "Why not tell me now?" $U gives you a long glance before replying lazily, "Why not ask a different question?" <<if !visited("qt4")>>⮞ <<link "“How old are you, anyway?”" "qt4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “How old are you, anyway?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt1")>>⮞ <<link "“Who painted this?”" "qt1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “Who painted this?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt3")>>⮞ <<link "“What is $hisher name?”" "qt3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “What is $hisher name?”<</if>> <<if !visited("qt2")>>⮞ <<link "“$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”" "qt2">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ “$HeShe's definitely the more attractive sibling.”<</if>> <<if !visited("laughable")>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>><<link "“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”" "laughable">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>⮞ <<if $pathetic is true>>“Over a hundred depictions of //yourself// on these walls--how self-obsessed are you?”<<else>>“There are over a hundred depictions of yourself on these walls--why?”<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "Actually, you're finished asking questions. $end_label" "recap">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $nopenoquestions is true>>"I hope your lack of enthusiasm does not prevent you from listening, or you will die." $U says it not as a possibility, but an assurance. <</if>><<if !visited("queries magic")>>"Regarding magic, there's an energetic pull and push against everything in existence at all times. Those who are attuned to it can feel that push and pull, and manipulate it to suit their ends. Mortal senses are..." $HeShe taps $hisher head. "Dulled. There is little need for such sensory perception and manipulation in your realm. Here, there is all too often more to be encountered than that which is immediately visible. Our sharp senses keep us from wandering into unnecessarily dangerous situations." You wonder what the point is of being immortal if avoiding danger is still a concern. Something about the way $heshe phrased that disturbs you... $U retrieves the glass bottle with those tapping fingers, holding it up to the bloom of muted light near the window and swirling it gently. Sediment rises from the bottom--fragments of petals or leaves, you think, along with the scattering glitter of reflective dust. "Mortals are weak, and most importantly, perishable." Are you being compared to a fruit? "Yet you brought me here to kill someone--and I might die anyway," you point out<<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>, with very little enthusiasm.<<elseif $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>, unsure how to feel about this prospect. Even so, you are able to keep the note of distress from your voice. $U will tell you everything you need to know, but it's worth mentioning.<<elseif $intentionsTrueFriend1 or $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>, unable to keep the note of distress from your voice.<<else>>, letting a note of distress bleed into your voice--maybe $heshe will feel bad. //Maybe.//<</if>> "You didn't seem to care about that." "There are many ways to die in the desert before you come within a stone's throw of my $brothersister. You will require strength, quickness, and a working knowledge of magic to accomplish this task--and since mortals have no inherent gift for manipulating the elements, we must augment your abilities with derivatives such as potions and powders. There are few things you ought to know about me, but one is this: I am a master of potion-brewing, and have dedicated well over half my life to perfecting the craft. Everything, from the simplest of enchantments to endeavors that even the great $kingsqueens of eld dared not attempt. You can trust that my potions will do as I say." Spoken as if $heshe could simply threaten any mistakes out of existence: a not-unfathomable prospect given $hisher imposing personality. And over //half// $hisher life? You blink rapidly, unable to calculate how many hours that might amount to. Probably a terrifying number. <</if>><<if !visited("queries location")>>$HeShe takes up the folded map, holding it delicately, and you notice that the parchment is slightly creased and worn. "When I deem you fit to confront my $brothersister and fullfill your oath, we will be traveling to another place: a garden where time runs slower and the river rushes swiftly. It is considered a forbidden ground. The last remaining ruins of a much older civilization still stand there, and thus few enough of my kin have ever set foot upon its mossy soil. As for those of your realm--you will be the first." //Well that's comforting.// $U shakes open the map and lets it settle between you on the floor, tapping it with $hisher staff. "We are here at Zengh Palace, the palace of the winds, near a sacred site we call the Broken Veil... it is named thusly for the largest gate to your world is there, and it is through that gate that we traveled together." You cast a sharper look at $U, wondering again what happened before you could remember. How long were you travelling together, to begin? What did you tell $himher during that time? Did you speak at all? Did you have to travel far to reach the Broken Veil in your own realm? But none of those questions make it past your tongue--it won't keep you alive. Still, you put the information away in your mind, in case it should prove useful later. "The Running Water--" $HeShe taps the dark line snaking through the midst of the other markers. "--flows directly through the palace grounds, and we will follow it to the garden. The garden is the only place which the river feeds--the last garden of the elder days, and the site of a great disaster. We call it the //Maw//. To some it is known as Green Death, for the plants have drunk so much blood." You watch closely as $U traces the river to a symbol on the opposite side of the map which is unmistakably representative of lush foliage. It is tucked between two cliffs--a vale in the desert. <</if>><<if !visited("queries twin")>>"Lastly..." $U hovers for a moment before $heshe makes contact, staring at the thin scroll. Before you can wonder--or //ask//--if $heshe's reluctant to pick it up, $hisher blackened fingers snatch it and unfurl what is revealed to be a very skilled likeness of... $himself? Or at least that's what it appears to be, rendered in thin, colourful brushstrokes. "This is a copy," $heshe remarks grimly, almost to $himself, before handing it to you--$heshe keeps $hisher fingers well away from yours. The implications of that statement<<if $intentionsClear1 is true>> fail to disturb you<<elseif $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsTrueLover1 is true or $intentionsDevoted1 is true>> are slightly hurtful<<else>> are amusing<</if>><<if hasVisited("arson")>>, though given the fact that you very recently set everything ablaze in this very tower, you do acknowledge it's a worthy concern<</if>>. You hold up the rendering in front of you to compare the painted face, side-by-side, with $U's glowering countenance. At least, it would have been side-by-side if the spindly $kingqueen had not retreated one tactful step. The flat visage upon the paper seems almost three dimensional, so painstakingly perfect is the brushwork. Then you begin to notice subtle differences: for one thing, the sharp-toothed smile looks more genuine than any of $U's imitations, and for another the entire face is visible. Golden eyes are squinted in mirth, and many dark freckles scatter across the bridge of the nose and high point of the cheeks. $HisHer sparse jewelry is the colour of the sun, and $hisher bronze shoulders are bared. <<if $heshe is "she">>A red, tight-fitted garment embroidered lavishly with unfamiliar leaves and small birds in flight hugs $hisher neck and chest, both the closeness and the cut of the fabric presenting an unabashed display of $hisher figure.<<else>>A red, sleeveless vest embroidered lavishly with unfamiliar leaves and small birds in flight hangs loosely about $hisher shoulders, exposing most of $hisher chest and presenting an unabashed display of $hisher figure.<</if>> It's a striking contrast to $U's ensemble--sleeved to the wrists and neck, with impractical robes that trail several lengths behind $himher. Despite their similar features, the $brothersister appears visibly more muscular and toned in the arms and upper body; although you can still see the wirey frame beneath, it's less pronounced than $U's sharp angles and bony joints. Long black hair spills across one shoulder in a loose single braid, somehow both elegant and undone. There is something more effortless and casual about the individual in the portrait than you suspect $KingQueen $U could ever be. $U unveils $hisher pointed teeth in a silent grin that could have been mistaken for a grimace. "I thought it might be useful for you to observe my $brothersister's likeness. Commit it to memory--every last detail. This is as $heshe appeared before we last parted ways, but you may find $heshe looks... somewhat different, now." <<if $heshe is "she">>She flutters her fingers, lips quirking thoughtfully.<<else>>$HeShe rolls $hisher shoulders loosely under the robes.<</if>> "Of course, that is only to be expected after living in death for several thousand years." Living in death? //Several thousand years?!// <</if>>"It is difficult to end the life of someone who can manipulate the elements--and regrettably my $brothersister was never truly dead to begin," $U sighs impatiently, tracing the the folded map with the edge of $hisher finger. "It is said that immortals cannot die. We are more... incapacitated by grievous injuries. Inconvenienced, one might say." You narrow your eyes, an indistinct //knowing// prickling at the nape of your neck. You consider pursuing the thought--a memory which once was and is no longer--but it vanishes before you can make sense of the fleeting impression. "That still doesn't explain anything." <<if $soft gte 6>>You speak slowly, aware that<<else>>You speak bluntly, though you are aware that<</if>> $U's patience is merely a facade, like the veil which covers $hisher eyes. You can feel it stretching in the air between you, brittle and thin. "Why me? And if $heshe already died once, who's to say $heshe won't come back <<link "again?" "wash yourself">><<randomSound>><</link>>"

Almost before the question has left your mouth, $U interrupts your focus by darting a single silent step toward you. $HeShe halts just as abruptly, but $hisher robes swish forward, brushing your bare shins. <<if $firstFear is true>>You move back the same distance less elegantly and lift<<else>>You stand fast, repressing the urge to retreat and lifting<</if>> your eyebrows and your hands to allay whatever might come next: in the filtered light of a distant day, $U is somehow much more alarming than $heshe was half-veiled in the shadows of the storm. The edge of $hisher jaw twitches and $hisher fingers flex ever so slightly around the staff--just enough for you to catch the motion from the corner of your eye. It's an almost familiar movement. A sign of restraint, irritation, or both. The words which come spitting between $hisher teeth are not what you expected. "You didn't wash yourself." <<if !$ch1.mem.includes('noWash')>>⮞ <<link "“I did!” you protest, offended: you thought you cleaned up rather well." "wash 1">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I did,” you sigh, already well wearied of $U's dramatics." "wash 1">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I-I tried to...” you stammer uncertainly--the force of $hisher accusation is enough to make you doubt your own memory." "wash 1">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "“I didn't,” you agree mildly, unbothered." "wash 1">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I didn't!” you say proudly, crossing your arms and smiling. “What are you going to do about it?”" "wash 1">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I did!” you lie through your teeth." "wash 1">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "Lean away--what is this sudden interest in your personal hygiene?!" "wash 1">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Say nothing." "wash 1">><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

Before you can blink, $U's bony hand is gripping your chin. $HeShe turns your head this way and that, tipping $hisher own head slightly--perhaps to afford $himself a better view beneath the veil. Displeasure rolls off $himher in waves. You feel objectified<<if $intentionstrueLover1 is true or $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>> and not in the way you might <<if $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>secretly<</if>> wish for<</if>>: as if you are a dirty //thing//, a disappointing purchase, a problem to be solved. <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>You clench your fists<<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>Your confidence crumples in humiliation<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>You wrinkle your nose and grimace at the unexpected touch<<else>>A half-yelp of startlement escapes you<</if>> and your <<if $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>face flames<<else>>eyes burn<</if>> fiercely. You are uncomfortably remembering <<if $i.flaw.includes('nose')>>your very noticeable nose--a nose which is now held captive above $U's pinching grasp--<<elseif $i.flaw.includes('asymmetry')>>your lopsided features--features which $U now has firmly in $hisher grasp--<<elseif $i.flaw.includes('chin')>>your recessed chin--the chin which $U now has firmly in $hisher grasp--<<elseif $i.flaw.includes('small eyes')>>your too-small eyes--eyes which are now blinking rapidly at $U from over $hisher firm grasp--<<elseif $i.flaw.includes('thin lips')>>your thin, ghostly mouth--a mouth which is slightly pinched beneath the pressure of $U's grip--<<elseif $i.flaw.includes('crooked teeth')>>your crooked teeth--your jaw now forced slightly apart by the strength in $U's grip--<<elseif $i.flaw.includes('blemishes')>>your blemished skin--$U's fingers pressing into the uneven surface--<<else>>the harsh glower of your resting face--now held captive in $U's pinching grasp--<</if>>in the reflection of the little mirror<<if hasVisited('mirror')>>. A mirror which lay in shattered pieces on the floor of this tower, not so very long ago<</if>>... You lift your hand <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>to strike out<<else>>to shove away<</if>> but $heshe has already released you and is striding across the room to the wash basin, that staff thumping once--emphatically--on the tiles, as if to punctuate $hisher displeasure. The hollow sound rings through the room for a moment before it is absorbed into the stone. $HeShe delicately vanishes the staff--once more you can't quite catch the motion or discern where it disappeared to--before reaching into the deep pockets of $hisher robes with one hand, pulling forth an elegant cloth with elaborate embroidery and shaking it loose with an impatient snap; from here, it looks to possess a pattern of leaves and lush grass, although $heshe dips it into the basin too quickly to tell for certain. When $U turns round, robes flaring, you recognize $hisher intentions immediately. Except that this can't, logically, be the correct interpretation of $hisher actions, given everything that's preceded this meeting. There is simply no reason for $himher to... No, your first and wildest assumption must be accurate, because that's exactly what is happening: now $heshe's walking toward you--with a vaguely terrifying purpose. ⮞ <<link "“If you think you're going to touch me,” you mutter lowly, “think again.”" "convo 4">><<set $thinkagain to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Flinch away, cringeing--$heshe isn't going to touch you... right?" "wash 2">><<set $flinchaway to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Step away, calmly. $HeShe is //not// going to touch you." "convo 4">><<set $stepaway to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Wait to see what will happen." "convo 4">><<set $waitandsee to true, $cloth to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "As you anticipate $hisher obvious next move, <<if $intentionsFalseLover1 is true or $intentionsClear1 is true>>another unexpected<<else>>that<</if>> blush creeps up your neck again. $flirt_label" "convo 4">><<set $anticipate to true, $cloth to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>try and fail to stifle a grin<<else>>stifle your surprise<</if>>, thoroughly entertained--and unexpectedly delighted." "convo 4">><<set $entertained to true, $cloth to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

"Are you always so... dramatic?" $U lets out an whistling sigh of annoyance. Your heart taps an unsteady rhythm against your ribs as you stare warily, and you can almost feel that unseen gaze narrowing beneath the veil. $HisHer next words are even more measured than before. $HeShe quietly dangles the cloth between two fingers, offering it to you. "It was a suggestion, $Ire. Not a command." ⮞ <<link "Take the cloth to wipe your own face." "wash 3">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Allow $U to come closer." "wash 3">><<set $cloth to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $cloth isnot true>>You decide to cautiously accept the still-dripping cloth, though you are careful not to brush $hisher blackened fingers with yours, and <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>resentfully<</if>> set about wiping your <<if $ch1.mem.includes('noWash')>>sticky<<else>>perfectly clean<</if>> face. "Here. Take this and <<if !$ch1.mem.includes('noWash')>>do it properly this time<<else>>make yourself presentable<</if>>." $U observes you impassively as you exhale a quiet sigh of relief and wipe your face, thinking back on everything you've been told. You know much more than before, and yet it is plain that $U is keeping many things from you. And there is one thing in particular that $heshe has failed to mention...<<else>>$U levels $hisher regard at your face briefly before $heshe lifts the cloth and dabs it across both your eyes. You close them reflexively, the cool touch of the water dampening your <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>stale tears<<else>>crusted lashes<</if>> and wiping the grime away. <<if $touchedyou is true>>There is a layer of damp cloth between $hisher fingers and your face this time, but it feels somehow more intimate than $hisher hand upon your head in the hour that you can barely remember, or that fleeting investigation of your distress: there is a purpose beyond the satisfaction of curiosity, or a display of <<if $heshe is "she">>control<<else>>power<</if>>.<<else>>There is a layer of damp cloth between $hisher fingers and your face, but it is somehow more intimate than $hisher hand upon your head, in the hour that you can barely remember: there is a purpose beyond the display of <<if $heshe is "she">>control<<else>>power<</if>>.<</if>> "This will not become a daily ritual simply because you cannot be bothered to tidy yourself, $Ire." You are taken aback by the words, but that <<if $heshe is "she">>delicate<<else>>precise<</if>> grip returns to your chin as you try to turn away and your attention flits to the patterned cloth covering half of $U's face--one eye open, one shut, the same as ever. You wonder what really lies beneath it. $U hums something irritable under $hisher breath, and you can almost feel that unseen gaze narrowing beneath the veil as $heshe wipes the rest of your face and trails the cloth down your neck. You feel vulnerable, and it shivers your spine. $HeShe doesn't seem to notice.<</if>> You think back on everything you've been told. You know much more than before, and yet it is plain that $U is keeping many things from you. And there is one thing in particular that $heshe has failed to mention... ⮞ <<link "“What did your $brothersister do to deserve... //death//?”" "convo 5">><<set $convo4why to true, $soft +=1, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“If I have to kill someone, I'd better be getting paid--and know //what// they did to earn it.”" "convo 5">><<set $convo4paid to true, $blunt +=1, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 4, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 4, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“About your $brothersister, if it's not too much trouble--”" "convo 5">><<set $convo4trouble to true, $agreeable +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“So, there's bad blood in the family. Sounds like some worthwhile gossip to me!”" "convo 5">><<set $convo4goss to true, $acerbic +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $thinkagain is true>>"Are you always so... dramatic?" $U lets out an whistling sigh of annoyance, shoving the cloth at you. "Here. Take this and <<if $did is true>>do it properly this time<<else>>make yourself presentable<</if>>." "Is that a command?" $U observes you, and you can almost see that gaze narrowing beneath the veil. $HisHer next words are even more measured than before. "It is merely a suggestion, $Ire--unless you would like for those words to be more than a mere suggestion." "So a command, then," you grumble wearily, accepting the still-dripping cloth--though you are careful not to brush $hisher fingers with yours--and resentfully wiping your <<if $ch1.mem.includes('noWash')>>sticky<<else>>perfectly clean<</if>> face. $U does not dignify that with a response.<<elseif $stepaway is true>>$U lets out an whistling sigh of annoyance, shoving the cloth at you. "Here. Take this and <<if $did is true>>do it properly this time<<else>>make yourself presentable<</if>>." Your heart taps a suspicious rhythm against your ribs as you stare at the cloth, and you can almost feel that unseen gaze narrowing beneath the veil. $HisHer next words are even more measured than before. "It is a suggestion, $Ire. Not a command." You decide to cautiously accept the still-dripping cloth, though you are careful not to brush $hisher blackened fingers with yours, and resentfully set about wiping your <<if $ch1.mem.includes('noWash')>>sticky<<else>>perfectly clean<</if>> face. $U observes you impassively.<<elseif $waitandsee is true>>$U levels $hisher regard at your face briefly before $heshe lifts the cloth and dabs it across both your eyes. You close them reflexively, the cool touch of the water dampening your <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>stale tears<<else>>crusted lashes<</if>> and wiping the grime away. <<if $touchedyou is true>>There is a layer of damp cloth between $hisher fingers and your face this time, but it feels somehow more intimate than $hisher hand upon your head in the hour that you can barely remember, or that fleeting investigation of your distress: there is a purpose beyond the satisfaction of curiosity, or a display of <<if $heshe is "she">>control<<else>>power<</if>>.<<else>>There is a layer of damp cloth between $hisher fingers and your face, but it is somehow more intimate than $hisher hand upon your head, in the hour that you can barely remember: there is a purpose beyond the display of <<if $heshe is "she">>control<<else>>power<</if>>.<</if>> "This will not become a daily ritual simply because you cannot be bothered to tidy yourself, $Ire." You are taken aback by the words, but that <<if $heshe is "she">>delicate<<else>>precise<</if>> grip returns to your chin as you try to turn away and your attention flits to the patterned cloth covering half of $U's face--one eye open, one shut, the same as ever. You wonder what really lies beneath it. It seems peculiar that $heshe is placing such an emphasis on your cleanliness. "It would be a lot easier if you gave me a proper tub to bathe in," you hint with <<if $acerbic > $agreeable>>a mocking smile<<else>>a pleasant smile.<</if>> $U hums something irritable under $hisher breath, and you can almost feel that unseen gaze narrowing beneath the veil as $heshe wipes the rest of your face and trails the cloth down your neck. You feel vulnerable, and it shivers your spine. $HeShe doesn't seem to notice.<<elseif $anticipate is true>>$U levels $hisher regard at your face briefly before $heshe lifts the cloth and dabs it across both your eyes. You close them reflexively, the cool touch of the water dampening your <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>stale tears<<else>>crusted lashes<</if>> and wiping the grime away. <<if $touchedyou is true>>There is a layer of damp cloth between $hisher fingers and your face this time, but it feels somehow more intimate than $hisher hand upon your head in the hour that you can barely remember, or that fleeting investigation of your distress: there is a purpose beyond the satisfaction of curiosity, or a display of <<if $heshe is "she">>control<<else>>authority<</if>>.<<else>>There is a layer of damp cloth between $hisher fingers and your face, but it somehow more intimate than $hisher hand upon your head, in the hour that you can barely remember: there is a purpose beyond the display of <<if $heshe is "she">>control<<else>>power<</if>>.<</if>> "This will not become a daily ritual simply because you cannot be bothered to tidy yourself, $Ire." You flush even hotter in embarrassment, blinking rapidly, but that <<if $heshe is "she">>delicate<<else>>precise<</if>> grip returns to your chin as you try to turn away and your attention flits to the patterned cloth covering half of $U's face--one false eye open, one shut, the same as ever. You try not to wonder what really lies beneath it. You can almost sense that gaze narrowing beneath the veil as $heshe wipes the rest of your face and trails the cloth down your neck. The sensation brings an unexpected yet welcome measure of calm. $HeShe doesn't seem to notice.<<else>>$U levels $hisher regard at your <<if $anticipate is true>>heated<<else>>twitching<</if>> face briefly before $heshe lifts the cloth and dabs it across both your eyes. You close them, the cool touch of the water dampening your <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>stale tears<<else>>crusted lashes<</if>> and wiping the grime away. <<if $touchedyou is true>>There is a layer of damp cloth between $hisher fingers and your face this time, but it feels somehow more intimate than $hisher hand upon your head in the hour that you can barely remember, or that fleeting investigation of your distress: there is a purpose beyond the satisfaction of curiosity, or a display of <<if $heshe is "she">>control<<else>>power<</if>>.<<else>>There is a layer of damp cloth between $hisher fingers and your face, but it somehow more intimate than $hisher hand upon your head, in the hour that you can barely remember: there is a purpose beyond the display of <<if $heshe is "she">>control<<else>>power<</if>>.<</if>> "This will not become a daily ritual simply because you cannot be bothered to tidy yourself, $Ire." It seems peculiar that $heshe is placing such an emphasis on your cleanliness. "It would be a lot easier if you gave me a proper tub to bathe in," you hint with <<if $acerbic > $agreeable>>a mocking smile<<else>>a pleasant smile.<</if>> $U hums something irritable under $hisher breath. Your smile spreads, and you open your eyes. The patterned cloth covering half of $U's face is very close--one false eye open, one shut, the same as ever. You wonder what really lies beneath it. You can sense that gaze narrowing beneath the veil as $heshe wipes the rest of your face and trails the cloth down your neck. Your breath hitches. $HeShe doesn't seem to notice.<</if>> You think back on everything you've been told. You know much more than before, and yet it is plain that $U is keeping many things from you. And there is one thing in particular that $heshe has failed to mention... ⮞ <<link "“What did your $brothersister do to deserve... //death//?”" "convo 5">><<set $convo4why to true, $soft +=1, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“If I have to kill someone, I'd better be getting paid--and know //what// they did to earn it.”" "convo 5">><<set $convo4paid to true, $blunt +=1, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 4, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 4, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“About your $brothersister, if it's not too much trouble--”" "convo 5">><<set $convo4trouble to true, $agreeable +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“So, there's bad blood in the family. Sounds like some worthwhile gossip to me!”" "convo 5">><<set $convo4goss to true, $acerbic +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

There is so much you could say. So much you could ask. Truthfully, a not-small-part-of-you still wants to <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>burst into tears again<<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>>throw something--preferably at $hisher highness<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>scream, cry, or start laughing again--but if you did that, you fear you'd never stop<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>lie down, close your eyes, and mentally float away... but if you did that, you fear you might never wake up<<else>>scream in $hisher face<</if>>.<<if $convo4why is true>> Instead, you whisper. "Would you tell me a bit more about your $brothersister? Why do you want me to... ah... I don't understand--" "Few would," $U admits quietly. <<elseif $convo4paid is true>> Instead you remark dryly, "If you want me to assassinate a whole person, I'd better know your reasons, and I'd better be getting paid for this--in something other than stale wine." You watch $himher closely for signs of deceit--in body, if not in word. "How well you are compensated is a matter of some interest to us both, but alas, it depends greatly on whether you survive," is all $heshe says. "You will be repaid--this I have sworn." When $heshe is standing before you again, you challenge $himher with your eyes. <<elseif $convo4goss is true>> Instead you find yourself saying, "So, bad blood in the family. Sounds like some gossip worth hearing! What did $heshe do? Give you an honest review of your wine?" You expect anger, or some sign of displeasure at the very least. "Sadly, such quarrels are seldom so straightforward," is all $heshe says. <<else>> "About your $brothersister, if it's not too much trouble... not that you have to tell me more, of course. But, I don't understand--" "I don't have to," $U agrees quietly. "But I will." You shut your mouth, surprised. <</if>>"Long ago, though it is no longer remembered by your people, there was frequent trade and travel between the folk of the earth and the kin of the air. Several of my most ambitious ancestors proposed a union between our realms, but this was expressly forbidden by the Wellspring when he gave us these barren lands to rule." //The Wellspring...// You think you've heard that name before. $HisHer veil tips slightly. "The all-knowing, the light-bringer who shaped everything from nothing." All-knowing... Wellspring... does $heshe mean a god? You distantly recall a god named the Changeless One. Is Wellspring is another name for the Changeless your people worship? But <<if $cloth is true>>$U's incense-steeped presence and the touch of the damp cloth push the thought away. You listen quietly instead, <<else>>you push it away, <</if>>hoping to gain a better understanding from $U's explanation. "Nonetheless, those ancestors of mine entered your home plane, hoping to strike an accord. It was against the wishes of the divine, and in so doing, our own realm was torn apart--once as lush and green as yours, my home became a desolate wasteland, and many of us who were born after the fall have little comprehension of what it was like... //before//. Not only those who erred were fated to suffer--but all. Worse, our own reflections were rent from us." $U hesitates, but when $heshe continues it is with a quiet confidence as if there was never any hesitation at all, a contradiction that catches your attention. "There is no word in your language for that which we lost... 'spirit' may be closest. If we glanced into a mirror or the surface of still waters, we could not see ourselves. There was only the abyss staring back from eternity--it was enough to set a spark of madness in immortal hearts. My ancestors begged the Wellspring to return our reflections to us, lest we all perish for our mistake." $U <<if $heshe is "she">>holds up a hand<<if $cloth is true>>, briefly palming the damp cloth,<</if>> and inspects one of her long nails.<<else>>holds up a hand<<if $cloth is true>>, briefly palming the damp cloth,<</if>> and twists one of his rings around those long, bony fingers.<</if>> "He did restore our reflections, in the end... but our realm remains shattered, and we remain unstable. If one of us loses sight of $hisher true self, or we are are injured badly enough, or perchance we grow weary of living altogether and slip into dreams, our reflections may well abandon us once more. This has only happened seven times in all of recorded history, but the fact remains that it //can// happen. Our souls are set adrift, yet tethered to our corporeal form. Forever healing and decomposing in an endless cycle of decay and restoration, until our reflection is found, claimed, and returned to us. We cannot do this ourselves." $HisHer features appear suddenly sharper, $hisher face hollower, $hisher lips thinner. "Regrettably, it must be one of yours." "Souls adrift... yet tethered?" <<if $i.extrovert is true>>The words leave you instinctually--you wonder if you've always talked this much.<<else>>You hadn't realized you spoke the words aloud--ordinarily, you keep your thoughts to yourself.<</if>> "Yes. It is far from a simple state of being, and perhaps difficult to understand. As mortals, you are attached to your own reflections. You are anchored to the earth, and the earth is firm beneath your feet, even if your frail minds wander through the clouds. You have no notion of what it is like to be untethered." <<if $i.extrovert is true>>"I think I do," you mutter to yourself, quietly, and $U's chin tips in your direction again. Damn $hisher long ears.<<else>>Oh, but I think I do... A grim, gnawing emptiness where your memories used to be. An emptiness you wish you did not know.<</if>> "After many years of failure, much difficulty, and great expense, I found a way to sever that tether permanently." $HisHer voice quiets to a whisper so scarce you strain to hear it. "Unfortunately, it did not avail me in this instance; it was to be expected, had I not been so shortsighted. My $brothersister is as powerful as I am." That doesn't answer your question. <<if $cloth is true>><<if !$i.piercings.includes('none') and $i.gauge.includes('none')>>You are briefly distracted when you notice $U hesitating near your piercings. $HisHer touch through the cloth is now more careful, more precise.<<if hasVisited('use gift')>> Surely $heshe has noticed that you are wearing the simple silver jewelry, but $heshe does not remark on it.<</if>><</if>><<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>You are briefly distracted when you notice $U hesitating on your neck, behind your jaw--near your ears. $HisHer touch through the cloth is now more careful, more precise.<<if hasVisited('use gift')>> Surely $heshe has noticed that you are wearing the simple wooden spools, but $heshe does not remark on it.<</if>><</if>> You struggle to shift your focus back to the conversation.<</if>> "But what did $heshe do?" $U's expression sours further. "There is no returning to the way things once were, but the kin of the air have suffered long enough. $HeShe has always neglected $hisher duties to our kind, and broke a promise that started a war. I am sworn to do what is best for my people... and I will. Can you imagine fighting and dying for a thousand years? No? I thought not. So you see, regrettably, it is not a question of //deserving//--not when death is the only way this ends." ⮞ <<link "“Can't you just talk it out?”" "convo 5a">><<set $talk5 to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“But don't you love your $brothersister?”" "convo 5a">><<set $love5 to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“By that same logic, couldn't you kill //yourself// and end it that way?”" "convo 5a">><<set $logic5 to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Maybe you should let $himher kill you instead.”" "convo 5a">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $love5 is true>>$U laughs. //Laughs.// The sound is still as sharp as ever--and you <<if $i.break.includes('laugh')>>recognize something of yourself within it:<<else>>detect<</if>> a hint of mania. "Over a thousand years of horrors in an endless war your mortal mind could never hope to fathom, and you speak to me of 'love'? <<if hasVisited("query 1c")>>I told you before, we<<else>>We<</if>> do not know love as mortals do--for you, love is merely a prism, reflecting as many hues as souls you encounter throughout your limited lives. For an immortal, emotions are better kept... shallow. You would hardly recognize love as we know it, and there is a danger in it. Pretenses of 'love' and loyalty ring hollow when blood flows <<link "like a river." "convo 6">><<randomSound>><</link>>" <<elseif $talk5 is true>>$U laughs. //Laughs.// The sound is still as sharp as ever, more cutting than companionable. "Over a thousand years of horrors in an endless war your mortal mind could never hope to fathom, and you think I haven't tried? Do you think //we// haven't tried? $HeShe excells at everything $heshe puts $hisher mind too, talk above all else--but talk rings hollow when blood flows like a river. Someone had to take decisive action, and that unfortunate lot fell <<link "to me." "convo 6">><<randomSound>><</link>>"<<elseif $logic5 is true>>$U laughs. //Laughs.// The sound is still as sharp as ever, more cutting than companionable. "Clever, if ignorant. The magic which runs wild within our realm is binding, and one of those sacred bonds is this: we cannot end our own lives. Even the attempt to do so would break faith with the reason we were breathed into existence." //And you can't tell a lie,// you add silently, before saying out loud, "But you can end someone else's life? Doesn't that break the rules?" This time you see a smug satisfaction playing around $hisher mouth--and a twinge of something else. Almost a flinch, so quick you nearly missed it. "Ah, but you see--//that// is not a bond; I know, for I have killed, and lived. It was simply never expected that one of us should grasp such power. And besides--now //you// are here to kill $himher on my behalf. How fortunate. Does that not exempt me?" That feels like... a //convenient// technicality, <<link "to say the least." "convo 6">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>$U laughs. //Laughs.// The sound is still as sharp as ever, more cutting than companionable. "If you knew $himher, you would not ask such a question. My $brothersister does not have the fortitude for such an act: $heshe may be the elder, but $heshe has always been the weaker. //Spineless//." A smug satisfaction plays around $hisher mouth. "And besides--now //you// are here to kill $himher on my behalf. How <<link "fortunate." "convo 6">><<randomSound>><</link>>"<</if>> <<unset $talk5, $love5, $logic5>>\

"And you think //I// can do what you couldn't?" "I will give you the advantage--knowledge, magic, a weapon--but it is you who must acquire my $brothersister's reflection... a difficult process even when an immortal is still in connection with their body, though I have methods to ensure your success. After you have anchored $hisher essence to the material plane, you must fully revive whatever remains of $himher for a proper death to be dealt effectively." <<if $i.extrovert is true>>"Acquire $hisher reflection--?" you mutter, confused, but $U talks over you.<<else>><<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>The blank look on your face is reply enough, apparently.<<else>>//Acquire $hisher reflection?// You aren't certain if you should ask, but $U saves you the trouble of deciding.<</if>><</if>> "I suppose you would have had no real knowledge of this, even before our pact. Mortals can carry another reflection along with theirs. More than one, if necessary. Historically, this has been done before when my kin and yours were friendlier," $heshe says; the words feel weighted. "We protected your realm from the terrors which endure, and you in turn offered us your services. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement, and considered--at the time--an obligation." You weigh those heavy words in your own mind, turning them over <<if hasVisited("silence 2")>>as the sun sinks lower in the sky<<else>>as the sun rises higher in the sky<</if>>. There's something wrong about it. You aren't sure if that was something you were supposed to forget--that the kin of the air cannot lie--but maybe you can use this fleeting memory to your advantage... "Is that the only reason why it was considered an obligation?" There is an even weightier pause. Sweat prickles the back of your neck. You wonder if $heshe knows why you're asking. $U stares at you for a long while in absolute stillness--you can't even see the rise and fall of $hisher breaths, and for many moments you are certain. Certain that you are staring into the dead, dyed eyes of a $kingqueen whose heart stopped beating long before you arrived. In this land of heat, and misery. The words are as dark as the smiling mouth which speaks them: "The only reason you need ever <<link "know" "bridge the divide">><<randomSound>><</link>>."

<center>So you are here to resurrect an <<link "immortal." "btd1a">><<randomSound>><</link>></center>

<<if $antiheroic > $heroic>>You're surprised by your own acceptance--a purpose might fill the empty place beneath your ribs... and yet nothing is ever so simple: this<<else>><<if $soft > $blunt>>The encroaching dread--the empty disbelief--it's one and the same: this<<else>><<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>Anger surges through your blood--what right does $heshe have to dictate who lives or dies by your hand? This<<else>>The thought of it strikes you silent for a long while: this<</if>><</if>><</if>> can't possibly be happening to you. All these recent revelations rush through your mind like a flicker of light through a hazy pane of glass--quick, a blink, but they entrap you in that endless, answerless flickering. It's not until many moments later, or perhaps many //minutes// later, that you awaken from the half-dream and find $U still standing in exactly the same position as before. You startle out of your stupor as $U scowls at you. "Only you can bridge the divide, and pull my $brothersister back to this plane, but you will be forever altered. I cannot do this myself, or I would have done it already." <<if $antiheroic > $heroic>>A more convenient and less risky solution than getting your own hands bloody<<else>>An obvious and far less risky alternative to getting your own hands bloody<</if>> presents itself: "Why can't I bring your $brothersister back, and then //you// can kill them?" "A question for another time," murmurs $U. "Let us call it... //tradition//." <<if $blunt > $soft>>"I see," you say flatly.<<else>>"I see," you say carefully.<</if>> //I see better than you would like, I think.// The truth of it hits you... ⮞ <<link "...and it stings. “So I'm really only here because I'm a mortal--that's it.”" "next1">><<set $itstings to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "...and you realize, with horror: “I have to touch a dead body?”" "next1">><<set $deadbody to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“If you think that's all that's 'special' about me, you're about to be proven wrong.”" "next1">><<randomSound>><<set $specialabout to true>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“You stole a helpless mortal from their realm to do your dirty work? Can you even call yourself a $kingqueen after that?”" "next1">><<set $mortalstole to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Forever altered?” That's alarming." "next1">><<randomSound>><<set $foreveraltered to true>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "...and you stay silent." "next1">><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $itstings is true>>"Of course," $U says with an unexpected breathiness, leaning closer. The intensity leaves you dumbfounded. "I chose you for a reason, $Ire: what does it matter if that reason is your own mortality? It makes you no less fit for the task at hand."<<elseif $deadbody is true>>"Have you been listening to //anything// I have told you?" $U says with an unexpected breathiness, leaning closer. The intensity leaves you dumbfounded. "We cannot die. We //cannot// die! There is no //corpse//! And you //cannot// fail, so I //suggest// you acquaint yourself with the idea of cold bodies and wandering souls."<<elseif $specialabout is true>>"Of course I will," $U says with an unexpected breathiness, leaning closer. The intensity leaves you dumbfounded. "I am //counting// on it."<<elseif $foreveraltered is true>>"Count yourself among the fortunate," $U says with an unexpected breathiness, leaning closer. The intensity leaves you dumbfounded. "Change is a blessing unknown to some..." It is plain that $heshe has more to say, but $hisher lip twitches and the words trail off into a rasping nothing.<<elseif $mortalstole is true>>"Easily," $U says with an unexpected breathiness, leaning closer. The intensity leaves you dumbfounded. "Who said you were helpless? Nothing in life comes without cost--of course the dice can be weighted, the cards can be stacked, and the odds can be cheated. But the rules of this game we play are not dissimilar. Everything I possess, I have viciously clawed, scraped, and fought for. Even you. And as far as I am aware, you have done the same... <<if $soft > $blunt or $agreeable > $acerbic>>though not always by choice.<<else>>and you did it willingly.<</if>>"<<else>><</if>> $HeShe steps even closer, fingers tightening on $hisher staff, and you blink rapidly as the light in the room darkens, glancing briefly toward the window--partly to relieve yourself of $hisher gaze--but there is no storm approaching. It is only the aura which surrounds you that has bent and creaked itself into shadows. Your mortal instincts are shouting at you to run. But you can't move. You can't even think. $U considers you. "Your <<if $acerbic gte 6>>quick and bitter wit<<else>>mask of superficial earnestness<</if>> is not sufficient to hide yourself from me; all mortals are pathetic to a greater or lesser degree. I'm willing to work with you to get what we both want... but never forget that you are merely a requirement--an ingredient--to the path I aspire to. I may be changeless in body, but the unending years have made me swift to judge, and quick to act." The gem set in the crook of the staff glows more brightly, and a pale luminosity flares below the veil. It only looks half-real. Before you can decide whether it was there or not to begin with, it's gone. "Ironic, yes? That you are here for a reason you can't remember, and I do. It gives me a distinct advantage; not that I ever needed one in my dealings with //mortals//." There is a particular tug at $hisher upper lip when $heshe utters that word, and a flash of teeth. This time, there's no mistaking it for anything other than disgust. No, even beyond that--//hatred//. A vile loathing adorns $hisher countenance as plainly as the silver bangles on $hisher wrists and the waterfall of jewelry spilling over $hisher thin chest, and far colder. "I will remain long after every last trace of your existence has crumbled into sand." The revulsion vanishes like a wisp of the smoky scent that wafts from $U's long robes as $heshe pulls away, replaced so smoothly and deftly by $hisher usual impassive mask that you could almost allow yourself to believe you were mistaken--but it's too late. You saw the festering hate for what it was. ⮞ <<link "Your eyes sting with unshed tears: that was //harsh//." "queries 2 prelude 2">><<set $hq2a to true, $weepingIre + 1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Shrug; you're unaffected." "queries 2 prelude 2">><<set $hq2b to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Hah. You can work that to your advantage." "queries 2 prelude 2">><<set $hq2c to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Wow, that was upsettingly... attractive?! $flirt_label" "queries 2 prelude 2">><<set $hq2d to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "At least now you know what //honesty// looks like." "queries 2 prelude 2">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $hq2a is true>>$U pulls away and waits silently as you bow your head, blinking rapidly to hold back the tears. The silence is even more hurtful than the lashing tongue, and it takes you several moments to compose yourself again.<<elseif $hq2b>>You don't really care what $U thinks of you--it doesn't change anything. $HeShe undoubtedly looks at you with the same hatred now as $heshe did before you lost your memories, and there's nothing to be done about it at present. <<elseif $hq2c is true>><<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>You bite back a thin smile--better to keep your real thoughts to yourself, but <<else>>You smile thinly--<</if>>you know a disaster in the making when you see one... all it would take is a little push to elicit the response of your choosing. Not that it wouldn't end in disaster for //you//, personally, but that kind of power could be worked to your favour. <<elseif $hq2d is true>>You take a deep breath to cool yourself and blink rapidly, surprised. Is it warmer in here? //Why// is it warmer? Can $U see the heat on your face? That was... intense. Not in a good way, necessarily, but the intensity has definitely done something strange and fluttering to your heart, and you don't think it's fear. At least... not all of it.<<else>>You might be starting from less than nothing, but at least you know where you stand.<</if>> $U has a problem with mortals. That much is clear. The why is less clear, although you don't think it would be wise to inquire further. Regardless, it occurs to you that the most obvious flaw in this plan has not been addressed: "What if I don't want to?" Another, much uglier twist of derision snaps through $U's apathy, freezing your blood despite the pervasive warmth of the room. You feel not only seen, but considered in such a way that you would almost think $heshe is eager for the words $heshe speaks next: "Then your oath is broken and you can suffer the consequences--not as my $Ire. Alone, and nameless. All that will remain are your bleached bones, and soon even those will be swallowed up by the sands. But until such a time, you will undergo whatever preparations I deem necessary, as you promised me." $U snaps $hisher fingers and flourishes the contract with '$Ire' in your handwriting at the bottom. It appeared out of seemingly nowhere. //@@filter:blur(0.2px);Like@@ @@filter:blur(0.3px);a@@ @@filter:blur(0.5px);magic@@ @@filter:blur(0.7px);trick.@@// You glance at the floor where the platter of food once sat--where you left the two pieces of paper--only to see the note fluttering alone. The contract is missing, now a prisoner to $U's thin black fingers. It occurs to you once again, bleakly, that all which you possess to ward against such a fate is $hisher dubious assurance--in a note, of all things--that it would require 'effort' for $himher to fetch another mortal. ⮞ <<link "“I could refuse.”" "convo 8">><<set $refuse to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Yes,” you manage, swallowing hard." "convo 8">><<set $yesmanage to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You want to fall through the floor." "convo 8">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Your lip curls. “Try.”" "convo 8">><<randomSound>><<set $lipcurl to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 4, 0, 19)>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "That deserves no response." "convo 8">><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $refuse is true>>$HeShe observes you, unimpressed, from behind the veil of sightless eyes. “Could you?”<<elseif $yesmanage is true>>"//Yes...//" $heshe echoes. "I am glad we agree."<<elseif $lipcurl is true>>"Mortal will is a frail thing--snapped as easily as your brittle spines."<<else>>"Now then, $Ire."<</if>> And you taste the poison in $hisher words. Thick and cloying, like the richness of the wine which poisoned your mind. Like the aromatic cloth which muffled your senses and sent you to sleep. The $kingqueen carries weapons both seen and secret, and you have certainly already tasted of the latter--you don’t doubt $heshe would employ the former if necessary. $U flicks the paper and it snaps out of existence with a flutter, only to make a sudden reappearance across the room, where it had been tucked under the edge of your mat before. It drifts across the smooth tiles slightly in the breeze of its own momentum as you watch, too overwhelmed to summon any response. So you aren't thinking of anything particular, nor trying to recall a memory, when that stabbing pain hits the back of your head. It startles a flinch from you. ⮞ <<link "Hide it--you're afraid of whatever $hisher response might be. $alert_label" "convo 10">><<set $hideHeadache to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You have no intention of showing a weakness, and that's why you hide it. $alert_label" "convo 10">><<set $hideHeadache to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Make no effort to hide it. $alert_label" "convo 9">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $refuse, $yesmanage, $lipcurl>>

<<if $cloth is true>>$U lifts a hand as if to touch your face, and hesitates only for a moment before pressing the cool, damp cloth against your forehead. The smallest measure of relief eases the ache in your mind.<<else>>$U lifts a hand as if to touch your face, and hesitates only for a moment before that hand drops back against the drapery of $hisher embroidered garments, darkened fingers twitching at the luxurious fabric. The smallest spark of agitation.<</if>> $HeShe is suddenly colder, more distant. Some of the sharp edges have dulled into apathy again... <<if $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>though you wish it might be something more.<<elseif $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true>>though you wish it might be genuine care.<<else>>and it's almost worse than the open scorn.<</if>> "Living apart from your past can be a difficult adjustment. You must learn to think in a different way. Others have done so before, with great success." "Is it supposed to hurt--at all?" $HeShe hums briefly in thought, slowly gathering up the <<if hasVisited("qm2b")>>empty <</if>>potion bottle<<if hasVisited("silence 2")>> and long-stemmed pipe<</if>> in one hand with a subtle clink<<if $cloth is true>>, the cloth still cradled loosely in the other<</if>>. The sudden change in demeanor is unsettling at best. "There may be some... how shall I say... stress, if you insist upon returning to memories which cannot be remembered." ⮞ <<link "Be honest: 'But I was thinking of nothing at all, at the time.'" "convo 10">><<set $behonest to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Keep that to yourself." "convo 10">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $behonest is true>>$U inspects you once from head to toe--you can sense this by the way $hisher chin dips down and then up again slightly--and <<if $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsTrueLover1 is true or $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>where you thought you felt the faintest breath of warmth, there is a frigid draft which now settles between you and $KingQueen $U. You glimpse a glint of pointed teeth again as $heshe says flatly<<else>>you glimpse a glint of pointed teeth as $heshe says flatly<</if>>, "How troublesomely easy it is... for mortals to lie." Your face flushes hot with <<if $i.break.includes('rage') or $firstAnger is true>>anger<<else>>frustration<</if>>. Before you can think of a way to convince $himher otherwise, or if you even should, <</if>><<if $cloth is true>>$U shakes out the dirty cloth with a strangled sound that might be digust and slips $hisher fingers under your knuckles, hooking your wrist to keep you from pulling away. With $hisher other hand, $heshe presses the cloth into your palm so firmly that your own fingers curl around it. "Make yourself presentable in my absence." The touch is dropped so quickly you could almost believe it never happened. Except that you are now holding the cloth, and <</if>>$U is striding swiftly toward the door. ⮞ <<link "A single word leaps loudly after $himher. “Wait!”" "convo 11">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You find yourself muttering, “Wait...”" "convo 11">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<if $cloth is true>><<link "You let $himher go." "handprint">><<set $letgo to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "You let $himher go." "no handprint">><<set $letgo to true, $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

It is a command, with a hint of desperation. You don't really expect $himher to turn around. But $heshe hesitates, head slightly turned--the edge of the dyed eye upon the veil peering back at you. Maybe, if you're quick, you have time to say one more thing... ⮞ <<link "“Please don't leave me... I don't like being alone.”" "convo 12">><<set $convo11a to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 3, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<set $ch1.mem.push('dontLeave')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I don't want to kill anyone!”" "convo 12">><<set $convo11b to true>><<set $ch1.mem.push('dontKill')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“If I go through with this, I get my name--my old life--I get it all back. Do you swear it?”" "convo 12">><<set $convo11c to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<set $ch1.mem.push('oldLife')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Am I already a disappointment to you?”" "convo 12">><<set $convo11d to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>⮞ <<link "“Was it the servant who bandaged my hand?”" "convo 12">><<set $convo11e to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 2, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>⮞ <<link "“Have you ever cried?”" "convo 12">><<set $convo11f to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 2, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>⮞ <<link "You stare at $himher, the question dying on your lips. What does any of it matter, anyway?" "convo 12">><<set $convo11g to true, $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>⮞ <<link "“Is this all a game to you? Do you find this... funny?”" "convo 12">><<set $convo11h to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 2, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "“What... do I do with it? All this pressure in my chest.”" "convo 12">><<set $convo11i to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<if $convo11b is true>>"Neither did I," $U says. The words are crisp and precise, but ring with an honesty you haven't heard before. The assurance is almost enough to warm you slightly, if not for the icy countenance with which $heshe regards you. "But such sentiments will not save you, nor spare you this task. They //will//, however, make the inevitable more devastating when it finds you staring at a lifeless corpse with a weapon in your hand." You stare at $U, searching <<if $blunt > $soft>>relentlessly<<else>>desperately<</if>> for something more. If you could only see past that hateful veil, then perhaps-- But the deathless $kingqueen has already turned away. "Guard yourself, $Ire." The door closes behind $himher with a gentle thump.<<elseif $convo11a is true>>Are you crazy? You're asking $himher to //stay?// <<if $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>Maybe $hisher otherworldly appearance and the scent of smoke and incense have distracted you from the fact that $heshe could probably kill you with a single glance behind that veil.<</if>> But you do. You want $himher to stay. And you aren't sure if it's for your own sake, or because of <<if $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true or $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>>this half-baked idea about earning $hisher trust somehow.<<else>>something more.<</if>> There is a moment of unexpected silence. A very long moment. Uncomfortably long, even for $U--you don't know $himher well, but $hisher penchant for dramatic pauses is clear enough. "I've heard those words before," $heshe murmurs, uncharacteristically sombre. "They didn't stop me from leaving then. And they won't stop me now." $HeShe turns to depart and you make a sound. You meant to ask $himher to stay, again. But the <<if $soft > $blunt>>plea<<else>>demand<</if>> never fully leaves you--only a puff of air, a catch in your chest, and a ringing silence. $U's hand tightens on the door. "There are guards outside. Yell if you need anything, and they will alert me or the servant I have assigned to this tower. More food will be brought to you <<if hasVisited("silence 2")>>before dusk<<else>>this evening<</if>>. Do be on your best behavior: I won't have you frightening those in my employ." "The guards didn't answer me before." "They had orders not to bother me--I was otherwise occupied." <<if $agreeable > $acerbic and $blunt > $soft>>"I could have died and you didn't want to know?" you croak, offended.<<elseif $soft > $blunt and $agreeable > $acerbic>>"What if I'd died?" you croak, hurt.<<elseif $acerbic > $agreeable and $soft > $blunt>>"Wouldn't you want to know if your $Ire was dead?" you croak, somehow both hurt and offended.<<else>>"I could have died," you snap, offended.<</if>> The door thumps shut behind $himher, but not before you catch a glimpse of $hisher mocking smile.<<elseif $convo11c is true>>"If you do this... a rather significant 'if', is it not?" "That isn't an answer: can you give me my name back or not?" "Can you kill my $brothersister?" You stare at $U, searching <<if $blunt > $soft>>relentlessly<<else>>desperately<</if>> for something more. Before you can decide how to proceed, the door thumps shut behind $himher--but not before you catch a glimpse of $hisher mocking smile.<<elseif $convo11d is true>>"You were always going to be a disappointment," $U says. The words are crisp and precise, but ring with an honesty you haven't heard before. "If, however, you succeed in this task, we will have accomplished something worthwhile." You stare at $U, searching <<if $blunt > $soft>>relentlessly<<else>>desperately<</if>> for something more. If you could only see past that hateful mask, then perhaps-- But the deathless $kingqueen has already turned away, and the door closes behind $himher with a gentle thump.<<elseif $convo11e is true>> You stare at $U, searching <<if $blunt > $soft>>relentlessly<<else>>desperately<</if>> for some confirmation of what you suspect to be true--<<if $intentionsClear1>>of course it won't sway your hatred for this wretched entity who dragged you away from everything you knew and pulled it from your mind, one shard at a time, but it's somehow important that you hear it from $himher regardless.<<elseif $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsTrueLover1 is true or $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>of course it probably means nothing at all. Certainly not to $U, who dragged you away from everything you knew and pulled it from your mind, one shard at a time. But it's somehow important that you hear it from $himher, regardless.<<else>>of course it probably won't give you much of an advantage. Certainly it would mean nothing to $U, who dragged you away from everything you knew and pulled it from your mind, one shard at a time. But it's important that you hear it from $himher, regardless.<</if>> "I won't have you dying of an infection, $Ire--your purpose here is much greater than that." You realize that isn't an answer at the same time that the door thumps shut behind $himher--but not before you catch a glimpse of $hisher mocking smile.<<elseif $convo11f>>There is a moment of unexpected silence. A very long moment. Uncomfortably long, even for $U--you don't know $himher well, but $hisher penchant for dramatic pauses is clear enough. "Possibly," $U says. The word is crisp and precise, but rings with an honesty you haven't heard before. The confession is almost enough to warm you slightly, if not for the icy countenance with which $heshe regards you. "But if I have, it was so long ago I cannot remember it." You stare at $U, searching <<if $blunt > $soft>>relentlessly<<else>>desperately<</if>> for something more. If you could only see past that hateful mask, then perhaps-- But the deathless $kingqueen has already turned away. "Be well, $Ire." The door closes behind $himher with a gentle thump. <<elseif $convo11g is true>>There is a moment of silence. A very long moment. At last, the deathless $kingqueen turns away. "Be well, $Ire." The door closes behind $himher with a gentle thump.<<elseif $convo11h is true>>There is a moment of silence. "A game? Perhaps. I am gambling--with your life, and that of my twin. Do I find it funny?" $U flicks $hisher fingers in your direction. "Maybe, when we've reached the end of this 'game,' you'll have figured that out for yourself, $Ire--I certainly wouldn't dare encroach on your own speculations. I find them far too entertaining." You stare at $U, searching <<if $blunt > $soft>>relentlessly<<else>>desperately<</if>> for something more, with the vague understanding that $heshe may have just answered your question in the most indirect way possible. As you are deciding how to proceed, the door thumps shut behind $himher. But not before you catch a glimpse of $hisher mocking smile.<<else>>There is a moment of silence. You stare at $U, searching <<if $blunt > $soft>>relentlessly<<else>>desperately<</if>> for something more. But there is no visible emotion on $hisher veiled face. "Scream," $heshe suggests calmly. "Nobody will hear you anyway." The door thumps shut behind $himher. But not before you catch a glimpse of $hisher mocking smile.<</if>> You are <<if $cloth is true>><<link "alone again." "handprint">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "alone again." "no handprint">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<if $cloth is true>><<if $clothhold is true>>You grip the cloth, throat closing at the sight of the bright red stains. That unsettlingly familiar colour bleeds across the embroidered leaves and flowers, dying the threads dark purple, and you pull your own hand away to see that the liquid clings to your fingertips... As you stare in muted horror, the stain seems less pigmented than before. And then it slowly vanishes altogether, as if it were absorbed into the cloth itself.<<else>>It lands on the stone tiles with a dull smack, the bloodied side facing down, and you stare at your fingertips. That horribly familiar colour clings to your skin, staining it dark red. As you stare in muted horror, the stain seems less pigmented than before. And then it slowly vanishes altogether.<</if>> <<if $clothhold isnot true>>You breathe quickly, measuring the moment, and then stoop down, cautiously pinching the cloth and flipping it over. The embroidery is so detailed it could have passed for a painting. Your eyes numbly glaze over the threaded depictions: a body of water with river reeds, rushes, and a single crane taking flight from a scrubby tree stitched into one corner. Far too expensive to be repurposed as a common washing cloth. But no matter how many times you fold it and unfold it, searching desperately for some sign of what you know you saw, not a trace of red remains. The stain is gone. <</if>>Is $U injured? Are you injured?<</if>> The wind picks up outside the window, now whistling past the latticework in several distinct voices. You move closer. It's not until you're standing directly in front of the barred ledge that a breath of air <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none') or $i.hair.Length.includes('shorn')>>cools your damp face<<else>>lifts a <<if $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>>lock<<else>>strand<</if>> of your damp hair, cooling your face.<</if>> <<link "Am I mad?" "chapter 1 ending b">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $letgo is true>>You stare at $U, searching <<if $blunt > $soft>>relentlessly<<else>>desperately<</if>> for <<if $blunt > $soft>>some hint of reason behind $hisher actions<<else>>something more<</if>>, but $hisher retreating figure tells you nothing. The door thumps shut behind $himher--but not before you catch a glimpse of $hisher mocking smile. <</if>>You look down at the cloth in your hand. //This was in $U's pocket.// The embroidery is so detailed it could have passed for a painting. Your eyes numbly glaze over the threaded depictions: a body of water with river reeds, rushes, and a single crane taking flight from a scrubby tree stitched into one corner. Far too expensive to be repurposed as a common washing cloth. If $heshe was carrying this on $hisher person, in a place where no one else could see it, then $heshe must appreciate the design. You realize, abstractly, that this is perhaps your first glimpse at the $U beneath the veil. ⮞ <<link "<<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>Press your mouth firmly shut, blinking hard, and toss it into a corner.<<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>Press your mouth firmly shut, swallowing your frustration, and toss it into a corner.<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>Blink very slowly, suddenly too tired to think, and toss it into a corner.<<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>>Crinkle the damp cloth in your fist, clenching your jaw, and toss it into a corner.<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>Huff a weary laugh, blinking hard, and toss it into a corner.<</if>>" "no handprint 2">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Shake out the cloth and<<if $soft > $bold>> set it aside to dry with careful fingers<<else>> deftly set it aside to dry<</if>>." "no handprint 2">><<randomSound>><</link>>

As you stare at the damp threads, the wind picks up outside the window, now whistling past the latticework in several distinct voices. You move closer. It's not until you're standing directly in front of the barred ledge that a breath of air <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none') or $i.hair.Length.includes('shorn')>>cools your damp face<<else>>lifts a <<if $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>>lock<<else>>strand<</if>> of your damp hair, cooling your face.<</if>> <<link "Am I mad?" "chapter 1 ending b">><<randomSound>><</link>>

You think the question first, but it echoes uncomfortably in the howling emptiness of your shattered mind, so you whisper those words to yourself, <<link "unsatisfied." "chapter 1 ending c">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<fadein 3s 1s>>"Am I...<</fadein>> <<fadein 3s 4s>>mad?"<</fadein>> <<fadein 3s 7s>>No one whispers back except <<link "the wind." "time passing again">><<randomSound>><</link>><</fadein>>

<center>\ <<if $dishonourRoll gte 4>><<set $ch1.mem.push('dishonourRoll')>><<run memorize ('achievement_dishonourRoll', true)>><<set $achievement_dishonourRoll to true>><<audio "notif" play>><<notify 5s>>Achievement: \ $kingqueen's displeasure<</notify>><</if>>\ <<audio "ambient-quiet" fadeout>>\ <<fadein 3s 1s>>\ <<link "🙡 that night 🙣" "shard of memory">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\ </center>\

<<audio "requiem" play loop>>\ <<fadein 4s 2s>>\ <<if $ch1.mem.includes('dreamForsaken')>>You are weeping again in the lonely dark. It sticks to your skin like pitch and honey, the ghost of a past life clinging to your folded figure, and not even the ceaseless flow of tears can rinse away the residue. The air here is different to the air you knew in another place--this is desert air, clean and dusty and scented of something like citris. Cool. Dry. It gives breath, as it breathes. Alive. You huddle alone, listening to the wailing of a distant wind that you somehow feel knows you better than you know yourself. Until you sense a presence at your shoulder. Some part of you knows that you're still asleep... //What do you do?// ⮞ <<link "Lift your head to look." "shard of memory 2 cry">><<set $engage to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Cry harder." "shard of memory 2 cry">><<set $weepingIre + 1>><<randomSound>><</link>><<elseif $ch1.mem.includes('dreamRage')>>You are searching, running, determined to find something you have forgotten--but the lonely dark sticks to your skin like pitch and honey, the ghost of a past life smothering your bared teeth and clenched fists. The air here is different to the air you knew in another place--this is desert air, clean and dusty and scented of something like citris. Cool. Dry. It gives breath, as it breathes. Alive. You run for a long while. Forever and on, accompanied only by the wailing of a distant wind that you somehow feel knows you better than you know yourself. Until you sense a presence running beside you. Some part of you knows that you're still asleep... //What do you do?// ⮞ <<link "Run faster." "shard of memory 2 run">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Turn and look." "shard of memory 2 run">><<set $engage to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>You lie quietly in the lonely dark. It sticks to your skin like pitch and honey, the ghost of a past life clinging to your limp figure, slowly oozing through outstretched fingers. But not even that terrible sensation can make you care. The air here is different to the air you knew in another place--this is desert air, clean and dusty and scented of something like citris. Cool. Dry. It gives breath, as it breathes. Alive. You remain motionless for a long while, listening to the wailing of a distant wind that you somehow feel knows you better than you know yourself. Until you sense a presence lying beside you. Some part of you knows that you're still asleep... //What do you do?// ⮞ <<link "Keep your eyes closed." "shard of memory 2 ignore">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Open them." "shard of memory 2 ignore">><<set $engage to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> <</fadein>>\

<<if $engage is true>>You lift your head from your damp arms, startled into watchfulness. There is no one beside you to greet your wary eyes, and they flicker across the vast emptiness of the dreaming lands in which you are now stranded. But there... A single point of light blooms across your watery vision. You squint into the distance. A light, in this <<link "void of nothing." "shard of memory 3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>You sob unendingly, tears dampening your arms backs of your eyelids. Whoever is there, you don't want to know. It's not until a light appears in the corner of your weeping eye that you turn your head slightly, startled. There is no one beside you to greet your wary gaze, but as it flickers across the vast emptiness of the dreaming lands in which you are now stranded, you see it... A single point of light blooms across yoru watery vision. You squint into the distance. A light, in this <<link "void of nothing." "shard of memory 3">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<if $engage is true>>There is no one beside you to greet your wary eyes as they flicker across the vast emptiness of the dreaming lands in which you are now stranded. But there... A single point of light beckons in the distance. A light, in this <<link "void of nothing." "shard of memory 3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>You lie there unendingly, too tired to care. Then, through the backs of your eyelids, a light blooms. Your fingers twitch, waiting for a sign, a touch... Yet there is nothing but the glow, steady and haunting. When you finally open your eyes and turn your head, you see it--a single point of light in the distance. A light, in this <<link "void of nothing." "shard of memory 3">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<if $engage is true>>You turn and look, but there is no one beside you. As your frantic eyes flicker across the vast emptiness of the dreaming lands in which you are now stranded, a single point of light blooms in the distance. It beckons you. And so you run faster. You know, somehow, you have to reach it. That light in this <<link "void of nothing." "shard of memory 3">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>You keep running, faster, slowly outpacing whatever runs beside you. As your frantic eyes flicker across the vast emptiness of the dreaming lands in which you are now stranded, a single point of light blooms in the distance. It beckons you. And so you run, and run, and run. You know, somehow, you have to reach it. That light in this <<link "void of nothing." "shard of memory 3">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

Muffled voices float closer, as if underwater. You've heard them before... Yes. One of them belongs to-- --someone whose name you have forgotten-- --a woman, whose face you can't //remember//-- --and suddenly you are a child again, <<if $i.quirk.includes('airhead')>>dreamily sighing about the kin of the air<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('foodie')>>sighing and wondering what you're having for lunch<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('airhead')>>wiggling your bare toes and half-paying-attention<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>wondering vainly if the kin of the air would think you looked just as fair<<else>>narrowing your eyes in suspicion as you ponder what's been said<</if>>. "The kin of the air envy us, children. Even with our short, mortal lives. For they were forbidden the fruit of our lands, and our gentler, simpler ways were out of their reach--their kind was never meant to live peacefully among ours. They were our guardians once--protectors of our realm. Hunters. But they grew weary of this task, and in their negligence, one day they left the gate between realms open wide with no air-born enchanters to guard it." "What happened?" someone cries. This is already somewhat different than $U's retelling: you'd like to hear the answer for yourself. "What do you think happened? Their promise to guard the rift--to keep the way shut and the terrors out--was broken, and our world has been shattered ever since. The terrors that the kin of the air once hunted nearly to extinction now stalk our lands by night, bringing with them nightmares, illness, and unease. Changeless, betrayed by his own creation, proclaimed that the kin of the air would no longer share in his immortality." Is this version of the tale even true? <<if $i.quirk.includes('skeptic')>>It's impossible to know.<<else>>How can you know for sure?<</if>> Regardless, in this moment... ⮞ <<link "You feel pity--the kin of the air were only tired, right? Mistakes happen. This seems like a wild overreaction from the reportedly gentle Changeless." "shard of memory 3a">><<set $pityKin1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You are angry--they were supposed to protect your people, and now they're the reason why you have nightmares and get sick? They got what they deserved." "shard of memory 3a">><<set $angerKin1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You're just seriously annoyed that $U decided to conveniently leave all that out of $hisher little history lesson--or does $heshe even know the truth?" "shard of memory 3a">><<set $uncertainKin1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Honestly, you don't know how you feel about any of this...<<if $i.quirk.includes('skeptic')>> is it even true?<</if>>" "shard of memory 3a">><<set $uncertainKin1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

"Our immortal protectors wept bitterly, of course, and pulled out their long hair in grief, and so anguished was their wailing that he amended his words: their bodies would endure. But as recompense for their greed, the kin of the air could now taste death..." Your child self and your dreaming self sit up as one, paying much closer attention than before. The memory shudders and the earth quakes beneath you, but you dig your fingers into the rooted grass, waiting to hear the end of it. "Though, not by their own kind. Only by the simple hands of crafters and artisans, of those who worked with mud and wood and stone, not magic or the intricate workings of the air. They whose realm they envied, and of whose suffering they little thought." You move your mouth to say it, but there are only whispers in the void, and she gives voice to your voicelessness. <<link "//Mortals.//" "shard of memory 3b">><<randomSound>><</link>>

"Mortals, whose lives are doomed to pass like the withering of a rose before they are welcomed into the arms of <<link "forever..." "shard of memory 4">><<randomSound>><</link>>"

As her last word fades into the eternal night, the other children vanish. It's just you... //You// as you are now, as you always have been. Sitting alone on a hill. Your mentor's voice echoes around you, breaking into fragments. "Did you k̴̊̃̈́n̶ơ̸̖̓͑͘͜͠͝w.̸̭̿̌͑̈́̓̔̾̕͝͠ ̵̺̥̌͒̍̃̄̀̒̚͝.̸̧̧̠̱̘͕̇͌̀̓̈́̓́̇͜ .̴̟̠̥̊̏̈́ ?" You mouth a response, but no sound echoes in the shattered memory. //Know what?// "It was when night fell upon our shattered plane, as the moon set and the sun arose, that those ill-fated twins were born to another realm." Twins. "What were their names?!" you shout into the echoing void. "Names have power in the realm of the air--so much power that the kin of the air would never part with them. But here we called them Lux and Sol." Lightheaded clarity washes through you. It sends a shiver <<link "down your spine." "shard of memory 4a">><<randomSound>><</link>>

"It is said they could not have looked more alike, sleeping peacefully together. Hand-in-hand, blissfully unaware of the tragedy which had so recently befallen our kind. But as the twins grew together, they also grew apart: it quickly became clear that they could not have been more different in temper and passion. The younger $brothersister, Lux, devoted all efforts to intricate spellcraft and great works of potion-brewing and mathematics." You can't help whispering $hisher true name. "$U..." The memory creaks, and your spine tingles as you try to look over your shoulder, half-convinced $heshe is standing behind you even now, but you can't pry your gaze away from the faceless woman who speaks of a time long lost. "Even as a child, $heshe quickly became the most renowned enchanter in all the lands of the fey. Tales of $hisher mastery reached even our realm of the mundane and--as you can see for yourself--they persist to this day. But the elder twin loved the simpler arts of our folk, and was soon peerless in the humbler magics of the soil, and in the shaping of iron, garments, and <<link "clay." "shard of memory 5">><<randomSound>><</link>>"

"When they came of age to rule, the kin of the air gathered in the great halls of their monarchs and sang songs of the twins' beauty and grace. Indeed, each had grown so powerful in magic that no rightful ruler was crowned for the first week of celebration--but at last those who had gathered proclaimed the elder most worthy. And so the master of enchantry sought out $hisher elder twin and petitioned $himher of the promise $heshe had made, so long ago." You remember that promise, and mouth the broken words along with her: //Not one would rule the realm, but two, until their power waned.// "But Lux was not satisfied. 'After all,' said the younger $brothersister--" and as your mentor speaks, you feel another voice <<if $heshe is "she">>lilting<<else>>rumbling<</if>> beneath the words--dark, worn, hollow, with those cracked traces of a cool breeze whistling through broken stone. ''"--//'if we kin of the air can now die by their hand, then why must we cower beyond the veil like frightened children? We should bring the realms together and rule them as one.'//"'' You <<if $blunt > $soft>>straighten<<else>>flinch<</if>> suddenly as the echoes build beneath it, speaking your name. The only name you know. <<link "''$Ire...''" "shard of memory 6">><<randomSound>><</link>>

"Lux became sullen and spiteful, after many years of hungering after the green and vibrant realm of the mundane, while $hisher people suffered beneath the scorching heat of their lands and eternal fear of their mistake--a mistake that $heshe $himself had never made. Perhaps it is unsurprising that when the monarch saw fit to bestow the crown upon $hisher $brothersister, Sol, the younger was not offered a share in this rule. Their bickering swiftly turned to <<link "blows." "shard of memory 7">><<randomSound>><</link>>"

You can almost hear $U's cracked murmurings in your mind, sneering at your mentor and her frail mortal memories. //That's not even close to the truth of the matter,// $heshe would say, with an arrogant tilt of $hisher head. But $heshe wouldn't tell you what really happened, would $heshe? Maybe... Maybe there is no liar more practiced in the art of lies... ...than someone who can //only// tell the truth. The void beckons, pieces of the half-remembered world sundering and reappearing in the wrong places, the grass beneath you suddenly gone and back again too quickly for you to fall through and plummet down into the bowels of the earth. You are frozen in place. Kneeling forever on the hill beneath a half-unravelled sky. Her voice cracks open wide, those last remnants whispering through shattered glass. //"And now, the immortals are locked in eternal strife, divided beneath the banners of these <<link "two accursed $kingsqueens..." "shard of memory 8">><<randomSound>><</link>>"//

<center>\ <<link "//Forever at war.//" "shard of memory 9">><<randomSound>><</link>> </center>\

<<audio "desert-no-wind" play loop>>\ <<fadein 3s 1s>>\ The inability to move, to blink, to //look// is now prickling at the back of your neck too fiercely to ignore. You open your mouth to speak--to <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>cry<<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>scream<<elseif $i.break.includes('blank')>>gasp<<else>>shout<</if>> for help--but it's only a memory, your wheezing lost to the void. Her voice comes from everywhere at once. //"Sometimes, on dark and stormy nights, when the lightning pierces the veil between our realms, we can hear the clash of metal and cries of the undead dying and reviving, only to die again. Listen... can you hear them weeping?"// This is the memory you were desperate to keep. The shard that shattered deep into your heart. That long-ago telling of the immortal $kingsqueens and their grim undoing: a story which your people had all but forgotten. A story which has haunted you <<link "ever since…" "shard of memory 10">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\

<<audio "shatter-1" play>> You finally manage to blink--a mistake. Your mentor is gone. The hill is gone. The sky is dark. A sandy plain stretches out before you, instead of a grassy knoll, and in your mentor's place there stands a spindly silhouette. Long, black hair flows like a cape, the figure drenched in moonlight and garbed in ruddy robes, fine bracers, and a circular chestplate that has been badly dented and slightly burnt. <<if $heshe is "she">>Toned shoulders with an open stance<<else>>Broad shoulders with an open stance<</if>>, waiting. Waiting for you. A tarnished metal visor shields $hisher face, and a wicked, curved blade is clenched in $hisher <<if $heshe is "she">>slender <<else>><</if>>fist, like one of those faded paintings on the walls come to life, drawing breath in the open desert air. At first you think it's $U, but as the form wavers, inconstant, unknowable, you sense you are mistaken. $HeShe is tall. How do you know this? You are, after all, exactly as tall as $heshe is. Are you even yourself anymore? You try to look down at your hands, but you can't-- --can't look away-- --can't look down-- --can't do this again-- You've been here before. How many times? How many ways have you tasted death without dying? How many times, until your mind goes to //madness// with it all? Not again. //Not again.// You <<link "//can't--//" "dream timed 1">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<timedprogressbar 14 20em>> <<goto "dream fail">> <</timedprogressbar>> The figure swoops forward, knee bent beneath the rippling robes. Metal flashes in moonlight. ⮞ <<link "Dart forward and grab for the blade." "dream success">><<set $dream1a to true>><<set $ch1.mem.push('dreamBlade')>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Turn and run." "dream success">><<set $dream1b to true>><<set $ch1.mem.push('dreamRun')>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Close your eyes; accept your fate." "dream success">><<set $dream1c to true>><<set $ch1.mem.push('dreamAccept')>><</link>>

<<audio "w-reverb" play>> As you stand frozen in hesitation, the figure slashes you across the chest. Dark liquid spatters the desert sands as you stagger backward, feeling nothing but the cold wind buffetting your face. You fall--and an invisible pressure impacts your chest, as if someone else is bleeding out with you--beside you--on top of you--//crushing// you-- <<link "//''“$IRE!”''//" "dream ends">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<audio "w-reverb" play>> <<if $dream1a is true>><<if $clumsy gte 1>>A ragged cry tears from your throat as you twist forward, grabbing at the hilt of the blade--but the blade sings. It sings for //you.// Dark liquid spatters the desert sands as you stagger backward, the cold wind buffetting your face. You fall--and an invisible pressure impacts your chest, as if someone else is bleeding out with you--beside you--on top of you--//crushing// you-- <<link "//''“$IRE!”''//" "dream ends">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>A ragged cry tears from your throat as you twist forward, grabbing at the hilt of the blade. To your shock, it pulls free. Without thinking, you slash it across their chest but it never clangs on metal. Instead, it passes //through// them as the phantom disappears. You stare at the weapon, panting, and find it is slicked with dark blood... As your hand clenches around the blade the night wind picks up, buffetting your face. An invisible pressure snakes across your knuckles, and then pushes upon your chest, as if someone else is clenching it with you--beside you--//crushing// you-- <<link "//''“$IRE!”''//" "dream ends">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<elseif $dream1b is true>><<if $clumsy gte 1>>You try to turn and run but the figure slashes you across the chest. Dark liquid spatters the desert sands as you stagger backward, the cold wind buffetting your face. You fall--and an invisible pressure impacts your chest, as if someone else is bleeding out with you--beside you--on top of you--//crushing// you-- <<link "//''“$IRE!”''//" "dream ends">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>The figure slashes at you, but you're faster. Cold sand kicks up underfoot, night winds buffetting your face. The blade sings again and this time it snags your tunic at the shoulder--catching you, throwing your balance--and you an invisible pressure impacts your chest, as if someone else is twisting away--beside you--on top of you--//crushing// you-- <<link "//''“$IRE!”''//" "dream ends">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>><<else>>The blade sings, and you stagger back beneath the force of the blow. A gasp huffs from your lungs and your eyes fly open as dark liquid spatters the desert sands. Yet you feel nothing but the night wind buffetting your face and the cold shifting of the sand beneath your bare feet. You fall--and an invisible pressure impacts your chest, as if someone else is bleeding out with you--beside you--on top of you--//crushing// you-- <<link "//''“$IRE!”''//" "dream ends">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<audio "requiem" fadeout>>\ <<if $i.break.includes('blank')>>Awareness pulls you back to itself. You return slowly. Numb as ever. The tunic which constricts your ribs is drenched, and sweat soaks your body, pooling at the hollow of your breastbone. You reach up to touch your face as a deep ache turns in your chest--again and again. Silent tears are trickling down to your neck.<<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>> You bolt upright, tugging frantically at the tunic which constricts your heaving lungs. Sweat streams down your neck, pooling at the base of your spine as you open your mouth in silent, hysterical laughter--you're alive! You're alive... It melts into panting sobs as a deep ache turns in your chest--again and again. Tears trickle endlessly down your chin, dripping onto your thighs.<<elseif $i.break.includes('rage')>> You bolt upright, fists swinging, a hollow cry dying in your throat. The tunic constricts your heaving lungs and you tug at it desperately. Sweat rolls down the back of your neck, your face... You reach up to wipe it away. Tears. You're crying.<<else>> You bolt upright, frantically tugging at the tunic which constricts your heaving lungs. Sweat streams down your neck, pooling at the base of your spine as you open your mouth in silent, hollow scream--<<if $dream1a is true or $dream1b is true or $dream1c is true>><<if $clumsy lte 0>>you have to run! No, there's no one here... how...?<<else>>you're dying! No, you're alive... how...?<</if>><</if>> It melts into panting sobs as a deep ache turns in your chest--again and again. Tears trickle endlessly down your chin, dripping onto your thighs.<</if>> Coughing, you dimly reorient yourself as the tremors subside. //That dream...// On instinct you press your hands to your chest. <<if $dream1a is true or $dream1b is true or $dream1c is true>><<if $clumsy lte 0>>You aren't falling. Your heart is still beating. Fast. Real. //Just a dream.//<<else>>You aren't falling. You aren't bleeding to death. Your heart beats steadily in your chest. Fast. Real. //Just a dream.//<</if>><<else>>You aren't falling. You aren't bleeding to death. Your heart beats steadily in your chest. Fast. Real. //Just a dream.//<</if>> Except that it wasn't. It wasn't just a <<link "dream." "dream ends 2">><<randomSound>><</link>>

You wonder if $U knows. If $heshe suspects, at the very least, that you have retained some peculiar fragment of the memories lost to you. And this, the memory of your mentor--a teacher, one of your own. Unless you're so broken that even your own mind is lying to you, and none of it was real. It's easy to believe when you remember the way the dream ended with a wince, poking yourself in the chest with a cautious finger... No blood, just sweat. You aren't certain you're ready to face whatever //that// was, though your <<if $blunt > $soft>>slow<<else>>nervous<</if>> gaze flits across the grotesque depictions of war surrounding your humble mat and blanket. The fluctuating light of the flowers moves like water over a mosaic of death. The longer you stare in the half-lit darkness, the more the warriors seem to tilt and sway, stirring to life. It's only an illusion of the night. You know this because when you look away for a moment, they fall still again. Even so, it can't be healthy for your already shattered mind. Sleeping here. That might explain the nightmare, at least. And the more you contemplate it, the surer you are that $U tried to erase //everything//. That memory contains speculations about $hisher $brothersister, the sort which you can't imagine $heshe would approve--and worse. Rumours about $hisher people. Their sins. And... //...I could kill you.// Even worse than the worst. //I am the only one who can kill you.// Whatever enchantment $U placed on your mind, your past self found some way--by trickery or sheer stubbornness--to hold onto this piece of information. It's quite a lot, now that you think about it, tidily packed away in a single memory. You can't place your forgotten mentor or the other children anywhere else in your thoughts, and as far as parents, siblings, or your life as an adult--that's all completely devoured by the abyss. As if it had never existed, the only lingering trace your untimely headaches. But the story of the twins rings loud in your fractured memories. If it's true, does that mean $U's $brothersister lied to $himher? $U has even alluded to this $himself: //$HeShe has always neglected $hisher duties to our kind, and broke a promise that started a war.// Breaking a promise might not be the same as lying directly, but the fleeting thought leaves you <<link "ill at ease." "dream ends 2a">><<randomSound>><</link>>

Truthfully though, it's even more upsetting to think of $U as //young//--$heshe certainly appears to be youthful in body and face. Or, what you can see of it, covered to the neck and wrists in robes and draped in a veil that conceals everything above the bridge of $hisher arched <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>and surprisingly punchable<</if>> nose. <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>It might even look better crooked.<</if>> But that youthfulness in itself is a sort of lie, given your memory and $hisher own claims of royalty and immortality. You wonder what $heshe looked like, as a child. <<if $intentionsClear1 is true or $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true or $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>>You wonder why you're wondering.<</if>> Especially since all your attempts to envision it present merely a shorter version of the $U who <<if $heshe is "she">>dragged<<else>>carried<</if>> you up the flight of stone stairs to the tower, without the dramatic length of hair and trailing robes and with, perhaps, the addition of a grumpy, childish pout. There's a severity to $hisher appearance that you feel sure must have always been there. ⮞ <<link "Pull out the portrait of $hisher twin." "dream ends 3">><<set $portraitLook to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Leave it beneath the mat where you sleep." "dream ends 3">><<randomSound>><</link>>

You tucked the map and papers away beneath the mat--for safekeeping you think. Or some part of you instinctually believes them to be safer there than elsewhere. $U has no reason to take them from you, but you have nothing else to your name except for these things you were given. It's foolish. $U could tear the room apart in a blink and find them again. It's the only hiding place you have, <<if !visited("smash")>>except for the vases in the corner.<<else>>now that you've smashed the vases to bits.<</if>> But you can't help feeling protective of them--it's not as if you can remember having other things, but that doesn't change the fact that you must have had them. And your body remembers, even if your conscious mind doesn't. <<if $portraitLook is true>>Still... You start to sigh, annoyed at yourself for reasons you couldn't articulate if asked about, and then finally roll over and lift the corner of the mat, tugging the portrait free. As you look at it... ⮞ <<link "...you feel empty. There's no reason to feel //anything//. The subject of this painting is in the way of what you want, just like $U's smirking face--and what you want is freedom, at any cost." "dream ends 4">><<set $dream3a to true, $antihero +=1>><<set $ch1.mem.push('portraitEmpty')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "...you are oddly overcome with an unknown emotion, which lodges somewhere in your throat and won't come out." "dream ends 4">><<set $dream3b to true>><<set $ch1.mem.push('portraitLodge')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "...a tangle of preemptive grief, horror, fear, despair, and denial twists through you--and your hands tremble. You nearly drop the portrait." "dream ends 4">><<set $dream3c to true>><<set $ch1.mem.push('portraitGrief')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "...you take in every detail of that smile: you doubt $heshe is smiling anymore. The thought makes you... sad, somehow. More tears fall down your cheeks." "dream ends 4">><<set $dream3d to true, $weepingIre + 1>><<set $ch1.mem.push('portraitSad')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "...anger surges within you. No. Whatever $U says, you'll do what //you// decide is best." "dream ends 4">><<randomSound>><<set $hero +=1, $dream3e to true>><<set $ch1.mem.push('portraitAnger')>><</link>><<else>>So under the mat they will <<link "stay." "dream ends 4">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<if $dream3a is true>>Maybe, if you can fight, kill, or trick your way out of this, then you'll be able to remember what you //really// want--once you have your memories back. Right now, there's no knowing. Only a dull emptiness. Something about the smile in the portrait both taunts and reassures you--a silent promise from someone who doesn't even know you exist. A promise-beaker, at that. //Maybe $heshe will break that promise too.// Either way, it's An omen. Not necessarily a good one, either... Just an assurance that you will meet, someday. <<elseif $dream3b is true>>What is... //that//? You swallow thickly, turning the the portrait over in your hands; there is only a small glyph on the back, which looks a bit like a number to you. Perhaps marking that this is merely a copy of the original work. When you turn it over again, whatever emotion arose within you has disappeared like mist through your fingers. It's for the better, and you resolve not to think too hard about it, even if the smile in the portrait //is// off-putting. It both taunts and reassures you--a silent promise from someone who doesn't even know you exist. A promise-beaker, at that. //Maybe $heshe will break that promise too.// Either way, it's an omen. Not necessarily a good one, either... <<elseif $dream3c is true>>You grip it more tightly, taking a deep breath, and then quietly run your thumb across the painting. Something about the smile in the portrait both taunts and reassures you--a silent promise from someone who doesn't even know you exist. A promise-beaker, at that. //Maybe $heshe will break that promise too.// Either way, it's an omen of sorts. Not necessarily a good one, either... Just an assurance that you will meet, someday. <<elseif $dream3d is true>>One of them plops onto the surface of the portrait and you hastily wipe it away with the side of your hand. It smudges slightly, a bit of red smearing across your knuckles. It feels like an omen. Not necessarily a good one, either... something about the smile in the portrait both taunts and reassures you--a silent promise from someone who doesn't even know you exist. A promise-beaker, at that. An assurance that you will meet, someday. //Or maybe $heshe will break that promise, too.// <<elseif $dream3e is true>>If that means carrying out $hisher orders, then so be it, but you won't be doing anything you don't believe in. You are bringing $hisher $brothersister back if you can--because you don't seem to have much of a choice in the matter, if anything--but it ends there. You won't take orders from a murderer, and you won't become one either. Something about the smile in the portrait both taunts and reassures you--a silent promise from someone who doesn't even know you exist. A promise-beaker, at that. //Maybe $heshe will break that promise too.// Either way, it's an omen. Not necessarily a good one, either... Just an assurance that you will meet, someday. <<else>><</if>>The pink sunset afterglow is still lurid<<if $portraitLook is true>> after you return the portrait to its hiding place<</if>>. You haven't been asleep for that long, then. The colours manage to wash into your tower, tinting the sandstone pink beneath the glowing nightbloom petals, and you aren't sure if it's the hazy hues or the lingering panic of your dream that makes you feel like you're floating. It's calmer outside. The wind seems to have died down, and there are only a few desert voices whistling past the lattice. Your gaze shifts to the empty platter from dinner. <<if $i.vegan is true>>No fish was brought to you this time, even though you didn't say anything about it, but you <<else>>You <</if>>feasted on fruit and a thick, spiced pudding, and even licked the bowl clean. It seemed like barely enough to satisfy a grown person, but though you feel light, you don't feel hungry. Maybe food is somehow denser, here... The door ghosts open without so much as a creak. ⮞ <<link "Scramble to your feet." "dream ends 5">><<set $scramble to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stare wide-eyed into the great void of the hallway." "dream ends 5">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $portraitLook>>

<<if $scramble is true>><<if $clumsy gte 2>>You fling the blanket aside, scrambling to your feet. The blanket is not so easily discarded, and twists around your ankles, very nearly sending you facefirst into the stone floor. At last you manage to kick it free and <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>fall back into a ready position, fists clenched tightly.<<else>>straighten your very sweaty tunic and trousers, fanning the collar slightly.<</if>> <<if $i.extrovert is true>>"Wh--yes. Hello! What...?"<<else>>A few bleary thoughts float through your mind, such as //What?// and also //Why?//<</if>><<else>>You fling the blanket aside, darting to your feet. The blanket tries to trip you, twisting around your ankles, but you are not so easily humiliated and dance a few steps to the right, somehow maintaining your balance--and hopefully not looking a complete fool while you do it. Once upright, <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>you fall back into a ready position, fists clenched tightly.<<else>>you straighten your very sweaty tunic and trousers, fanning the collar slightly.<</if>> <<if $i.extrovert is true>>"What...?"<<else>>A few bleary thoughts float through your mind, such as //What?// and also //Why?//<</if>><</if>><<else>>You tuck your chin against your chest, craning your neck to see into the hallway without rising from your position on the bed.<</if>> $U is framed by the open doorway like a specter in the dark, $hisher silhouette crowned by a halo of torchlight from the hall outside. The flowers above you are already growing brighter in the darkness of night, shrouding $himher in shadows. Beside and slightly behind $himher stands one of the motionless guards from the hall--you recognize the armour and eerily human helm, but unlike the others which weild spears, this one has a bulkier weapon slung across leather-padded shoulders. It looks like a lithe club covered in dull spikes, or possibly a long and menacing mace--yet for being a blunt and brutish instrument of war, it still appears refined somehow, whether from the way the guard carries it as if it weighs nothing or the ornate flange at the end of the weapon. Whoever this is, they're even taller than $U. <<if $Ire is "Elegance">> "//Elegant//, as always," $heshe purrs.<</if>> The aromatic of incense and herbs sweeps into the room with the draft from the door. ⮞ <<link "You suddenly remember a four-letter word that would really get your feelings across... and you have the distinct impression that you've said it before. Quite a lot." "fuck">><<set $i.swears to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You groan and hope $heshe disappears when you close your eyes against the glow of the torch." "fuck">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You peer at $himher in the sudden light, blinking like an owl." "fuck">><<set $blinking to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $scramble is true>><<if $i.swears is true>>"F-//fffuck//," you mumble through your very dry mouth, wiping your eyes with the back of your wrist.<<elseif $blinking is true>>The one-eyed veil doesn't even have the courtesy to blink back. Or maybe it's eternally blinking... you're definitely sleep-deprived.<<else>>Regrettably, $heshe's still there when you open them again.<</if>><<if $i.swears isnot true>> <<if $i.introvert is true>>//Go away,// you think<<else>>"Too bright," you mumble<</if>> sleepily, turning away from the door.<</if>> There is no sound of footsteps, but when the voice returns it's closer than before. "Get ready." The scent of smoke //clings// to $himher--it's thick in the air, intense enough to make your eyes burn and prompt a coughing fit.<<if hasVisited("silence 2")>> It can't be just from smoking herbs: the smell is acrid.<</if>> When you squint through watering eyes, you notice some black dust and singe-marks on $hisher sleeves and the front of $hisher robes. $HisHer attire, while still lavish and covering everything up to $hisher chin, appears more form-fitting. The robes do not trail, but sway just above the tiled floor. Even $hisher jewelry is simpler--only an elegant beaded necklace and a pair of cuffed silver bracelets. ⮞ <<link "Continue blearily rubbing your eyes--<<if $i.swears is true>>fuck, <</if>>you really need your sleep." "they listened">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Ugh... for what?”" "they listened">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You sit back down on the bed. “No.”" "did not listen">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stand there like a sleepy statue." "they listened">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“You smell AWFUL.”" "they listened">><<set $smellawful to true>><<set $i.thinks.push('smellAwful')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Good morning, <<if $Uinformal is true>>$U<<elseif $Uannoy is true>>$insult<<else>>my $kingqueen<</if>>.”" "they listened">><<set $goodmorning to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<else>> <<if $i.swears is true>>"F-//fffuck//," you mumble through your very dry mouth, pulling the blanket over your head.<<elseif $blinking is true>>The one-eyed veil doesn't even have the courtesy to blink back. Or maybe it's eternally blinking... yes, you're definitely sleep-deprived.<<else>>Regrettably, $heshe's still there when you open them again.<</if>><<if $i.swears isnot true>> <<if $i.introvert is true>>//Go away,// you think<<else>>"Too bright," you mumble<</if>> sleepily, turning away from the door.<</if>> There is no sound of footsteps, but when the voice returns it's closer than before. "Get up." The scent of smoke //clings// to $himher--it's thick in the air, intense enough to make your eyes burn and prompt a coughing fit.<<if hasVisited("silence 2")>> It can't be just from smoking herbs: the smell is acrid.<</if>> When you squint through watering eyes, you notice some black dust and singe-marks on $hisher sleeves and the front of $hisher robes. $HisHer attire, while still lavish and covering everything up to $hisher chin, appears more form-fitting. The robes do not trail, but sway just above the tiled floor. Even $hisher jewelry is simpler--only an elegant beaded necklace and a pair of cuffed silver bracelets. ⮞ <<link "Pull yourself into a sitting position, and then stumble upright, blearily rubbing your eyes--<<if $i.swears is true>>fuck,<</if>> you really need your sleep." "they listened">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You're already wide awake and get up without issue." "they listened">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You roll over. “No.”" "did not listen">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Lie there like a brick." "did not listen">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“You smell AWFUL.”" "did not listen">><<set $smellawful to true, $i.thinks.push('smellAwful')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Good morning, <<if $Uinformal is true>>$U<<elseif $Uannoy is true>>$insult<<else>>my $kingqueen<</if>>.”" "did not listen">><<set $goodmorning to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<audio "emotional-drama" play loop>>\ $HeShe <<if $goodmorning is true>><<if $Uannoy is true>>curls $hisher lip at your disrespect and <<elseif $Uinformal is true>>presses $hisher mouth more tightly together at your lack of decorum and <<else>><</if>><</if>>looks <<if $heshe is "she">>evenly into<<else>>down at<</if>> <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>your tearstained<<else>>your sweat-streaked<</if>> face and <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none') or $i.hair.Length.includes('shorn')>>rumpled clothes<<else>>tousled $i.hair.colour hair, which has fallen over your eyes and partly obscures $hisher <<if $heshe is "she">>imposing<<else>>intimidating<</if>> figure<</if>>.<<if $smellawful is true>> "I likewise assure you, the memorable fragrance of your mortal perspiration carries much further than you think it does."<</if>> Even through the haze of sleep, you can tell something is... //off//, about $hisher spindly silhouette. It's that same irridescent shimmer which hovered around the servant woman Aikani. What is it? The glow is somewhat brighter in the dark--and <<if $clumsy gte 3>>you are instantly distracted, losing yourself in abstract speculations and pulled back only by the sound of $U's voice.<<else>>though you are distracted, you try to shift your focus beyond the wavering hues, watching $U closely.<</if>> "Get your sandals, $Ire. And you'll need to start sleeping during the day. Why do you think your meals are brought at night?" You think back to the dinner you had at dusk. //That was breakfast?// <<if $i.extrovert is true>> You're not sure you should say that out loud. "That was breakfast?" you <<if $soft > $blunt or $agreeable > $acerbic>>murmur<<else>>say<</if>> anyway.<</if>> $U looms, motionless--the breath of pointed silence feels dangerous. ⮞ <<link "Get your sandals." "they listened 2">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Don't." "did not listen 2">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $goodmorning, $smellawful>>\

<<audio "emotional-drama" play loop>> $HeShe <<if $goodmorning is true>><<if $Uannoy is true>>curls $hisher lip at your disrespect and <<elseif $Uinformal is true>>presses $hisher mouth more tightly together at your lack of decorum and <<else>><</if>><</if>> looks down at <<if $i.break.includes('cry')>>your tearstained<<else>>your sweat-streaked<</if>> face and <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none') or $i.hair.Length.includes('shorn')>>rumpled clothes<<else>>tousled $i.hair.colour hair, which has fallen over your eyes and partly obscures $hisher <<if $heshe is "she">>imposing<<else>>intimidating<</if>> figure<</if>>. <<if $smellawful is true>> "I likewise assure you, the memorable fragrance of your mortal perspiration carries much further than you think it does."<</if>> Even through the haze of sleep, you can tell something is... //off//, about $hisher spindly silhouette. It's that same irridescent shimmer which hovered around the servant woman Aikani. What is it? The glow is somewhat brighter in the dark--and <<if $clumsy gte 3>>you are instantly distracted, losing yourself in abstract speculations and pulled back only by the sound of $U's voice.<<else>>though you are distracted, you try to shift your focus beyond the wavering hues, watching $U closely.<</if>> "Get your sandals, $Ire. And you'll need to start sleeping during the day. Why do you think your meals are brought at night?" You think back to the dinner you had at dusk. //That was breakfast?// <<if $i.extrovert is true>> You're not sure you should say that out loud. "That was breakfast?" you <<if $soft > $blunt or $agreeable > $acerbic>>murmur<<else>>say<</if>> anyway.<</if>> $U looms, motionless--the breath of pointed silence feels dangerous. ⮞ <<link "Get up." "they listened 2">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Don't." "did not listen 2">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $goodmorning, $smellawful>>\

<<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<if $heshe is "she">>There is a displeased hiss and the crook of the staff hooks your blanket, which is whisked away with a blast of frigid wind and a flash of biting arcane energy. You yelp and curl into yourself, wrapping your arms around your chest against the sudden chill. The stinging blast of air makes your eyes water<<if $brokenCry is true>>--a few of them spill down your cheeks.<<elseif $brokenRage is true>> as your face flushes hot with annoyance.<<else>>. You are now, unfortunately, //very// awake.<</if>><<else>>There is a displeased hiss, and a sharp //crack// accompanied by a flash of biting arcane energy as the staff makes contact with your shoulder. You cry out and put a hand over your arm, curling into yourself. Tears well in your eyes<<if $brokenCry is true>>, spilling over and down your cheeks as your face flushes hot<<elseif $brokenRage is true>>as your face flushes hot with rage<<else>><</if>> and your shoulder throbs--you can already feel a welt under your fingertips. You are now, unfortunately, //very// awake.<</if>> You squint up at $himher, <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>teeth gritted<<elseif $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true or $intentionsFalseLover1 is true or $intentionsDevoted1>>teeth gritted against the <<if $heshe is "she">>stinging cold<<else>>stinging pain<</if>><<else>>hurt in more ways than one<</if>>. And you start unconsciously thinking of all the ways you could kill $himher--a rock to the head, from afar. Maybe strangling $himher to death somehow. <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>None of it is realistic--yet--<<if $soft is true>>and you're not certain if you would go that far...<</if>>but it doesn't stop you from //thinking.//<<elseif $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>You have chosen your path forward--the right path--but it doesn't stop you from //thinking.// You wince slightly, as if $heshe could hear the thoughts in your head.<<elseif $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true or $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>>You aren't sure if that's the right path forward, <<if $soft is true>>and you're not certain if you would go that far, <</if>>but it doesn't stop you from //thinking.//<<else>>You wince slightly, as if $heshe could hear the thoughts in your head.<</if>> "I'm not going to ask twice. Put on your sandals, gather your wits, and follow." <<if hasVisited("they listened") or $scramble is true>>⮞ <<link "Tears prick your eyes--your long day is about to be even longer." "they listened 2">><<set $youcried to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Get your sandals quickly, eyes watering from the shock and the stench of smoke." "they listened 2">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Get ready at your own pace; you won't be hurried." "they listened 2">><<set $yawn to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "Get up, tears pricking your eyes--your long day is about to be even longer." "they listened 2">><<set $youcried to true, $weepingIre + 1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Get up quickly, eyes watering from the shock and the stench of smoke." "they listened 2">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Get up at your own pace; you won't be hurried." "they listened 2">><<set $yawn to true>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>

<<if hasVisited("they listened") or $scramble is true>>You <<if $yawn is true>>yawn widely and very much on purpose, maintaining eye contact all the while. $U watches you, expressionless, as you rub the heel of your palm over your eyes. You stand there for another moment, before stretching a crick out of your neck. Then you <<else>><</if>>peel your sticky tunic away from your chest, <<if $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>making a soft noise of disgust<<else>>wrinkling your nose<</if>>. You can't help glancing at $U again as you retrieve the sandles, fumbling to fasten the woven straps. That shifting Luminescence gathers around $hisher <<if $heshe is "she">>tall<<else>>lanky<</if>> figure like yet another layer of priceless cloth and jewelry.<<else>>You <<if $yawn is true>>yawn widely and very much on purpose, maintaining eye contact all the while. $U watches you, expressionless, as you rub the heel of your palm over your eyes and roll onto your knees. You stay there hunched over for another moment, before stretching a crick out of your neck and slowly rising to your feet. Only then do you<<else>><<if $clumsy lte 1>>swiftly roll off the mat<<else>>awkwardly shuffle off the mat<</if>> and<</if>> peel your sticky tunic away from your chest, <<if $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>making a soft noise of disgust<<else>>wrinkling your nose<</if>><<if $youcried is true>> and blinking away the tears<</if>>. You can't help glancing at $U again as you retrieve the sandles, fumbling to fasten the woven straps. That shifting luminescence gathers around $hisher <<if $heshe is "she">>tall<<else>>lanky<</if>> figure like yet another layer of priceless cloth and jewelry.<</if>><<if hasVisited("did not listen 2")>><<else>> So pristine, somehow, despite the smoky haze--and yet $heshe lacks that untouchable aura which first <<if $firstFear is true>>frightened you<<elseif $firstComfort is true>>you found oddly comforting<<else>>quietly angered you<</if>> when you opened your eyes in front of the mirror. And you start unconsciously thinking of all the ways you could kill $himher--a rock to the head, from afar. Maybe strangling $himher to death somehow. <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>None of it is realistic--yet--<<if $soft is true>>and you're not certain if you would go that far...<</if>>but it doesn't stop you from //thinking.//<<elseif $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>You have chosen your path forward--the right path--but it doesn't stop you from //thinking.// You wince slightly, as if $heshe could hear the thoughts in your head.<<elseif $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true or $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>>You aren't sure if that's the right path forward, <<if $soft is true>>and you're not certain if you would go that far, <</if>>but it doesn't stop you from //thinking.//<<else>>You wince slightly, as if $heshe could hear the thoughts in your head.<</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "“Where are we going?”" "leaving 1">><<set $f4ask to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Follow $himher." "leaving 1">><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $f4ask is true>><<if $uMaster is true>>"Wherever I wish us to go," $heshe murmurs with a quiet confidence, the words slipping free like sand in the wind. "Until death."<<elseif $uRespect is true>>"Wherever I wish us to go, until death," $heshe murmurs with a quiet confidence, the words slipping free like sand in the wind. "Yours--or my $brothersister's."<<elseif $uEnamoured is true>>"Wherever I wish us to go, my $Ire," $heshe murmurs with a quiet confidence, the words slipping free like sand in the wind.<<else>>"Wherever I wish us to go, until death. Yours, or my $brothersister's," $heshe murmurs with a quiet confidence, the words slipping free like sand in the wind. "And I need not remind you that your commitment or lackthereof during this precious interim will determine who walks away from Fate--and who lies forever entombed in a garden lost to time. So, my $Ire, I suggest you choose now, and choose wisely."<</if>> <</if>>As $U turns away, you catch another drifting scent, less bitter than the smoke. Something strong and sharp, with a hint of berries. @@filter:blur(0.4px);//Alcohol.//@@ You aren't sure what that means, if anything. Has $heshe been drinking recently? Are //you// the reason $heshe has been drinking? <<if $intentionsClear1 is true or $intentionsFalseLover1 is true or $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true>><<if $acerbic > $agreeable>>You certainly hope so.<<else>>There is a part of you that <<if $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>wonders. And another part of you that almost <</if>>hopes so.<</if>><<else>>The thought makes you <<if $agreeable > $acerbic>>deeply <</if>>uncomfortable.<</if>> Sighing, you wipe your <<if hasVisited("did not listen 2")>>watering<<else>>crusted<</if>> eyes with the edge of your sleeve and pad quietly after $U into the ornate corridor. As you descend the stairs, sandals tapping quietly on the tiles, you pause beside one of the tall narrow windows to glance up at the rising moon. It is larger than it should be, and you feel oddly watched beneath its gentle glow. As if it knows what you know. Before you reach the end of the passage, $U holds something out to you. A tasselled cloak in plain earth tones. "Hide your ears." There is a strange compulsion beneath the words--more than a warning. "What about my eyes?" you <<if $soft > $blunt>>whisper<<else>>quip<</if>>, confused, before thinking better of it. If you can still see, you'll know exactly how to find whatever place $U is taking you, if you're brought back to this same tower. "If I wanted you deaf and blind I could accomplish as much with a spell," $heshe says. "But if you would //prefer// to be dragged out blindfolded and bound like a common prisoner, that can certainly be arranged." You <<if $intentionsClear1 is true or $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true or $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>>resentfully<<else>>numbly<</if>> do <<link "as you are told." "leaving 2">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $f4ask>>\

$U leads you on a winding path through the palace. Down the flight of stairs. It is a slow and quiet journey; you can't even hear $U's footsteps, though yours echo loudly off the walls, tired and scuffling. You notice that you can't hear the guard's footsteps either--only the gentle creaking of armour, which appears to be made of leather, dark cloth, and burnished metal--and when you glance down you notice that despite the obscuring intimidation of that armour, both feet are clad in soft leather boots. ⮞ <<link "Try to make friendly small talk with the guard." "leaving 2a">><<set $L2a to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Take your life in your hands and try small talk with $U instead." "leaving 2a">><<set $L2b to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Let the silence settle over your little company." "leaving 2a">><<set $L2c to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Give the guard a respectful nod." "leaving 2a">><<set $L2d to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Smile up at the guard." "leaving 2a">><<set $L2f to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Toss the guard <<if $i.swears is true>>a shit-eating<<else>>a sardonic<</if>> grin." "leaving 2a">><<set $L2e to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stare resolutely at $U's back, trying not to think about whatever happens next." "leaving 2au">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $L2a is true>><<if $i.quirk.includes('skeptic')>>"Are you one of the guards from this tower?" you inquire skeptically, tempering your tone into something more friendly than accusing. "Or is this a special errand?" You have to admit, you //are// curious, but the guard is in no hurry to satisfy your curiosity. Which is disappointing: you were hoping for a little more information. "Your armour is polished, but I noticed your boots look well-travelled--do you accompany $U often?" There is a long pause in the one-sided conversation. "Mmh, yes... fascinating," you mutter, to no one in particular. You take note of their exact height and build to implement a process of elimination, because whether or not this is indeed $U's personal guard, you have a feeling the answer is not forthcoming.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('foodie')>>"I woke up hungry. Maybe listening to someone else talk about food will abate it temporarily--or make it considerably worse, but I'm willing to gamble," you announce <<if $blunt > $soft>>bluntly<<else>>tactfully<</if>>. "What did you have for supper, and do you cook your own food, here?" A harmless enough question, surely. When it receives no response, you try another: "Could you tell me the name of that fruit that has all of those soft spines on the peel?" Either the guard does not know the answer, or is choosing to ignore you. You prefer to believe the former.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('airhead')>>"Do you find it hot wearing all of that dark armour in the sun?" you ask curiously, and then instantly regret it, wondering if that question <<if $blunt > $soft>>came across as ignorant or idiotic somehow.<<else>>was insensitive somehow.<</if>> "Not that you would... since you're from here... or do you not go out in the sun at all? Although that would be a bit... odd, I suppose. Um..." You swallow whatever you were going to say next, feeling <<if $blunt > $soft or $acerbic > $agreeable>>uncommonly <</if>>foolish. The pitiless guard does nothing to allay your embarrassment.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>"I apologize for my appearance," you say discreetly, only half-joking and leaning slightly closer as if that would mask your words from $U. You are acutely aware that the $kingqueen is hearing every word. How could $heshe not, with those ears. The guard's ears appear to be hidden beneath the helmet--or maybe there are none to be hid. You aren't rude enough to ask about //that,// though. "Ordinarily I... well, I'm sure I've looked a bit more put-together than I do currently. You look wonderful though--very polished, well-suited for the task at hand. Not that I know much, but I can guess." The outfit clearly repells compliments as well as weaponry and projectiles. <<if $bold > $soft>>Undeterred<<else>>A bit more quietly<</if>>, you try again. "That armour looks worn, but it's clearly been cared for. Do you maintain it yourself?" If so, you don't think you'll be hearing about their daily armour upkeep anytime soon.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('unkempt')>>"Those are well-made boots," you remark thoughtfully. "They're worn... All the guards I've seen have been stationed at their posts<<if hasVisited('run')>>--well, except for the ones that chased you down the stairs--<<else>>, <</if>>but you look like you do a lot of walking. Are you ever posted outside?" An intentional question: outside is where you are going, and you can't remember anything of the sands beyond these walls. You are met with silence, but that doesn't stop you from trying again. "I enjoy walking--and running--I think. Or... maybe I used to. I'm not sure I would in the desert heat, but it must be better than being trapped indoors. Do you travel, much?" But if the guard is indeed well-travelled, as evidenced by those boots, you don't think you'll be hearing about those travels any time soon.<</if>><<elseif $L2b is true>><<if $i.quirk.includes('skeptic')>>"Do you always have a companion shadowing your footsteps?" you inquire skeptically, tempering your tone into something more friendly than accusing. "Or is tonight a special errand?" $U takes a long pause, either to consider your words or make you uncertain, before replying. "The Palace of the Winds has eyes and ears everywhere." <<if $acerbic > $agreeable>>"A non-answer, and not a very clever one at that," you remark glibly.<<else>>"Poetic words, but they aren't even pretending to be an answer to my question," you remark glibly.<</if>> "There is nothing special about tonight." "I assume that means, 'Yes, this guard follows me everywhere'?" $U sweeps along without the slightest indication that $heshe even heard your question, robes swishing softly over the tiles. You glance at the silent shadow beside you, taking note of their exact height and build to implement a process of elimination, because whether or not this is indeed $U's personal guard, you have a feeling the answer is not forthcoming. <<elseif $i.quirk.includes('foodie')>>"I woke up hungry. Maybe listening to someone else talk about food will abate it temporarily--or make it considerably worse but I'm willing to gamble," you announce <<if $blunt > $soft>>bluntly<<else>>tactfully<</if>>. "What did you eat for dinner?" A harmless enough question, surely, but you are almost surprised that $U bothers to respond. "I did not eat 'dinner,'" $heshe says<<if $blunt > $soft>>, even more bluntly.<<else>> bluntly.<</if>> You blink, uncomprehending. "What do you mean? You didn't eat anything at all? Why not?" "It was unnecessary." Your jaw gapes open--you shut it again immediately, although $U's back is turned and $heshe cannot see you. "Unnecessary?" $HeShe does not reply. "Then what did you have for lunch?" "I did not eat at midday." "Breakfast?" "I did not break my fast this morning." You are alarmed <<if $intentionsDevoted1 is true or $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>and slightly concerned.<<else>>by the notion of food as unnecessary, although your concern is in regard to the outlandish concept itself rather than $U's general welfare.<</if>> "Do you not need to eat... ever?" "That is a ridiculous assumption to make." "Then when was the last time you ate?" "Since when is that any concern of yours?" You reluctantly give up, for now--talking to $U makes your head spin.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('airhead')>>"You're the $kingqueen of the deathless, so where is your crown?" you ask curiously, and then instantly regret it, wondering if that question <<if $blunt > $soft>>came across as ignorant or idiotic somehow.<<else>>was insensitive somehow.<</if>> "I saw crowns depicted in the... //illustrations// on the walls of the tower. Not that you need a crown to be a $kingqueen... or are they only rendered in portraiture? Although that would be a bit... odd, I suppose. Um..." You swallow whatever you were going to say next, feeling <<if $blunt > $soft or $acerbic > $agreeable>>uncommonly <</if>>foolish. A harmless enough question, surely, but you are almost surprised that $U bothers to respond. "That is only for ceremonies, festivals, and political theater," $U says bluntly. "The crown itself merely represents the power within: if anyone were to question my rule here, or accuse me of being an imposter, they would quickly find out why such a symbol of my authority is unnecessary." "...Ah." You really don't know how to follow that statement.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>"I didn't expect you to come at night, or I would have made myself more presentable," you say discreetly, leaning slightly closer as if that would mask your words from the guard, although you are aware that the guard is hearing every word. "Ordinarily I... well, I think I should like to look a bit more put-together. You look <<if $intentionsDevoted1 is true or $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>wonderful<<else>>elegant<</if>> though--very imposing, well-suited for the task at hand. Not that I know much about $kingsqueens or ruling a realm, but I can guess." $U sweeps on ahead of you, silent. <<if $bold > $soft>>Undeterred<<else>>A bit more quietly<</if>>, you try again. "Do you often wear green?" "Yes." "And your jewelry... it is silver? All of it?" There is a lofting sigh. <<if !$i.piercings.includes('none')>>"You gave me silver pieces, to wear in my piercings," you mention thoughtfully. <</if>>"You must like silver, yes?" "I prefer it." "To what?" From the silence which follows, you don't think you'll be hearing more on this topic anytime soon. You're a little disappointed.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('unkempt')>>"All of your clothing looks new--or freshly laundered," you remark thoughtfully. "It's not dusty or dirty at all. Your sandals are slightly worn, though, so you must do a lot of walking. Do you go outside often?" An intentional question: outside is where you are going, and you can't remember anything of the sands beyond these walls. "I am occasionally outdoors, yes, but most of my business is conducted within these walls of late." "That sounds abysmal." You hear a scuffle or maybe a huff of breath, but you can't tell which direction it comes from. It could be a muffled laugh or the guard's armour shuffling together. Undeterred, you press on. "I enjoy walking--and running--I think. Or... maybe I used to. I'm not sure I would in the desert heat, but it must be better than being trapped indoors. You mentioned that we'll be going to this 'garden' someday. Do you travel, much?" "I did." "Not anymore?" The silence that follows is answer enough.<</if>><<elseif $L2c is true>><<if $i.quirk.includes('skeptic')>>You allow the silence to settle over the three of you, glancing covertly at the guard every once in a while. Is it one of the guards from this tower, or is this a special guard for a special errand? There is no way to tell, but you have to admit, you //are// curious. The guard's armour is polished, but those boots look well-travelled. You take note of their exact height and build to implement a process of elimination, because whether or not this is indeed $U's personal guard, you have a feeling the answer would not be granted even if you asked.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('foodie')>>You allow the silence to settle over the three of you, glancing covertly at the guard every once in a while and trying to ignore the subtle growling of your stomache. You woke up hungry, and are now dreaming of your last meal. You wonder what $U last ate. Surely $U has servants for that sort of thing--but maybe the guard is a good cook. At the very least, both of them probably know the name of that fruit that had all of those soft spines on the peel. But you aren't about to ask.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('airhead')>>You allow the silence to settle over the three of you, glancing covertly at the guard every once in a while. It must be a sweltering experience, wearing all of that dark armour in the sun. You consider asking, but it might <<if $blunt > $soft>>come across as ignorant or idiotic somehow.<<else>>be insensitive somehow.<</if>> A bit of sweat breaks out under your armpits at the thought. Besides, the guard is from here... perhaps one gets used to the heat. Or maybe that armour isn't meant to be worn outdoors in direct sunlight. Although that would be a bit... odd. You tip your head further to the side, considering the outfit more closely. The guard never once turns to acknowledge you, and when you realize you were staring you look away politely--there's no reason to be rude. <<if $soft > $blunt>>You know nothing about this new companion, and you may never see them again.<<else>>Yet.<</if>><<elseif $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>You allow the silence to settle over the three of you, glancing covertly at the guard every once in a while and discreetly smoothing your wrinkled tunic. Ordinarily you would like to look a bit more put-together. The guard looks wonderful though--very polished, well-suited for the task at hand. Not that you know much, but you can certainly guess. The armour is worn, but it's clearly been cared for. You have an eye for fine things and effortless poise. But you elect to keep your observations to yourself, so you probably won't be hearing about their daily armour upkeep anytime soon.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('unkempt')>>You allow the silence to settle over the three of you, glancing covertly at the guard every once in a while. Your gaze continually drifts down to the boots. Those are well-made boots, worn but sturdy. All the guards you have seen previously were stationed at their posts<<if hasVisited('run')>>--well, except for the ones that chased you down the stairs--<<else>>, <</if>>but this one looks to have seen a lot of walking. You like walking--and running--you think. Or... maybe you used to. The desert heat might be a formiddable opponent, but it would still be better than being trapped indoors. If the silent guard is indeed well-travelled, as evidenced by those boots, you don't think you'll be hearing about those travels any time soon.<</if>><<elseif $L2e is true>><<if $i.quirk.includes('skeptic')>>You offer the guard a broad, toothy smile, looking up and down the walking statue of leather and metal--but if your insolence is noted--and it would be impossible to miss--there is no response. Not even a subtle turn of the head. Is it one of the guards from this tower, or is this a special guard for a special errand? There is no way to tell, but you have to admit, you //are// curious. The guard's armour is polished, but those boots look well-travelled. You take note of their exact height and build to implement a process of elimination, because whether or not this is indeed $U's personal guard, you have a feeling the answer would not be granted even if you asked.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('foodie')>>You offer the guard a broad, toothy smile, looking up and down the walking statue of leather and metal--but if your insolence is noted--and it would be impossible to miss--there is no response. Not even a subtle turn of the head. Your attention drifts rather quickly after that: you woke up hungry, and are now dreaming of your last meal. You wonder what $U last ate. Surely $U has servants for that sort of thing--but maybe the guard is a good cook. At the very least, both of them probably know the name of that fruit that had all of those soft spines on the peel. But you aren't about to ask.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('airhead')>>You offer the guard a broad, toothy smile, looking up and down the walking statue of leather and metal--but if your insolence is noted--and it would be impossible to miss--there is no response. Not even a subtle turn of the head. It must be a sweltering experience, wearing all of that dark armour in the sun. You consider asking, but it might <<if $blunt > $soft>>come across as ignorant or idiotic somehow.<<else>>be insensitive somehow.<</if>> Besides, the guard is from here... perhaps one gets used to the heat. Or maybe that armour isn't meant to be worn outdoors in direct sunlight. Although that would be a bit... odd. You tip your head further to the side, considering the outfit more closely. The guard never once turns to acknowledge you. You are slightly offended.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>You offer the guard a broad, toothy smile, looking up and down the walking statue of leather and metal--but if your insolence is noted--and it would be impossible to miss--there is no response. Not even a subtle turn of the head. You discreetly smoothing your wrinkled tunic anyway. Ordinarily you would like to look a bit more put-together. The guard looks wonderful though--very polished, well-suited for the task at hand. Not that you know much, but you can certainly guess. The armour is worn, but it's clearly been cared for. You have an eye for fine things and effortless poise. But you elect to keep your observations to yourself, so you probably won't be hearing about their daily armour upkeep anytime soon.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('unkempt')>> You offer the guard a broad, toothy smile, looking up and down the walking statue of leather and metal--but if your insolence is noted--and it would be impossible to miss--there is no response. Not even a subtle turn of the head. When you realize you aren't going to get a reaction, your gaze drifts down to the boots. Those are well-made boots, worn but sturdy. All the guards you have seen previously were stationed at their posts<<if hasVisited('run')>>--well, except for the ones that chased you down the stairs--<<else>>, <</if>>but this one looks to have seen a lot of walking. You like walking--and running--you think. Or... maybe you used to. The desert heat might be a formiddable opponent, but it would still be better than being trapped indoors. If the silent guard is indeed well-travelled, as evidenced by those boots, you don't think you'll be hearing about those travels any time soon.<</if>><<elseif $L2d is true>><<if $i.quirk.includes('skeptic')>>You give the guard a nod in greeting, not expecting to be acknowledged--which is good, because your greeting is not returned. Is it one of the guards from this tower, or is this a special guard for a special errand? There is no way to tell, but you have to admit, you //are// curious. The guard's armour is polished, but those boots look well-travelled. You take note of their exact height and build to implement a process of elimination, because whether or not this is indeed $U's personal guard, you have a feeling the answer would not be granted even if you asked.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('foodie')>>You give the guard a nod in greeting, not expecting to be acknowledged--which is good, because your greeting is not returned. You are quickly distracted by the subtle growling of your stomache: you woke up hungry, and start wondering what $U last ate. Surely $U has servants for that sort of thing--but maybe the guard is a good cook. At the very least, both of them probably know the name of that fruit that had all of those soft spines on the peel. But you aren't about to ask.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('airhead')>>You give the guard a nod in greeting, not expecting to be acknowledged--which is good, because your greeting is not returned. You steal covert glances every once in a while, though. It must be a sweltering experience, wearing all of that dark armour in the sun. You consider asking, but it might <<if $blunt > $soft>>come across as ignorant or idiotic somehow.<<else>>be insensitive somehow.<</if>> A bit of sweat breaks out under your armpits at the thought. Besides, the guard is from here... perhaps one gets used to the heat. Or maybe that armour isn't meant to be worn outdoors in direct sunlight. Although that would be a bit... odd. You tip your head further to the side, considering the outfit more closely. The guard never once turns to acknowledge you, and when you realize you were staring you look away politely--there's no reason to be rude. <<if $soft > $blunt>>You know nothing about this new companion, and you may never see them again.<<else>>Yet.<</if>><<elseif $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>You give the guard a nod in greeting, not expecting to be acknowledged--which is good, because your greeting is not returned. You steal covert glances every once in a while though and discreetly smooth your wrinkled tunic. Ordinarily you would like to look a bit more put-together. The guard looks wonderful though--very polished, well-suited for the task at hand. Not that you know much, but you can certainly guess. The armour is worn, but it's clearly been cared for. You have an eye for fine things and effortless poise. But you elect to keep your observations to yourself, so you probably won't be hearing about their daily armour upkeep anytime soon.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('unkempt')>>You give the guard a nod in greeting, not expecting to be acknowledged--which is good, because your greeting is not returned. Your gaze continually drifts down to the boots. Those are well-made boots, worn but sturdy. All the guards you have seen previously were stationed at their posts<<if hasVisited('run')>>--well, except for the ones that chased you down the stairs--<<else>>, <</if>>but this one looks to have seen a lot of walking. You like walking--and running--you think. Or... maybe you used to. The desert heat might be a formiddable opponent, but it would still be better than being trapped indoors. If the silent guard is indeed well-travelled, as evidenced by those boots, you don't think you'll be hearing about those travels any time soon.<</if>><<elseif $L2f is true>><<if $i.quirk.includes('skeptic')>>You smile up at the guard, hoping to be acknowledged but truthfully unsurprised by the lack of any response. Is it one of the guards from this tower, or is this a special guard for a special errand? There is no way to tell, but you have to admit, you //are// curious. The guard's armour is polished, but those boots look well-travelled. You take note of their exact height and build to implement a process of elimination, because whether or not this is indeed $U's personal guard, you have a feeling the answer would not be granted even if you asked.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('foodie')>>You smile up at the guard, hoping to be acknowledged but truthfully unsurprised by the lack of any response. Fortunately you are distracted from the disappointment by the subtle growling of your stomache: you woke up hungry, and start wondering what $U last ate. Surely $U has servants for that sort of thing--but maybe the guard is a good cook. At the very least, both of them probably know the name of that fruit that had all of those soft spines on the peel. But you aren't about to ask.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('airhead')>>You smile up at the guard, hoping to be acknowledged but truthfully unsurprised by the lack of any response. You steal covert glances every once in a while, though. It must be a sweltering experience, wearing all of that dark armour in the sun. You consider asking, but it might <<if $blunt > $soft>>come across as ignorant or idiotic somehow.<<else>>be insensitive somehow.<</if>> A bit of sweat breaks out under your armpits at the thought. Besides, the guard is from here... perhaps one gets used to the heat. Or maybe that armour isn't meant to be worn outdoors in direct sunlight. Although that would be a bit... odd. You tip your head further to the side, considering the outfit more closely. The guard never once turns to acknowledge you, and when you realize you were staring you look away politely--there's no reason to be rude. <<if $soft > $blunt>>You know nothing about this new companion, and you may never see them again.<<else>>Yet.<</if>><<elseif $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>You smile up at the guard, hoping to be acknowledged but truthfully unsurprised by the lack of any response. You steal covert glances every once in a while though and discreetly smooth your wrinkled tunic. Ordinarily you would like to look a bit more put-together. The guard looks wonderful though--very polished, well-suited for the task at hand. Not that you know much, but you can certainly guess. The armour is worn, but it's clearly been cared for. You have an eye for fine things and effortless poise. But you elect to keep your observations to yourself, so you probably won't be hearing about their daily armour upkeep anytime soon.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('unkempt')>>You smile up at the guard, hoping to be acknowledged but truthfully unsurprised by the lack of any response. Your gaze continually drifts down to the boots. Those are well-made boots, worn but sturdy. All the guards you have seen previously were stationed at their posts<<if hasVisited('run')>>--well, except for the ones that chased you down the stairs--<<else>>, <</if>>but this one looks to have seen a lot of walking. You like walking--and running--you think. Or... maybe you used to. The desert heat might be a formiddable opponent, but it would still be better than being trapped indoors. If the silent guard is indeed well-travelled, as evidenced by those boots, you don't think you'll be hearing about those travels any time soon.<</if>><</if>> Silence embraces the <<link "three of you." "leaving 2au">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>You keep your eyes on $U, begrudgingly admiring the way $heshe moves--better to analyze $himher now, while $hisher focus is elsewhere. It's unlikely, but you might spot a weakness.<<elseif $intentionsFalseLover1 is true or $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true>>Despite your relative disinterest in $U, you find yourself observing $hisher movements with a keen eye--better to analyze how best to deceive $himher now, while $hisher focus is elsewhere. If you're going to put on an act, you should at least try to make it convincing.<<elseif $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true>>Despite your relative disinterest in $U, you find yourself observing $hisher movements with a keen eye--you find $himher interesting, and it's a good opportunity to observe $himher while $hisher focus is elsewhere.<<elseif $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>You keep your eyes on $U, openly admiring the way $heshe moves--you find $himher an interesting contradiction, and it's a good opportunity to observe $himher while $hisher focus is elsewhere.<<else>><<if $shy gte $bold>>You keep your eyes on $U, slightly more breathless than before as you admire the way $heshe moves--it's not as if you can see much of anything under all those layers of fabric, but still...<<else>>You keep your eyes on $U, smiling to yourself as you admire the way $heshe moves--it's not as if you can see much of anything under all those layers of fabric, but still...<</if>><</if>> <<if $heshe is "she">>Perfectly upright, thin shoulders back, strides somehow effortless and confident--as you noticed previously, each movement looks almost rehearsed, even the subtlest movement of $hisher slender fingertips. $HeShe walks with the sort of lethal grace and commanding aura which makes it easy to believe that $U is indeed the $kingqueen of the fey...<<else>>Perfectly upright, narrow shoulders back, strides somehow effortless and confident--as you noticed previously, each movement looks almost rehearsed, even the subtlest movement of $hisher fingertips. $HeShe walks with the sort of lethal grace and commanding aura which makes it easy to believe that $U is indeed the $kingqueen of the fey...<</if>> An impression of $hisher twin $brothersister's painted, smiling face leaps forth to trouble your mind, and you <<if $intentionsDevoted1>>brush it aside, swallowing the last of your doubts. $U is the rightful $kingqueen. You do believe that. As you must.<<elseif $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>wince slightly before brushing it aside. If $U is not the //rightful// $kingqueen, then $heshe is certainly one long accustomed to the position.<<else>>squint harder at $U's imposing form: if not the //rightful// $kingqueen, then $heshe is certainly one long accustomed to the position.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "It's inhuman, it's unsettling, and it's off-putting. You glower at $U's back. Maybe $heshe can feel your judgmental eyes burning into $hisher shoulderblades." "leaving 2u">><<set $i.thinks.push('uAttractiveNot')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You suddenly realize you're looking a little too closely, and blush." "leaving 2u">><<set $i.thinks.push('uAttractive')>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Emboldened by the fact that $U can't see you, you smirk and enjoy the not-unpleasant view. Honestly you hope $heshe can feel your appreciative eyes on $himher." "leaving 2u">><<set $i.thinks.push('uAttractive'), $boldSmirk to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<if $intentionsTrueLover1 isnot true>>⮞ <<link "A quiet envy <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>distracts you from your nervous energy<<else>>creeps over your facade of calm<</if>>: you don't find $hisher appearance and athleticism attractive in //that// way, but you do wish you could move like $himher." "leaving 2u">><<set $i.thinks.push('uBrottractive')>><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>>\ <<unset $r1, $r2, $r3, $r4>>\

<<if $i.thinks.includes('uAttractive')>><<if $boldSmirk isnot true>>You pinch your tunic and pull the fabric away from your chest, looking away until the flush thankfully fades. <<else>>If $U can feel your appreciative eyes sweeping the length of $himher, $heshe makes no sign of it. <</if>><</if>>You descend another flight of stairs, occasionally passing a shadowy figure rushing by in the half-light of the torches. All of them pause and give deference to $U, and once whispered words are exchanged, although too softly for you to have understood what was said even if you spoke their language. Each time you see someone new, there is a fleeting impulse to open your mouth and demand answers or yank back your hood to show your round human ears--but <<if $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>you've made your decision. Besides, <</if>>the guard is hovering nearby and you have a feeling that wouldn't end well for you. You might be losing your mind, but you aren't //stupid.// The halls are impossibly tall, with tiled mosaics and grand pillars in hues of blue and green, and water rushes nearby now and then but the sound always fades before you can catch a glimpse of it. Altogether it's shockingly difficult to make out where you're going, though you try to count the turns you take. That might be an intentional design of the palace, which is... rather suspicious. <<if $clumsy gte 2>>You stumble once in the dark and $U reaches back to catch you--$hisher grip is <<if $dishonourRoll gte 4>>painful, and makes you wish $heshe hadn't bothered to begin with.<<else>>firm, but not painful, and $heshe lets go before you can even begin to process the rush of nearly falling down a flight of stairs.<</if>><<else>>You stumble once in the dark and catch yourself on the wall--barely. <<if $dishonourRoll gte 4>>$U doesn't glance back.<<else>>$U glances back, quickly, and pauses for a beat. When $heshe resumes walking you are in closer proximity to one another.<</if>><</if>> At last, you reach the entrance to the palace. The archway is so far above that you have to crane your neck all the way back to see the top of it as you pass through and beneath, and the hood of your cloak falls loose around your shoulders. You stumble forward as the guard reaches around with a gloved hand and yanks it back up. Off-balance, you nearly smack into $U, but your silent companion grabs your cloth belt and holds you fast until you find your footing again. ⮞ <<link "Brush the guard away angrily. “I don't need your help!”" "leaving 2b">><<set $r1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Thank you,” you gasp quietly, on instinct." "leaving 2b">><<set $r2 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Say nothing and try to recover your dignity." "leaving 2b">><<set $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $r1 is true>>The words hiss between your teeth as you pull sharply away from that guard. You've been dragged around enough without your permission lately. As the guard falls back, reactionless, you notice that the $kingqueen never once turned around to acknowledge the scuffle...<<elseif $react2 is true>>The guard's steady hand remains on your sash until you have recovered your balance, and you allow yourself to feel a small pang of gratitude for the gesture. It's a simple thing, but you're almost disappointed when that guard falls back--it felt like something different. Something human. You notice that the $kingqueen never once turned around to acknowledge the scuffle...<<else>>You right yourself as quickly as possible, brushing off your tunic and straightening your cloak as the guard falls back. Absently, you notice that the $kingqueen never turned to acknowledge the scuffle...<</if>> Either $U is well confident in $hisher own abilities, or $hisher trust in that guard is implicit. You <<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>begrudgingly <</if>>ponder this as $U leads you onto a wide stone bridge that spans part of the river. There are only a handful of other elfin people here, and by the time you step onto the path below the palace, sand crunching under your foot, everyone seems to have disappeared. A glance back reveals several small waterfalls cascading over the towering spectre of the palace--eerily disorienting in the moonlight. The vision inspires a rush of awe, but doesn't make much sense. From above the desert looked mostly flat, and so was the river... something is diverting the flow of the water, then. But the guard blocks your view and you are moving on before you have time to look too closely. The moonlight grows dim behind a wisp of cloud and it's impossible to see much beyond the outline of the trees, but you keep following $U--and glancing back occasionally at the looming warden who walks behind you--until the path winds to a clearing in the orchard. Low stone benches sit beneath trees and you spot several places where the grass has been worn away to sandy soil, perhaps by small groups frequenting the same places over the years. If you squint, you can easily envision their tall, uncanny silhouettes as they confer together about whatever $U's people have to discuss on the daily. <<if $intentionsClear1 is true or $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true or $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>>Probably how much they dislike $himher.<<else>>Maybe the incessant wind--it seems to be a near-constant feature of the weather here, though at night it has calmed to light breeze.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "“Why are we here?”" "leaving 3">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "A more important question: “Why is //no one else// here?”" "leaving 3">><<set $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $L2a, $L2b, $L2c, $L2d, $L2e, $L2f, $boldSmirk>>

Instead of replying, $U twirls the staff and thumps it into the sandy soil, dipping $hisher head sharply. The veil flutters in a rustle of wind, and you catch that faint glow beneath once more as $heshe smiles. The silent guard steps forward and tosses something to you without warning. You <<if $soft > $bold>>fumble to catch it with tired hands<<else>><<if $agreeable > $acerbic>>bounce back a step<<else>>take a step back<</if>><</if>> and it falls to the sand at your feet with a muffled thud. It's another staff, roughly matched to the one $U carries, though its appearance is much simpler and it is unadorned. There is a rustling swish and you look up in time to see $U's outer robes fall to the ground, the draped sleeves and rich fabric falling away from a more form-fitting layer beneath to reveal a split tunic and loose trousers that look similar to yours. The plain, practical clothing is dyed a deep charcoal that matches the stained colour of $hisher mouth and fingertips, making $hisher tan skin appear unusually wan in the moonlight. Though $heshe is still--even now--covered to the neck, wrists, and ankles.<<if $ch1.mem.includes('bottleGuards') and $ch1.mem.includes('vaseServant') and $ch1.mem.includes('shardGuards') and $ch1.mem.includes('shardUm') and $ch1.mem.includes('vaseUm') and $ch1.mem.includes('vaseUmScared') and $ch1.mem.includes('arsonAttack')>> "Your first lesson in not dying begins here."<</if>> You look up, incredulous. <<if $ch1.mem.includes('bottleGuards')>>"You <<if $ch1.mem.includes('vaseServant')>>threw a vase at my servant and <</if>>tried to fight my guards with a broken bottle,"<<elseif $ch1.mem.includes('shardGuards')>>"You threw a vase at my servant and tried to fight my guards with a piece of broken pottery,"<<elseif $ch1.mem.includes('shardUm')>>"You threw a vase at my servant and tried to surprise me with the remnants,"<<elseif $ch1.mem.includes('vaseUm')>>"You threw a vase at my head,"<<elseif $ch1.mem.includes('vaseUmScared')>>"You threw a vase at my head in a fit of mortal terror,"<<elseif $ch1.mem.includes('arsonAttack')>>"You did fling yourself bodily at an immortal warrior $kingqueen in the vain hope of striking $himher down with nothing but your bare hands--be grateful I am offering a weapon, after that,"<<else>>"Your first lesson in not dying begins here,"<</if>> $U murmurs, stepping over the discarded garments and flourishing $hisher arcane weapon. "Pick it up, $Ire<<if $ch1.mem.includes('vaseUmScared')>>--or must I frighten you into it this time, as well?<<else>>.<</if>>" ⮞ <<link "WHAT?!" "leaving 4">><<set $Leaving3a to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<if $i.swears is true>><<link "You're so fucked." "leaving 4">><<randomSound>><</link>><<else>><<link "This is the end--//your// end." "leaving 4">><<randomSound>><</link>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "Finally--a chance to hit back!" "leaving 4">><<set $Leaving3b to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<unset $r1>>\

<<if $Leaving3a is true>>"Wh-//at?!//" you croak in disbelief.<<elseif $Leaving3b is true>>For a moment you almost can't believe what you're hearing--this is too good to be true. Yes $heshe has the power of the winds and an eternity of acquired skill and will almost certainly knock you flat on your back, but //maybe//, if you're tenacious enough...<<else>><<if $i.swears is true>>"Fuck." Oh, you said that out loud too, didn't you? Fuck. Shit. //Fuck.// Why you, why here, why now?<<else>>//Oh no.// Your palms are already sweating and you haven't even touched the stupid stick.<</if>><</if>> $HisHer smile pulls wide in a rare grin, flashing those predatory teeth at you as the breeze shuffles a few loose strands of black hair around $hisher face--and you let out a shivering breath. $U is not looking at you anymore. At least, not as a person. And you are beginning to suspect that $heshe has been waiting for this moment for a very long time. Longer even than the time in which $heshe has known of your existence. <<if $intentionsClear1 is true or $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true or $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>><<if $blunt > $soft>>You pick up the stick and hold it with a tight smile--good. You've been waiting too. You've been waiting for this moment longer than $U. Because you've been waiting since you can remember. And you have nothing to lose but your life.<<else>>You press your lips together, swallowing hard, and pick up the stick--good. You've been waiting too. At least, that's what you tell yourself... After all, you have nothing to lose but your life.<</if>><<elseif $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true>><<if $blunt > $soft>>You pick up the stick and hold it with a tight smile--well, this should be interesting. You don't know how it will get you closer to $U, but there might be an opportunity here somewhere. At least you have nothing to lose but your life.<<else>>You press your lips together, swallowing hard, and pick up the stick. Well, this should be interesting. You don't know how it will get you closer to $U, but there might be an opportunity here somewhere. At least, that's what you tell yourself... After all, you have nothing to lose but your life.<</if>><<elseif $intentionsTrueLover1 is true or $intentionsDevoted1 is true>><<if $blunt > $soft>>You pick up the stick and hold it with a tight smile. The thought of getting close to $U--despite the impending conflict--sends a thrill up your spine, even if it shouldn't. You've been waiting too. You've been waiting for this moment longer than $U. Because you've been waiting since you can remember. And you have nothing to lose but your life.<<else>>You press your lips together, swallowing hard, and pick up the stick--the thought of getting close to $U, even in conflict, sends a thrill up your spine. Even if it shouldn't. Well, this should be interesting. You've been waiting for this moment longer than $U. At least, that's what you tell yourself... After all, you have nothing to lose but your life.<</if>><</if>> Your thoughts are scattered by a slender shadow moving swiftly through the trees nearby, and you catch a flash of red--Aikani's skirts. She is still barefoot on the sandy soil, her hair twisted messily into a bun and held in place with a wooden twig carved into the likeness of something with wings. A moth, maybe. "Wait! You meant--I thought--//tonight//?" $U tips $hisher head meaningfully and the masked guard steps forward, quickly seizing one of Aikani's arms and holding her in place. Her momentum sends her staggering forward another step, and her upper body falls into something like a bow. "Wha--what is the meaning of--why didn't you tell me--" "I //did// tell you, Aikani," $U murmurs, still facing you with purpose, something deadly poisonous in the words. "You simply weren't listening... as always." "But--" "Enough," $U says, even more quietly. Aikani falls silent and casts a frantic glance at you, those sky-blue eyes nearly silver in the moonlight. <<if $Leaving3b isnot true>>It's shocking that one of these ancient beings sounds almost as breathless and flustered as you feel in that moment--even more shocking that her concern appears to be for //you//.<<else>>As much as you were ready and willing to take the fool's chance at punching back, it's shocking to witness one of these ancient beings breathless and flustered--even more shocking that her concern appears to be for //you//.<</if>> The servant opens her mouth again, but this time nothing comes out. Her eyes shut tightly as she chokes, mouth gaped and brow deeply furrowed. Then her chest heaves in a silent, gagging retch. She covers her throat, turning away and hiding her face with one shaking hand. The sudden, halting movements don't seem real: $U's people struck you as refined, poised, delicate--and immune to mortal frailties. That illusion has been shattered. ⮞ <<link "You stare at Aikani in shock, your grasp on the stick loosening in concern. “Are you alright?”" "leaving 4a">><<set $L4a to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Your feet are already moving before your mouth can, crossing the ground in long strides: “Wait! What's happening?”" "leaving 4a">><<set $L4b to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stare and say nothing, your fingers tightening on the weapon in your hands. You glance at $U in deep suspicion." "leaving 4a">><<set $L4c to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You decide not to open your mouth, out of fear: you don't want to be next." "leaving 4a">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $L4a is true>>The guard grips the back of Aikani's tunic as she attempts to collect herself, dry-heaving, and $U looks disturbingly indifferent to the entire situation. "She would be, if she were to mind her limitations." <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>"What do you mean by that?" you ask, eyes wide and heart pounding harder than before.<<else>>"What do you mean by that?" you inquire carefully, masking your own emotions.<</if>> "Exactly what I said." <<if $i.extrovert is true>>"Doubtful," you mutter.<<else>>You doubt that.<</if>><<elseif $L4b is true>>$U's weapon snaps up to bar your path. "She ought to be more mindful of her limitations." The guard grips the back of Aikani's tunic as she attempts to collect herself, dry-heaving, and $U looks disturbingly indifferent to the entire situation. <<if $heartSleeve is true>>"What do you mean by that?" you ask, eyes wide and heart pounding harder than before.<<else>>"What do you mean by that?" you inquire carefully, masking your own emotions.<</if>> "Exactly what I said." <<if $i.extrovert is true>>"Doubtful," you mutter.<<else>>You doubt that.<</if>><<elseif $L4c is true>>The guard grips the back of Aikani's tunic as she attempts to collect herself, dry-heaving, and $U looks disturbingly indifferent to the entire situation. <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>You stare at $himher, eyes widening to take it all in.<<else>>You stare at $himher, masking your own emotions.<</if>> But you are thinking--thinking about the drink you supped, and the powder in the cloth, and the way $U dances around every straight answer. To think $heshe had nothing to do with it would be naive indeed.<<else>>The guard grips the back of Aikani's tunic as she attempts to collect herself, dry-heaving, and $U looks disturbingly indifferent to her plight. <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>You stare at $himher, eyes widening to take it all in.<<else>>You stare at $himher, masking your own emotions.<</if>> But you are afraid--you think about the drink you supped, and the powder in the cloth, and the way $U dances around every straight answer. As upsetting as all of this has been, you won't--//can't//--invite more attention to yourself.<</if>> $U adapts an even more relaxed affectation, leaning slightly on the stick; it looks like the most natural thing in the world, and you have a feeling it's meant to put you at ease. Yet there is something so very //wrong// about it. $HisHer posture has been immaculate until now. The openness itelf is a lie. "Well, $Ire?" Your attention turns to Aikani reflexively, but she is turned away, one hand pressed firmly to her mouth. Is she still choking? Maybe she's embarrassed, or maybe she simply does not want to observe whatever happens next. You have a sinking feeling it might be the latter. <<if $i.quirk.includes('unkempt')>>After a moment of thought, you slowly reach down and deliberately unfasten the sandals $U made you put on earlier. You step out of them and onto the sand, bouncing slightly to get a feeling for the foreign lands beneath the soles of your bare feet. This feels right. $U observes your antics silently, unbothered.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('skeptic')>>You take a moment to analyze $U's stance and everything $heshe is wearing, searching for some sign of weakness. You don't really believe you could best $himher, but it's an unconscious response--you might as well take everything into consideration. The only advantage you have is your mind and your total inability to assume there will be a positive outcome in any situation. $U observes you in turn, silent and unbothered.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('airhead')>>You inhale the scents of sage and citrus, settling back on your heels and half-closing your eyes. You can't help thinking back to the memory of sitting alone on that grassy knoll with the other forgotten children... and you wonder what your child-self would think of you now, here, in this moment. You have finally met the fey--and it was nothing like you imagined it would be. $U observes your distracted introspection silently, unbothered.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('foodie')>>You close your eyes briefly, visualizing a happier place. You aren't sure what that looks like... but you have an impression of people. Gathered near. Did that happen often, or only once or twice? Who did you know in your past life? The scents of spices and the clinking of dishes. Laughter and soft conversations. You can't remember their faces, but you remember the //feeling//, and it wraps you up like a hug. When you open your eyes, $U is observing your introspection silently, unbothered.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>You sink into a ready pose, and twirl the stick once. <<if $clumsy gte 2>>You are grateful it doesn't smack you in the face. <</if>> Appearances might not be everything, but they can do a lot to balance the odds... if you //appear// confident, then you'll feel confident, and then surely you have a better chance of success. Everyone is watching you. You tell yourself it's because you look fantastic. It helps, because it's not necessarily a lie: you //do// look fantastic, most of the time. $U observes you silently, unbothered. No, underneath that calm and unimpressed facade, $heshe is admiring your dexterity, obviously. The stick twirl was impressive.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Take a deep breath and center yourself, waiting patiently." "leaving 5">><<set $L5a to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19), $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I don't want to hurt you,” you murmur, thinking of $hisher limp." "leaving 5">><<set $L5b to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I-I might be very bad at this,” you admit frantically." "leaving 5">><<set $L5c to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Say nothing. Attack." "leaving 5">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19), $silentType +=1>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Throw down the weapon, curling your lip and glaring at $U. “I'm tired of this game.”" "leaving 5">><<set $L5d to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Sling it like a javelin." "leaving 5">><<set $L5e to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<if $L5d is true>>$HeShe smiles. "As am I." You blink in surprise.<<elseif $L5e is true>>The staff is deceptively light, but it feels sturdy enough when you heft it once. You loosen your grip and turn away slightly, hoping to throw $U off-balance before-- The weapon sings as it leaves your hand. //Clack.//<<elseif $L5b is true>>You know that should be the least of your worries, but luckily you don't have time to feel bad.<<elseif $L5a is true>>You sink into your heels, keeping a sharp eye on $U, but as it turns out, you don't have to wait long.<<elseif $L5c is true>>You aren't sure what you hope to gain by admitting this--mercy, if you're being optimistic, but in this situation you have to admit that pity would also suffice.<<else>>The staff is deceptively light, but it feels sturdy enough when you heft it once. You loosen your grip and turn away slightly, hoping to throw $U off-balance before-- You leap forward.<</if>> <<if $L5e is true or $L5d is true>>One blink and $U is before you, the gust of $hisher sudden movement cooling your face.<<else>>One blink, and your weapon has flown out of your stinging hands.<</if>> It happens almost too quickly to see, yet somehow slowly enough for you to think--as you're hurtling through thin air on your way to the unforgiving ground--that $U ought to have several disadvantages in this situation. For one thing, $heshe <<if $L5a is true or $L5d is true>>moved<<else>>was standing<</if>> in direct moonlight, while you <<if $L5a is true or $L5d is true>>were standing<<else>>moved<</if>> in the cover of shadows. There is also that inconstant limp which seems to come and go, at the very least, even if you assume $hisher vision is not compromised by the apparent blindfold over $hisher eyes. Yet none of these have saved you from getting your legs swept up by the crook of $hisher staff. The branches spin slowly above you and you try to cough, but the wind has been summarily expelled from your lungs and you are preoccupied with //inhaling// as much and as quickly as possible--to no avail. <<if $L5a is true>>"Not an unworthy effort," $U murmurs appreciatively, gazing down at you with that twisted fondness that you now see for the forgery it is. "You have promise, my careful $Ire."<<elseif $L5d is true>>"Laudable, but this game ends only one way." $U exhales a rasping laugh, gazing down at you with that twisted fondness that you now see for the forgery it is. "So naive, my unsuspecting $Ire. Take care to learn the rules as this 'game' continues, be it a swift awakening or a slow and painful one--that is all the choice which remains to you."<<elseif $L5b is true>>"Not to worry, my gentle-hearted $Ire," chides $U, gazing down at you with that twisted fondness that you now see for the forgery it is. "You won't."<<elseif $L5c is true>>"Don't worry, my trepidatious $Ire. You will find me a very patient teacher," $U murmurs, gazing down at you with that twisted fondness that you now see for the forgery it is. "When I need to be..."<<else>>"Ooh, I like that," $U exhales a rasping <<if $heshe is "she">>giggle<<else>>chuckle<</if>>, gazing down at you with that twisted fondness that you now see for the forgery it is. "You have promise, my impetuous $Ire..."<</if>> The guard quietly retrieves your staff with the calm of one who expected nothing less, and offers it to you without a word--as if you aren't still flat on your back, incapacitated, spluttering and wheezing. "Come now," $U says, $hisher voice suddenly sharp again. "On your feet. We have only all of tonight, and all the nights after." Stars dance in front of your blurry field of vision as you stumble upright somehow, leaning on the staff to regain a sense of balance. For a moment there is nobody else--only you and the weapon in your hand. Then your vision clears, and you see once more that lanky, statuesque figure you first glimpsed in the depths of a shimmering mirror, calmly awaiting your next movements. Some distance behind $himher, the servant has recovered herself, hands clasped in a posture of serenity betrayed only by the way her sparse brows pull together in concern. And the guard has returned to stand watch beside her, once more an immovable pillar clad in heavy armor. As much as it pains you to accept that your old life is lost to you, at least for the present, the silver gilding of moonlight grounds you in that moment. This new existence becomes real to you, all of it, for the very first time--the way that someone awakens from a dream and doubts, yet only for a moment, where they are. This palace is your entire world--be it home or a cage. These strangers, your sole companions--be they friend or foe. And this, the unassuming weapon in your hand, sets your palm tingling with a dread and a yearning for something more as a rush of esoteric voices rustle through your mind. They speak an unknown purpose in a thousand dark susurras, gone before you can even begin understand its source: everywhere, within, above, beneath--you are bound to it, or it is bound to you... An edict of the unchanging desert itself. You understand $U's warnings better now. Promise, oath, commitment. You agreed. You must obey. This pitiless realm //compells// you to obey. <<if $soft > $blunt>>You huff quietly, wiping dirt from your face with the back of your hand, and when you speak, the softness of your voice is carried away on the whistling breeze.<<else>>You let out a weary huff, wiping dirt from your face with the back of your hand, and when you speak, your voice cuts sharply through the whistling breeze.<</if>> "<<if $intentionsClear1 is true>>Whatever you say,<<elseif $intentionsDevoted1 is true>>I am ready,<<elseif $intentionsTrueLover is true>>As you wish,<<else>>Yes...<</if>><<if $Uinformal is true>> $U<<elseif $Uannoy is true>> $insult<<else>> my $kingqueen<</if>>." $U's bare fingers tighten around the crooked staff<<if $Uannoy is true>>, and your boldness is rewarded by the faintest twitch of that stone-faced stillness<</if>>--a silent acknowledgment<<if $Uannoy is true>> of your words, and the <<if $intentionsTrueFriend1 is true or $intentionsTrueLover1 is true>>teasing lilt<<else>>taunt<</if>> beneath them. You hear another stifled cough from Aikani, which you think might be a laugh in disguise. Before the sound can warm your heart, a surprisingly chill breeze rustles through the leaves overhead, and you shiver<</if>>. The moon presides solemnly over your clandestine gathering from far above, casting four long shadows on the grass as it peers through the latticework of branches, and a premonition settles over your bones. That you will grow to hate the sight of that cold, uncaring moon... Before <<link "the end." "break">><<randomSound>><<audio "emotional-drama" fadeout>><</link>> <<unset $Leaving3a, $Leaving3b, $dishonourRoll>>\

use: Use give: Unequip take: Equip

//UNSET THESE BEFORE UPDATING // TWINS PRONOUNS <<set $heshe>> <<set $hisher>> <<set $hishers>> <<set $himself>> <<set $HeShe>> <<set $HisHer>> <<set $HisHers>> <<set $Himself>> <<set $brothersister>> <<set $BrotherSister>> <<set $brotherssisters>> <<set $kingqueen>> <<set $KingQueen>> <<set $kingsqueens>> <<set $KINGQUEEN>> // SKILLS //combat <<set $strength to 2>> <<set $agility to 2>> <<set $endurance to 2>> 1 - 2 - 3 (what are you best at more points) <<set $prefWeapons to false>> <<set $prefMagic to false>> <<set $clumsy to 0>> // CUSTOMIZATION $ire // VICES & STRATS <<set $breakScream to false>> <<set $breakCry to false>> <<set $breakDissociate to false>> <<set $breakRage to false>> <<set $breakLaugh to false>> // eccentricities <<set $nailbiter to false>> <<set $lipchewer to false>> <<set $fidgeter to false>> <<set $defensivesleeper to false>> <<set $pacer to false>> // swearing <<set $swears to false>> // AGE (N/A) <<set $Youth to false>> <<set $youngAdult to false>> <<set $Adult to false>> <<set $middleAged to false>> <<set $Older to false>> // PERSONALITY <<set $soft to 0>> <<set $blunt to 0>> <<set $acerbic to 0>> <<set $agreeable to 0>> <<set $heroic to 50>> <<set $introvert to false>> <<set $extrovert to false>> soft: - tearful - dependent - gentle - mindful vs blunt: - practical - reliable - straightforward & acerbic: - dry humor - sarcasm - pessimistic - charismatic (sometimes unintentional) vs. agreeable: - whimsical - charming - optimistic - bubbly - polite & heroic: - upright - aboveboard - selfless vs. antiheroic: - underhanded - callous - selfish any one of these can be "kind" so I didn't attribute it to one but it can move your heroic / antiheroic points // quirks <<set $heartsleeve to false>> <<set $potionAverse to false>> <<set $potionWary to false>> <<set $potionAddict to false>> <<set $silentType to 0>> // FLIRTING <<set $bold to 0>> <<set $shy to 0>> // RELATIONSHIPS FRIENDSHIP 0 - 19 — Hatred 20 - 39 — Distrust 40 - 59 — Ambivalent 60 - 79 — Friendly 80 - 100 — Trusted friend / "blood brother" ROMANCE 0 - 19 — Disinterest 20 - 39 — Distrust 40 - 59 — Flirtatious 60 - 79 — Vulnerable / Open 80 - 100 — Obsessed <<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance = 10, 0, 100)>> <<set $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship = 5, 0, 100)>> <<set $zRomance to Math.clamp($zRomance = 39, 0, 100)>> <<set $zFriendship to Math.clamp($zFriendship = 40, 0, 100)>> // FIRST IMPRESSION U <<set $firstFear to false>> <<set $firstRage to false>> <<set $firstComfort to false>> // U DYNAMIC <<set $uMaster to false>> <<set $uRespect to false>> <<set $uEnamoured to false>> <<set $uRival to false>> // Z DYNAMIC <<set $zIntrigued to false>> <<set $zObsessed to false>> <<set $zAnnoyed to false>> // RELATIONSHIP FLAGS <<set $intentionsClear1 to false>> <<set $intentionsFalseFriend1 to false>> <<set $intentionsFalseLover1 to false>> <<set $intentionsTrueFriend1 to false>> <<set $intentionsTrueLover1 to false>> // VARIABLES <<set $i = { "thinks" : [], "skinTone" : "none", "faceShape" : "none", "eyeColour" : "none", "eyesight" : "none", "weight" : "none", "bodyType" : "none", "piercings" : "none", "gauge" : "none", "vegan" : false, "heartSleeve" : false, "quirk" : "none", "introvert" : false, "extrovert" : false, "break" : "none", "issues" : "none", "hair" : { "Length" : "none", "texture" : "none", "colour" : "none", "colourOld" : "none", "facial" : "none", "greying" : false, }, "tattoo" : { "Location" : "none", "motif" : "none", "extra" : false } }>> <<set $ch1 = { "mem" : [], }>> <<set $ch2 = { "mem" : [], }>> // INVENTORY <<newinv '$effectsInv'>> <<newinv '$wearablesInv'>> <<newinv '$gearInv'>> <<newinv '$odditiesInv'>> <<newinv '$potionsInv'>> <<newinv '$powdersInv'>> <<newinv '$wearing'>> /*The <<item>> macro is for making non-usable items, while the <<consumable>> macro creates items that can be consumed to use them, like potions. Both macros have the same children, <<description>> for setting an item description, which will be displayed in a dialog, and the children <<permanent>>, <<unique>>, and <<tags>> for metadata.*/ Fire powder Gasoline potion / combustible combine to make an explosion PERSONAL ITEMS <<item "file" "Nail File">> <<description>>\ A nail file carved from a talon.\ <<unique>> <</item>> <<item "soap" "Common Soap">> <<description>>\ Soap made of olive and ash, with lemon peel and glamour of binding.\ <<unique>> <</item>> <<item "oil" "Honeyed Oil">> <<description>>\ Olive Oil with honey, nourishing to the body and gentle enough for daily use.\ <<unique>> <</item>> <<item "lufa" "Lufa">> <<description>>\ An exfoliating scrub brush derived from a vine-ripened gourd.\ <<unique>> <</item>> <<item "cloth" "Washing Cloth">> <<description>>\ The embroidery on this cloth depicts a peaceful river, reeds, rushes, and a single crane taking flight from a scrubby tree. <<unique>> <</item>> <<item "comb" "Rosewood Comb">> <<description>>\ A <<if $ire.hair.texture is "kinky" or $ire.hair.texture is "curly">>wide-toothed<<else>>fine-toothed<</if>> comb in the shape of a half-moon and carved from rosewood, perfect for <<$ire.hair.texture>> hair.\ <<unique>> <</item>> <<item "beads" "Hair Beads">> <<description>>\ A handful of simple beads, carved of rosewood and lightly stained.\ <<unique>> <</item>> <<item "razor" "Boxwood Razor">> <<description>>\ A copper blade with a folding boxwood handle, enchanted for your protection.\ <<unique>> <</item>> <<item "balm" "Beard Balm">> <<description>>\ A small metal box engraved with the likeness of a horned beetle, which contains a waxy balm--probably not intended for beards.\ <<unique>> <</item>> <<item "pieces" "Silver Pieces">> <<description>>\ <<if $ire.piercings is "ears">>A set of silver earrings,<<elseif $ire.piercings is "ears and septum">>A small collection of silver earrings and septum jewelry,<<elseif $ire.piercings is "septum">>A few silver adornments for a septum piercing,<<elseif $ire.piercings is "nose">>A small collection of silver nose rings,<<else if $ire.piercings is "lip">>A few silver adornments for a lip piercing,<<elseif $ire.piercings is "many">>A modest collection of silver adornments for various piercings,<</if>> simple yet elegant, in a tasselled drawstring bag.\ <<unique>> <</item>> <<item "earspools" "Ear Spools">> <<description>>\ <<if $ire.gauge is "small">>Small spools with a decorative bone or antler inlay that sit comfortably in your stretched earlobes--they appear to be new and still smell like rosewood.<<else>>Large spools with a decorative bone or antler inlay that sit comfortably in your stretched earlobes--they appear to be new and still smell like rosewood.<</if>>\ <<unique>> <</item>> YOUR GIFT <<item "book" "Old Book">> <<description>>\ <<if $bookType is "fairytale">>A book which contains a collection of this realm's fairy stories.<<else>>A treatise on dagger-fighting, lavishly illustrated.<</if>>\ <<unique>> <</item>> <<item "game" "Pebble Game">> <<description>>\ A tiny game that can be played alone--with a tiled board, pebbles, and strange-looking dice.\ <<unique>> <</item>> <<item "flute" "Wooden Flute">> <<description>>\ A small flute with a breathy quality that makes finding the right notes almost effortless.\ <<unique>> <</item>> <<item "cushion" "Tasselled Cushion">> <<description>>\ A silk $cushionColour cushion with perfect tassels--you can no longer nap without it.\ <<unique>> <</item>> // MUSIC <<cacheaudio "echo-flute" "aud/echo-flute.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "intro" "aud/intro-track.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "intro-ambient" "aud/intro-track-ambient-loop.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "scorpion" "aud/scorpion.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "snake" "aud/z-theme.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "desert-storm" "aud/desert-storm.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "whispers-desert" "aud/whispers-of-the-desert-wind-199494.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "ancient" "aud/ancient.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "credits" "aud/credits-track-fade.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "meditative-flute" "aud/meditative-flute.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "duduk" "aud/duduk.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "chill-beats" "aud/forgotten-deserts-179307.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "oud" "aud/oud.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "violin" "aud/sad-violin.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "slow-violin" "aud/sad-violin-slowed.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "ambient-quiet" "aud/kingdom-artefact-ambient.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "emotional-drama" "aud/cinemotional-drama.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "requiem" "aud/the-voice-requiem.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "whispers" "aud/whispers-of-the-desert.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "sahara" "aud/dark-sahara-my-edit.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "time" "aud/passage-of-time.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "tribal" "aud/indian-tribal-beat.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "path" "aud/a-path-found.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "sorrow" "aud/sorrow-echo.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "u-theme" "aud/u-theme-emotional-choral.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "pizzicato-strings" "aud/pizzicato-strings.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "sorrow-dark" "aud/sorrow-dark.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "h-strings-1" "aud/h-strings-1.ogg">> // SFX <<cacheaudio "notif" "sfx/bell-notif.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "drink-spill" "sfx/drink-spill-mine-quieter.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "fall" "sfx/fall-down.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "wind-ambient" "sfx/wind-ambient.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "rain" "sfx/rain-sound-188158.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "vulture" "sfx/vulture-1.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "ceramic" "sfx/ceramic.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "match" "sfx/match-96840-mine.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "door" "sfx/door-slam.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "pottery-smash-big" "sfx/pottery-smash-big.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "pottery-smash-small" "sfx/pottery-smash-small.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "page-1" "sfx/page-1.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "page-2" "sfx/page-2.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "page-3" "sfx/page-3.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "backpack-1" "sfx/backpack-1.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "backpack-2" "sfx/backpack-2.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "w-vortex" "sfx/whoosh-vortex.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "w-achievements" "sfx/whoosh-vortex-achievements.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "w-reverb" "sfx/whoosh-pointer-reverb.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "w-clothes" "sfx/whoosh-clothes.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "w-hammer" "sfx/whoosh-hammer-medium.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "click-1" "sfx/click-1.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "click-2" "sfx/click-2.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "click-3" "sfx/click-3.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "click-4" "sfx/click-4.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "click-special" "sfx/click-special.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "suspense" "sfx/suspense-flute.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "shatter-1" "sfx/shatter-1.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "shatter-2" "sfx/shatter-2.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "shatter-3" "sfx/shatter-3.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "desert-no-wind" "sfx/desert-no-wind.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "um-laugh-1" "sfx/u-m-laugh-2b.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "uf-laugh-1" "sfx/u-f-laugh-1.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "vines-grow-1" "sfx/vines-grow-1.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "vines-grow-2" "sfx/vines-grow-2.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "vines-grow-3" "sfx/vines-grow-3.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "vines-take-1" "sfx/vines-take-1.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "vines-take-2" "sfx/vines-take-2.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "vines-take-3" "sfx/vines-take-3.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "festival" "sfx/festival.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "paper-turn-1" "sfx/paper-turn-1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "paper-turn-2" "sfx/paper-turn-2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "fire-1" "sfx/fire-1.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "fire-2" "sfx/fire-2.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "fire-3" "sfx/fire-3.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "windchime-1" "sfx/windchime-1.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "windchime-2" "sfx/windchime-2.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "windchime-3" "sfx/windchime-3.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "windchime-4" "sfx/windchime-4.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "windchime-5" "sfx/windchime-5.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "windchime-6" "sfx/windchime-6.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "windchime-7" "sfx/windchime-7.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "finger-snap" "sfx/finger-snap.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "finger-snap-echo" "sfx/finger-snap-echo.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "bottle-break" "sfx/bottle-break.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "footsteps-slippers" "sfx/footsteps-slippers.ogg">> <<cacheaudio "u-writing" "sfx/u-writing.ogg">> /*ACHIEVEMENTS STUFF!!!!!*/ <<set $achievement_narratorIre to recall('achievement_narratorIre')>> <<set $achievement_spareVessel to recall('achievement_spareVessel')>> <<set $achievement_nothingSpared to recall('achievement_nothingSpared')>> <<set $achievement_lightUp to recall('achievement_lightUp')>> <<set $achievement_handFate to recall('achievement_handFate')>> <<set $achievement_weepingIre to recall('achievement_weepingIre')>> <<set $achievement_dishonorRoll to recall('achievement_dishonorRoll')>> <<set $achievement_eternalSting to recall('achievement_eternalSting')>> <<set $achievement_mendingOfMortals to recall('achievement_mendingOfMortals')>> <<set $achievement_silentType to recall('achievement_silentType')>> <<set $achievement_spareVessel to recall('achievement_spareVessel')>> <<set $achievement_moonChild to recall('achievement_moonChild')>> <<set $achievement_sunChild to recall('achievement_sunChild')>>

/* custom widgets go in here */ <<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>> <<widget "es">><<switch $plural>><<case true>><<case false>>es<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "re">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>re<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "ve">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>ve<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>>  <<widget "randomSound">>  <<switch random(1, 4)>> <<case 1>><<audio "click-1" play>> <<case 2>><<audio "click-2" play>> <<case 3>><<audio "click-3" play>> <<case 4>><<audio "click-4" play>> <</switch>> <</widget>>

<h1 class="liner">ACHIEVEMENTS</h1> <<if $achievement_narratorIre is true>>\ 🢒 NARRATOR'S IRE Infuriate the narrator: you are frustratingly indecisive. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $achievement_spareVessel is true>> 🢒 SPARE THE VESSEL An act of mercy: yes, you were always this pathetic. <<else>> ⚿ SPARE THE VESSEL <</if>> <<if $achievement_nothingSpared is true>>\ 🢒 NOTHING SPARED An act of protest: this is why you can't have nice things. <<else>> ⚿ NOTHING SPARED <</if>> <<if $achievement_lightUp is true>>\ 🢒 LIGHT IT UP Fiery first impression: $heshe gave you the match. <<else>>⚿ LIGHT IT UP<</if>> <<if $achievement_dishonorRoll is true>>\ 🢒 $KINGQUEEN'S DISPLEASURE $U could not be more disappointed in $hisher selection: watch your step, mortal. <<else>>⚿ $KINGQUEEN'S DISPLEASURE<</if>> <<if $achievement_moonChild is true>>\ 🢒 MOON CHILD The moon touched you: now your heart belongs to the night. <<else>>⚿ MOON CHILD<</if>> <<if $achievement_moonChild is true>>\ 🢒 SUN CHILD The sun kissed you: now your heart longs for the daylight. <<else>>⚿ SUN CHILD<</if>> <<if $achievement_mendingOfMortals is true>>\ 🢒 MENDING OF MORTALS A curative encounter: have fun walking on a broken leg. <<else>>⚿ MENDING OF MORTALS<</if>> <<if $achievement_handFate is true>>\ 🢒 HAND OF FATE Bound by oath: you know what you must do. <<else>>⚿ HAND OF FATE<</if>> <<if $achievement_weepingIre is true>>\ 🢒 WEEPING $IRE You cry a lot: maybe your tears could replenish the arid plains. <<else>>⚿ WEEPING $IRE<</if>> <<if $achievement_eternalSting is true>>\ 🢒 ETERNAL STING Touch the untouchable: you gave the $kingqueen a lasting reminder of your $ire. <<else>>⚿ ETERNAL STING<</if>> <<if $achievement_mendingOfMortals is true>>\ 🢒 MENDING OF MORTALS A curative encounter: have fun walking on a broken leg. <<else>>⚿ MENDING OF MORTALS<</if>> <<if $achievement_silentType is true>>\ 🢒 SILENT OBSERVER Actions over words: you don't always speak when spoken to. <<else>>⚿ SILENT OBSERVER<</if>> <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "w-vortex" play>><</link>>

<<audio "whispers" play loop>>\ <h1>CHAPTER SELECTION</h1> //If you have never played this game before or wish to ''start from the beginning'' of our tale, I--your benevolent narrator--strongly advise you to select select ''Chapter 1''. If you would like to be taken to a ''quick character creator'' and skip ahead to a different moment, ''select the chapter you'd like to skip to'' and answer the questions.// !!<<link "🙡 Chapter 1: The Eyeless Watcher 🙣" "break 1">><<audio "paper-turn-1" play>><</link>> !!🙡 Chapter 2: Year of Ages 🙣 [in-progress] /*<<link "🙡 Chapter 2: Year of Ages 🙣" "choose your name">><<set $skip1 to true>><<audio "paper-turn-1" play>><</link>>*/

<h1>A NAME OF RESONANCE</h1> <<link "Ire" "quick character creator">><<set $Ire to "Ire", $ire to "ire", $IRE to "IRE">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> //It pools like acid on your tongue... an anger so deep and hot that it has very nearly burnt itself to ashes--yet still it lingers.// <<link "Justice" "quick character creator">><<set $Ire to "Justice", $ire to "justice", $IRE to "JUSTICE">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> //It rings in your mind with the force of a clanging bell... a weapon of echoes which shiver the bones of all who hear its cry, even the one which tolls the bell--lawful resonance from a hollow shell.// <<link "Wrath" "quick character creator">><<set $Ire to "Wrath", $ire to "wrath", $IRE to "WRATH">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> //It is a stern summoning which wields grim strength... its ferocity cools the breath in your lungs, turning your will to iron--relentless, as inevitable as the coming of winter.// <<link "Lenity" "quick character creator">><<set $Ire to "Lenity", $ire to "lenity", $IRE to "LENITY">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> //It murmurs like a laugh between sunset and the dark of night... the illusory glimmer of stars in the sky, or a lantern far away--a promise of mercy forever out of reach.// <<link "Elegance" "quick character creator">><<set $Ire to "Elegance", $ire to "elegance", $IRE to "ELEGANCE">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> //It is graceful, soft, and settles over you with an eerie calm... the perfect understanding of what must be accomplished, and the practiced precision it requires--a beautiful darkness, known yet somehow unknowable.// <<link "Enmity" "quick character creator">><<set $Ire to "Enmity", $ire to "enmity", $IRE to "ENMITY">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> //It bites and heals like bitter herbs... a quickness, a boldness, a dance between stark apathy and obsession--the song of one swift to act, a nimble hatred.// <<link "Malice" "quick character creator">><<set $Ire to "Malice", $ire to "malice", $IRE to "MALICE">><<audio "click-special" play>><</link>> //It gnaws at your patience like a rabid starvation, a bleeding venom... it slowly erodes whatever it touches, or ravenously devours--that which it ruins, ruins itself in turn.//

<<pickup $effectsInv "file" 1 "soap" 1 "oil" 1 "lufa" 1 "cloth" 1>>\ <<audio "whispers" play loop>>\ In this realm, you are known as... <<link "The King's $Ire" "quick build personality">><<set $U to "Umr", $Z to "Zanai", $heshe to "he", $HESHE to "HE", $himher to "him", $HIMHER to "HIM", $hisher to "his", $HISHER to "HIS", $hishers to "his", $HISHERS to "HIS", $himself to "himself", $HIMSELF to "himself", $HeShe to "He", $HimHer to "Him", $HisHer to "His", $HisHers to "His", $Himself to "Himself", $brothersister to "brother", $BrotherSister to "Brother", $brotherssisters to "brothers", $kingqueen to "king", $kingsqueens to "kings", $KingQueen to "King", $KINGQUEEN to "KING">><<audio "paper-turn-1" play>><</link>> <<link "The Queen's $Ire" "quick build personality">><<set $U to "Umyra", $Z to "Zelara", $heshe to "she", $HESHE to "SHE", $himher to "her", $HIMHER to "HER", $hisher to "her", $HISHER to "HER", $hishers to "hers", $HISHERS to "HERS", $himself to "herself", $HIMSELF to "HERSELF", $HeShe to "She", $HimHer to "Her", $HisHer to "Her", $HisHers to "Hers", $Himself to "Herself", $brothersister to "sister", $BrotherSister to "Sister", $brotherssisters to "sisters", $kingqueen to "queen", $kingsqueens to "queens", $KingQueen to "Queen", $KINGQUEEN to "QUEEN">><<audio "paper-turn-1" play>><</link>>

!PERSONALITY <<radiobutton "$i.introvert" "true" checked>>  Solitude doesn't bother me much--I watch and listen before speaking! <<radiobutton "$i.introvert" "false">>  I find solitude frustrating--I really love company! <<radiobutton "$soft" "5" checked>>  I am more softhearted and gentle than blunt--tact will take you far! <<radiobutton "$soft" "0">>  I am more blunt and forthright than I am softhearted--being direct is usually best! <<radiobutton "$acerbic" "5" checked>>  I am more acerbic and charming than I am agreeable--my dry wit is legendary! <<radiobutton "$acerbic" "0">>  I am more agreeable and easygoing than I am acerbic--let's all get along! <<radiobutton "$i.heartSleeve" "true" checked>>  I have trouble hiding my emotions and wear them openly--no matter what it is. <<radiobutton "$i.heartSleeve" "false">>  I often prefer to conceal my emotions, when possible--it's better this way. <<radiobutton "$i.swears" "true" checked>>  You swear. Quite a lot. <<radiobutton "$i.swears" "false">>  You don't often swear. <<radiobutton "$weepingIre" "+2" checked>>  I cry rather often. <<radiobutton "$weepingIre" "+0">>  Crying solves nothing. <<link "Continue" "quick build face">><<audio "paper-turn-2" play>><</link>> ➤

<<if $i.introvert is "false">><<set $i.extrovert to "true">><</if>>\ <<if $soft lte 0>><<set $blunt +5>><</if>>\ <<if $acerbic lte 0>><<set $agreeable +5>><</if>>\ !THE FACE IN THE MIRROR !!COMPLEXION <<radiobutton "$i.skinTone" "fair" checked>>  Frost fair. <<radiobutton "$i.skinTone" "light">>  Quite light. <<radiobutton "$i.skinTone" "warm and ruddy">>  Warm and ruddy. <<radiobutton "$i.skinTone" "olive">>  Olive in hue. <<radiobutton "$i.skinTone" "copper">>  Copper. <<radiobutton "$i.skinTone" "brown">>  Rich brown. <<radiobutton "$i.skinTone" "deep black">>  Deep black. !!FACE SHAPE <<radiobutton "$i.faceShape" "rugged" checked>>  Rugged. <<radiobutton "$i.faceShape" "angular">>  Pointed. <<radiobutton "$i.faceShape" "round">>  Round. <<radiobutton "$i.faceShape" "squared">>  Squared. <<radiobutton "$i.faceShape" "delicate">>  Delicate. !!FEATURES <<radiobutton "$i.hair.facial" "none" checked>>  Smooth and soft. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.facial" "shaven">>  Clean-shaven. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.facial" "stubble">>  Stubbled with facial hair. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.facial" "beard">>  Neatly trimmed beard. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.facial" "long beard">>  Lengthy beard. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.facial" "chin beard">>  Chin beard. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.facial" "moustache">>  Moustache. !!EXTRA FEATURES <<radiobutton "$i.skinExtras" "freckles" checked>>  Freckles. <<radiobutton "$i.skinExtras" "vitiligo">>  Vitiligo. <<radiobutton "$i.skinExtras" "moles">>  Moles. <<radiobutton "$i.skinExtras" "none">>  Nothing of note. !!INSECURITY <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "nose" checked>>  Your prominent nose. <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "asymmetry">>  The asymmetry of your features. <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "chin">>  A recessed chin. <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "smalleyes">>  Small, unremarkable eyes. <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "thin lips">>  Your thin lips. <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "crooked teeth">>  Crooked teeth. <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "blemishes">>  The uneven texture and blemishes of your skin. <<radiobutton "$i.flaw" "rbf">>  Your harsh, angry countenance--even when you try to soften it. !!EYE COLOUR <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "brown" checked>>  Dark brown. <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "light brown">>  Light brown. <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "black">>  Black. <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "blue">>  Dark blue. <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "light blue">>  Light blue. <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "green">>  Green. <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "grey">>  Grey. <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "gold">>  Gold. <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "silver">>  Silver. <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "violet">>  Violet. !!EYESIGHT <<radiobutton "$i.eyesight" "clearsighted" checked>>  Clearsighted, and have always seen everything in crisp detail. <<radiobutton "$i.eyesight" "farsighted">>  Farsighted, but have some trouble seeing things up close. <<radiobutton "$i.eyesight" "nearsighted">>  Nearsighted, but have some trouble seeing the horizon. <<radiobutton "$i.eyesight" "blurred">>  You could never see much of //anything// without spectacles. !!HAIR LENGTH <<radiobutton "$i.hair.Length" "shorn" checked>>  Close-cropped. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.Length" "short">>  Ear-length, sweeping across your forehead. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.Length" "chin-length">>  Jaw-length, dusting your chin. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.Length" "medium">>  Medium, hanging about your shoulders. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.Length" "long">>  Lengthy, to the middle of your back, or longer. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.Length" "none">>  None--you have no hair. <<link "Continue" "quick build hair">><<audio "paper-turn-1" play>><</link>> ➤

<<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none') or !$i.hair.facial.includes('none')>>\ !!HAIR COLOUR //The colour is, or was...// <<radiobutton "$i.hair.colour" "white" checked>>  White. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.colour" "light blonde">>  Light blonde. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.colour" "blonde">>  Blonde. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.colour" "auburn">>  Auburn. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.colour" "brown">>  Brown. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.colour" "dark brown">>  Dark brown. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.colour" "black">>  Black. //Is it greying?// <<radiobutton "$i.hair.greying" "false" checked>>  No, it is not greying. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.greying" "true">>  Yes, it is greying. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.greying" "grey">>  Actually, my hair is fully grey now.<</if>> <<link "Continue" "quick build hair texture">><<audio "paper-turn-1" play>><</link>> ➤ <<if $i.eyeColour.includes('brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('black')>><<set $fit to "green">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('blue') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light blue')>><<set $fit to "mauve">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('green')>><<set $fit to "teal">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('silver')>><<set $fit to "blue">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('gold')>><<set $fit to "red">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('violet')>><<set $fit to "orange">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('grey')>><<set $fit to "charcoal">><</if>>\

<<if $i.hair.greying.includes('grey')>><<set $i.hair.colourOld to "$i.hair.colour">><<set $i.hair.colour to "grey">><</if>>\ !!HAIR TEXTURE //If you were to run your fingers through your hair, you would notice that it is...// <<radiobutton "$i.hair.texture" "wavy" checked>>  Wavy. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.texture" "kinky">>  Kinky. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.texture" "curly">>  Curled.<<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none') and $i.hair.facial.includes('beard') or $i.hair.facial.includes('long beard')>> <<radiobutton "$i.hair.texture" "locked">>  Locked.<</if>> <<radiobutton "$i.hair.texture" "straight">>  Straight. !!FIGURE <<radiobutton "$i.bodyType" "thin" checked>>  Thin and willowy. <<radiobutton "$i.bodyType" "toned">>  Toned and lean. <<radiobutton "$i.bodyType" "robust">>  Robust and luxuriant. <<radiobutton "$i.bodyType" "muscular">>  Muscular and sculpted. ➤ <<link "Your body is unaltered by tattoos or piercings." "quick build verification">><<set $i.piercings to "none", $i.tattoo.Location to "none", $i.gauge to "none">><<audio "paper-turn-1" play>><</link>> ➤ <<link "Your body is adorned by tattoos or piercings." "quick build tattoos">><<audio "paper-turn-1" play>><</link>>

!!TATTOOS <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "none" checked>>  You have no tattoos. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "arms">>  Your arms are fully clad in tattoos. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "legs">>  Your legs are tattooed. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "neck">>  Your neck is tattooed. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "back">>  There is a tattoo on your back. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "hands">>  There are tattoos on your hands. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "feet">>  There are tattoos on your feet. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "wrist">>  There is a small tattoo on your wrist. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "ankle">>  There is a small tattoo on your ankle. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "ear">>  There is a small tattoo on your ear. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "face">>  Your face is tattooed. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "scalp">>  Your scalp is tattooed. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "full body">>  Ink covers most of your skin, fading just below your chin. !!PIERCINGS <<radiobutton "$i.piercings" "none" checked>>  You have no piercings. <<radiobutton "$i.piercings" "ears">>  Your ears are visibly pierced, although you can't see any jewelry. <<radiobutton "$i.piercings" "septum">>  You reach up and touch your nose, finding a septum piercing. <<radiobutton "$i.piercings" "nose">>  You reach up and touch your nose, finding a nostril piercing. <<radiobutton "$i.piercings" "lip">>  You run your tongue over a lip piercing. <<radiobutton "$i.piercings" "ears and septum">>  Both your ears and your nose are pierced. <<radiobutton "$i.piercings" "many">>  There are almost too many piercings to count. <<link "Continue" "quick build tattoo style">><<audio "paper-turn-2" play>><</link>> ➤

!!TATTOO STYLE <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "snake skeleton" checked>>  Snake skeleton. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "serpent">>  Serpent. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "moth">>  Moth. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "butterfly">>  Butterfly. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "bird">>  Bird in flight. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "sun">>  Sun. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "moon">>  Moon. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "depiction of waves">>  Waves. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "sun and moon">>  Sun and moon. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "knotted pattern">>  Interlocking knots. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "geometric pattern">>  Geometric shapes. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "intricate pattern">>  Intricate designs. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "floral pattern">>  Flowers. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "flower">>  One single bloom. //Do you have any other tattoos?// <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.extra" "true" checked>>  I have other tattoos. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.extra" "false">>  No, I don't have any other tattoos. !!EAR ADORNMENT <<radiobutton "$i.gauge" "none" checked>>  Your earlobes are not stretched at all. <<radiobutton "$i.gauge" "small">>  Your earlobes are slightly stretched. <<radiobutton "$i.gauge" "large">>  Your earlobes are stretched wide. !!SCARS <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "none" checked>>  None to speak of. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar through your eyebrow">>  Scar through your eyebrow. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar across your lip">>  Scar across your lip. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar on your chin">>  Scar on your chin. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scars on your knees">>  A few unremarkable scars on your knees. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar across your neck">>  Scar across your neck. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar on your arm">>  Scar on your arm. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar on your leg">>  Scar on your leg. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar across your back">>  Scar across your back. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar across your chest">>  Scar across your chest. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar across your stomach">>  Scar across your stomach. <<radiobutton "$i.scars" "scar across your ribs">>  Scar along your ribs. <<link "Continue" "quick build verification">><<audio "paper-turn-2" play>><</link>> ➤

//You are the $KingQueen's $Ire.// //You have intelligent ''$i.eyeColour eyes'' and <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none')>>a ''bared scalp''<<else>>''$i.hair.texture <<if $i.hair.greying is true>>greying <</if>>$i.hair.colour hair''<</if>>, ''$i.skinTone complexion'', <<if $i.hair.facial.includes('shaven')>>a ''shaved face'', <<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('stubble')>>a ''stubbled face'', <<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('beard') or $i.hair.facial.includes('long beard')>>a ''bearded face'', <<else>><</if>>round ''human ears'', a figure generally considered to be ''$i.bodyType'', and, of course, your ''$i.faceShape countenance''.// <<if visited('tattoos')>><<if $i.tattoo.Location.includes('none')>> //Also, //<<else>> //There is also the $i.tattoo.motif tattooed on your $i.tattoo.Location//<</if>><<if $i.piercings.includes('none')>>.<<else>>// and //<<if $i.piercings.includes('ears')>>//you have pierced ears//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('septum')>>//you have a septum piercing//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('nose')>>//you have a nostril piercing//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('lip')>>//you have a lip piercing//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('ears and septum')>>//your ears and your septum are pierced//<<else>>//you have many piercings//<</if>>.<</if>><</if>> <<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>//Your earlobes are stretched.//<</if>> ⮞ <<link "Yes--this is me." "skip chapter 1">><<audio "paper-turn-1" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Let me correct a few things." "choose your name">><<unset $i.eyesight, $i.eyeColour, $i.hair.Length, $i.hair.texture, $i.hair.colour, $i.skinTone, $i.tattoo.Location, $i.faceShape, $i.tattoo.motif, $i.piercings, $i.gauge, $i.bodyType>><<audio "paper-turn-1" play>><</link>> <<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none')>><<if $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>> <<pickup $effectsInv "beads" 1>> <<else>><<pickup $effectsInv "comb" 1>><</if>> <</if>>\ <<if !$i.piercings.includes('none')>>\ <<pickup $effectsInv "pieces" 1>> <</if>>\ <<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>\ <<pickup $effectsInv "earspools" 1>> <</if>>\ <<if !$i.hair.facial.includes('none')>>\ <<pickup $effectsInv "razor" 1>> <<if !$i.hair.facial.includes('shaved') and !$i.hair.facial.includes('stubble')>> <<pickup $effectsInv "balm" 1>><</if>> <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none') or $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>> <<pickup $effectsInv "comb" 1>><</if>> <</if>>\

<<audio "whispers" fadeout>>\ <<audio "sahara" loop volume 0 fadein>>\ <h1>DECISIONS</h1> In my shattered memory, when $U called me back to reality, I... <<radiobutton "$i.issues" "indecisive" checked>>  Hesitated--I didn't want to fight against myself, but wasn't sure what to do, or even who I was anymore. <<radiobutton "$i.issues" "abandonment">>  Pressed the shard of memory tightly against myself, trapped by a miserable conviction--I couldn't let go because I didn't want to be abandoned! <<radiobutton "$i.issues" "self-doubt">>  Decided to cling to the shattering memory, made desperate by the dark resignation which settled over me--I was never strong enough... and I never will be. <<radiobutton "$i.issues" "self-assured">>  Weighed the whispering demand against my own fading echo, and was assured of my own intelligence, needing no other voice to advise me--I am strong enough to do this. When I was a child, I thought the fey were... <<radiobutton "$i.childThinks" "intrigued" checked>>  Fascinating! <<radiobutton "$i.childThinks" "scared">>  Scary... <<radiobutton "$i.childThinks" "bored">>  Boring. I was also... <<radiobutton "$i.quirk" "vain" checked>>  Slightly concerned that the kin of the air //might// be more adorable than me... <<radiobutton "$i.quirk" "skeptic">>  Skeptical that those bedtime stories were even real! <<radiobutton "$i.quirk" "airhead">>  Wishing I could hear their elfish laughter--at risk of being called an 'airhead' again. <<radiobutton "$i.quirk" "foodie">>  Thinking about my next snack, because food is important and brings me joy! <<radiobutton "$i.quirk" "unkempt">>  Called a 'little mudpie'--but clothes are for wearing, not keeping clean. When $U touched me for the first time, as I gazed into the mirror, my feelings were... ⮞ <<link "Burning rage." "skip chapter 1 a">><<set $firstAnger to true>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Strangely, it was a comfort." "skip chapter 1 a">><<set $firstComfort to true>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "A primal terror took me." "skip chapter 1 a">><<set $firstFear to true>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>>

When $U asked me to kneel, I... ⮞ <<link "Got on my knees respectfully, of course. $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 c">><<set $uMaster to true, $respect to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10)>><<set $ch1.mem.push('kneltRespect')>><<audio "windchime-3" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Got on my knees resentfully, but maintained eye contact. $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 c">><<set $uRespect to true, $resent to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 3, 0, 19)>><<set $ch1.mem.push('kneltResent')>><<audio "windchime-3" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Bit my lip and shrank into myself, timid but resistant. $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 c">><<set $uEnamoured to true, $resist to true, $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<set $ch1.mem.push('timidResist')>><<audio "windchime-3" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stood and stared narrowly into the eyeless mask without a word--I won't be intimidated. $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 c">><<set $uRival to true, $rise to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 2, 0, 19), $dishonorRoll +=1>><<set $ch1.mem.push('riseStare')>><<audio "windchime-3" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Attempted to leave the stool and fell to my knees instead... wait, why are you making me relive this--? $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 c">><<set $uEnamoured to true, $fall to true, $clumsy to $clumsy + 1, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 2, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<set $ch1.mem.push('attemptFall')>><<audio "windchime-3" play>><</link>>

//<<if $rise is true>>You certainly won't be.<<elseif $resist is true>>Anyone else might have done the same.<<elseif $respect is true>>Of course you did. Don't look at me like that; I didn't mean anything by it.<<elseif $resent is true>>I'm sure your resentful stare was noted.<<elseif $fall is true>>Skipping ahead does not come without cost, my clumsy friend.<</if>> How would you describe your future interactions with $U?// ⮞ <<link "I flirted a few times and I was mostly shy about it..." "skip chapter 1 b">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 3, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19), $shy +5>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I flirted a few times and I was mostly bold about it..." "skip chapter 1 b">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 3, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19), $bold +5>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Actually I was just friendly, in a reserved way..." "skip chapter 1 b">><<set $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 3, 0, 19), $reserved +1>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Actually I was quite warm and open with my friendly remarks..." "skip chapter 1 b">><<set $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 3, 0, 19), $outgoing +1>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Actually, I HATE $HIMHER." "skip chapter 1 b">><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>>

When I realized that all my memories were gone... ⮞ <<link "I was angry, and punched the mirror. $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 d">><<set $i.break to "rage", $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 2, 0, 19), $dishonorRoll +=2>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I started to weep. $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 d">><<set $i.break to "cry", $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 2, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19), $weepingIre + 1>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "All I could do was scream. $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 d">><<set $i.break to "scream">><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I stared blankly, and then sank to the floor, unable to remain standing. $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 d">><<set $i.break to "blank">><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I started to laugh wildly. $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 d">><<set $i.break to "laugh", $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>>

When $U <<if $heshe is "she">>supported my full weight while helping me<<else>>carried me<</if>> up the stairs... <<radiobutton "$i.weight" "light" checked>>  It was no effort for $himher at all--I don't weigh much. <<radiobutton "$i.weight" "average">>  Though I am fairly average in weight, perhaps a bit less or more than $U, $heshe didn't seem overly burdened. <<radiobutton "$i.weight" "heavy">>  Despite $hisher unusual height, $U struggled a bit to <<if $heshe is "she">>help<<else>>carry<</if>> me up those stairs. In my first dream, I... ⮞ <<link "Wept back to the darkness." "skip chapter 1 e">><<set $ch1.mem.push('dreamForsaken'), $weepingIre + 1>><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Raged against the darkness." "skip chapter 1 e">><<set $ch1.mem.push('dreamRage')>><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Wandered listlessly, uncaring of the darkness." "skip chapter 1 e">><<set $ch1.mem.push('dreamUncaring')>><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>>

When I woke up and saw the cooked fish on the platter of food... <<radiobutton "$i.vegan" "false" checked>>  My mouth watered at the sight and scent of it! <<radiobutton "$i.vegan" "true">>  I felt slightly nauseated and resolved not to eat it. Nothing terrible happened after eating, and I was able to think more clearly. I decided... ⮞ <<link "...I want nothing to do with $U, and I'm not about to hide those feelings. $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 f">><<set $intentionsClear1 to true>><<audio "windchime-6" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I hope I can find a friend, or at the very least an ally, in $U. $friendly_label $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 f">><<set $intentionsTrueFriend1 to true>><<audio "windchime-6" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I have no personal interest in $U, but tricking $himher into thinking of me as a friend and ally could work to my advantage. $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 f">><<set $intentionsFalseFriend1 to true>><<audio "windchime-6" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "One better? Tricking $U into believing that I //love// $himher. $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 f">><<set $intentionsFalseLover1 to true>><<audio "windchime-6" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "$HeShe makes my heart pound rather erratically... $heshe smells nice, too. Wait, what--? $flirt_label $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 f">><<set $intentionsTrueLover1 to true>><<audio "windchime-6" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Maybe committing myself wholly to $hisher cause will save your sanity, if nothing else can. $alert_label" "skip chapter 1 f">><<set $intentionsDevoted1 to true, $dishonourRoll - 1>><<audio "windchime-6" play>><</link>>

To light the fire-stick, my first impulse was to... ⮞ <<link "Blow softly on the burnt end." "skip chapter 1 g">><<set $firesoftly to true>><<audio "match" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Strike it aggressively against the table." "skip chapter 1 g">><<set $firestrike to true>><<audio "match" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Whisper, “Catch fire, please.”" "skip chapter 1 g">><<set $firewhisper to true>><<audio "match" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Stare at it with all your might." "skip chapter 1 g">><<set $firestare to true, $silentType +=1>><<audio "match" play>><</link>>

//And did you use the not-gifts $U left for you?// <<radiobutton "$useGifts" "true" checked>>  Yes, I did. <<radiobutton "$useGifts" "false">>  No, I didn't. To be honest, when I found the not-gifts $U had left me, I was... ⮞ <<link "Angry." "skip chapter 1 h">><<set $giftAngry to true>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Sad." "skip chapter 1 h">><<set $giftSad to true>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Comforted." "skip chapter 1 h">><<set $giftHappy to true>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Overwhelmed." "skip chapter 1 h">><<set $giftOverwhelmed to true>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Didn't care." "skip chapter 1 h">><<set $giftDontCare to true>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>>

//Did you wash yourself with water from the basin?// ⮞ <<link "Yes, my entire body--wait, should I not have?" "skip chapter 1 i">><<set $r1 to true>><<audio "windchime-3" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Just the face!" "skip chapter 1 i">><<set $r2 to true>><<audio "windchime-3" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Uh... no." "skip chapter 1 i">><<set $ch1.mem.push('noWash')>><<audio "windchime-3" play>><</link>>

//Did you scatter the nightbloom petals in frustration?// <<link "Yes, I scattered them in a fit of anger." "skip chapter 1 j">><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>> <<link "No, I didn't do any such thing." "skip chapter 1 other">><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>>

//What did you do next?// * <label><<checkbox "$kickplatter" false true>> I kicked the platter.</label> * <label><<checkbox "$breakmirror" false true>> I broke the mirror.</label> * <label><<checkbox "$uprootvines" false true>> I uprooted the vines.</label> * <label><<checkbox "$shattervases" false true>> I shattered the vases.</label> * <label><<checkbox "$achievement_spareVessel" false true>> But I did spare the one with the engraving...</label> * <label><<checkbox "$destroyednothing" false true>> No, that's //all// slander--I didn't destroy ANYTHING!</label> //And how did you end your fit of frustration--if there was one?// ⮞ <<link "Apologized to the flowers. $end_label" "skip chapter 1 other">><<set $apologizeflowers to true>><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>> <<if $i.break.includes('rage')>>⮞ <<link "Kicked the door. $end_label" "skip chapter 1 other">><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('scream')>>⮞ <<link "Screamed at the top of my lungs. $end_label" "skip chapter 1 other">><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('laugh')>>⮞ <<link "Laughed until I screamed. $end_label" "skip chapter 1 other">><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>><<elseif $i.break.includes('cry')>>⮞ <<link "Broke down into desolate sobs. $end_label" "skip chapter 1 other">><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>><<else>>⮞ <<link "I laid on the floor, and dissociated from everything. $end_label" "skip chapter 1 other">><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "Burnt it all down, obviously. $end_label" "skip chapter 1 arson">><<set $ch1.mem.push('arsonTrue')>><<set $arson to true>><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>>

<<if $achievement_spareVessel is true>><<run memorize ('achievement_spareVessel', true)>><</if>>\ <<run memorize ('achievement_lightUp', true)>>\ //Before you did it, you felt...// ⮞ <<link "Sadness" "skip chapter 1 arson 2">><<set $blazeSad to true>><<audio "windchime-6" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Anger." "skip chapter 1 arson 2">><<set $blazeAngry to true>><<audio "windchime-6" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Madness." "skip chapter 1 arson 2">><<set $blazeManic to true>><<audio "windchime-6" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Panic." "skip chapter 1 arson 2">><<set $blazeDesperate to true>><<audio "windchime-6" play>><</link>>

<<audio "door" play>>\ ⮞ <<link "I attacked $U when $heshe came to put out the fire." "smoking">><<set $attackU to true, $dishonourRoll +=2, $ch1.mem.push('arsonAttack')>><<audio "windchime-7" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "No, why would I do that?!" "smoking">><<audio "windchime-7" play>><</link>>

<<if $achievement_spareVessel is true>><<run memorize ('achievement_spareVessel', true)>><</if>>\ <<audio "door" play>>\ //When the servant Aikani came to bring you food, what did you do?// <<link "I stayed in the room." "skip chapter 1 other 2">><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>> <<link "I booked it down the hall." "skip chapter 1 hall">><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>>

//Did you throw the vase at the servant?// ⮞ <<link "Yes. Yes I did." "skip chapter 1 room">><<set $ch1.mem.push('vaseServant')>><<audio "windchime-3" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "No, I have class!" "skip chapter 1 room">><<audio "windchime-3" play>><</link>>

//What about $U? Did you throw the vase at $himher?// <<if $ch1.mem.includes('vaseServant')>><<link "Yes--what was left of it" "smoking">><<set $ch1.mem.push('shardUm')>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>><<else>><<link "Yes--$heshe deserved it." "smoking">><<set $ch1.mem.push('vaseUm')>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>><</if>> <<link "Only because I was terrified!" "smoking">><<set $ch1.mem.push('vaseUmScared')>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>>

//Did you take anything with you when you ran?// <<if $ch1.mem.includes('vaseServant')>><<link "Yes, a shard of pottery from the broken vase--it didn't do me much good, though." "smoking">><<set $ch1.mem.push('shardGuards')>><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>><<else>><<link "Yes, the glass bottle that fell off the platter and broke--it didn't do me much good, though." "smoking">><<set $ch1.mem.push('bottleGuards')>><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>><</if>> <<link "No, I shoved past her empty-handed." "smoking">><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>>

//Did you see $U smoking a pipe?// <<link "Yes, $heshe sat down and started inhaling something herbal almost immediately." "if smoking">><<audio "windchime-6" play>><</link>> <<link "Wait, what...? I never saw that..." "skip chapter 1 k">><<audio "windchime-6" play>><</link>>

When $heshe started smoking, I... ⮞ <<link "Had an instant dislike for it." "skip chapter 1 k">><<audio "windchime-7" play>><<set $i.thinks.push('smokingDislike')>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Asked if I could try some." "skip chapter 1 k">><<set $i.thinks.push('smokingInterest'), $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<audio "windchime-7" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Thought the smell was nice." "skip chapter 1 k">><<set $i.thinks.push('smokingScent')>><<audio "windchime-7" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "It didn't matter to me in the slightest." "skip chapter 1 k">><<audio "windchime-7" play>><</link>>

//Did you give $U a nickname?// ⮞ <<link "I decided to call $U 'my $kingqueen,' as requested." "skip chapter 1 clothing">><<set $Uinformal to false>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I decided we're on a first-name basis--$heshe didn't seem happy about that." "skip chapter 1 clothing">><<set $ch1.mem.push('noTitle')>><<set $Uinformal to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 4, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 4, 0, 19), $dishonourRoll +=1>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I decided on a... //special// name for $U. Clearly, $heshe was overjoyed." "skip chapter 1 optional nickname">><<set $Uannoy to true>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>>

//And what did you call $himher, $Ire?// The only thing I //could// call $himher: <<textbox "$insult" "">> ⮞ <<link "It's just as funny to me now as it was then.">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 9, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 10, 0, 19), $dishonourRoll +=2>><<audio "windchime-3" play>><<if $insult is "">><<replace "#textbox-error">> //If you don't remember, just make something up--as your benevolent narrator, I have that kind of power, you know.//<</replace>> <<else>> <<replace "#textbox-error">><</replace>> <<run Engine.play("skip chapter 1 clothing")>> <</if>><</link>>

//What did you say when $U asked for your thoughts on the clothing?// ⮞ <<link "“Are you asking my opinion?”" "skip chapter 1 choice">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 3, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 3, 0, 19), $ch1.mem.push('askingConfused')>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Yes, very satisfactory. These are well-made.”" "skip chapter 1 choice">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 3, 0, 19), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 3, 0, 19), $ch1.mem.push('satisfiedSurprised')>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Nothing you give me will ever be satisfactory.”" "skip chapter 1 choice">><<set $uFriendship -=4, $uRomance -=4, $ch1.mem.push('nothingRemember')>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“How about you keep these, and give me what //you're// wearing instead.”" "skip chapter 1 choice">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 10, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 12, 0, 19), $dishonourRoll +=2, $ch1.mem.push('giveAngered')>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>> <<if $i.eyeColour.includes('brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light brown') or $i.eyeColour.includes('black')>><<set $fit to "green">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('blue') or $i.eyeColour.includes('light blue')>><<set $fit to "mauve">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('green')>><<set $fit to "teal">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('silver')>><<set $fit to "blue">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('gold')>><<set $fit to "red">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('violet')>><<set $fit to "orange">><<elseif $i.eyeColour.includes('grey')>><<set $fit to "charcoal">><</if>>\

When $U presented the items... <<link "I chose the map." "skip chapter 1 cloth">><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>> <<link "I chose the roll of paper." "skip chapter 1 cloth">><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>> <<link "I chose the potion." "if you chose the potion">><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>>

//Did you vomit?// <<link "Hahahaha... yes." "if you vomited">><<audio "windchime-6" play>><</link>> <<link "No, I didn't try it--what do you take me for, crazy?" "skip chapter 1 cloth">><<audio "windchime-6" play>><</link>> <<link "No, I //sipped// it slowly because I'm not an idiot." "skip chapter 1 cloth">><<audio "windchime-6" play>><</link>>

//Were you scarred by the experience?// ⮞ <<link "I'm //never// tasting a drop of that vileness ever again!" "skip chapter 1 cloth">><<set $potionAverse to true>><<audio "windchime-7" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I definitely want another chance to try it later, the right way." "skip chapter 1 cloth">><<set $qmright to true>><<audio "windchime-7" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "It could have been worse, but I wouldn't say I'm a fan of uncontrollable vomiting." "skip chapter 1 cloth">><<audio "windchime-7" play>><</link>>

//Did you let $U fastidiously wipe your face?// <<link "No." "skip chapter 1 conversation">><<set $ch1.mem.push('noWash')>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>> <<link "HELLS no." "skip chapter 1 conversation">><<set $ch1.mem.push('noWash')>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>> <<link "Yes... <<if $shy gte 1 or $bold gte 1>>um, am I blushing?<</if>>" "skip chapter 1 conversation">><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>>

<<if $ch1.mem.includes('noWash')>>//That was probably wise.// <<else>><<if $shy gte 1 or $bold gte 1>>//Yes.// <</if>><</if>>//What did you say when $U told you about $hisher $brothersister?// ⮞ <<link "“Can't you just talk it out?”" "skip chapter 1 end conversation">><<set $talk5 to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship - 1, 0, 19)>><<audio "windchime-3" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“But don't you love your $brothersister?”" "skip chapter 1 end conversation">><<set $love5 to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance - 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<set $ch1.mem.push('youLove')>><<audio "windchime-3" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“By that same logic, couldn't you kill //yourself// and end it that way?”" "skip chapter 1 end conversation">><<set $logic5 to true, $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<audio "windchime-3" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“Maybe you should let $himher kill you instead.”" "skip chapter 1 end conversation">><<audio "windchime-3" play>><</link>>

//What was the last thing you said to $U before $heshe left your room?// ⮞ <<link "“Please don't leave me... I don't like being alone.”" "skip chapter 1 dream">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 3, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><<set $ch1.mem.push('dontLeave')>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“I don't want to kill anyone!”" "skip chapter 1 dream">><<set $ch1.mem.push('dontKill')>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "“If I go through with this, I get my name--my old life--I get it all back. Do you swear it?”" "skip chapter 1 dream">><<set $uRomance to Math.clamp($uRomance + 1, 0, 10), $uFriendship to Math.clamp($uFriendship + 1, 0, 19)>><<set $ch1.mem.push('oldLife')>><<audio "windchime-4" play>><</link>>

When I dreamt of my mentor, and she spoke of Changeless and his punishment... ⮞ <<link "I felt pity--the kin of the air made a mistake." "skip chapter 1 timed">><<set $pityKin1 to true>><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You were angry--they were supposed to protect your people, and they got what they deserved." "skip chapter 1 timed">><<set $angerKin1 to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You were just seriously annoyed with $U for not mentioning it--or does $heshe even know the truth?" "skip chapter 1 timed">><<set $uncertainKin1 to true>><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Honestly, you didn't know how you feel about any of that..." "skip chapter 1 timed">><<set $uncertainKin1 to true>><<audio "windchime-5" play>><</link>>

//How did you end the dream?// ⮞ <<link "I darted forward and grabbed for the blade." "skip chapter 1 portrait">><<set $ch1.mem.push('dreamBlade')>><<audio "w-reverb" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I turned and ran." "skip chapter 1 portrait">><<set $ch1.mem.push('dreamRun')>><<audio "w-reverb" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I closed my eyes and accepted my fate." "skip chapter 1 portrait">><<set $ch1.mem.push('dreamAccept')>><<audio "w-reverb" play>><</link>>

//If you took the $brothersister's portrait out from under your sleeping mat and looked at it, what did you feel?// ⮞ <<link "I didn't look at the portrait." "skip chapter 1 final">><<audio "windchime-7" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I felt empty--I just want freedom, at any cost." "skip chapter 1 final">><<set $dream3a to true, $antihero +=1>><<audio "windchime-7" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I was overcome with an unknown emotion." "skip chapter 1 final">><<set $dream3b to true>><<audio "windchime-7" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I felt grief, horror, fear, despair, and denial..." "skip chapter 1 final">><<set $dream3c to true>><<audio "windchime-7" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I felt so very sad when I saw $hisher smile." "skip chapter 1 final">><<set $dream3d to true, $weepingIre + 1>><<audio "windchime-7" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I felt angry--I'll do whatever //I// decide is best, not $U." "skip chapter 1 final">><<audio "windchime-7" play>><<set $hero +=1, $dream3e to true>><</link>>

<<if $dishonourRoll gte 4>><<set $ch1.mem.push('dishonourRoll')>><<run memorize ('achievement_dishonourRoll', true)>><<set $achievement_dishonourRoll to true>><</if>>\ //Regardless of your current feelings, do you find $U attractive?// ⮞ <<link "$HeShe is inhuman, unsettling, and off-putting." "final passage">><<set $i.thinks.push('uAttractiveNot')>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "All I'm going to say is that walking behind $himher to the palace gardens provided a not-unpleasant view..." "final passage">><<set $i.thinks.push('uAttractive')>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>> <<if $intentionsTrueLover1 isnot true>>⮞ <<link "I don't find $hisher appearance and athleticism attractive in //that// way, but I do wish you could move like $himher." "final passage">><<set $i.thinks.push('uBrottractive')>><<audio "windchime-2" play>><</link>><</if>>\

<<set $codex to true>>\ <<audio "whispers" fadeout>>\ /*<<audio "wind-ambient" loop volume 0 fadein>>*/ <center>\ <<fadein 2s 1s>>\ //Once again I say, remember: your choices may reach further than you think, for you have more power than you know. Good luck, nameless soul, and may the winds of fortune chase <<link "you." "chapter 2">><<audio "paper-turn-1" play>><<audio "sahara" fadeout>><</link>>// <</fadein>>\ </center>\

<h1 class="liner">Credits</h1> <h2>PLAYTESTERS</h2> ''//Daisy//'' ''//The INTP//'' <h2>SPECIAL FONTS</h2> [[OpenDyslexic Font by Abbie Gonzalez|https://opendyslexic.org]] <h2>MACROS</h2> [[Notify Macro by Chapel|https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2]] [[Live Update Macro by Cycy|https://github.com/cyrusfirheir/cycy-wrote-custom-macros]] [[Timed Progress Bar Macro by Akjosch|https://github.com/Akjosch]] [[Fading Macro Set by Chapel|https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2]] [[Glitch Macro by HiEv|https://hiev-heavy-ind.com/Sample_Code/Sample_Code.html#Main%20Menu]] [[Simple Inventory by Chapel|https://twinelab.net/simple-inventory/#/]] <h2>OTHER RESOURCES</h2> [[Sugarcube 2 Documentation|https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs]] [[Template by a.w. morgan|https://awmorgan.itch.io/]] <<link "Return" $return>><<audio "w-vortex" play>><</link>>

<<audio "whispers" play loop>>\ <<fadein 4s 2s>>\ Greetings! I'm glad you've arrived promptly--and now I can share a story with you! Why are //you// here, and where is 'here'? What a ridiculous question. You are here because this story is your story, of course! And it is you who must discover where you are, and why. But not alone. For there are other players in this game, whose lives are also intertwined with yours; so tightly woven together, in fact, that even I cannot untangle your fates. But yours are the eyes which know moonlight and sunlight. Yours are the hands which hold the dagger. And yours is the heart which understands them. And so you may rest assured that this guileful realm in which you now find yourself stranded, this lonely haunt of crumbling ruins and elfin warlords older than the sands themselves, will be watching your choices closely... As such, you'll need to decide some things about yourself, before you <<link "//continue this journey.//" "personality">><<pickup $effectsInv "file" 1 "soap" 1 "oil" 1 "lufa" 1 "cloth" 1>><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\

First, are you quiet, and would you say that solitude is something you enjoy? ⮞ <<link "Yes, I can be quiet. Solitude doesn't bother me much. Mindless chatter isn't appealing, and I often prefer to watch and listen before I open my mouth." "customization 1">><<set $i.introvert to true>><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "No, I find solitude frustrating: talking to myself can only carry me so far! That doesn't mean my chatter is mindless, but I really love company." "customization 1">><<set $i.extrovert to true>><<randomSound>><</link>>

!THE FACE IN THE MIRROR <<switch visited()>>\ <<case 1>><<case 2>>\ //Right back where we started!// <<case 3>>\ //Let's get it right this time, shall we?// <<case 4>>\ //I'll just leave you to it then...// <<run memorize ('achievement_narratorIre', true)>><<set $achievement_narratorIre to true>><<audio "notif" play>><<notify 7s>>Achievement: infuriate the narrator<</notify>>\ <<default>><</switch>>\ !!COMPLEXION //Which of these best fits your skin tone?// <<radiobutton "$i.skinTone" "fair" checked>>  Frost fair. <<radiobutton "$i.skinTone" "light">>  Quite light. <<radiobutton "$i.skinTone" "warm and ruddy">>  Warm and ruddy. <<radiobutton "$i.skinTone" "olive">>  Olive in hue. <<radiobutton "$i.skinTone" "copper">>  Copper. <<radiobutton "$i.skinTone" "brown">>  Rich brown. <<radiobutton "$i.skinTone" "deep black">>  Deep black. !!SHAPE //The shape of your face is considered by most to be...// <<radiobutton "$i.faceShape" "rugged" checked>>  ...rugged. <<radiobutton "$i.faceShape" "angular">>  ...pointed. <<radiobutton "$i.faceShape" "round">>  ...round. <<radiobutton "$i.faceShape" "squared">>  ...squared. <<radiobutton "$i.faceShape" "delicate">>  ...delicate. !!FEATURES //Your features are...// <<radiobutton "$i.hair.facial" "none" checked>>  ...smooth and soft. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.facial" "shaven">>  ...clean-shaven. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.facial" "stubble">>  ...stubbled with facial hair. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.facial" "beard">>  ...framed by a neatly trimmed beard. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.facial" "long beard">>  ...framed by lengthy beard. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.facial" "chin beard">>  ...framed by a chin beard. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.facial" "moustache">>  ...distinguished by a moustache. !!EYE COLOUR //What kind of eyes stare back at you in the mirror? Are they...// <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "brown" checked>>  ...dark and swirling, like earth after a rain? <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "light brown">>  ...light and speckled, like dust in the sun? <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "black">>  ...nearly black as the night itself? <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "blue">>  ...blue like the ocean depths? <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "light blue">>  ...celestial like a summer sky? <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "green">>  ...perceptively green and verdant? <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "grey">>  ...grey as a swift-moving stormcloud? <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "gold">>  ...gold, like a burning sun? <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "silver">>  ...silver, like a winter's moon? <<radiobutton "$i.eyeColour" "violet">>  ...violet, a soft and royal bloom? //Does anything appear hazy to you? Your vision is preternaturally vivid, for the present, but you might have a sinking suspicion that this clear sight won't last forever...// <<radiobutton "$i.eyesight" "clearsighted" checked>>  No, you are clearsighted, and have always seen everything in crisp detail. <<radiobutton "$i.eyesight" "farsighted">>  You are farsighted, but have some trouble seeing things up close. <<radiobutton "$i.eyesight" "nearsighted">>  You are nearsighted, but have some trouble seeing the horizon. <<radiobutton "$i.eyesight" "blurred">>  You could never see much of //anything// without spectacles, which makes this unaided clarity slightly unsettling... !!HAIR LENGTH //If asked, you might say your hair is...// <<radiobutton "$i.hair.Length" "shorn" checked>>  ...close-cropped. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.Length" "short">>  ...ear-length, sweeping across your forehead. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.Length" "chin-length">>  ...jaw-length, dusting your chin. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.Length" "medium">>  ...medium, hanging about your shoulders. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.Length" "long">>  ...lengthy, to the middle of your back, or longer. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.Length" "none">>  ...none--you have no hair. <<link "Continue" "customization 2">><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤

<<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none') or !$i.hair.facial.includes('none')>>\ !!HAIR COLOUR //Your// <<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none')>><<if $i.hair.Length.includes('medium')>>//medium-length// <<else>>//$i.hair.Length// <</if>>//hair//<</if>><<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none') and !$i.hair.facial.includes('none')>> //and// <</if>><<if $i.hair.facial.includes('shaven')>>//shaved facial hair//<<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('stubble')>>//stubble//<<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('moustache')>>//moustache//<<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('chin beard')>>//chin beard//<<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('beard') or $i.hair.facial.includes('long beard')>>//beard//<</if>> //resembles, or used to resemble...// <<radiobutton "$i.hair.colour" "white" checked>>  ...the colour of a fresh snowfall. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.colour" "light blonde">>  ...the fairest hue with a hint of gold. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.colour" "blonde">>  ...dark honey, streaked with sunlight. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.colour" "auburn">>  ...red clay, like earthen vases. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.colour" "brown">>  ...a branch creaking in the wind, light brown. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.colour" "dark brown">>  ...a rich and steeping herbal tea, dark brown. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.colour" "black">>  ...the storm around you, lustrous black. //Your hair--is it greying?// <<radiobutton "$i.hair.greying" "false" checked>>  No, it is not greying. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.greying" "true">>  Yes, it is greying. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.greying" "grey">>  Actually, my hair is fully grey now.<</if>> <<link "Continue" "customization 2a">><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤

<<if $i.hair.greying.includes('grey')>><<set $i.hair.colourOld to "$i.hair.colour">><<set $i.hair.colour to "grey">><</if>>\ !!HAIR TEXTURE //If you were to run your fingers through your hair, you would notice the...// <<radiobutton "$i.hair.texture" "wavy" checked>>  ...unruly waves. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.texture" "kinky">>  ...kinky texture. <<radiobutton "$i.hair.texture" "curly">>  ...bouncing curls.<<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none') and $i.hair.facial.includes('beard') or $i.hair.facial.includes('long beard')>> <<radiobutton "$i.hair.texture" "locked">>  ...locked hair.<</if>> <<radiobutton "$i.hair.texture" "straight">>  ...straight length of it. !!FIGURE //Your silhouette could be best described as...// <<radiobutton "$i.bodyType" "thin" checked>>  ...thin and willowy. <<radiobutton "$i.bodyType" "toned">>  ...toned and lean. <<radiobutton "$i.bodyType" "robust">>  ...robust and luxuriant. <<radiobutton "$i.bodyType" "muscular">>  ...muscular and sculpted. ➤ <<link "Your body is unaltered by tattoos or piercings." "verification">><<set $i.piercings to "none", $i.tattoo.Location to "none", $i.gauge to "none">><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤ <<link "Your body is adorned by tattoos or piercings." "tattoos">><<randomSound>><</link>>

!!TATTOOS //Do you have any tattoos?// <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "none" checked>>  You have no tattoos. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "arms">>  Your arms are fully clad in tattoos. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "legs">>  Your legs are tattooed. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "neck">>  Your neck is tattooed. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "back">>  There is a tattoo on your back. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "hands">>  There are tattoos on your hands. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "feet">>  There are tattoos on your feet. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "wrist">>  There is a small tattoo on your wrist. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "ankle">>  There is a small tattoo on your ankle. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "ear">>  There is a small tattoo on your ear. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "face">>  Your face is tattooed. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "scalp">>  Your scalp is tattooed. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.Location" "full body">>  Ink covers most of your skin, fading just below your chin. !!PIERCINGS //And what about piercings?// <<radiobutton "$i.piercings" "none" checked>>  You have no piercings. <<radiobutton "$i.piercings" "ears">>  Your ears are visibly pierced, although you can't see any jewelry. <<radiobutton "$i.piercings" "septum">>  You reach up and touch your nose, finding a septum piercing. <<radiobutton "$i.piercings" "nose">>  You reach up and touch your nose, finding a nostril piercing. <<radiobutton "$i.piercings" "lip">>  You run your tongue over a lip piercing. <<radiobutton "$i.piercings" "ears and septum">>  Both your ears and your nose are pierced. <<radiobutton "$i.piercings" "many">>  There are almost too many piercings to count. <<link "Continue" "tattoo style">><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤

!!TATTOO STYLE <<if $i.tattoo.Location.includes('none')>><<else>><<if $i.tattoo.Location.includes('wrist') or $i.tattoo.Location.includes('ankle') or $i.tattoo.Location.includes('ear')>>//It is a single small tattoo on your $i.tattoo.Location, in the shape of...// <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "snake skeleton" checked>>  ...a writhing snake skeleton. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "serpent">>  ...a coiling serpent. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "moth">>  ...a moth. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "butterfly">>  ...a butterfly. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "bird">>  ...a bird in flight. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "sun">>  ...the sun. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "moon">>  ...the moon. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "depiction of waves">>  ...depiction of waves of water. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "sun and moon">>  ...both the sun and the moon. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "knotted pattern">>  ...a pattern of interlocking knots. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "geometric pattern">>  ...a pattern of geometric shapes. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "intricate pattern">>  ...a pattern of intricate designs. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "floral pattern">>  ...flowers. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "flower">>  ...one single bloom. <<elseif $i.tattoo.Location.includes('back')>>//It is a tattoo, in the shape of...// <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "snake skeleton" checked>>  ...a writhing snake skeleton. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "serpent">>  ...a coiling serpent. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "moth">>  ...a moth. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "butterfly">>  ...a butterfly. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "bird">>  ...a bird in flight. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "sun">>  ...the sun. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "moon">>  ...the moon. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "depiction of waves">>  ...waves of water. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "sun and moon">>  ...both the sun and the moon. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "knotted pattern">>  ...a pattern of interlocking knots. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "geometric pattern">>  ...a pattern of geometric shapes. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "intricate pattern">>  ...a pattern of intricate designs. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "floral pattern">>  ...flowers. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "flower">>  ...one single bloom. <<elseif $i.tattoo.Location.includes('full body')>>//Your entire body is dark with ink, but the overwhelming pattern seems to evoke...// <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "snake skeleton" checked>>  ...a writhing snake skeleton. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "serpent">>  ...a coiling serpent. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "moth">>  ...a moth. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "butterfly">>  ...a butterfly. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "bird">>  ...a bird in flight. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "sun">>  ...the sun. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "moon">>  ...the moon. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "depiction of waves">>  ...waves of water. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "sun and moon">>  ...both the sun and the moon. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "knotted pattern">>  ...a pattern of interlocking knots. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "geometric pattern">>  ...a pattern of geometric shapes. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "intricate pattern">>  ...a pattern of intricate designs. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "floral pattern">>  ...flowers. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "flower">>  ...one single bloom. <<else>><<if $i.tattoo.Location.includes('feet') or $i.tattoo.Location.includes('hands') or $i.tattoo.Location.includes('legs') or $i.tattoo.Location.includes('arms')>>//There are matching tattoos on your $i.tattoo.Location.//<<else>>//It is a tattoo on your $i.tattoo.Location.//<</if>> //The pattern seems to evoke...// <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "snake skeleton" checked>>  ...a writhing snake skeleton. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "serpent">>  ...a coiling serpent. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "moth">>  ...a moth. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "butterfly">>  ...a butterfly. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "bird">>  ...a bird in flight. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "sun">>  ...the sun. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "moon">>  ...the moon. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "depiction of waves">>  ...waves of water. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "sun and moon">>  ...both the sun and the moon. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "knotted pattern">>  ...a pattern of interlocking knots. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "geometric pattern">>  ...a pattern of geometric shapes. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "intricate pattern">>  ...a pattern of intricate designs. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "floral pattern">>  ...flowers. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.motif" "flower">>  ...one single bloom. //Do you have any other tattoos?// <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.extra" "true" checked>>  Yes, but that is the most noticeable tattoo. <<radiobutton "$i.tattoo.extra" "false">>  No, I don't have any other tattoos. <</if>><</if>> ⮞ <<link "That is all." "verification">><<set $i.gauge to "none">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Your earlobes are slightly stretched, almost enough for you to put your smallest finger through..." "verification">><<set $i.gauge to "small">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Your earlobes are stretched wide, and you hook your finger through one of the empty loops, momentarily fascinated." "verification">><<set $i.gauge to "large">><<randomSound>><</link>>

<<switch visited()>>\ <<case 1>>//Interesting...// //With your intelligent ''$i.eyeColour eyes'' and //<<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none')>>//a ''bared scalp''//<<else>>//''$i.hair.texture <<if $i.hair.greying is true>>greying <</if>>$i.hair.colour hair''//<</if>>//, ''$i.skinTone complexion'', <<if $i.hair.facial.includes('shaven')>>a shaved face, <<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('stubble')>>a stubbled face, <<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('beard') or $i.hair.facial.includes('long beard')>>a bearded face, <<else>><</if>>round ''human ears'', a figure generally considered to be ''$i.bodyType'', and that ''$i.faceShape countenance'', your aspect will be both unfamiliar and unforgettable in the arid lands which await you.// <<if visited('tattoos')>><<if $i.tattoo.Location.includes('none') and $i.piercings.includes('none')>><<elseif !$i.piercings.includes('none') and $i.tattoo.Location.includes('none')>> //Oh! And //<<else>> //Oh! I should mention the $i.tattoo.motif tattooed on your $i.tattoo.Location//<</if>><<if $i.piercings.includes('none')>>.<<else>>// and //<<if $i.piercings.includes('ears')>>//you have pierced ears.//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('septum')>>//you have a septum piercing.//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('nose')>>//you have a nostril piercing.//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('lip')>>//you have a lip piercing.//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('ears and septum')>>//your ears and your septum are pierced.//<<else>>//you have many piercings.//<</if>><</if>><</if>> <<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>//Your earlobes are <<if !$i.tattoo.Location.includes('none') or !$i.piercings.includes('none')>>also <</if>>stretched.//<</if>> //Does this sound like you, friend?// ⮞ <<link "Yes--we can begin the tale now." "narrator final">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "You must have misheard--let me correct a few things." "customization 1">><<unset $i.eyesight, $i.eyeColour, $i.hair.Length, $i.hair.texture, $i.hair.colour, $i.skinTone, $i.tattoo.Location, $i.faceShape, $i.tattoo.motif, $i.piercings, $i.gauge, $i.bodyType>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<case 2>>\ //Alright, then...// //You have intelligent ''$i.eyeColour eyes'' and <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none')>>a ''bared scalp''<<else>>''$i.hair.texture <<if $i.hair.greying is true>>greying <</if>>$i.hair.colour hair''<</if>>, ''$i.skinTone complexion'', <<if $i.hair.facial.includes('shaven')>>a ''shaved face'', <<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('stubble')>>a ''stubbled face'', <<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('beard') or $i.hair.facial.includes('long beard')>>a ''bearded face'', <<else>><</if>>round ''human ears'', a figure generally considered to be ''$i.bodyType'', and, of course, your ''$i.faceShape countenance''.// <<if visited('tattoos')>><<if $i.tattoo.Location.includes('none')>> //Also, //<<else>> //There is also the $i.tattoo.motif tattooed on your $i.tattoo.Location//<</if>><<if $i.piercings.includes('none')>>.<<else>>// and //<<if $i.piercings.includes('ears')>>//you have pierced ears//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('septum')>>//you have a septum piercing//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('nose')>>//you have a nostril piercing//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('lip')>>//you have a lip piercing//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('ears and septum')>>//your ears and your septum are pierced//<<else>>//you have many piercings//<</if>>.<</if>><</if>> <<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>//Your earlobes are stretched.//<</if>> //Does this sound like you, stranger who cannot make up their mind?// ⮞ <<link "Yes--I'm finally satisfied!" "narrator final">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "Still not right--let's try it again." "customization 1">><<unset $i.eyesight, $i.eyeColour, $i.hair.Length, $i.hair.texture, $i.hair.colour, $i.skinTone, $i.tattoo.Location, $i.faceShape, $i.tattoo.motif, $i.piercings, $i.gauge, $i.bodyType>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<case 3>>\ //Right. So you have ''$i.eyeColour eyes'' and <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none')>>a ''bared scalp''<<else>>''$i.hair.texture <<if $i.hair.greying is true>>greying <</if>>$i.hair.colour hair''<</if>>, ''$i.skinTone complexion'', <<if $i.hair.facial.includes('shaven')>>a ''shaved face'', <<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('stubble')>>a ''stubbled face'', <<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('beard') or $i.hair.facial.includes('long beard') or $i.hair.facial.includes('chin beard')>>a ''bearded face'', <<else>><</if>>round ''human ears'', a ''$i.bodyType'' figure, and a ''$i.faceShape countenance''.// <<if visited('tattoos')>> //Your figure is ''$i.bodyType''.//<<if $i.tattoo.Location is "none">> //Also, //<<else>> //There is also the ''$i.tattoo.motif'' tattooed on your $i.tattoo.Location//<</if>><<if $i.piercings is "none">>.<<else>>// and //<<if $i.piercings.includes('ears')>>//you have pierced ears//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('septum')>>//you have a septum piercing//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('nose')>>//you have a nostril piercing//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('lip')>>//you have a lip piercing//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('ears and septum')>>//your ears and your septum are pierced//<<else>>//you have many piercings//<</if>>.<</if>><</if>> <<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>//Your earlobes are stretched.//<</if>> //Does this sound like you, idiot?// ⮞ <<link "BEGIN TALE NOW." "narrator final 1">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I am a frustratingly indecisive person." "customization 1">><<unset $i.eyesight, $i.eyeColour, $i.hair.Length, $i.hair.texture, $i.hair.colour, $i.skinTone, $i.tattoo.Location, $i.faceShape, $i.tattoo.motif, $i.piercings, $i.gauge, $i.bodyType>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<case 4>>\ //You have ''$i.eyeColour eyes'' and <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none')>>''no hair''<<else>>''$i.hair.texture <<if $i.hair.greying is true>>greying <</if>>$i.hair.colour hair''<</if>>. A ''$i.skinTone complexion''. Round ''human ears''. A ''$i.bodyType'' figure. And that ''$i.faceShape<<if $i.hair.facial.includes('shaven')>>, shaved<<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('stubble')>>, stubbled<<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('beard') or $i.hair.facial.includes('long beard') or $i.hair.facial.includes('chin beard')>>, bearded<<else>><</if>> countenance''.// <<if visited('tattoos')>><<if $i.tattoo.Location is "none">> //Also //<<else>> //Also the $i.tattoo.motif tattooed on your $i.tattoo.Location//<</if>><</if>><<if $i.piercings is "none">><<else>>// and //<<if $i.piercings.includes('ears')>>//pierced ears//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('septum')>>//a septum piercing//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('nose')>>//a nostril piercing//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('lip')>>//a lip piercing//<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('ears and septum')>>//your ears and your septum are pierced//<<else>>//many piercings//<</if>>.<</if>><<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>//Your earlobes are stretched.//<</if>> //Please tell me this sounds like you.// ⮞ <<link "“It sounds like me.”" "narrator final 1">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "//There is a longsuffering sigh from across a distant void...//" "customization 1">><<unset $i.eyesight, $i.eyeColour, $i.hair.Length, $i.hair.texture, $i.hair.colour, $i.skinTone, $i.tattoo.Location, $i.faceShape, $tattooColour, $i.tattoo.motif, $i.piercings, $i.gauge, $i.bodyType>><<randomSound>><</link>> <<default>>\ //Eyes: ''$i.eyeColour''.// <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none')>>//Hair: ''none''//<<else>>//Hair texture: ''$i.hair.texture''. Hair colour: <<if $i.hair.greying is true>>greying <</if>>$i.hair.colour''//<</if>>. //Complexion: ''$i.skinTone''. Ears: ''round''. Face shape: ''$i.faceShape''<<if $i.hair.facial.includes('shaven')>> and ''shaved'', <<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('stubble')>>and ''stubbled''<<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('beard') or $i.hair.facial.includes('long beard') or $i.hair.facial.includes('chin beard')>>and ''bearded''<<else>><</if>>. Figure: ''$i.bodyType''.// <<if visited('tattoos')>><<if $i.tattoo.Location is "none">><<else>>//Tattoos: ''$i.tattoo.motif'' on your $i.tattoo.Location.//<<if $i.piercings is "none">><<else>> //Piercings: //<<if $i.piercings.includes('ears')>>//''ears''//.<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('septum')>>//''septum''//.<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('nose')>>//''nostril''//.<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('lip')>>lip<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('ears and septum')>>//''ears and septum''//.<<else>>//''many''//.<</if>><</if>><</if>><</if>> <<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>//Earlobes: ''stretched''//.<</if>> ⮞ <<link "I know who I am now." "narrator final 1">><<randomSound>><</link>> ⮞ <<link "I may never know." "customization 1">><<unset $i.eyesight, $i.eyeColour, $i.hair.Length, $i.hair.texture, $i.hair.colour, $i.hair.greying, $i.skinTone, $i.tattoo.Location, $i.faceShape, $i.tattoo.motif, $i.piercings, $i.gauge, $i.bodyType>><<randomSound>><</link>> <</switch>>

<center>\ <<fadein 2s 1s>>\ <<fadeout 2s 5s>>\ //Thank you. And now, with that settled...// <</fadeout>>\ <</fadein>>\ </center>\ <<timed 7s>>\ <<goto "narrator final">>\ <</timed>>\

<<audio "whispers" fadeout>>\ <<audio "desert-no-wind" play loop>>\ <center>\ <<fadein 2s 1s>>\ //Remember: your choices may reach further than you think, for you have more power than you know. Good luck, nameless soul, and may the winds of fortune chase <<link "you." "continue">><<randomSound>><</link>>// <</fadein>>\ </center>\ <<if !$i.hair.Length.includes('none')>><<if $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>> <<pickup $effectsInv "beads" 1>> <<else>><<pickup $effectsInv "comb" 1>><</if>> <</if>>\ <<if !$i.piercings.includes('none')>>\ <<pickup $effectsInv "pieces" 1>> <</if>>\ <<if !$i.gauge.includes('none')>>\ <<pickup $effectsInv "earspools" 1>> <</if>>\ <<if !$i.hair.facial.includes('none')>>\ <<pickup $effectsInv "razor" 1>> <<if !$i.hair.facial.includes('shaved') and !$i.hair.facial.includes('stubble')>> <<pickup $effectsInv "balm" 1>><</if>> <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none') or $i.hair.texture.includes('locked')>> <<pickup $effectsInv "comb" 1>><</if>> <</if>>\

<<audio "emotional-drama" fadeout>>\ <<audio "credits" play>> <<timed 4s>> <<goto "thank you note">> <</timed>>

<<audio "notif" play>><<set $codex to true>><<set $chapter to "chapter one">><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 5s>>Codex unlocked!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ <<fadein 4s 2s>>\ Hello! Effie here! Thank you for playing my Garden of Bones demo! ♡ I'm so glad you liked the premise enough to check out this game. There is a lot of work still to be done and I am sure the prose will be refined over time, but hopefully you enjoyed this first iteration. And don't let the fact that you can't play past this point stop you from checking out the unlocked <<link "CODEX" "codex">><</link>>! Engaging with the menu pages is entirely optional, but your codex is ever-changing and will be updated frequently so check back as often as you like, especially if you find it adds to your immersion. Who knows, you might glimpse something interesting... I am a one-person team (with a few generous playtesters!) so if something doesn't sound quite right, you ran into any errors, or you'd simply like to leave me feedback, it would be incredibly helpful if you messaged me on my <a href="https://gardenofbones-if.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">tumblr</a> to let me know! Chapter 2 is in progress. Maybe I'll see you then! ~ Efflorescence <</fadein>>\

<center>\ <<fadein 3s 9s>>\ ''UPDATE: VERSION 0.1.3'' //This most recent update is SOLELY for improving the load time, but you might notice slight changes to the UI! That was supposed to be a surprise for Chapter 2, but changing it back just to update an older version doesn't make sense. There might be several more 0.1 versions after this as I continue to make the loading times better. Thanks for your understanding and patience, and I hope you enjoy the game.// <<link "//CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE//" "menu">><<randomSound>><</link>> <</fadein>>\ </center>\

<<audio "sahara" play loop>>\ <center> //Only a mortal can destroy an immortal... ...will you?// <<link 'NEW GARDEN' 'tutorial'>><<randomSound>><<audio "sahara" fadeout>><</link>> <<link 'RETURN TO GARDEN'>><<randomSound>><<run Save.autosave.load()>><<audio "sahara" fadeout>><</link>> <<link 'VIEW ALL GARDENS'>><<randomSound>><<run UI.saves();>><<audio "sahara" fadeout>><</link>> <<link 'ACHIEVEMENTS' "achievements">><<randomSound>><<audio "sahara" fadeout>><</link>> <<link 'OPTIONS'>><<run UI.settings();>><<randomSound>><<audio "sahara" fadeout>><</link>> <<link 'CREDITS' "credits">><<randomSound>><<audio "sahara" fadeout>><</link>> </center>

<<audio "echo-flute" play>>\ <center>\ Enable your 🎜 for a more immersive experience. TUTORIAL You can adjust the screen to light mode by hovering over the ☰ menu icon on the title bar and clicking on the icon. You can also change the font there to OpenDyslexic for easier readability if desired. Hovering over the arrow at the bottom of your screen will reveal your achievements, and future options such as your journal pages will be accessible there as they are unlocked. The ♦ symbol indicates a choice that may have significant impact on your journey. Not all important choices will be marked with this symbol. Press //<<link "Continue">><</link>>// ➤ at any time to continue your interaction if no dialogue choice is available. Highlighted words like <<link "this">><</link>> at the end of passages may indicate the same. An ✘ indicates that this choice will end a conversation. Flirtatious or otherwise romantic responses will be marked as ♥. Choices labelled as romantic might be directly perceived as such by the other characters, but can also indicate personal feelings known only to you. Note that some dialogue and actions //not// marked with a heart can still earn you favour or trust, and an action labelled with a heart might //lose// you trust and favour. You can turn all of these choice labels and warnings off in the settings at your discretion. Consider each action carefully. Click <<link "here" "content">><<randomSound>><</link>> for a list of content warnings. Click the arrow to proceed without spoilers. <<link "➤" "warning">><<randomSound>><</link>> </center>

CONTENT • WARNINGS Depending on your choices throughout our narrative, you may encounter... • brainwashing and attempted manipulation • psychological and physical abuse • suicidal ideations and actions • discrimination and prejudice • implied drugging • illness • memory loss • temporary vision loss • vomiting • nonconsensual touching and kissing • intoxication • strong language • dead bodies • blood and injuries • death of the protagonist • thematically heavy content ...and emotional damage. ''Narrator's Note:'' this list might sound dramatic or alarming, but since //''Garden of Bones''// is a work in progress, it remains to be seen how much of this will impact the gameplay and you can expect the list to change throughout development - this is provided so that you, the player, can be aware of any conflicts of interest to your enjoyment of the game as early as possible and make an informed decision. <<link "I understand; let us continue!" "warning">><<randomSound>><</link>> <<link "This is not the game for me." "farewell">><<randomSound>><</link>> ----

<<audio "notif" play>><<notify 5s>>achievement: wise decisions an act of self-love<</notify>>\ Looking after your mental health is the most important thing! ♡ I'm so glad you were interested in playing ''Garden of Bones'', and wish you the best of luck finding another intriguing interactive experience that better fits your current needs. Sincerely, Efflorescence

<center>\ If you are playing this game anywhere other than the original <a href="https://crown-of-efflorescence.itch.io/garden-of-bones" target="_blank">itch.io</a> page, it is a stolen copy, and you are not playing the most recently updated version. This game is also a WIP, so //''everything is subject to change''// based on player feedback and my own judgment. Thank you for reading this note, and enjoy the game! <<link "Continue" "chapter selection">><<randomSound>><</link>> ➤ </center>

<<timed 4s>> <<goto "customization">> <</timed>>

<h1 class="liner">YOU ARE THE $KINGQUEEN'S $IRE</h1> Time passes in an endless drift, slipping through your fingers like the hot winds of the desert... <<if $ch1.mem.includes('dreamRage')>> You fight against the futility, grasping at nothing. There is sand in your teeth.<<elseif $ch1.mem.includes('dreamForsaken')>>The tears on your face are stolen by those hot, uncaring winds. Despair crashes over you. There is salt on your skin.<<else>>You lie motionless in the midst of it, sand sweeping across you until you are one with the dunes. The sun burns your eyes.<</if>> $Ire is the only name you have. <h2>YOUR APPEARANCE</h2> With your intelligent ''$i.eyeColour eyes'' and <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none')>>''bared scalp''<<else>>''$i.hair.texture $i.hair.colour hair''<<if $i.hair.greying is true>> that is greying<</if>><</if>>, round ''human ears'', ''$i.skinTone complexion'', and a ''$i.faceShape countenance'', $U's $Ire is a rare sight in the arid plains of the deathless. <<if visited('tattoos')>><<if $i.tattoo.Location.includes('none')>><<else>> There is a $i.tattoo.colour $i.tattoo.motif tattoo on your $i.tattoo.Location<<if $i.piercings.includes('none')>><<else>> and <<if $i.piercings.includes('ears')>>you have pierced ears<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('septum')>>you have a septum piercing<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('nose')>>you have a nostril piercing<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('lip')>>you have a lip piercing<<elseif $i.piercings.includes('ears and septum')>>your ears and your septum are pierced<<else>>you have many piercings<</if>><</if>><</if>><</if>>. <<if $i.gauge is "small" or $i.gauge is "large">>Your earlobes are stretched.<</if>> ''EYES:'' //$i.eyeColour eyes, $i.eyesight// <<if $i.hair.Length.includes('none')>>''HAIR:'' //bald//<<else>>''HAIR:'' //$i.hair.Length, $i.hair.texture, $i.hair.colour hair//<</if>> ''FACE SHAPE:'' //$i.faceShape features<<if !$i.hair.facial.includes('none')>><<if $i.hair.facial.includes('stubble')>> with stubble<<elseif $i.hair.facial.includes('shaven')>>, shaven<<else>> framed by a $i.hair.facial<</if>><</if>>// ''COMPLEXION:'' //$i.skinTone skin tone <<if $i.skinExtras.includes('none')>><<else>>with $i.skinExtras<</if>>// ''BODY TYPE:'' //$i.bodyType proportions//<<if visited('tattoos')>><<if $i.tattoo.Location.includes('none')>><<else>> ''TATTOOS:'' //$i.tattoo.colour $i.tattoo.motif<<if $i.tattooExtra is true>>, among others<</if>>//<<if $i.piercings.includes('none')>><<else>> ''PIERCINGS:'' <<if $i.piercings.includes('many')>>//many//<<else>>//your $i.piercings//<</if>><<if $i.gauge is "small" or $i.gauge is "large">>//, stretched earlobes//<</if>><</if>><</if>><</if>> ''SCARS:'' //$i.scars// <h2>PERSONALITY</h2> <<if $soft gte 6 and $acerbic gte 6>>You have a ''soft heart'', and are as aware of those around you as you are ''reliant'' upon them, but beneath this gentleness there lies a ''sharp tongue'' and a ''quick wit''.<<elseif $soft gte 6 and $acerbic lte 4>>You are a ''whimsical soul'', as mindful of those around you as you are ''reliant'' upon them, and you use your ''charming and agreeable'' nature to get what you need; you are polite about it. <<elseif $soft lte 4 and $acerbic gte 6>>You are ''practical'', ''reliable'', ''and straightforward'', with a quick wit that bites and a ''dry sense of humor''. You are sometimes unintentionally ''charismatic''.<<elseif $soft lte 4 and $acerbic lte 4>>You are ''blunt and honest'', but there is an ''optimism'' beneath the honesty, a weapon in disguise.<<else>>Who are you, really...?<</if>> <<if $heroic gte 6>>Your impulses are in the direction of ''kindness'', and it's difficult for you to turn away from a problem.<<elseif $heroic lte 4>>You are ''self-focused'' and ''practical''--perhaps a bit too practical; if it's of no benefit to you, then why do you care?<<else>>You take each situation as it arises, acting on the ''impulse'' of the moment.<</if>> <<if $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>Even so, you ''doubt'' your own strength and capabilities when faced with adversity, a weakness which has the capacity to bring you to your knees in moments of great peril.<<elseif $i.issues.includes('abandonment')>>Even so, you cling to things you shouldn't, wary of ''abandonment'', a weakness which has the capacity to bring you to your knees at the terror of being alone.<<elseif $i.issues.includes('indecisive')>>Even so, you are ''indecisive'', always weighing the odds and yet reaching no conclusions, a weakness which has the capacity to bring you to your knees in moments of great uncertainty.<<else>>Even so, you are most often ''self-assured'', and confident in yourself and whatever judgments you may make in moments of great peril.<</if>> Not much lingers from your past, but <<if $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>it would be disingenuous to deny that you are a little vain, and take some pleasure in maintaining a good appearance.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('unkempt')>>not caring overmuch for appearances nor terribly fussed with keeping tidy, you prefer to go barefoot when possible.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('foodie')>>you have many opinions on the taste of food and drink, and might even enjoy cooking--if it wasn't strictly forbidden.<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('skeptic')>>you are a natural skeptic, disinclined to take someone's word at its value and reluctant to believe in anything which cannot be seen or proven true.<<else>>some might argue that your sense of whimsy clouds your judgment, though this distractible tendency to float along with your head in the clouds is simply how you appreciate the poetry in life.<</if>> <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>You wear your emotions openly--even strangers may know your innermost feelings, if they only take the trouble to glance at your face and bearing.<<else>>You keep your emotions close to your chest--even someone well-acquainted with you may struggle to understand your innermost feelings.<</if>> <<if $firstFear is true>>You are bound to serve $U--for now--but this does not mean you trust $himher; your first instinct was to fear $himher. <<if $i.thinks.includes('uAttractive')>> The sense of intrigue you feel makes you almost wish it was not so...<</if>><<elseif $firstAnger is true>>You are bound to serve $U, but this does not mean you trust $himher; your first impression was one of anger and resentment.<<if $i.thinks.includes('uAttractive')>> The sense of intrigue you feel makes you almost wish it was not so...<</if>><<else>>You are bound to serve $U, and your first impression was one of an uncanny comfort in $hisher presence; it is difficult to think when $heshe is near. <<if $i.thinks.includes('uAttractive')>>The sense of intrigue you feel makes it even more distracting...<</if>><</if>> <<if $intentionsFalseFriend1 is true or $intentionsFalseLover1 is true>>You are not opposed to manipulating others for your own gain--or safety.<<elseif $intentionsFalseFriend1 is false and $intentionsFalseLover1 is false>>Whatever your feelings may be, they are, at the very least, honest.<<else>><</if>> ''ARCHETYPE:'' <<if $blunt > $soft and $acerbic > $agreeable>>//the Cold Logician//<<elseif $soft > $blunt and $agreeable > $acerbic>>//the Delicate Flower//<<elseif $blunt > $soft and $agreeable > $acerbic>>//the Secret Idealist//<<elseif $soft > $blunt and $agreeable > $acerbic>>//the Eternal Optimist//<<else>>//currently undecided//<</if>> ''WEAKNESS:'' <<if $i.issues.includes('indecisive')>>//you are indecisive//<<elseif $i.issues.includes('abandonment')>>//you fear abandonment//<<elseif $i.issues.includes('self-doubt')>>//you doubt yourself//<<else>>//none; you are very self-assured//<</if>> ''EMOTIONS:'' <<if $i.heartSleeve is true>>//open and honest//<<else>>//closely guarded//<</if>> ''NOTABLE TRAIT:'' <<if $i.quirk.includes('vain')>>//vanity//<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('unkempt')>>//wild and unkempt//<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('foodie')>>//interest in cookery//<<elseif $i.quirk.includes('airhead')>>//head in the clouds//<<else>>//unrepentant skeptic//<</if>> ''IMPULSES:'' <<if $heroic gte 6>>//selfless//<<elseif $heroic lte 4>>//selfish//<<else>>//opportunistic//<</if>> <h2>DECISION MAKING PREFERENCE</h2> <<if $i.intuitive is true>>You act on impulse, preferring to intuit your surroundings rather than sense them; detecting patterns and living in your head has its advantages, but your approach to life is neither elegant nor precise, and you are no stranger to mysterious bruises and unintentional tumbles./*(if $balanced is true: You lean neither on intuition nor the sensory realm, choosing to keep one foot in both worlds; this has proved to be an advantage more than once, and you are both coordinated and quick-witted, but sometimes it keeps you from seeing clearly.)*/<<elseif $i.sensing is true>>You act on sensory input, preferring to sense your surroundings rather than intuit them; your approach to life is tactile and decisive, but this does have limitations, and the esoteric or abstract may drift past unnoticed while you are living in the moment.<<else>>You haven't decided yet...<</if>> <h2>FRIENDSHIP PREFERENCES</h2> <<if $outgoing > $reclusive>>You don't have much trouble ''reaching out your hand'' to pull others closer, and make little secret of those who intrigue you.<<elseif $outgoing < $reclusive>>You prefer to ''let others offer their hand'' in friendship, and those who wish to know you must pay attention to that which is said without words.<<else>>You have yet to find out...<</if>> <h2>ROMANTIC INCLINATIONS</h2> <<if $bold > $shy>>You prefer to be ''bold'', and make no secret of your affections.<<elseif $bold < $shy>>You are ''shy and reserved'', and struggle to express your affections.<<else>>Rather mysterious, at the moment...<</if>> <<link "Back" "codex">><<audio "w-vortex" play>><</link>>

<h1 class="liner">$U the Younger</h1> The $kingqueen of the arid plains is observing you closely. <<if $uFriendship gte 0 and $uFriendship lte 19>>$HeShe despises you for reasons of $hisher own, and<<elseif $uFriendship gte 20 and $uFriendship lte 39>>$HeShe doesn't trust you, and<<elseif $uFriendship gte 40 and $uFriendship lte 59>>$HeShe has no particular dislike of you, but<<elseif $uFriendship gte 60 and $uFriendship lte 79>>$HeShe values your presence and opinions, but<<else>>$HeShe is sworn to you by blood, and<</if>> <<if $uRomance gte 0 and $uRomance lte 19>>has no particular regard for your well-being.<<elseif $uRomance gte 20 and $uRomance lte 39>>$finds your <<if $i.break.includes('rage') or $i.break.includes('scream')>>outbursts of unpredictability bothersome<<elseif $i.break.includes('cry') or $i.break.includes('laugh')>>lack of control over your own emotions fascinating<<else>>lethargic state of apathy strangely intriguing<</if>><<elseif $uRomance gte 40 and lte 59>>has more of an interest in you than $heshe would ever admit.<<elseif $uRomance gte 60 and $uRomance lte 79>>believes $heshe can be open and unguarded in your presence.<<else>>is bent on keeping you close... by any means necessary.<</if>> ''TRUST'' <div class="relationship"><progress @value="$uFriendship" max="100"></progress></div> //<<if $uFriendship lte 19>>$HeShe openly scorns you and your mortal opinions.<<elseif $uFriendship gte 20 and $uFriendship lte 39>>$HeShe doesn't trust your judgment... much.<<elseif $uFriendship gte 40 and $uFriendship lte 59>>$HeShe has no strong feelings about you, but is willing to entertain your thoughts now and then.<<elseif $uFriendship gte 60 and $uFriendship lte 79>>$HeShe would never admit to considering you a friend... but $heshe is starting to trust you.<<elseif $uFriendship gte 80 and $uFriendship lte 100>>$HeShe considers $himself to be your blood $brothersister, and trusts you implicitly.<</if>>// ''AFFECTION'' <div class="relationship"><progress @value="$uRomance" max="100"></progress></div> //<<if $uRomance lte 19>>$HeShe has no interest in you, beyond your passing usefulness.<<elseif $uRomance gte 20 and $uRomance lte 39>>$HeShe finds $himself thinking about how to lift your spirits, occasionally--a happy retainer is a loyal one.<<elseif $uRomance gte 40 and $uRomance lte 59>>$HisHer mocking flirtations have become more sincere lately--<<if $shy > $bold>>your blushing responses are so very amusing, after all.<<else>>your bold remarks and gleaming eyes are so very amusing, after all.<</if>><<elseif $uRomance gte 60 and $uRomance lte 79>>$HeShe knows, if you asked $himher something uncomfortable, $heshe might tell you the truth... and that terrifies $himher.<<elseif $uRomance gte 80 and $uRomance lte 100>>$HeShe is determined to keep you by $hisher side, forever--whatever the cost.<</if>>// $U's first impression of you--the first time $heshe //noticed// you--will always be a dim reflection in a darkened mirror, and the way <<if $firstComfort is true>>your $i.eyeColour eyes found $hishers when $heshe placed $hisher hand upon your head: soft and somehow grateful. It was almost enough to make $himher hate you more.<<elseif $firstFear is true>>your $i.eyeColour eyes found $hishers when $heshe placed $hisher hand upon your head: cold and full of fear. It was almost enough to make $hisher smile genuine.<<else>>your $i.eyeColour eyes found $hishers when $heshe placed $hisher hand upon your head: bright with a silent rage. It was almost enough to make $himher doubt $hisher wisdom.<</if>> <h1 class="liner">? ? ?</h1> The vestige suffers a stranger melancholy, as if it has left something behind, or forgotten something important... but those are old impressions. This fleeting wisp of sentiment is new. It no longer understands waiting--time is meaningless. Yet it is still, in this eternal moment, aware. <<link "Back" "codex">><<audio "w-vortex" play>><</link>>

<h1 class="liner">The Arid Plains</h1> All you have tasted of the Arid Plains is enchanted wine and misery. <h2>Zengh Palace</h2> A desert fortress built around the Running Water, and $U's current residence. It feels ancient, sand-weathered and cracked in places, but somehow sturdier for it. There are unsettling carvings of death and destruction on the walls of your tower. <<if visited(passage)>>An old bloodstain hints that the outpost might have witnessed such a tragedy, long ago.<</if>> <h2>The Running Water</h2> A wide and lazy river which snakes through the dunes, sustaining life in the deeper desert, near a landmark unknown to you which is called the Broken Veil. <h2>The Maw</h2> The last garden in a desert wasteland--and the resting place of the late $kingqueen, who is dead yet lives. <h1 class="liner">Your Footprint in This Realm</h1> You are a stranger in a strange land. <h1 class="liner">A History You Keep</h1> Long ago, Changeless--who has always been and will always be--fashioned the two races. The kin of the air are made from his breath, beings of moonlight and irridescence, and your folk of the earth were shaped with his hands from grass and clay. But the kin of the air resented the mortals, even with their short lives, and turned their back on the veil between realms, wreaking havoc on both the mortal and immortal planes of existence. Changeless declared he would take away their immortality as a punishment, but their cries softened his heart. However, he did give them a weakness as recompense: since their actions brought the threat of illness and insanity to the mortal realm, mortals could now take their lives as recompense. $U very conveniently did not confess any of this. In $hisher words, an alliance between mortals and immortals was proposed against the wishes of the Wellspring, the one you call Changeless, who retaliated by destroying $hisher home plane. $HeShe also believes $hisher kind are able to lose their reflections or 'spirits,' and only a mortal can reclaim and restore those reflections to the kin of the air that lose them--you're not yet sure how all of this is connected. The current ruler of the air is $KingQueen $U, who has brought you here to kill $hisher elder sibling for reasons $heshe refuses to fully disclose. Bound by magic, you have lost all your memories--apparently, you agreed to this. You would like to know why, but it seems the truth may be forever out of reach. For now, you have only the cunning tales of a $kingqueen who lies without words, and one last remaining shard of a shattered dream... <<link "Back" "codex">><<audio "w-vortex" play>><</link>>

/*Garden of Bones*/ /*by <a href="https://crownofefflorescence.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">crown of efflorescence</a>*/

<> <<if $codex is true>><li><<link " CODEX" "codex">><<audio "w-vortex" play>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $notebook is true>><li><<link " NOTEBOOK" "notebook">><<audio "paper-1">><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $backpack is true>><li><<link " BACKPACK" "backpack">><<audio "backpack-1" play>><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<link " ACHIEVEMENTS" "achievements">><<audio "w-achievements" play>><</link>></li> <li><<link " CREDITS" "credits">><<audio "w-vortex" play>><</link>></li> <>