<div class="passage">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: gold;">
<span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><span style="font-size: 1.5em;"><i>Chapter One
Into The Throes of Fate </i></span></span> </span>
</div>
"They're coming for you. We must hurry."
Your eyes skid from the rounded oak table to the glass orb at its center. Then finally to the old man sitting across from you. Wrinkles etched in time crease nearly every inch of visible skin. His scraggly grey beard shifts as he frowns at you, pushing himself to his feet.
"Did you hear me, <<print $playerName>>?"
You nod slowly, fingers shifting against striated wood. You knew it would happen eventually. That it would only be a matter of time. Even so, now that it’s finally here, you find yourself at a loss.
“Yes, Galen.” You try to sound more confident than you feel, if only to ease the worry lines between your Master’s brows. But the words ring hollow against the crumbling stone beneath your feet.
Galen rushes to your side, urging you from your seat to the door. Your bag sits at the entrance. It’s been there, waiting for this day, ever since you turned sixteen.
“Make haste. We don’t have much time. They'll be here soon.”
“I don’t-” You shake your head, turning to him. He has been with you for as long as you can remember. Taught you everything you know of magic and the world outside. “I don’t understand. You always told me you’d be coming with me.”
“I know.” Galen frowns, placing a hand on your shoulder. You cannot tell whether it is affection or regret that compels the unexpected gesture. You have lived with him, alone in this tower, ever since you were born. In all the years you have spent together, he has never touched you. Not unless it has been to tend to an injury from your training. “I thought we would have more time. They must have masked their movements. Anticipated that I’d see them coming.”
Galen bends at the waist, grabbing the bag at your feet and placing it firmly in your hands. “Do you remember what I taught you?”
<em>There are so many ways you could answer that...</em>
<ul>
<li>[[Come with me, please. I can’t do this alone.|ComeWithMe]]</li>
<li>[[How could I forget? You’ve drilled it into me ever since I could craft a basic ward.|HowCouldIForget]]</li>
<li>[[I remember, Master. I’ll do my best to make you proud.|MakeYouProud]]</li>
</ul>
</div>
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/7xwm9g.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>><<set $empathy += 2>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
"Come with me, please. I can’t do this alone."
“Always so quick to doubt yourself.” Galen sighs, expression softening. “You are ready, even if you don’t believe it to be so.” His eyes flicker to the door before returning to you. “I tried to teach you everything I know. But there are some things that cannot be taught.”
[[Continue|Continue]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $bravery+= 2>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
"I remember, Master. I’ll do my best to make you proud."
Galen stares at you for a moment, pride reflected in his eyes. “I forget that you are no longer a child. Not the lanky youth that you were when you first came to me, flinching at the sight of your own shadow.”
[[Continue|Continue]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $charisma += 2>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
"How could I forget? You’ve drilled it into me ever since I could craft a basic ward."
Galen smiles affectionately. “Good. Then I have not failed you, at least in this.” You wonder what he means by that, but you don’t ask. Even with as many years as you’ve spent together, there are still some things he keeps from you.
[[Continue|Continue]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>Galen clears his throat and turns away from you. Anticipation of what lies ahead tightens your grip around the leather strap of your bag as he pulls the door open. “Take the path that leads west. Use your magic only when you must. Stay off of the main roads and avoid the taverns when you can. It will take you a couple weeks to reach the capital on foot, perhaps longer depending on how many they’ve sent for you.”
You swallow past the thickness in your throat. The fact that you will likely have to fight remains unspoken. You are being hunted by enemies you know little of. Even if you do your best to keep your head down and avoid calling attention to yourself, that will only carry you so far.
Your magical signature is unique. It will make you easier to track.
You are proficient at basic magic, and even a few more complex spells, if what Galen has told you holds true. But you have never been in a real fight before. Only the training sessions your master has put you through.
“Go.” Galen inclines his head toward the door. “If you stay any longer, it will already be too late.”
Even so, you hesitate. “When will I see you again?”
Something unreadable passes across Galen’s face. He rests his hand on your back and ushers you through the threshold instead of answering. “Stay true to the path that lies ahead. Don’t allow yourself to lose focus. I will stall them for as long as I can, but even then, it will only buy you a couple hours at best.”
His answers are enigmatic as always. Only half-answers at best, evasive for reasons you still don’t understand. You turn back, intent on questioning him further, but he has already closed the door behind you.
Likely to prevent exactly that.
You take a deep breath, <<print $eyeColor>> eyes lingering on the door for only a moment. Shaking yourself, you try to clear your mind and focus on what lies ahead. Rough pebbles bite into the cloth of your shoes as you make your way toward the treeline into the forest that surrounds the tower.
It’s a path you’ve traveled many times before.
This far out, near the border of East Jeilene, nature reigns supreme. Most of the land is unsettled territory- pockets of thick, dense forest woven together to create a patchwork that makes the landscape nearly uninhabitable.
You can count on two hands the number of people you've met in your life, including Galen. Most were wandering merchants, lost on their way to New Haven. Even by horseback, it's a four days ride to the nearest village. You'd asked- even begged- Galen to allow you to accompany him on his trips to New Haven, but he always said no.
You tuck a lock of <<print $hairLength>> <<print $hairColor>> hair behind your ear before your hand comes to rest at the dagger at your side. You remember what Galen told you when he looked into his scrying orb eight years ago. That The King would send his huntsmen for you. That there were others who would seek you out, eager to collect on the bounty placed on your head. The people that have come for you—you don’t know what they want. What they’ll do to you if you’re caught. But you know you have to make it to the capital, Libertine.
That all the answers to your questions can be found there.
Fallen twigs crack beneath your feet as you quicken your pace. The ominous dread in your gut grows despite the fact that you sense no presence in the forest, aside from the animals that call it home.
This was your home, too, for twenty-two years. They were your family, second only to your master. And now you are leaving everything behind.
[[Continue|ominous]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $intuition+= 3>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
You feel the familiar warm tingle across your skin as you reach out, like flickers of a cool flame that starts at your fingertips. It doesn’t burn the same way fire would. It’s more like the aftermath of a lightning strike. Scattered electricity that makes the iris thin hairs on your arms stand on end.
Of the three that you sense, you can tell that only one of them is magic. Their signature is subtle, though you can still make it out, like a whisper on the wind. They must be using it to mask their movements.
<<set $arcanestability += 1>>
[[Continue|phatom]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $cunning+= 6>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
You take a few more steps before stopping in front of a fallen log, covered in moss with rot on the underside. Doing your best to keep the stiffness from your movements, you open your satchel and drink from your canteen, eyes drifting casually across the surrounding trees and brush.
You can still sense them nearby, but your eyes spot nothing that would give you pause. One among them must be capable of at least a basic veil spell.
<<set $vitality += 1>>
[[Continue|phatom]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $logic+= 3>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
Your footsteps quicken, not enough to break into a full run, but enough to lend you haste. You’re not sure when they’ll strike. How many are among their ranks. But without knowing what they’re capable of- what type of magic they may wield- it's best to put some distance between yourself and your pursuers before you reveal your hand.
[[Continue|phatom]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>A couple seconds pass before a figure precipitates in front of you. The atmosphere crackles as the shadow takes shape, whisps of black materializing like a phantom spectre stepping out from the ether. Your next few breaths are heavy. You aren’t sure if its from the dense magic in the air, or the imposing figure blocking you path. His face is obscured, covered by a black cloth, but the long blade at his side leaves no question as to why he’s come.
The man in front of you tilts his head to the side, taking a step towards you. You match it with a step back. Your hand moves to grab the dagger at your side, but your movements are stopped midway by the faint splinter of an arrow that just barely grazes your sleeve.
“Careful.” Another with a bow and arrow, dressed much the same as the first, steps out from the brush. “Greeting strangers with hostility isn’t going to make you any friends.”
A third sillhouette steps out from the shadows to your left. This one a woman. The fact that she has no visible weapons is what worries you most of all. It can only mean one thing. That her magical abilities exceed anything she could accomplish with a blade or bow alone.
“Are you sure this is the one?” The man with the blade gestures to the woman.
She nods, but she doesn’t take her eyes off of you. “There’s no doubt. Vroxus showed me this face in his vision. And even so...” Her words trail off as she studies you with something akin to curiousity. “I’ve never met another with a magical signature this...”
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
“We should still check to be sure this is really them.” The man in front of you unsheaths his sword, turning his attention back towards you. His eyes are cold and calculating as they pass over the tunic across your chest. “Lift your shirt.”
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
“We should still check to be sure this is really her.” The man in front of you unsheaths his sword, turning his attention back towards you. His eyes are cold and calculating as they pass over the tunic across your chest. “Lift your shirt.”
<<else>>\
“We should still check to be sure this is really him.” The man in front of you unsheaths his sword, turning his attention back towards you. His eyes are cold and calculating as they pass over the tunic across your chest. “Lift your shirt.”
<</if>>\
Your lips press into a thin line, eyes drifting between the three. You can tell by the way they move that they’re no common mercenaries. You might be able to take one of them alone. Or maybe even the two with weapons. But all three at once will be nearly impossible.
“Don’t make this harder than it has to be. Lift your shirt, or we will do it for you.”
You stare the man down, unmoving. The tension in the air is almost palpable, like a live wire without a fixed point. You know what they’re looking for. The birthmark across your chest. You don’t know why.
But you know you cannot yield to their request.
Galen always told you that letting anyone see it would be akin to signing your own death warrant. And, judging by the way the three of them are looking at you, you’re inclined to believe he was right.
Your eyes flicker to the side, searching for an opening. There's no clear path through the dense thicket of trees. And even if you use your magic to stave off fatigue, you won't be able to outrun them. Not forever. You only have three viable options. Though perhaps viable is putting it lightly. But you know with absolute certainty that if you allow them to take you, nothing good will come of it. Realizing this is your only hope, you decide to...
* <<link "Head for the river.">>
<<set $firstDecision = "river">>
<<goto "HeadForRiver">>
<</link>>\
* <<link "Make a run for the cliffs.">>
<<set $firstDecision = "cliffs">>
<<goto "RunForCliffs">>
<</link>>\
* <<link "Stay and fight❤ ">>
<<set $firstDecision = "fight">>
<<goto "StayAndFight">>
<</link>>\
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/zq3v6y.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>><<set $logic+= 3>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
You rush into the bramble before you can talk yourself out of the hairbrained scheme. An arrow whizzes past you as you hear several yells from behind. Like a tidal wave, you pour all of your magic into propelling yourself forwards. Your can feel your heart pounding in your chest, wild and frantic, as your feet pound against the uneven dirt. The trees and brush blend together into a green, leafy blur as you run.
<<set $vitality += 1>>
<<set $arcanestability += 1>>
[[Continue|run]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/slqyyt.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>><<set $cunning+= 3>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
You rush into the bramble before you can talk yourself out of the hairbrained scheme. An arrow whizzes past you as you hear several yells from behind. Like a tidal wave, you pour all of your magic into propelling yourself forwards. Your can feel your heart pounding in your chest, wild and frantic, as your feet pound against the uneven dirt. The trees and brush blend together into a green, leafy blur as you run.
<<set $vitality += 1>>
<<set $arcanestability += 1>>
[[Continue|run]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/slqyyt.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>><<set $intuition+= 3>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
You shift your weight, magic thrumming under your skin, pulse wild and frantic.
The man with the blade charges first.
You duck low, the man’s blade slicing through the space your head occupied moments earlier. Before he can recover, you lunge forward and thrust your dagger towards his center. The blade bites into the seam between his armor, plunging into his ribs. He curses and stumbles back with a grunt, gripping at his side. When he pulls his hands back they're covered with blood.
His companion, the man with the bow, reaches for a dagger strapped to his thigh . He comes at you from the left, blade arcing in a tight swing. You catch it with a hastily conjured shield, but the force of the blow drives you back a step, boots sliding against damp earth.
Pain flares up your arm as you suck in a shaky breath.
You’re too slow. Too inexperienced.
The training sessions you had with Galen are nothing compared to the real thing. Nothing compared to the raw desperation of having to fight for your life with just instinct and a hastily mumbled prayer to the Divines to guide you.
The third assailant, the woman, moves in behind the second. You twist, raising your hand for another spell, but the words catch in your throat when you see it. A mass of magic, angry and violent, coalescing in her palm.
Your heart pounds once. Your stomach bottoms out. You raise your blade on instict, even knowing that it will do nothing against her magic.
And then the sky shudders.
A deafening roar splits the air, a sound so primal it vibrates in your bones, and a massive shadow crashes through the trees overhead.
The woman just barely lunges out of the way as an enourmous dragon descends from the sky. The trees bend as it's wings slice through the air, a mighty force that sends you stumbling back. It's huge, larger than any living thing you've ever seen, with irridescent scales that catch the light and throw it back in shards of fractured crimson.
And atop it sits a <<print $RO1Man>> with hair as red as rubies. <<print $RO1HeC>> wears a crooked smile that tempts with a confidence bordering on reckleness. Even from this angle, you can make out broad shoulders and a muscled chest. <<print $RO1HeC>> has some sort of tattoo on <<print $RO1His>> right forearm and a long blade strapped to <<print $RO1His>> back.
"Hey there, looks like you might need a hand." The rider calls down, voice noncholant and-much to your chagrin-amused.
<<print $RO1HisC>> dragon banks low, massive talons snapping as it hovers just above the forest floor. The rider swings from the saddle with an effortless grace one wouldn't expect from someone so tall and well built, landing between you and the woman.
Silver gleams at <<print $RO1His>> throat. A chain, or maybe a charm. But it’s <<print $RO1His>> eyes that catch you: fern green, alive with mischief and a hint of something more. <<print $RO1HeC>> glances back at you for a moment before stepping forward and positioning <<print $RO1himself>> between you and the woman.
"You know." The stranger says casually, drawing a wickedly curved blade from its sheath. "Three against one is hardly fair. Three against two, though..." <<print $RO1HeC>> winks at you before turning towards the woman. "You've got one chance to walk away before I feed you to my dragon for breakfast. I'll warn you now, she gets //very// hangry. Humans tend to give her indigestion, but first thing in the morning, she's not picky."
The woman hesitates for only a moment before charging foward, and the rider laughs- as if the prospect of being faced with impending death is <<print $RO1His>> idea of a good time- before meeting her head on.
Magic crackles at your fingertips as you surge forward. Together, you fight side by side. You, clumsy and inexperienced; <<print $RO1Him>>, reckless and dazzling, like a ball of fire.
The woman crumples to the forest floor with a pained grunt. She spares you a final glance before evaporating into the ether.
For a moment, the clearing falls silent except for the rasp of your breathing and the steady beat of dragon wings overhead.\
<<set $vitality -= 1>>
<<set $bloodprice += 1>>
[["Continue"->meetaxis]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/slqyyt.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>>The small advantage you afforded yourself by catching them off gaurd gives you a head start. Even so, you've only made it about fifty feet before you sense the woman on your heels, closing the distance between you. You risk a glance over your shoulder and stumble when your foot catches on a fallen branch.
Rolling around, you barely make out a flash of vivid red as the spot where your head was only moments before explodes in a blaze of fire. Heat scorches your cheek, charring your ear as the smell of burnt flesh fills the air. Your hands fly up in front of you, more out of instinct than anything else, erecting a barrier as another mass of fire comes hurling towards you. Your magic shield cracks under the force as you stumble to your feet, splintering like broken glass. Breaths ragged and frantic, you hear it crack behind you as you scramble into the brush.
You need some sort of cover. Something to mask your movements, or at least serve as some sort of barrier between yourself and the volley of of arrows and flames being hurled at you. The sturdy cloth of your tunic catches on the branches as you run, cutting jagged lines across your skin. Your hand grips the bag at your side to keep it from getting caught on the brush. It might seem like a minute detail to most, but if you loose it, you'll be as good as dead. The contents of your bag are the only lifeline you have, aside from the magic flowing through your veins.
Fumbling around in your pack, your trembling fingers wrap around something smooth and cylindric. Your arcane potions. You had hoped not to have to use them so soon, but you don't have a choice.
Your fingers shake as you hastily grab the...
[[green potion]]
[[silver potion]]
[[blue potion]]
[[black potion]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>"You're awfully sure of yourself for someone who nearly got me killed." You remark.
Even so, you find yourself stepping forward to shake <<print $RO1His>> hand. <<print $RO1HisC>> grip is strong, and the way <<print $RO1His>> veins cord up <<print $RO1His>> forearms and disappear beneath <<print $RO1His>> vest suggests <<print $RO1Heis>> not just a wayward thrill seeker.
<<print $RO1Name>> chuckles, low and unapologetic, and leans in slightly.
"Did I? If so, I can hardly be blamed for that. How was I supposed to fight when I could barely keep my eyes off you?" <<print $RO1HeC>> tilts <<print $RO1His>> head to the side and studies you for a moment. The way <<print $RO1He>> looks at you, so unabashed in <<print $RO1His>> admiration, makes you nervous in a way the sharp edge of a blade never could, like <<print $RO1Heis>> memorizing you, piece by piece.
<<set $AxisAffection += 1>>
[[Continue|meetdelilah]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
"Thanks... I guess." You shake his hand reluctantly.
<<print $RO1Name>> laughs and places a hand dramatically over <<print $RO1His>> heart, as if wounded.
"Not impressed? It was probably the angle. My right side has always been horribly unflattering. "
There's no heat in <<print $RO1His>> words, only amusement, light and teasing.
[[Continue|meetdelilah]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
"Stay away from me." You take a step back.
<<print $RO1Name>>'s smile falters just slightly before snapping back into place.
"If that's what you want, then I will." <<print $RO1HeC>> says lightly, even as something shadowed flickers across <<print $RO1His>> face. "But the ones that were hunting you. They were't just bandits for hire, or mercenaries. Those were the King's Huntsmen. Which means you either tried to to assassinate The King himself, or you're not who you appear to be..."<<print $RO1HeC>> regards you with a speculative stare. "Given what I just observed of your comabt skills, my money's on the latter."
[[Continue|meetdelilah]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<<set $logic+= 3>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
You're in so much pain you barely feel it when the ice cold water swallows you whole. The furious yells from the riverbank are the last thing you hear before your eyes closed, cloaking your world in a depthless black.
[[Continue|consciousness]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $intuition+= 3>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
You doubt you'll survive the fall. But it will be a quick death once you hit the bottom. The furious yells from above are the last thing you hear before your eyes closed, cloaking your world in a depthless black.
<<set $vitality -= 1>>
[[Continue|consciousness]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>Your consciousness splinters and breaks away in pieces. An unnatural cold settles in your bones and fills your veins with lead. You are falling again, but this time there is no cliff, no river. Only the slow, neverending spiral into a depthless black.
A bright light cuts through the void. Thin, silver, and cold as ice. You blink, or maybe you simply retreat into the recesses of your mind, and the world sharpens into focus. You stand in a field of sorrow and ash. Barren trees claw upwards. Their twisted branches, a necrotic black, carve a jagged horizon into a colorless sky.
Across from you, standing perfectly still among the ruins, is a <<print $RO1Man>>.
Tall and cloacked in black, <<print $RO1His>> silhouette stands out against the pale wasteland. You cannot see <<print $RO1His>> face, but <<print $RO1He>> holds <<print $RO1himself>> like a <<print $RO1Man>> of consequence. Like <<print $RO1He>> is accustom to power, and carries its weight more like a chain than a sword. The wind stirs <<print $RO1His>> cloak, but not <<print $RO1Him>>.
<<print $RO1HeC>> remains motionless.
You suck in a breath, though you aren't sure if you still have lungs.
"You are dying." There is no pity or judgement in <<print $RO1His>> voice, simply a fact laid bare. You open your mouth to respond, but no sound comes out.
<<print $RO1HeC>> watches you in silence. You feel the weight of <<print $RO1His>> gaze so completely that, for a moment, it overwhelms you. Cold. Measuring. Not quite cruel, but assessing. As if <<print $RO1He>> sees through you, past skin and bone and flesh- and strips you down to the heart of your very soul. When <<print $RO1He>> speaks, <<print $RO1His>> voice is low, almost haunting.
"You have a choice.” <<print $RO1HeC>> says. "Surrender to the darkness that seeks to claim you, or fight your way back." <<print $RO1HeC>> extends a hand towards you, long fingers cold and elegant. “Choose wisely. Few are offered such a mercy."
The <<print $RO1Man>> steps closer.
You can see more of <<print $RO1Him>> now, just beneath <<print $RO1His>> hood. Coffin black hair, skin as pale as frost. Eyes like brittle onyx, black as the void itself. There is an aura about <<print $RO1Him>>, not of decay, but of fate.
Of inevitability.
Ash swirls around your feet. The void shifts against your skin. Your magic stirs weakly in your veins. You look at the <<print $RO1Man>>, this stranger that is offering you another chance at life, and wonder what <<print $RO1He>> sees when <<print $RO1He>> looks at you.
What is it about you that warrants such a mercy extended to so few others?
[[Reach for their hand. Accept help from the unknown.❤->Reach for his hand]]
[[Refuse. Stand on your own. Defy death and save yourself.->Refuse him. Stand on Your own]]
[[Ask who they are first. Seek knowledge before choosing.->Ask him who he is]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/2q6uuk.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>><<set $logic+= 1>>
<<set $intuition+= 1>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
It's then that you hear voices in the distance- two men, angry and approaching quickly. You steal one final glance at <<print $RO1Name>> before darting back into the brush. <<print $RO1HeC>> calls out to you, but you don't stop. If the other two huntsmen from earlier have come back to finish the job, you're certainly not going to stick around to give them another chance.
Hopefully <<print $RO1Name>> will slow them down. They're after you, not <<print $RO1Him>>- so with any luck they won't hurt <<print $RO1Him>> if <<print $RO1He>> gives them a had time. But there's no way you could stay with <<print $RO1Name>>- not when surviving the rest of your journey depends on completing it unseen, and everything about that <<print $RO1Man>> demands attention.
[[Continue|run]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/slqyyt.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>>You nod and slowly step forward. <<print $RO1HeC>> breathes out, just once, in something like relief.
Your fingers wrap around <<print $RO1His>> and the world shifts. The void falls away, shuddering back from <<print $RO1His>> touch as if <<print $RO1He>> commands it. For the briefest heartbeat, you see something flicker in <<print $RO1His>> eyes, but it’s gone before you can put a name to it.
“You chose life, even when it is not easy…good.” <<print $RO1HisC>> voice brushes against your skin, more of a caress than a cruelty. "You are stronger than you realize, <<print $playerName>> of Jeilene. With any luck, we will never meet again. Be well, and may The Divines be with you.”
"Wait." You call out to <<print $RO1Him>>, even as you feel the void shutter. "Why are you giving me another chance?"
For the first time since you've met <<print $RO1Him>>, a flicker of emotion flits across <<print $RO1His>> face.
"You are burdened by a fate you did not choose. You will feel it's weight with every step you take. No matter where you go, you will never be able to escape it." For a moment, <<print $RO1He>> looks like <<print $RO1He>>'s far away. Like <<print $RO1He>>'s in a different time, a different place. "Your destiny will rob you of many choices that should have been yours. I wanted to give this one back to you."
Before you can question <<print $RO1Him>> further, the ash vanishes, and the light blinds you.
<<set $SeverinAffection += 2>>
[[Continue|awaken]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>You stagger back a step, shaking your head.
Your body feels like it’s splitting apart. You draw on every ounce of magic, every breath left in your lungs, and close your eyes, searching for any flicker of light in the void.
The <<print $RO1Man>> watches silently. A small tilt of <<print $RO1His>> head is <<print $RO1His>> only response, as if studying something unexpected.
"Interesting." <<print $RO1HeC>> murmurs. "Perhaps you are not as they feared, <<print $playerName>> of Jeilene.”
"Wait." You call out to <<print $RO1Him>>, even as you feel the void shutter. "Why are you giving me another chance?"
For the first time since you've met <<print $RO1Him>>, a flicker of emotion flits across <<print $RO1His>> face.
"You are burdened by a fate you did not choose. You will feel it's weight with every step you take. No matter where you go, you will never be able to escape it." For a moment, <<print $RO1He>> looks like <<print $RO1He>>'s far away. Like <<print $RO1He>>'s in a different time, a different place. "Your destiny will rob you of many choices that should have been yours. I wanted to give this one back to you."
The void splinters before you can questoin <<print $RO1Him>> further. A flash of light engulfs you.
[[Continue|awaken]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>"Who are you?"
For a moment, the <<print $RO1Man>> simply watches you. Something unreadable flickers across <<print $RO1His>> face. <<print $RO1HisC>> mouth twitches, as if <<print $RO1He>>’s about to speak, but then <<print $RO1He>> bites back whatever was on the tip of <<print $RO1His>> tongue.
"My name is of no consequence, least of all to you. If you are smart, or lucky, we will never meet again.” Despite the finality that <<print $RO1He>> speaks with, <<print $RO1His>> words have a softness to them that wasn’t there before.
<<print $RO1HisC>> hand lowers. <<print $RO1HeC>> does not touch you.
Instead, the ash begins to fall upward, and the ground fractures beneath your feet.
"Be well, <<print $playerName>> of Jeilene, and may The Divines be with you.”
"Wait." You call out to <<print $RO1Him>>, even as you feel the void shutter. "Why are you giving me another chance?"
For the first time since you've met <<print $RO1Him>>, a flicker of emotion flits across <<print $RO1His>> face.
"You are burdened by a fate you did not choose. You will feel it's weight with every step you take. No matter where you go, you will never be able to escape it." For a moment, <<print $RO1He>> looks like <<print $RO1He>>'s far away. Like <<print $RO1He>>'s in a different time, a different place. "Your destiny will rob you of many choices that should have been yours. I wanted to give this one back to you."
Before you can question <<print $RO1Him>> further, you are dragged back toward life, gasping as a bright light engulfs you.
[[Continue|awaken]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>You open your eyes to the sound of faint murmurs. Two, if your ears are to be trusted. You can't make out what they're saying over the lull of running water, but you can tell by the tone that the conversation isn't amiable.
It takes you a moment to orient yourself as your eyes flicker open. You see a swath of blue black sky littered with thousands of tiny glowing lights. A pale, crescent moon. Quietly, you shift to your right, eyes drifting towards the voices.
Moonlight spills over the the small clearing, illuminating two figures close by, sat beside one another around a small campfire. Careful to keep from making any noise, you prop yourself up. The pain in your shoulder makes you wince, hand flitting to your chest.
Its then that you realize you're not wearing your tunic. Instead, you're draped in something softer. A fine silk shirt a couple sizes too large atop the bandages on your shoulder. A thick, fur throw covers your lower half. Wolfs skin, by the feel of the fine sleek hairs.
Drawing the blanket around yourself, you bite down on your lip to keep from making any noise as you push yourself upright. You only have to creep forward a couple inches to hear what they're saying.
"We should've come sooner."
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"We had no way of knowing. Any sooner and we might have led them straight to them."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"We had no way of knowing. Any sooner and we might have led them straight to her."\
<<else>>\
"We had no way of knowing. Any sooner and we might have led them straight to him"\
<</if>>
They both have their backs to you, but you can tell from the flicker of shadows that play across half shielded silhouettes that one is substantially slighter than the other. Both are tall and slim, but the more muscular of the two has the drapings of a knight. <<print $RO1HisC>> iron engraved breastplate clinks as <<print $RO1He>> leans away from the <<print $RO1Man>> with long blue hair, as if that will help ease the ire of the other.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"Then we should've found another way." The <<print $RO1Man>> with long blue hair hisses. "They almost killed them If we hadn't found them when we did, they could've drowned or died of cold. Its only by the grace of the the divines that we managed save them. And even so, they just barely pulled through. "\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"Then we should've found another way." The <<print $RO1Man>> with long blue hair hisses. "They almost killed her. If we hadn't found her when we did, she could've drowned or died of cold. Its only by the grace of the the divines that we managed save her. And even so, she just barely pulled through. "\
<<else>>\
"Then we should've found another way." The<<print $RO1Man>> with long blue hair hisses. "They almost killed him. If we hadn't found him when we did, he could've drowned or died of cold. Its only by the grace of the the divines that we managed save him. And even so, he just barely pulled through. "\
<</if>>
"You think I'm happy with the way things have turned out?" The knight with short brown hair gestures frustratedly.
"I think you should've listened when I told you we needed to move sooner."
"Blaming me isn't going to make the situation better."
"You-" The <<print $RO1Man>>'s long, blue hair glints in the moonlight as <<print $RO1He>> stills. The rest of <<print $RO1His>> words fall off into nothing as <<print $RO1He>> slowly turns towards you. You just barely sense the flicker of magic in the air as your eyes connect.
Eyes wide, you...
* [[Lurch back, scrambling away. You don't know who they are, what they want from you.->lurch back]]
* [[Stand your ground. You may be injured, but showing fear will only make you look weaker than you already are.->stand your ground]]
* [[Smile weakly. They may be strangers, but it sounds like they were the ones that bandaged you up.->smile weakly]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/w1tmyz.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>><<set $empathy+= 3>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
<<if $personalityChanged>>
<div class="personality-notification">
Your Personality has shifted! You are now <b>$personalityTitle</b>.
</div>
<<set $personalityChanged = false>>
<</if>>
You lurch back, scrambling away. You don't know who they are, what they want from you.
The <<print $RO1Man>> slowly lifts <<print $RO1His>> hands, a gesture to show you <<print $RO1He>> means you no harm. <<print $RO1HisC>> grey eyes catch the moonlight, glowing like pearls as <<print $RO1He>> pushes <<print $RO1himself>> to <<print $RO1His>> feet.
When <<print $RO1He>> speaks, the words are gentle, lacking any of the malice directed toward his companion.
"Please. I know you must be scared, after everything you've been through. But we mean you no harm."
[[Continue|meeting]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $bravery+= 3>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
<<if $personalityChanged>>
<div class="personality-notification">
Your Personality has shifted! You are now <b>$personalityTitle</b>.
</div>
<<set $personalityChanged = false>>
<</if>>
You stand your ground. You may be injured, but showing fear will only make you look weaker than you already are.
A soft smile graces <<print $RO1His>> lips as <<print $RO1He>> slowly pushes <<print $RO1himself>> to <<print $RO1His>> feet. <<print $RO1HisC>> grey eyes catch the moonlight, glowing like pearls as <<print $RO1His>> gaze flits across your face
When <<print $RO1He>> speaks, the words are gentle, lacking any of the malice directed toward <<print $RO1His>> companion.
"I apologize if we woke you. I know you must be tired, after everything you've been through."
[[Continue|meeting]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $charisma+= 3>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
<<if $personalityChanged>>
<div class="personality-notification">
Your Personality has shifted! You are now <b>$personalityTitle</b>.
</div>
<<set $personalityChanged = false>>
<</if>>
You smile weakly. They may be strangers, but it sounds like they were the ones that bandaged you up.
A flicker of suprise flashes across <<print $RO1His>> face. It's quickly replaced by something softer as <<print $RO1He>> pushes <<print $RO1himself>> to <<print $RO1His>> feet. <<print $RO1HisC>> grey eyes catch the moonlight, glowing like pearls as <<print $RO1His>> gaze flits across your face
When <<print $RO1He>> speaks, the words are gentle, lacking any of the malice directed towards <<print $RO1His>> companion.
"Please forgive us if we woke you. You must be tired after everything you've been through." <<print $RO1HeC>> hesitates for a moment. <<print $RO1HisC>> words are light, but <<print $RO1His>> gaze is heavy with something you can't quite place.
[[Continue|meeting]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>The <<print $RO1Man>> beside <<print $RO1Him>> grunts, but makes no move to stand. "You should lay back down. If you get up too soon its only going to reopen your wound."
Your eyes drifts between the two. Even with what little experience you have with people, they strike you as an odd pair.
The blue haired <<print $RO1Man>> returns your speculative stare, watching you with a quiet intensity. It's more than curiosity, not quite the same way the woman from earlier looked at you. Fascination, almost, though you've hardly done anything to warrant such interest. Unless clawing your way back from the grips of death counts.
A heavy silence settles between the three of you. <<print $RO1HisC>> companion has taken to observing you as well. It feels like they're studying you, looking for something. What, you're not sure. But you're not used to such overt attention. Suddenly you wish you had something more than an ill-fitting sheer silk top to cover you. The slimmer of the two- the <<print $RO1Man>> with the blue hair- seems to sense your discomfort, averting <<print $RO1His>> gaze, a slight flush to <<print $RO1His>> cheeks. <<print $RO1HisC>> companion seems to catch on a couple seconds later and does the same, albeit looking significantly less abashed. The awkward silence is broken abruptly when the blue haired <<print $RO1Man>> clears <<print $RO1His>> throat.
"My apologies. We haven't even introduced ourselves." <<print $RO1HeC>> bows low, pristine white robes dragging against the ground. "I am Kyliah. and I go by <<print $RO1He>>. This is my companion <<print $RO3Name>>. <<print $RO1HeC>> goes by <<print $RO1He>> as well."
<<print $RO3Name>> cocks a brow in Kyliah's direction. "I have a mouth too, you know. Works just fine. I can introduce myself-"
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"Quiet, <<print $RO3Name>>. Not in front of them." Kyliah admonishes, not bothering to turn towards <<print $RO3Name>>. For <<print $RO1His>> part, <<print $RO3Name>> only rolls <<print $RO1His>> eyes.\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"Quiet, <<print $RO3Name>>. Not in front of her." Kyliah admonishes, not bothering to turn towards <<print $RO3Name>>. For <<print $RO1His>> part, <<print $RO3Name>> only rolls <<print $RO1His>> eyes.\
<<else>>\
"Quiet, <<print $RO3Name>>. Not in front of him." Kyliah admonishes, not bothering to turn towards <<print $RO3Name>>. For <<print $RO1His>> part, <<print $RO3Name>> only rolls <<print $RO1His>> eyes.\
<</if>>
It takes you a moment to realize you should probably introduce yourself as well. You hesitate, unsure of whether you should use your real name. They don't appear to be with the group that accosted you earlier, but that doesn't mean you can trust them.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"I'm $playerName, and I go by they." You decide to offer them your real name. It's true that you may not be able to trust them, but you sense a strong magical presence from Kyliah. If you lied, <<print $RO1He>>'d probably be able to tell.\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"I'm $playerName, and I go by she." You decide to offer them your real name. It's true that you may not be able to trust them, but you sense a strong magical presence from Kyliah. If you lied, <<print $RO1He>>'d probably be able to tell.\
<<else>>\
"I'm $playerName, and I go by he." You decide to offer them your real name. It's true that you may not be able to trust them, but you sense a strong magical presence from Kyliah. If you lied, <<print $RO1He>>'d probably be able to tell.\
<</if>>
"Well met." Kyliah smiles and bows again. <<print $RO1HeC>> takes a couple steps forward, expression tenative, like <<print $RO1He>> expects you to bolt any minute. And maybe you might have if you'd been in better shape. But with the wound on your shoulder you probably wouldn't make it far. "How are you feeling?"
* [[You shrug. About as well as to be expected->you shrug]]
* [["Not great, honestly." Theres no point in lying. After all, you did just have an arrow through your shoulder.->Not great]]
* [[You put on a brave smile despite the pain that suffuses your frame. ->alright]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $charisma+= 2>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
<<if $personalityChanged>>
<div class="personality-notification">
Your Personality has shifted! You are now <b>$personalityTitle</b>.
</div>
<<set $personalityChanged = false>>
<</if>>
You shrug. About as well as to be expected, you supposed. The pain in your shoulder radiates down your arm and across your chest everytime you move, but you're alive.
[[continue|talk]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $empathy+= 2>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
<<if $personalityChanged>>
<div class="personality-notification">
Your Personality has shifted! You are now <b>$personalityTitle</b>.
</div>
<<set $personalityChanged = false>>
<</if>>
"Not great, honestly." Theres no point in lying. After all, you did just have an arrow through your shoulder. Acting like you weren't in pain would be an obvious lie.
The worry wrinkle between Kyliah's brows deepens. You can tell by the way that <<print $RO1He>> steps forward and then pauses that <<print $RO1He>> wants to look you over more closely, but <<print $RO1He>> stops <<print $RO1himself>>. "Are you feeling feverish? Until we can get you to a proper healer, I know of a natural remedy to help stave off infection and ease the pain. It's not a permanent fix, but it should help for now. There are a few herbs in the forest that I can use to make you a numbing tea."
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"They're not gonna keel over from a little fever." <<print $RO3Name>> shakes <<print $RO1His>> head.
"That doesn't mean we shouldn't do what we can to try and make them comfortable. It's the least we can do after what they've been through."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"She's not gonna keel over from a little fever." <<print $RO3Name>> shakes <<print $RO1His>> head.
"That doesn't mean we shouldn't do what we can to try and make her comfortable. It's the least we can do after what she's been through."\
<<else>>\
"He's not gonna keel over from a little fever." <<print $RO3Name>> shakes <<print $RO1His>> head.
"That doesn't mean we shouldn't do what we can to try and make him comfortable. It's the least we can do after what he's been through."\
<</if>>
"Thank you, but I'm alright." You bite back a small smile. They probably don't have any honey or sugar cubes for the tea. Not that you'd expect them to. But if it's bitter you'd rather pass on it unless you start feeling worse.
"Are you sure?" Kyliah turns back towards you. "It's no trouble, really."
"I'm sure, but I appreciate your concern."
A small smile flickers across Kyliahs face.
[[continue|talk]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $bravery+= 2>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
<<if $personalityChanged>>
<div class="personality-notification">
Your Personality has shifted! You are now <b>$personalityTitle</b>.
</div>
<<set $personalityChanged = false>>
<</if>>
You put on a brave smile despite the pain that suffuses your frame. "I'm feeling alright, all things considered. Not dead yet so thats always a plus." You'd rather focus on the positives than talk about your injury.
<<print $RO3Name>> raises a brow, amused. "Is that where the bar is at? As long as you're not dead, maimed, and still have all your limbs?"
You shrug. "No point in lamenting what's already passed."
<<print $RO3Name>> studies you and smiles slowly. "Keep that grit. You're gonna need it."
You're not sure what <<print $RO3He>> means by that. Kyliah speaks before you can question <<print $RO3Name>> further.
[[Continue|talk]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>"You should get some more rest if you can, at least until morning."Kyliah's words echo <<print $RO3Name>>'s earlier statement, but they sound more like a suggestion than <<print $RO3Name>>'s assessment. "The wound on your shoulder was deep. It'll be a while till it fully heals. I did what I could, but I've never been much of a healer."
You glance down at your shoulder, than back up at Kyliah. "You did this?"
Kyliah nods. "If you're in pain, I could take a look at it again-"
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"Give it a rest, Ky. They just woke up. If you keep at it you're going to scare them away."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"Give it a rest, Ky. She just woke up. If you keep at it you're going to scare her away."\
<<else>>\
"Give it a rest, Ky. He just woke up. If you keep at it you're going to scare him away."\
<</if>>
Kyliah shoots <<print $RO3Name>> a dismissive glare. After a moment, <<print $RO1He>> turns back toward you, affording you a gentle smile, albeit a bit embarassed. "I apologize. I dont mean to make you uncomfortable. Its just- when we came across you on the riverbed, you...." <<print $RO1HisC>> lips tighten and <<print $RO1He>> shakes <<print $RO1His>> head. "I just don't want you to be in any pain."
A grin pulls at your lips. <<print $RO1HisC>> explanations are about as clear as Galen's. Maybe its a wizard thing.
You...
* [[Shake your head. It's nothing personal. But after barely surviving your last encounter with a group of strangers...->shake your head]]
* [[Though you appreciate the offer, you'd prefer to maintain some measure of distance now that you're awake.❤->glance over at Remus]]
* [[Accept the offer with a smile. You'd be a fool to trust them after what you just went through. But you can sense no malice from them.❤->Answer with a smile]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $getsalve = false>>
Shake your head. It's nothing personal. But after barely surviving your last encounter with a group of strangers, you're not overly eager to let another get too close.
Kyliah nods in understanding. A flicker of dissapointment flashes across <<print $RO1His>> face, but its gone as quickly as it came. "Of course. Its natural for you to be wary. But please, let me know if the pain gets to be too much."
You nod and draw the wolfs skin a little tighter around your shoulders
[[Continue|ch1end]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $getsalve= true>>
You glance over at <<print $RO3Name>>. Though you appreciate the offer, you'd prefer to maintain some measure of distance now that you're awake. And <<print $RO1He>> seems to be rather adept at reigning in <<print $RO1His>> overly-enthusiastic companion.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"Ky." <<print $RO3Name>> tosses something to Kyliah. You can barely make out what through the dark. But judging by the shadows shape, its some sort of large canteen. "Why don't you go get us some more water. We'll need to boil some more if their wounds need cleaning again in the morning."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"Ky." <<print $RO3Name>> tosses something to Kyliah. You can barely make out what through the dark. But judging by the shadows shape, its some sort of large canteen. "Why don't you go get us some more water. We'll need to boil some more if her wounds need cleaning again in the morning."\
<<else>>\
"Ky." <<print $RO3Name>> tosses something to Kyliah. You can barely make out what through the dark. But judging by the shadows shape, its some sort of large canteen. "Why don't you go get us some more water. We'll need to boil some more if his wounds need cleaning again in the morning."\
<</if>>
Kyliah looks like <<print $RO1He>>'s going to argue. After a moments hesitation, <<print $RO1He>> nods stiffly, casting a final glance in your direction. "I'll be nearby if you need anything. Please let <<print $RO3Name>> know if the pain gets to be too much."
You watch silently as <<print $RO1He>> turns towards the river. <<print $RO3Name>> doesn't speak again till <<print $RO1He>>'s out of earshot. "Dont mind <<print $RO1Him>>. <<print $RO1HeC>> can be a little overbearing, but <<print $RO1He>> means well."
"I appreciate the sentiment."
<<print $RO3Name>> tosses a log into the fire before turning back towards you. "That's gonna leave one hell of a nasty scar."
You shrug and glance down at your shoulder. It isn't the first. You already have a couple from your training with Galen. But its definitely the one that hurt the worst. Maybe because of where the arrow it. "It's not that bad. You probably have a couple of your own."
"More than a couple." <<print $RO3Name>>'s lips twist into a crooked smile. "I don't mind though. I like my battle scars. You'll learn to appreciate yours too- in time."
"You do?"
<<print $RO1HeC>> nods. "They remind me of what I survived. What I'm capable of." Tossing something your direction, you just barely manage to catch the small tin <<print $RO3Name>> throws towards you.
"What's this?"
"A salve. It'll help with the pain. Make it heal faster."
You examine the small concoction in suprise. It smells faintly of mint and chamomile. "Oh...thanks."
<<print $RO1HeC>> nods, grabbing a skewer at <<print $RO1His>> side and holding it over the fire. You almost startle when you hear Kyliah's footsteps trecking back up the riverside.
<<set $RemusAffection += 2>>
[[Continue|ch1end]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $getsalve = false>>
Answer <<print $RO1Him>> with a smile. <<print $RO1HeC>>'s a stranger. You'd be a fool to trust <<print $RO1Him>> after what you just went through. But you can sense no malice from <<print $RO1Him>>. <<print $RO1HeC>> seems to genuinely want to help.
Kyliah's shoulders relax slightly as <<print $RO1He>> moves to your side. Now that <<print $RO1He>>'s closer, you can see <<print $RO1Him>> more clearly under the dim glow of the moonlight. <<print $RO1HisC>> eyes are a curious shade of silver you've never seen before. The way they glow as <<print $RO1He>> kneels down next to you reminds you of Galen’s scrying orb. <<print $RO1HeC>> has a matching grey circlet atop <<print $RO1His>> head and a few silver bracelets around <<print $RO1His>> wrist. You've never met the noble priests of the temples Divine, but if you had, you imagine they'd look something like this.
"I'm going to place my hand over your shoulder. It shouldn't hurt, but tell me if it does." <<print $RO1HeC>> speaks to you in a soft tone that quells some of your anxiety.
You watch, more so out of curiousity than apprehension, as <<print $RO1His>> fingers just barely skirt across your skin. <<print $RO1HisC>> touch is so slight that you barely feel it, almost as if <<print $RO1He>>'s scared you might break.
You draw in a sharp breath when you feel <<print $RO1His>> magic seep into you. It feels so different from Galen's. His was always blistering, almost searing. But Kyliah's is the exact opposite, like the cool breeze that carries the rain.
You only feel it for a moment before Kyliah yanks <<print $RO1His>> hand back. At first you think you must have flinched. Given <<print $RO1Him>> the impression that you were in pain. But when you look at <<print $RO1Him>>, <<print $RO1He>>'s staring at you with that same expression from earlier. <<print $RO1HisC>> eyes dance with something akin to wonder as <<print $RO1He>> bows <<print $RO1His>> head. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."
You shake your head, perplexed. "You didn't. But why did you pull back?"
"Have you...has anyone ever told you...." Kyliah shakes <<print $RO1His>> head. "Nevermind, it's nothing."
<<print $RO1HeC>> places <<print $RO1His>> hand over your shoulder again, and this time you can feel the pain wash away like a hot coal doused with water. All of the tension drains from your frame. You let out a soft exhale. An overwhelming sense of calm washed over you as finally feel some reprieve from the pain.
"Better?"
"Much." You suddenly realize how close Kyliah is. The pain had distracted you from noticing before. But now you realize you're close enough to count every striation in <<print $RO1His>> eyes. "Thank you."
<<print $RO1HeC>> lingers for a moment longer. <<print $RO1HisC>> breath stutters when it brushes across your face. It's only then that you realize <<print $RO1He>>'s shaking. <<print $RO1HeC>> draws in a steadying breath and pulls back, averting <<print $RO1His>> gaze. "Of course. Be sure to let me know if the pain gets worse again." The way <<print $RO1He>> averts <<print $RO1His>> eyes makes you wonder if you've done something wrong. But <<print $RO3Name>> speaks before you can question it further.
<<set $KyliahAffection += 2>>
[[Continue|ch1end]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>You can't help but notice that they haven't asked you what happened. Who attacked you, or why you were being pursued. Which means they either don't care, or already know. Even if they had little regard for your situation, most would at the very least want to know what happened if for no other reason than to avoid the same fate. If you'd been attacked by bandits, it would be pertinent for them to know as well. Which meant the latter was likely true.
"You should eat if you can hold anything solid down. You'll need your strength for tomorrow."
"Why?"
"Ky has been able to keep the kings assassins off our backs with a veil spell, but it won't keep us hidden forever. I've arranged for us to meet with someone that will help us make the trip a little faster."
You blink, caught completely off gaurd by <<print $RO1His>> words. So they knew who was after you. "How did you-"
"Word travels fast in Jeilene."
Even so- even if they were simply two travelers that had somehow put two and two together, which you highly doubted- it didn't make sense. Why would they be willing to risk angering The King of Jeilene to help you, a total stranger? "Who are you?"
"We already told you-"
"No, I mean who are you really. Who are you that you'd risk yourselves to help me, someone you only met yesterday."
<<print $RO3Name>> and Kyliah exchange a sidelong glance. <<print $RO3Name>> is the first to speak. "You're asking the wrong questions, <<print $RO3swan>>."
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"Dont tease them <<print $RO3Name>>." Kyliah levels a hard glare at <<print $RO1His>> companion. "I know how it looks. How it must look. And I would never ask that you blindly place your trust in us. But please, understand that if we have things we cannot tell you, it is only because it's in your best intersts."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"Dont tease her <<print $RO3Name>>." Kyliah levels a hard glare at <<print $RO1His>> companion. "I know how it looks. How it must look. And I would never ask that you blindly place your trust in us. But please, understand that if we have things we cannot tell you, it is only because it's in your best intersts."\
<<else>>\
"Dont tease him <<print $RO3Name>>." Kyliah levels a hard glare at <<print $RO1His>> companion. "I know how it looks. How it must look. And I would never ask that you blindly place your trust in us. But please, understand that if we have things we cannot tell you, it is only because it's in your best intersts."\
<</if>>
You almost scoff. How could it be in your best interests to be kept in the dark? To not know your friends from your enemies. "Do you know why they're after me?"
<<print $RO3Name>> tilts <<print $RO1His>> head to the side, frowning. "You don't know-"
"Enough <<print $RO3Name>>. Open your mouth again and I will sew it shut." The threatening tone in Kyliah's voice gives you pause.
You want answers. You want to know why you're being hunted, and why Kyliah and <<print $RO3Name>> are helping you. But the bitter truth is, regardless of why, you don't have much of a choice. You need their help. Regardless of whether or not you can trust them. And as it stands, neither <<print $RO1Man>> appears very forthcoming.
You cannot simply accept their half-truths blindy. Their lack of explanation, despite the fact that it's clear they know more than they're telling you. But you don't have the energy to question them further. Not tonight, when you've just barely survived a fight with The King's Huntsmen.
Reluctantly, you let the topic drop for now and resolve to revisit it in the morning once you've had time to rest. Only one thing brings you comfort now, when everything else is so foreign and unfamiliar.
[[The stars overhead that bathe the clearing in moonlight.]]
[[The warm night air against your skin.]]
[[The shadows that cloack the world in black]]
[[The knowedlege that sleep, even if only briefly, will be a reprieve]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>What pronouns do you use?
<ul>
<li><<link "He/Him">><<set $pronouns = 2>><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>></li>
<li><<link "She/Her">><<set $pronouns = 1>><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>></li>
<li><<link "They/Them">><<set $pronouns = 0>><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>></li>
</ul>Please enter your name:
<<textbox "$playerName" "">>
<<button "Continue">>
<<goto "Pronouns">>
<</button>><!-- Background and Dust Particles -->
<div style="position: relative; height: 100vh; overflow: hidden;">
<span class="dust-particle dust1">✦</span>
<span class="dust-particle dust2">✦</span>
<span class="dust-particle dust3">✦</span>
<span class="dust-particle dust4">✦</span>
<span class="dust-particle dust5">✦</span>
<!-- Title -->
<div style="position: relative; z-index: 1; font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
<h1 style="color: gold; text-align: center; font-size: 3em; text-shadow: 0 0 10px gold;">The Last Divine</h1>
</div>
<!-- Subtitle -->
<i style="display: block; text-align: center; color: crimson; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">"Forgotten blood. Forbidden power."</span></i>
</div>
<hr style="border: none; height: 2px; background: linear-gradient(to right, gold, crimson, gold); margin: 20px 0;">
<!-- Introduction -->
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: gold;">
<span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><span style="font-size: 1.5em;"><i>The last of your kind, you walk a path you were never meant to survive</i></span></span>
</span>
</div>
<p><span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><b>The Last Divine</b></span></span> is a text-based fantasy romance set in the medieval-inspired realm of Jeilene. It is a character-driven interactive fiction novel that loosely borrows from elements of Greek Mythology. The choices you make throughout will shape your personality, your abilities, and ultimately the trajectory of Jeilene's future. They will also infulence the relationships you form, whether platonic, romantic, or something altogether more nefarious...</p>
<hr style="border-top: 3px double #d4af37; margin: 30px 20%;">
<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 2em; font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
<span style="color: gold;">''The Story''</span>
</div>
<p><span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">Hunted by the King’s most ruthless assassins</span></span> with powers you do not yet understand, you are thrust into a struggle for survival. Raised alone in a tower by your Master Galen since birth, you know little of the world beyond, and even less of why the birthmark on your chest has branded you for death. Your master warned you that this day would come. That, one day, you would be hunted. Even so, he's been evasive about what lies ahead—only that the answers you seek can be found in the heart of the capital. Your only guides are the uncertain allies you meet along the way—each carrying their own secrets.</p>
<hr style="border-top: 3px double #d4af37; margin: 30px 20%;">
<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 2em; font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
<span style="color: gold;">''Jeilene''</span>
</div>
Sheltered as you are, you know little of Jeilene and its immortal king, Icarus. Only what you've managed to glean from the books Galen would bring you during his trips to the nearby village, New Haven, for supplies. People whisper that he is The Last Divine, half-gods that once ruled the lands when food was plentiful and blood did not run as freely. Whether man or Divine, when he sends his huntsmen for you, you do the only thing you can to ensure that you see the next sunrise- you run.
<hr style="border-top: 3px double #d4af37; margin: 30px 20%;">
<!-- Characters -->
<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 2em; font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
<span style="color: gold;">''The Characters''</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Romance Options are Gender Selectable</div>
<p><span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><b>Kyliah</b> – <i>The Seer</i></span></span><br>
Mysterious and enigmatic, Kyliah looks at you like you are their salvation—or their ruin. They've had visions of you long before your first meeting in the forest. Their usual soft-spoken nature only makes the fierceness with which they protect you even more unexpected.</p>
<p><span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><b>Remus/Raven</b> – <i>The Knight</i></span></span><br>
Hardened by years of battle and bloodshed, they're determined to put an end to the King's carnage—no matter the cost. But when they meet you, they start to question their convictions, and whether they're truly willing to pay the price peace demands.</p>
<p><span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><b>Severin/Severa</b> – <i>The Necromancer</i></span></span><br>
Stoic and commanding, they spend more time with the dead than the living. Their interest in you is an exception to their self-imposed isolation.They would have you believe that their motivations are entirely selfish. But they knows things they shouldn't—about you, and the people that hunt you.</p>
<p><span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><b>Axis/Athena</b> – <i>The Dragon Rider</i></span></span><br>
An unapologetic flirt, the only thing that burns hotter than their touch is their dragon. Though they take an immediate interest in you, they have their own reasons for offering to help you on your journey. But what do they hide behind their silver tongue and charming wit?</p>
<hr style="border-top: 3px double #d4af37; margin: 30px 20%;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: gold;">
<span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><span style="font-size: 1.5em;"><i>In a land that has forgotten gods, will you become Jeilene's savior... or its downfall?</i></span></span>
</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>A text-based interactive novel</i>
<i>Playing with headphones is highly recommended</i>
<!-- Navigation Buttons -->
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
<<link "Start Game">><<goto "Name">><</link>>
<<link "Credits">><<goto "Credits">><</link>>
</span></div>
<<run setup.playMusic()>><<if $empathy > $cunning and $logic > $intuition>>
<<set _newTitle = "The Light of Libertine">>
<<set _newDesc = "Caring and thoughtful, you are guided by wisdom and kindness. You prioritize how your actions make others feel, and reflect deeply on your experiences to understand more about people and the world around you.">>
<<elseif $empathy > $cunning and $intuition > $logic>>
<<set _newTitle = "A Rose Forged in Fire">>
<<set _newDesc = "You are driven by fierce loyalty and passion. You feel emotions strongly and temper your passion with a deep empathy for others. While you may at times be impulsive, your intentions are always pure and you go out of your way to be there for the people that you care for.">>
<<elseif $cunning > $empathy and $logic > $intuition>>
<<set _newTitle = "Blade Cloaked in Velvet">>
<<set _newDesc = "Calculating, unyielding, and shaped by reason, you are inellectual and do not allow yourself to be swayed by your emotions. You do not suffer fools, nor are you one of them. You have lived long enough to see what becomes of those with bleeding hearts.">>
<<elseif $cunning > $empathy and $intuition > $logic>>
<<set _newTitle = "A Kiss of Fire and Ice">>
<<set _newDesc = "Ruled by wrath and emotion, you are willing to do whatever is necessary to succeed. Your experiences have taught you that the world favors the one that draws first blood, and you make sure to do so in any interaction where it may be beneficial.">>
<<elseif $bravery > $logic>>
<<set _newTitle = "The Flame of The Wilds">>
<<set _newDesc = "Fearless to a fault, you, charge into fate’s jaws without a second though. You have a lion's heart, and face conflict head on. While this is sometimes to you benefit, allowing you the element of suprise, it can also lead you to impulsiveness that places yourself in precarious situations.">>
<<elseif $logic > $bravery>>
<<set _newTitle = "The Sage of Libertine">>
<<set _newDesc = "Patient and observant, you prefer to gain knowledge and understanding before you act. Though this often gives you the upper hand, at times this can lead you to hesitate when action is necessary.">>
<<else>>
<<set _newTitle = "Child of the Arcane">>
<<set _newDesc = "You are well rounded and prioritize balance and adaptation. A true chamelion, you adapt to the situation to ensure as is needed and are not afraid of change.">>
<</if>>
<<if _newTitle !== $personalityTitle>>
<<set $previousPersonalityTitle = $personalityTitle>>
<<set $personalityTitle = _newTitle>>
<<set $personalityDesc = _newDesc>>
<<set $personalityChanged = true>>
<</if>><b>Info</b><br>
<<link "Personality">><<goto "Character Traits">><</link>><br>
<<link "Divine Dominion">><<goto "Magical Abilities">><</link>><br>
<<link "Relationships">><<goto "Relationships">><</link>><br>
<<link "Character Traits">><<goto "CharacterTraits">><</link>><br>
<<link "Survival Stats">><<goto "Stats">><</link>><br>
<<set $playerName = "">> <!-- Empty player name -->
<<set setup.PRONOUNS = { THEY: 0, SHE: 1, HE: 2 }>>
<<set $empathy = 0>> <!-- Initialize all your stats -->
<<set $cunning = 0>>
<<set $logic = 0>>
<<set $intuition = 0>>
<<set $bravery = 0>>
<<set $charisma = 0>>
<<set $personalityTitle = "">>
<<set $personalityDesc = "">>
<<set $previousPersonalityTitle = "">>
<<set $personalityChanged = false>>
<<set $hairColor to "">>
<<set $hairLength to "">>
<<set $eyeColor to "">>
<<set $skinColor to "">>
<<set $height to "">>
<<set $SeverinAffection to 0>>
<<set $AxisAffection to 0>>
<<set $KyliahAffection to 0>>
<<set $RemusAffection to 0>>
<<set $deathDominion = 0>>
<<set $natureDominion = 0>>
<<set $celestialDominion = 0>>
<<set $lunarDominion = 0>>
<<set $prevDeathDominion = 0>>
<<set $prevNatureDominion = 0>>
<<set $prevCelestialDominion = 0>>
<<set $prevLunarDominion = 0>>
<<set $dominionChanged = false>>
<<set $dominionChangeMessage = "">>
<<set $hunger = 5>>
<<set $thirst = 5>>
<<set $vitality = 5>>
<<set $bloodprice = 5>>
<<set $arcanestability = 5>>
<<set $maxStat = 10>>
:: StoryInit
<<set $playerPref to "male">> <!-- default preference --><div class="stats-container">
<b>Personality Title:</b><br>
<span class="personality-title">$personalityTitle</span><br><br>
<b>Personality Description:</b><br>
<i>$personalityDesc</i>
<br><hr><br>
<div class="stat-item"><b>Empathy:</b> <span class="stat-number">$empathy</span></div>
<div class="stat-item"><b>Cunning:</b> <span class="stat-number">$cunning</span></div>
<div class="stat-item"><b>Logic:</b> <span class="stat-number">$logic</span></div>
<div class="stat-item"><b>Bravery:</b> <span class="stat-number">$bravery</span></div>
<div class="stat-item"><b>Intuition:</b> <span class="stat-number">$empathy</span></div>
<div class="stat-item"><b>Charisma:</b> <span class="stat-number">$empathy</span></div>
</div>
<<link "Return to Story">><<goto $lastPassage>><</link>><div class="personality-profile-container">
<<if $personalityTitle != "">>
<div class="personality-title">
$personalityTitle
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $personalityDesc != "">>
<div class="personality-description" id="personality-desc">
<!-- The description will type out dynamically -->
</div>
<</if>>
</div>
<br>
<<link "Back">><<back>><</link>>
<script>
window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', (event) => {
const descText = `<<= $personalityDesc >>`;
const descContainer = document.getElementById("personality-desc");
let index = 0;
descContainer.style.opacity = 1;
function typeWriter() {
if (index < descText.length) {
descContainer.innerHTML += descText.charAt(index);
index++;
setTimeout(typeWriter, 30);
}
}
typeWriter();
});
</script>“Would you like to meet my better half?” <<print $RO1HeC>> asks, finally stepping back.
“Your what?”
“Delilah, my dragon.”
You raise a brow in disbelief. “You named your dragon //Delilah// ?”
“What? She’s delicate." <<print $RO1HeC>> glances up at her affectionately. "Don’t let the fire fool you. Under all those scales and molten heat, Deli’s got a heart of glass.”
You hesitate.
* [["No, I'm good. I'd prefer to keep all my appendanges, thank you very much"|"No, I'm good. I'd prefer to keep all my appendanges, thank you very much"]]
* [["You promise she won't eat me?"|"You promise she won't eat me?"]]
* [["Definitely, I've always wanted to meet a dragon!"|"Definitely! I've always wanted to meet a dragon!"]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $charisma += 2>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
"You promise she won't eat me?"
“Only if I tell her to.” <<print $RO1Name>> winks and leans towards you. “Don’t worry. I was only kidding about the hangry part. I already fed her this morning.”
Before you can object, <<print $RO1Name>> grins and brings a hand to <<print $RO1His>> mouth. <<print $RO1HeC>> whistles, loud and sharp. Seconds later, Delilah dives down and lands in the clearing. <<print $RO1Name>> strides towards her, and once <<print $RO1He>>’s close enough, Delilah bows her head low enough for <<print $RO1Name>> to run <<print $RO1His>> hands over her head. She makes a sound low in her throat, more of a keening than a growl, and nudges <<print $RO1Him>> with her nose.
[[Continue|petdelilah]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $empathy += 2>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
"No, I'm good. I'd prefer to keep all my appendanges, thank you very much"
<<print $RO1Name>> winks and leans towards you. “Don’t worry. I was only kidding about the hangry part. I already fed her this morning.”
Before you can object, <<print $RO1Name>> grins and brings a hand to <<print $RO1His>> mouth. <<print $RO1HeC>> whistles, loud and sharp. Seconds later, Delilah dives down and lands in the clearing. <<print $RO1Name>> strides towards her, and once <<print $RO1He>>’s close enough, Delilah bows her head low enough for <<print $RO1Name>> to run <<print $RO1His>> hands over her head. She makes a sound low in her throat, more of a keening than a growl, and nudges <<print $RO1Him>> with her nose.
[[Continue|petdelilah]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $bravery+= 2>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
"Definitely, I've always wanted to meet a dragon!"
“I thought you might.” <<print $RO1Name>> winks and leans towards you. “Don’t worry. I was only kidding about the hangry part. I already fed her this morning.”
Before you can object, <<print $RO1Name>> grins and brings a hand to <<print $RO1His>> mouth. <<print $RO1HeC>> whistles, loud and sharp. Seconds later, Delilah dives down and lands in the clearing. <<print $RO1Name>> strides towards her, and once <<print $RO1He>>’s close enough, Delilah bows her head low enough for <<print $RO1Name>> to run <<print $RO1His>> hands over her head. She makes a sound low in her throat, more of a keening than a growl, and nudges <<print $RO1Him>> with her nose.
[[Continue|petdelilah]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<if $pronouns == 0>>\
“Hey, no roughhousing yet.” <<print $RO1Name>> says softly. “I want you to meet my new friend. No scaring them away. We’re trying to practice our social skills, remember?”
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
“Hey, no roughhousing yet.” <<print $RO1Name>> says softly. “I want you to meet my new friend. No scaring her away. We’re trying to practice our social skills, remember?”
<<else>>\
“Hey, no roughhousing yet.” <<print $RO1Name>> says softly. “I want you to meet my new friend. No scaring him away. We’re trying to practice our social skills, remember?”
<</if>>\
Delilah snorts, but there’s no real fervor in the sound, like she’s used to <<print $RO1His>> antics by now. <<print $RO1Name>> glances back at you and motions you over. It vaguely reminds you of the way a proud parent shows off their child to anyone that will listen. “She won’t bite, I promise.”
You step forward tentatively, footsteps slow, till you’re next to <<print $RO1Name>>. Delilah watches you curiously, tilting her head to the side.
“What should I do?” You whisper, hands shaking in spite of yourself.
Something softens in <<print $RO1Name>>’s expression when <<print $RO1He>> looks at you. <<print $RO1HeC>> takes your hand in <<print $RO1His>> steadying it, and guides it forward till you’re touching Delilah. You draw in a sharp breath and brace yourself, expecting her to pull back. But she doesn’t. She simply watches you, waiting to see what you’ll do next. Her scales are rougher than you expected. They feel like hot metal against your skin, reminding you of the alchemy magic Galen used to teach you. You can feel every breath she takes, and the way her muscles relax when she accepts your touch after a few tense seconds. “I like to talk to her, but dragons prefer to communicate through touch and scent- at least when they’re first getting to know you. Let her learn you through her senses. Eventually, if she trusts you enough, she'll open her mind to you.”
You let out a shaky laugh and pet her a couple times, struck by the fact that this beautiful, magnificent creature is allowing you to be this close to her. And when she purrs low in her throat and leans into your touch, you stumble backwards, caught off guard.
<<print $RO1Name>> moves quickly, just barely catching you before you hit the ground. Strong arms fasten around your waist. <<print $RO1HeC>>’s close now- closer than you’ve ever been to anyone. You can smell the sweet citrus on <<print $RO1His>> breath- cherries, maybe, or strawberries- mixed with mint. The warmth of <<print $RO1His>> bare skin feels almost as hot as Delilah's. You swallow thickly, pulse spiking as you look up at <<print $RO1His>>.
"She likes you already." <<print $RO1HeC>> murmurs.
* [[For the life of you, you can’t bring yourself to look away❤|And for the life of you, you can’t bring yourself to look away]]
* [[You quickly turn away, embarrassed|And you quickly turn away, embarrassed]]
* [[You take a step back, eager to put some distance between the two of you|And you take a step back, eager to put some distance between yourself and him]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>For the life of you, you can’t bring yourself to look away.
<<print $RO1HeC>> doesn’t look away either. Instead, <<print $RO1His>> gaze slides down to your lips, lingering for a moment.
You want to say something back-anything. But with <<print $RO1Him>> this close, all you can focus on is <<print $RO1His>> proximity and the fact that you never realised how beatiful <<print $RO1His>> eyes are, like jade coated in stardust
After a moment's pause, <<print $RO1He>> tears <<print $RO1His>> gaze away from your lips, back to your eyes. <<print $RO1HisC>> thumb brushes against your hip as <<print $RO1He>> lifts you, till you're firmly on your feet again. <<print $RO1HisC>> touch is barely there at all. Even so, the inadvertent gesture sends a shiver down your spine. You know <<print $RO1He>> clocks it by the way <<print $RO1He>> smirks at you, eyes dancing in the pale light that filters through the treetops.
<<print $RO1HeC>>'s <<print $RO1handsome>> in a way that is equal parts alluring and maddening.
“You were running from The Kings Huntsmen.” <<print $RO1HeC>> says. There's a heaviness to <<print $RO1His>> words that wasn't there before. “A beauty like you is going to attract attention wherever you go. You won’t make it far before they find you again, not without help.”
“Are you offering?” you ask.
<<print $RO1Name>> is quiet for a moment. "I'm in no rush to brand myself an enemy to The Immortal King... but, honestly, I've been on his hit list for years after an unfortunate incident with a bottle of laced wine and a very handsy court gesture. So, all things considered, if you need an escort, I'll gladly take the risk. What’s your name, <<print $eyeColor>> eyes?"
<<set $AxisAffection += 1>>
[[Continue|bye]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>After a moment's pause, <<print $RO1He>> lifts you till you're standing solidly on your feed again. You quickly turn away, embarrassed.
<<print $RO1Name>> flashes you a crooked smile. <<print $RO1HisC>> eyes linger for a moment longer before <<print $RO1He>> steps back. “Sorry about that, I should’ve warned you. Her snuggles tend to pack a punch.”
[[Continue|bye]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>After a moment's pause, <<print $RO1He>> lifts you till you're standing solidly on your feed again. You take a step back, eager to put some distance between yourself and <<print $RO1Him>>.
<<print $RO1Name>> clears <<print $RO1His>> throat and flashes a sheepish smile. “Sorry about that, she’s still trying to learn how to be gentle.”
[[Continue|bye]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $hairColor to $hairColor or "">>
<<set $hairLength to $hairLength or "">>
Choose your hair color:
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
<<link "Black">><<set $hairColor = "black">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>>
<<link "Blonde">><<set $hairColor = "blonde">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>>
<<link "Brown">><<set $hairColor = "brown">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>>
<<link "Red">><<set $hairColor = "red">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>>
<<link "Silver">><<set $hairColor = "silver">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>> </span></span>
Current: <<print $hairColor>>
<hr>
Choose your hair length:
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
<<link "Short">><<set $hairLength = "short">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>>
<<link "Shoulder-Length">><<set $hairLength = "shoulder-length">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>>
<<link "Long">><<set $hairLength = "long">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>>
<<link "Shaved">><<set $hairLength = "shaved">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>> </span></span>
Current: <<print $hairLength>>
<<if $hairColor and $hairLength>><span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
[[Next: Eye Color->Choose Eyes]]</span></span>
<</if>><<set $eyeColor to $eyeColor or "">>
Choose your eye color:
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
<<link "Blue">><<set $eyeColor = "blue">><<goto "Choose Eyes">><</link>>
<<link "Green">><<set $eyeColor = "green">><<goto "Choose Eyes">><</link>>
<<link "Brown">><<set $eyeColor = "brown">><<goto "Choose Eyes">><</link>>
<<link "Hazel">><<set $eyeColor = "hazel">><<goto "Choose Eyes">><</link>>
<<link "Gray">><<set $eyeColor = "gray">><<goto "Choose Eyes">><</link>> </span></span>
Current: <<print $eyeColor>>
<<if $eyeColor>><span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
[[Next: Skin Color->Choose Skin]]</span></span>
<</if>><<set $skinColor to $skinColor or "">>
Choose your skin tone:
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
<<link "Light">><<set $skinColor = "fair">><<goto "Choose Skin">><</link>>
<<link "Tan">><<set $skinColor = "tan">><<goto "Choose Skin">><</link>>
<<link "Olive">><<set $skinColor = "olive">><<goto "Choose Skin">><</link>>
<<link "Golden Brown">><<set $skinColor = "brown">><<goto "Choose Skin">><</link>>
<<link "Ebony">><<set $skinColor = "dark">><<goto "Choose Skin">><</link>></span></span>
Current: <<print $skinColor>>
<<if $skinColor>>
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
[[Next: Height->Choose Height]]</span></span>
<</if>><<set $height to $height or "">>
Choose your height:
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
<<link "Short">><<set $height = "short">><<goto "Choose Height">><</link>>
<<link "Average">><<set $height = "average">><<goto "Choose Height">><</link>>
<<link "Tall">><<set $height = "tall">><<goto "Choose Height">><</link>>
<<link "Very Tall">><<set $height = "very tall">><<goto "Choose Height">><</link>>
</span></span>
Current: <<print $height>>
<<if $height>><span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
[[Preview Character->Customization Summary]]</span></span>
<</if>><span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
Customization Summary:</span></span>
Hair: <<print $hairLength>> <<print $hairColor>>
Eyes: <<print $eyeColor>>
Skin: <<print $skinColor>>
Height: <<print $height>>
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;">
[[Start the Story->RO Gender]]
[[Go back to change hair->Choose Hair]]</span></span><div class="stats-container">
<span class="personality-title"><b>Your Relationships</b></span>
<hr>
<!-- Severin -->
<div class="relationship-block">
<div class="relationship-name"><<print $RO4Name>></div>
<div class="relationship-desc">
<<if $SeverinAffection >= 15>>
<<print $RO1HeC>> watches you like you’re all that’s left worth protecting.
<<elseif $SeverinAffection >=10>>
<<print $RO1HeC>>’s letting <<print $RO1His>> guard down. Slowly. <<print $RO1HisC>> presence is just as commanding as when you first met, but now it feels as if <<print $RO1He>> looks at you instead of through you.
<<elseif $SeverinAffection >= 3>>
You have stirred <<print $RO1His>> curiosity, but <<print $RO1He>> still keeps <<print $RO1His>> distance. Now there seems to be something alongside the detached assessment with which <<print $RO1He>> observes you.
<<else>>
<<print $RO1HeC>>’s unreadable. <<print $RO1HeC>> watches you with eyes so heavy their weight feels like a physical thing, but you don't know what to make of <<print $RO1Him>>. <<print $RO1HisC>> thoughts feel as elusive as the void itself.
<</if>>
</div>
</div>
<hr>
<!-- Axis -->
<div class="relationship-block">
<div class="relationship-name"><<print $RO1Name>></div>
<div class="relationship-desc">
<<if $AxisAffection >= 15>>
<<print $RO1HeC>> flirts shamelessly, but there’s sincerity beneath the charm.
<<elseif $AxisAffection >= 10>>
<<print $RO1HeC>> teases you more than anyone else.
<<elseif $AxisAffection >= 3>>
<<print $RO1HeC>>’s intrigued, but not yet attached. <<print $RO1HeC>>'s drawn to your fire—your spirit. <<print $RO1HeC>> would like to get to know you better—to know what lies beneath the beauty—if you'll let <<print $RO1Him>>.
<<else>>
<<print $RO1HeC>>’s still sizing you up. <<print $RO1HeC>> knows better than most that beautiful things can cut.
<</if>>
</div>
</div>
<hr>
<!-- Kyliah -->
<div class="relationship-block">
<div class="relationship-name">Kyliah</div>
<div class="relationship-desc">
<<if $KyliahAffection >= 15>>
<<print $RO1HisC>> eyes soften around you. <<print $RO1HisC>> blade does not.
<<elseif $KyliahAffection >= 10>>
<<print $RO1HeC>>’s begun to respect your strength—and your flaws.
<<elseif $KyliahAffection >= 3>>
You catch <<print $RO1Him>> sneaking glances at you when <<print $RO1He>> thinks you're not looking. You're not sure why. But whenever you do, <<print $RO1He>> always seems embarrassed—like you've caught <<print $RO1Him>> doing something <<print $RO1He>> shouldn't.
<<else>>
<<print $RO1HeC>> always meets your gaze with a kind smile, but you get the impression that there's much more behind that gaze than what <<print $RO1He>> shares with you. At least for now.
<</if>>
</div>
</div>
<hr>
<!-- Remus -->
<div class="relationship-block">
<div class="relationship-name"><<print $RO3Name>>s</div>
<div class="relationship-desc">
<<if $RemusAffection >= 15>>
<<print $RO1HeC>> trusts you completely—and follows your lead without hesitation.
<<elseif $RemusAffection >= 10>>
<<print $RO1HisC>> words soften only when they're directed at you.
<<elseif $RemusAffection >= 3>>
Though <<print $RO1He>> still does not mince <<print $RO1His>> words, <<print $RO1He>> seems to listen to you more than <<print $RO1He>> first did. Like <<print $RO1He>>'s willing to give you the chance to earn <<print $RO1His>> respect—like, maybe, <<print $RO1He>>'s hoping you will.
<<else>>
<<print $RO1HisC>> words are blunted things, but <<print $RO1His>> blade is sharp. <<print $RO1HeC>> treats you with no preamble, with almost polite indifference. You can't help but wonder why <<print $RO1He>> has chosen to help you at all.
<</if>>
</div>
</div>
<hr>
<<link "Return to Story">><<goto $lastPassage>><</link>>
</div>
<div class="stats-container">
<span class="personality-title"><b>Your Character</b></span>
<hr>
<div class="character-stat">
<span class="stat-label">Eye Color:</span>
<span class="stat-value"><<print $eyeColor>></span>
</div>
<div class="character-stat">
<span class="stat-label">Hair Color:</span>
<span class="stat-value"><<print $hairColor>></span>
</div>
<div class="character-stat">
<span class="stat-label">Hair Length:</span>
<span class="stat-value"><<print $hairLength>></span>
</div>
<div class="character-stat">
<span class="stat-label">Skin Color:</span>
<span class="stat-value"><<print $skinColor>></span>
</div>
<div class="character-stat">
<span class="stat-label">Height:</span>
<span class="stat-value"><<print $height>></span>
</div>
<hr>
<<link "Return to Story">><<goto $lastPassage>><</link>>
</div>
The rider turns to you, flashing a grin that's all teeth and rugged charm.
"And here I thought today would be boring." <<print $RO1HeC>> drawls, spinning <<print $RO1His>> blade once before sheathing it. "That was fun. I'm <<print $RO1Name>>, Dragon Rider to Baron Vanholdt of the Northern Reach." <<print $RO1HeC>> saunters towards you, smirking. "I'm sure you've probably heard of me. Daring, infamous, devastatingly good looking." <<print $RO1HisC>> gaze lingers for a beat too long. "And you... you’re definitely not from around here. I would’ve remembered a face like yours."
<<print $RO1HeC>> extends a hand towards you, as if having someone try to kill <<print $RO1Him>> only moments ago is just another day for <<print $RO1Him>>.
"You’re welcome, by the way."
You stare at <<print $RO1Him>> for a heartbeat, every instinct warning you that this <<print $RO1Man>> is trouble.
Charming, silver-tongued, and dangerously <<print $RO1handsome>>.
* [["You're awfully sure of yourself for someone who nearly got me killed."❤->sure of yourself]]
* [["Thanks... I guess."->thanks]]
* [["Stay away from me"->stay away]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/kkadrz.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>>Sighing, you keep your gaze fixed on the horizon and continue moving at a brisk pace. By the time you crest the first hill, you're sweaty, hungry, and tired. But something- instinct, maybe, or intuition- tells you that you can't rest. That if you do, it will be the end of you.
The sun is barely at your back when you first sense it—a tingling somewhere in the recesses of your mind. The feeling that you are being watched.
You resist the urge to draw your dagger. Never reveal your hand too early. That was one of the first things your master taught you.
Instead you...
* [[Use your magic to see what your eyes cannot->UseMagic]]
* [[Slow to a stop and pretend you need to rest->PretendRest]]
* [[Quicken your pace and draw them to a clearing->DrawThemOut]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<div class="stats-container">
<span class="personality-title"><b>Survival Stats</b></span>
<hr>
<!-- Hunger -->
<<if $hunger is undefined>><<set $hunger = 0>><</if>>
<<set _percent = Math.round(($hunger / $maxStat) * 100)>>
<div class="survival-block">
<div class="stat-label">Hunger <<print $hunger>> / <<print $maxStat>></div>
<<= '<div class="bar-wrapper"><div class="bar-fill" style="width: ' + _percent + '%;"></div></div>' >>
<div class="stat-desc">
<<if $hunger <= 1>>Your stomach gnaws at itself. You won't last long like this.
<<elseif $hunger <= 3>>Hunger dulls your focus. You’re starting to feel faint.
<<elseif $hunger >= $maxStat - 1>>You feel full, warm, and steady.
<<elseif $hunger >= $maxStat * 0.75>>You're well-fed and alert.
<<else>>You could eat, but it’s not urgent.
<</if>>
</div>
</div>
<hr>
<!-- Thirst -->
<<if $thirst is undefined>><<set $thirst = 0>><</if>>
<<set _percent = Math.round(($thirst / $maxStat) * 100)>>
<div class="survival-block">
<div class="stat-label">Thirst <<print $thirst>> / <<print $maxStat>></div>
<<= '<div class="bar-wrapper"><div class="bar-fill" style="width: ' + _percent + '%;"></div></div>' >>
<div class="stat-desc">
<<if $thirst <= 1>>Your throat is raw. Even air feels like fire.
<<elseif $thirst <= 3>>Your lips crack. Your vision blurs.
<<elseif $thirst >= $maxStat - 1>>Your body is perfectly hydrated.
<<elseif $thirst >= $maxStat * 0.75>>You’re refreshed and focused.
<<else>>You're parched, but still stable.
<</if>>
</div>
</div>
<hr>
<!-- Vitality -->
<<if $vitality is undefined>><<set $vitality = 0>><</if>>
<<set _percent = Math.round(($vitality / $maxStat) * 100)>>
<div class="survival-block">
<div class="stat-label">Vitality <<print $vitality>> / <<print $maxStat>></div>
<<= '<div class="bar-wrapper"><div class="bar-fill" style="width: ' + _percent + '%;"></div></div>' >>
<div class="stat-desc">
<<if $vitality <= 1>>You can barely stay on your feet. Every breath hurts.
<<elseif $vitality <= 3>>You're bruised, weakened, and slow.
<<elseif $vitality >= $maxStat - 1>>You feel unstoppable—alive in every sense.
<<elseif $vitality >= $maxStat * 0.75>>You're in peak condition.
<<else>>You’re holding together—for now.
<</if>>
</div>
</div>
<hr>
<!-- Arcane Stability -->
<<if $arcanestability is undefined>><<set $arcanestability = 0>><</if>>
<<set _percent = Math.round(($arcanestability / $maxStat) * 100)>>
<div class="survival-block">
<div class="stat-label">Arcane Stability <<print $arcanestability>> / <<print $maxStat>></div>
<<= '<div class="bar-wrapper"><div class="bar-fill" style="width: ' + _percent + '%;"></div></div>' >>
<div class="stat-desc">
<<if $arcanestability <= 1>>Your magic spirals out of control. Reality cracks at the edges.
<<elseif $arcanestability <= 3>>You feel unstable. Magic flares unpredictably.
<<elseif $arcanestability >= $maxStat - 1>>Your magic flows like silk—perfectly attuned.
<<elseif $arcanestability >= $maxStat * 0.75>>Your arcane aura is steady and strong.
<<else>>There’s a faint buzz under your skin, but you’re in control.
<</if>>
</div>
</div>
<hr>
<!-- Blood Price -->
<<if $bloodprice is undefined or $bloodprice is null>>
<<set $bloodprice = 5>>
<</if>>
<<set _percent = Math.round(($bloodprice / $maxStat) * 100)>>
<div class="survival-block">
<div class="stat-label">Blood Price <<print $bloodprice>> / <<print $maxStat>></div>
<<= '<div class="bar-wrapper"><div class="bar-fill" style="width: ' + _percent + '%;"></div></div>' >>
<div class="stat-desc">
<<if $bloodprice >= $maxStat - 1>>The cost of power is etched into every vein. You are almost unrecognizable.
<<elseif $bloodprice >= $maxStat * 0.75>>You've paid dearly—and the debt continues to rise.
<<elseif $bloodprice <= 1>>You’ve barely tasted sacrifice. For now.
<<elseif $bloodprice <= 3>>The cost has begun to show—but you're not lost yet.
<<else>>The blood calls, and you’ve started to answer.
<</if>>
</div>
</div>
<hr>
<<link "Return to Story">><<goto $lastPassage>><</link>>
</div>
<!-- Reusable stat bar component -->
<div class="bar-wrapper">
<div class="bar-fill" style="width: <<= (_value / $maxStat) * 100>>%;"></div>
</div>You throw your free hand back without looking, toppling several large oaks in a feeble attempt to block their path. A pained groan from behind tells you your efforts weren't completely futile.
You're almost to your destination when the air in front of you coalesces. You can feel the magic manifesting. They're trying to build a ward. Corner you in. The mist of glacial blue materializes before you can push past. Cursing, your trembling hands move without thought, lips forming words that come out strained and stuttered. The ward in front of you shatters, disintegrating into thousands of fractured shards.
A small smile flits across your face as you bound forward. You may not be able to face them head on, but you are at least strong enough to break their wards.
You only make it a couple steps before a sharp sting peirces your shoulder. Crying out, you stumble, falling to your knees. You've never felt pain this intense before. White hot, like an iron brand tearing its way through bone and muscle. The knowledge that they're right on your heels is the only thing that pushes you back to your feet. You're not sure whether its an arrow or the fire you've been hit with. You don't have time to stop to discern which, even as the pain steals your breath away, making each step harder than the last.
Even as you force your body forward, you can tell your footsteps are slowing. The realization that you won't make it curls in your gut. Desperate, you turn, shaking hands drawing a line across the horizon. A wall of purple flames scorches the earth, the towering inferno roaring so loud it blots out even the frantic cadence of your heartbeat in your ears.
Its one of the more complex spells you've managed to master. Not the manifestation of a single element, but a combination of two.
It won't hold them for long. Their female companion will likely be able to neutralize it in less than a minute. But if you keep moving, it should buy you just enough time.
You groan as you force your feet forward once more. Sweat drips from you brow into your eyes. The brown tunic across your chest is stained red with blood. You press your hand to your shoulder to stem the bleeding, only to pull back immediately. You can feel the razor sharp tip of the arrow that has impaled your flesh.
"Gods." You murur through gritted teeth. Not even a full day on your own, and you're already skirting the precipice of death.
Magic nearly depleted, you drag yourself forward. Everything around you is blurry, even your bloody hands as you fall to your knees. Your consciousness ebbs as you use the last of you strength to fling yourself
* [[Into The River->river]]
* [[Over The Cliff's Edge->cliff]]
<<set $natureDominion += 1>>
Your fingers shake as you hastily grab the green potoin.
[[Continue|Potion Damage]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<<set $celestialDominion += 1>>
Your fingers shake as you hastily grab the silver potoin.
[[Continue|Potion Damage]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<<set $deathDominion += 1>>
Your fingers shake as you hastily grab the black potoin.
[[Continue|Potion Damage]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<<set $lunarDominion += 1>>
Your fingers shake as you hastily grab the blue potoin.
[[Continue|Potion Damage]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<<set $natureDominion += 2>>
You like foraging and find comfort in flowers, as you do most things in nature. You've always been more attuned to these sorts of things. Sometimes you can almost swear the winds themselves are whispering to you.
[[Continue->narrowpath]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $lunarDominion += 2>>
You appreciate them as decorations. You used to make yourself flower crowns and dance in the moonlight on nights when Galen was away and you could pretend like you weren't too old to believe in fairytales.
[[Continue->narrowpath]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $deathDominion += 2>>
You like to admire them from afar, but never up close.. You're too scared their paper thin frames will break under your touch to do more than appreciate them from a distance.
[[Continue->narrowpath]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><div class="stats-container">
<b>Divine Dominion:</b><br>
<span class="personality-title">
<<if $deathDominion >= 10>>Death: Warden of the Veil
<<elseif $natureDominion >= 10>>Nature: Chosen of the Wild
<<elseif $celestialDominion >= 10>>Celestial: Child of Starlight
<<elseif $lunarDominion >= 10>>Moonborn: Dream Walker
<<else>>Unawakened Vessel
<</if>>
</span><br><br>
<i>
<<if $deathDominion >= 10>>You are touched by the stillness beyond death. Shadows recognize you now. You share a connectoin with the void itself, so deep and vast that sometimes, it feels as if death becomes you. Keep honing your abilities and you may be able to pull back the veil itself.
<<elseif $natureDominion >= 10>>You are part of the wild. You feel connected to everything- every brach, every tree, every nightengale. The wind whispers secrets to you, and you listen. Keep nurturing this accord with nature, and if ask the winds to bend to your will, they just might.
<<elseif $celestialDominion >= 10>>The stars whisper when you sleep. Destiny watches you closely. You are most powerful at night, bathed in starlight. Your power comes from a time before life and death, older than the earth and the trees. If you play your cards right, you may be able to harness the power of stars at your very fingertips.
<<elseif $lunarDominion >= 10>>Reality is nothing more than a suggestion for you, an abstraction you can invert at will. You have started to develop the power to walk in dreams. To shape and mold reality till the lines betwee truth and fiction blur. Continue to hone your abilities and you may develop the ability to enter the mind of another.
<<else>>Your dominion remains dormant, waiting to awaken.
<</if>>
</i>
<br><hr><br>
Death: <span class="stat-number"><<print $deathDominion>></span>
Lunar: <span class="stat-number"><<print $lunarDominion>></span>
Celestial <span class="stat-number"><<print $celestialDominion>></span>
Nature: <span class="stat-number"><<print $natureDominion>></span>
</div>
<<link "Return to Story">><<goto $lastPassage>><</link>>
<<set $celestialDominion += 2>>
You have never cared much for flowers. They're too fragile for your preference. You prefer something more robust, something you can hold that won't wilt in your hands so easily.
[[Continue->narrowpath]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<if $deathDominion > $prevDeathDominion>>
<<set $notification = "Your Death Dominion grows stronger.">>
<<set $prevDeathDominion = $deathDominion>>
<</if>>
<<if $natureDominion > $prevNatureDominion>>
<<set $notification = "Your Nature Dominion has deepened.">>
<<set $prevNatureDominion = $natureDominion>>
<</if>>
<<if $celestialDominion > $prevCelestialDominion>>
<<set $notification = "A surge of Celestial Dominion stirs within you.">>
<<set $prevCelestialDominion = $celestialDominion>>
<</if>>
<<if $lunarDominion > $prevLunarDominion>>
<<set $notification = "The Moon grants you greater Dominion.">>
<<set $prevLunarDominion = $lunarDominion>>
<</if>>
<<if $notification != "">>
<<append "#notif">>
<div class="notif-box"><<= $notification>></div>
<<timed 4s>>
<<remove>>.notif-box<</remove>>
<</timed>>
<</append>>
<<set $notification = "">>
<</if>>
<div id="notif"></div>
<<set _newDominionTitle = "Unawakened Vessel">>
<<set _newDominionDesc = "Your dominions lie dormant — untouched by fate, unclaimed by The Divine.">>
<<if $deathDominion >= 5 and $deathDominion >= $natureDominion and $deathDominion >= $celestialDominion and $deathDominion >= $lunarDominion>>
<<set _newDominionTitle = "Warden of the Veil">>
<<set _newDominionDesc = "You are touched by the stillness beyond death. Shadows recognize you now.">>
<<elseif $natureDominion >= 5 and $natureDominion >= $deathDominion and $natureDominion >= $celestialDominion and $natureDominion >= $lunarDominion>>
<<set _newDominionTitle = "Chosen of the Wild">>
<<set _newDominionDesc = "The breath of the earth stirs with your own. You are part of the wild.">>
<<elseif $celestialDominion >= 5 and $celestialDominion >= $deathDominion and $celestialDominion >= $natureDominion and $celestialDominion >= $lunarDominion>>
<<set _newDominionTitle = "Child of Starlight">>
<<set _newDominionDesc = "The stars whisper when you sleep. Destiny watches you closely.">>
<<elseif $lunarDominion >= 5 and $lunarDominion >= $deathDominion and $lunarDominion >= $natureDominion and $lunarDominion >= $celestialDominion>>
<<set _newDominionTitle = "Moonborn">>
<<set _newDominionDesc = "Your thoughts ebb with the moon's phases. Dream and madness intertwine.">>
<</if>>
<<if _newDominionTitle !== $dominionTitle>>
<<set $dominionTitle = _newDominionTitle>>
<<set $dominionDesc = _newDominionDesc>>
<<set $dominionChanged = true>>
<</if>>
<<set $deathDominion += 2>>
The shadows that cloack the world in black. Galen once told you that some people are scared of the dark. But you've never understood that. If all the things that hunt you can hide in the dark, then so can you.
[[Continue|Sleep]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $lunarDominion += 2>>
When you're awake, you're confined to the limits of your physical frame. But when you sleep, you can be anyone- anything. You can escape to somewhere not even The King's huntsmen can follow. You can remake a world where you're the hunter, not the hunted.
[[Continue|Sleep]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $natureDominion += 2>>
The warm night air against your skin. It reminds you of all the evenings you spent training with you Master Galen, when things were simpler. You dreamed of this for so long- excitement, adventure, freedom. And yet, now that you've found it, there's a part of you that yearns to go back to the way things were.
[[Continue|Sleep]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $celestialDominion += 2>>
The stars overhead that bathe the clearing in moonlight. They are familiar, a constant in your life when everthing else is transient and unpredictable. No matter where your path takes you, they will always be there, like flickering beacons in the dark. You can trust in them if nothing else.
[[Continue|Sleep]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>Perhaps, in the morning, once you've had some sleep, you'll be able to make sense of the firestorm that's had you in its grip ever since you ventured out into the world beyond the tower.
Hesitantly, you decide to take <<print $RO3Name>> and Kyliah's advice and try to rest. You know you should eat, but you're not hungry- not after all that's happened. Sinking down, you pull the wolfsfur blanket over you and close your eyes. Sleep eludes you for a time. Your mind is restless and your shoulder aches. But slowly, eventually, a dream finds you. Here, everthing is simple. Peaceful. There are no Kings Huntsmen. No rigorous trainings with you master. Only silence. And in this stillness, you dream of...
[[A supernova in the palm of your hands]]
[[A whisper in the dark]]
[[A pregnant moon that sings to you]]
[[A bed of sand where the ocean meets the sky]]
<<set $celestialDominion += 2>>
A supernova in the palm of your hands. You marvel at how something so powerful could be so small- could let you hold it, as if you're worthy.
When you eventually wake from your dream, its to the sound of a scream.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
//A/N: It's possible that you may have missed the initial encounter with <<print $RO1Name>> depending on your choices. Don't worry, if you missed this initial meeting, you will have the opportnity to meet <<print $RO1Him>> again in the next chapter! Hint: If you would like to replay and meet <<print $RO1Him>>, choose to fight when you encounter The King's Huntsmen instead of heading for the river or the cliff.//
[[Start Chapter 2->Chapter 2 Start]] <<set $deathDominion += 2>>
It calls to you and says "come home". But doesn't it know? You have no home. Not anymore.
When you eventually wake from your dream, its to the sound of a scream.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
//A/N: It's possible that you may have missed the initial encounter with <<print $RO1Name>> depending on your choices. Don't worry, if you missed this initial meeting, you will have the opportnity to meet <<print $RO1Him>> again in the next chapter! Hint: If you would like to replay and meet <<print $RO1Him>>, choose to fight when you encounter The King's Huntsmen instead of heading for the river or the cliff.//
[[Start Chapter 2->Chapter 2 Start]] <<set $lunarDominion += 2>>
A pregnant moon that sings to you a lullaby you don't remember. And yet, somehow, it seems so familar.
When you eventually wake from your dream, its to the sound of a scream.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
//A/N: It's possible that you may have missed the initial encounter with <<print $RO1Name>> depending on your choices. Don't worry, if you missed this initial meeting, you will have the opportnity to meet <<print $RO1Him>> again in the next chapter! Hint: If you would like to replay and meet <<print $RO1Him>>, choose to fight when you encounter The King's Huntsmen instead of heading for the river or the cliff.//
[[Start Chapter 2->Chapter 2 Start]] <<set $natureDominion += 2>>
A bed of sand where the ocean meets the sky. You're underwater. You shouldn't be able to breathe. But you don't swim towards the surface. Why would you? You've never felt anthing this peaceful, this serene.
When you eventually wake from your dream, its to the sound of a scream.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
//A/N: It's possible that you may have missed the initial encounter with <<print $RO1Name>> depending on your choices. Don't worry, if you missed this initial meeting, you will have the opportnity to meet <<print $RO1Him>> again in the next chapter! Hint: If you would like to replay and meet <<print $RO1Him>>, choose to fight when you encounter The King's Huntsmen instead of heading for the river or the cliff.//
[[Start Chapter 2->Chapter 2 Start]] <div class="passage">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: gold;">
<span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><span style="font-size: 1.5em;"><i>Chapter Two
Echoes of Something More </i></span></span> </span>
</div>
You wake to the sound of screaming.
Your eyes fly open and you bolt upright, gasping. Ash and copper stain your tongue. You scramble to your feet, stumbling blindly in the dark. Disoriented, you blink the sleep from your eyes and glance around, heart hammering in your chest. Pain shoots down your arm and through your shoulder. The pulsing burn sobers you, forcing you still just long enough to take stock of your surroundings.
Kyliah is on the other side of the fire, cloaked in glowing embers and shadow, breath heavy, eyes wild. The expression on <<print $RO1His>> face is stricken, like <<print $RO1He>>'s just seen the end of the world. <<print $RO3Name>> stands over <<print $RO1Him>>, brows furrowed, mouth set in a tight line. <<print $RO1HeC>>'s saying something to <<print $RO1Him>>, but it's too low for you to hear.
“What was that?” You breathe, shaken.
The two look over at you before exchanging a glance. <<print $RO3Name>> curses under <<print $RO1His>> breath in a language you don’t recognize. Kyliah stares at you, frozen, and all the color drains from <<print $RO1His>> face. The light of dawn paints <<print $RO1His>> delicate features gaunt and haunted. <<print $RO1HeC>> is still under the heavy wolfsfur atop <<print $RO1His>> bedroll, while <<print $RO3Name>> is clothed in <<print $RO1His>> armor with <<print $RO1His>> sword strapped to <<print $RO1His>> back.
“Nothing.” <<print $RO3Name>> says too quickly, but <<print $RO1His>> knuckles are white around the dagger at <<print $RO1His>> hip. After a moment's hesitation, <<print $RO1He>> moves away from Kyliah.
You squint at the two, frowning. “I heard someone screaming.”
“It was nothing.” Kyliah smiles tightly and pushes <<print $RO1himself>> to <<print $RO1His>> feet.
[[Insist you heard something]]
[[Let it go]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/uvpywm.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>>
<<set $empathy+= 2>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
<<if $personalityChanged>>
<div class="personality-notification">
Your Personality has shifted! You are now <b>$personalityTitle</b>.
</div>
<<set $personalityChanged = false>>
<</if>>
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><b>Your Personality is now locked in!</b></span></span>
"Is Kyliah okay?" You ask, worried. <<print $RO1HeC>> left so abruptly, you're not sure what to make of it. And you're eager to change the subject. The last thing you need is your would-be rescuers looking at you as a liability.
"<<print $RO1HeC>>'s fine." <<print $RO3Name>> replies, but you're not sure if you believe <<print $RO1Him>>. <<print $RO3Name>> does not strike you as a <<print $RO1Man>> particularly expressive with <<print $RO1His>> emotions, so it's hard to read <<print $RO1Him>>. But when you woke from sleeping, <<print $RO1He>> looked worried- something <<print $RO1He>>'d masked the moment <<print $RO1He>> realized you were awake.
[[Go find Kyliah❤->Go find Kyliah]]
[[Give Kyliah space]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $cunning+= 2>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
<<if $personalityChanged>>
<div class="personality-notification">
Your Personality has shifted! You are now <b>$personalityTitle</b>.
</div>
<<set $personalityChanged = false>>
<</if>>
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><b>Your Personality is now locked in!</b></span></span>
You open your mouth to speak, then think better of it. Calling <<print $RO1Him>> out might make you feel better in the moment, but the last thing you need is your would-be rescuers looking at you as a liability. "Nevermind, I'm just tired."
<<print $RO3Name>> stare at you for a moment, then nods slowly.
"I'm going to refill the canteens." <<print $RO1HeC>> lifts two large metal containers and gestures in the direction of the river. You nod, watching as <<print $RO1He>> dissapears into the treeline. Honestly, you'd prefer not to be alone right now. But the prospect of trekking down to the river in the morning cold keeps you from chasing after <<print $RO1Him>>.
Your eyes flit about the clearing. Leaves sway gently in the crisp morning air, and the way the birds sing to one another in the trees above calms you. Eventually, your eyes land on a small feathered mass. It takes you a moment to understand what you're seeing.
A dead bird lays in the long grass, limp and unmoving. It cannot have been dead for long, you determine, because the body is still free of fleas. As you wonder to yourself what led to its death, the birds stop chirping. The wind dies. The rusles of leaves above is swallowed by an unnatural stillness.
In front of you, the feathered mass shifts.
You draw in a sharp breath and squint, frowning. Surely you must be imagining things.
Then the dead bird lifts its head towards you and says "Fate comes calling. You should not linger here for long."
You scream and stumble back, blinking several times as if you're sure the problem must be your eyes and not the dead bird speaking to you. Seconds later, <<print $RO3Name>> comes running through the treeline.
"Are you alright?" <<print $RO1HeC>> asks, breathless.
You open your mouth, but no words come out. How can you explain to <<print $RO1Him>> what you saw? <<print $RO1HeC>>'ll likely think you're losing your mind. Your eyes drift from the bird to <<print $RO3Name>>, then back.
"What happened?"<<print $RO3Name>> scans the clearing, determined to locate the threat.
It's then that a figure cloaked in black and shadow precipitates from the ether. <<print $RO1HeC>> stands just beyond the treeline, where the darkness meets the light.
<<print $RO3Name>> steps in front of you, sword drawn. "Who the hell are you?" <<print $RO1HeC>> doesn't look like The Kings Huntsmen, nor does <<print $RO1He>> carry <<print $RO1himself>> with any of their malice.
"Time is running out." You recognize the voice immediately. It's the <<print $RO1Man>> from your dreams- the <<print $RO1Man>> that pulled you back from the precipice of death.
"You didn't answer my question. " <<print $RO3Name>> takes a step forward.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
The <<print $RO1Man>> regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find them."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>> takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of them?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"They are not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. They deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from them."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
The man regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find her."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>>takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of her?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"She is not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. She deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from her."\
<<else>>\
The <<print $RO1Man>> regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find him."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>> takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of him?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"He is not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. He deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from him."\
<</if>>
<<print $RO3Name>> goes pale, all the color draining from <<print $RO1His>> face. Every muscle in <<print $RO1His>> body is pulled taunt, like a string wrapped too tight, ready to snap. "What are you?"
"A shadow." And then <<print $RO1He>>'s gone. You both still, neither moving. <<print $RO3Name>> is the first to break the silence. <<print $RO1HeC>> doesn't meet your gaze as <<print $RO1He>> sheathed <<print $RO1His>> sword and returns to the fire.
You considering telling <<print $RO3Name>> that you've met the <<print $RO1Man>> before, when you almost died. But you think better of it when you see the expression on <<print $RO1His>> face.
<<print $RO1HeC>>'s not worried or unnerved.
<<print $RO1HeC>>'s hurt.
"We leave in an hour." For a long while, <<print $RO1He>>'s silent. Something in you tells you talking would only make it worse, so you simply sit there and wait.
Several minutes pass before a voice to your left shatters the tension. A <<print $RO1Man>> with red hair and a grin as sweet and as wicked as Hades himself saunters into the clearing.
"Having all the fun without me, I see."
You startle, and your hand instinctively flies to the dagger that sits atop your pack.
<<set $followedkyliah = false>>
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->Axis Returns]]<<set $intuition+= 2>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
<<if $personalityChanged>>
<div class="personality-notification">
Your Personality has shifted! You are now <b>$personalityTitle</b>.
</div>
<<set $personalityChanged = false>>
<</if>>
<<set $SeverinAffection += 1>>
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><b>Your Personality is now locked in!</b></span></span>
The moment you open your mouth to speak, you feel foolish. You sound crazy- and maybe you are. But the last thing you need is your would-be rescuers looking at you as a liability "Nevermind, I'm just tired."
<<print $RO3Name>> stare at you for a moment, then nods slowly.
"I'm going to refill the canteens." <<print $RO1HeC>> lifts two large metal containers and gestures in the direction of the river. You nod, watching as <<print $RO1He>> dissapears into the treeline. Honestly, you'd prefer not to be alone right now. But the prospect of trekking down to the river in the morning cold keeps you from chasing after <<print $RO1Him>>.
Your eyes flit about the clearing. Leaves sway gently in the crisp morning air, and the way the birds sing to one another in the trees above calms you. Eventually, your eyes land on a small feathered mass. It takes you a moment to understand what you're seeing.
A dead bird lays in the long grass, limp and unmoving. It cannot have been dead for long, you determine, because the body is still free of fleas. As you wonder to yourself what led to its death, the birds stop chirping. The wind dies. The rusles of leaves above is swallowed by an unnatural stillness.
In front of you, the feathered mass shifts.
You draw in a sharp breath and squint, frowning. Surely you must be imagining things.
Then the dead bird lifts its head towards you and says "Fate comes calling. You should not linger here for long."
You scream and stumble back, blinking several times as if you're sure the problem must be your eyes and not the dead bird speaking to you. Seconds later, <<print $RO3Name>> comes running through the treeline.
"Are you alright?" <<print $RO1HeC>> asks, breathless.
You open your mouth, but no words come out. How can you explain to <<print $RO1Him>> what you saw? <<print $RO1HeC>>'ll likely think you're losing your mind. Your eyes drift from the bird to <<print $RO3Name>>, then back.
"What happened?"<<print $RO3Name>> scans the clearing, determined to locate the threat.
It's then that a figure cloaked in black and shadow precipitates from the ether. <<print $RO1HeC>> stands just beyond the treeline, where the darkness meets the light.
<<print $RO3Name>> steps in front of you, sword drawn. "Who the hell are you?" <<print $RO1HeC>> doesn't look like The Kings Huntsmen, nor does <<print $RO1He>> carry <<print $RO1himself>> with any of their malice.
"Time is running out." You recognize the voice immediately. It's the <<print $RO1Man>> from your dreams- the <<print $RO1Man>> that pulled you back from the precipice of death.
"You didn't answer my question. " <<print $RO3Name>> takes a step forward.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
The <<print $RO1Man>> regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find them."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>> takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of them?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"They are not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. They deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from them."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
The man regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find her."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>>takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of her?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"She is not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. She deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from her."\
<<else>>\
The <<print $RO1Man>> regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find him."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>> takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of him?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"He is not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. He deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from him."\
<</if>>
<<print $RO3Name>> goes pale, all the color draining from <<print $RO1His>> face. Every muscle in <<print $RO1His>> body is pulled taunt, like a string wrapped too tight, ready to snap. "What are you?"
"A shadow." And then <<print $RO1He>>'s gone. You both still, neither moving. <<print $RO3Name>> is the first to break the silence. <<print $RO1HeC>> doesn't meet your gaze as <<print $RO1He>> sheathed <<print $RO1His>> sword and returns to the fire.
You considering telling <<print $RO3Name>> that you've met the <<print $RO1Man>> before, when you almost died. But you think better of it when you see the expression on <<print $RO1His>> face.
<<print $RO1HeC>>'s not worried or unnerved.
<<print $RO1HeC>>'s hurt.
"We leave in an hour." For a long while, <<print $RO1He>>'s silent. Something in you tells you talking would only make it worse, so you simply sit there and wait.
Several minutes pass before a voice to your left shatters the tension. A <<print $RO1Man>> with red hair and a grin as sweet and as wicked as Hades himself saunters into the clearing.
"Having all the fun without me, I see."
You startle, and your hand instinctively flies to the dagger that sits atop your pack.
<<set $followedkyliah = false>>
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->Axis Returns]]
<<set $logic+= 2>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
<<if $personalityChanged>>
<div class="personality-notification">
Your Personality has shifted! You are now <b>$personalityTitle</b>.
</div>
<<set $personalityChanged = false>>
<</if>>
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><b>Your Personality is now locked in!</b></span></span>
"Nothing." You're not sure how much you want to tell <<print $RO1Him>>, at least for now. <<print $RO3Name>> stare at you for a moment, then nods slowly.
"I'm going to refill the canteens." <<print $RO1HeC>> lifts two large metal containers and gestures in the direction of the river. You nod, watching as <<print $RO1He>> dissapears into the treeline. Honestly, you'd prefer not to be alone right now. But the prospect of trekking down to the river in the morning cold keeps you from chasing after <<print $RO1Him>>.
Your eyes flit about the clearing. Leaves sway gently in the crisp morning air, and the way the birds sing to one another in the trees above calms you. Eventually, your eyes land on a small feathered mass. It takes you a moment to understand what you're seeing.
A dead bird lays in the long grass, limp and unmoving. It cannot have been dead for long, you determine, because the body is still free of fleas. As you wonder to yourself what led to its death, the birds stop chirping. The wind dies. The rusles of leaves above is swallowed by an unnatural stillness.
In front of you, the feathered mass shifts.
You draw in a sharp breath and squint, frowning. Surely you must be imagining things.
Then the dead bird lifts its head towards you and says "Fate comes calling. You should not linger here for long."
You scream and stumble back, blinking several times as if you're sure the problem must be your eyes and not the dead bird speaking to you. Seconds later, <<print $RO3Name>> comes running through the treeline.
"Are you alright?" <<print $RO1HeC>> asks, breathless.
You open your mouth, but no words come out. How can you explain to <<print $RO1Him>> what you saw? <<print $RO1HeC>>'ll likely think you're losing your mind. Your eyes drift from the bird to <<print $RO3Name>>, then back.
"What happened?"<<print $RO3Name>> scans the clearing, determined to locate the threat.
It's then that a figure cloaked in black and shadow precipitates from the ether. <<print $RO1HeC>> stands just beyond the treeline, where the darkness meets the light.
<<print $RO3Name>> steps in front of you, sword drawn. "Who the hell are you?" <<print $RO1HeC>> doesn't look like The Kings Huntsmen, nor does <<print $RO1He>> carry <<print $RO1himself>> with any of their malice.
"Time is running out." You recognize the voice immediately. It's the <<print $RO1Man>> from your dreams- the <<print $RO1Man>> that pulled you back from the precipice of death.
"You didn't answer my question. " <<print $RO3Name>> takes a step forward.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
The <<print $RO1Man>> regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find them."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>> takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of them?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"They are not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. They deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from them."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
The man regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find her."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>>takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of her?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"She is not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. She deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from her."\
<<else>>\
The <<print $RO1Man>> regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find him."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>> takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of him?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"He is not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. He deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from him."\
<</if>>
<<print $RO3Name>> goes pale, all the color draining from <<print $RO1His>> face. Every muscle in <<print $RO1His>> body is pulled taunt, like a string wrapped too tight, ready to snap. "What are you?"
"A shadow." And then <<print $RO1He>>'s gone. You both still, neither moving. <<print $RO3Name>> is the first to break the silence. <<print $RO1HeC>> doesn't meet your gaze as <<print $RO1He>> sheathed <<print $RO1His>> sword and returns to the fire.
You considering telling <<print $RO3Name>> that you've met the <<print $RO1Man>> before, when you almost died. But you think better of it when you see the expression on <<print $RO1His>> face.
<<print $RO1HeC>>'s not worried or unnerved.
<<print $RO1HeC>>'s hurt.
"We leave in an hour." For a long while, <<print $RO1He>>'s silent. Something in you tells you talking would only make it worse, so you simply sit there and wait.
Several minutes pass before a voice to your left shatters the tension. A <<print $RO1Man>> with red hair and a grin as sweet and as wicked as Hades himself saunters into the clearing.
"Having all the fun without me, I see."
You startle, and your hand instinctively flies to the dagger that sits atop your pack.
<<set $followedkyliah = false>>
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->Axis Returns]]<<if $firstDecision == "fight">>
It takes you a moment to realize that you recognize <<print $RO1Him>>. It's <<print $RO1Name>>- the dragon rider that helped you fight off the Kings Huntsmen.
<<print $RO1Name>>'s eyes flicker from your face to the dagger in your hand, and <<print $RO1His>> smile widens. "Do you usually greet strangers with something sharp? Last time we met, you were also brandishing your dagger." <<print $RO1HisC>> eyes dance with something akin to interest as <<print $RO1He>> looks at you. "I like your fire. Truly, I do. But, wounded as you are, it would hardly be a fair fight."
"You two know one another?" <<print $RO3Name>> asks, brow raised.
"Not as well as I'd like like." <<print $RO1Name>> drawls. "We met the other day, briefly."
<<print $RO3Name>> waits for <<print $RO1Him>> to continue. When <<print $RO1Name>> doesn't, <<print $RO1He>> appears to lose interest. Like <<print $RO1He>>'s used to this song and dance. Like <<print $RO1He>>'s managed to fill in all the blanks to the story that matter.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"Leave them alone, <<print $RO1Name>>." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is unamused. "No one has the energy for you antics this morning, and <<print $playerName>> 's still healing."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"Leave her alone, <<print $RO1Name>>." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is unamused. "No one has the energy for you antics this morning, and <<print $playerName>> 's still healing."\
<<else>>\
"Leave him alone, <<print $RO1Name>>." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is unamused. "No one has the energy for you antics this morning, and <<print $playerName>> 's still healing."\
<</if>>
"<<print $playerName>>." <<print $RO1HeC>> says your name slowly, like <<print $RO1He>>'s sampling the taste of it on <<print $RO1His>> tongue. "Nice to meet you, officially."
"Do you know <<print $RO1Him>>?" You shoot <<print $RO3Name>> a questioning glance.
"Unfortunately." <<print $RO3Name>> turns away from <<print $RO1Name>> and continues cooking the rabbit.
"Oh come now." <<print $RO1Name>> plops down next to <<print $RO3Name>> and drapes <<print $RO1His>> arm around <<print $RO1His>> shoulder - which <<print $RO3Name>> promptly shakes off. "Is that any way to greet an old friend?"
"We are not friends."
"Oh, but we are."
"You use the term friend very loosely then."
"What word would you use?'
"Thorn in my side." <<print $RO3Name>> replies flatly without turning towards <<print $RO1Him>>. "Curse of The Divines. Bane of my existence.Take your pick."
"You missed me. You can say it." <<print $RO1Name>> turns to you, seemingly unfazed. "Don't listen to <<print $RO1Him>>. <<print $RO1HeC>>'s never been very forthcoming with <<print $RO1His>> emotions. <<print $RO1HeC>> missed me."
"I did not miss you."
"You wrote me letters."
"I placed a bounty on your head."
"A momentary lapse in judgement." <<print $RO1Name>> waves <<print $RO1His>> hand dismissively. "Water under the bridge."
You watch the two, perplexed. You're not sure what to make of the exchange. They fight like kin, or something of the sort.
"You were supposed to be here yesterday." <<print $RO3Name>> growls.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"I got distracted." <<print $RO1Name>> looks at you, lips bent in a crooked smile. "Stumbled upon a beauty in the woods with eyes like fire, wandering through the forest. A group of scoundrels were giving them a hard time. I couldn't just leave them to fend for themselves."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"I got distracted." <<print $RO1Name>> looks at you, lips bent in a crooked smile. "Stumbled upon a beauty in the woods with eyes like fire, wandering through the forest. A group of scoundrels were giving her a hard time. I couldn't just leave her to fend for herself."\
<<else>>\
"I got distracted." <<print $RO1Name>> looks at you, lips bent in a crooked smile. "Stumbled upon a beauty in the woods with eyes like fire, wandering through the forest. A group of scoundrels were giving him a hard time. I couldn't just leave him to fend for himself."\
<</if>>
"For the love of The Divines." <<print $RO3Name>> groans. "You're in The Wilds of East Jeilene, miles from civilization, and somehow you still manage to find yourself a warm body to try and seduce."
"Try?" <<print $RO1Name>> frowns, affronted. "Dont underestimate me, my friend. I did more than try. Wouldn't you say?" <<print $RO1HeC>> asks, turning back to you.
You.....
[[Clear your throat and turn away]]
[[ignore them]]
[[Tell them they overestimates their abilities❤->Tell him he overestimates his abilities]]
[[Seduce is a strong word❤->Seduce is a strong word]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<</if>>
<<if $firstDecision == "river">>
The <<print $RO1Man>>'s eyes flickered from your face to the dagger in your hand, and <<print $RO1His>> smile widens. "Do you usually greet strangers with something sharp?" <<print $RO1HisC>> eyes dance with something akin to interest as <<print $RO1He>> looks at you. "I like your fire. Truly, I do. But, wounded as you are, it would hardly be a fair fight."
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"Leave them alone, <<print $RO1Name>>." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is unamused. "No one has the energy for you antics this morning, and <<print $playerName>> 's still healing."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"Leave her alone, <<print $RO1Name>>." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is unamused. "No one has the energy for you antics this morning, and <<print $playerName>> 's still healing."\
<<else>>\
"Leave him alone, <<print $RO1Name>>." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is unamused. "No one has the energy for you antics this morning, and <<print $playerName>> 's still healing."\
<</if>>
"<<print $playerName>>." <<print $RO1HeC>> says your name slowly, like <<print $RO1He>>'s sampling the taste of it on <<print $RO1He>> tongue. "Nice to meet you."
"Do you know <<print $RO1Him>>?" You shoot <<print $RO3Name>> a questioning glance.
"Unfortunately." <<print $RO3Name>> turns away from <<print $RO1Name>> and continues cooking the rabbit.
"Oh come now." <<print $RO1Name>> plops down next to <<print $RO3Name>> and drapes <<print $RO1His>> arm around <<print $RO1NameHis>> shoulder - which <<print $RO3Name>> promptly shakes off. "Is that any way to greet an old friend?"
"We are not friends."
"Oh, but we are."
"You use the term friend very loosely."
"What word would you use?'
"Thorn in my side." <<print $RO3Name>> replies flatly without turning towards <<print $RO1Him>>. "Curse of The Divines. Bane of my existence.Take your pick."
"You missed me. You can say it." <<print $RO1Name>> turns to you, seemingly unfazed. "Don't listen to <<print $RO1Him>>. <<print $RO1HeC>>'s never been the type to be very forthcoming with <<print $RO1His>> emotions. <<print $RO1HeC>> missed me."
"I did not miss you."
"You wrote me letters."
"I placed a bounty on your head."
"A momentary lapse in judgement." <<print $RO1Name>> waves his hand dismissively. "Water under the bridge."
You watch the two, perplexed. You're not sure what to make of the exchange. They fight like kin, or something of the sort.
"You were supposed to be here yesterday." <<print $RO3Name>> growls.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"I got distracted." <<print $RO1Name>> looks at you, lips bent in a crooked smile. "Stumbled upon a beauty in the woods with eyes like fire, wandering through the forest. A group of scoundrels were giving them a hard time. I couldn't just leave them to fend for themselves."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"I got distracted." <<print $RO1Name>> looks at you, lips bent in a crooked smile. "Stumbled upon a beauty in the woods with eyes like fire, wandering through the forest. A group of scoundrels were giving her a hard time. I couldn't just leave her to fend for herself."\
<<else>>\
"I got distracted." <<print $RO1Name>> looks at you, lips bent in a crooked smile. "Stumbled upon a beauty in the woods with eyes like fire, wandering through the forest. A group of scoundrels were giving him a hard time. I couldn't just leave him to fend for himself."\
<</if>>
"For the love of The Divines." <<print $RO3Name>> groans. "You're in The Wilds of East Jeilene, miles from civilization, and somehow you still manage to find yourself a warm body to try and seduce."
"Try?" <<print $RO1Name>> frowns, affronted. "Dont underestimate me, my friend. I did more than try."
[[Continue->WheresDelilah]]
<</if>>
<<if $firstDecision == "cliffs">>
The <<print $RO1Man>>'s eyes flickered from your face to the dagger in your hand, and <<print $RO1His>> smile widens. "Do you usually greet strangers with something sharp?" <<print $RO1HisC>> eyes dance with something akin to interest as <<print $RO1He>> looks at you. "I like your fire. Truly, I do. And I've never been the type to turn down a good time. But, wounded as you are, it would hardly be a fair fight."
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"Leave them alone, <<print $RO1Name>>." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is unamused. "No one has the energy for you antics this morning, and <<print $playerName>> 's still healing."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"Leave her alone, <<print $RO1Name>>." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is unamused. "No one has the energy for you antics this morning, and <<print $playerName>> 's still healing."\
<<else>>\
"Leave him alone, <<print $RO1Name>>." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is unamused. "No one has the energy for you antics this morning, and <<print $playerName>> 's still healing."\
<</if>>
"<<print $playerName>>." <<print $RO1HeC>> says your name slowly, like <<print $RO1He>>'s sampling the taste of it on <<print $RO1His>> tongue. "Nice to meet you."
"Do you know <<print $RO1Him>>?" You shoot <<print $RO3Name>> a questioning glance.
"Unfortunately." <<print $RO3Name>> turns away from <<print $RO1Name>> and continues cooking the rabbit.
"Oh come now." <<print $RO1Name>>plops down next to <<print $RO3Name>> and drapes <<print $RO1His>> arm around <<print $RO1His>> shoulder - which <<print $RO3Name>> promptly shakes off. "Is that any way to greet an old friend?"
"We are not friends."
"Oh, but we are."
"You use the term friend very loosely."
"What word would you use?'
"Thorn in my side." <<print $RO1Name>> replies flatly without turning towards <<print $RO1Him>>. "Curse of The Divines. Bane of my existence.Take your pick."
"You missed me. You can say it." <<print $RO1Name>>s turns to you, seemingly unfazed. "Don't listen to <<print $RO1Her>>. <<print $RO1HeC>>'s never been very forthcoming with <<print $RO1His>> emotions. <<print $RO1HeC>> missed me."
"I did not miss you."
"You wrote me letters."
"I placed a bounty on your head."
"A momentary lapse in judgement." <<print $RO1Name>> waves his hand dismissively. "Water under the bridge."
You watch the two, perplexed. You're not sure what to make of the exchange. They fight like kin, or something of the sort.
"You were supposed to be here yesterday." <<print $RO3Name>> growls.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"I got distracted." <<print $RO1Name>> looks at you, lips bent in a crooked smile. "Stumbled upon a beauty in the woods with eyes like fire, wandering through the forest. A group of scoundrels were giving them a hard time. I couldn't just leave them to fend for themselves."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"I got distracted." <<print $RO1Name>> looks at you, lips bent in a crooked smile. "Stumbled upon a beauty in the woods with eyes like fire, wandering through the forest. A group of scoundrels were giving her a hard time. I couldn't just leave her to fend for herself."\
<<else>>\
"I got distracted." <<print $RO1Name>> looks at you, lips bent in a crooked smile. "Stumbled upon a beauty in the woods with eyes like fire, wandering through the forest. A group of scoundrels were giving him a hard time. I couldn't just leave him to fend for himself."\
<</if>>
"For the love of The Divines." <<print $RO3Name>> groans. "You're in The Wilds of East Jeilene, miles from civilization, and somehow you still manage to find yourself a warm body to try and seduce."
"Try?" <<print $RO1Name>> frowns, affronted. "Dont underestimate me, my friend. I did more than try."
[[Continue->WheresDelilah]]
<</if>>
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/kkadrz.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>><<if $firstDecision == "fight">>
"Where's Delilah?" <<print $RO3Name>> asks.
"Deli? She's out hunting breakfast. There are some orcs north of here." <<print $RO1HeC>> twirls <<print $RO1His>> dagger idly and shoots you a conspiratorial grin. "She's been asking after you, you know. I think she's smitten." <<print $RO1HeC>> leans in slightly, lowering <<print $RO1His>> voice with mock seriousness. "Don't tell her I told you."
"Stop projecting onto your Dragon <<print $RO1Name>>." <<print $RO3Name>> mutters.
"I'm not projecting. We both just so happen to have impeccable taste."
"And delusions of grandeur, apparently."
<<print $RO1Name>> scoffs and leans back, stretching lazily. "I'm a dragon rider. That comes with the territory." <<print $RO1HeC>> boasts. "How do you except a <<print $RO1Man>> to climb atop an animal that has the capacity to fell entire armies without a bit of blind hubris?"
"Don't let <<print $RO1Him>> fool you. It's not as cool as it sounds." <<print $RO3Name>> sounds almost bored as <<print $RO1He>> turns the skewer.
"It is definitely as cool as it sounds." <<print $RO1Name>> replies, indignant. "I dare you to say that to her face-"
"I'm sorry." You interrupt, completely at a loss. "How do you two know each other?"
And why is <<print $RO1Name>> here, out in the middle of nowhere, with the three of you- you want to ask. But it seems rather rude, so you keep that thought to yourself.
"It's a long story." <<print $RO3Name>> cuts in before <<print $RO1Name>> can answer. You sense that there's a winding and potentially embarrassing story there, but <<print $RO3Name>> cleary has no desire to take a walk down memory lane.
Before you can question them further, Kyliah steps out from the treeline.
"Took you long enough." Kyliah shoots <<print $RO1Name>> a sharp look as <<print $RO1He>> reclaims <<print $RO1His>> seat by the fire. A bit of the color has returned to <<print $RO1His>> face, but <<print $RO1He>> still looks shaken.
"Good morning to you too, Ky." <<print $RO1Name>> drawls, unaffected. "Nice to see you still haven't lost your sense of hospitality."
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"You are not a guest here, and you seem to lack a proper appreciation for the ramifications of your actions." Kyliah snaps. "You were supposed to be here yesterday. <<print $playerName>> had to spend an entire night in the forest, cold and wounded. Do you know what would've happened to them if they'd found us again? No doubt more of The Kings men are already on their way."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"You are not a guest here, and you seem to lack a proper appreciation for the ramifications of your actions." Kyliah snaps. "You were supposed to be here yesterday. <<print $playerName>> had to spend an entire night in the forest, cold and wounded. Do you know what would've happened to her if they'd found us again? No doubt more of The Kings men are already on their way."\
<<else>>\
"You are not a guest here, and you seem to lack a proper appreciation for the ramifications of your actions." Kyliah snaps. "You were supposed to be here yesterday. him had to spend an entire night in the forest, cold and wounded. Do you know what would've happened to $pronounsObject if they'd found us again? No doubt more of The Kings men are already on their way."\
<</if>>
"Why do you think I was late? I had to run down three of them I ran into on the way to make sure they didn't go back and reveal our location."
Kyliah sighs, <<print $RO1His>> ire easing just slightly.
"What's done is done, Ky. We need to focus on getting out of here and making it to <<print $RO4Name>>'s in one peice." <<print $RO3Name>> removes the skewer from the fire and hands it to you. "You should eat. You'll need the energy."
You....
[[Nod and accept the food gratefully]]
[[Drink instead]]
[[Cannot bring yourself to eat or drink]]
<<if $getsalve>>\
[[Use some of the salve from the night before (requires a specific previous choice)]]
<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if $firstDecision == "river">>
"Where's Delilah?" <<print $RO3Name>> asks.
"Deli? She's out hunting breakfast. There are some orcs north of here."
"Who's Deli?" You ask, confused.
"My Dragon." <<print $RO1Name>> answers easily.
" I- what?" You balk. You've never seen a dragon in real life- had only ever read about them in books. Your Master Galen once told you there were only a few Dragons left in all of Jeilene, and those that did exist were highly selective about who they accepted as their rider.
"Don't let <<print $RO1Him>> fool you. It's not as cool as it sounds." <<print $RO3Name>> sounds almost bored as <<print $RO1He>> turns the skewer.
"It is definitely as cool as it sounds." <<print $RO1Name>> replies, indignant. "I dare you to say that to her face-"
"I'm sorry." You interrupt, completely at a loss. "How do you two know each other?"
And why is <<print $RO1He>> here, out in the middle of nowhere, with the three of you- you want to ask. But it seems rather rude, so you keep that thought to yourself.
"It's a long story." <<print $RO3Name>> cuts in before <<print $RO1Name>> can answer. You sense that there's a winding and potentially embarrassing story there, but <<print $RO3Name>> cleary has no desire to take a walk down memory lane.
Before you can question them further, Kyliah steps out from the treeline.
"Took you long enough." Kyliah shoots <<print $RO1Name>> a sharp look as <<print $RO1He>> reclaims <<print $RO1His>> seat by the fire. A bit of the color has returned to <<print $RO1His>> face, but <<print $RO1He>> still looks shaken.
"Good morning to you too, Ky." <<print $RO1Name>> drawls, unaffected. "Nice to see you still haven't lost your sense of hospitality."
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"You are not a guest here, and you seem to lack a proper appreciation for the ramifications of your actions." Kyliah snaps. "You were supposed to be here yesterday. <<print $playerName>> had to spend an entire night in the forest, cold and wounded. Do you know what would've happened to them if they'd found us again? No doubt more of The Kings men are already on their way."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"You are not a guest here, and you seem to lack a proper appreciation for the ramifications of your actions." Kyliah snaps. "You were supposed to be here yesterday. <<print $playerName>> had to spend an entire night in the forest, cold and wounded. Do you know what would've happened to her if they'd found us again? No doubt more of The Kings men are already on their way."\
<<else>>\
"You are not a guest here, and you seem to lack a proper appreciation for the ramifications of your actions." Kyliah snaps. "You were supposed to be here yesterday. him had to spend an entire night in the forest, cold and wounded. Do you know what would've happened to $pronounsObject if they'd found us again? No doubt more of The Kings men are already on their way."\
<</if>>
"Why do you think I was late? I had to run down three of them I ran into on the way to make sure they didn't go back and reveal our location."
Kyliah sighs, <<print $RO1His>> ire easing just slightly.
"What's done is done, Ky. We need to focus on getting out of here and making it to <<print $RO4Name>>'s in one peice." <<print $RO3Name>> removes the skewer from the fire and hands it to you. "You should eat. You'll need the energy."
You....
[[Nod and accept the food gratefully]]
[[Drink instead]]
[[Cannot bring yourself to eat or drink]]
<<if $getsalve>>\
[[Use some of the salve from the night before (requires a specific previous choice)]]
<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if $firstDecision == "cliffs">>
You remember the dizzying heights, the wind clawing at your face as you ran.
"Don't let <<print $RO1Him>> fool you. It's not as cool as it sounds." <<print $RO3Name>> sounds almost bored as <<print $RO1He>> turns the skewer.
"It is definitely as cool as it sounds." <<print $RO1Name>> replies, indignant. "I dare you to say that to her face-"
"I'm sorry." You interrupt, completely at a loss. "How do you two know each other?"
And why is <<print $RO1He>> here, out in the middle of nowhere, with the three of you- you want to ask. But it seems rather rude, so you keep that thought to yourself.
"It's a long story." <<print $RO3Name>> cuts in before <<print $RO1Name>> can answer. You sense that there's a winding and potentially embarrassing story there, but <<print $RO3Name>> cleary has no desire to take a walk down memory lane.
Before you can question them further, Kyliah steps out from the treeline.
"Took you long enough." Kyliah shoots <<print $RO1Name>> a sharp look as <<print $RO1He>> reclaims <<print $RO1His>> seat by the fire. A bit of the color has returned to <<print $RO1His>> face, but <<print $RO1He>> still looks shaken.
"Good morning to you too, Ky." <<print $RO1Name>> drawls, unaffected. "Nice to see you still haven't lost your sense of hospitality."
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"You are not a guest here, and you seem to lack a proper appreciation for the ramifications of your actions." Kyliah snaps. "You were supposed to be here yesterday. <<print $playerName>> had to spend an entire night in the forest, cold and wounded. Do you know what would've happened to them if they'd found us again? No doubt more of The Kings men are already on their way."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"You are not a guest here, and you seem to lack a proper appreciation for the ramifications of your actions." Kyliah snaps. "You were supposed to be here yesterday. <<print $playerName>> had to spend an entire night in the forest, cold and wounded. Do you know what would've happened to her if they'd found us again? No doubt more of The Kings men are already on their way."\
<<else>>\
"You are not a guest here, and you seem to lack a proper appreciation for the ramifications of your actions." Kyliah snaps. "You were supposed to be here yesterday. him had to spend an entire night in the forest, cold and wounded. Do you know what would've happened to $pronounsObject if they'd found us again? No doubt more of The Kings men are already on their way."\
<</if>>
"Why do you think I was late? I had to run down three of them I ran into on the way to make sure they didn't go back and reveal our location."
Kyliah sighs, <<print $RO1His>> ire easing just slightly.
"What's done is done, Ky. We need to focus on getting out of here and making it to <<print $RO4Name>>'s in one peice." <<print $RO3Name>> removes the skewer from the fire and hands it to you. "You should eat. You'll need the energy."
You....
[[Nod and accept the food gratefully]]
[[Drink instead]]
[[Cannot bring yourself to eat or drink]]
<<if $getsalve>>\
[[Use some of the salve from the night before (requires a specific previous choice)]]
<</if>>
<</if>>
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<print $RO1HisC>> blatant flirting, and the way <<print $RO1He>>'s so direct, makes you feel nervous and slightly on edge. <<print $RO1HeC>>'s erratic. Unpredictable. And completely unashamed. You've never met someone quite as full on as <<print $RO1Name>>. And you find yourself hoping most people in Jeilene aren't like this.
It would be very exhausting.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->WheresDelilah]]You roll your eyes and turn away from <<print $RO1Him>>. It's too early in the morning for <<print $RO1His>> antics. And even if it weren't, you have little patience for <<print $RO1His>> games when you're not even sure if you'll see the next sunrise.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->WheresDelilah]]<<set $RemusAffection += 2>>
You snicker. "I think you overestimate your abilities. <<print $RO3Name>> is right."
<<print $RO3Name>> doesn't say anything, but the way <<print $RO1His>> lips curve upwards just slightly at the edges tells you <<print $RO1He>>'s fighting back a smile, and perhaps, a smidge of satisfaction.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->WheresDelilah]]<<set $AxisAffection +=2>>
You raise a brow, amused. "Seduced is a strong word."
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"Is it?" <<print $RO1Name>>'s eyes linger on you for much longer than is appropriate before <<print $RO1He>> turns back to <<print $RO3Name>> and shrugs. "Besides, you wouldn’t hold it against me. Not if you'd seen them. Skin like orchid petals dipped in dew. Eyes as vast as The Rivers of Ipla. You would've been enamored too, my friend."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"Is it?" <<print $RO1Name>>'s eyes linger on you for much longer than is appropriate before <<print $RO1He>> turns back to <<print $RO3Name>> and shrugs. "Besides, you wouldn’t hold it against me. Not if you'd seen her. Skin like orchid petals dipped in dew. Eyes as vast as The Rivers of Ipla. You would've been enamored too, my friend."\
<<else>>\
"Is it?" <<print $RO1Name>>'s eyes linger on you for much longer than is appropriate before <<print $RO1He>> turns back to <<print $RO3Name>> and shrugs. "Besides, you wouldn’t hold it against me. Not if you'd seen him. Skin like orchid petals dipped in dew. Eyes as vast as The Rivers of Ipla. You would've been enamored too, my friend."\
<</if>>
"Doubtful. My head is not as easily turned as yours."
You're not sure whether you should feel flattered or offended.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->WheresDelilah]]<<set $bravery+= 2>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
<<if $personalityChanged>>
<div class="personality-notification">
Your Personality has shifted! You are now <b>$personalityTitle</b>.
</div>
<<set $personalityChanged = false>>
<</if>>
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><b>Your Personality is now locked in!</b></span></span>
"You're not telling me everything." You say.
<<print $RO3Name>> blinks at you, suprised. Then, slowly, <<print $RO1He>> nods. <<print $RO1HeC>> lifts the skewer over the fire before <<print $RO1He>> speaks again.
"You're right to push. You deserve to know the truth. But there is a time and a place for it. And it is not here, in the middle of the forest, while you're wounded, at the mercy of strangers, forced to leave behind everything you know with The King's huntsmen on your heels."
<<print $RO1HeC>> sounds almost frustrated- on your behalf. You may not trust <<print $RO1Him>> - not completely- but you feel as if you can trust what <<print $RO1He>>'s told you just now.
<<print $RO3Name>> stare at you for a moment, then stands, like <<print $RO1He>> wants to say more, but thinks better of it.
"I'm going to refill the canteens." <<print $RO1HeC>> lifts two large metal containers and gestures in the direction of the river. You nod, watching as <<print $RO1He>> dissapears into the treeline. Honestly, you'd prefer not to be alone right now. But the prospect of trekking down to the river in the morning cold keeps you from chasing after <<print $RO1Him>>.
Your eyes flit about the clearing. Leaves sway gently in the crisp morning air, and the way the birds sing to one another in the trees above calms you. Eventually, your eyes land on a small feathered mass. It takes you a moment to understand what you're seeing.
A dead bird lays in the long grass, limp and unmoving. It cannot have been dead for long, you determine, because the body is still free of fleas. As you wonder to yourself what led to its death, the birds stop chirping. The wind dies. The rusles of leaves above is swallowed by an unnatural stillness.
In front of you, the feathered mass shifts.
You draw in a sharp breath and squint, frowning. Surely you must be imagining things.
Then the dead bird lifts its head towards you and says "Fate comes calling. You should not linger here for long."
You scream and stumble back, blinking several times as if you're sure the problem must be your eyes and not the dead bird speaking to you. Seconds later, <<print $RO3Name>> comes running through the treeline.
"Are you alright?" <<print $RO1HeC>> asks, breathless.
You open your mouth, but no words come out. How can you explain to <<print $RO1Him>> what you saw? <<print $RO1HeC>>'ll likely think you're losing your mind. Your eyes drift from the bird to <<print $RO3Name>>, then back.
"What happened?"<<print $RO3Name>> scans the clearing, determined to locate the threat.
<<print $RO3Name>> steps in front of you, sword drawn. "Who the hell are you?" <<print $RO1HeC>> doesn't look like The Kings Huntsmen, nor does <<print $RO1He>> carry <<print $RO1himself>> with any of their malice.
It's then that a figure cloaked in black and shadow precipitates from the ether. <<print $RO1HeC>> stands just beyond the treeline, where the darkness meets the light.
<<print $RO3Name>> steps in front of you, sword drawn. "Who are you?" <<print $RO1HeC>> doesn't look like The Kings Huntsmen, nor does <<print $RO1He>> carry <<print $RO1himself>> with any of their malice.
"Time is running out." You recognize the voice immediately. It's the <<print $RO1Man>> from your dreams- the <<print $RO1Man>> that pulled you back from the precipice of death.
"You didn't answer my question. " <<print $RO3Name>> takes a step forward.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
The <<print $RO1Man>> regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find them."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>> takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of them?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"They are not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. They deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from them."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
The man regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find her."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>>takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of her?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"She is not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. She deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from her."\
<<else>>\
The <<print $RO1Man>> regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find him."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>> takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of him?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"He is not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. He deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from him."\
<</if>>
<<print $RO3Name>> goes pale, all the color draining from <<print $RO1His>> face. Every muscle in <<print $RO1His>> body is pulled taunt, like a string wrapped too tight, ready to snap. "What are you?"
"A shadow." And then <<print $RO1He>>'s gone. You both still, neither moving. <<print $RO3Name>> is the first to break the silence. <<print $RO1HeC>> doesn't meet your gaze as <<print $RO1He>> sheathed <<print $RO1His>> sword and returns to the fire.
You considering telling <<print $RO3Name>> that you've met the <<print $RO1Man>> before, when you almost died. But you think better of it when you see the expression on <<print $RO1His>> face.
<<print $RO1HeC>>'s not worried or unnerved.
<<print $RO1HeC>>'s hurt.
"We leave in an hour." For a long while, <<print $RO1He>>'s silent. Something in you tells you talking would only make it worse, so you simply sit there and wait.
Several minutes pass before a voice to your left shatters the tension. A <<print $RO1Man>> with red hair and a grin as sweet and as wicked as Hades himself saunters into the clearing.
"Having all the fun without me, I see."
You startle, and your hand instinctively flies to the dagger that sits atop your pack.
<<set $followedkyliah = false>>
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->Axis Returns]]<<set $hunger += 1>>
You nod and accept the food gratefully. You're starving at this point, and even if the food is a little gamey, when the few bits of meat touch your tongue, it tastes like heaven.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->whereto]]<<set $thirst += 1>>
Drink instead. Your stomach is upset, probably from all the stress. You doubt you'd be able to hold solids down, but you can probably manage a couple sips of water.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->whereto]]<<set $vitality += 1>>
You use some of the slave <<print $RO3Name>> gave you the night before, slipping your hand beneath the bandage and applying a light layer of the thick paste.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->whereto]]<<set $vitality -= 1>>
<<set $thirst -= 1>>
<<set $hunger-= 1>>
You can't bring yourself to eat or drink, even if you know you should. You're too stressed from everything that's happened in the last 24 hours.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->whereto]]"Lets give <<print $playerName>> some time to eat and then we can head out." <<print $RO1Name>> says. You sigh, relieved. You know you should be up and moving as soon as you're able, but you're hungry and tired and- gods, you smell like blood and sweat. You say a silent prayer to The Divines that some part of your journey will involve a sizeable body of water and at least five minutes of privacy for yourself.
Kyliah nods. You're not sure what <<print $RO1He>> did out there in the forest, but whatever it was seems to have helped ground <<print $RO1Him>>- at least as far as you can tell. "There's a boat that leaves for Ipla in a week-"
"No." You shake your head. "I need to go to Libertine first. There's something there I need to find."
The group falls silent, and the three <<print $RO1Men>> exchange unreadable glances.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"I tried to tell them its not a good idea, but they're insistent." <<print $RO3Name>> says, voice low.\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"I tried to tell her its not a good idea, but she 's insistent." <<print $RO3Name>> says, voice low.\
<<else>>\
"I tried to tell him its not a good idea, but he 's insistent." <<print $RO3Name>> says, voice low.\
<</if>>
The three <<print $RO1Men>> hesitate to refuse you outright, though you aren't sure why. If they decide the best course of action is Ipla, there isn't much you can do to defy them aside from moaning and groaning. <<print $RO1Name>> is the first to break the silence, leaning towards you like you're trading secrets. "What's waiting for you in Libertine, <<print $playerName>>?" <<print $RO1HeC>> asks carefully.
"I don't know yet." You respond with as much confidence as you can muster. "But My Master Galen told me I'd find the answers I'm looking for there."
A heavy silence falls between the four of you. You sigh, frustrated. You understand that it's risky, that fleeing to Ipla would be the safest choice. But you can't leave yet- not without answers.
"We'll have plenty of time to figure that out once we get to Severin's." <<print $RO3Name>> clears <<print $RO1His>> throat and stands. "Right now we need to get moving. We've already stayed longer than we should have."
"What about <<print $playerName>>'s shoulder?" <<print $RO1Name>> glances at the small spot of blood that's soaked through your bandages, onto your top.
"Kyliah took a look at it when <<print $RO1He>> wrapped it. The bandages should hold till we set up camp for the night. If we wait for any longer, we'll be as good as dead."
Kyliah frowns. "Yes but-"
"We don't have time to argue, Ky. What are we going to do if the King's sent half his army by the time we make it up the ridge?" The tone of <<print $RO3Name>>'s voice makes it clear stalling any longer isn't an option. <<print $RO1HeC>>'s allowed you as much time to rest and recover as your group can afford.
"Would he really do that?" Your stomach bottoms out. The fact that The Immortal King would bother sending anyone after you- a mere commoner, barely proficient in the arcane- has always puzzled you. But half his army? Surely that's an exaggeration.
<<print $RO3Name>> doesn't answer. But the look that <<print $RO1He>> gives you tells you everything you need to know.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"Congratulations, <<print $RO3Name>>. Now you've frightened them, the poor thing." <<print $RO1Name>> sighs. "Lighten up, <<print $RO3Name>>. Our lovely guest has enough on their plate without you piling on all your existential dread." <<print $RO1HeC>> turns towards you and flashes you a roguish grin. "Don't let <<print $RO1Him>> get to you. <<print $RO1HeC>> can't help it. <<print $RO1HeC>> was born without a sense of humor. Tragically, really."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"Congratulations, <<print $RO3Name>>. Now you've frightened her, the poor thing." <<print $RO1Name>> sighs. "Lighten up, <<print $RO3Name>>. Our lovely guest has enough on her plate without you piling on all your existential dread." <<print $RO1HeC>> turns towards you and flashes you a roguish grin. "Don't let <<print $RO1Him>> get to you. <<print $RO1HeC>> can't help it. <<print $RO1HeC>> was born without a sense of humor. Tragically, really."\
<<else>>\
"Congratulations, <<print $RO3Name>> Now you've frightened him, the poor thing." <<print $RO1Name>> sighs. "Lighten up, <<print $RO3Name>>. Our lovely guest has enough on his plate without you piling on all your existential dread." <<print $RO1HeC>> turns towards you and flashes you a roguish grin. "Don't let <<print $RO1Him>> get to you. <<print $RO1HeC>> can't help it. <<print $RO1HeC>> was born without a sense of humor. Tragically, really."\
<</if>>
"Enough." <<print $RO3Name>> snaps, finally losing <<print $RO1His>> patience. "Lets go."
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"We're stopping if it becomes too much for them.." Kyliah demands, casting a worried glance in your direction. " We should at least stop at Burthrope along the way. They needs a warm, clean place to rest, at least for a night."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"We're stopping if it becomes too much for her." Kyliah demands, casting a worried glance in your direction. " We should at least stop at Burthrope along the way. She needs a warm, clean place to rest, at least for a night."\
<<else>>\
"We're stopping if it becomes too much for him." Kyliah demands, casting a worried glance in your direction. " We should at least stop at Burthrope along the way. He needs a warm, clean place to rest, at least for a night."\
<</if>>
"Besides, my friend, I could smell you from halfway across the clearing." <<print $RO1Name>> wrinkles <<print $RO1His>> nose at <<print $RO3Name>>. "You're in desperate need of a visit to a proper bathhouse. You smell like dragon's dung."
"Excuse me?" <<print $RO3Name>> grumbles, clearly offended.
"I'm only saying, if we have to hide from The Kings Huntsmen along the way, we won't have much success if they can smell you from up the hill."
<<print $RO3Name>> huffs out a long suffering sigh and hoists <<print $RO1His>> pack over <<print $RO1His>> shoulder. "Fine. But if you mention the way I smell again, I'll be serving you to The King's Huntsmen on a silver platter while the rest of us escape down the ridge."
<<print $RO1Name>> chuckles and winks at you when <<print $RO3Name>> isn't looking. <<print $RO1HeC>> fastens a canteen to <<print $RO1His>> pack before leaning towards you, voice lowered. "Tell me if your shoulder starts hurting too bad, alright?"
You nod mutely and glance around the clearing. Kyliah and <<print $RO3Name>> have packed up what little supplies you had while you were sleeping.
"Will we be walking?" You ask, wincing at the sheer thought. You're already unsteady on your feet and you haven't even started moving. They haven't told you how far <<print $RO4Name>> is from your location. Hopefully, no more than a days worth out.
"Not most of the way. We have horses waiting just beyond the ridge, west of Burthrope." Kyliah reassures you.
You move to pick up your pack, but <<print $RO1Name>> beats you to it.
[[I can carry my pack->icancarry]]
[[Trying to show off❤->showoff]]
[[Can someone else carry my pack❤->remuspack]]
<<set $AxisAffection +=2>>
<<set $severinrescued = false>>
<<print $RO1Name>> falls into step beside you, stretching <<print $RO1His>> arms wide as <<print $RO1He>> lets out a lazy yawn. "I've been waiting all morning for this." <<print $RO1HeC>> says.
"For what?"
"The privilege of having your undivided attention."
You snort and roll your eyes. You're still trying to figure out how much of what <<print $RO1He>> says is bravado, and how much is the truth.
"And why is that?"
"Do I need to be more obvious?" <<print $RO1HeC>> flashes you a teasing grin.
"Only if you want to give <<print $RO3Name>> a brain hemorrhage."
<<print $RO1Name>> laughs, eyes dancing in the sunlight. "I can't help but be intrigued. You're made of fire and mirth. Besides, it's not every day I stumble upon a stranger in the woods that's managed to attract the attention of The King himself."
You sense that there's a question there, even though <<print $RO1He>> doesn't ask it.
For a moment, you consider asking <<print $RO1Him>> outright. But you get the impression that <<print $RO1Name>> is more clever than <<print $RO1He>> presents. If you want answers from <<print $RO1Him>>, you'll have to play <<print $RO1His>> game- or at least pretend to.
"Be that as it may, surely someone such as yourself has more important things to do than escort a stranger through the woods." You counter, holding <<print $RO1His>> gaze. "Galen told me there are barely any dragons left in Jeilene. Which means you have to be in high demand. Yet you're here, with me, trudging through the wilderness."
"Don't read too much into it. I'm a simple <<print $RO1Man>>. I go to whatever calls to me. You, on the other hand..." <<print $RO1Name>>'s eyes fall to the birthmark on your chest. The shirt draped across your shoulders dips just low enough for the top of the mark to peek out. "You're the one gracing me with your time- your presence. Not the other way around."
"You're deflecting."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
"Oh I think you would. Bat those pretty eyes at me all you want, <<print $RO1Name>>. You're not going to distract me."
<<print $RO1Name>> perks up, delighted, like you've just told <<print $RO1Him>> the most fascinating thing in the world. "You think my eyes are pretty?"
"That isn't the point-"
"That is most definitely the point."
<<print $RO1HeC>>'s clearly trying to change the topic. You snicker and raise a brow. "You're crafty."
"And you're more observant than I gave you credit for." <<print $RO1HisC>> tone is light, but there's something else there. Something that suprises you- genuine respect.
"Then I guess that makes us both dangerous." You tease.
<<print $RO1Name>> swallows thickly, and the look <<print $RO1He>> gives you smolders. <<print $RO1HeC>> shifts closter to you, not enough to be in your space. But close enough for you to feel the heat of <<print $RO1His>> gaze when <<print $RO1His>> eyes drop to your lips. "I wouldn't have you any other way."
Something tight and hot coils in your chest. Your pulse spikes, and you look away before <<print $RO1He>> can read it on your face. You release a tight breath and pray to The Divines <<print $RO1He>> didn't notice your reaction. If The Kings Huntsmen don't kill you, the things <<print $RO1Name>> does to your heart just might.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->halfwayacross]] <<set $KyliahAffection +=2>>
<<set $severinrescued = false>>
Kyliahs soft footfalls fall in line with yours as the path narrows.
"How are you feeling?" <<print $RO1HeC>> asks, eyes flitting to your shoulder.
"I'm fine." You manage a smile despite the pain suffusing your frame. "Better than the other night, thanks to you."
"Oh." Kyliah blushes and drops <<print $RO1His>> gaze. "It was nothing." <<print $RO1HeC>> seems reluctant to accept any thanks for helping you, despite the fact that <<print $RO1He>> was the one to bandage you up.
\
<<if $followedkyliah>>
"I didn't get a chance to thank you earlier." <<print $RO1HeC>> sounds just slighly out of breath, like <<print $RO1He>>'s not used to spending <<print $RO1His>> days hiking up ridges and through forests.
"For what?"
"Coming to find me the other day."
You smile. "You don't have to thank me for that. I didn't do much."
"You did more than you realize." <<print $RO1HeC>> answers enigmatically.
<</if>>
"What about you? Between the veil spell and healing me, you've been using a lot of magic."
The expression on Kyliahs face melts, and a shy- almost hopeful- smile blooms on <<print $RO1His>> face. "You're too kind. I'm perfectly fine. Please don't worry yourself over me."
"Why not? You must know The King won't take kindly to you helping me. I'm barely a stranger to you, and yet you're risking yourself to help me."
"It must seem odd to you." The blush on Kyliah's face deepens, and when <<print $RO1He>> looks at you again, there's something soft in <<print $RO1His>> gaze, almost intimate. <<print $RO1HeC>> hesitates for a moment, like <<print $RO1He>>'s not sure if <<print $RO1He>> should say what <<print $RO1He>>'s about to. Like <<print $RO1He>>'s going to anyways. "I wish I could tell you."
"Tell me what?"
"Everything."
You don't understand what <<print $RO1He>> means. Not really. But something about the way <<print $RO1He>> says it, makes it feel like there's much more to <<print $RO1His>> silence than The King's Huntsmen and the mark on your chest.
"Why can't you?"
Kyliah looks down, then away. <<print $RO1HisC>> fingers grip at <<print $RO1His>> silk robe, like <<print $RO1He>>'s looking for something to hold on to."Have you ever had a dream?"
"Of course. Why?"
Kyliah is silent for a long moment. "What if, one day, everything you dreamt started coming true."
You blink at Kyliah, suprised. You're sure you must've misunderstood <<print $RO1Him>>. "Are you saying you have visions?" You knew from the moment you met Kyliah that <<print $RO1His>> magic was strong, but you had no idea <<print $RO1He>> had the power of precognition. The ability to see the future is all but unheard of, even among Jeiliene's most powerful mages. Galen had only told you of one other with that ability.
"I know how this story ends if I tell you what you want to know." <<print $RO1HeC>> confesses softly. That's all Kyliah says as you walk side by side. By the time you're halway across the ridge, the weight of what <<print $RO1He>>'s said presses down on you, so heavy that you can barely breathe.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->halfwayacross]] <<set $RemusAffection +=2>>
<<set $severinrescued = false>>
<<print $RO3Name>>'s steady footfalls fall into sync with your own as you continue the trek up the ridge. "The horses are just beyond the bend. It shouldn't be too much further."
"I needed to stretch my legs anyways." You huff, managing a smile.
\
<<if $tastedRain>>
<<print $RO3Name>> hesitates for a moment. You can feel the tension radiating off of <<print $RO1Him>>, like a live wire without a fixed point. "I owe you an apology. A real one. Earlier, I lost my head. I should've realized you didn't mean anything by it- that you wouldn't do something like that- desecrate the dead- on purpose."
"It's fine, really." You reassure <<print $RO1Him>> You're sure there's more to it than what you know. The pain you saw on <<print $RO1His>> face is enough to wash away any anger you might've had.
The tension in <<print $RO3Name>>'s frame bleeds out, and you realize then how much it must've bothered <<print $RO1Him>>. Thankfully, <<print $RO1He>> seems willing to change the subject- and you have no interest in pursuing this particular topic any further.
At least for now.
<</if>>
\
"So....<i><<print $RO3Lord>></i>, huh?"
<<print $RO3Name>> shoots you a sideways glare. "Don't ask."
"That bad?" You flash <<print $RO1Him>> a small smile. "Surely getting complimetary gifts at every tavern you go to doesn't always lead to being chased down by half the town."
For the first time since you met <<print $RO1Him>>, <<print $RO3Name>> laughs, just barely. "You've got a point. It's not quite as bad as being hunted by The King himself. It's a pretty close second though." <<print $RO3Name>> glances over at you, and you almost trip over your own two feet. Is <<print $RO1He>> actually... teasing you?
A small grin creeps onto <<print $RO3Name>>'s face. "Even with your shoulder, you're keeping up. <<print $RO1Name>> is already huffing and puffing and Kyliah's worked up a sweat. You're putting them to shame."
"I heard that!" You hear <<print $RO1Name>> yell from behind.
"Good." <<print $RO3Name>> calls back.
You laugh, a little breathless. "Well, living alone in a tower, you don't have much in the form of entertainment. Most of the fun involves using your body- swimming in rivers, racing down the fawns and foxes, harvesting berries and nuts. So that probably helps."
"I can tell."
You raise a brow, suprised. "What? Were you expecting me to be dead weight?"
"Kind of." <<print $RO3Name>> admits. "You know how it goes. The prince or princess locked away in the tower- a fragile flower in need of saving."
You snort and bite back a laugh. "I'm hardly a princess."
"Thank the Divines for that." <<print $RO1HeC>> speaks like <<print $RO1He>>'s had to deal with <<print $RO1His>> fair share of privledged monarchs.
"Have you had plenty of occasions to rub shoulders with royalty?" You tease, only half joking.
"More than I'd like." <<print $RO1HeC>> grumbles. But <<print $RO1He>> doesn't elaborate.
<i>Interesting.</i>
If that's the case, then <<print $RO1He>>'s likely either royalty <<print $RO1himself>>, or <<print $RO1He>> occupies a high ranking position that allows <<print $RO1Him>> access to people of power. Which, of course, begs the question: why would <<print $RO1He>> risk their ire in order to help you?
"How did you know about the tower?" You ask, trying to keep your voice casual.
<<print $RO3Name>> winces, as if <<print $RO1He>>'s just realized <<print $RO1He>>'s said too much. "Did you do that on purpose?"
"Do what?"
"Distract me."
"I distracted you?"
"Yes, when you-" <<print $RO3Name>> frowns and turns away. <<print $RO1HisC>> posture stiffens and <<print $RO1He>> trains <<print $RO1His>> eyes on the horizon. "Lets just focus on getting to the horses."
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->halfwayacross]] You're halfway across the ridge when you hear it- a low rumble from above. At first, it's distant, earth shifting against stone. Plumes of dust fan out across the top of the ridge. At the head of the group, <<print $RO3Name>> stops. <<print $RO1HeC>> looks up, frozen for a breath. Your stomach drops a heartbeat before <<print $RO1He>> yells.
"Run!"
The four of you take off in a dead sprint. A massive boulder slams into the ground where <<print $RO3Name>> stood just seconds ago. The impact sends tremors racing through the path, loose stones skittering beneath your boots. Your pulse is a war drum in your ears as you scramble after him. Boulders crash down the cliffside all around you, cratering the narrow path. Jagged shards of stone rain down from above, slicing skin and cloth. You flinch, forcing your feet forward. With the path as narrow as it is, there's nowhere to run but straight.
A boulder bounces violently off the slope above and explodes into pieces midair. Fragments whistle past your face. One slashes across your forearm, and white-hot pain blooms across your skin, but you keep moving. Behind you, someone lets out a short, startled groan. You don’t dare look back.
The ground trembles so hard you nearly lose your footing on the edge. You stagger sideways, arms flailing, boots sliding on loose gravel. A chunk of earth crumbles beneath your heel. You catch yourself just in time, barely. Your heart lurches and you stumble forward again, vision blurred from the sting of sweat in your eyes—and in that chaos you drop your...
[[Canteen]]
[[Dried Herbs]]
[[Roasted Rabbit]]
[[Entire Pack]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/8si1ie.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>><<set $thirst -= 2>>
Your canteen goes tumbling over the ledge, and you just barely manage to hold yourself upright.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->closecall]]<<set $vitality -= 2>>
Your dried herbs go tumbling over the ledge, and you just barely manage to hold yourself upright.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->closecall]]<<set $hunger-= 2>>
What's left of your roasted rabbit goes tumbling over the ledge, and you just barely manage to hold yourself upright.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->closecall]]<<set $vitality -= 2>>
<<set $thirst -= 2>>
<<set $hunger-= 2>>
Your entire pack goes tumbling over the ledge, and you just barely manage to hold yourself upright.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->closecall]]Those seconds lost are all it takes.
"Watch out!"
You're not sure who yells. A second later, something crashes into you, hard. $rescuer pins you to the side of the cliff, body pressed flush against yours. You can feel <<print $RO1His>> heart hammering in <<print $RO1His>> chest, breaths fast and stilted as <<print $RO1He>> shields you with <<print $RO1His>> body.
The thunder of falling stone fades slowly, replaced by the ragged sound of your own breathing. Dust fills the air, turning everything into a haze of gray and silence. Behind you, the path is buried in rubble. Ahead, the ridge levels out, quiet now. Everything is still.
$rescuer only moves back when the thunderous downfall has completely stopped. Glancing around, you can just barely make out the others on either side of the ridge.
"Are you alright?" $rescuer asks, voice etched with concern
"Yeah." You manage shakily.
<<print $RO1HeC>> nods sharply, but <<print $RO1He>> doesn't linger. "We have to keep moving." $rescuer gestures down the path. You nod and stumble forward. You can feel <<print $RO1Him>> close behind you, like <<print $RO1He>>'s ready to grab you if you lose your balance and go tumbling over the ledge, or if there's another rockslide.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->Fall]]Only then does <<print $RO3Name>> rake a hand through <<print $RO1His>> hair and mutter a stream of expletives. "What the hell was that?"
"I don't know." <<print $RO1Name>> shakes <<print $RO1His>> head. "I've traveled that path a hundred times. Never had a problem with it before. Delilah checked the ridge this morning, confirmed everything was solid."
Kyliah nods in agreement. "I reached out as well. I couldn't feel any faults or fractures in the cliffside. The rock should have held."
The group falls silent. Then, slowly, almost hesitantly, all eyes turn to you.
Your breath catches in your throat. "What?"
The silence lingers for a time before, finally, <<print $RO1Name>> speaks. "When it happened, did you feel anything? Anything weird or unusual?"
You frown, confused. "No, nothing. Why?"
<<print $RO1Name>> shakes <<print $RO1His>> head, but <<print $RO3Name>> cuts in before <<print $RO1He>> can elaborate. "We need to keep moving. Now." When you turn towards <<print $RO1Him>>, you see something in <<print $RO1His>> eyes that makes your blood run cold.
<i>Fear.</i>
<b>End of Chapter Two</b>“My apologies.” Kyliah bows <<print $RO1His>> head to you. “I should gather some more herbs for your wound. There’s no way of knowing if they’ll be available on the road once we start moving again.” <<print $RO1HeC>> turns promptly and dissapears into the treeline before you can question <<print $RO1Him>> further.
You blink, slowly sinking back down onto the wolfsfur. A prickling dread crawls across your skin and makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. You’re missing something- you can feel it in the very marrows of your bones.
<i>Something important. </i>
"What was that?" You turn towards <<print $RO3Name>>, who still isn't meeting your gaze.
"Nothing, <<print $RO1He>> just needed to stretch <<print $RO1His>> legs. Hopefully you were able to get some rest.“ <<print $RO3Name>> pointedly changes the subject. The shift in topic is practiced, almost mechanical. "You should eat.” <<print $RO1HeC>> reaches behind <<print $RO1Him>> and retrieves a dead rabbit. <<print $RO1HeC>> must have gone hunting while you were sleeping. The sun is barely a tangerine haze on the horizon, so it’s still early. But the way your stomach growls as <<print $RO1He>> skins <<print $RO1His>> catch reminds you that you had nothing for lunch or dinner the night before.
For a moment you consider arguing- pressing <<print $RO1Him>> further. Demanding answers. But you have more important things to speak to them about than whatever transpired while you lingered in the space between sleep and consciousness. Namely, if you can trust their intentions, and if they’re willing to help you travel to The Capital, Libertine. You will have to choose your battles wisely if you hope to gain their compliance.
"Kyliah said we'd be leaving soon. Where to?"
"A friend of <<print $RO1His>>, <<print $RO4Name>>. <<print $RO1HeC>> has a healer that can take care of your wounds."
[[I'm fine]]
[[Who?❤->Who's Severin?]]
[[Are they close?]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>"No. I heard something. I’m sure of it. Someone was yelling.”
“You must’ve been dreaming.” <<print $RO3Name>> doesn’t look at you when <<print $RO1He>> speaks. <<print $RO1HeC>>’s taken to tending the fire, kneeled down beside a pile of kindling.
You hesitate, confused, eyes drifting between the two. You can only remember bits and pieces of your dream from the night before. You try to fill in the missing pieces, but the threads of the memory slip through your grasp like grains of sand. Still, you’re sure that, whatever you dreamt, it was calm.
Peaceful.
It wasn’t <i>this.</i>
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->Kyliahwalk]]<<set $charisma+= 2>>
<<include "PersonalityCheck">>
<<if $personalityChanged>>
<div class="personality-notification">
Your Personality has shifted! You are now <b>$personalityTitle</b>.
</div>
<<set $personalityChanged = false>>
<</if>>
You're sure you heard something, but you let it go for now. You don't want to start th morning off arguing with them, and Kyliah is clearly shaken.
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->Kyliahwalk]]You frown. You'd been planning to travel straight to The Capital. But you're reliant on them as it is- at least for now. If the Kings Huntsman return, with the shape you're in now, you won't stand a chance on your own.
"And then? What's the plan after that?" Your question is direct, but you need to know. If they want to keep their secrets, then so be it. But you deserve to know where you're going at the very least.
<<print $RO3Name>> is quiet for a moment. <<print $RO1HeC>> shifts in <<print $RO1His>> seat, like <<print $RO1He>> knows you won't like the answer. Like <i><<print $RO1He>></i> doesn't like the answer. "We get you on a ship across the ocean, to Ipla. They have a long history of bad blood with The King of Jeilene. They may offer you protection or, at the very least, sanctuary beyond Icarus's reach."
You shake your head. "I need to go to Libertine first. Master Galen told me I'd find my answers there."
Sighing, <<print $RO3Name>> finally turns towards you. <<print $RO1HeC>>'s stopped skinning the rabbit, but <<print $RO1His>> grip on the knife tightens. "The only thing you will find in Libetine is death, <<print $RO3swan>>."
"Death?" You lean towards <<print $RO3Name>>, searching <<print $RO1His>> face for answers. <<print $RO1HisC>> expression is impassive, revealing nothing save for a degree of fatigue etched into the shadows that frame <<print $RO1His>> eyes."Why?"
"Libetine is the seat of power in Jeilene- the home of The Immortal King. He's already sent his Huntsmen for you. And now you want to show up at his doorstep?"
You study <<print $RO1Him>> as <<print $RO1He>> turns away from you and skewers the rabbit. A voice- something ethereal, caught between hollow and ether, whispers to you.
<i>There is more.</i>
You startle and glance around, but see no one. Shivering, you blink, wide-eyed. What was that? You might've mistaken it for a whisper on the wind, but you didn't hear it with your ears. You heard it in your head.
<<print $RO3Name>> notices and raises a brow. <<print $RO1HisC>> eyes slide back to you, sharper this time. "What's wrong?"
"Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
You swallow hard, plams slick with sweat, and, after a moment's hesitation, turn back towards <<print $RO1Him>>.
* [[You're not telling me everything❤]]
* [[Is Kyliah okay?❤->Is Kyliah okay?]]
* [[You don't strike me as the type to suffer fools. And yet you expect me to play the part.]]
* [[Say nothing]]
* [[Do you ever hear voices?]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>"I'm fine." You insist.
<<print $RO3Name>> shakes his head. "You won't be- not if we run into trouble again on the road. You need to be well enough to fight- and run, if it comes down to it." <<print $RO1HeC>> doesn't reaise <<print $RO1His>> voice, but there's an edge to <<print $RO1His>> words,
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->thecapital]]<<set $SeverinAffection += 1>>
"Who's <<print $RO4Name>>?" You ask.
<<print $RO3Name>> shrugs. "I don't know. Never met <<print $RO1Him>>. <<print $RO1HeC>>'s Kyliah's friend."
Depsite the way they argued last night, Kyliah and <<print $RO3Name>> must be close if <<print $RO3Name>> is willing to entrust your fates to the hands of a stranger simply because Kyliah vouches for <<print $RO1Him>>. "You must trust <<print $RO1Him>> a lot."
"Who?"
"Kyliah."
<<print $RO3Name>> grunts. "I guess you could say that. It's more like I trust <<print $RO1His>> intentions. Kyliah wouldn't risk bringing you to <<print $RO1Him>> if <<print $RO1He>> thought there was any chance <<print $RO4Name>> could flip on us."
What makes <<print $RO1Him>> so certain? You almost ask, before you remember the more pressing issue at had. "Where is <<print $RO4Name>>'s?"
"Slightly northwest of here."
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->thecapital]]<<print $RO3Name>> shrugs. "I don't know. Kyliah's never mentioned <<print $RO1Him>> before, but <<print $RO1He>> tends to be pretty private when it comes to that sort of stuff."
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
[[Continue->thecapital]]As you walk, you spot something, frost white and gleaming, hanging from Kyliah's pack- divinity beads. Your throat clenches, and the fear you've been holding back slithers in. Galen had a thread of holy beads just like that, except his were engraved with gold. Each bead bore the markings of a past Divine. He let you wear them, once, during your second Sundering, when you lit candles and offered sacraments of doves blood and ground unicorn horn.
But he'd always refused to buy you your own.
Would you ever get the chance to celebrate another Sundering with him? You've tried not to think about what happened after you left. Told yourself he's okay- because he <i>has</i> to be. You'll never be able to forgive yourself if something happened to him because of you. If your survival came at the cost of your Master's life. Swallowing hard, you draw in a deep breath and push those thoughts to the back of your mind. There is nothing you can do about it now, but maybe later, once you've set up camp for the night, you can try and reach out to him- see if you can sense his presence back in the tower.
Before long, the path narrows and splits off to a ridge dwarfed by a cliffside. There's only enough room along the ridge for you to walk beside one of your travel companions. You choose...
<<link "Axis/Athena❤">>
<<set $rescuer = "<<print $RO1Name>>">>
<<goto "Axis">>
<</link>>\
<<link "Kyliah❤">>
<<set $rescuer = "Kyliah">>
<<goto "Kyliah">>
<</link>>\
<<link "Remus/Raven❤">>
<<set $rescuer = "<<print $RO3Name>>">>
<<goto "Remus">>
<</link>>\
<<link "No one (but you feel a presence watching over you)❤">>
<<set $rescuer = "<<print $RO4Name>>">>
<<goto "Severin">>
<</link>>\
<<link "No one">>
<<set $rescuer = "Kyliah">>
<<goto "halfwayacross">>
<</link>>
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<include "CheckDominionChange">>
<<include "DominionCheck">>
<<if $dominionChanged>>
<div class="dominion-notification">
Your Dominion has shifted. You are now <b><<print $dominionTitle>></b>.<br>
<i><<print $dominionDesc>></i>
</div>
<<set $dominionChanged = false>>
<</if>><<set $KyliahAffection += 2>>
<<set $followedkyliah = true>>
"I should go check on Kyliah, <<print $RO1He>>'s been gone for awhile." Besides, <<print $RO1He>> shouldn't be alone, not after how shaken <<print $RO1He>> was."
<<print $RO3Name>>'s only response is a noncommittal grunt. You take that as permission- or at the very least acceptance. Slowly, you push yourself to your feet. The chill of the night still lingers in the dawn, and everywhere your skin touches dewy grass, it leaves a wet trail in its wake. Shivering, you drape the wolfsfur around your shoulders and venture towards the edge of the clearing where you last saw Kyliah.
"I'll come find you in twenty if you're not back." <<print $RO3Name>> calls out.
You bite back a laugh. Evidently, <<print $RO1He>> has very little faith in your navigation skills- which you don't blame <<print $RO1Him>> for. After all, you did go tumbling down a cliffside only days ago.
It doesn't take long for you to find Kyliah. When you do, <<print $RO1He>>'s standing in the middle of a small grove, bathed in an ethereal glow. Pale light surrounds <<print $RO1Him>>, glittering like broken glass, as if the stars themselves have come down from the sky to comfort <<print $RO1Him>>. For a moment, you simply stand there, awed.
<<print $RO1HeC>> looks so beautiful- almost unreal.
A twig snaps beneath your feet and Kyliah's eyes fly open. The celestial glow around <<print $RO1Him>> shatters, and <<print $RO1His>> eyes find yours in the darkness.
"Oh." <<print $RO1HeC>> say the word like a punch to the gut, like the sheer sight of you pains <<print $RO1Him>>. <<print $RO1HisC>> eyes are glossy, like <<print $RO1He>>'s been crying.
You almost flinch at <<print $RO1His>> response. "I'm sorry. I was worried, you were gone for so long."
"You were worried? About me?'
You nod.
A gentle, almost reverent smile lifts Kyliahs lips, and a soft blush spreads from <<print $RO1His>> cheeks to <<print $RO1His>> ears. <<print $RO1HisC>> eyes warm slowly, and <<print $RO1He>> walks towards you. "You're too kind. Still concerned for me, even after I woke you."
<i>So it was Kyliah you heard screaming.</i>
<<print $RO1HeC>> comes to a stop in front of you and slips off <<print $RO1His>> outer robe, draping it around your shoulders before you can stop <<print $RO1Him>>. <<print $RO1HisC>> touches lingers, just for a moment- long enough for goosebumps to prickle along your skin as <<print $RO1His>> fingers trail down your arm.
You shiver again, but this time, it's not from the cold.
Warmth curls in your chest at the simple gesture. <<print $RO1HeC>> probably means nothing by it- just an innocent act of kindness- but the gesture makes you shy. You suddenly have a hard time meeting <<print $RO1His>> gaze. "You don't have to do that Kyliah."
"I want to." <<print $RO1HeC>> insists. "You wouldn't be out here if it weren't for me. <<print $RO3Name>> shouldn't have left you to wander the forest by yourself in the first place."
"What were you doing out here?" You ask, remembering the way <<print $RO1He>> looked when you first found <<print $RO1Him>>.
"Speaking with the stars."
"What?" You gape at <<print $RO1Him>>. "How is that possible?"
"It's nothing special." The blush on Kyliah's faces deepens, and <<print $RO1He>> looks down, embarrassed. <<print $RO1HeC>> says it like it's nothing. Like anyone could do it, but you doubt that. "The universe will speak to you if you know how to listen. Or rather, The Divines."
"The Divines?" Your brows furrow. "How can you talk to The Divines through the stars?"
Kyliah's eyes brighten, like <<print $RO1He>> was hoping you would ask. "Do you know anything about the Celestial Goddess Melpomene?"
You shake you head, frowning. Sometimes, Galen would tell you stories about The Gods- how they came to be, and how they help to guide the people of Jeilene. But he rarely mentioned The Celestial Gods, let alone Melpomene.
"The Divines have always been our connection to The Gods. Those borne under the Celestial Goddess Melpomene are said to be immortalized in the sky once they pass from our world to theirs, so that they can continue watching over us."
"What do they tell you?"
"They don't speak like you and I do. The celestial spritits aren't heard, they're felt. They tell me about the past, what once was. And what could be."
"They tell you the future?" You're unable to hide the awe in your voice.
Kyliah laughs lightly. "I wish it were that simple. They don't tell me what is- what will be. Only what could be. Sometimes, they help to guide me down a certain path. But I don't always understand what they're trying to tell me." <<print $RO1HisC>> smile fades, even as <<print $RO1He>> begins leading you back towards camp. "There have been times when I thought I understood, only to find I was wrong." <<print $RO1HeC>>'s careful to move any stray branches out of your way as you walk, moving slowly- no doubt because <<print $RO1He>>'s worried about your shoulder. When you reach the edge of the clearing, you expect <<print $RO1Him>> to follow, but <<print $RO1He>> shakes <<print $RO1His>> head.
"I should finish my conversation with them before we leave."
It takes you a moment to understand what <<print $RO1He>>'s talking about- even longer to realize you must've interrupted <<print $RO1His>> conversation with the celestials. "I'm sorry, I didn't even realize-"
Kyliah shakes <<print $RO1His>> head and affords you a reassuring smile. "Please don't apologize. You will always be my priority." <<print $RO1HeC>> bows low, hesitating before turning and disappearing back into the forest.
When you rejoin <<print $RO3Name>> by the fire, <<print $RO1He>> doesn't ask what happened. Doesn't ask if Kyliah's okay. Just silently passes you a canteen of water and throws another log onto the fire
You open your mouth to speak again, but <<print $RO3Name>> beats you to it.
"I'm going to refill the canteens." <<print $RO1HeC>> lifts two large metal containers and gestures in the direction of the river. You nod, watching as <<print $RO1He>> dissapears into the treeline. Honestly, you'd prefer not to be alone right now. But the prospect of trekking down to the river in the morning cold keeps you from chasing after <<print $RO1Him>>.
Your eyes flit about the clearing. Leaves sway gently in the crisp morning air, and the way the birds sing to one another in the trees above calms you. Eventually, your eyes land on a small feathered mass. It takes you a moment to understand what you're seeing.
A dead bird lays in the long grass, limp and unmoving. It cannot have been dead for long, you determine, because the body is still free of fleas. As you wonder to yourself what led to its death, the birds stop chirping. The wind dies. The rusles of leaves above is swallowed by an unnatural stillness.
In front of you, the feathered mass shifts.
You draw in a sharp breath and squint, frowning. Surely you must be imagining things.
Then the dead bird lifts its head towards you and says "Fate comes calling. You should not linger here for long."
You scream and stumble back, blinking several times as if you're sure the problem must be your eyes and not the dead bird speaking to you. Seconds later, <<print $RO3Name>> comes running through the treeline.
"Are you alright?" <<print $RO1HeC>> asks, breathless.
You open your mouth, but no words come out. How can you explain to <<print $RO1Him>> what you saw? <<print $RO1HeC>>'ll likely think you're losing your mind. Your eyes drift from the bird to <<print $RO3Name>>, then back.
"What happened?"<<print $RO3Name>> scans the clearing, determined to locate the threat.
It's then that a figure cloaked in black and shadow precipitates from the ether. <<print $RO1HeC>> stands just beyond the treeline, where the darkness meets the light.
<<print $RO3Name>> steps in front of you, sword drawn. "Who the hell are you?" <<print $RO1HeC>> doesn't look like The Kings Huntsmen, nor does <<print $RO1He>> carry <<print $RO1himself>> with any of their malice.
"Time is running out." You recognize the voice immediately. It's the <<print $RO1Man>> from your dreams- the <<print $RO1Man>> that pulled you back from the precipice of death.
"You didn't answer my question. " <<print $RO3Name>> takes a step forward.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
The <<print $RO1Man>> regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find them."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>> takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of them?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"They are not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. They deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from them."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
The man regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find her."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>>takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of her?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"She is not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. She deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from her."\
<<else>>\
The <<print $RO1Man>> regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find him."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>> takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of him?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"He is not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. He deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from him."\
<</if>>
<<print $RO3Name>> goes pale, all the color draining from <<print $RO1His>> face. Every muscle in <<print $RO1His>> body is pulled taunt, like a string wrapped too tight, ready to snap. "What are you?"
"A shadow." And then <<print $RO1He>>'s gone. You both still, neither moving. <<print $RO3Name>> is the first to break the silence. <<print $RO1HeC>> doesn't meet your gaze as <<print $RO1He>> sheathed <<print $RO1His>> sword and returns to the fire.
You considering telling <<print $RO3Name>> that you've met the <<print $RO1Man>> before, when you almost died. But you think better of it when you see the expression on <<print $RO1His>> face.
<<print $RO1HeC>>'s not worried or unnerved.
<<print $RO1HeC>>'s hurt.
"We leave in an hour." For a long while, <<print $RO1He>>'s silent. Something in you tells you talking would only make it worse, so you simply sit there and wait.
Several minutes pass before a voice to your left shatters the tension. A <<print $RO1Man>> with red hair and a grin as sweet and as wicked as Hades himself saunters into the clearing.
"Having all the fun without me, I see."
You startle, and your hand instinctively flies to the dagger that sits atop your pack.
[[Continue->Axis Returns]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $followedkyliah = false>>
You open your mouth to speak again, but <<print $RO3Name>> beats you to it.
"I'm going to refill the canteens." <<print $RO1HeC>> lifts two large metal containers and gestures in the direction of the river. You nod, watching as <<print $RO1He>> dissapears into the treeline. Honestly, you'd prefer not to be alone right now. But the prospect of trekking down to the river in the morning cold keeps you from chasing after <<print $RO1Him>>.
Your eyes flit about the clearing. Leaves sway gently in the crisp morning air, and the way the birds sing to one another in the trees above calms you. Eventually, your eyes land on a small feathered mass. It takes you a moment to understand what you're seeing.
A dead bird lays in the long grass, limp and unmoving. It cannot have been dead for long, you determine, because the body is still free of fleas. As you wonder to yourself what led to its death, the birds stop chirping. The wind dies. The rusles of leaves above is swallowed by an unnatural stillness.
In front of you, the feathered mass shifts.
You draw in a sharp breath and squint, frowning. Surely you must be imagining things.
Then the dead bird lifts its head towards you and says "Fate comes calling. You should not linger here for long."
You scream and stumble back, blinking several times as if you're sure the problem must be your eyes and not the dead bird speaking to you. Seconds later, <<print $RO3Name>> comes running through the treeline.
"Are you alright?" <<print $RO1HeC>> asks, breathless.
You open your mouth, but no words come out. How can you explain to <<print $RO1Him>> what you saw? <<print $RO1HeC>>'ll likely think you're losing your mind. Your eyes drift from the bird to <<print $RO3Name>>, then back.
"What happened?"<<print $RO3Name>> scans the clearing, determined to locate the threat.
It's then that a figure cloaked in black and shadow precipitates from the ether. <<print $RO1HeC>> stands just beyond the treeline, where the darkness meets the light.
<<print $RO3Name>> steps in front of you, sword drawn. "Who the hell are you?" <<print $RO1HeC>> doesn't look like The Kings Huntsmen, nor does <<print $RO1He>> carry <<print $RO1himself>> with any of their malice.
"Time is running out." You recognize the voice immediately. It's the <<print $RO1Man>> from your dreams- the <<print $RO1Man>> that pulled you back from the precipice of death.
"You didn't answer my question. " <<print $RO3Name>> takes a step forward.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
The <<print $RO1Man>> regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find them."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>> takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of them?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"They are not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. They deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from them."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
The man regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find her."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>>takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of her?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"She is not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. She deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from her."\
<<else>>\
The <<print $RO1Man>> regards <<print $RO1Him>> with an assessing stare. "My name is of no consequence. I have seen The Kings Huntsmen on the roads that lead west. If you don't leave soon, they will find him."
"And you think we will blindly take your word for it?" <<print $RO3Name>> takes another step forward.
"Isn't that what you asked of him?" <<print $RO1HisC>> words are simple, but they strike <<print $RO3Name>> like a punch to the gut. <<print $RO1HisC>> face falls and <<print $RO1He>> tightens <<print $RO1His>> grip around <<print $RO1His>> sword.
"You don't know what you're talking about." <<print $RO3Name>>'s tone is lower now, almost threatening.
"He is not your ghost, <<print $RO3Name>>. He deserves to know the truth. Do not take that choice from him."\
<</if>>
<<print $RO3Name>> goes pale, all the color draining from <<print $RO1His>> face. Every muscle in <<print $RO1His>> body is pulled taunt, like a string wrapped too tight, ready to snap. "What are you?"
"A shadow." And then <<print $RO1He>>'s gone. You both still, neither moving. <<print $RO3Name>> is the first to break the silence. <<print $RO1HeC>> doesn't meet your gaze as <<print $RO1He>> sheathed <<print $RO1His>> sword and returns to the fire.
You considering telling <<print $RO3Name>> that you've met the <<print $RO1Man>> before, when you almost died. But you think better of it when you see the expression on <<print $RO1His>> face.
<<print $RO1HeC>>'s not worried or unnerved.
<<print $RO1HeC>>'s hurt.
"We leave in an hour." For a long while, <<print $RO1He>>'s silent. Something in you tells you talking would only make it worse, so you simply sit there and wait.
Several minutes pass before a voice to your left shatters the tension. A <<print $RO1Man>> with red hair and a grin as sweet and as wicked as Hades himself saunters into the clearing.
"Having all the fun without me, I see."
You startle, and your hand instinctively flies to the dagger that sits atop your pack.
[[Continue->Axis Returns]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>You make it no less than twenty feet before another boulder slams into the ridge just feet from you. The world lurches again and the path groans beneath your feet.
A terrible sound follows. Not thunder. Not a rockfall.
Something worse.
Cracking.
The ridge begins to collapse.The ground gives way with a deafening roar, the edge crumbling beneath your boots. Your stomach drops out from under you as your foot plunges into open air. You fall, sliding down the cliffside, fingers clawing at earth and rock as you try to grab hold of something- anything.The cliff wall blurs past your vision. The scream that rips from your throat is lost in the chaos.
And then, suddenly, your body slams into the side of the cliff, stopped mid fall. <<print $RO1Name>>’s hand clamps around your wrist. Your ribs groan as your body jerks to a stop, pain spiking in your shoulder from the sudden force. You dangle off the edge, boots scraping for purchase, kicking into nothing. Dust rains down, dropping into the deep ravine below. The roar of the rockslide continues above.
“Hold on!” <<print $RO1Name>> grits out. <<print $RO1HisC>> other hand grabs your forearm, hauling upward. Muscles strain. Your arm burns. <<print $RO1HisC>> grip doesn’t falter. "I've got you!"
Your other hand catches the edge. But the strap of your boot is caught on the rock below. Every time <<print $RO1Name>> pulls you upwards, it feels as if you're kneecap is going to split in two.
"Wait!" You gasp, clinging to <<print $RO1His>> hand. "I'm stuck. I can't-" You flinch as another boulder comes crashing down the ridge, a hair's breadth from you.
<<print $RO1Name>>'s eyes flit to your boot, and <<print $RO1He>> curses loudly. "Listen to me <<print $playerName>>, this is going to sound crazy, but I need you to trust me right now, alright?"
"What?" Panic colors your words harsh as sweat slicks your palms and you almost lose your grasp.
"Hold onto me no matter what happens." <<print $RO1Name>> whistles, low and sharp. You have just enough time to scream as <<print $RO1He>> launches <<print $RO1himself>> over the ledge. <<print $RO1HeC>> wraps <<print $RO1His>> arms around you as the two of you plummit downwards. You close your eyes and brace for impact, whispering a silent prayer to The Divines that your death will be swift and painless. Instead, you find yourself laid flat on a surface of shifting metal and molten heat with <<print $RO1Name>>'s arms wrapped around you.
Shocked, you release a shuddering breath and look up. Cold air slaps your face, and wind whistles in you ears. Delilah's wings glide through the air on either side of you, as you soar through the sky.
"See." <<print $RO1Name>> breathes, grinning down at you. "Told you I've got you."
You laugh, more in relief than anything else, and <<print $RO1He>> helps you sit upright, till you're facing forward on top of Delilah and <<print $RO1He>>'s seated behind you. <<print $RO1HeC>> keeps one arm wrapped tightly around you and pats Delilah with the other as she flies towards the other side of the ridge. By the time you two have landed, Kyliah and <<print $RO3Name>> are already waiting on the other side. <<print $RO1Name>> helps you dismount, and despite <<print $RO1His>> grin, his hands shake as <<print $RO1He>> helps you to the ground.
<<print $RO1HisC>> eyes flick down your form, checking for blood or wounds.
[[Continue->whatwasthat]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>You make it no less than twenty feet before another boulder slams into the ridge just feet from you. The world lurches again and the path groans beneath your feet.
A terrible sound follows. Not thunder. Not a rockfall. Something worse.
Cracking.
The ridge begins to collapse.
The ground gives way with a deafening roar, the edge crumbling beneath your boots. Your stomach drops out from under you as your foot plunges into open air. You fall, sliding down the cliffside, fingers clawing at earth and rock as you try to grab hold of something- anything.
The cliff wall blurs past your vision. The scream that rips from your throat is lost in the chaos.
And then, suddenly, your body slams into the side of the cliff, stopped mid fall.
<<print $RO3Name>>’s hand clamps around your wrist. Your ribs groan as your body jerks to a stop, pain spiking in your shoulder from the sudden force. You dangle off the edge, boots scraping for purchase, kicking into nothing. Dust rains down, dropping into the deep ravine below. The roar of the rockslide continues above.
“Hold on!” Remus grits out. <<print $RO1HisC>> other hand grabs your forearm, hauling upward. Muscles strain. Your arm burns. <<print $RO1HisC>> grip doesn’t falter. "Don't let go!"
Your other hand catches the edge.
With a final gasp, you’re dragged back onto the ledge, tumbling into <<print $RO1Him>> in a heap. <<print $RO1HeC>> throws <<print $RO1himself>> over you again as more debris crashes down around you both. Your ears ring. You press your face into the crook of his shoulder, trembling.
For a long moment, you just breathe. You’re aware of nothing but the pounding of blood in your ears and the rise and fall of his chest.
The thunder of falling stone fades slowly, replaced by the ragged sound of your own breathing. Dust fills the air, turning everything into a haze of gray and silence. Behind you, the path is buried in rubble. Ahead, the ridge levels out, quiet now. Everything is still.
<<print $RO3Name>>'s eyes flick down your form, checking for blood or wounds. <<print $RO1HeC>> doesn’t linger, doesn’t say more than necessary. But the line of tension across <<print $RO1His>> shoulders tells you <<print $RO1He>>’s not ready to move until he’s sure you can stand. Once <<print $RO1He>>'s sure you're alright, <<print $RO1He>> takes your hand and leads you forward.
No one dares say a word until you make it to the end of the ridge and the path opens up into a grassy clearing.
[[Continue->whatwasthat]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>You make it no less than twenty feet before another boulder slams into the ridge just feet from you. The world lurches again and the path groans beneath your feet.
A terrible sound follows. Not thunder. Not a rockfall. Something worse.
Cracking.
The ridge begins to collapse.
The ground gives way with a deafening roar, the edge crumbling beneath your boots. Your stomach drops out from under you as your foot plunges into open air. You fall, sliding down the cliffside, fingers clawing at earth and rock as you try to grab hold of something- anything.
The cliff wall blurs past your vision. The scream that rips from your throat is lost in the chaos.
And then, suddenly, your body slams into the side of the cliff, stopped mid fall.
Kyliah’s hand clamps around your wrist. Your ribs groan as your body jerks to a stop, pain spiking in your shoulder from the sudden force. You dangle off the edge, boots scraping for purchase, kicking into nothing. Dust rains down, dropping into the deep ravine below. The roar of the rockslide continues above.
“Hold on!” Kyliah grits out. <<print $RO1HisC>> other hand grabs your forearm, hauling upward. Muscles strain. Your arm burns. <<print $RO1HisC>> grip doesn’t falter. "I won't let go!"
Your other hand catches the edge.
Kyliah's grip around your wrist is tight, but even so, the sweat that slicks your palms makes it hard for <<print $RO1Him>> to hold on. You flinch as another boulder comes crashing down the ridge, a hair's breadth from you. Kyliah's mouth is moving, but <<print $RO1He>>'s speaking so softly that you can't make out what <<print $RO1He>>'s saying. It takes you a moment to realize that <<print $RO1He>>'s not talking to you- <<print $RO1He>>'s praying. <<print $RO1HeC>> groans and a surge of strength courses through <<print $RO1Him>>. <<print $RO1HeC>> tries to pull you up, but you only move a couple inches before you slip through <<print $RO1His>> sweat slicked hands. <<print $RO1HeC>> catches you again- but just barely.
<<print $RO3Name>> is yelling to your left, and <<print $RO1Name>> is further down the path, bolting towards you both. You realize in horror as your fingers slip from <<print $RO1His>> that this is the end. You're going to die here, on this cliffside, before you ever learn why you're running in the first place. Tears pool in your eyes, and Kyliah cries out as you plummet downwards.
"No!" <<print $RO1HeC>> yells.
<<print $RO1HisC>> hands fly, tracing runes into the wind until suddenly, you're no longer falling. Drawing in a shaky breath, you look down and gasp. Blue tendrils cradle your form like a feather riding the wind. They float upward slowly, till you're close enough to the ridge for Kyliah to pull you back to solid ground. <<print $RO1HeC>> throws <<print $RO1himself>> over you as more debris crashes down around you both. Your ears ring. You press your face into the crook of <<print $RO1His>> shoulder, trembling.
For a long moment, you just breathe. You’re aware of nothing but the pounding of blood in your ears and the rise and fall of <<print $RO1His>> chest.
The thunder of falling stone fades slowly, replaced by the ragged sound of your own breathing. Dust fills the air, turning everything into a haze of gray and silence. Behind you, the path is buried in rubble. Ahead, the ridge levels out, quiet now. Everything is still.
Kyliahs's eyes flick down your form, checking for blood or wounds. <<print $RO1HeC>> grips your hand tightly, but the line of tension across <<print $RO1His>> shoulders tells you <<print $RO1He>>’s not ready to move until <<print $RO1He>>’s sure you can stand. Once <<print $RO1He>>'s sure you're alright, <<print $RO1He>> leads you forward. You can feel <<print $RO1Him>> shaking violently as <<print $RO1His>> hand grips yours.
No one dares say a word until you make it to the end of the ridge and the path opens up into a grassy clearing.
[[Continue->whatwasthat]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<if $rescuer == "<<print $RO1Name>>">>
<<goto "Axis Rescue Scene">>
<<elseif $rescuer == "Kyliah">>
<<goto "Kyliah Rescue Scene">>
<<elseif $rescuer == "<<print $RO3Name>>">>
<<goto "Remus Rescue Scene">>
<<else>>
<<goto "Kyliah Rescue Scene">>
<</if>>
As your feet sift through damp earth and dewy grass, you spot a bed of flowers lying among the moss and leafy foilage. The smell of damp earth and petrichor seeps into you. You take a deep breath to try to calm your nerves and bend down, if only for a moment.
Galen taught you that all life carries within it at least a dash of magic- some things more than others. Flowers, especially. Some of them have healing properties. Others can be used as poisons or to walk within the dreams of another, assuming the user posessed enough magical prowess to do so.
Personally, you...
* [[Like foraging and find comfort in flowers, as you do most things in nature.|Liked foraging. You'd always been more attuned to nature than most.]]
* [[Never cared much for flowers. They're too fragile.|Had never cared much for flowers. They were too fragile for your preference.]]
* [[Appreciate them as decorations.|Liked them as decorations. You used to make yourself flower crowns and dance in the moonlight on nights when Galen was away and you could pretend like you weren't too old to believe in fairytale]]
* [[Admire them from afar, but never up close.|Liked to admire them from afar. You were too scared their paper thin frames would break under your touch.]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $bloodprice += 2>>
<<set $tastedRain = true>>
Curious, you lift your fingers to your lips to see if the drops are as sweet as they smell. <<print $RO3Name>> catches your wrist, halting your movements midway.
"What are you doing?" <<print $RO1HeC>> asks, voice low.
"I wanted to...." You still, suddenly feeling foolish, unsure of what compelled the odd urge.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"Let them go <<print $RO3Name>>." Kyliah's voice is sharp as <<print $RO1He>> takes a step forward, like <<print $RO1He>>'s ready to insert <<print $RO1himself>> between you too.
"They probably don't know." <<print $RO1Name>> steps forward too, but <<print $RO1His>> posture is considerably more relaxed. Still, you see it when <<print $RO1He>> puts <<print $RO1His>> hand on <<print $RO3Name>>'s shoulder, like <<print $RO1He>>'s ready to drag <<print $RO1Him>> away from you if <<print $RO1He>> doesn't step back. "You can't blame them for what no one bothered to tell them. I doubt they were given lessons on The Sundering while they wrere locked away in their Rapunzel tower."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"Let her go <<print $RO3Name>>." Kyliah's voice is sharp as <<print $RO1He>> takes a step forward, like <<print $RO1He>>'s ready to insert <<print $RO1himself>> between you too.
"She probably doesn't know." <<print $RO1Name>> steps forward too, but <<print $RO1His>> posture is considerably more relaxed. Still, you see it when <<print $RO1He>> puts <<print $RO1His>> hand on <<print $RO3Name>>'s shoulder, like <<print $RO1He>>'s ready to drag <<print $RO1Him>> away from you if <<print $RO1He>> doesn't step back. "You can't blame her for what no one bothered to tell her. I doubt she was given lessons on The Sundering while she was locked away in her Rapunzel tower."\
<<else>>\
"Let him go<<print $RO3Name>>." Kyliah's voice is sharp as <<print $RO1He>> takes a step forward, like <<print $RO1He>>'s ready to insert <<print $RO1Himself>> between you too.
"He probably doesn't know." <<print $RO1Name>> steps forward too, but <<print $RO1His>> posture is considerably more relaxed. Still, you see it when <<print $RO1He>> puts <<print $RO1His>> hand on <<print $RO3Name>>'s shoulder, like <<print $RO1He>>'s ready to drag <<print $RO1Him>> away from you if <<print $RO1He>> doesn't step back. "You can't blame him for what no one bothered to tell him. I doubt he was given lessons on The Sundering while he was locked away in his Rapunzel tower."\
<</if>>
<i>The Sundering.</i>
A ceremony that takes place once every decade, paying homage to Divines past. You aren't particularly well versed on its origins, but you know its customary to offer blessings during this time- sacraments that symbolize the body of The Divines. You offered your own blessings with Galen during the two Sunderings you've lived through, doves blood and ground unicorn horn meant to symbolize the blood and bones of The Divines.
But what does it have to do with the scarlet rain?
After a moment's hesitation, <<print $RO3Name>> lets go and steps back. "I'm sorry." Pain, as sharp as the edge of a blade, is etched into <<print $RO1His>>features. <<print $RO1HeC>> turns away from you and sucks in a sharp breath.
You're scared to ask what you did wrong. And why <<print $RO3Name>> had such a strong reaction. Thankfully, you don't have to.
Kyliah moves to your side, between you and <<print $RO3Name>>, while <<print $RO1Name>> slings an arm around <<print $RO3Name>> and leads <<print $RO1Him>> towards the edge of the clearing. You can't hear what <<print $RO3He>>'s saying, but you can see <<print $RO3Name>> visibly relax at <<print $RO3His>> words. <<print $RO1Name>> glances back at you once and mouths <i>its okay</i>.
"Godsfall- The blood of past Divines." Kyliah explains gently.
"What?" You shake your head and pale. This isn't just scarlet rain. It's blood- holy blood. Galen never told you about this. Surely he would have mentioned something so important.
"Once every ten years, around the time of The Sundering, the Godsfall comes. Divines are half-human, half-god, gifted to us by The Goddess Melpomene. But not all of The Gods believe The Divines are a blessing. Some believe they're a blasphemy, tainted godsblood. Ares, God of Wrath, brings the Godsfall during every Sundering. He keeps the holy blood of The Divines, and gives their human blood back to us."
"I didn't-" You stutter, mortified. "I didn't know. I'm so sorry."
"Its not your fault, you had no way of knowing." Kyliah reassures you softly. "<<print $RO3Name>> acted out of line. <<print $RO1HeC>> never should have put <<print $RO1His>> hands on you."
You think back to <<print $RO3Name>>'s reaction. Its curious- bizarre. Even with your misstep, Kyliah and <<print $RO1Name>> don't seem nearly as bothered as <<print $RO3Name>> was.
"Is <<print $RO1He>> okay?" You glance back at <<print $RO1Him>>. <<print $RO1Name>> and <<print $RO3Name>> are back by the fire. <<print $RO1HeC>> appears to have calmed down considerably.
Kyliah sighs. "It's complicated, but anything to do with The Divines is very personal for <<print $RO1Him>>."
Someone clears their throat behind you, and you turn to find <<print $RO3Name>> looking uncomfortable and perhaps a bit regretful. "I shouldn't have grabbed you like that. "
"It's alright. I'm sorry I upset you." You don't understand <<print $RO1His>> reaction, not fully, but don't have time to hash things out, even if you wanted to.
<<print $RO3Name>> grunts and gestures towards the ridge. "We should go then. The Godsfall will make the going slower as it is." You nod and follow as <<print $RO3Name>> leads the group once more. The tension during the start of the treck is thick at first, but between <<print $RO1Name>>'s ill-concieved jokes and Kyliah's gentle reassurance, the heavy weight that's fallen over your group slowly lifts. Even the Godsfall stops after a time. The blood evaporates quickly, and after a few minutes the veil of red is gone, as if it were never there at all.
[[Continue->flowers]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $bloodprice -= 2>>
<<set $tastedRain = false>>
"Godsfall- The blood of past Divines." Kyliah explains gently.
"What?" You shake your head and pale. This isn't just scarlet rain. It's blood- holy blood. Galen never told you about this. Surely he would have mentioned something so important.
"Once every ten years, around the time of The Sundering, the Godsfall comes. Divines are half-human, half-god, gifted to us by The Goddess Melpomene. But not all of The Gods believe The Divines are a blessing. Some believe they're a blasphemy, tainted godsblood. Ares, God of Wrath, brings the Godsfall during every Sundering. He keeps the holy blood of The Divines, and gives their human blood back to us."
<i>The Sundering.</i>
A ceremony that takes place once every decade, paying homage to Divines past. You aren't particularly well versed on its origins, but you know its customary to offer blessings during this time- sacraments that symbolize the body of The Divines. You offered your own blessings with Galen during the two Sunderings you've lived through, doves blood and ground unicorn horn meant to symbolize the blood and bones of The Divines.
"We should go." <<print $RO3Name>> urges." The Godsfall will make the going slower as it is."
You nod and follow as <<print $RO3Name>> leads the group once more.The scarlet rains stop after a time, and the blood evaporates quickly. After a few minutes the veil of red is gone, as if it were never there at all.
[[Continue->flowers]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>Slipping off your pack, your body groans as you shrug off the oversized shirt draped around your shoulders, spotted with blood, and reach for a swath of cloth in your pack. The river water is lukewarm when you dip your fingers in and wet the rag before slowly sliding it over your body.
Sighing, you relax and close your eyes. This is the first moment you've had to yourself since the fight back in the forest. It was just yesterday, but it feels like so much has happened since then. You've taken an arrow to the shoulder. Barely survived the fall that followed. Awoken to a group of strangers that insist they have your best interest at heart, all the while refusing to answer your questions. And just barely survived a rockslide. You're at the mercy of the three men you travel with, still too injured to make the journey on your own, even if you wanted to.
And Galen- your Master. You've tried not to think of him, of what fate he met after you left.
You've never feared for your Master before. He is a powerful mage, after all, capable of wielding magic in ways that would awe and terrify most. But he is just one man. If Kyliah and the others were right- if The King sent more of his men, and they were just as lethal as the ones you'd fought with in the forest- Galen wouldn't stand a chance.
You suck in a sharp breath and bite down on your lip hard enough to draw blood. You won't let yourself cry. Not now. Not when your journey has just stated, and you've just barely clawed your way back from the grips of death. You have to be strong. Galen would want that- want you to be brave and resourceful. To stay true to the path he set for you.
But your body betrays you and a sob escapes your lips. You start to shake, and silent tears stream down your face. Between the pain in your shoulder, the knowledge your Master- the only family you've ever known- is almost surely dead, and the realization that this is your life now- running from The King himself, and, by extension, all the forces he has at his disposal, it's all too much.
Thats when you hear it- the crunch of gravel behind you.
Your heart leaps into your throat and you spin around. Standing on the Rivers bank, you see...
[[Axis❤->Axisriverbed]]
[[Kyliah❤->Kyliahriverbed]]
[[Remus❤->Remusriverbed]]
[[No one->Nooneriverbed]]
[[No one at first❤->Severinriverbed]]
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/2q6uuk.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>>
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>Axis is standing there, all of his usual bravado gone. He turns his body to the side and directs his eyes back to the treeline, having realized you're half dressed- as if to offer you some measure of privacy. There's a slight flush to his cheeks, and when he speaks his voice is uncharacteristically soft. "Sorry to interrupt. We figured we shouldn't leave you alone, just in case."
"Oh." Thats all you trust yourself to say, voice shaky as it is.
There's a hesitation to Axis's movements as he lingers on the riverbank. "I can go a little further into the trees, if you'd like. Give you a bit more privacy."
"No, it's fine." You clumsily reach for your shirt and pull it back on. You haven't finished washing, and you still haven't cleaned the wound on your shoulder properly, but your hands are shaking so bad that you don't think you'd be able to even if you tried.
Once you're dressed, Axis finally looks at you. He hesitates again- which is rare for him- before slowly walking towards you. He stops in front of you, and the way his eyes soften hurts almost as much as the wound on your shoulder.
"You've had a rough last couple days." He says softly.
"I'm fine." You mutter, looking down.
Axis hums. "Of course you are."
You wait for him to turn and go, to leave you to bear the brunt of your pain till you've calmed. But he doesn't. Instead, he lifts his hands and, ever so gently, brushes the tears from your cheeks. You blink up at him, startled. Not by the action itself, but by the tenderness in his touch. Its almost a caress against your skin, barely there at all.
"That's what Deli says, too, you know."
"What?"
"That she's fine. Always. Even when she's not. Especially when she's not." He flashes you a sad smile. "It's always the flames that burn the brightest that have hearts of glass. Thats what all the fire's for. Fragile things don't last long in Jeilene. We all have to have some way to keep ourselves from breaking."
He says it like he knows that pain intimately.
Like he's broken before.
Like he knows exactly how it feels to be split straight down the middle, completely alone with the world against you.
You find yourself leaning into his touch. His warmth, his gentle strength. For a moment neither of you move. You lose yourself in the feel of him, and, just for a moment, you feel safe again. Peaceful, as if somehow, someway, everything is going to be right.
A branch breaks to your right and the moment shatters. A squirrel comes bounding out from the foliage. Axis clears his throat, as if suddenly realizing what he's doing. He takes a step back and looks away, embarrassed.
"Don't mind me. It seems I'm not myself this evening. Didn't get much sleep last night."
He turns to leave, but when you reach for him, he stops immediately.
"Wait." You draw in a shaky breath. "Stay. At least until I'm done. I don't..."
You don't say the rest. That you don't want to be alone. Alone with your thoughts. Alone to face The Kings Huntsmen if they return. Alone with all the uncertainty that lays ahead.
But you don't have to. Axis nods in silent understanding. He takes a seat on the riverbed and keeps his eyes on the treeline, humming a song without words while you bathe. Occasionally he asks you a question or makes a witty remark- likely to keep your mind off of everything that weighs you down. You clean your wound thoroughly this time, stipping the bandages off and wiping away the dirt, blood, and pus. You know immidiatley when you see it that it's infected. The skin around it is an angry, violent red, and the pus that surrounds the wound makes your stomach churn. By the time you've finished bathing and made it back to camp, Remus and Kyliah have finished setting up camp. A plate of roasted boar, nuts, and berries is laid out for you, next to your bedroll.
You can only hope the sustenance will be enough to get you through the rest of the journey to Severin's.
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><b>End of Chapter Two</b></span></span>
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>Kyliah is standing there on the riverbank. When he realizes you're half dressed, he quickly spins around and turns his back to you, but not fast enough for you to miss the way the redness on his face crawls up his ears, to the very tips.
"I'm so sorry." He stutters. "We thought- we were worried about leaving you alone."
"Oh." Thats all you trust yourself to say, voice shaky as it is.
"I didn't mean to- I can leave if-"
"No, it's fine." You clumsily reach for your shirt and pull it back on. You haven't finished washing, and you still haven't cleaned the wound on your shoulder properly, but your hands are shaking so bad that you don't think you'd be able to even if you tried.
Slowly, reluctant, Kyliah turns back towards you once he's sure you're dressed. He's still visibly flustered, but when he sees the tears on your face, his embarrassment gives way to something softer.
"Are you alright?" He murmurs.
You laugh. The hollow sound becomes a sob before you can catch it in your throat.
Kyliah rushes forward and takes your hands in his. He gently wipes your tears away with one hand, dabbing them with the hem of his robes, and rubs soft circles into your palms with the other.
"Its alright. I'm here, you're safe." He repeats those words, over and over, until your body starts to belive them, even when your mind doesn't. That's when you feel it- the ebb of something soft and soothing, washing over you in waves. Whisps of magic slip from Kyliahs skin and flow into you. You close your eyes and draw in a deep breath.
For a moment, you're back in the tower, teasing Galen about how he's burnt the bread for the hundredth time. It smells like soil and mildew. Like old books and wet ink. It smells like family. It smells like home. Slowly, gently, the pressure in your chest eases. Your thoughts still, and for the first time since all this started, you feel like you can breathe again. You take several deep breaths before you open your eyes.
Kyliah is still there, holding your hands, looking at you like the only thing that matters in this moment is you.
"Thank you." You whisper.
"Of course." Kyliah says, a little breathless. You wonder if he felt it too? If the calm serenity goes both ways, or if the experience is different for him? "Thank you for letting me."
You cling to the moment for just a little longer before you reluctantly break the silence. "How did you do that?"
A small smile flits across Kyliahs face, but its tinted with sadness. "Practice."
"Do you have to do this a lot?"
"No, this is the first time."
"But you practiced for it?" You blink at him, confused. "I don't understand."
"You will, eventually." His words should be a comfort, but he says them like it pains him. Like every syllable is poison on his lips. "You remind me of her, you know."
"Who?"
"The Goddess Melpomene. She was incredibly beautiful....and she was tragic." Your heart skips a beat, fluttering in your chest. You're not sure if its his adoration, give so freely- so earnestly- or the foreboding in his words that makes your next few breaths short and stuttered.
"It's hard, when fate tells us we can't have the very thing we want the most... like a slow death that never truly ends."
You still, studying Kyliah. The pain beneath his words is thinly veiled, something that lingers just beneath the surface. You're not sure whether he's talking about your situation, or something he's been through. Both, maybe. "Does it ever get better?"
"I don't know." Kyliah stares at you. The weight of his gaze is so heavy that it steals your breath away.
Dragging his eyes away from you, he leans down and grabs your cloth, abandoned on the riverbank. "Please, don't rush yourself on my account. I can walk a little further into the woods if it would make you feel more comfortable."
"No. Stay." You're not sure if it's his magic or if it's Kyliah himself, but having him close makes you feel more at ease.
He takes a seat on the riverbed and closes his eyes. But his magic lingers in the air, soothing you as you wash. You clean your wound thoroughly this time, stipping the bandages off and wiping away the dirt, blood, and pus. You know immidiatley when you see it that it's infected. The skin around it is an angry, violent red, and the pus that surrounds the wound makes your stomach churn. By the time you've finished bathing and made it back to camp, Axis and Remus have finished setting up camp. A plate of roasted boar, nuts, and berries is laid out for you, next to your bedroll.
You can only hope the sustenance will be enough to get you through the rest of the journey to Severin's.
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><b>End of Chapter Two</b></span></span>
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>Remus is standing there on the riverbank. When he realizes you're half dressed, he clears his throat and turns his back to you, offering you some semblance of privacy. "Sorry, I didn't realize you were undressing." His voice is an octave deeper than usual. The veins in his neck are chorded tight, like he has to strain to speak normally, and there's a subtle flush to his cheeks. "We figured it probably wasn't a good idea to leave you alone."
"Oh." Thats all you trust yourself to say, voice shaky as it is.
"I can head back up the path if you need some time to finish."
"No, it's fine." You clumsily reach for your shirt and pull it back on. You haven't finished washing, and you still haven't cleaned the wound on your shoulder properly, but your hands are shaking so bad that you don't think you'd be able to even if you tried.
Once you're dressed, Remus turns back to you. He lingers in the distance between you for a moment.
<<if $getsalve>>
Slowly, he steps forward, hand extended. It's then that you realize he's holding something. The salve he gave you the other night.
"You forgot this."
"Thanks." Your hands shake when you reach forward and grab the salve. You hope he doesn't notice, fingers gripped tightly around the metal tin as you try to hide the tremors.
<</if>>
You wait for him to turn and go, to leave you to bear the brunt of your pain till you've calmed. But he doesn't. Instead, he says, "Don’t bury it, little swan. "
You blink up at him, confused. "What?"
"What you're feeling. Don't just bury it, or act like it isn't there. Allow yourself to mourn. You've lost a lot. Your home. Your mentor. Everything from your life before. You're allowed to grieve that. I know, better than most, the way it eats you up inside if you don't."
You still, unable to hide your suprise. Silent tears begin streaming down your face, as if all they needed was his permission. He reaches into his pocket and hands you a handkerchief.
You laugh, embarrassed, and dab the wetness from your eyes. "I'm sorry. I thought I'd be able to handle this better."
"You have nothing to be sorry for." Remus places a hand on your shoulder. "Never apologize for the way you feel. Someone hurt you. That isn't your fault. You have every right to feel the way you do." His words are straightforward and simple. But in a world where everything else is so uncertain, it's exactly what you need.
You laugh again, this time more genuine. Out of the three men, Remus is the last one you expected to tell you its okay to cry. "Thank you."
"I didn't do anything, little swan. Thank yourself." He stays there, at your side, till the tears on your face dry. He allows you to grieve in the quiet, and you're grateful for it. He offers you his support, his steadiness, without any preamble or expectation. You don't have to be strong, or smart, or brave. You don't have to pretend to be okay. In this moment, you can just be.
Only after you've stopped crying does he take a step back. "I can give you some space if you need time to finish."
"Stay." The word escapes your lips before you can think better of it. "Not here, but nearby. Just in case."
Remus nods in understanding. He hesitates for only a moment before he begins walking towards the treeline. "Yell if you need anything. I'll be nearby."
He doesn't stay close enough for you to see him, but you can hear him moving, just beyond the treeline. You get the impression that the noise is intentional. Like he wants you to hear him, so that you know that you're not alone even if you can't see him. You clean your wound thoroughly this time, stipping the bandages off and wiping away the dirt, blood, and pus. You know immidiatley when you see it that it's infected. The skin around it is an angry, violent red, and the pus that surrounds the wound makes your stomach churn. By the time you've finished bathing and made it back to camp, Axis and Kyliah have finished setting up camp. A plate of roasted boar, nuts, and berries is laid out for you, next to your camproll.
You can only hope the sustenance will be enough to get you through the rest of the journey to Severin's.
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><b>End of Chapter Two</b></span></span>
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>There's no one there. You frown. A shiver licks its way up your spine. You must be more out of it than you realize. The fever and the pain are taking their toll.
Turning back towards the river, you clean your wound thoroughly, stipping the bandages off and wiping away the dirt, blood, and pus. You know immidiatley when you see it that it's infected. The skin around it is an angry, violent red, and the pus that surrounds the wound makes your stomach churn. By the time you've finished bathing and made it back to camp, Axis and Remus have finished setting up camp. A plate of roasted boar, nuts, and berries is laid out for you, next to your bedroll.
You can only hope the sustenance will be enough to get you through the rest of the journey to Severin's.
<span style="color: gold;"><span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><b>End of Chapter Two</b></span></span>
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>><<set $severinrescued = true>>
<<set $severinAffection +=2>>
You're halfway across the ridge when you feel it- something in your subconscious, the feeling that you're being watched. An unnatural chill settles in your veins. Your hairs stand on end. A flash of black plunges in from your left like a bolt of lightning.
Startled, you stumble back and draw in a sharp breath. What was that?
"Are you okay?" Kyliah calls from behind you.
You nod and push yourself to your feet. Another step forward and again, something black flies in front of you, blocking your path. But this time, it stays.
You freeze when you realize what it is.
Its a bird- the dead bird you saw back in the forest. The one that spoke to you. You still, studying the creatures movements. Its neck hangs limp from its body. There are guttural, chirping sounds coming from its throat, like its trying to speak to you.
Kyliah has caught up to you now. "Are you alright?" <<print $RO1HeC>> asks, taking note of the fact that you're no longer walking.
Further up the path <<print $RO1Name>> calls back to you. "Everything good?"
"It's...." You shake your head, squinting. Are you just imagining things? Maybe the stress is finally getting to you. You try to side step the bird, but it hovers in your path, refusing to let you pass.
"What's the hold up?"<<print $RO3Name>> calls out.
The dread that grips you only grows. Kyliah seems to have noticed something is off with the bird too. <<print $RO1HeC>>'s studying the animal, eyes narrowed, posture stiff.
"I don't think we should go this way." You're not sure how you know that's what the bird is trying to tell you, but something in you is sure of it.
"What?" <<print $RO3Name> frowns. By now he and <<print $RO1Name>> have doubled back. "This is the fastest route. We'll lose hours if we go around."
"I think it's trying to tell us not to go." You gesture to the bird.
<<print $RO3Name>> stares at you like you've grown a third eye. "What?"
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"They're right." Kyliah shakes <<print $RO1His>> head. "There's something off about it. An undercurrent of magic. I can feel it, just barely.... But I don't sense any ill will."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"She's right." Kyliah shakes <<print $RO1His>> head. "There's something off about it. An undercurrent of magic. I can feel it, just barely.... But I don't sense any ill will."\
<<else>>\
"He's right." Kyliah shakes <<print $RO1His>> head. "There's something off about it. An undercurrent of magic. I can feel it, just barely.... But I don't sense any ill will."\
<</if>>
<<print $RO3Name>> opens <<print $RO1His>> mouth to argue, but <<print $RO1His>> words are swallowed up by a low rumble from above. At first, it's distant, earth shifting against stone. Plumes of dust fan out across the top of the ridge. Your stomach drops a heartbeat before a massive boulder slams into the ground where <<print $RO3Name>> stood just seconds ago. Boulders crash down the cliffside, ratering the narrow path. Jagged shards of stone rain down from above.
Your pulse is a war drum in your ears as you scramble back. <<print $RO1Name> and Kyliah do the same, with <<print $RO3Name>> only seconds behind. The rockslide only last minutes, but by the time it's over, that path your group planned to take is completely destroyed, blocked off by boulders with large stretches of the ridge caved in.
<<print $RO3Name>> curses and looks back at you. "How did you know?"
You shake your head, staring at the wreckage. "The bird. I just...felt it."
For a long moment, you just breathe. You’re aware of nothing but the pounding of blood in your ears and the rise and fall of your chest.
The thunder of falling stone fades slowly, replaced by the ragged sound of your own breathing. Dust fills the air, turning everything into a haze of gray and silence. Everything is still.
[[continue->altpath]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/8si1ie.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>>There's no one there. You frown. A shiver licks its way up your spine. You must be more out of it than you realize. The fever and the pain are taking their toll.
Sighing, you clumsily reach for your shirt and pull it back on. You haven't finished washing, and you still haven't cleaned the wound on your shoulder properly, but your hands are shaking so bad that you don't think you'd be able to even if you tried.
As you kneel in the shade of a tree, a shadow shifts beside you. And then he's there- the man from your dreams- the one you saw in the clearing earlier. He stands in silence, as unmoving as stone, as vast and quiet as the void itself.
<<if $severinrescued>>
"It was you, wasn't it?" You whisper. "With the bird that blocked my path."
He nods once, but he doesn't speak.
<</if>>
You notice, faintly, that despite his height, he casts no shadow. The light bends around him in strange ways.
"Why are you helping me?" Last time you asked him that, he told you it was because he wanted to give the choices that you'd been robbed of back to you. But what about now? It would've been your choice to walk across that ridge willingly, without being forced or coherced.
He stares at you, but says nothing. He's quiet for so long that you don't think he'll answer. But then he says "We've met before. But you don't remember me."
"You mean when I almost died?"
"No. Before that."
You shake your head slowly, frowning. That's impossible. You can count on two hands the number of people you've met in your life, aside from your recent travel companions. They're so few in number that you can recall all of them clearly. The man that stands before you is made of shadow and starlight, too beautiful to forget. There's no way you would have forgotten his face. "No we haven't, I would've recognized you."
"You wouldn't. Back then, I had no face. Neither did you."
You blink at him, confused. Is he speaking in riddles? Or is he being literal? It doesn't matter. Whoever he is, he must have mistaken you for another. "You must be confusing me with someone else."
"No." He shakes his head, gentle but firm. "I would know you anywhere. It's not your face that I recognize."
A voice- something ethereal, caught between hollow and ether, whispers to you.
<i>There is more.</i>
You hear it again, just like you did back in the clearing with Remus. This time, however, the man in front of you turns. You realize, with a mixture of horror and amazement, that he can hear it too.
"You can hear it?"
He nods.
"How?"
His form flickers even as you open your mouth to speak. The air warps around him, unraveling him before your eyes. "We're out of time." He says.
Your heart lurches in your chest, and you push yourself to your feet. You have so many questions you want to ask him. Who he is, and what does he mean when he says it's not your face he recognizes? Why is he so sure that he knows you?
"You should clean your wound." The words dissapear into nothing as he fades. You blink, and then he's gone.
You stand there, staring at the spot he stood only seconds ago. Shaking youself, you turn away, forcing you feet forward and wading back into the water. His words linger with you, and you clean your wound thoroughly this time, stipping the bandages off and wiping away the dirt, blood, and pus. You know immidiatley when you see it that it's infected. The skin around it is an angry, violent red, and the pus that surrounds the wound makes your stomach churn. By the time you've finished bathing and made it back to camp, Axis and Kyliah have finished setting up camp. A plate of roasted boar, nuts, and berries is laid out for you, next to your camproll.
You can only hope the sustenance will be enough to get you through the rest of the journey to Severin's.Remus rake a hand through his hair and mutter a stream of expletives. "What the hell was that?"
"I don't know." Axis shakes his head. "I've traveled that path a hundred times. Never had a problem with it before. Delilah checked the ridge this morning, confirmed everything was solid."
Kyliah nods his head in agreement. "I reached out as well. I couldn't feel any faults or fractures in the cliffside. The rock should have held."
The group falls silent. Then, slowly, almost hesitantly, all eyes turn to you.
Your breath catches in your throat. "What?"
The silence lingers for a time before, finally, Axis speaks. "When it happened, did you feel anything? Anything weird or unusual?"
You frown, confused. "No, nothing. Why?"
Axis shakes his head, but Remus cuts in before he can elaborate. "We need to keep moving. Now." When you turn towards him, you see something in his eyes that makes your blood run cold.
<i>Fear.</i>
<b>End of Chapter Two</b>"Looks like we'll be taking the long route." Even Remus is shaken as he steps foward and leads the way once again.
The second half of the trek is tense. Everyone is on high alter- even Axis. Kyliah lingers close to you while Remus leads the head and Axis pulls up the rear.
By the time you've crossed the ridge and descended into the valley, the sung hangs low in the sky, a burning half crest on the horizon. Every part of you aches- especially your shoulder. You're covered in sweat, dirt, jagged cuts, and bug bites. The wound on your shoulder is spotting blood again, and every time you move the wrong way, the tender spot burns.
Finally- thankfully- Remus stops near a clearing flanked by oaks and pine trees and instructs your group to set up camp for the night. He sets to work hauling water from the river to the camp while Axis hunts for food, and Kyliah begins casting wards around the small clearing- veil spells that will hopefully mask your presence from lesser minds if someone does happen to stumble upon the four of you. You do what you can to help, but by the time you all sit down that evening to cook the wild boar Axis caught, you're dizzy, slightly disoriented, and feverish. You do your best to hide the fact that you're struggling. Everyone is still on edge from earlier. You don't want to add to the tension.
"Here." Remus reaches into his pack and tosses you a bundle of clean bandages. "Why don't you go clean your wound by the river and rewarp your shoulder. We'll stay here and give you some privacy."
You get the impression that his suggestion is just a thinly veiled excuse to send you away so that the three of them can talk alone. Even so, you nod and grab your pack. You smell rancid. You're covered in filth. And the cool water may help to stave off your fever. The idea of washing yourself in the river sounds heavenly.
By the time you make it down to the river, the sun is low in sky, casting streaks of violet and crimson through the jagged treeline. You kneel down in a pool of shade, next to a large oak by the river.
[[continue->Riverbed]]The second half of the trek is tense. Everyone is on high alter- even Axis. Kyliah lingers close to you while Remus leads the head and Axis pulls up the rear.
By the time you've crossed the ridge and descended into the valley, the sung hangs low in the sky, a burning half crest on the horizon. Every part of you aches- especially your shoulder. You're covered in sweat, dirt, jagged cuts, and bug bites. The wound on your shoulder is spotting blood again, and every time you move the wrong way, the tender spot burns.
Finally- thankfully- Remus stops near a clearing flanked by oaks and pine trees and instructs your group to set up camp for the night. He sets to work hauling water from the river to the camp while Axis hunts for food, and Kyliah begins casting wards around the small clearing- veil spells that will hopefully mask your presence from lesser minds if someone does happen to stumble upon the four of you. You do what you can to help, but by the time you all sit down that evening to cook the wild boar Axis caught, you're dizzy, slightly disoriented, and feverish. You do your best to hide the fact that you're struggling. Everyone is still on edge from earlier. You don't want to add to the tension.
"Here." Remus reaches into his pack and tosses you a bundle of clean bandages. "Why don't you go clean your wound by the river and rewarp your shoulder. We'll stay here and give you some privacy."
You get the impression that his suggestion is just a thinly veiled excuse to send you away so that the three of them can talk alone. Even so, you nod and grab your pack. You smell rancid. You're covered in filth. And the cool water may help to stave off your fever. The idea of washing yourself in the river sounds heavenly.
By the time you make it down to the river, the sun is low in sky, casting streaks of violet and crimson through the jagged treeline. You kneel down in a pool of shade, next to a large oak by the river.
[[Continue->Riverbed]]
<<set $lastPassage = passage()>>Horrified, you contemplate making a run for it just as <<print $RO3Name>> steps into view. <<print $RO1HeC>> approaches the guard.
"Why are you closing the gates?" <<print $RO3Name>> demands.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"My <<print $RO3Lord>>." The guard affords <<print $RO3Name>> a reverent bow. Far off as you are, you can only catch bits and pieces of the conversation. "Haven't you heard? They've spotted...they ran and....its our duty to..."
"I have a shipment of enchanted artifacts scheduled to come down this road within the hour. This gate needs to remain open."
"But <<print $RO1sir>>, surely...you understand better than most..."
"Do you really think they would be here, in some run down village on the outskirts of Jeliene? This is ridiculous. Your handmaid must have been mistaken."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"My <<print $RO3Lord>>." The guard affords <<print $RO3Name>> a reverent bow. Far off as you are, you can only catch bits and pieces of the conversation. "Haven't you heard? They've spotted...she ran and....its our duty to..."
"I have a shipment of enchanted artifacts scheduled to come down this road within the hour. This gate needs to remain open."
"But <<print $RO1sir>>, surely...you understand better than most..."
"Do you really think she would be here, in some run down village on the outskirts of Jeliene? This is ridiculous. Your handmaid must have been mistaken."\
<<else>>\
"My <<print $RO3Lord>>." The guard affords <<print $RO3Name>> a reverent bow. Far off as you are, you can only catch bits and pieces of the conversation. "Haven't you heard? They've spotted...he ran and....its our duty to..."
"I have a shipment of enchanted artifacts scheduled to come down this road within the hour. This gate needs to remain open."
"But <<print $RO1sir>>, surely...you understand better than most..."
"Do you really think he would be here, in some run down village on the outskirts of Jeliene? This is ridiculous. Your handmaid must have been mistaken."\
<</if>>
"But <<print $RO3Lord>> <<print $RO3Name>>-"
"Open these gates before I have you removed from your post, Jerik."
The guard at the gate hesitates for only a moment before hauling the doors back open. You let out a sigh, relieved, and do your best not to make any noise as you and Kyliah slip by. By the time you two make it to the outskirts of the forest, <<print $RO1Name>> is already waiting for you with the bags of your three companions in tow. <<print $RO3Name>> arrives shortly after.
"This is what we get for letting a celebrity tag along." <<print $RO1Name>> sighs.
"Shut up <<print $RO1Name>>." <<print $RO3Name>> growls.
"We can argue later." Kyliah cuts in. "Right now, the focus needs to be on getting <<print $playerName>> as far away from here as we can. We don't know how long it'll be before word travels back to The King."
Your small group travels in silence for the first few hours, late into the night. You rest only long enough for Kyliah to retrieve lanters so that you can continue on in the dark. Only when the sun crests the horizon do you pause in a clearing to share a breakfast of cheese and bread. This time, <<print $RO3Name>> allows you to linger long enough for the burning in your legs to settle before continuing on.
[[Continue->askaboutking]] <<print $RO1Name>> steps in front of you, blocking the man's path. <<print $RO1Name>> is tall and well-built- all long, lean muscle- but the man <<print $RO1He>>'s staring down is twice <<print $RO1His>> size. Even so, <<print $RO1Name>> doesn't flinch. Doesn’t even blink. <<print $RO1HeC>> tilts <<print $RO1His>> head, calm and unbothered, like <<print $RO1He>>’s already measured the man and found him lacking.
“Is that how you treat visitors here?" <<print $RO1Name>> muses. "I must’ve taken a wrong turn at the border.” You almost balk as <<print $RO1Name>> turns <<print $RO1His>> back to the man and helps you up.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"They needs to watch where their going." He growls.
<<print $RO1Name>> places a steadying hand on your arm, then turns back to the man. "My ears must be decieving me. Surely there's no way you're blaming my friend here for knocking themselves over."
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"She needs to watch where she's going." He growls.
<<print $RO1Name>> places a steadying hand on your arm, then turns back to the man. "My ears must be decieving me. Surely there's no way you're blaming my friend here for knocking herself over."
<<else>>\
"He needs to watch where he's going." He growls.
<<print $RO1Name>> places a steadying hand on your arm, then turns back to the man. "My ears must be decieving me. Surely there's no way you're blaming my friend here for knocking himself over."
<</if>>
\
"And if I am?" His eyes are predatory as they size <<print $RO1Name>> up.
"Then that's unfortunate for you, my friend." <<print $RO1Name>>'s smirk sharpens, and you realize with equal parts dread and horror that they may end up fighting, right here in the street. “I do hope you’re not especially attached to your fingers. A shame, really. Knuckles are so hard to replace.”
"I'd like to see you try." The man growls. He takes another step forward, and you're almost sure he's going to throw a punch. But then his eyes fall to the tattoo on <<print $RO1Name>>'s shoulder and all of the color drains from his face. He steps back and mumbles an apology, stumbling over his words. "My apologies, <<print $RO1sir>>. I didn't realize who I was speaking to."
"<<print $RO1Sir>>?"<<print $RO1Name>> snorts. "Divines, please don't call me that. A proper apology to my friend here will do just fine."
The man turns to you and mutters a hasty apology before ducking back into the crowd.
You look over at <<print $RO1Name>>, brow raised. "What was-"
[[Continue->findtavern]]Kyliah steps in front of you, blocking the man's path. <<print $RO1HeC>> looks furious as <<print $RO1He>> glares down the man and turns to help you to your feet.
"Are you alright?" <<print $RO1HisC>> expression softens immediately when <<print $RO1He>> turns to you.
"I'm fine." You assure <<print $RO1Him>> quickly.
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
Turning back towards the man, Kyliah scowls. "What do you think you're doing, walking through the streets so recklessly? You could've hurt them."\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
Turning back towards the man, Kyliah scowls. "What do you think you're doing, walking through the streets so recklessly? You could've hurt her."\
<<else>>\
Turning back towards the man, Kyliah scowls. "What do you think you're doing, walking through the streets so recklessly? You could've hurt him."\
<</if>>
"And I still can." The man growls, stepping forward.
The air thickens, heavy with magic, and Kyliah's eyes narrow. "Try, and you'll be dead before you hit the ground." <<print $RO1HisC>> voice is colder than you ever thought possible for the soft spoken mage. The atmosphere around <<print $RO1Him>> coalesces, crackling with magic, and the man steps back, eyes wide.
"My apologies, I didn't realize-" He doesn't bother sticking around long enough to finish his sentence before hurriedly ducking back into the crowd.
You look over at Kyliah. <<print $RO1HeC>>'s still visibly upset. "How dare he threaten you."
"Are you-"
[[Continue->findtavern]]<<print $RO3Name>> steps in front of you. <<print $RO1HisC>> shoulders cut a harsh line across the horizon. "Watch where you're going." <<print $RO1HeC>> growls at the man.
You push yourself to your feet just as the man steps forward, sizing <<print $RO3Name>> up. "And what are you gonna do about it-"
Recognition flickers across the man's face and, just as quickly, he cowers back. "Forgive me, my <<print $RO3Lord>>. I didn't realize it was you-"
"I'm not the one you should be apologizing to."
The man turns to you and mutters a hasty apology before ducking back into the crowd.
You look over at <<print $RO3Name>>, brow raised. "What was-"
[[Continue->findtavern]]"Come on." <<print $RO3Name>>'s voice cuts through the crowd. "We shouldn't stay out in the open like this for too long."
Your heart plunges, and you're not able to hide your disappointment. You'd been hoping to explore the village more. See more of the wares and wonders in the market. Mingle with the townspeople. You've never seen so many bodies in one place.
But you know you'd be inviting danger if you did. Hopefully later, once things have settled down...if that ever happens.
The three <<print $RO1Men>> linger a little closer to you this time, forming a physical barrier between you and the rest of the crowd.
You catch the faint glow of an enchantment ward carved into the door of a nearby apothecary, its runes pulsing softly. Inside, glowing jars of powdered unicorn horn and eyeballs float in glass, stacked beside bundles of dried nightengale and witch's root.
To your right, a pair of cloaked figures speak in hushed whispers over a cage that seems empty, until it growls. The fabric flickers, and for just a moment, you glimpse what lies behind the covering. A creature with eyes like molten silver, vanishing the instant it senses your stare.
"Stay away from those two." <<print $RO1Name>> says, leaning towards you. "Scammers, the both of them. I bought a dagger from them once. Was supposed to be enchanted with minotaur blood. The bloody thing broke in a week."
"A rose for the beauty." A man calls out to your right. Beside you, a street magician breathes ice into a rose that doesn't wilt, then offers it to you. You blush and turn down the gift gently.
Some sort of creature that looks like a cross between a minotaur and a cyclopse is being sold in the center of the market- as protection, ostensibly. Farther down the road, a baby griffin, barely the size of a large dog, scurries between vendor stalls, its wings fluttering wildly as it tries and fails to take flight.
You’ve never felt more alive. Or more like a stranger in a world that is equal parts dazzling and unfamiliar.
Eventually, <<print $RO3Name>> motions for your group to enter a tavern off to the left.
You follow <<print $RO3Him>> in, carefully to keep your hood pulled low, and make your way up to the counter.
"Good evening <<print $RO3Lord>> <<print $RO3Name>>." An old woman with salt and pepper hair pulled back into a bun stands behind the counter. She bows her head slightly in <<print $RO3Name>>'s direction.
"Evening."
"How many?" She asks.
"Four." <<print $RO3Name>> casts a cursory glance around the tavern. Its considerably less crowded than the main street, thankfully
"And how many nights?"
"One."
"That'll be three shillings."
<<print $RO3Name>> reaches into <<print $RO1His>> pocket and pulls out a pouch filled with gold coins. <<print $RO1HeC>> hands three of them to the woman behind the counter, and she gives <<print $RO1Him>> two keys in return. By the time you make it up the stairs to the set of rooms you'll be staying in, your excitement has given way to something far more pressing- exhaustion. You follow <<print $RO3Name>> and the other two into the closest room. <<print $RO1HeC>> closes the door before <<print $RO1He>> speaks.
"We'll stay here for the night and leave before dawn." <<print $RO3Name>> sets <<print $RO1His>> pack on the floor and begins pulling out a change of clothes.
You eye the two beds and glance toward the second room. "Who's sleeping where?"
<<if $pronouns == 0>>\
"We should let them have their own room. The three of us can share the room next door." Kyliah speaks first.
"Someone should stay with them in case there are any unexpected visitors during the night." <<print $RO3Name>> argues.
"Why don't we ask them what they want." <<print $RO1Name>> turns to you.\
<<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\
"We should let her have her own room. The three of us can share the room next door." Kyliah speaks first.
"Someone should stay with her in case there are any unexpected visitors during the night." <<print $RO3Name>> argues.
"Why don't we ask her what she wants." <<print $RO1Name>> turns to you.\
<<else>>\
"We should let him have his own room. The three of us can share the room next door." Kyliah speaks first.
"Someone should stay with him in case there are any unexpected visitors during the night." <<print $RO3Name>> argues.
"Why don't we ask him what he wants." <<print $RO1Name>> turns to you.\
<</if>>
You choose to share a room with...
* <<link "Axis/Athena❤">>
<<set $roomming = "axis">>
<<goto "roomwithaxis">>
<</link>>\
* <<link "Kyliah❤">>
<<set $roomming = "kyliah">>
<<goto "roomwithkyliah">>
<</link>>\
* <<link "Remus/Raven❤">>
<<set $roomming = "remus">>
<<goto "roomwithremus">>
<</link>>\
You choose to share a room with <<print $RO1Name>>.
[[continue->tavernfood]]You choose to share a room with Kyliah.
[[continue->tavernfood]]You choose to share a room with <<print $RO3Name>>
[[continue->tavernfood]]Kyliah wastes no time weaving through the crumbling back alley. You follow close behind, ducking beneath a splintered beam as the alley narrows, the walls nearly close enough to scrape your shoulders.
“This way.” Kyliah murmurs, voice low and urgent.
You nod even though <<print $RO1He>> can’t see you, your fingers brushing the hilt at your side as you round a corner after <<print $RO1Him>>. A soft yellow glow spills from a window overhead. <<print $RO1HeC>> stops suddenly and raises a hand.
Voices.
You step back into the shadow of a crumbling stone arch as two guards pass by on the main road just beyond the alley’s mouth. Their armor clinks with every step, too polished for the likes of Burthrope. You can smell the oil on their leathers, the iron polish of their weapons. One of them mutters something about the horn that just blew. The other spits into the gutter and keeps walking.
When their footsteps finally fade, Kyliah exhales. “We’ve got minutes. Maybe less.”
<<print $RO1HeC>> turns down another path, this one partially blocked by crates and a stack of fish barrels. You slip through the gap, the brine burning your nose, and catch a glimpse of a glimmering sigil burnt into a nearby wall. Still warm. Recently cast. A ward, or a warning.
“Don’t touch it.” Kyliah warns softly. “It’ll mark you.”
You yank your hand back just in time and stumble after <<print $RO1Him>> into the market courtyard. Somewhere overhead, wind chimes stir, not with wind, but magic.
Kyliah leads you beneath a cloth awning heavy with dust and soot. The canvas sags as you both pass under. A moment later, you both skid to a halt at the edge of a wide intersection, torchlight flickering across the cobbles, and just beyond it, the gate.
But something’s wrong. A horn sounds in the distance.
And ahead, one of the guards begins to run.
[[continue->godsfall]]The three of them nod in agreement.
"Would you like me to take a look at your wound?" Kyliah asks.
"Once I've bathed." You're desperate to rid yourself of the layer of muck and grime that coats your skin.
"We'll give you some privacy then." Kyliah bows. "I'll start warding the rooms."
"I've gotta go check on Delilah. Make sure she hasn't spotted any trouble." <<print $RO1Name>> says.
"Good." <<print $RO3Name>> nods. "I'll head to the market and restock our supplies." <<print $RO1HeC>> turns to you. "Yell if you need anything. Kyliah will be just outside, and <<print $RO1He>>'ll be able to reach out to us with <<print $RO1His>> magic if there's trouble."
You nod and take a seat on the bed. After a time, you decide to wander down into the main area of the tavern while you wait for the maidservant that will warm your water with fire magic. In theory, you could do it yourself, but you are too exhausted to trust yourself with wielding the elements with any sort of accuracy. The last time you tried using fire magic when you were this tired, you almost burned down Galen's entire collection of ancient scrolls. For most people, their magic is a trickle, a muscle they have to build overtime. But you've always had the opposite problem. You're magic is like a dam. Too potent, too strong for you to harness into anything useful. It's taken you years of training with your Master to learn how to cast simple spells without risking harm to yourself or the people around you. Even now, it's something you still struggle with when you're stressed or tired.
It occurs to you that you could ask Kyliah, but <<print $RO1He>>'ll likely be exhausting after <<print $RO1He>> finishes warding the rooms. You don't want to ask anything more of <<print $RO1Him>>.
The air thick with smoke, spices, and the faint scent of salted fish. Between the dimly lit tavern and your hood, you feel fairly confident that no one will recognize you. Hesitantly, you approach the counter, trying not to look out of place, and order some...
[[Bread and cheese]]
[[Stew]]
[[Potato and boars meat]]
[[Libertine ale]]
<<set $hunger += 1>>
<<set $thirst -= 1>>
You choose the bread and cheese. Simple and easy. You're not in the mood for anything too heavy. The heat from the day has left you with little appetite.
[[Continue->fortuneteller]]<<set $hunger += 1>>
<<set $thirst += 1>>
You choose the stew. It's mostly broth, filled with a mixture of vegetables and chunks of something you'd rather not look too closely at.
[[Continue->fortuneteller]]<<set $hunger += 2>>
You choose the potatoes and boars meat. Rich and hearty, your mouth waters as you take your plate. This should stave off your hunger till well into the day tomorrow.
[[Continue->fortuneteller]]<<set $hunger -= 1>>
<<set $thirst += 1>>
You choose the libertine ale. You're more thirsy than you are hungry. On special occassions, Galen would bring you a keg of Libterine ale. It's slightly bitter with a sweet, lingering aftertaste- like candied apples with a pinch of pineapple.
[[Continue->fortuneteller]]By the time you find yourself a table and start to eat, you notice someone staring at you from across the room. They're cloaked in black and shadow, but they don't approach you. They simply watch.
You try to ignore it, but every time you glance up, they’re watching you, motionless.
Just as you finish your meal, a one eyed fortune teller slides into the seat across from you. Her remaining eye glows so pale a blue it's nearly white, and she leans in close.
"A shilling for a glimpse into your future?" Her voice is raspy and broken, like she’s just finished smoking Eldritch root.
“No, thank you.” You try to turn her down politely.
But she doesn’t leave. Instead, she leans forward, stilling, and studies you more intently. Something shifts in her expression. “A free telling, then.”
“No, really. I couldn’t—”
“I insist.” She begins to shuffle a deck of worn, gold engraved cards, then fans them out face down between you.
You hesitate. Is this some kind of scam? Will she demand payment after the fact? You're not sure, but she doesn’t seem willing to take no for an answer. You’d rather just humor her and end the awkward encounter as quickly as possible.
With a sigh, you reach forward and draw a card from the…
[[left]]
[[middle]]
[[right]]Eagerly, you grab a change of clothes from your pack and slip into the washroom. The moment you sink into the wooden tub, the warm water envelops you. Sighing, you close your eyes and enjoy the feeling of weightlessness. All the tension bleeds from your body. When you peel away the damp bandages and examine your wound, the relief fades. The gash across your shoulder is an angry, violent red, with patches of dark purple. Is it possible the arrow they hit you with was coated with poision...or maybe something worse?
You don't have time to dwell on it.
As you step out of the tub and change into a set of clean clothes, you decide to wear...
[[A loose, flowing shirt beneath a leather tunic]]
[[A hard leather corset with metal bracers]]
[[A silk top that criss crosses down the middle]]
[[A tweed top and pants. You like to keep things simple]]<<set $vitality += 1>>
A loose, flowing shirt beneath a leather tunic. It will offer you a good amount of protection while allowing you to breathe in the heat.
[[Continue->bow]]<<set $vitality += 2>>
<<set $thirst -= 1>>
A hard leather corset with metal bracers. It will offer you plenty of protection, but you'll likely overheat and become dehydrated easily.
[[Continue->bow]]<<set $vitality -= 1>>
A silk top that criss crosses down the middle. You may be on the run, but that doesn't mean you can't look good doing it. It will keep you cool. But it offers little protection if you get into a fight or struggle with the elements.
[[Continue->bow]]<<set $vitality += 1>>
A tweed top and pants. You like to keep things simple. This will keep you cool and offer you some protection from the elements, though it won't be very useful on battle.
[[Continue->bow]]You hear movement in the other room. You assume its Kyliah, reinforcing the wards, but when you step out, you see a young woman in a maids uniform carrying a bowl of stew.
"My apologies. Gretchen instructed me to bring up a complimentary bowl of stew for <<print $RO3Lord>> <<print $RO3Name>>-"
Her eyes widens when they lift to you. The bowl of stew in her hand clatters to the floor, and she drops to her knees, bowing at your feet. "Praise The Divines, it's you!"
You startle and take a step back. "Excuse me?"
"The Immortal King has been looking everywhere for you. And we've finally found you. We've been waiting for so long." The woman starts reciting prayers and prostrates herself even lower to the floor.
"What-" You stumble back, dread coiling in your gut.
Your hood. You don't have your hood on.
Panicked. You snatch your cloak from the bed and throw your hood over your head.
"Wait!"
She calls out to you, but you already have your bag around your shoulder, headed for the door. You take the stairs two at a time. Your boots slam against wood, and you spot Kyliah down at the counter.
"I got you some food-"
"She saw me." You blurt, shaking.
"What?"
"The woman. The maidservant. She saw me without my hood. She was bowing, saying something about how the King's been looking for me."
Kyliah's face pales. <<print $RO1HeC>> grabs your hand and begins leading you towards the tavern door immediately. "What about your stuff? <<print $RO3Name>> and <<print $RO1Name>> left their packs in the rooms."
"I'll tell them to double back and get them. The priority is getting you somewhere safe." <<print $RO1HeC>> leads you down an alley, lifting <<print $RO1His>> hand and tracing runes into the air. Your form flickers, and suddenly- frighteningly- you can no longer see your hands.
"It's a cloaking spell. It will make us invisible for a time. It requires a massive amount of arcane. I won't be able to do it for long. But I should be able to maintain it till we get though the city gates." <<print $RO1HisC>> voice is swallowed up by a commotion near the mouth of the alley.
You can hear people yelling, and you realize immediately, they're looking for you.
"Don't let go of my hand." Kyliah whispers. "We need to remain connected for the cloaking effect to work."
You nod silently, heart hammering in your chest.
"We need to move fast, before they close the gates."
[[Continue->gate]]
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/8si1ie.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>>You take the opporunity to ask the question that's been on your mind since you fled Burthrope. "Why did she bow to me- the maid back in the tavern. I don't undestand."
"The King wants you. That's one step away from being royalty yourself." <<print $RO3Name>> says.
<i>Wants.</i>
You frown. That's a curious way to put it.
"What do you know about him? The Immortal King?"
"More than I'd like." <<print $RO3Name>> bites down on a chunk of bread. "He's cold. Calculated. Merciless. Rules Jeilene with an iron fist. He pretends like he cares about these lands- these people- but he's done nothing to help the famine. Tens of thousands have starved under his rule, while he sits on his golden throne and continues waging war at our borders."
"He's not a big fan." <<print $RO1Name>> quips. "In all fairness, neither am I."
You look to Kyliah, but he's gone uncharacteristically quiet. <<print $RO3Name>> stands, and Kyliah and <<print $RO1Name>> follow. "Come on, we should keep moving."
Sighing, you fall into step beside them. Everyone's tired and groggy from traveling all night. You'd hoped the lack of sleep would be enough to wear them down enough to let something slip, but <<print $RO3Name>> is still tight lipped, <<print $RO1Name>> has taken to whistling in an effort to keep <<print $RO1himself>> awake, and Kyliah looks like <<print $RO3He>> might keel over any minute.
You yourself don't have the energy to push for answers. At least not right now. Maybe you'll have more luck once you get to <<print $RO4Name>>'s.
As you approach the edge of the clearing, viscous, bright red drops begin falling from the sky. Puzzled, you hold out your hands. It's thick, almost sticky, and the air smells sweet- like iron and roses- as more begin to fall.
Your eyes slide upwards and you marvel at the sight before you. You've never seen anything like it in all your years in Jeliene. The sky is painted scarlet, and the bright red drops cascading down shimmer with an ethereal gleam.
"Godsfall..." <<print $RO3Name>> mutters, but you barely hear <<print $RO1Him>>. You're transfixed by the sight of the clearing, once a lush green, now soaked blood red.
[[Taste the scarlet rain|TasteRainPassage]]
[[Don't taste the scarlet rain|IgnoreRainPassage]]
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/kkadrz.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>><<if $roomming == "axis">>
<<print $RO1Name>> still isn't back. Nor is the maidservant meant to warm your bathwater. The silence stretches, broken only by the occasional crackle of the hearth. With a sigh, you collapse onto the bed, too tired to care that you're still in your travel clothes. You're torn between changing into clean clothes and soiling them without a bath, or just sleeping in the grime of the day. You don't even remember closing your eyes as you drift off.
At some point during the night, you wake to the sound of a door creaking. Your eyes flicker open. You can just barely make out <<print $RO1Name>>'s frame in the dark, gently closing the door behind <<print $RO1Him>>. For a moment, <<print $RO1He>> stands there, unmoving, before slowly stepping forward.
Moonlight trickles through the window. <<print $RO1HisC>> skin looks like marble as <<print $RO1He>> slips off <<print $RO1His>> shirt and tosses it in <<print $RO1His>> pack, illuminating the well defined contours of <<print $RO1His>> abs. You realize, almost belatedly, that you're staring. <<print $RO1HeC>> looks up, and you slam your eyes closed, pretending to be asleep. You hear <<print $RO1Him>> shift, the floorboards creak, and then <<print $RO1His>> footsteps are closer. Right next to your bed.
Your breath stills. A shiver runs down your spine. You want to open your eyes- see what <<print $RO1He>>'s doing- and then... warmth.
A heavy blanket settles over you. It smells faintly of pine, smoke, and something distinctly <<print $RO1Him>>. <<print $RO1HisC>> scent.
<<print $RO1HisC>> only blanket.
Another pause.
And then, the sound of retreating steps. The faint rustle as he lies down on the bare mattress across the room. A secret warmth curls in your chest. You fall to sleep with a smile on your face.
When you wake up, its already late into the day. <<print $RO1Name>> isn't there, but <<print $RO1He>>'s left you a breakfast of buttered croissants on the table beside your bed, along with a note. Groggily, you reach over and unfurl the crinkled parchment.
<i>Good morning <<print $eyeColor>> eyes, hope you slept well. Had to go scout our path for the day with Delilah this morning. Meet me downstairs when you'e ready.</i>
The maidservant is waiting for you. Apparently <<print $RO1Name>> paid him extra coin to make sure he was available to you when you were ready. It only takes a couple minutes for the maidservant to heat the water in the wooden tub, hauled up from the well while you were sleeping.
[[Continue->bath]]
<</if>>
<<if $roomming == "kyliah">>
Kyliah is laying on <<print $RO1His>> bed, having fallen asleep in <<print $RO1His>> clothes. <<print $RO1HeC>> hasn't even bothered to take off <<print $RO1His>> travel shoes. <<print $RO1HeC>> must be exhausted after traveling all day and then warding the rooms. The maidservant meant to warm your bathwater still isn't back. Sighing, you collapse onto the be, too tired to care that you're still in your travel clothes. You're torn between changing into clean clothes and soiling them without a bath, or just sleeping in the grime of the day. You don't even remember closing your eyes as you drift off.
At some point during the night, you hear whispers of something faint.
Fragile.
You're half awake, barely conscious, but aware enough to recognize the voice. Kyliah. It almost sounds like <<print $RO1He>>'s whispering your name in <<print $RO1His>> sleep. A quiet sound escapes <<print $RO1Him>> that you can't quite place, a half sigh, half sob.
"....<<print $playerName>>...."
You try to chase the broken whisper, but your body doesn't listen, pulling you back under as you dirft off again.
When you wake up, its already late into the day. Kyliah isn't there, but <<print $RO1He>>'s left you a breakfast of bread and fruits on the table beside your bed, along with a note. Groggily, you reach over and unfurl the crinkled parchment.
<i>Good morning <<print $playerName>>, I hope I didn't wake you when I left this morning. I had to assist <<print $RO3Name>> with something. Please take your time and meet me downstairs when you're ready. By the time you're awake, I should be nearby if you need anything. </i>
The maidservant is waiting for you.. Apparently Kyliah paid him extra coin to make sure he was available to you when you were ready. It only takes a couple minutes for the maidservant to heat the water in the wooden tub, hauled up from the well while you were sleeping.
[[Continue->bath]]
<</if>>
<<if $roomming == "remus">>
<<print $RO3Name>> still isn't back, nor is the maidservant meant to warm your bathwater. The silence stretches, broken only by the occasional crackle of the hearth. With a sigh, you collapse onto the bed, too tired to care that you're still in your travel clothes. You're torn between changing into clean clothes and soiling them without a bath, or just sleeping in the grime of the day. You don't even remember closing your eyes as you drift off.
At some point during the night, you wake to the sound of a door creaking. Your eyes flickered open. You can just barely make out <<print $RO3Name>>'s frame in the dark, gently closing the door behind <<print $RO1Him>>.
Your eyes close, pretending to be asleep. If <<print $RO1He>> stayed out till late to avoid you, you'd rather just sidestep the awkwardness and drift back to sleep. You hear <<print $RO1Him>> shift, the floorboards creak, and then <<print $RO1His>> footsteps are closer. Right next to your bed.
Your breath stills. You want to open your eyes- see what <<print $RO1He>>'s doing- but then <<print $RO1He>> says "I'm sorry <<print $RO3swan>>." You try to cling to the whispered words, but your body doesn't listen, pulling you back under as you dirft off again.
When you wake up, its already late into the day. <<print $RO3Name>> isn't there, but the maidservant is waiting for you. Apparently <<print $RO3Name>> paid him extra coin to make sure he was available to you when you were ready. It only takes a couple minutes for the maidservant to heat the water in the wooden tub, hauled up from the well while you were sleeping.
[[Continue->bath]]
<</if>>
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/tb95gr.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>>You pull a card from the left and flip it over. The fortune teller’s expression falls instantly. “The River Styx.” She whispers. “Bound by oath. Sworn in blood and sacrifice.”
“Sacrifice?” You ask.
She opens her mouth as if to answer, but then her eye widens, and she begins to tremble violently. Tears stream down her face. She lunges forward, seizing your arm tightly.
“Run.” She chokes out. “Run, as far from here as you can.”
You pull back, alarmed. “Please, let go of me.”
You try to pry her hands off, but her nails dig into your skin, sharp enough to draw blood. You glance around, and it's just as you feared. People are watching. She’s making a scene, and you can’t afford attention right now.
You say a silent prayer to the Divines that Kyliah or one of the others will wander down, only to find that the stranger cloaked in shadow- the one that was watching you from across the room- is now standing beside you. <<print $RO1HeC>> leans forward, voice low, and whispers something in the woman's ear. She immediately releases you and, as if compelled, gathers her cards and leaves without another word.
You stare after her, shaken. By the time you manage to turn and thank the stranger, <<print $RO1He>>’s already gone.
Later, back in your room, you’ve nearly convinced yourself the encounter was nothing more than unfortunate luck. She was clearly unwell. Just a madwoman with riddles and delusions. You just happened to be the one she fixated on.
At least, that’s what you tell yourself.
[[Continue->Shareroom]]You pull a card from the middle and flip it over. The fortune teller pales. “The River Lethe.” She breathes. “You don’t know what you’ve forgotten. But <<print $RO1He>> does.”
“Who?” You ask.
She opens her mouth as if to answer, but then her eye widens, and she begins to tremble violently. Tears stream down her face. She lunges forward, seizing your arm tightly.
“Run.” She chokes out. “Run, as far from here as you can.”
You pull back, alarmed. “Please, let go of me.”
You try to pry her hands off, but her nails dig into your skin, sharp enough to draw blood. You glance around, and it's just as you feared. People are watching. She’s making a scene, and you can’t afford attention right now.
You say a silent prayer to the Divines that Kyliah or one of the others will wander down, only to find that the stranger cloaked in shadow- the one that was watching you from across the room- is now standing beside you. <<print $RO1HeC>> leans forward, voice low, and whispers something in the woman's ear. She immediately releases you and, as if compelled, gathers her cards and leaves without another word.
You stare after her, shaken. By the time you manage to turn and thank the stranger, <<print $RO1He>>’s already gone.
Later, back in your room, you’ve nearly convinced yourself the encounter was nothing more than unfortunate luck. She was clearly unwell. Just a madwoman with riddles and delusions. You just happened to be the one she fixated on.
At least, that’s what you tell yourself.
[[Continue->Shareroom]]You pull a card from the right and flip it over. The fortune teller’s lips tremble. “The River Acheron.” She murmurs. “<<print $RO1HeC>> waits for you. <<print $RO1HeC>> will rewrite fate itself if you ask <<print $RO1Him>> to. But at what cost?”
“Who?” You ask.
She opens her mouth as if to answer, but then her eye widens, and she begins to tremble violently. Tears stream down her face. She lunges forward, seizing your arm tightly.
“Run.” She chokes out. “Run, as far from here as you can.”
You pull back, alarmed. “Please, let go of me.”
You try to pry her hands off, but her nails dig into your skin, sharp enough to draw blood. You glance around, and it's just as you feared. People are watching. She’s making a scene, and you can’t afford attention right now.
You say a silent prayer to the Divines that Kyliah or one of the others will wander down, only to find that the stranger cloaked in shadow- the one that was watching you from across the room- is now standing beside you. <<print $RO1HeC>> leans forward, voice low, and whispers something in the woman's ear. She immediately releases you and, as if compelled, gathers her cards and leaves without another word.
You stare after her, shaken. By the time you manage to turn and thank the stranger, <<print $RO1He>>’s already gone.
Later, back in your room, you’ve nearly convinced yourself the encounter was nothing more than unfortunate luck. She was clearly unwell. Just a madwoman with riddles and delusions. You just happened to be the one she fixated on.
At least, that’s what you tell yourself.
[[Continue->Shareroom]]"Trying to show off?" You ask, amused.
"Always." <<print $RO1HeC>> winks and makes a show of drawing <<print $RO1himself>>up to <<print $RO1His>> full height.
You don't fight <<print $RO1Him>> on it, though. Mainly because, as it stands, you're not even sure if you'll be able to make it up the hill to reach the horses, unencumbered.
The three of you follow as <<print $RO3Name>> hefts <<print $RO1His>> pack over <<print $RO1His>> should and takes the lead, <<print $RO1Name>> to your left and Kyliah to your right. The walk is stifling. The sun beats down relentlessly, sweat clinging to your back and your palms. Your legs ache, your shirt sticks to you, and even the breeze, when it comes, is warm and fleeting. <<print $RO1Name>> fills the silence with what you suspect to be highly exaggerated stories of <<print $RO1His>> adventures as a rider for hire- mostly for a wealthy, unscrupulous barron to the north- while Kyliah fusses over you every fifteen minutes, constantly checking to make sure you're not overcome by thirst or heat. <<print $RO3Name>> is the only one that doesn't talk much. By the time you're able to make out a cluster of wooden buildings with thatched straw roofs in the distance, its late in the afternoon. Your legs burn, you've sweated through your tunic, and the bandage on your shoulder is soaked with a mixture of sweat and blood.
As your group approaches the village, your exhaustion is slowly replaced by nervous anticipation. You've never been to a village or a town before. Even if its not as big as New Haven, the prospect of finally being able to see something beyond the tower that isn't trying to kill you is exciting.
<<print $RO3Name>> turns to you. "Hood up."
"Why?" You ask, perplexed.
"The Kings Huntsmen are looking for you. They probably have wanted posters in ever town and village within a fifty mile radius."
"Besides, do you know how much trouble it'll be once all the <<print $RO1Men>> in Burthrope see those eyes of yours?" <<print $RO1Name>> whistles. "They'll fall in love."
Sighing, you roll your eyes but aquiese. <<print $RO3Name>> has a point. If they do have wanted posters up, you'll be inviting danger if you walk in with your face visible.
[[Continue->town]]
"I can carry my pack." You protest.
"Of course you can." <<print $RO1Name>> concedes. "But I could use the extra work out. Riding Delilah everywhere tends to round out all my edges. You're doing me a favor, really."
You bite back a snort. <<print $RO1Name>> is nothing but long, sinewy muscle.
You don't fight <<print $RO1Him>> on it, though. Mainly because, as it stands, you're not even sure if you'll be able to make it up the hill to reach the horses, unencumbered.
The three of you follow as <<print $RO3Name>> hefts <<print $RO1His>> pack over <<print $RO1His>> should and takes the lead, <<print $RO1Name>> to your left and Kyliah to your right. The walk is stifling. The sun beats down relentlessly, sweat clinging to your back and your palms. Your legs ache, your shirt sticks to you, and even the breeze, when it comes, is warm and fleeting. <<print $RO1Name>> fills the silence with what you suspect to be highly exaggerated stories of <<print $RO1His>> adventures as a rider for hire- mostly for a wealthy, unscrupulous barron to the north- while Kyliah fusses over you every fifteen minutes, constantly checking to make sure you're not overcome by thirst or heat. <<print $RO3Name>> is the only one that doesn't talk much. By the time you're able to make out a cluster of wooden buildings with thatched straw roofs in the distance, its late in the afternoon. Your legs burn, you've sweated through your tunic, and the bandage on your shoulder is soaked with a mixture of sweat and blood.
As your group approaches the village, your exhaustion is slowly replaced by nervous anticipation. You've never been to a village or a town before. Even if its not as big as New Haven, the prospect of finally being able to see something beyond the tower that isn't trying to kill you is exciting.
<<print $RO3Name>> turns to you. "Hood up."
"Why?" You ask, perplexed.
"The Kings Huntsmen are looking for you. They probably have wanted posters in ever town and village within a fifty mile radius."
"Besides, do you know how much trouble it'll be once all the <<print $RO1Men>> in Burthrope see those eyes of yours?" <<print $RO1Name>> whistles. "They'll fall in love."
Sighing, you roll your eyes but aquiese. <<print $RO3Name>> has a point. If they do have wanted posters up, you'll be inviting danger if you walk in with your face visible.
[[Continue->town]]You step through the wooden gates of the village, onto cracked cobblestone. At once, your senses are flooded.
The sounds of the city crash down on you. Wheels clatter against stone as horse drawn carts are pulled along the crowded road. Vendors yell over one another in a dozen different dialects. The murmur of the bustling crowd forms a constant hum, punctuated with bursts of laughter as children weave through the crowd.
The air is thick the hearty aroma of brined meats and salted vegetables, mingling with the copper stench of blood from the man hacking chicken heads on a wooden slab up ahead. The scent of sweat and smoke clings to everything, a permanent fixture in these streets.
Strips of cloth flutter from balconies above, casting shadows over stalls stacked with spices, colorful fruits, and thick bundles of herbs. Chickens squawk from cages. A bell chimes somewhere in the distance.
You blink and try to process everything. It's so much all at once. "Is it always like this?" You ask, a little breathless.
<<print $RO1Name>> chuckles. "Usually it's worse."
To your left, tucked beside a narrow alley, a snake charmer plays a slow, seductive melody on a lute, his gaze fixed lazily on the scaled creature at his feet. You turn your head just in time to see a man in elegant silks plucking at an unfamiliar stringed instrument through an archway. The music is quick and teasing, full of mischief.
You're so awestruck that you don't even realize when you walk straight into the path of another. You fall back onto hard stone with a solid thud. A hulking man stands over you. He's dressed in a black mask with an enormous axe at his side.
He looks like an executioner. One of The King's men that carries out sanctioned killings, by way of axe or guillotine.
"Watch where you're going." He growls, stepping towards you. Before he can yank you up, someone steps in front of you, blocking the man's path. Squinting, you can just barely make out...
[[Axis/Athena->axisblocks]]
[[Kyliah->Kyliahblocks]]
[[Remus/Raven->remusblocks]]
<<run setup.stopMusic()>>
<<run setup.playMusic = function () {
if (!window._bgMusic) {
const audioElement = document.createElement("audio");
audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/6nl5we.mp3";
audioElement.loop = true;
audioElement.volume = 0.5;
audioElement.autoplay = true;
audioElement.id = "bgMusic";
document.body.appendChild(audioElement);
window._bgMusic = audioElement;
}
}>>
<<run setup.playMusic()>>"Can <<print $RO3Name>> carry my pack?" You glance over at <<print $RO3Name>>.
<<print $RO3Name>> only grumbles and glares at <<print $RO1Name>>. "You haven't even been here for a day and you're already being a bad influence."
<<print $RO1Name>> chuckles. "What can I say? I aim to impress."
You don't fight <<print $RO1Name>> on it, though. Mainly because, as it stands, you're not even sure if you'll be able to make it up the hill to reach the horses, unencumbered.
The three of you follow as <<print $RO3Name>> hefts <<print $RO1His>> pack over <<print $RO1His>> should and takes the lead, <<print $RO1Name>> to your left and Kyliah to your right. The walk is stifling. The sun beats down relentlessly, sweat clinging to your back and your palms. Your legs ache, your shirt sticks to you, and even the breeze, when it comes, is warm and fleeting. <<print $RO1Name>> fills the silence with what you suspect to be highly exaggerated stories of <<print $RO1His>> adventures as a rider for hire- mostly for a wealthy, unscrupulous barron to the north- while Kyliah fusses over you every fifteen minutes, constantly checking to make sure you're not overcome by thirst or heat. <<print $RO3Name>> is the only one that doesn't talk much. By the time you're able to make out a cluster of wooden buildings with thatched straw roofs in the distance, its late in the afternoon. Your legs burn, you've sweated through your tunic, and the bandage on your shoulder is soaked with a mixture of sweat and blood.
As your group approaches the village, your exhaustion is slowly replaced by nervous anticipation. You've never been to a village or a town before. Even if its not as big as New Haven, the prospect of finally being able to see something beyond the tower that isn't trying to kill you is exciting.
<<print $RO3Name>> turns to you. "Hood up."
"Why?" You ask, perplexed.
"The Kings Huntsmen are looking for you. They probably have wanted posters in ever town and village within a fifty mile radius."
"Besides, do you know how much trouble it'll be once all the <<print $RO1Men>> in Burthrope see those eyes of yours?" <<print $RO1Name>> whistles. "They'll fall in love."
Sighing, you roll your eyes but aquiese. <<print $RO3Name>> has a point. If they do have wanted posters up, you'll be inviting danger if you walk in with your face visible.
[[Continue->town]]<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: gold;">
<span style="font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"><span style="font-size: 1.5em;"><i>Credits</i></span></span> </span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Music</b></div>
Angevin B- Kevin MacLeod
Arcane- Kevin MacLeod
Fantasy Medieval Ambient- DeusLower
Medieval city/tavern ambient- DeusLower
What gender would you like for your romantic options?
<<link "Men">>
<<set $playerPref to "male">>
<<include "UpdateAllROPronouns">>
<<goto "StartGame">>
<</link>>
<<link "Women">>
<<set $playerPref to "female">>
<<include "UpdateAllROPronouns">>
<<goto "StartGame">>
<</link>>
:: UpdateAllROPronouns
/* This sets pronouns for every RO based on $playerPref */
/* If player prefers men */
<<if $playerPref is "male">>
/* RO1 */
<<set $RO1He to "he">>
<<set $RO1Heis to "he's">>
<<set $RO1HeC to "He">>
<<set $RO1HeIsC to "He’s">>
<<set $RO1Him to "him">>
<<set $RO1His to "his">>
<<set $RO1HisC to "His">>
<<set $RO1Man to "man">>
<<set $RO1Men to "men">>
<<set $RO1Name to "Axis">>
<<set $RO1Sir to "Sir">>
<<set $RO1sir to "sir">>
<<set $RO1himself to "himself">>
<<set $RO1handsome to "handsome">>
/* RO2 */
<<set $RO2He to "he">>
<<set $RO2Heis to "he's">>
<<set $RO2HeC to "He">>
<<set $RO2HeIsC to "He’s">>
<<set $RO2Him to "him">>
<<set $RO2His to "his">>
<<set $RO2HisC to "His">>
<<set $RO2Man to "man">>
<<set $RO2Men to "men">>
<<set $RO2Name to "Kyliah">>
<<set $RO2Sir to "Sir">>
<<set $RO2sir to "sir">>
/* RO3 */
<<set $RO3He to "he">>
<<set $RO3Heis to "he's">>
<<set $RO3HeC to "He">>
<<set $RO3HeIsC to "He’s">>
<<set $RO3Him to "him">>
<<set $RO3His to "his">>
<<set $RO3HisC to "His">>
<<set $RO3Man to "man">>
<<set $RO3Men to "men">>
<<set $RO3Name to "Remus">>
<<set $RO3Sir to "Sir">>
<<set $RO3sir to "sir">>
<<set $RO3swan to "little swan">>
<<set $RO3Lord to "Lord">>
/* RO4 */
<<set $RO4He to "he">>
<<set $RO4Heis to "he's">>
<<set $RO4HeC to "He">>
<<set $RO4HeIsC to "He’s">>
<<set $RO4Him to "him">>
<<set $RO4His to "his">>
<<set $RO4HisC to "His">>
<<set $RO4Man to "man">>
<<set $RO4Men to "men">>
<<set $RO4Name to "Severin">>
<<set $RO4Sir to "Sir">>
<<set $RO4sir to "sir">>
<<elseif $playerPref is "female">>
/* RO1 */
<<set $RO1He to "she">>
<<set $RO1Heis to "she's">>
<<set $RO1HeC to "She">>
<<set $RO1HeIsC to "She’s">>
<<set $RO1Him to "her">>
<<set $RO1His to "her">>
<<set $RO1HisC to "Her">>
<<set $RO1Man to "woman">>
<<set $RO1Men to "women">>
<<set $RO1Name to "Athena">>
<<set $RO1Sir to "Madam">>
<<set $RO1sir to "madam">>
<<set $RO1himself to "herself">>
<<set $RO1handsome to "beautiful">>
/* RO2 */
<<set $RO2He to "she">>
<<set $RO2Heis to "she's">>
<<set $RO2HeC to "She">>
<<set $RO2HeIsC to "She’s">>
<<set $RO2Him to "her">>
<<set $RO2His to "her">>
<<set $RO2HisC to "Her">>
<<set $RO2Man to "woman">>
<<set $RO2Men to "women">>
<<set $RO2Name to "Kyliah">>
<<set $RO2Sir to "Madam">>
<<set $RO2sir to "madam">>
/* RO3 */
<<set $RO3He to "she">>
<<set $RO3Heis to "she's">>
<<set $RO3HeC to "She">>
<<set $RO3HeIsC to "She’s">>
<<set $RO3Him to "her">>
<<set $RO3His to "her">>
<<set $RO3HisC to "Her">>
<<set $RO3Man to "woman">>
<<set $RO3Men to "women">>
<<set $RO3Name to "Raven">>
<<set $RO3Sir to "Madam">>
<<set $RO3sir to "madam">>
<<set $RO3swan to "little sparrow">>
<<set $RO3Lord to "Lady">>
/* RO4 */
<<set $RO4He to "she">>
<<set $RO4Heis to "she's">>
<<set $RO4HeC to "She">>
<<set $RO4HeIsC to "She’s">>
<<set $RO4Him to "her">>
<<set $RO4His to "her">>
<<set $RO4HisC to "Her">>
<<set $RO4Man to "woman">>
<<set $RO4Men to "women">>
<<set $RO4Name to "Severa">>
<<set $RO4Sir to "Madam">>
<<set $RO4sir to "madam">>
<<elseif $playerPref is "nonbinary">>
/* RO1 */
<<set $RO1He to "they">>
<<set $RO1Heis to "they're">>
<<set $RO1HeC to "They">>
<<set $RO1HeIsC to "They're">>
<<set $RO1Him to "them">>
<<set $RO1His to "their">>
<<set $RO1HisC to "Their">>
<<set $RO1Man to "person">>
<<set $RO1Men to "people">>
<<set $RO1Name to "Axis">>
<<set $RO1Sir to "Mx">>
<<set $RO1sir to "mx">>
<<set $RO1himself to "themself">>
/* RO2 */
<<set $RO2He to "they">>
<<set $RO2Heis to "they're">>
<<set $RO2HeC to "They">>
<<set $RO2HeIsC to "Their">>
<<set $RO2Him to "them">>
<<set $RO2His to "their">>
<<set $RO2HisC to "Their">>
<<set $RO2Man to "person">>
<<set $RO2Men to "people">>
<<set $RO2Name to "Kyliah">>
<<set $RO2Sir to "Mx">>
<<set $RO2sir to "mx">>
/* RO3 */
<<set $RO3He to "they">>
<<set $RO3Heis to "they're">>
<<set $RO3HeC to "They">>
<<set $RO3HeIsC to "Their">>
<<set $RO3Him to "them">>
<<set $RO3His to "theirs">>
<<set $RO3HisC to "Their">>
<<set $RO3Man to "person">>
<<set $RO3Men to "people">>
<<set $RO3Name to "Rema">>
<<set $RO3Sir to "Mx">>
<<set $RO3sir to "mx">>
/* RO4 */
<<set $RO4He to "they">>
<<set $RO4Heis to "they're">>
<<set $RO4HeC to "They">>
<<set $RO4HeIsC to "Their">>
<<set $RO4Him to "them">>
<<set $RO4His to "their">>
<<set $RO4HisC to "Their">>
<<set $RO4Man to "person">>
<<set $RO4Men to "people">>
<<set $RO4Name to "Severin">>
<<set $RO4Sir to "Mx">>
<<set $RO4sir to "mx">>
<</if>>