The King's Grand Ball

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You've been riding all day. The roads in the king's country are all dirt and stone, and your horse has refused to pick up to even a canter for hours. A long trip, but well worth it. As the sun nears the horizon, the silhouette of the kingdom's walls casts a striking image against the blazing sky. At last, the end is near. A sign marks a fork in the road, a crossroads of a sort. Two posts on the sign point to either trail: the left one reads "village 1 mi.," and the right reads "capital, 4 mi." You ponder the path you should take. Your horse lets out a breath of relief as you come to a slow stop, and even leans a little to the left. No doubt, you could make it to the kingdom before midday if you rested for the night. But, if you made it to the kingdom before it got too dark, you'd have the entire day to yourself to find a striking outfit and catch up on courtly intrigue. [[Take the left path.]] [[Take the right path.]] {(set:$stubborn to 0) (set:$clever to 0) (set:$considerate to 0) (set:$ending to 0) (set:$ballgown to false) (set:$dress to false) (set:$suit to false) (set:$colorful to false) (set:$foothills to false) (set:$river to false) (set:$forest to false) (set:$dragonlanguage to false)}

You feel a slight bounce in your horse's step as she gets closer to the village at the end of the road. A few warm lights flicker on in windows along the wooden buildings. One of the first buildings you come to has a horse hitching post and a sun-faded inn and tavern sign hanging over it. It's exactly what you need to get some rest until tomorrow! You tie off your horse by a trough and she gratefully laps at the clear water inside. It takes you another few moments to gather your gear from the packs on her side, and turn to the entrance. [[Go inside the tavern.]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

Despite any protests your horse gives, you steer her on toward the sight of the captial. Following the setting sun, you make it to the gates just as the light dips low and winks out of the sky. Guards man the front gates, and spy you approaching as they light their torches for the evening. "Hold," says one. "Business in the kingdom?" You hold out your invitation to the King's Grand Ball, and the guard looks it over in the flickering light of the torch. "Your invitation calls for a plus one," he says, handing the thick parchment back to you. "I see only you." You try to tell him that you have no partner to bring with you, that you've come so far all by yourself to visit the kingdom and dance with your countrymen... but the guard won't hear it. "You're to attend the Grand Ball with a second, or not at all." The guard points back over the way you came. "There's a village five miles out. You'll figure something out." Any further begging or arguing you do falls on deaf ears. This guard is not listening. His relief at the turn of morning shift might be more sympathetic, but you're not about to sit at the gate all night. [[Find the village.]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

Though it takes you twice as long in the dark as it would have with some light, you finally see the small lights of the village as streetlights and windows beckon you to find refuge here. As you ride in, your first sight is of the village inn and tavern, with a place to hitch horses outside. Your horse doesn't wait for you; she goes straight to the water trough and starts to drink before your boots are on the ground. You fight with the hitch, a bit, tugging against the stubborn and tired mare to secure a knot, then get your things from her saddles. A dusty mess with sore bones, you turn to the thick doors that offer glimpses of light inside. [[Go inside the tavern.]]

The tavern door opens with a soft creaking, washing you in warm air and warm scents from within. The main room is illuminated by a roaring fireplace, not that there is much to show off. Aside from a well-used rug and a few mounted weapons, the only thing in the open floor is dining tables and a small bar. Surprisingly, the place is pretty empty. Aside from the innkeeper, who is happy to let you pay for horse feed, a bed, and a hot meal, there are only a few others here. An elven woman in layers of soft robes and scarves balances a thick tome in her lap and flips the pages of another book on the table before her. A lithe young man tunes an elaborately decorated lute in front of the fireplace, decidedly disinterested in everything else in the room. A tray of frothy mugs of beer passes by you, carried by a stout dwarf with an impressive beard. He appears to be taking them to a nearby table. [[Take a drink from the dwarf.]] [[Peer over the shoulder of the elf woman.]] [[Listen to the bard plucking his lute.]]

In the furthest and darkest corner of the tavern sits a large, hooded figure, whose face you can't make out, but whose rugged hands appear orcish. A single pale eye meets your gaze from beneath the shadowy hood, a golden iris that seems to glow unnaturally. "Um," a feminine voice mutters. "Can I... help you?" [[Look closer.]] [["Nevermind."]]

You wrap your fingers around the handle of a mug and lift it up, believing that the man is serving drinks. The dwarf lowers the tray of drinks onto an empty table, as you start to thank him, and eyes you with a coy expression. "Well, I suppose I could share a pint with a friend," he says. "But that means you'll need to introduce yourself first." His dark eyes twinkle, the corners pinched from a warm smile curled within the bright orange beard that takes up almost all the lower half of his face. Braids frame his wide jaw and through his mustache to keep loose hairs from his lips. [[Oblige.]] [["My mistake."]]

The young man by the fireplace is long and lean with touselled, soft blond hair and slightly tapered ears. His fingers run over the strings of his instrument with finesse so finely honed that he may as well be doing it in his sleep. With his eyes half-lidded as they are, he might do just that soon. [[Encourage him.]] [["Didn't mean to interrupt."]]

The elf is too absorbed in her texts to hear you come up behind her. Her long fingers grip the corners of her pages and turn them silently. Her large, dark eyes roam the texts and images. From over her shoulder, you notice what is clearly a diagram of a dragon with wings spread to either side. Your eyes widen. "Can I help you?" You suddenly realize that her vision has broken from the pages of her books and is now locked on you! [[Try to get a better look at her... books.]] [["Sorry to disturb you."]]

The dwarf sidles into a seat, and you take one opposite him. The beer is fresh and cold, and it washes down your dry throat. You sigh contentedly, and help yourself to the drink. "Woah there, friend. You must've come from somewhere with piss-poor ale to enjoy this swill so much!" A bit flustered, you set down the mug, now half empty. [["I'm from the country. I came for the King's Grand Ball."]] [["Thank you for this. It's been a long day."]] [["And where you're from has better drink?"]]

You return the drink to the tray and the dwarf continues to his table. [[Peer over the shoulder of the elf woman.]] [[Listen to the bard plucking his lute.]]

He laughs, a little. "You, and every human in these parts. Last night this place was packed to the brim with travellers. Looks like you're a bit behind." It's true, you are cutting it close. You haven't even checked to make sure that the outfit you brought for the party is still in good condition from the road. [["At least I keep things interesting."]] [["You could call it 'fashionably late,' you know."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

He grins wide at this, his chest puffed up with pride. "Oh, aye! I hail from the dwarven mountains! My ma and pa are from the capital, but I was born in the city-states. Our breweries are worthy of song and legend." His eyes take on an endearing, dreamy quality as he talks about his homeland. The dwarf slugs back some of the beer he's ordered. "I'll need all these drinks to even feel a fraction of what the dwarven ale can do. Ah, but I can go on about the drinks all night." [["I hope I'm not imposing, then."]] [["Sounds like you should get used to human standards."]] {(set:$stubborn to it +1)}

"And here I thought you humans has no manners," he winks and takes a gulp of his drink. "I'm always happy to share a drink with a friend. Especially new friends." [["To new friends!"]] [["Are we friends?"]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"On the contrary," he waves a hand in the air. "All the coin I brought with me can keep the beer flowing, but can hardly supply me with proper company like yours." He clears his throat and his eyes dart away. Was that forward of him? Maybe the drink is stronger than he gave it credit for. [["So what are you doing in the king's land?"]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"I'm not here for the ale, obviously," he says with a devious wink and a chuckle that sounds like tumbling stones. "Name's Gavven. I'm passing through, didn't know about the whole Ball business. I'll be in the human king's land for the rest of the season. This is my second night in this village. Paid up through the week." You take a quick sip out of your mug. You have the space on your invitation for another, and, well, he's not terrible company... [["You didn't answer my question."]] [["Doesn't the Ball interest you?"]]

You turn away from the music and gaze out over the tavern again. [[Peer over the shoulder of the elf woman.]] [[Take a drink from the dwarf.]]

You get up from your seat and turn your back on the orc. [[Take a drink from the dwarf.]] [[Listen to the bard plucking his lute.]] [[Peer over the shoulder of the elf woman.]]

You take a step back and look out over the room. [[Take a drink from the dwarf.]] [[Listen to the bard plucking his lute.]]

He politely hides behind a strained smile. "Suppose I ought to, at that." [["So what are you doing in the king's land?"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

His cheeks are already flushed, but somehow you see he blanches even more. He quickly hides his caught-off-guard expression with a boistrous grin. "You're a clever one." Then, he leans forward with his back in a hunch. "You wanna know? Really?" You nod. Why else would you have asked? His voice is a breathy whisper caught against the palm of his hand, held up to hide his lips from the rest of the tavern. "I'm the next king of the Dwarves." You pause for a beat, looking hard into his eyes and waiting for the tell-tale signs of a lie. He breaks into loud laughter, then downs the rest of his drink before taking another. Froth clings to his mustache. "Look at your face! You believed me!" You hide the heat in your face with a grateful swig of your cold beer. "Are all humans this gullible? I'm going to have to keep that in mind. I really had you going!" Gavven's laughter peters out and he wipes a tear from the corner of his eye. "My father has some business contacts in the human lands. I'm looking over trade deals for him, going from place to place to meet up with his partners and evaluate the terms of each contract. But this King's Ball has occupied several of our contacts, so I'm in this village until it's over and the humans can focus again." [["Doesn't the Ball interest you?"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

A quick glance at his clothes is enough to tell that Gavven is part of civilized society, but as you look closer, you can tell that his garments are high-quality: not made of rough wool or patchwork leather, but in fact sewn with neat and tight threads that could be new. In fact, the delicate embroidering on the hems of his sleeves look specially-made and everything fits like a well-tailored glove. "Me?" He shrugs. "They don't invite passing Dwarves to these things. I'm a businessman, hardly worthy of the king's marble." [["Less so than the country folk?"]] [["Well... if you're sure..."]] [[Show him your invitation.]]

You lean to the side, ready to rise out of your chair at a moment's notice as you feign a disinterested expression. From your sleeve, the invitation falls to the table in what is clearly supposed to look like an accident. It flutters open and waits between the two of you. He humors you with piqued interest, smirking as he looks down and pinches the invitation between two fingers. With a quiet chuckle, he looks it over. You crane your neck to look at him over your shoulder as he looks over the parchment. "I suppose, if it'll keep you from running off on me... Would you allow me to accompany you to the King's Grand Ball?" [["I thought you'd never ask!"]] [["Don't threaten me with a good time."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

At first, Gavven does nothing besides arch one brow. You clear your throat and your fingers pointedly tap on the words //"and guest"// on your invitation. "Are you propositioning me?" [["Don't threaten me with a good time."]] [["I thought you'd never ask!"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

You flash the royal seal on your invitation to Gavven, who's taken aback with some surprise. "I knew the guest list was hardly exclusive, but you seem to be implying something. Are you hoping I'll come with you to the King's Grand Ball?" [["I thought you'd never ask!"]] [["Don't threaten me with a good time."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

He barks a guffaw that could shake the walls. "I'm beginning to see that," he says with a bright grin. "I like interesting." [["So what are you doing in the king's land?"]] (set:$stubbborn to it +1)

He smiles, tongue-in-cheek. "I could call humans lots of things. But fashionable?" You give him a quizzical look, sizing up his own outfit. "Too much color!" He puffs up, almost as if he's defensive. "Dwarves have proper neutral colors, like strong earth and tall mountains. Humans prefer to look like delicate flowers and whimsical rainbows." He points a stern finger to your chest - your heart. "How can you display a fine jewel if your eye is pulled every which way?" You blush a bit, and drop your gaze. [["So what are you doing in the king's land?"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

You lift your mug and he eagerly rushes to meet your toast. "To new friends!" He cheers. You crash your mugs together, touch their bottoms to the table, then throw back the rest of your drink before you each help yourself to another. A tingling sensation fills your belly and warmth seeps through your bones. You can't be sure if your dwarven friend feels the same, but you suddenly realize that you're hardly equipped for proper, heavy drinking after your long day of hard riding. Yet, you can't remember the last time you had so much fun just to get tipsy. [["So what are you doing in the king's land?"]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

He folds his arms. "Well, if not, then I suggest putting my ale back." There's a seriousness to his tone, but his eyes are playful. You take a tentative sip. [["So what are you doing in the king's land?"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

"Excuse me for not being a gentleman and keeping you waiting," Gavven says with a dastardly grin. "But you'll have to forgive me. I'm hardly dressed for such an occasion." Gavven's clothes look soft and clean, especially compared to your threadbare riding gear that's little better than rags. The soles of your riding boots are worn thin, and you've never had so much as two pairs at one time. "But, you know..." he strokes at his bright orange beard wistfully. "I //did// have a pair of trousers mended when I came to town. If we move fast... we might be able to catch them before the seamstress goes home for the night." [["You really want to...?"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

"Oh, I would never!" Gavven downs the rest of his mug. "In fact, the more I think about it, the clearer it is that this is actually a horrible idea. I mean, look how we're dressed first of all." Looking at your clothes, even if they weren't covered in a layer of dust from the road, your riding garments are indistinguishable from work clothes - hems dotted with holes, threadbare seams and rough, worn patches. He grabs his bright orange beard and strokes it in contemplation. "This close to the kingdom, there's bound to be a good tailor in this town... I wonder if we're not too late." Before you can put forth any protest, Gavven has flagged down the innkeeper, who rushes to your table. "Are there any proper seamstresses nearby?" The innkeeper nods, and gives him instructions to a shop in town. As she leaves, Gavven meets your eyes with a wild look. "This is just crazy enough to work." [["You really want to...?"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

Gavven nods, excitedly. Like a boy with candy. "Let's go shopping!" His broad smile and bouyant laughter is infectious, but you feel yourself pulled down by the lack of weight in your coinpurse. It's like a punch in the gut when you think about the prospect of spending a fun evening out with Gavven, running your hand over soft silks and hanging bright gemstones off your neck... Suddenly, Gavven's warm hands come around your own, clasped between the two of you. The heat of his gaze is intense enough to pull you from your thoughts and into his attention. "My treat," he declares with a subtle wink. You think about pulling back, or digging out the simple outfit you brought with you, but the thought of breaking Gavven's hold and heart is unpleasant at best. What harm could a little shopping do? [["Let's go shopping."]]

Gavven's smile lights up his eyes, and he tugs on your hand to get you on your feet. He moves with surprising swifness for his size, and before you know it, the night air washes over you. Warm light from fires around the village illuminates patches of cobblestone, and the moon and stars above fill out the shadows. You come to a stop down the street, in front of a storefront with large windows. A woman inside blows out a candle, leaving only one in her hand. The rest of the store is dark. [[Peer through the window.]] [["Excuse me!"]] [["It looks like she's closing up..."]]

The image of the dragon is enough to draw you in, nevermind the way its owner's gaze makes your knees weak. You dare a step closer and your eyes dart between the page and the elf. "Oh," she hurriedly shuts the book. "That's nothing you need to concern yourself with." You've heard stories about dragons all your life, but they're supposed to just be myths. Judging by the extravagent colors of the woman's robes, crimsons, teals, and golds, she must be some sort of scholar. But, why is there a dragon scholar... here? [["Is that a storybook?"]] [["You must be here to meet scholars at the King's Grand Ball."]] [["Too late - I'm concerned."]]

She leans her head back, and a crease forms between her brows. "I knew I should have gone to my room to read..." You pull out a chair across from her and settle into it, breaking eye contact only to blink. [["If you want to invite me up, we can continue this discussion over some wine."]] [["Tell me the truth: are dragons real?"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

She scoffs, a sound from the very back of her throat. Her nose crinkles. "I hardly spent fifteen years' worth of tuition at the magician's college to borrow //storybooks// from the grand library." Your insistent stare in response reminds her of where she is, and her lips pull into a tight line. "I mean, yes. A storybook. For children." [["Aren't you a little short for a magician?"]] [["You don't look like a child, to me."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"And you must think you're terribly clever," she replies. "The timing of your human event means little to me. Besides, those in court never speak freely, which is counter-productive for my task." You look over the cover of her book, trying to make sense of the characters you don't recognize on the cover. [["If you're not here for the Ball, then... why are you here?"]] [["I'm not exactly interested in court either."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

"And you're a little bold for a stranger who approached my table uninvited." Well, she does have a point. You lower yourself into a chair across from her, hands folded. She watches you from down her nose. [["So, then, who are you?"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

"How observant. On the contrary, I'm likely older than you," she retorts. "Elves live much longer lives than humans, as I assume you were previously unaware." You let yourself into a chair across from her, looking over the cover to find a title. But it's plain, aside from some strange runes you don't recognize. [["So, then, who are you?"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

You pull out a few coins and toss them gently at his feet as you lower yourself into a nearby chair. Music would be the perfect thing to unwind and melt the stress of the day off your bones. The clinking of gold catches his attention. He smiles at you with only a second's hesitation. "Looking for a tune, traveller?" You nod eagerly. He drags his fingers across the strings to play a chord. "What kind of song can I offer to such a lovely patron of the arts?" [["A folk tune."]] [["A love ballad."]] [["An epic tale."]]

You feel heat in the seat of your pants. At first you barely notice it, but within a second it becomes hot enough to make you jump and check your chair for hot coals. "If you want your pants to stay not-on-fire, I suggest you never say something like that to me again." After the heat subsides you sheepishly take your spot once more. [["So, then, who are you?"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

She stares at you in disbelief. "No." She says, holding her body as still as she can like a statue. You lean back in your seat, crossing your arms and boring into her with your stare, a stare that has seen many a liar in its time. Her shoulders slump. "I suppose it won't matter anyway. There is //one// dragon in the human lands, and I have been sent to slay it. So, while they are real, they will be wiped out soon enough." [["So, then, who are you?"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

"I am here at the behest of my master, training me to become a full-fledged magician." You wait a bit longer, expecting more of a response. She lifts one eyebrow and crosses her arms. "And he did //not// send me to attend some human king's festivities!" [["So, then, who are you?"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

"But you intend to go to the Ball, regardless?" She sizes you up with a quick flicker of her eyes. "Looking for an audience with the king? Or perhaps something more auspicious, like bedding someone higher than your station." Your breath catches as heat spreads across your cheeks. "For someone who claims to be so uninterested in court, you don't speak freely, yourself. Maybe you would fit in better there than I would. Perhaps you can take some comfort in that." Her gaze drops as she looks away from you and back to her books. [["So, then, who are you?"]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"My name is Lesande. I am a student at the magician's college and an apprentice studying under Lord Gray's court magician, Lysus. He is who sent me to this... place." She stacks the book from her lap atop the first one you looked at. The cover of this one is much more battered and aged, the gold filligree faded but not impossible to make out: //The Magician's 101 Spells// "I would say it's a pleasure to meet you, but I am uncertain if that is true as of yet. I am here to slay the last dragon of this realm." [["Why would your master send you to kill a dragon?!"]]

"It is to be my test to prove I am ready to move beyond apprenticeship!" You gawk at how casually she says this. When your parents wanted you to prove you were ready for responsibility, they gave you small tasks, not big ones. She waves a hand dismissively. "It was either this or some drudgery in the alchemical laboratory, analyzing herbs and delivering poultices for coin. I am not so satisfied with meanial work. As a magician, I will be exceptional, not ordinary." [["Do all apprentices have to kill dragons?"]] [["I want to help."]]

"Many centuries ago, perhaps." She shrugs. "Now with them being so rare, I highly doubt it. But Lord Gray ordered the destruction of this one, and my master believes that I am up to the task." You can hardly believe it, but everything you thought you knew about your world has changed. In the main hall of a tavern, of all places. It's not as if you could just go back to it now as though nothing happened. Besides, Lesande has quite a cold shoulder but her mind is a font of great knowledge. You wonder what else you could uncover from her, if you can convince her to open up to you. [["I want to help."]]

"Absolutely not." [["But you don't even know of my capabilities!"]] [["At least let me see you in action."]] [["What if we make a deal?"]]

"I have never seen your face at the magician's college. I suppose I've spent some time away from campus, but that only means that you are very new and thus too inexperienced to help me." You open your mouth, but she continues. "You don't have the look of a scholar about you, with your weathered clothes and calloused hands. I can't even tell if you're literate!" You try to tell her you are, in fact, literate. "So you cannot be a writer to chronologue my venture nor are you versed in dragon lore to give me advice on the upcoming battle. I suppose you could serve as protection from the dangers of the road, but I'm hardly a fledgeling magician. I was not set to this task because I'm incapable of defending myself." When she takes a breath you start to speak again but she talks over you. "I suppose you //are// a local, and you know nuanced things that escape me about interacting with humans and their land that cannot be learned from a book. And a hapless human could be useful in many situations, such as an extra pair of eyes or a distraction for a dragon trap..." [["I would be honored."]] [["And what about the King's Grand Ball?"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

A burst of pink flashes across her cheeks. "Flattery will not endear your cause to me!" You reassure her of your sincerity with an eager smile. She folds her arms and looks away from you. "I suppose your short human life could be enhanced by witnessing the duel between a dragon and a magician... er, an apprentice magician... And they are majestic creatures, their deaths should be remembered." [["I would be honored."]] [["And what about the King's Grand Ball?"]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

Lesande almost looks amused by this. "Typically, negotiations are made by parties who have something that another party wants. You have nothing I want." [["But you don't even know of my capabilities!"]] [["Allow me to serve you in your quest. Anything you want."]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

She groans. "Yes, yes. When the dragon is slain - and no sooner - I will serve as your guest to the King's Grand Ball. Does this satisfy you?" You smile widely. "That must mean 'yes.'" She holds out her hand. "I understand this is customary when an accord is reached." You take her hand, feeling the softness of her skin that's never had much more than a papercut. You shake her hand gently, and hold on for just a beat longer. When you release, she brushes your fingertips with her knuckles as she draws her hand back. For some reason, the sensation sends shivers down your back. "I need some rest," she says, tucking a loose strand of dark hair behind her pointed ear. "I imagine that you must, as well." She takes up her first book and tucks it into her arm, then reaches for the other. [[Help her with the books.]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

She folds her hands under her chin and leans forward. You explain to her your deal: you will follow her every whim while she ventures to slay her dragon if she will accompany you to the King's Grand Ball once the beast is slain. "I suppose it would only be one night," she sighs. "And celebrations would be in order..." [["I would be honored."]] [["And what about the King's Grand Ball?"]]

Lesande drops her hood around her shoulders, releasing her short dark hair and shaking it out. "Of course you would. Now, we're setting out early in the morning so I suggest you get some rest." Her eyes alight as she looks to you. "I have some excellent tea if you require something to fall asleep." You're plenty tired from your long day, so you shake your head. "Very well," she scoops her books into the crook of her arm, and stands. [[Help her with the books.]] (set:$clever to it +1)

Lesande snatches both books close to her chest like they're her greatest treasure - maybe they are. At first she glares down at you with her nostrils flared, then she realizes what you were trying to do. She settles the books in her arms, but does not let them go. "I carried them this far, to my room is no great distance." You nod as she turns to leave. [["See you in the morning."]]

After a short, restless sleep, a thin but firm hand shakes you awake. You can only make out Lesande's face by a small flame resting in the palm of her hand. Dawn's rays are barely touching your window pane. "Come on, wake up," Lesande says. "We need to move out." [["Let's get going!"]] [["Don't we need supplies?"]] [["Where are we headed?"]]

He plants his feet on the floor and strums a chord with his thumb. "My kingdom new Rolling hills through Fields of wheat Stores of salted meat Always will my heart be true" [["Did you pick that one because I'm a human?"]] [["You're very talented."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"After my own heart, I see," he says with a satisfied grin. "I'll play this for you..." "Call on me, love I'll sing your name Into the night sky To the gods above." [["That one is my favorite!"]] [["You must be quite the romantic."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

"Naturally," he flashes a wide, proud grin. "I know a few. What can I entertain you with tonight? [[How about "The King's Conquest."]] [[Do you know "Rudy Dragon-Slayer?"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

"Of course!" he beams. "It's the first melody I ever learned to play!" His fingers pluck bright notes. "Oh, our good King, Valiant is he His tale shall we sing, And long may he reign. But he misses a jewel for his crown, what could that mean? The gold is all gone, if only he'd seen." It's a little different than the version you remember learning as a child. [["Where did you learn to play?"]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"Ah, that I do... a tale of grand adventure." He plucks a few low, ominous notes. "Brave Sir Rudy A lad of poor birth Spied from his perch The terrible guise. Stretched across the skies The dragon curse His heart without mirth Brave Sir Rudy... Drew his blade for duty." [["Where did you learn to play?"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

"My family have been travelling minstrels for generations," he says, but then his face contorts to a grimace. "Unfortunately, that legacy seems to be fated to die out with me, Jeshyr, the last son of my line." Even though his eyes are sad and pained, he flourishes with his hands in a dramatic pose. [["I've never heard of a bard having a hard time making babies."]] [["Why would that happen?"]]

He dips into a swift bow. "Glad to be of service to you, dear patron! I confess, that song has a special place in my heart as well." He rises and flashes you a debonaire smile. "Perhaps fate has brought us together on this beautiful eve." You feel yourself blush a bit. [["Where did you learn to play?"]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"Romance is the language of song, and of the road," he says with a wistful grin. "As a bard, I know many languages of the like." [["Where did you learn to play?"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

"You wound me," he says. "I'm half human myself." He shows you his ears, small but with the faintest point, and you notice his elf-like features in his face. [["Where did you learn to play?"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

"And you're very clever and kind to notice." He winks at you and takes a sweeping bow. [["Where did you learn to play?"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

The hooded person leans away and the eye you can see shifts back and forth. With a flick of their wrists, the hood falls back and reveals an orcish woman's face. Her hair is cut short against her scalp, aside from a thick band in the center that runs from her forehead to the base of her skull. A black leather eyepatch covers her right eye, leaving her left open wide and locked on you. "Did... someone send you?" [["Are you expecting someone?"]] [["Yes. I'm from the Holy Lands of the east."]] [["In a sense, this invitation sent me."]]

She hangs her head. "Well, sort of, but I had rather hoped that I wouldn't be intercepted just yet." [["'Yet.'"]] [["Well, it probably isn't me."]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

Her face pales a few shades. "But... I've never heard of Holy Lands in the east!" You watch with a smug grin as her eye darts back and forth, not truly seeing but still searching for answers in her mind. "Why would someone from a place called the Holy Lands be looking for me? Who do I know in the east that wants me?" She lifts her hands and runs one through her strip of hair and the other covers her mouth as her brows pinch together in frustration. She mutters quietly behind her hand, and as you watch, you can't help but laugh. She stops, and turns back to you. "You... You were testing me?!" [["More like teasing you."]] [["How do you think you performed?"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

You take out the invitation to the King's Grand Ball from your pocket and show it to the orc woman. She smiles, a bit, her tusks showing over her lips. One of them is cracked, and flat. "Oh, so we are destined to meet." [["I like the sound of that."]] [["What do you mean by that?"]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"'Teasing,'" she repeats, as though tasting the word. "I'm not familiar." You explain to her that you were just trying to break the ice and make a joke, but her expression is still knotted with confusion. "I'm sorry," she says. "I never have understood the subtleties of sarcasm. Maybe it's just not in my nature." [["You obviously aren't from around here."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

[["You obviously aren't from around here."]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

"True, orcs are not very common in these lands. I admit, it's strange to see faces so different from mine, but who are still similar in many ways. I'm Redda." [["So where are you from?"]] [["You're travelling for the King's Grand Ball?"]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

"Yes, I'm supposed to meet someone in the capital. I had hoped that staying outside the walls would allow me to be alone for just a little while longer, but I guess that was foolish of me." [["You obviously aren't from around here."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

She perks up, her head tilted to one side. "Oh? Then, you make it a habbit to approach strangers in taverns? Is this normal human behavior?" [["You obviously aren't from around here."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

[["You obviously aren't from around here."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

[["You obviously aren't from around here."]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

Jeshyr touches his tuning knobs nervously. For the first time since you've spoken, his eyes won't meet yours. "Let's just say that the king himself has forbidden that I ply my craft or call myself bard." [["How could you be banned from performing?"]] [["But you just played a song for me."]] [["That's hardly a death sentence."]]

Jeshyr lifts an eyebrow, then spins the chair beside you so he sits in it backwards. "Not an artistic type, then? If you were, you'd know that a musician without a song is just as dead as a man swinging from the gallows." He sighs and leans his head to the side. "And I may be the latter if I can't keep myself from being sweet-talked by the first interested party to walk through the door." [[What are you going to do about it?"]] [["But you didn't tell me why..."]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

He tilts his head back in a dramatic flair. "Naturally, my prowess is lacking in another way fair patron! No matter how many bastards I might father, as beautiful as they would be, the music will never be passed along to them." [["Why would that happen?"]]

"About that..." he tries a sly wink, but it's clearly forced. "Let's keep it between us, shall we?" He looks over your shoulder and past you. "And... these other strangers who might have overheard any of our conversation." Then Jeshyr sighs and drops himself into a chair beside you and leans his elbow on the table. "I can't help myself! I see a lovely patron in a tavern, I take a liking, they pay me to play, and I must answer the music's call!" [[What are you going to do about it?"]] [["But you didn't tell me why..."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

Jeshyr slides into a seat beside you at the table with a fluid sort of grace. "Really, it all comes down to a matter of tastes! Personal ones, at that. Just a misunderstanding." He eyes you and your surroundings with a wary eye. "Still, it's best that I don't play you any more..." [[What are you going to do about it?"]] [["But you didn't tell me why..."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

[["You're travelling for the King's Grand Ball?"]]

//"Do?"// He laughs, a loud and boisterous sound. "I will laugh, and I will sing in the quiet shadows, until eventually I blither into obscurity and quietly die in some far-flung field." He laughs, again, but you don't join in. You just watch, and you wait. Jeshyr wipes a tear from the corner of his eye, then presses his lips in a line when he sees you are unfetterred. "I can't do anything, my dear. The King's Grand Ball is tomorrow night, and, well..." [["Go on."]]

He smirks. "You don't want to hear stories about my problems, do you? A bard must play songs of warning, not of personal failure. My troubles mean nothing to you." {(if:$stubborn is >= 3)[You fold your arms and level a hard stare at Jeshyr.]}{(if:$clever is >=3)[You bark a dry laugh, reminding him that you //did// ask of your own volition.]}{(if:$considerate is >= 3)[You insist that you want to hear, that maybe you can even help.]}\ Jeshyr sighs with an exaggerated eye roll. "I need to get to the King's Grand Ball, and I can't. The details aren't important, and I won't bore you. But... maybe you can help me turn my failure into fortune?" [["Go on."]]

Jeshyr smiles, a bit, and leans in close to keep his voice low as he says, "The King has forbidden me from playing in his lands, especially at his Grand Ball. Every bard worth his salt in the king's land will be there! Word of my banishment will spread like wildfire, and my fate will be sealed. But, if I can sneak in... just maybe I can change my fate before it's final." Then he sighs and he leans back, plucking out some wilting notes on his lute. "Oh, I shouldn't have said anything..." You brandish a slip of parchment before Jeshyr, your personal invitation to the King's Grand ball... with a guest. His eyes widen like a beggar seeing mutton. "You... you have one?! And you want to bring me?" You smile and nod to him, watching his face light up brighter and brighter. Then, he catches himself and pauses. "That's not all I need, I'm afraid. And, well, the other half of my plan is considerably more dangerous than just getting into the King's Grand Ball. I couldn't ask that of you, fair patron." [["Let's get you to that Grand Ball."]]

"Nonsense," he dismisses you easily, but when you don't move, he looks again. He grins, but it has a sharp edge. "Well, if that is your wish," Jeshyr leans back in his seat. "Along with the invitation, I need also to bring a treasure for the king." [["I'm with you."]] [["Sounds exciting."]] [["Are you serious?"]]

You squint and lean in, vision straining against the darkness. Outside of the solitary candlelight, you can't make out much. Gavven knocks on the front door with his free hand, the other still clinging tight to you. "Pardon us, madam seamstress! We're in need of your services!" [["Come on, it's for the King's Grand Ball."]] [["We'll only be a moment."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

The woman inside jumps at your shout, and Gavven hides his snicker with a cough. "I'm sorry, madam seamstress!" he calls. "We were hoping to spare a moment of your time!" The seamstress glowers through the glass at you. "Closed!" She mouths, but you can hear her muffled voice. [["We'll only be a moment."]] [["Come on, it's for the King's Grand Ball."]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

You slouch back, visibly deflating. Gavven stands tall - as tall as can be expected - his chest proudly jutted forward. He brings his knuckles to the door and pounds twice. "Madam seamstress, we would like a word with you!" [["We'll only be a moment."]] [["Come on, it's for the King's Grand Ball."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

The woman throws open the front door and scowls at the two of you. "Can't you tell what time it is? We're closed for the night!" "Please ma'am!" Gavven extends his free hand, and in it is a heavy sack of what must be coins, judging from the sound of clinking. "It'll be worth your while." The seamstress snatches the coinpurse from Gavven and scowls as she holds up one of the coins against her candle flame. She groans. "Alright. But no alterations 'til morning!" You and Gavven agree excitedly and the seamstress turns inside, leaving the door open for you. [["Family business must be doing well."]] [[Go inside.]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

The woman glares from the other side and blows out the candle with an exaggerated breath. "Hold a moment!" Gavven shouts, with authority in his voice that you didn't expect to hear. In his hand is a plump pouch, and as he bounces it in his hand, provocatively, you hear the distinct clinking of coins. This gets the woman's attention, and she is suddenly opening the door. She snatches the coinpurse from Gavven and opens the sinch to remove one of the coins. She lifts it to her mouth and bites with her molars. Whatever she's doing, she appears satisfied at the result and weighs the rest of the coin in her hand. "Just the two of ya?" You both nod. With a jerk of her head, she grunts and gestures you inside. Gavven looks up at you, and smiles eagerly. [["Family business must be doing well."]] [[Go inside.]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

The seamstress helps you lace up the corset back of an effervescent ballgown. Layers of tulle cascade under peach silk. Pink pearls dot the neckline hem that frames your neck and collar bone. A pair of long, white silk gloves slip over your elbows. If you had a crown, you'd look like a true princess! You step out of the fitting area, and Gavven's jaw drops. "By all the gods," he says with a gasp. "You look beautiful! What do you think? Do you love it?" You turn and glance at yourself in a tall mirror nearby. You're surrounded in ruffles and sparkles. [["I love it!"]] [["Maybe something else."]]

The full suit is just your size, it doesn't even need tailoring. The cummerbund is vibrant, the coattails are pristine, and the stitching is neat and practically invisible. You button the jacket and stand with your chest forward and proud. The suit gives your body clean lines, and you feel like you could conquer the world wearing it. When you show Gavven the look, he seems conquered, himself. He lets out an appreciative whistle as he looks you over. "I'm speechless! How does it feel?" [["Fits like a glove."]] [["Maybe something else."]]

The sleek, dark gown falls to your ankles and clings to your sides. Its material is so pure and shimmery that every move you make throws light on the walls. You run your hands along your hips and smooth the gown down your front. Not that the light, smooth material holds a wrinkle for more than a second. Your neck looks long with the open neckline, and the hanging material around your legs gives you a luxurious shape. When you stand in front of Gavven, he touches his hand to his chest and gapes. "You look lovely... beyond lovely!" He beams. "What do you think?" You examine your reflection in a nearby mirror, deciding your level of admiration for the dress... [["It's beautiful!"]] [["Maybe something else."]]

You swipe up a set of bright yellow and red pants with a wild grin, and pair it with a white blouse with ruffled sleeves. You slip into the getup easily, paired with some loose leather boots. You show off the look to Gavven who cheers for your look. "It suits you!" He says with a laugh. "Is this what you'll wear to the Ball?" [["This is perfect!"]] [["Maybe something else."]]

The seamstress lights a match and ignites the wick of a large candle, that she then uses to light lamps throughout the room. Gradually the shop comse to life, revealing racks of soft silks, patterned embroidery, brocade bolts, and elegant ruffles. Brilliant outfits made of anything from leather to velvet in a myriad of colors line the walls. Gavven looks even more excited about the clothes than you do! He ushers you to a rack that catches his eye, and starts to pick out pieces. "This looks like your size... and this one will bring out your eyes!" You blush and take a few that he suggests, ones that match your tastes as well. You hear the seamstress sigh from the other side of the store, and hurry into a fitting area. [[Try on a gossammer ballgown.]] [[Try on a refined suit.]] [[Try on an elegant silk gown.]] [[Try on colorful pants.]]

Gavven straightens his shirt and smiles slyly. "Until the Grand Ball is over, let me spoil you." Gavven takes your arm and leads you through the seamstress' door. [[Go inside.]] (set:$clever to it +1)

With a playful twirl that bounces your ruffles, you giddily declare that this is //the one.// "It looks marvelous," Gavven says. "And you look marvelous, too!" [["What will you wear?"]] (set:$ballgown to true)

You turn to the racks of clothing, and ponder. [[Try on a gossammer ballgown.]] [[Try on an elegant silk gown.]] [[Try on an elegant silk gown.]] [[Try on colorful pants.]]

"It certainly is," Gavven agrees. His shimmering eyes seem unable to look away from you. [["What will you wear?"]] (set:$dress to true)

"I'm glad that you love it," Gavven says. "I can't wait to see how it'll look in the ballroom." [["What will you wear?"]] (set:$suit to true)

"I couldn't agree more," Gavven beams. You feel like you could leap across the room and scoop him into a grateful embrace, but a question in your mind stops you from doing just that. [["What will you wear?"]] (set:$colorful to true)

(if:$ballgown is true)[You pull Gavven closer, so he practically disappears in your ruffles and lace. You start twirling in place, guiding him along when you find the small of his back. A small orange head bobs along your sea of silk, boisterous and laughing.]\ (else:)[You hold onto his hand and you pull together to begin an easy box step. Gavven hums a waltzing tune, and you match the tempo as he finds your back to help guide you. A smile breaks across your face before you think to put one there.]\ The seamstress clears her throat. Loudly. "Are you finished, then?" [["Oh, right..."]]

You dip low, ducking your head and fully supplicating yourself as gracefully as you can on your tired legs. Gavven brushes his lips on your knuckles and you straighten with a neat and proper posture. "Ah, forgive me!" He sweeps his leg out and drops his body at the waist to a perfect bow. His form is impeccable and you encourage him with some polite clapping. The seamstress clears her throat. Loudly. "Are you finished, then?" [["Oh, right..."]]

"Here," says the seamstress as she bustles to the fitting area. "This is the only thing I have that'll match your size. Take it or leave it." She hands Gavven a suit draped over her arm, and he takes it to the dressing room, barely bigger than a closet. When he emerges, you're awestruck. The suit is only slightly large on him, but you can hardly tell by the strong lines it gives him. The lapels and cuffs are embroidered with delicate designs made of beautiful thread. The dark material wraps around him and accentuates his bright hair. He smiles at you, and takes your hand. [[Practice dancing.]] [[Practice bowing.]]

Gavven pays for the outfits as you change into the clothes you came in with, and he even offers to help blow all the candles out again. But the seamstress shoos the two of you away, and even though you can tell she's tired and glad to be rid of you, the two large bundles of coins put a small smile on her face. [[Go back to the tavern.]]

With the new clothes bundled in your arms, you and Gavven head back to your rooms. It starts to hit you just how tired you really are, and you hope that the bed in your room is comfortable. The tavern is totally empty when you arrive, even the innkeeper is somewhere else. The two of you head upstairs to your rooms, and stop to find that they are directly across the hall from each other. "Here we are," Gavven says, stopping in front of his door and taking out his room key. "I'll be seeing you in the morning, yes?" [[Kiss Gavven goodnight.]] [["The night doesn't have to end..."]] [["Goodnight, Gavven."]]

Gavven's breath catches in his throat as you lean in and plant a kiss on his stubbled cheek. You feel the heat of his blush under your lips and hold back a giggle. When you stand upright, again, he fiddles with his shirt. "And goodnight to you, as well." With a quick smile and nod, he scurries into his room and closes the door behind him. You turn to your room, as well. It's a small space, but even once your clothes are put with your things at the foot of the bed, you don't feel cramped. [[Go to bed.]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

Gavven hides behind a sly wink. "Now, now," he says in a mock scolding tone. "While I admire your enthusiasm, we must leave some things to the imagination. Besides, the only thing I want to see you in right now is the new getup. Until then, get some rest." He smiles and enters his room, closing the door behind him. You turn to your room, as well. It's a small space, but even once your clothes are put with your things at the foot of the bed, you don't feel cramped. [[Go to bed.]] (set:$clever to it +1)

He nods and smiles warmly to you. The low light of the hall glistens in his dark eyes. "And to you, as well." Gavven excuses himself to his room, shutting the door behind him. You turn to your room, as well. It's a small space, but even once your clothes are put with your things at the foot of the bed, you don't feel cramped. [[Go to bed.]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

It doesn't even matter to you if the bed is soft or not, because as soon as your head touches the blankets you fall hard into sleep. You probably could sleep until noon, but a series of knocks on the door jostle you awake. [["Huh?"]] [["Is that you, Gavven?"]] [["Five more minutes."]]

Still delirious with dreams, you blink away sleep as you try to get a look at the door to your room. "Good morning!" Calls a voice that you only recognize as familiar. "It's Gavven. I have a surprise for you!" Remembering the night before, you quickly roll out of bed, throw on your clothes and otherwise make yourself presentable to reflect the state of your fabulous new attire. Gavven waits patiently outside your door, and you nearly run him over as you barrel out into the hallway. He smiles his wide smile at you. "You're looking excellent as ever!" He reaches for your hand. "Let me show you something." [[Follow Gavven.]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"You do remember!" Gavven's voice slips through the door. "I hope you're not too tired. We have a big day ahead of us!" You throw yourself out of bed and into your new clothes, then otherwise make yourself presentable - getting the sleep out of your eyes, rubbing your skin with floral scents, the like. When you find Gavven outside your room, he appraises you with a happy and proud smile. "Good to see you this morning! How do you feel about surprises?" Gavven holds out his hand for you, and you take it. [[Follow Gavven.]] (set:$clever to it +1)

"Sorry to wake you," Gavven's voice slips through the door. "But we have a big day ahead of us. And I have quite the plan for you!" Intrigued, you climb out of bed and get yourself dressed and prepared for the day. Prepared to face Gavven again. You find him outside your room, and he smiles when he sees you wearing the outfit you chose from last night. He holds out his arm for you to take. "Are you ready for a surprise?" [[Follow Gavven.]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

Gavven leads you outside, where instead of finding your horses saddled and bridled... ... You see them attached to an ornamented carriage! Your jaw drops and your heart races at the sight! Gavven watches you with glee. "I'm glad you like it! Fortunately someone was willing to deliver it from the capital before sunrise." You touch the smooth wood pannelling of the outside, and look at the plush interior. The driver tips his hat to you and you smile back. Gavven holds open the door of the carriage for you. "We can head out and spend the afternoon at the capital, if you like. Or we can stay here a bit longer and have a hearty breakfast. Of course, the longer we wait the more we'll be chasing the clock. The choice is yours." [["Let's eat first!"]] [["No way, I want to get in that carriage!"]]

Gavven closes the carriage door, and the two of you head inside to find the innkeeper tearing herself away from the window to welcome you. Gavven requests a private place to dine, and the innkeeper takes you to a large table near the back, placed in front of a bay window with a picturesque view of the countryside outside of town. As the two of you take a seat, the innkeeper ushers over the tavern cook to bring out the first course of their breakfast service - thick and crisp bacon, grain breads with jam and aromatic honey, and fresh sliced fruit. As you take your plate and hunker down to dig in, the innkeeper asks you what she can bring for you to drink. [["Tea and sugar."]] [["Ale."]] [["Coffee and milk."]] (set:$breakfast to true)

"As you desire," says Gavven, and he gestures for you to take a seat inside. [[Climb into the carriage.]] (set:$breakfast to false)

The interior of the carriage is just as fancy as the outside. Its seats are soft and made of velvet, sheer curtains hang around the engraved glass windows, and there's a vague scent of lavender. Gavven climbs in behind you and shuts the door, then knocks on the wall behind the driver when you're settled in and ready to go. Not a second later, you hear the horses grunt and whinny before the carriage sets forward. Gavven takes a seat beside you, and occassionally your shoulders brush against each other. Neither of you talks much, instead exchanging furtive glances and nervous chuckles when you catch eyes. This close, he feels warm and smells of soap and sawdust. The carriage comes to a slow stop at the capital entrance gate in half the time you remember it ever taking by yourself. One of the guards at the gate raps his knuckles against the door, and you lean forward to push it open a crack. [[Show your invitation to the guards.]]

"For me as well," Gavven says, and sends the innkeeper off. You take a large bite of the mouth-watering spread, then another before you realize that Gavven is watching you. You feel yourself blush, a bit, realizing that you're hungrier than you thought before. Gavven takes a bite as well, eyes nervously darting away from you. "Sorry," he says after he swallows. "I like to see you happy." The innkeeper places mugs of hot water, tea leaves, spoons, and a bowl of sugar on your table before quickly making herself scarce. You watch as Gavven begins to scoop sugar into his water, and finds himself a green tea. [["Thank you for everything."]] [["Why are you doing this for me?"]] [["I'm excited for tonight."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"You sure you're not part dwarf?" Gavven quirks a brow at you, then to the innkeeper. "Make it two, please." The innkeeper plops two full and frothy mugs of ale between you, and you happily take gulps of it to wash down your meat and bread. You're halfway through your plate when you finish the ale, but Gavven is already done with both. You both laugh, a little. "Maybe you're all human after all!" [["Thank you for everything."]] [["Why are you doing this for me?"]] [["I'm excited for tonight."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

"Two please, extra milk" Gavven says with a nod, dismissing the innkeeper. You start with the breads and fruit, making your way to the meat as the innkeeper returns with a heavy pitcher of steaming, black coffee and a caraffee of milk which you happily mix together in a mug she gives you. Gavven pours his mug mostly with the milk, and adds barely more than a few drops of coffee inside. "The caffeine hurts my stomach," he defends himself when he notices you staring. "All dwarves are like that." [["Thank you for everything."]] [["Why are you doing this for me?"]] [["I'm excited for tonight."]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

The guard takes your invitation and gives it a cursory glance, then looks up to you, then to Gavven. With a satisfied nod, he hands the invitation back, and closes the door. The carriage surges forward, and the shadow of the gate passes across the window as you pass through. [[Look through the carriage window.]] [[Pay attention to Gavven.]] (if:$breakfast is false)[ [["I wonder if we can see the sites."]] ]

Gavven smiles and waves away your words. "Nonsense, the pleasure is all mine," he says. He dabs at his lips with a cloth napkin. "Besides, getting breakfast was your idea." You smirk at him and narrow your eyes. He knows that's not what you meant. And it shows in the way he smiles at you with cheeks stuffed with food. He swallows and begins to clean his plate. "It's not often I get to spend coin on a lovely new friend, even rarer yet to have such enjoyable company." [["What do you mean?"]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

He swallows a bite and looks thoughtfully at you. "Why wouldn't I?" He said. "Is it not enough that I was raised to enjoy ravishing good company in fine things?" [["What do you mean?"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

Gavven smiles and covers his mouth with a napkin to finish chewing, then swallows. "As am I. [["What do you mean?"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

"I only mean what I said," he sets down his napkin on the now-empty plate before him. "I've never been more glad to have someone nearly steal a drink from me." You try to play off your blush at the slightly embarassing memory, and take the last bite of your food. "Getting a meal was a fabulous idea," Gavven says. "I haven't been so stuffed since I left home! You don't get motion sickness do you? It'd be a shame to ruin our ride's upholstery." You nod, and Gavven quickly jumps from his seat to help you stand. He's shorter than you, naturally, more like an anchor for you to pull against than a lever to hoist you. Together, with bellies full and spirits high, you head outside. [[Climb into the carriage.]]

Wide-eyed and eager, you nearly press your whole face against the glass before you catch yourself. Through the neat details engraved in the corners of the glass, you can see the colors and shapes of the street passing by. Flags of the human's kingdom hang from nearly every stoop, the cobblestones are neat and even, and every window is polished perfectly to reflect the sun above. People fill the sidewalks, wearing everything from commoner's rags to elaborate Ball attire. It's one of the only times you can see both in any district of the capital. It won't be long before you reach the palace now. (if:$breakfast is false)[ [["I wonder if we can see the sites."]] ]\ [[Step out of the carriage.]]

Gavven's listless gaze is on his lap, where his hands curl together. His shoulders slump, as though weighed down with heavy thoughts. It's the first time you've seen him without any composure. (if:$breakfast is false)[ [["I wonder if we can see the sites."]] ]\ [[Take Gavven's hand.]] [[Look through the carriage window.]]

Gavven ponders a moment. "Hm. I think we have time for a stop. Where would you like to go?" [["The garden."]] [["The local theater."]] [["The historic landmarks."]]

Gavven leans forward and knocks on the carriage wall. "Driver! Take us to the royal gardens, please!" The horses whinny in response and you feel the tilt of the carriage as it takes a turn off the main road. After a few minutes, it pulls to a gentle stop in the kingdom's royal palace district. The gardens themselves are little more than a stone's throw from the palace, its glimmering spires standing tall overhead. You and Gavven climb out of the carriage and approach the ivy-covered entrance to the gardens. You're not the only people here, enjoying the bright, fresh air, but it's still quiet and peaceful. There are several displays of exotic and rare plants in elegant pots beside marble benches, as well as perfectly trimmed shrub sculptures shaped like various animals. Near the back of the garden, you see rows of colorful rose hedges and you hear the gentle babble of a water fountain. [[Get closer to the water fountain.]] [[Get closer to the rose hedges.]]

"Good thinking. There are bound to be troupers in the city with the Grand Ball going on." Gavven knocks against the opposite wall of the carriage. "Driver! Drop us at the center of town, if you please." You and Gavven follow the trail of gossip and posted notices to the town square, where a makeshift stage has been set up in front of a half-circle of wooden chairs and benches. A large crowd has gathered among the seats, but there are still a few openings. The painted tapestries hung along the square advertise that the troupe is playing the classic fairytale: //Rudy and the Dragon.// [[Sit in the crowd.]] [[Look for a way backstage.]]

"Ah, yes, the human capital is full of memorable installations." Gavven knocks against the opposite wall of the carriage. "Driver! Please, take us to the historic district!" The carriage wobbles a little as it takes uneven streets to the oldest parts of the city, and stops in front of a plaza dotted with statues made of both stone and metal. Some of them shine in the sunlight, others rest humbly at the sides of their visitors. [[Look at the statue of a warrior.]] [[Look at the statue of a king.]]

He starts, a little, taken aback with surprise at the gesture. Gavven's gaze immediately shoots to you, and his shoulders rise again as though relieved. He smiles. You'll be at the palace gates soon enough. (if:$breakfast is false)[ [["I wonder if we can see the sites."]] ]\ [[Step out of the carriage.]]

You and Gavven find a pair of seats near the back and claim them before someone else can. The crowd bustles around you, and then quiets as performers come to the stage. [[Watch the performance.]] [[Watch Gavven.]]

You and Gavven round the makeshift stage as the actors present themselves to the crowd. Everyone seems distracted enough that you can get through unnoticed... {(if: $ballgown is true or $colorful is true)[...aside from the way your outfit stands out. "Hey!" the voice of the stage manager grabs your attention, and the two of you freeze! "Get away from there!" The stage manager is a large and burly man with a bald head and a large mustache. And you can't afford any bruises before the Ball! [[Run away!]] ]}\ {(else:)[... and you slip through just as the narrator steps aside for the actors. Perfect! You and Gavven keep your heads low, and look around for something exciting... [[Hide behind the sandbags.]] [[Switch a prop.]] ]}\ (set:$clever to it +1)

As you lead Gavven closer to the sound of water, you quickly see that the decorative fountain is tucked away in a corner and seems largely abandonned. The fountain's upper tiers look slick and shiny with moss, the lowest basin is pockmarked with chips and cracks, and dust floats on the rippling surface of the water. Gavven approaches cautiously. "Poor thing. Don't humans wish in these things? With gold?" He shakes his head. "Maybe the humans haven't had a need for wishing, lately, but I could use one." He takes out two gold coins from his pocket and tosses one into the water. [[Throw in a coin in the fountain.]] [[Jump in the fountain.]]

The scent of blooming roses draws you closer to the hedges, spotted with perfect specimens cultured with care. Each one seems to hold its own personality, some curled curiously and others neat and proud. Gavven lags back a moment as you stroll through the aromatic rows. When you turn to see what he's up to, you stop. He extends a perfect red rose to you! [[Take the rose.]] [[Pick one for Gavven, as well.]]

You hold out your hand to take Gavven's other coin, and he hands it over. You hold it close and shut your eyes... then, you make a wish. [[Wish for love.]] [[Wish for fortune.]]

You look between the fountain and Gavven, and in the spur of the moment, leap forward and over the side of the fountain! The water splashes up your clothes and your skin. You let out an exhillerated cry! Gavven watches on in shock and... is that joy on his face? You reach under the water and snatch up the coin he threw in - at least, you think it's his coin! It's the one least covered in sludge at the bottom of the fountain. Then, you hand it back to him. "I see..." he ponders the dripping coin. "I shouldn't wish, I should make my own path." Then, he smiles up at you. "Please get out of there. You'll ruin your ensemble." [[Dry off in the sun.]]

Minding the thorns on the fresh-snapped stem, you carefully take the flower from Gavven's hand. His fingers brush yours for just a moment. When you lift the flower to your nose, it smells divine. Gavven reaches up and guides your hands to your ear, where you neatly wrap the stem in your hair to keep thorns from pricking your scalp. He stands back to admire you. "Beautiful." [["I suppose we should get back."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

Thinking quickly, you reach out and snatch a rose from beside you and break it off at the stem! But instead of offering it to Gavven, you yelp and drop it to the ground! The tip of your finger blooms as red as the roses, a drop of blood quickly rising to the surface of your skin and bubbling. Gavven acts fast and takes your hand in his own. "Oh, no!" [["You're worth it."]] [["I'm alright."]]

You approach a statue of a decorated warrior in full armor, his blade raised high and pointed straight up to the sky. Hints of gold line its sharp edges and make the warrior's eyes glow through the slots in its helmet. "Isn't it inspiring?" Gavven appraises the statue with his arms spread out. "A noble warrior who galavants across the land; righting wrongs, helping the helpless, slaying dangers to the commonfolk..." A twinkle in his eye forms as he stares in awe. [["You really admire him."]] [["This is just a knight."]]

You recognize this statue of the current king, King Ludo. He's just a young man in this rendition, and so the crown on his head looks large. Perhaps the artist intended this to show the weight of the title. Or, perhaps it's only realism. Either way, the stone is flawless and ingrained with marble that has weathered the years well. This statue was errected after he exposed a nefarious plot to overthrow the royal bloodline that claimed his father's life. [[Read the inscription.]] [["I've never met a king."]]

The actor who plays the titular Rudy follows the narrator character, a man with a booming voice that you can't miss and that can probably be heard all the way to the palace! The narrator tells of Rudy, a boy raised to be a farmhand that scouted in the king's army instead. The king player lords over the tiny stage. But then an actress dressed as a princess appears, and the narrator describes the beauty that entranced Rudy. As Rudy led his fellow soldiers across the plains of the human kingdoms, along the ridges of the dwarven mountains where a dragon descended on them. The dragon prop is little more than large strips of fabric sewn together over a hanging ballast, lowered over the stage with a hastily-made set of sharp teeth and burning eyes on the front of it. Rudy expertly plunges his blade into the heart of the beast, with a fanfare from a fiddle player and a spray of red streamers to portray blood. Then Rudy returns to the player king and player princess, where Rudy and the princess share a passionate kiss. One that might be a little too passionate for the stage, and gives the narrator a slight pause. [[Cheer!]] [[Boo!]]

Your gaze drifts away as the story you've heard a thousand times unfolds. And, from what you can tell by the ill-fitting costumes and unpracticed movements on stage, this rendition isn't being done particularly well. Gavven looks on with intrigue, but he seems to be drawing the same conclusion you are. You lean closer to him, close enough you could whisper in his ear if you had a mind to... [[Watch the performance.]] [["I can think of something more fun to do."]]

Gavven's ears burn as he glances at you sidelong. "You uh... what did you have in mind?" [[Look for a way backstage.]] [[Pull Gavven into your lap.]]

Not wanting to be a poor sport, you clap your hands as the curtains draw. A few audience members let out disgruntled sighs and grumbles, but otherwise, it's as anticlimactic a response as it was a performance. Gavven, beside you, does nothing. "Bah, that dragon never came from the dwarven lands! What kind of malarky are you humans teaching your youngsters?" [["I suppose we should get back."]]

That play was terrible! A waste of your precious pre-Grand Ball time! And they ought to know it. You jump to your feet and belt out as loud a shout as you can, voice filled with scorn. Gavven quickly joins you, and soon your shouts of protest ripple through the crowd and you all echo throughout the square. The troupers scramble to pull the curtains open again, and the fiddle player strikes up a fast tune that the actors all try and keep up with in uncoordinated, jerky dance moves. This isn't any better than the play, but at least this is funny. The jeers and shouts fade into laughter, and then the crowd disperses entirely. Gavven doubles over as he laughs. "What a riot! Are all human actors glorified jesters?" You notice the lack of food vendors around the area, and note that it's probably better there was no produce around to huck. [["I suppose we should get back."]]

"How could I not?" Gavven says, stepping closer to read the statue's inscription. "'Sir Lancellot' it says. A knight who founded the king's army." [["It's good to have role models."]] [["'Never meet your heroes,' they say."]]

He shakes his head. "Knight or no, the purpose is still the same. We all must begin somewhere." [["'Never meet your heroes,' they say."]]

The plaque at the feet of King Ludo's statue tells of this triumph, but that it cost the lives of his father, sisters, and brother. Though Ludo was the youngest member of his family, he became the last of his line and was able to save his family's place on the throne. "News of this even reached the Dwarven kingdoms," Gavven says. "I can only imagine what court life was like during those times, here." [["It must be tough to be the last of a line."]]

"Kings are overrated," Gavven says, in a quick and clipped tone. Then catches himself, nervous like someone overheard him. "King Ludo is a great man, of course. Honorable." Still, his face is twinged with something... dark. Guilt? Regret? Fear? [["I suppose we should get back."]]

Giggling and panting, you and Gavven get to the edge of the square and the stage manager doesn't give chase. "Well..." Gavven looks over his shoulder at the crowd, then back to you. "It was a good idea, at least." [[Watch the performance.]]

This close to the stage, you can smell the actor's body odors poorly hidden by a few herbs stuffed in their pockets. You pinch your nose. The play hobbles along, as the narrator tells of Rudy, a boy raised to be a farmhand that scouted in the king's army instead. The king player lords over the tiny stage. But then an actress dressed as a princess appears, and the narrator describes the beauty that entranced Rudy. As Rudy led his fellow soldiers across the plains of the human kingdoms, along the ridges of the dwarven mountains where a dragon descended on them. The dragon prop is little more than large strips of fabric sewn together over a hanging ballast, lowered over the stage with a hastily-made set of sharp teeth and burning eyes on the front of it. The sandbags you're crouched behind swing into the air, revealing your hiding place! The actors on stage are preoccupied throwing red streamers out of the dragon in a poor attempt to recreate blood, but they won't be for long! [[Get moving before you're found!]]

On stage, the actor who plays the titular Rudy follows the narrator character, a man with a booming voice that you can't miss and that can probably be heard all the way to the palace! The narrator tells of Rudy, a boy raised to be a farmhand that scouted in the king's army instead. The king player lords over the tiny stage. But then an actress dressed as a princess appears, and the narrator describes the beauty that entranced Rudy. Almost immediately, something catches your eye. The shiny sword prop that Rudy will use to spear the dragon in the next act... is just about the size of a broom nearby. Quick on your feet, you snatch the broom and creep to the side of the stage, where you switch the sword for the broom just as the narrator is about to snatch it up and pass it off to Rudy as he leads his troops towards the dwarven mountains. Seconds later, the crowd errupts into hysterics! The narrator fumbles over his words as "Rudy" thrusts the bristles of a broom at the chest of a cloth dragon! You and Gavven cover your mouths to stifle your giggles. You leave the sword on the ground in front of you and back away as the actors feverishly search for it. [[Get moving before you're found!]]

Giggling and panting, you and Gavven rush away from the stage until you're far enough away you won't garner attention. Gavven beams. "Good thinking back there. We got to see up the princess' skirt and everything!" [["I suppose we should get back."]]

Your carriage stops in front of the royal palace's entry gate, swarming with men and women in their finest. A royal guard opens your carriage and you show him your invitation. Gavven slips past you to take your hand and help you lower yourself to the ground. As the guard closes the carriage door, it rolls away. You thank the guard, who stoically awaits the next arriving party. You and Gavven walk the elegant, storied path to the castle as the sun dips behind the palace's glimmering spires. You've been to the capital before, but never seen the inside of the palace. Your heart races as you step through into the royal foyer. It's more beautiful than you could have imagined! Gavven squeezes your hand to get your attention. "I hate to do this, but I must excuse myself for a moment. I trust I can meet up with you in the Ballroom later?" You nod, and Gavven leaves you. [[Look around the royal foyer.]] [[Find the Ballroom.]]

Plush red carpet rugs accent the marble floors. Gold columns run up the white walls. A massive, ornamented chandelier hangs in the center of the room, over a section of soft blue seats. People mill about here, small groups conversing with themselves. The scent of their perfumes clings to the air, but under that you smell sweet meats and herbs. You notice a marble staircase curling upward, to a level that runs around the chandellier and over the seats. And in the furthest corner is a shadowy area, that looks like it leads deeper into the castle... [[Check out the upper floor.]] [[Look in the shadowy hall.]] [[Follow your nose.]] [[Find the Ballroom.]]

It's hardly a Grand Ball without there being a Ballroom. And finding it is as easy and looking for guards and listening for music. The ballroom is massive, easily bigger than your house in the country! A band plays loudly over the densely packed crowds of dancers and mingling dignitaries. Even if Gavven weren't shorter than everyone here, it'd be hard to find him in a group this size. If you want to find him, you'll have to find something to keep you in the Ballroom long enough to be reunited! [[Look for the king.]] [[Look for a lonely socialite.]] [[Try to find a dance partner.]]

The stairs are glass and marble and silver, and also very steep. You find yourself slightly winded as you get to the top. Your footsteps sound loud to your ears, but the sound doesn't travel far as you enjoy the stroll across the upper floor. From over the upper floor banistor, you can see all of the foyer stretching below you. As you reach the center, hoping to get a better look at the chandelier, you notice that voices from below are difting through a narrow slice of air just beside you... [[Eavesdrop.]] [[Find the Ballroom.]]

Thinking perhaps you might find something exciting, or maybe make a little mischief at the Ball, you slink toward the shadows. Sure enough, the wall opens up into a long, dark hallway with only a pinprick of light at the end. But it's not left alone. Two gaurds stand just inside the hall, lit partly by the foyer. They promptly block your path and send you away. [[Go back to the foyer.]]

One wing of the palace seems to have been converted into the largest buffets you've ever seen! There are entire dining rooms dedicated to meats and veegetables, another to sweets, and yet another to the local breweries! {(if:$breakfast is false)[Your stomach grumbles. Urgently.]}\ [[Grab a plate and a drink.]] [[Find the Ballroom.]]

Kitchen staff scurry around the outskirts of the rooms, filling tables with displays of the finest meats, cheeses, and breads you've ever seen, smelled, or tasted. You help yourself to a heaping plate, then pair it with a goblet of finely aged red wine. You keep an eye out for Gavven as you eat, but unfortunately there's no sign of him. He would have something to say about the service here, or the displays, or the other people eating. Being alone reminds you, though, of why you came to the King's Grand Ball at all. You're here for connections, not just for Gavven. [[Find the Ballroom.]]

"Did you see who just came in? With the dwarf?" Another voice responds to the first. "How could I miss an ensemble like that? To die for!" {(if:$ballgown is true)["Get your mind out of ruffles for a moment."]}\ {(if:$suit is true)["Can you not think about pinstripes for five minutes?"]}\ {(if:$colorful is true)["True, those gawdy colors are hard to miss..."]}\ {(if:$gown is true)["I understand your jealousy, but focus."]}\ "Yes, yes." "Did that dwarf look familiar? There are whispers of a missing prince for those in the know..." "And //you// have interest in dwarven affairs?" "I have interest in any affairs that make me money..." Then, the voices fade. Were they... talking about you and Gavven? [[Find the Ballroom.]]

Wherever the thickest part of the crowd is, that's where the king is bound to be. You skirt the multiple dance floors with your eyes scanning the crowd for that distinctive crown. After a bit of bumping elbows and trying not to step on any toes, or be stepped on in kind, you see a throng of both well-dressed and somewhat underdressed people near the head of the ballroom. But they are all kept at bay by shoulder-to-shoulder guards who make sure the king isn't overwhelmed. Juding by the size of the group, you don't think you'll have much of a chance to get an audience with the king //and// enjoy the evening. You sigh, and deflate a bit, when suddenly, you hear a familiar voice calling your name! You whirl around, and there you find a familiar dwarf in his fancy suit. [["Gavven!"]]

Mingling with high society //is// why you came to the Ball in the first place. If you want to try and find some connections that can help your family in the country, then you'd better start to mingle. Thanks to the outfit that Gavven bought you, you feel a surge of confidence when you approach strangers. And they even seem to take you seriously. {(if:$colorful is true)[Well, as seriously as can be expected.]}\ You find a lovely woman with long legs and short hair who owns several bakeries in the capital. And a muscular man who sells used farm equipment. They both promise to find you before the night is over, and as you start searching for another promising lead a familiar voice calls your name and grabs your attention. As you spin around, you spy your familiar, handsome dwarf partner. [["Gavven!"]]

The dance floor is packed and the music from the band is lively, seeping under your skin and pulsing along your bloodstream. Thanks to your fine outfit you find a dance partner easily as you approach the edge of the dancefloor. A tall gentleman with a crisp white suit approaches you and extends a hand. You take it and sweep out onto the ballroom, and he introduces himself as the son of a wealthy dignitary. He's amazed to see how far you've come to get here, and is glad to meet you! As one song comes to a close, and before another can begin, a hand reaches up and taps the man on the shoulder. "Pardon me," says a familiar voice. "Think I can cut in?" [["Gavven!"]]

There's still no sign of Gavven, so you slowly carry yourself forward. [[Check out the upper floor.]] [[Follow your nose.]] [[Find the Ballroom.]]

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long," he says, taking your hands in his own. "May I have this dance?" [[Dance with Gavven.]] [["Actually... I want to speak with you."]]

Gavven pulls you close and places his hand on the small of your back. He guides you through fluid dance steps, which seem to come to you naturally despite your informal dancing of the past. As he looks at you, his eyes are warm and his smile is genuine. [["Have you enjoyed yourself tonight?"]] [["This has been the best day ever!"]] [["You know, people have been talking..."]]

"Oh?" Gavven says. Hand in hand, you step to the side and mostly out of earshot of the dancefloor. "What do you want to talk about?" [["I've overheard people talking..."]] [["The weather. Obviously."]] [["Tell me what you're really doing here."]]

Gavven nervously chuckles. "Well, it //is// a party... What else would people be doing here when they aren't dancing? Or even while they're dancing!" You start to respond, but suddenly the crowd around you stills and quiets despite the music continuing. And a large group of soldiers approaches the two of you. For a half-second, panic rises in your chest! But then, the soldiers part and the king himself appears. "Gavven!" He greets with a vibrant smile. "I didn't think the dwarves were sending anyone to this little party!" [["King Ludo!"]] [[Bow before the king.]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

He laughs, like he wants to find the joke funny. "Don't tease me, now! What's really on your mind?" You start to respond, but suddenly the crowd around you stills and quiets despite the music continuing. And a large group of soldiers approaches the two of you. For a half-second, panic rises in your chest! But then, the soldiers part and the king himself appears. "Gavven!" He greets with a vibrant smile. "I didn't think the dwarves were sending anyone to this little party!" [["King Ludo!"]] [[Bow before the king.]] (set:$clever to it +1)

"I'm sorry?" He says, brows slightly furrowed. "This. This is what I'm doing here. He gestures to you, standing in the shadows of the ballroom. You start to respond, but suddenly the crowd around you stills and quiets despite the music continuing. And a large group of soldiers approaches the two of you. For a half-second, panic rises in your chest! But then, the soldiers part and the king himself appears. "Gavven!" He greets with a vibrant smile. "I didn't think the dwarves were sending anyone to this little party!" [["King Ludo!"]] [[Bow before the king.]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

He beams and leads you through a quick spin. "Are you joking? Since I met you, everything has felt like a dream come true!" You start to respond, but suddenly the crowd around you stills and quiets despite the music continuing. And a large group of soldiers approaches the two of you. For a half-second, panic rises in your chest! But then, the soldiers part and the king himself appears. "Gavven!" He greets with a vibrant smile. "I didn't think the dwarves were sending anyone to this little party!" [["King Ludo!"]] [[Bow before the king.]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"I couldn't agree more!" Gavven replies, then expertly dips you. You manage to stay on your feet, thanks to his support. You start to say something, but suddenly the crowd around you stills and quiets despite the music continuing. And a large group of soldiers approaches the two of you. For a half-second, panic rises in your chest! But then the soldiers part and the king himself appears. "Gavven!" He greets with a vibrant smile. "I didn't think the dwarves were sending anyone to this little party!" [["King Ludo!"]] [[Bow before the king.]] (set:$clever to it +1)

Gavven nervously chuckles. "Well, it //is// a party... What else would people be doing here when they aren't dancing? Or even while they're dancing!" You start to respond, but suddenly the crowd around you stills and quiets despite the music continuing. And a large group of soldiers approaches the two of you. For a half-second, panic rises in your chest! But then the soldiers part and the king himself appears. "Gavven!" He greets with a vibrant smile. "I didn't think the dwarves were sending anyone to this little party!" [["King Ludo!"]] [[Bow before the king.]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

The king smiles his perfect kingly smile to you and Gavven, but his attention remains on the dwarf. "Your father didn't tell me you'd be here. I'm pleasantly surprised." "Ah, yes..." Gavven shifts, visibly uncomfortable under the king's attention. "I expect my father didn't know I'd be here, either, if it's any consolation." [["What's he talking about, Gavven?"]] [["I knew it!"]]

You quickly supplicate before King Ludo, heart thundering. You hadn't expected to actually see him this close! The king smiles and gestures to you. "It's alright, you can stand. Any friend of Gavven's is a friend of mine." You smooth over your clothes and right yourself, eyeing Gavven warily. "Your father didn't tell me you'd be here. I'm pleasantly surprised." "Ah, yes..." Gavven shifts, visibly uncomfortable under the king's attention. "I expect my father didn't know I'd be here, either, if it's any consolation." [["What's he talking about, Gavven?"]] [["I knew it!"]]

Gavven sighs. "Your majesty... would you excuse me a moment?" King Ludo grins brightly. "Of course, dear friend. Come and see me again before the night is over." You and Gavven bow as the guards close ranks around the king and move off, drawing eyes away from the two of you so that you have momentary privacy of a sort. "I have a confession to make," Gavven begins, his eyes on the floor but his body turned to you. "I'm not really the son of a businessman. I'm the son of the dwarven king. And I'm not exactly in the human lands on official business. I ran away. "My older brother has been set to inherit the throne since I was born, but lately he's thought of declining the role so I might take it. I panicked. Maybe I don't want to be king. Or, maybe I do. I always wanted to be an adventurer, so I decided that... now was the only way I would see if that could possibly be. And after the king recognized me, I see that my burden can never be shirked in a real way. My father has sent my likeness to all four corners of the world, and I've been forced to try and dodge anyone who would recognize me. "But... then I met you. You invited me to this Ball and, well, I realized that being among the court and giving you gifts made me happier than taverns and the road." [["So, what does this mean for us?"]]

Both Gavven and the king turn to you with bewildered expressions. "Knew... what?" Gavven asks. [["I knew you were hiding something from me."]] [["You're the runaway prince!"]]

Gavven sighs. "Your majesty... would you excuse me a moment?" King Ludo grins brightly. "Of course, dear friend. Come and see me again before the night is over." You and Gavven bow as the guards close ranks around the king and move off, drawing eyes away from the two of you so that you have momentary privacy of a sort. "I didn't mean to keep it from you..." he says, scuffing his boot against the floor. "I mean, I did, but... Look, I'm not really the son of a businessman. I'm the son of the dwarven king. And I'm not exactly in the human lands on official business. I ran away. "My older brother has been set to inherit the throne since I was born, but lately he's thought of declining the role so I might take it. I panicked. Maybe I don't want to be king. Or, maybe I do. I always wanted to be an adventurer, so I decided that... now was the only way I would see if that could possibly be. And after the king recognized me, I see that my burden can never be shirked in a real way. My father has sent my likeness to all four corners of the world, and I've been forced to try and dodge anyone who would recognize me. "But... then I met you. You invited me to this Ball and, well, I realized that being among the court and giving you gifts made me happier than taverns and the road." [["So, what does this mean for us?"]]

Gavven sighs. "Your majesty... would you excuse me a moment?" King Ludo grins brightly. "Of course, dear friend. Come and see me again before the night is over." You and Gavven bow as the guards close ranks around the king and move off, drawing eyes away from the two of you so that you have momentary privacy of a sort. "I should have known that you'd catch wind of my secret sooner or later. It's true. I'm the son of the dwarven king. And I'm not exactly in the human lands on official business. I ran away. "My older brother has been set to inherit the throne since I was born, but lately he's thought of declining the role so I might take it. I panicked. Maybe I don't want to be king. Or, maybe I do. I always wanted to be an adventurer, so I decided that... now was the only way I would see if that could possibly be. And after the king recognized me, I see that my burden can never be shirked in a real way. My father has sent my likeness to all four corners of the world, and I've been forced to try and dodge anyone who would recognize me. "But... then I met you. You invited me to this Ball and, well, I realized that being among the court and giving you gifts made me happier than taverns and the road." [["So, what does this mean for us?"]]

His eyes go wide as they finally meet yours. "Us?" He repeats. "Well, I couldn't presume to tell you your feelings. I've complicated your life more than enough for one evening! "I am //your// humble guest to this event, after all. If you would like me to go, then I will. The carriage will take you back home, and you'll never see or hear from me again if you like." You pause a moment, letting it all sink in. Gavven is a dwarven prince, and you're a commoner's child. This past day has been a whirlwind of luxury and joy, but looking back, it's all tinted with the secrecy that Gavven kept around himself. "Of course," Gavven says, "I'd love to spend the evening with you, still. I could lead you through some dwarven dances, I can even get us a private meeting with the king! Anything you want. If you'll have me, that is." [["Let's just enjoy tonight."]] [["Does it have to end tonight?"]]

{(if:$stubborn is >= 5)["Of course," Gavven gives you a sweeping bow. "I understand the nature of our arrangement, and I'm deeply honored that I could have given this experience to you."]}\ {(if:$clever is >= 5)["Are you always too smart for your own good?" He rumbles a laugh. "Or, perhaps, my own good. While it saddens me that this will be our last night together, I also feel fortunate to have known you while I could. You've changed my life, truly."]}\ {(if:$considerate is >= 5)["Then I implore you to let me enjoy your company until we part. Providing you with the night of your life has been one of my greatest honors, after all." He smiles at you, warmly.]}\ [["Can you help me make some introductions?"]] [["Party time!"]] [["I can hardly believe a prince was my date to the King's Grand Ball!"]]

"I..." Gavven's face darkens with a deep blush. "I suppose it doesn't. But that would mean you would come back to the Dwarven kingdom with me. You'd be leaving your life, here, behind!" He drops his eyes, then runs his gaze up your full legnth. "Is that something you would truly want?" [["Let's just enjoy tonight."]] [["If it means more days like this one... then yes!"]]

{(if:$stubborn is >= 5)[Gavven laughs, a low sound that rumbles in his chest. "I suppose I know better than to try and dissuade you... Alright then! If you really wish to come back with me, then I will provide for you."]}\ {(if:$clever is >= 5)[Gavven smiles and runs a hand through his hair. "Oh, father might have my head but you have my heart! You'll charm the whole court with your wiles, and they'll understand in no time I'm sure."]}\ {(if:$considerate is >= 5)[Gavven beams like his heart might burst. "Really? It would be my great honor to see you taken care of as long as we might stay together! Father will have my head for this, but you have my heart!"]}\ [[Kiss Gavven.]] [[Pick Gavven up and kiss him.]] [["We should probably mingle before people start to stare."]]

Your lips meet through the fluff of his beard, and he presses you with an intense kiss. You part, and his face is flush. "I admit... that was better than I imagined it." [[Start the rest of your life with Gavven!]]

Gavven is lighter than you thought he'd be, light enough that you can spin with him in your arms and your lips pressed together. You feel him rumble with laughter against you before you set him back down. [[Start the rest of your life with Gavven!]]

"Naturally," he holds out his arm for you to take. "I've seen quite a few faces I recognize so far. Let's see how many of them are eager to help a friend of the next dwarven king." [[Enjoy the night.]]

Gavven pumps a fist in the air. "I'll follow your lead, friend! Race you to the ale!" [[Enjoy the night.]]

Gavven holds out his arm for you to take. "Right as usual! Besides, we can have as much alone time as you like once the sun rises." [[Start the rest of your life with Gavven!]]

"Oh, trust me," Gavven smiles. "I'n the one who can hardly believe the spectacular nature of my date." [[Enjoy the night.]]

The King's Grand Ball continues long into the night. You and Gavven dance until your feet are sore. He shows you dwarven steps, and you even lead him through a proper waltz. Gavven introduces you to dignitaries that are more than willing to commit your name to memory, promising to reach out to you and your family after the Ball. You even rendexvouz with the king at midnight for tea! At one point, you and Gavven have a drinking contest that he, of course, lets you win. Your prize is what is sure to be an unweildy headache in the morning, and the promise of one favor from the future king of the dwarves. [[The End]] (set:$ending to 2)

The night melts into a blissful blur as you and Gavven dance and mingle the hours away. Courting the nobles comes easy with Gavven at your side, and you come to realize that this could be your entire future. Meeting with the king at midnight for tea seems less daunting as Gavven holds your hand. And as the party lingers into the early hours, you and Gavven slip away and into your carriage. As one chapter of your life ends, another opens up and promises to fulfill your every dream at the side of the next dwarven king. [[The End]] (set:$ending to 1)

{(if:$ending is 1)[You introduce Gavven to your family before you head to the mountain ranges of the dwarven kingdom. Everyone is so happy to meet him, and Gavven promises to supply your family with anything they need. He offers to bring your parents to the mountains with you, but they are happy to stay where they've always been. You promise that you'll visit often. Likewise, Gavven's father is eager to meet you, the human that convinced his son to return to his homeland. He doesn't even seem to mind the circumstances you come from! The dwarves supply you with your own elaborate chambers in the royal estate, and for the first time ever, you have free time to dedicate to just yourself. And Gavven, of course, who spares no expense to see that your every whim is fulfilled. For years you live with Gavven and his family, making trips home every season. Your days are comfortable and painted with joy. As the human king plans his next Grand Ball, he sends you and Gavven personal invitations. And you wonder if, by the time the next Grand Ball comes around, you might be married to the king of the dwarves.]}\ {(if:$ending is 2)[Gavven makes sure that the carriage takes you all the way home to your family in the countryside. You tell them everything that happened in the Grand Ball, and you quickly set to writing letters to all the new connections you've brought home. Thanks to Gavven's good name, your family is flush with opportunity and wealth within a year of the Grand Ball. Your family business easily becomes the most prosperous in the human kingdoms, supplying every corner of the realm. You also have new connections in the dwarven kingdoms, where they eagerly trade with you. The human king, who is rather taken with you and your story, appoints your family to nobility within the next few years. You find yourself spending more and more time in the capital, and soon fetching marriage proposals from many noble families! Some even speculate that King Ludo himself might seek to pair you off with one of his heirs... But nothing is set in stone, as the dwarven king, your close contact, reminds you. Whatever you do next, you'll make your own fortune!]}\ {(if:$ending is 3)[True to her word, Lesande finds you again. Nearly a year has passed since the night of the King's Grand Ball, but one day she simply appears on your doorstep. And, just like that, it's as though she never left. Lesande's power has grown, and now she officially recognized as a magician across the world. She stays with you to meet your family and you prepare to leave with her to have more adventures across the land. The first place Lesande takes you is to her elven homeland. She introduces you to her master that sent her on the quest that inevitably allowed you to meet. Her master appraises you, and confesses that you might have a knack for magical talent should you choose to pursue it. But for now, all you wish to pursue is Lesande. You consider bringing Lesande back to the human lands for the next King's Grand Ball, and perhaps you will pursue a deeper relationship with her, there. But that is a plan for another year, and until then, it is more than enough to keep her close to you.]} {(if:$ending is 4)[Your Knighthood is largely a title only, for now. You can't abandon your family for a life of adventure and dragon hijinks straight away. First, as a newly noble house your family moves to the security and high society of the walled-in capital city. You become a fast ally to the king, and he seeks your counsel as he brings in every text he can about dragons. You find that not everyone shares your quick understanding and mastery of the dragon language, though why that is is still unknown. You don't see Lesande or Lysus again, but warn the king and his inner circle of the possible danger that might come from their being sleighted. A day will come when they will seek to claim their dragon prize. Ayela brings her dragon imps with her when you see her again. There are three of them, and true to Ayela's word they know your name and your story. Her babies, for now, are small enough to fit in the palace and your family home, and they become favored members of court in their own way. Ayela receives a knighthood herself, and you join together as valiant protectors of the human kingdoms: Knight Dragon Tongue, and Knight-Dragon Fire Breather.]} {(if:$ending is 5)[With Jeshyr officially allowed to practice bardic arts again, he offers to let you travel with him telling stories and spreading merriment. After spending so much time with him, you naturally pick up a few things about playing the lute from watching Jeshyr. He also teaches you how to properly sing without hurting your voice or the ears of your listeners. He pens your story together into song, and soon all of the human lands know the tale of the bard and the traveller, and how the King's Grand Ball brought you together.]} {(if:$ending is 6)[Part of you expected to lose the king's interest after Grand Ball. But you're pleasantly surprised when he sends for someone to collect you after you return home. Of course, your family insists that you return to the capital and do whatever the king says. He is a hero, after all. The kingdom loves him! And now the king might love you. The king treats you to the high honor of becoming a consort. This gives you a permanent place in the palace while you're waited on hand and foot like royalty. But you're not royalty, you remind yourself. It would certainly be unprecidented, but it's readily apparent that you are the king's favorite consort. He turns away marriage proposals from neighboring royalty, and some cortiers suspect it might be because he favors spending his time with you. You decide to take matters into your own hands and buy a ring for the king. You promise yourself to him, and swear that should he ever wish it, you would marry him. To your great relief and surprise, the king says yes!]} [[Play]] again! [[Credits]]

"Ah, yes," Gavven motions to the sun's position overhead. "It's getting late. We don't want to miss the King's Grand Ball, do we? It is, after all, the only excuse I have to be in your excellent company." [[Follow him to the carriage.]]

You and Gavven take your seats in the carriage, again, this time a bit closer than before. Feeling refreshed and reminded of the beautiful place you live, leaning against his shoulder feels a bit more natural. [[Look through the carriage window.]] [[Pay attention to Gavven.]]

"It may be harder to have brothers and sisters," Gavven replies. "My brother and I compete for everything. If there were only one of us, things would be simpler." He looks to you. "What about you? Any competitive family?" [["I have siblings."]] [["I'm an only child."]]

Gavven smiles. "I'm sincerely sorry to hear that." He claps you on the shoulder and laughs. "Ah, I'm not being serious. Having brothers and sisters in the country probably made life more fun! Not like in the stuffy mountains of the dwarven kingdom." It's true, and you remember the times you and your siblings ran through the fields outside your house. Sometimes you got into trouble with the wildlife or fought with each other, but most of the time, it was nice not to be alone in the expanse of greenery you call home. [["I suppose we should get back."]] (set:$siblings to true)

"Then in a way, you are the last of your line. How does it feel?" You think about it a moment, about the pressures from your parents to have children, to take up more responsible roles in the family, but ultimately you decide that it's not quite the same as having lost all your family and being forced to preserve it yourself, like the king. [["I suppose we should get back."]] (set:$siblings to false)

"Ah," he says, "Yes, I see now. Sir Lancellot slew his king's courtly enemies in the palace instead of the battlefield. Hardly anything noble about that." He sighs, wistful. "But, for a while, he was a man of great honor." [["I suppose we should get back."]]

He chuckles, a little. "Well, Lancellot also murdered several court officials in his later years. Perhaps it might not be best to idolize him too much." Gavven appraises the statue one more time, and this time the twinkle in his eye is gone. [["I suppose we should get back."]]

Gavven takes your hand as you step out of the water and head for the nearest bench. There, you spread out under the sun to dry. Gavven sits heavily beside you, and after a while says "Thanks for that. I never would have done that on my own." [["I suppose we should get back."]]

Gavven's face turns red to match your finger, which he intently focuses on. "Not deep. Just a scratch. There should be a bandage in the carriage, we should clean this so it won't get infected." You use your other hand to touch his shoulder, thanking him for his concern over you. "And, for the record," he says with a stern face. "Nothing is worth //your// wellbeing." [["I suppose we should get back."]]

Gavven coddles your hand, oblivious to your assurance. "It doesn't look deep, but we should clean this so it doesn't get infected. I believe the carriages usually have some small first aid kits in them..." You take your hand from him with a gentle but firm tug and remind him that you're fine. He sighs. "Yes, yes, I see that. I'm sorry, I panicked." [["I suppose we should get back."]]

You let the coin fly and it makes a satisfying //plop// as it hits the water. You can't help but look at Gavven the moment you open your eyes, but maybe that's just because he's watching you with excited curiosity. "What'd you wish for?" You open your mouth to respond, but he holds up his hands to stop you. "No, wait! Don't tell me. I don't want to know. I wished for answers, and, well, I don't want jinx it." [["I suppose we should get back."]]

With a smile quirked on your face, you let the coin fly. It hits the water with a satisfying //plop.// Gavven is practically right in front of you when you open your eyes. "Oh, we wished for the same thing!" He beams. "I can see it in your face! Clear as crystal!" You both laugh, and then look up at the sun as it moves closer to the horizon. [["I suppose we should get back."]]

With a quick motion, you hoist the dwarf into your lap and nuzzle against his beard. His hands are quick and deft to find your waist, holding you close together in a desperate and firm grip. His lips find the soft flesh of your neck and send tingles through your body. Your breaths come quick, and the moment lingers. Yet, it's over too soon as your chair groans under the weight of two bodies and the curtains fall closed on stage. Flustered and short of breath, you separate and adjust your clothes. [["I suppose we should get back."]]

You energetically throw yourself out of bed, ready to group up with Lesande and find yourself a dragon. Lesande is a bit surprised by your newfound energy, but pleasantly so. "If that's how you feel, then let's be off. I have our horses ready to go outside." [["Lead the way."]] [["Let's get that dragon."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

Lesande shakes her head, then takes your hand to lift you out of bed. "Fortunately, I was already prepared for this journey. I should have enough in my packs to share with you for a day. And enough coin to procure more on my way home. Your concern is touching, though." You start to speak up. Lesande stops you with a lifted hand. "I know, the concern is more for yourself. I've thought of that, too, so I have your horse ready to go outside as well." You sigh. [["Lead the way."]] [["Let's get that dragon."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

"An astute question," Lesande comments as you get to your feet. "You might not be dead weight after all." You shrug. "We're headed out past the plains. Seismic activity from ancient times has left it marred with crevices and cliffs. Our dragon has made its lair in one of these. Our horses are ready to take us there, swiftly." [["Lead the way."]] [["Let's get that dragon."]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

"Naturally," Lesande fluidly turns on her heel and leaves you in your room to gather your bags and get changed. You follow Lesande outside the tavern to find your horses saddled and fed. Your mare seems plain beside the large, onyx-black steed with a silver mane that Lesande has ridden here. [[Mount your horse.]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

Lesande brings you outside the tavern to find your horses saddled and fed. Your mare seems plain beside the large, onyx-black steed with a silver mane that Lesande has ridden here. Lesande breathes the fresh air with a small smile. "A dawn ride is just what I need." [[Mount your horse.]] (set:$clever to it +1)

Lesande flicks her horse's reigns and her horse charges forward with none of the jerky motions that your mare makes as she gets up to speed to follow. Dawn light drips across the sky and brings about the sunrise, and the sun climbs overhead. The village fades into the horizon as your horses charge ahead, first along the main road, then down a dirt path, and occassionally traversing across fields of long grass, weaving through a wooded trail, and crossing rivers. [[Tell Lesande about the foothills.]] [[Tell Lesande about the river.]] [[Tell Lesande about the forest.]]

These foothills are part of the farmlands that you've grown up around. Humans in these parts are hard workers, and they appreciate the fine land that they live off of. The summer brings flowers and bees, the winter sees the land covered in white. "These open plains do have a sort of beauty to them," Lesande says as you talk about this part of the human lands. "Elven lands are mostly water and crystal. All this grass is... refreshing. "You know, this seems like a good enough spot to stop and eat." Lesande stops her horse and you pull up beside her. She easily slips off her saddle and opens her knapsack, then curls up on the grass. Her horse is quickly distracted by nearby grass, and loudly starts chewing. [[Take a seat beside Lesande.]] (set:$foothills to true)

Your path takes you along a river with rocks jutting out of the surface to create white crests on the ripples. This river is one of dozens that crisscross the human lands, gathering together and branching off of larger bodies all across the kingdom. The sound of the babbling water reminds you of all the stories you heard about monsters in the rivers that would snatch up children who were careless and got too close. "How ridiculous," Lesande says with a quick laugh. "The elven lands are surrounded by ocean, there are no monsters that hunt children! Everything that lives in the water is part of nature." She gestures to the ripplings surface, and you spy a cluster of fish swimming with the current and darting from shore to shore as if playing. "You know, this seems like a good enough spot to stop and eat." Lesande stops her horse and you pull up beside her. She easily slips off her saddle and opens her knapsack, and curls up on the bank. Her horse drifts its muzzle over the clear water and begins to lap it up. [[Take a seat beside Lesande.]] (set:$river to true)

As your party edges on the shadows of the trees, you remember the stories you've heard about places like these being haunted. According to some accounts of past wars, every soldier who fell in this region became a tree. And with the larger, more dense sections of trees, they serve as a stark reminder of the losses incurred by war. "What a grim tale," Lesande says, thoughtfully. "I suppose it serves its purpose well. The humans have been out of any major conflicts for a century. The elves, meanwhile, are constantly fighting amongst each other to move borders a mile this way and that." Still, the beauty of the forests are undeniable. In the fall, colors spread across this section of the king's land like bright paint swatches. She shakes her head. "You know, this seems like a good enough spot to stop and eat." Lesande stops her horse and you pull up beside her. She easily slips off her saddle and opens her knapsack, and rests against the base of a tree. Her horse shades himself, and shakes dust off his shiny coat. [[Take a seat beside Lesande.]] (set:$forest to true)

Lesande passes a fresh apple to you and you take a grateful bite. Then you share a piece of salted meat, and wash it all down with some dark wine. {(if:$river is true)[You each help yourself to some clear, cool water from the rushing river... up-stream from where the horses have been drinking, of course.]}\ {(if:$foothills is true)[You spot a patch of dandelions nearby, and take some for Lesande to add to a cantine. She heats it with her magic, and you both have dandelion tea to loosen your muscles.]}\ {(if:$forest is true)[You gather loose twigs and dry leaves and pile them together so Lesande can use her magic to spark a flame. As you eat and drink, the warmth of the fire comforts you.]}\ Lesande takes a deep breath before hoisting her pack onto her shoulder and standing. But as she does, one of the books she was reading last night slips into the dust and dirt. Lesande doesn't seem to notice. You reach out and lift it. The weight of the pages in your hands gives you pause. It would be easy to flip the cover open, to take a long look at some of the knowledge Lesande has kept to herself. With a quick glance over your shoulder, you see Lesande is occupied with reigning in the horses and hooking the saddles up with bags. [[Look in the book Lesande left behind.]] [[Ride to the dragon's lair.]]

The thick, hard cover book is lighter than you expected it to be. It fits almost perfectly in your hand. While Lesande is occupied, you palm the cover and leaf through the pages. Each one is made of thick parchment covered with rich images. As you turn the pages, you sense that the information within is seeping easily into your mind without you having to focus on it. The diagrams of dragon bodies, the maps of their flight and locations, the nature of their origins flash through your mind's eye faster than you can blink. But what stops you is a thick section of the book comprised entirely of strange, runic symbols that you somehow recognize as letters. Letters that, if you focus, you know in your heart you can understand. However, Lesande might not like you reading the book without her permission... [[Keep reading the dragon language.]] [[Ride to the dragon's lair.]]

Your hand brushes the paper and your eyes scan over the foreign characters. Words materialize in your mind, telling of dragon secrets and ancient lore that has been lost to time and memory. But you read it, and you understand it. The words wrap around you and ensnare you... until you're abruptly interrupted by a familiar voice. Lesande. "What's the hold up?" [["I'm coming."]] [["Hold your horses."]] (set:$dragonlanguage to true)

You hold the book tight and press the covers closed as you get to your feet. "Oh," Lesande says as you hand her the book. "I didn't realize I dropped this. Thank you. It belongs to my master, and he would be furious if I lost it." Lesande tucks the book away and pulls herself onto her saddle. She smiles warmly at you, though perhaps it's just from her full stomach putting her in a good mood. Before the sun reaches the top of the sky, Lesande brings the ride to a stop. You see jagged scars in the ground where crevasses and sheer cliffsides have broken the land into sections. What lies beyond appears to be a wasteland shrouded in smoky fog. "This is it," Lesande says, and points to the closest crevase. "We need to draw the dragon out so I can slay it." [[Distract the dragon yourself.]] [[Let Lesande distract the dragon.]]

With a look over your shoulder at Lesande, and then back at the words before you, [[Follow Lesande to the dragon's lair.]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"Is that supposed to be a joke?" You shrug, shifting so that you can keep reading. Even half-focused as you are, you can make out plenty of the information that streams into your brain. As you finish a page, you slap the covers closed to spin around and face Lesande. She eyes you strangely, then snatches the book from you. "Are you ready to go?" [[Follow Lesande to the dragon's lair.]] (set:$clever to it +1)

You drop down off your horse, chest puffed proudly. You can handle this distraction. After all, that was implied in your deal to get Lesande to accompany you to the Grand Ball. Lesande gets to her feet as well and adopts a powerful stance. You can feel the air around her crackling as she gathers magic energy. She gives you a nod, and you turn back to the crevase. A low, animalistic growl rumbles along the ground. [[Charge the dragon's lair.]] [[Scare your horse.]] [[Start singing.]]

You lean back on your horse and eye Lesande. She eyes you as well. Lesande lets out an airy groan. "Fine, I'll do it. You'd probably muck it up, anyway." She drops from the back of her horse and onto the balls of her feet. [[Suggest using loose rocks.]] [[Volunteer the local wildlife.]] [[Point out rainclouds.]]

The best way to get the thing's attention, you surmise, is to go straight for it. You don't have any weapon, but you do have endurance built up from years of living outside a protective city wall and your own bravery. Your feet pound the rock as you charge toward a darkened crack in the crevase, and it opens up into a deep cave... but that cave is occupied. A pair of bright yellow eyes bigger than any creature you've ever seen stare back at your approaching form through the darkness. You skid to a quick stop at the mouth of the cave and glare hard at the creature inside. A plume of smoke bursts out of the cave as a massive, scaly claw emerges, then pulls a growling body forward. The first thing you see are the massive horns and sharp scales that surround the piercing eyes of the monstrous creature. It opens its maw, smoke spills out between its teeth, and the dragon roars loud enough to drop you to your knees. [[RUN!!]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

You don't have a weapon to hold your ground against the beast, but you do have your wits. And thinking quickly, you slap your hand against your horse's flank. Your horse whinnies and darts forward. You scamper behind her as she charges the crevase, and shout both to keep your horse startled and to divide the dragon's attention as its bright, fiery eyes appear in the mouth of a cave in the stone walls. Your horse's hooves echo off the walls until it clambers to a stop and then breaks into a panicked sprint back toward you. The dragon's powerful stomping claws follow your horse, and you shout again to draw its attention. The first thing you see are the massive horns and sharp scales that surround the piercing eyes of the monstrous creature. It opens its maw, smoke spills out between its teeth, and the dragon roars loud enough to drop you to your knees. [[RUN!!]] (set:$clever to it +1)

As Lesande searches for a vantage point, you think about what she asked you to do. Draw it out... Of course, what would a dragon come for? Prey. You know that you simply need to alert it to the presence of "prey." Your first reaction, your natural response is, of course, to sing! You clear your throat and open your arms, then start to belt out lyrics of classic folk songs from your childhood. It doesn't matter if you sing well, in fact, the louder and more obnoxious you are, the more the dragon will want to get you! Right? Sure enough, the dragon rears its head from a dark cave from inside the crevase. The first thing you see are the massive horns and sharp scales that surround the piercing eyes of the monstrous creature. It opens its maw, smoke spills out between its teeth, and the dragon roars loud enough to drop you to your knees. Your last note falters. [[RUN!!]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

Lesande looks to the top of the crevase, where you point. "I see," she says. "That's so obvious, it would never work." A deep rumble thunders along the ground, shaking the loose rocks on the ground. It comes from a dark cave deep into the crevase. Lesande adopts a powerful stance. You can feel the air around her crackling as she gathers magic energy. Your horse backs up with a nervous whine. "Face me, dragon!" Lesande bellows, and the power she commands makes the ground tremble as easily as the dragon's weight. (if:$dragonlanguage is true)["Face me, and face your end!" She shouts with words you understand but don't recognize.](if:$dragonlanguage is false)[She shouts, again, but you don't know what the series of groans and clicks mean. It disturbs you, and you back up.]\ An animalistic growl, followed by thunderous footsteps answers the taunt. Lesande wastes no time in her response, launching viscious bolts of pure magic energy at a cluster of large, loose rocks at the top of the crevase. The first thing you see are the massive horns and sharp scales that surround the piercing eyes of the monstrous creature. It opens its maw, smoke spills out between its teeth, and the dragon roars loud enough to make your horse rear up and throw you to the ground. Then, rocks clash against the dragon's head and back. Its roars cut off in a choke. Lesande's body shimmers with magic, and a long blade of glowing energy forms between her hands. [[Watch the battle.]] [[Cheer for Lesande!]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

"You want me to use the magic I've been honing for my entire life to draw out the common creatures of the area and send them against a //dragon?//" There is a moment of quiet while you and Lesande simply stare at each other. Lesande narrows her eyes. "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard, but it's just stupid enough to work." A deep rumble thunders along the ground, shaking the loose rocks on the ground. It comes from a dark cave deep into the crevase. Lesande adopts a powerful stance. You can feel the air around her crackling as she gathers magic energy. Your horse backs up with a nervous whine. "Face me, dragon!" Lesande bellows, and the power she commands makes the ground tremble as easily as the dragon's weight. (if:$dragonlanguage is true)["Face me, and face your end!" She shouts with words you understand but don't recognize.](if:$dragonlanguage is false)[She shouts, again, but you don't know what the series of groans and clicks mean. It disturbs you, and you back up.]\ An animalistic growl, followed by thunderous footsteps answers the taunt. The first thing you see are the massive horns and sharp scales that surround the piercing eyes of the monstrous creature. It opens its maw, smoke spills out between its teeth, and the dragon roars loud enough to make your horse rear up and throw you to the ground. But as you gasp for your breath on the ground, dozens of footsteps from a stampede of raging elk charge past you with their antlers aimed for the dragon. Hawks with wingspans larger than the breadth of your arms dive the dragon's eyes from the sky. The dragon's focus shifts to the creatures assaulting it from above and below. Lesande's body shimmers with magic, and a long blade of glowing energy forms between her hands. [[Watch the battle.]] [[Cheer for Lesande!]] (set:$clever to it +1)

Lesande taps on her chin, deep in thought. "You're suggesting using the power of natural elements? I see... the raw power of the elements against a might beast like the dragon would be quite a clash. But which would be stronger?" A deep rumble thunders along the ground, shaking the loose rocks on the ground. It comes from a dark cave deep into the crevase. Lesande adopts a powerful stance. You can feel the air around her crackling as she gathers magic energy. Your horse backs up with a nervous whine. "Face me, dragon!" Lesande bellows, and the power she commands makes the ground tremble as easily as the dragon's weight. (if:$dragonlanguage is true)["Face me, and face your end!" She shouts with words you understand but don't recognize.](if:$dragonlanguage is false)[She shouts, again, but you don't know what the series of groans and clicks mean. It disturbs you, and you back up.]\ An animalistic growl, followed by thunderous footsteps answers the taunt. The first thing you see are the massive horns and sharp scales that surround the piercing eyes of the monstrous dragon. It opens its maw, smoke spills out between its teeth, and the dragon roars loud enough to make your horse rear up and throw you to the ground. Then the sky darkens, the wind takes on a sheer edge that cuts through the crevase. Rain drops heavy as sandbags, pointed cicles of hail, and air-shaking thunder pounds the dragon, dousing the fire that forms on its tongue. And when a white-holt bolt of lightning strikes its wings, it throws its head back and screeches against the wind. Lesande's body shimmers with magic, and a long blade of glowing energy forms between her hands. [[Watch the battle.]] [[Cheer for Lesande!]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

Your thoughts are far away as you ride to the furthest parts of the human lands. Lesande's silence is not as harsh at it once was, but you still feel uncomfortable in it. Before the sun reaches the top of the sky, Lesande brings the ride to a stop. You see jagged scars in the ground where crevasses and sheer cliffsides have broken the land into sections. What lies beyond appears to be a wasteland shrouded in smoky fog. There are no maps for this part of the world. But, somehow, you know it. "This is it," Lesande says, and points to the closest crevase. "We need to draw the dragon out so I can slay it." But something on the wind is whispering in your ear. It almost sounds like... a voice. [["Wait a minute."]] [[Listen closely.]]

You hold up a hand to stop Lesande from moving forward. You squint and focus hard on the sound. It's definitely a voice. "What?" Lesande asks. It's not the voice you heard before. "What is it?" [[Listen closely.]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

As you listen, you make out the faint words of a foreign voice. It hums with a low reverberation. "It's unfair..." [["Do you hear something?"]] [["I hear a voice."]] [["I thought I heard something."]]

You scramble to your feet, your heart pounding in your ears. Your feet pound the stone and rubble, with the dragon's pounding feet and scrabbling claws growing louder and louder behind you. The scent of smoke wafts around you. [[Hide in a small cave.]] [[Hide behind Lesande.]]

Lesande shoots forward with super speed. From your vantage, she looks like a towering force of magic and strength. The dragon splits the air with a roar and Lesande lunges for the exposed flesh of its neck. Her first strike misses, but her next sewers the webbed skin of its wings. The dragon swipes for Lesande, but she protects herself with a powerful magic shield. She moves quickly to the underbelly of the dragon and slices deep. With another burst of magic, the sword grows and spears the dragon completely. Its black blood sprays the walls and the dragon falls down dead. You rush to your feet, your breath barely caught, and race to Lesande's side. "It's done," she says. "I did it." [["I could watch you fight dragons all day."]] [["That was amazing!"]] [["What do we do now?"]]

Lesande shoots past you, and you suck in as much air as you can to let out a cheer as she appears to channel all of her magic and strength into facing down the dragon. The dragon splits the air with a roar and Lesande lunges for the exposed flesh of its neck. Her first strike misses, but her next sewers the webbed skin of its wings. The dragon swipes for Lesande, but she protects herself with a powerful magic shield. You pull yourself up and forward and hurl your voice in a hearty whooping that encourages Lesande. She moves quickly to the underbelly of the dragon and slices deep. With another burst of magic, the sword grows and spears the dragon completely. Its black blood sprays the walls and the dragon falls down dead. You spring to your feet and run as fast as you can to Lesande's side. "It's over," she says. "I did it." [["I could watch you fight dragons all day."]] [["That was amazing!"]] [["What do we do now?"]]

You dive into a narrow opening on the side of the crevase and slip into the mouth of the tiny cave. The dragon's great eye looms in the entrance as you wedge yourself into the space. A displeased screech breaks through the air as the dragon's talons scratch around the cave mouth. Then, she backs up. And another shadow crosses her path. It's Lesande! Lesande's body shimmers with magic, and a long blade of glowing energy forms between her hands. The dragon splits the air with a roar and Lesande lunges for the exposed flesh of its neck. Her first strike misses, but her next sewers the webbed skin of its wings. The dragon swipes for Lesande, but she protects herself with a powerful magic shield. She moves quickly to the underbelly of the dragon and slices deep. With another burst of magic, the sword grows and spears the dragon completely. Its black blood sprays the walls and the dragon falls down dead. [[Check out the dragon's corpse.]] [[Hug Lesande.]]

You dart and claw your way to the end of the crevase and spy Lesande. Her body shimmers with magic, and a long blade of glowing energy forms between her hands. You dive and she surges past you, and you collide with the ground that used to be in Lesande's shadow. The dragon splits the air with a roar and Lesande lunges for the exposed flesh of its neck. Her first strike misses, but her next sewers the webbed skin of its wings. The dragon swipes for Lesande, but she protects herself with a powerful magic shield. She moves quickly to the underbelly of the dragon and slices deep. With another burst of magic, the sword grows and spears the dragon completely. Its black blood sprays the walls and the dragon falls down dead. [[Check out the dragon's corpse.]] [[Hug Lesande.]]

Lesande looks down her nose at you, skeptical. "//I// do, but you shouldn't be." You gawk. Lesande's eyes narrow. "Are you hearing the voice of the dragon?" [["Dragons can talk?"]] [["No, I don't think that's it."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

"A voice?" Lesande asks. "Whose voice?" You don't know. She sighs, long and deep. "Don't tell me you're hearing the dragon?" [["Dragons can talk?"]] [["No, I don't think that's it."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"What did you hear?" You describe the whispering voice and the faint words you can make out. Lesande groans. "Do you care to tell me //why// you're hearing the dragon?" [["Dragons can talk?"]] [["No, I don't think that's it."]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

You draw yourself closer to the massive, steaming body of the powerful beast. Its dark scales seem to shimmer as the sun creeps across the sky. The fire in its eyes dull and snuff out, as the final puff of smoke peters out of its nostrils. But the talons on it don't seem as terrifying, now: dull and chipped. Lesande lets out a long breath. "It's over," she says. "We did it." [["I could watch you fight dragons all day."]] [["That was amazing!"]] [["What do we do now?"]]

Using the last of your strength, you throw yourself around Lesande. She stiffens, slightly, but then her shoulders sag against you. "It's over," she says, breathless. "We did it." [["I could watch you fight dragons all day."]] [["That was amazing!"]] [["What do we do now?"]]

Before Lesande can answer you, an anguished cry rips through the air. "Please! I need help!" Lesande whips her horse directly in front of you. Her eyes are hard as they bore into you, watching your reaction. "You looked in that book, didn't you? Those were given to me by my master to prepare me for this task. They were //not for you.//" [["I admit it, you're right. I'm sorry."]] [["Can't you hear her? She's trapped!"]]

You lean back, trying not to look at her. Before Lesande can speak up, an anguished cry rips through the air. "Please! I need help!" Lesande whips her horse directly in front of you. Her eyes are hard as they bore into you, watching your reaction. "You looked in that book, didn't you? Those were given to me by my master to prepare me for this task. They were //not for you.//" [["I admit it, you're right. I'm sorry."]] [["Can't you hear her? She's trapped!"]]

Lesande straightens in her seat, and now when she glares down at you she seems terrifying and powerful instead of nursing offended sensibilities. "I will give you one last chance, friend. Will you or won't you aid me on my quest to slay this beast?" [["Yes, I'll help you fight the dragon."]] [["No, I won't let you kill her!"]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"Of course she's trapped!" Lesande barks. "How else do you think my master knew where to find her and where to send me with the guarantee of my success?" You gape. Lesande knew that the dragon was here because she was unable to leave? What could keep a dragon from leaving when a hunter was on the way? "Whatever you think you know, it isn't important. I have a task to complete, and I am going to earn my status. That dragon dies today." [["I admit it, you're right. I'm sorry."]] [["I don't care, Lesande. This isn't right."]] [["You'd kill her just because someone told you to?"]]

Lesande smiles, the corners of her mouth in terrifyingly sharp points. "That's what I thought." She points to the closest crevasse, where you heard the dragon before. "This is where we'll find the dragon. We need to draw her out so that I can slay her." [[Distract the dragon yourself.]] [[Let Lesande distract the dragon.]]

Lesande's eyes darken, and power crackles in the air around her. Your horse whinnies nervously and takes a few steps back. "I see." Your horse bucks back and tosses you to the ground. You hit it hard and your breath flies out of you as your horse takes off. Lesande drops down from her steed, and towers over you. Magic shimmers around her, and what feels like fire wafts off of her. You gasp to catch your breath, and as you do, you feel your heartrate surging. You have to fight her. But can you do it alone? [[Call out to the dragon.]] [[Attack Lesande.]]

"Will it be right when the dragon breaks free and takes out her vengeance on the human lands? Will you allow her such freedom to destroy your home? Your family?" You pause, the image of your family home up in flames disturbing you to the core. "I will give you one last chance, friend," Lesande says. "Will you or won't you aid me on my quest to slay this beast?" [["Yes, I'll help you fight the dragon."]] [["No, I won't let you kill her!"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

She scoffs. "I would kill her because that is how I prove myself as a great magician. Years of study have brought me to this moment, and I won't allow an interloper to take this from me. "I will grant one final courtesy: abandon this foolish thought of saving this dragon and help me, or die with her." [["Yes, I'll help you fight the dragon."]] [["No, I won't let you kill her!"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

Her magic fades, and everything in the crevase returns to normal. She stands over the body of the dragon and tugs at one of the scales knocked loose from her attacks. "This should do it." You watch after her with curiosity as she whistles loudly for the horses to return to her. The horses are still twitchy, their ears flicking and muscles flexing as they come to a stop with the two of you. The scale in Lesande's hands begins to glow with her magic, and then dissipates into dust that rains over the horses. Their eyes begin to glow, and you sense that now, these horses will be much faster. Lesande smiles at you. "I believe we have a Ball to get to." [[Climb onto the magically enhanced horses.]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

"Well, it should be after all the years I've spent learning," Lesande says with a barking laugh. Her magic fades, and everything in the crevase returns to normal. She stands over the body of the dragon and tugs at one of the scales knocked loose from her attacks. "This should do it." You watch after her with curiosity as she whistles loudly for the horses to return to her. The horses are still twitchy, their ears flicking and muscles flexing as they come to a stop with the two of you. The scale in Lesande's hands begins to glow with her magic, and then dissipates into dust that rains over the horses. Their eyes begin to glow, and you sense that now, these horses will be much faster. Lesande smiles at you. "I believe we have a Ball to get to." [[Climb onto the magically enhanced horses.]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

Lesande wipes her brow. "Fortunately for me, you don't have to." Her magic fades, and everything in the crevase returns to normal. She stands over the body of the dragon and tugs at one of the scales knocked loose from her attacks. "This should do it." You watch after her with curiosity as she whistles loudly for the horses to return to her. The horses are still twitchy, their ears flicking and muscles flexing as they come to a stop with the two of you. The scale in Lesande's hands begins to glow with her magic, and then dissipates into dust that rains over the horses. Their eyes begin to glow, and you sense that now, these horses will be much faster. Lesande smiles at you. "I believe we have a Ball to get to." [[Climb onto the magically enhanced horses.]] (set:$clever to it +1)

A series of words come to your mind, words that you've never spoken or heard aloud but that you know from some secret chamber of your mind. You read the language of the dragons, and you know it. You open your mouth and summon words from deep inside your mind. "Please! Dragon!" You cry with a voice you barely recognize as your own. "I seek your aid, and you shall have mine!" A roar that rattles the earth comes as your answer, and the dragon emerges from within the dark shadows of the split open ground. Its eyes are large and fiery, and they focus on you and Lesande. It spreads its wings half out to display the dark and shimmering scales. It opens its mouth wide and spews a white-hot gout of fire down the crevasse. A warning, and the last one that Lesande will have. [[Go to the dragon.]] [["You should leave, Lesande."]]

With a burst of bravery, you lash out and kick Lesande's legs out from under her. She unceremoniously hits the ground and you take your chance at having the upper hand. You launch yourself at her prone form, but before you reach her she vanishes into thin air. Then, she reappears behind you! You barely have enough time to look over your shoulder when she hits you with a blast of magic that lances you, painfully. [[Call out to the dragon.]] [[Fight back.]]

You refuse to stay down and you return Lesande's attack with a hard right hook. It catches Lesande on the jaw and rocks her. She drops to the ground and the magic around her evaporates. "Augh," she groans, reaching her jaw and leaning away from you, digging her elbow into the ground. The way she holds herself, you think this might be the first time she's ever been hit. "You violent brute! You're no better than that monster!" [["You should leave, Lesande."]]

Lesande scowls at you, then at the crevasse and back to you. The dragon's voice tumbles across the space in a growl. "Go?" she spits the words and then a glob of blood. "You think you'll be safe from that monster? That this dragon won't eat you as easily as it will your family?" Magic begins to hum around Lesande again, and you think she might attack, but she doesn't. Instead, she draws her horse to her side through a magic signal that brings the steed to her. [[Go to the dragon.]]

You run through the crevasse, scattering loose stones at your heels. Dark streaks of ash line the walls and the rocks are still hot. Sweat beads your brow. The dragon reels back, making a clicking sound of reproach at the sight of you. But you can see in the dragon's eyes a sense of understanding that you never would have recognized before. You skid to a stop at the feet of the dragon, and you hear her speak. "Are you the one who called on me? Yet, you came with that vile sorceress..." You confess that, while at first you were there to help Lesande, you changed your mind and now, you want the dragon to have her freedom! In the dragon language, this is conveyed in remarkably few words. When you look back, Lesande is gone. [[Examine the dragon's wings.]] [[Examine the dragon's feet.]] [[Examine the dragon's eyes.]]

Your mare has always been rather strong, but as you climb onto her back now, you feel the rejuvenation that floods through her. She holds her head just a bit higher, and she stomps in place with eagerness to be moving. Lesande's steed strides forward with his head held high, and Lesande does as well. "If we head out now, I think I know a shortcut from here." You grin, and together you and Lesande kick your horses into motion. You've never felt such a rush of wind and strength as your horses thunder across the ground, away from the edges of the cliffs and back to the countryside of the human lands. It's actually not far from where your family lives, which is concerning to think how close you were to a dragon all this time. The fact it never attacked is truly amazing. What should have taken you all day, your horses cover the ground up to the capital gates in mere hours. Neither you or your horse feel sore from the ride! The guards see you and Lesande coming, and gawk at your speedy approach. The closer you get, the harder it is for their eyes to follow you! [[Show the guards your invitation.]] [["Jealous?"]] [["Bow before the great dragon slayers!"]]

The guards stare at you and Lesande a bit longer before they look to your invitation. After a moment, they nod and hand it back to allow you through the gates. Lesande leads you through, setting the pace for you and your horses at an easy strut. Flags of the human's kingdom hang from nearly every stoop, the cobblestones are neat and even, and every window is polished perfectly to reflect the sun above. People fill the sidewalks, wearing everything from commoner's rags to elaborate Ball attire. It's one of the only times you can see both in any district of the capital. You and Lesande leave your horses in the stables outside the royal gate. "Wait," Lesande stops you as you prepare to head inside. "We can't go into the human king's palace looking like this." She gestures at her clothes, and then yours. Both are wrinkled, scuffed, and dirty from the day. Dark stains of dried blood are spattered across Lesande's robes. But with a few flicks of Lesande's wrist, magic swirls around her waist and legs. Her riding pants and boots vanish behind gossamer cloth, embroidered with intricate elven designs that wraps around her legs and hangs off her hips. Her vest becomes a strapless drapery of silk and gold beads. Even Lesande's short hair tidies itself and shines. Then she looks to you, expectantly. [["Make me a dress!"]] [["Make me a suit!"]]

You puff up your chest and look down your nose at the guards with a smirk. Lesande groans. "Don't be petty. We should get inside." [[Show the guards your invitation.]]

Lesande rushes between you and the guards to cut you off as you gloat. "Now, there's no use in bragging. I should inform my master before anyone else." You shift in your saddle, hoping to brush off your admonishment. [[Show the guards your invitation.]]

Lesande waves her hand, and your dirty boots and clothes disappear before your eyes, transforming into soft fabric you can feel against your skin. A great skirt of white silk and soft ruffles blossoms around you, rising up your torso and giving way to straps and long gloves of shimmering gold. Deep blue accents along heeled shoes that prop you up and stream through your hair. [[Go inside the palace.]]

Lesande waves her hand, and your dirty boots and clothes disappear before your eyes, transforming into soft fabric you can feel against your skin. The suit morphs together over you, a crisply tailored set of pants and a jacket, and ruffles down the front of your dress shirt. Elven shapes form along your hems, detailed designs of gold thread that stands out against the pure, white silk. [[Go inside the palace.]]

With both you and Lesande looking your best, you make your way through the palace gate with your arms linked together. The spires of the human palace glitter in the evening light. As you enter the castle, the elegance of it all washes over you. The pure white marble and the soft red rugs. Chandeliers glisten overhead with crystals and silver. Lesande pauses at your side, taking it all in. "I know we're here for the Ball, but I've heard so much about what the human king has in his castle... Maybe some of it is open tonight." You've heard of the castle's impressive features. And you can admit to a bit of curiosity about it as well. [[Take Lesande to the balcony.]] [[Take Lesande to the dining hall.]] [[Take Lesande to the observatory.]]

The royal palace has many towers that are open to the common folk for the event and, by following a few instructions, you and Lesande find your way to a balcony overlooking the entire capital city. Evening gives way to night, and one by one stars flicker to life along the vast sky. Lesande quickly escapes your side and brings herself to the balcony's edge. She holds the sides and leans forward, her head tilted back toward the sky. She doesn't say anything, but you can hear her breath catching as whatever she wants to say falters in her throat. [[Take Lesande's hand.]] [[Enjoy the moment with Lesande.]] [[Wrap your hands around her waist.]]

You follow your nose to the dining hall, finding rooms upon rooms stacked high with meats, or cheese, or fruits and vegetables. There is even an entire room dedicated to sweets! [[Grab a lot of food!]] [[Grab a drink!]] [[Get both!]]

As you get closer to the observatory, you notice that you're having to walk faster and faster to match pace with Lesande. She hurries forward without giving you a second thought. But it isn't that she's ignoring you: She's fixated on the domed roof that opens above you in glass panes perfectly interlocked to show the twinkling stars coming to life in the evening sky as it darkens. A series of large cylinders takes up over half of the room, the largest of them positioned through an opening in the ceiling that extends skyward. The bottom of the device is about the size of a human, or perhaps even an orc. You think you've heard of this before. It's called... "A telescope!" Lesande exclaims, running up to it. "I've never seen one this big before!" Lesande runs a hand along the msooth metal of the telescope, but her gaze drifts happily over the ceilling. She points. "That one is the North Star, it's used for sailing and some Magicians theorize it's part of a portal of magical energy!" [["You're adorable."]] [["I don't think I've ever seen you this happy."]] [["We just killed a dragon and you're more excited about stars?"]]

As you arrive you realize that you haven't eaten for hours! Your stomach rumbles fervently. You hand two plates to Lesande and lead her through the buffet tables, stacking each one with enough savory foods that could feed both of you three times over. Lesande hands over a plate to you, and examines her own. She chuckles. "This all looks so good, I almost don't know where to begin!" [["Enjoy!"]] [["To us!"]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

It occurs to you that this might be the only time you can try some of the finest wines in the country! And you might even be able to impress Lesande with something human. You bring her to an aromatic room where the walls are stacked with wooden barrels of aged wine, whiskey, and ale. You help yourself to a large glass of the wine with the longest name, and Lesande tries some of the whiskey. The taste clearly takes her by surprise, but she seems to enjoy it. "Oh, my," she says as she swirls the glass. "I've never tasted anything like this back home. What a unique flavor." [["To us!"]] [["Enjoy!"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

You encourage Lesande to wait for you, and hurry through the rooms of elaborate food displays and aromatic, high quality drinks. You stuff your amrs with plates piled high and glasses filled to the brim with a sampling of anything and everything you can think to grab that would impress Lesande! She watches you approach with wide eyes, and at the last moment, you trip over your own feet from being so caught up in the moment. You lose your grip on a glass of dark red wine, and it splatters over the front of Lesande's gown. [["Sorry..."]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

Your fingers lace together neatly and Lesande doesn't shy away from the touch, though it does draw her eyes away from the sky. She smirks and gives your hand a playful squeeze. "I see the magic of the stars isn't lost on the un-trained eye. Magicians study the stars, you know," she says, then looks back up. "It's one of my favorite things to observe. Power and beauty, all in one." [["The night's beautiful, but not as beautiful as you."]] [["I'm glad you're having a good time."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

You recognize the beauty that has captivated Lesande; a beauty that easily sweeps you up as well. The smell of the city wafts over the balcony, along with the fragrant floral scents of the garden sprawling from the eastern side of the palace. Lesande takes a deep breath as you come to stand behind her, and lets it out slow. "Magicians love the night sky," she says, her tone surprisingly wistful. "But even if I was just a regular elf, I would still love stars. They're beautiful." [["The night's beautiful, but not as beautiful as you."]] [["I'm glad you're having a good time."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

Lesande's breath hitches in her chest as your body surrounds her, and you both hold very still as Lesande's body heats up with blush. She eases back onto you, and you both breathe a little easier. "I love looking at the stars," she says. "They always remind me of the power beauty can hold." [["The night's beautiful, but not as beautiful as you."]] [["I'm glad you're having a good time."]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

Lesande folds her arms and furrows her brows like she's offended, but the blush on her cheeks tells a different story. "Forgive me for being passionate about my education. These stars bear a heavy influence on a magician's growth in their study." [["I didn't know stars and magic were related."]] [["What's your home observatory like?"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

Lesande smiles. "I suppose I do have a fondness for stars. They're powerful and beautiful at the same time, what's not to love?" You look a little closer at the ceiling, and notice that the lights illuminate a few thin marks etched into the glass. You recognize some of them as letters, and others and lines that seem to mark paths, but you can't make much sense of it. "My master likes the stars, too," she says, her eyes barely stopping on you as she looks around. "But he doesn't understand my obsession with them. He only views them as part of the study of magic and tools for learning." [["I didn't know stars and magic were related."]] [["What's your home observatory like?"]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

Lesande scoffs, then laughs. "You sound like my master. Dragons are powerful, sure, but the stars are beautiful, too. And, of course, you can't kill a star." You look a little closer at the ceiling, and notice that the lights illuminate a few thin marks etched into the glass. You recognize some of them as letters, and others and lines that seem to mark paths, but you can't make much sense of it. "My master likes the stars, too," she says, her eyes barely stopping on you as she looks around. "But he doesn't understand my obsession with them. He only views them as part of the study of magic and tools for learning." [["I didn't know stars and magic were related."]] [["What's your home observatory like?"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

"Naturally, I wouldn't expect you to," Lesande says sharply. Then, she catches herself. "Er... I mean that few outside the magician's college know anything about the correlation. Most of the commonfolk only track the phases of the moon, not the stars." You nod, recalling the medallion your parents kept around the house that marked the moon's shapes and what they signified. "Most of it is theory, I admit," Lesande's face is wistful again as her fingers trail the desks surrounding the huge telescope and stacked with odd-shaped bottles of colorful liquids and baubles. "But some things we know for certain. During the warmer season, for example, a star comes its closest and all magicians feel the strong hum of the magic it emits. It's intrinsically tied to the Long Night Celebration that most everyone celebrates." She laughs at herself, derailing your interested stare. "But I shouldn't ramble. This sort of information is too difficult for most to grasp without at least three years of college training." You think about asking her to continue, but then you notice the way she smooths down the front of her gown and remember what else is on the docket for the evening. [["Shall we dance?"]] [[Take Lesande to the Ballroom.]]

Despite what should be a terrible event, Lesande seems unfazed. A crowd gathers around you, gawking and whispering among themselves. But Lesande simply snaps her fingers, and the wine on her front sloshes harmlessly to the floor. A servant rushes to her side to clean her up, but instead drops to his knees on the floor to clean. Lesande steps around the servants, and the crowd watches after her, mesmerized. She approaches you and takes a plate of food. "One of these //is// for me, isn't it?" The crowd begins to dissipate, the spectacle clearly over. [["To us!"]] [["Enjoy!"]]

Like everyone else, you've heard of the terrifying silhouette a dragon casts when they spread their wings open wide. Aside from breathing fire, the wings are what distinguish dragons from being more than glorified lizards! But as you get closer, you see that she holds her wings stiffly like they haven't been stretched to their fullest potential in far too long. The leathery skin that holds the wings together is smooth, but dry. [["I want to help you."]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

Like everyone else, you've heard the stories of dragons' massive talons that rend flesh and tear the earth. This dragon's feet are rubbed raw and calloused, like she's been pacing in this crevasse for gods-knew how long. Her legs are large enough to crush your home and her talons are sharp enough to gore you, but the ends aren't razor-sharp like you think they ought to be, and the way she favors her back feet tells of how much she's used her front ones to try and escape this place. [["I want to help you."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

Everything you've ever heard about a dragon's eyes is that they glow red with rage and malice, as hot as the fire they breathe. But this dragon's eyes are soft despite their brightness. Her pupils are massive slits that expand and contract as they focus in on you, and you see yourself reflected in their depths. Yet, there is a sorrow in them as well. You can feel it more than see it, but either way, the pain is evident. [["I want to help you."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

Lesande slightly stiffens for a fraction of a second, like a reflex. But then she eases and sidles a step closer to you. "And, I admit, my company tonight is preferable to most magicians I know." Lesande's fingers graze the back of your hand before settling her palm against it. She gives you a tentative but affectionate squeeze. [["Shall we dance?"]] [[Take Lesande to the Ballroom.]]

"Thanks to you," she says quickly. "If you hadn't pestered me into coming to this event, I would have spent twice as long tracking the dragon and then left after killing it." Her eyes don't leave the stars, but she shifts just a little closer to you. "And even though I still have to, I admit that what I thought would be a diversion is much more like a celebration." [["Shall we dance?"]] [[Take Lesande to the Ballroom.]]

She smiles. "Well, you don't have to force me!" You fill your bellies in relative quiet, watching the others around you as they try not to openly stare at your elegant outfits. No one else sports an elven style, and it's clearly garnered some attention. [["Shall we dance?"]] [[Take Lesande to the Ballroom.]]

"'Us.'" She repeats. Then she chuckles. "Hm. Not a bad sound to that." You fill your bellies in relative quiet, watching the others around you as they try not to openly stare at your elegant outfits. No one else sports an elven style, and it's clearly garnered some attention. [["Shall we dance?"]] [[Take Lesande to the Ballroom.]]

Lesande eyes you with a pleased smirk. "You're more perceptive than I thought. I didn't tell you that I had one of these at home." But you pieced it together, not that she made an effort to hide the information. She gestures around you. The room is lined with a few plants, which you realize are night-blooming flowers that are slowly unfurling. Desks around the base of the huge telescope are stacked with odd-shaped bottles of colorful liquids and baubles. "Nowhere near the size or sophistication of this place, that's for certain," Lesande continues. "Ours is little more than a widow's watch on my Lord's southern wing. But I have many fond memories of the place, despite its more... homely nature." She steals a glance at you as she says this, and something lights in her eyes before she looks to the stars again. [["Shall we dance?"]] [[Take Lesande to the Ballroom.]]

Lesande gives you a coy smile. "I thought you might not ask. I would love to dance." [[Take Lesande to the Ballroom.]]

You take Lesande's hand in your own once they are both free, and escort her to the Ballroom. The music swells as you enter, and parties are spread all throughout the many dancefloors and mingle in great groups. But none of them seem to matter as you and Lesande find yourselves a place on the dancefloor. It seems all your mind can focus on is the way the colorful lights tangle in Lesande's dark hair, the sparkling of her clothes, and how the music pumps in your veins. [[Waltz with Lesande.]] [[Spin with Lesande.]] [[Let Lesande lead.]]

You press your palm to the small of Lesande's back and feel heat radiating from her. You pull her close to yourself and glide easily onto the dancefloor. Lesande falls into your step with baited breath, and you can see that she struggles to maintain her composure. She eyes your chest and your shoulders, pulling in close until finally easing against you. [[Kiss Lesande.]] [[Bow to Lesande.]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

You take both of Lesande's hands and pull her eagerly onto the dancefloor. She takes quick, short steps to keep up with you. "What are we doing?" She looks nervously around the room as dancers make room for you, but instead of answering with words, you squeeze her hands tighter. Then, you lean back and begin to spin! Lesande follows you, and as you build momentum, she keeps up with you through sheer force of will. And, perhaps a little blindsided, she starts to laugh! A true, exhuberant laugh that comes from her core and isn't stilted or sarcastic. [[Kiss Lesande.]] [[Bow to Lesande.]] (set:$clever to it +1)

Lesande brings her hand to your lower back and takes a firm hold of your hand as she leads you through sweeping steps. At first, you think you might take up the waltz with her, but she seamlessly guides you through an elven dance instead. Your feet move quickly, but you don't feel as though you're stumbling to keep up with her as she leads you in great arcs across the dancefloor. She spins you effortlessly, and as she does it feels like she is displaying you to all the other dancers; a prized partner that she quickly pulls close to her body once again. [[Kiss Lesande.]] [[Bow to Lesande.]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

You speak in the dragon's language so she understands you. She shuts her eyes and lowers her head. Some part of her gesture beckons you to touch her, and so you do. You place your hand directly on the center of the dragon's forehead. "Thank you, friend," the dragon says. Her voice sounds less like a rumbling roar and more like a the depths of the ocean. "I thought I was doomed when I heard you approaching, but now I am grateful that someone like you came along. "You are, after all, the only one I know who can free me." She lifts her head away from your hand and looks back to a gaping cave in the crevasse, the one she emerged from. Whatever is inside waits for you. [[Enter the dragon's lair.]]

As the song ends and you find yourselves at the edge of the dancefloor, you take Lesande's face in your hand and lean in to close the space between your lips. Lesande's kiss is soft, but sure. Her cheeks warm with a full blush as she presses into your embrace. When you part, after what feels like ages, her eyes open and linger in your gaze. "Thank you," she whispers, "and I really mean that. For your help, your insight, for tonight. For everything." [["What will you do now?"]]

As the song comes to and end, you lengthen your arms and the two of you drop into formal bows. She beams, radiant, at the flawless posture you both take. You pull close again as you drift to the edge of the dancefloor, and her hands stay locked around yours. "Thank you," she says, "and I really mean that. For your help, your insight, for tonight. For everything." [["What will you do now?"]]

Shadows fan across Lesande's face as she blushes. "I do need to report to my master, and tell him of my success. He'll be anxiously awaiting my return." You nod. Of course, she will have to leave you. [[Let Lesande go... for now.]]

She slips from your arms as you step off the dancefloor, but her eyes don't leave yours. "When we first met at that tavern,{(if:$stubborn is >= 6)[ I thought you were nothing more than a busybody! I see now, what a fool I was. You're also brash and reckless and determined to have your way!](if:$clever is >= 6)[I found you insufferable! You had a quip for everything and your mannerisms were so strange.](if:$considerate is >= 6)[I truly thought you were quite simple. But I see, now, that your heart comes first before your ego. It's a change from what I've always known.]}"\ She shakes her head. "Somehow, I think I've fallen for all those things. The thought of leaving you, now, after what we've gone through... Well, I no longer desire for that moment to come." You take Lesande in your arms again and hold her as she prepares to leave for her homeland. She sighs. "I've decided, then. I have to leave tonight, but I will return once my master declares me a full magician. With that title, I'll be free to travel without supervision or notice from my master. And I can come back to you." Lesande plants a soft kiss, a caress of her lips, on your forehead. "That's a promise." You're not sure if it's your mind playing a trick on you, but you can swear that you feel her kiss lingering there as if magically sealing her words. Her hands leave yours, and she hurries out of the palace to leave you in the Ballroom. Her absence is jarring, but the promise of what's to come warms your heart as she vanishes on the other side of the crowd. [[The End]] (set:$ending to 3)

The scent of ash and char fills the air inside the cave, and the overwhelming sensation of magic in the air tingles against your skin. Directly ahead of you is an alcove with a large blue crystal that radiates light and energy. You sense that it is something very old and powerful. To the left of you, a dim light spreads along the walls. But you can't make out the source, which seems to come from around a bend in the cave system. On your right is another branching cave path, but that one is totally dark. [[Go left.]] [[Go right.]] [[Go to the crystal.]]

You glance at the crystal again, but your curiosity gets the best of you as you meander toward the mysterious light. The glow, you discover, comes from a bed of embers underneath a clutch of eggs as large as you are. Their hard shells are speckled with reds and purples, heat rippling the air around them. This must have been what originally drew the dragon here, to lay her eggs. And when you turn back, you remember the crystal and wonder what it has to do with this. [[Go to the crystal.]]

You glance at the crystal again, but your curiosity gets the best of you as you peer into the darkness and let it lure you. Using your hands to guide you by the curvature of the walls, you follow the path as it winds deeper and deeper through the solid stone. You eventually reach an opening, which gives way to a clearing surrounded on all sides by sheer cliffs tall enough to dwarf a dragon! The cliffs give way to an open sky above, and harbor a small green oasis with water and tiny plants nestled beneath... And you notice deep gouges in the base of the cliffs and through the short, stout trees on the ground. Obviously, the dragon has been trying to leave through here but for some reason, has been stuck. You would have no better luck this way, and for now, there's nothing here for you. [[Go to the crystal.]]

As you approach the shining crystal, it flickers to life with a phosphorescent glow and a voice. "Hello?" A man's groggy, scraggly voice bounces off the walls. "Lesande? I sensed someone nearby. Where are you, girl, show yourself!" You see the face of the speaker, an older man with a scruffy beard and a hood squints through a pair of wire-rim glasses on the surface of the crytal. His eyes land on you and widen with surprise. "Who in the nine rings are you?!" [[Examine the crystal.]] [[Smash the crystal.]]

You dare a step closer, the eyes of the speaker following you as you do. "Answer me, curse you!" He says. "I am Master Magician Lysus of noble house Gray! I demand you identify yourself immediately!" [[Smash the crystal.]] [["Hello?"]]

You surge toward it and lash out with your hand. "Hold on!" The man on the other side shouts. But you don't hear whatever he tries to say next. Your hands grab hold of the smooth facets of crystal and sling it to the ground. It hits the ground with a loud //CRACK// and splits in two. Its glow sputters out. You bring your heel down, hard, on the broken crystal and shatter it like glass into a hundred tiny pieces. Just to be sure. [[Show the dragon the shards.]]

Lysus lets out a loud, gruff sigh. "How did a simpleton like you get into this dragon's lair? Dragon! Come, devour this fool at once!" After a moment, when nothing happens, Lysus looks harder at you. "No... Wait. I sense something about you. It's in the eyes, or your aura, perhaps... That dragon has persuaded you into its service, hasn't it? "Is this Lesande's doing? I knew that blasted elf would betray me! Oh, the college will be furious with her..." [["Free the dragon this instant!"]] [["Don't punish Lesande."]]

Lysus barks a laugh. "You have no power over me, fool. Whatever methods you and that beast have employed, you will not succeed in stopping my plans. That dragon is a trove of knowledge and power the likes of which no living being has ever seen. Not even the elves know all the dragon's secrets!" [[Smash the crystal.]] [["If you don't, then I will."]]

"No?" Lysus seems intrigued, perhaps moved, by your plea. "What do you care about that girl's well being? Unless..." Fear lances across your heart as you see something evil behind the Magician's eyes, turning over in his mind. "Unless you've given her the slip. What have you done to my apprentice? Whatever foul powers you possess, I will put a stop to you right now!" The crystal begins to emit a burning heat, and its glow turns deep red. [[Smash the crystal.]]

A dark laugh tumbles out of Lysus as he glowers at you. "Have it your way." Magic bursts out of the crystal and washes over you, beyond you, and you hear the dragon roar in surprise from the crevasse behind you. Then, the magic fades. Yet the crystal still bears the image of Lysus, faded and waning. "This isn't the last you'll see of me. Mark my words." His face vanishes, and the crystal quietly leans onto its side. [[Show the dragon the inactive crystal.]]

You scoop up a handful of the broken pieces, minding the sharp edges on your skin. But you hardly feel them prick you as you race out of the cave and up to the feet of the dragon, who looks at you expectantly. "I feel... different," she says in a soft voice. Her wings rustle against her side. "Am I free?" You lift the pieces of crystal up so they glisten in the sun, and the dragon emits a throaty, trumpeting sound that you register as joyful. "It's true! I'm free! Finally!" She spreads her wings, crashing them against the sides of the crevasse without a care, and leans her head back to release a powerful victory cry. You cheer along, in your own human way. "You've proven yourself a friend to all of dragon-kind, and have my eternal gratitude. How can I ever repay you?" [["Well, I have this invitation..."]] [["We're friends forever now!"]] [["Who cares? You're free."]]

You snatch the crystal to your side and race out into the dragon's gorge. She examines herself, flapping one wing and then the other, cautiously. "I feel... different," she says in a soft voice. Her wings rustle against her side. "Am I free?" Then she sees the crystal at your side and brings her head down, just inches from your body. You feel your heart race a moment, hoping that the dragon is still on your side. "It's... that tool of the foul wizard who trapped me here! You were able to deactivate it? I thought only another magician had such power! You've proven yourself a friend to all of dragon-kind, and have my eternal gratitude. How can I ever repay you?" [["We're friends forever now!"]] [["Well, I have this invitation..."]] [["Who cares? You're free."]]

The dragon tilts her head. You sense that her joy has not fled, but clearly she is caught off-guard. "I'm... sorry?" You show her the invitation you have for the King's Grand Ball, and the dragon focuses hard to read the text that must be microscopic to her. You read it to her, and officially extend an invitation to the event. "I see! Oh, human, you honor me. Very well. Tonight, your guest to the Grand Ball will be one of the last dragons alive in this world. You, of course, may call me by name: Ayela." [["Then... Let's get you looking your best."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

The dragon smiles at you. Of course, you know that dragons don't smile in the traditional sense that you're used to humans, elves, and dwarves doing. Dragons smile with their eyes and their wings. "Yes," she says. "Friends forever. You can call me Ayela. I am one of the last surviving dragons, and it is my desire to perform a favor in kind of the one you've done me. Tell me, my champion - my friend - how I can serve you." [["Then... Let's get you looking your best."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

The dragon laughs, but not in the way that most of the people you know. She laughs like a dragon, with a sound of gurgling lava in her throat. "Then let me say, that I am free to repay your good deed in a way of my own. Name your desire, and you shall have it." [["Well, I have this invitation..."]] [["You could get back at those who have wronged you."]]

Her eyes darken. "Oh, I intend to. But that is for another day. You can call me Ayela, and I am among the last of my kind. I revere you as worthy of my favor, and repaying a debt takes precendence over vengeacnce. Please, allow me to do this for you." [["Then... Let's get you looking your best."]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

"I know just what you mean," Ayela says. She lowers her wings and her body, and says "Climb onto my back, I'll take you to my hoard." You do as Ayela says, and with a great gust of wind you take off to the sky! Ayela cries out in excitement, opening herself to the air. She throws a burst of flame overhead, and leaves a trail of smoke behind you. Ayela doesn't take you far, just to a nearby mountain ridge, and shows you her trove of treasure that caps the tallest peak. The two of you pour over the boundless riches she's accumulated in her long life, and she encourages you to help yourself to whatever you find the most appealing. You can cover yourself head to toe with sparkling gold and diamonds if it suits your fancy. Ayela laughs her dragon-like laugh, bubbling liquid flame. "It gives me great joy to see you among my treasures, but I wonder... what should I have to complement your glory?" [["Golden claws."]] [["A silk cape."]] [["Battle armor."]]

Ayela's eyes twinkle. "I do like the way you think, human. Watch this." She scoops a large pile of pure gold to the side, then drops her jaw and unleashes a gout of white-hot flame over it. In mere seconds, the gold is pure liquid! Ayela dips her claws into the molten metal, and dries them in the cold mountain air. [["I think you're ready for the King's Grand Ball."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

Spying massive, elaborate silk bundles, the two of you set to work putting them together with diamond-encrusted clasps to latch at the base of Ayela's neck. When she opens her wings and flutters them, the silk shimmers and throws light in every direction. [["I think you're ready for the King's Grand Ball."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

Ayela rustles her wings with excitement. "That's an excellent idea, human. I'd almost forgotten about the armor I wore to battle during the thousand year war." You've never heard of a thousand year war. After a bit of digging, Ayela emerges from her treasure trove bedecked in dazzling armor and jewels. Her legs, wings, and head are all metal-clad and her body is wrapped in elaborate chainmail. She flashes you a proud and devilish look from beneath the visor of her helmet. "What do you think?" [["I think you're ready for the King's Grand Ball."]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

"Agreed." Without another word, Ayela whisks you onto her back and you take to the skies once again! The wind whips around your body, but thankfully on Ayela's back you're blocked from the brunt of the frigid and sharp gusts. The world stretches far below you in seemingly limitless directions. You can see the sprawling hills of your homeland, the outline of mountain ridges on the distant horizon, and dense clusters of shadowed forests. The sun is low in the sky when the capital human city is in view, the pristine and glistening towers of the palace standing at its center. Surprisingly, it does not launch attacks at you. Somehow, someone in the palace must have seen your arrival with Ayela and withheld fire. Ayela circles once around the wall of the city, and you hear shouts of alarm and surprise from the streets below. You don't know if anyone can hear or see you, but you wave eagerly to the groups of humans below. Ayela zips over the palace gates and lands in the king's large, private field. Her presentation before the guards that line the area is impressive enough that, even with their weapons drawn, they do not move. When Ayela lands, she lowers her head for you to climb down, but you stop. What if the only thing keeping her from being attacked is you? As if answering your thoughts, you hear the voice of a man you've never met but still know: the King himself. "Hold, there!" He says. "I would know your intentions, bringing a dragon to my Grand Ball." [[Kneel before the king.]] [[Present Ayela isntead.]]

You drop from your seat on Ayela's back and immediately fall to your knees before your king. Ayela can't communicate with these humans, they won't understand her roaring and rumbling. It's up to you. So, you worldlessly take out your invitation and hand it to the king. He takes it carefully, looking both of you over and watching your movements. "Young ward," says the king in his most authoritative voice. "There has not been a dragon seen in the world in thousands of years. And you bring the first to me on the eve of my Grand Ball as your guest?" Hush falls over the courtyard. It holds, taught as a violin wire. Until the king snaps it with a triumphant, celebratory cheer! "Huzzah!" He pumps his fist into the air. Soon, the guards around the yard join him, repeating the cheer again and again until it reverberates from within the castle walls, down the promenade, and into the city. The king draws his ceremonial blade, urging you to keep your kneeling position. He taps your shoulders and declares you a knight of the realm, the first of your name, and grants you the title Dragon Tongue. Your king and his guards quiet their cheers, and return to the Grand Ball. [[Go back to Ayela.]]

Written by: Elizabeth Kaye Daugherty ''Images from Unsplash.com'' ''Sounds from FreeSound.org'' Thanks, users LittleRobotSoundFactory and f-r-a-g-i-l-e ''Special Thanks:'' Chad Coup (for his mad teaching skills) Trysta, my support <3 My classmates, Aubrey Williams and Brian Yeaple You! Thanks for playing [[The King's Grand Ball]]!

Jeshyr lifts an eyebrow and gives you a smirk. His eyes twinkle like they're laughing. "Is that so? Well, then we should make haste before you come to your senses." He takes your hand and yanks you up to your feet. In no time at all, you find yourself and Jeshyr out of the tavern and flying beyond the streets of the small village. The shadows of a night-shrouded forest swallow you up, but the moon is bright and you manage to pick your way through the underbrush by following Jeshyr. [["Where would we find this treasure?"]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"Oh, very," Jeshyr says with sudden enthusiasm. "We shouldn't leave you in suspense too long, dear patron. Let's be off." He holds out a hand for you as he leaps upright. Taking a breath, you wrap your fingers around Jeshyr's. He grips your hand and tugs you to your feet. In no time at all, you find yourself and Jeshyr out of the tavern and flying beyond the streets of the small village. The shadows of a night-shrouded forest swallow you up, but the moon is bright and you manage to pick your way through the underbrush by following Jeshyr. [["Where would we find this treasure?"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

"Gravely so," he says. Even though his tone is anything but serious, you can see in his eyes that he means it. "And if you are, too, then fate won't wait on us to get a move on." You pause a moment, assessing his meaning and tone, before finally nodding. He takes your hand and the moment you're on your feet, he pulls you forward. In no time at all, you find yourself and Jeshyr out of the tavern and flying beyond the streets of the small village. The shadows of a night-shrouded forest swallow you up, but the moon is bright and you manage to pick your way through the underbrush by following Jeshyr. [["Where would we find this treasure?"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

Jeshyr gives you a wild smile over his shoulder. "Funny you should ask," he says as he steps through the treeline and into a clearing. Your breath catches as you come through on the other side. The trees give way to an expansive lake that glitters with starlight on its surface. Scents of fresh water and pine mingle in the air. Fireflies dance among stalks of green plants and flowering shrubs. "There's a cave nearby," Jeshyr says, pointing at the base of a nearby mountain range. "That's where our prize waits. I hope you've brought your good boots. We're going spelunking." [["Wait a minute..."]] [["Oh, is that all?"]] [["So what are we waiting for?"]]

You gratefully return to Ayela's side as night falls over the palace and the kingdom. You wrap your arms around as much of her as you can, and she responds with a series of low hums in her chest that you know mean she is happy with you. "Human," she says. {(if:$considerate is >= 5)["Yours is a worthy heart of endless love and purity.]}{(if:$clever is >= 5)["Your wit is unmatched in any I've met in my thousands of years.]}{(if:$stubborn is >= 5)["The strength of heart you possess is rival that of a dragon.]} I am proud to call you my ally, my friend, and my champion. Know that I am with you, always. You've inspired me to protect this realm, with you at my side. "But I cannot stay this night. I must return annon to the caves in which you found me, and tend to my eggs until they hatch. And when they do, I will sing to them your praises and tell your story. Then I will return, and the humans will know all that I know." She spreads her magnificent wings, throwing glittering light in every direction over the city. The city hums with awe. You say farewell to Ayela as she takes to the sky, confident in her promise and ready to begin your new life as the Knight Dragon Tongue. [[The End]] (set:$ending to 4)

Knowing that Ayela's rumbling and roaring would be interpreted as signs of attack from the humans around you, you instead call out to the king and tell him your story. You tell the king that you saved this dragon from execution at the hands of a magician in a far-away land, that she is now an ally to all mankind that would share her burden and her cause. You remind them of the beauty of dragons, their majesty that would have been lost to the world forever if you had not found her. There is hush over the courtyard. "Young ward," says the king in his most authoritative voice. "There has not been a dragon seen in the world in thousands of years. And you bring the first to me on the eve of my Grand Ball as your guest?" The hush holds, taught as a violin wire. Until the king snaps it with a triumphant, celebratory cheer! "Huzzah!" He pumps his fist into the air. Soon, the guards around the yard join him, repeating the cheer again and again until it reverberates from within the castle walls, down the promenade, and into the city. The king draws his ceremonial blade, urging you to kneel before him. He taps your shoulders and declares you a knight of the realm, the first of your name, and grants you the title Dragon Tongue. Your king and his guards quiet their cheers, and return to the Grand Ball. [[Go back to Ayela.]]

You stop and look around the area. It's not far from the capital. You can see the spires just over the treeline, back the way you came. "Of course," Jeshyr makes himself comfortable beside you, admiring the scenery with you. "We must make time to appreciate the goodness of the world around us." He smiles at you, this time without any sense of sarcasm or even flirtation. You can see the gentleness on the other side of all that, just for a moment. [["It's beautiful out here."]] [[Take a deep breath of fresh air.]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

Jeshyr beams and laughs, this time from somewhere sincere inside of him. "We'll have to see. The cave we need doesn't allow itself to be found by those who don't already know where it is, so you'll need to stay close." He pulls you a step closer by the waist. His fingers are calloused, despite the gentleness of his motions. Your hips bump together. [["I haven't been out this far."]] [["Where's your cave?"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

Jeshyr smiles, tilting his face back into the moonlight. "Now? Nothing! We've made it this far, and now I can bring us to our prize. This cave can only be found by someone who knows where it is. What a fortunate evening for you." He winks. [["If you wanted to get me alone, all you had to do was ask."]] [["How did you find out about this cave?"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

"That it is," Jeshyr agrees. He swipes up your hand with a delicate touch, draping your fingers across his palm and brings them to his lips. "And my company makes it even moreso." His cocky flirtatiousness is back, but you're becoming used to it. "Alas," Jeshyr drops your hand and starts off, forcing you to follow. "We're here for a purpose, not for leisure. It isn't far." You tail Jeshyr across the sloping field until you reach the mouth of a cave. It's well-hidden behind a cluster of bushes and even knowing where it is when Jeshyr points it out, you find that it's easy to miss from side angles. [[Examine the mouth of the cave.]] [["Is this the place?"]] [[Crawl inside.]] (set:$clever to it +1)

The air fills your lungs and swells in your chest, invigorating your blood. "Places like this are sometimes forgotten," Jeshyr says, almost idly. "It is good for fresh eyes to see them." You tail Jeshyr across the sloping field until you reach the mouth of a cave. It's well-hidden behind a cluster of bushes and even knowing where it is when Jeshyr points it out, you find that it's easy to miss from side angles. [["Is this the place?"]] [[Examine the mouth of the cave.]] [[Crawl inside.]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

It's not far from the capital. You can see the spires just over the treeline, back the way you came, but this seems like it's removed from civilization completely. "Surprising, isn't it?" Jeshyr says. "With the walls of the city offering safety, places like this get lost in favor of society. More our good fortune, no?" You tail Jeshyr across the sloping field until you reach the mouth of a cave. It's well-hidden behind a cluster of bushes and even knowing where it is when Jeshyr points it out, you find that it's easy to miss from side angles. [["Is this the place?"]] [[Examine the mouth of the cave.]] [[Crawl inside.]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

Jeshyr pulls his hand back and points ahead. "Don't worry. Not far. Lucky for you, I know how to find the way." You tail Jeshyr across the sloping field until you reach the mouth of a cave. It's well-hidden behind a cluster of bushes and even knowing where it is when Jeshyr points it out, you find that it's easy to miss from side angles. [["Is this the place?"]] [[Examine the mouth of the cave.]] [[Crawl inside.]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

Jeshyr's eyes flicker with excitement. "I'll have to remember that for another time. Perhaps when we're not hunting treasure and can properly appreciate a night as lovely as this." You tail Jeshyr across the sloping field until you reach the mouth of a cave. It's well-hidden behind a cluster of bushes and even knowing where it is when Jeshyr points it out, you find that it's easy to miss from side angles. [["Is this the place?"]] [[Examine the mouth of the cave.]] [[Crawl inside.]] (set:$clever to it +1)

He shrugs, nonchalantly. "Bards like me, we hear things. Sometimes we ask to hear them, other times we're just in the right place at the right moment. I've been all over the king's lands. Even some dwarven lands, in the lower parts of their mountains. This place, though..." he looks around again, though his eyes do have a hard time staying away from you. "It's among my favorites." He takes your hand and ushers you along. You tail Jeshyr across the sloping field until you reach the mouth of a cave. It's well-hidden behind a cluster of bushes and even knowing where it is when Jeshyr points it out, you find that it's easy to miss from side angles. [["Is this the place?"]] [[Examine the mouth of the cave.]] [[Crawl inside.]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"Careful, now," Jeshyr warns, his hand placed delicately on your shoulder. "The cave isn't entirely safe. As with most treasures and things valuable, there is a guardian.A creature that terrifies me." You stare in shock. Now it makes sense why he needed your help. A guardian? What sort of guardian? "I have a plan," he says. "Now that you're with me, I think it'll work! I want to lure the beast out, and then you can run inside. It has to be you, I need to play my lute to catch it's attention. If you go in, I'll keep the beast at bay." [[Wait for Jeshyr to lure the creature.]] [[Help Jeshyr lure the creature.]]

Jeshyr nods. "Here, we'll find our treasure. But as with most things valuable, I warn you that there is a guardian. A creature that terrifies me." You stare in shock. Now it makes sense why he needed your help. A guardian? What sort of guardian? "I have a plan," he says. "Now that you're with me, I think it'll work! I want to lure the beast out, and then you can run inside. It has to be you, I need to play my lute to catch it's attention. If you go in, I'll keep the beast at bay." [[Wait for Jeshyr to lure the creature.]] [[Help Jeshyr lure the creature.]]

You kneel down and move forward, ducking to get through the mouth of the cave, when suddenly Jeshyr grabs your waist. "Woah!" He shouts, and pulls you back sharply. You stumble to catch yourself. "The cave isn't empty! Like most treasures, it is guarded by a creature. A creature that terrifies me." You stare in shock. Now it makes sense why he needed your help. A guardian? What sort of guardian? "I have a plan," he says. "Now that you're with me, I think it'll work! I want to lure the beast out, and then you can run inside. It has to be you, I need to play my lute to catch it's attention. If you go in, I'll keep the beast at bay." [[Wait for Jeshyr to lure the creature.]] [[Help Jeshyr lure the creature.]]

You back up off to the side as Jeshyr pulls his lute from its place at his side and strums a chord. You try to blend in with the bushes, slinking into the spattered shadows they cast. As you look on, and Jeshyr continues to play, you hear a scurrying from within the cave. A scratching, skittering, sickly sound. Then, it emerges. Spindly legs as long as your arm first, then a dozen orbs for eyes attached to a hulking, hairy body. Massive pincers dripping with toxic drool click and clatter as the spider creature focuses on Jeshyr. You put your hand over your mouth to keep from gasping or screaming. You've seen spiders before, of course, but this one is easily as big as a thousand spiders! It squeezes its back end through the mouth of the cave and leaps! [[Go for the spider.]] [[Go for Jeshyr.]] [[Go for the treasure.]]

You back up off to the side as Jeshyr pulls his lute from its place at his side and strums a chord. But you don't want to leave him alone in his quest. You start to sing along with his music -- loud, and off-key. Jeshyr laughs and plays his lute faster! You listen hard and hear a scurrying from within the cave. A scratching, skittering, sickly sound. Then, it emerges. Spindly legs as long as your arms first, then a dozen orbs for eyes attached to a large, hairy body. Massive pincers dripping with toxic drool click and clatter as the spider creature focuses on the commotion. It squeezes its back end through the mouth of the cave and leaps. Jeshyr acts quickly, throwing himself in the path of the spider! [[Go for the spider.]] [[Go for Jeshyr.]] [[Go for the treasure.]]

Bravery lights a fire inside you, and you surge forward! Leading with your shoulder, you collide with the spider's body with a //crack//! It screeches and topples to its side, scrambling to get back on its eight feet! Jeshyr gawks at you, wide eyed. You notice the glint of a knife in his hands! He moves his mouth like he wants to ask you something, or reprimand you for going off the plan, but before he can, the legs of the spider come around his face! [[Fight the spider.]] [[Distract the spider.]]

You run to Jeshyr's side. "No!" He snaps at you, holding the spider's pincers open with his hands. "I've got this!" He twists to throw the spider, struggling to maintain the upper hand. As he moves, the light catches on a sharp blade strapped to his belt. [[Fight the spider.]] [[Go for the treasure.]]

You spare only a second to glance over your shoulder at Jeshyr's struggle as you run to the cave! Its mouth is narrow, so it's a tight squeeze, but by yourself you're able to fit in easily. [[Dive into the cave.]] (set:$spiderfight to false)

Balling your hands, you let out a cry and hurdle a fist into the spider's eyes. It hisses and swings its legs wildly. They connect with your ribs and throw you to the ground. The giant spider whirls on you, opening its pincers menacingly... Then, a knife spears through its mouth and head. Its body goes limp and collapses beside you. Jeshyr stands over you, some of the spider's blood on his hand. He extends the other one to you, a surprised grin on his face. You take it, and get to your feet once more. [[Dive into the cave.]] (set:$spiderfight to true)

The sight of Jeshyr frantically flailing against the spider sends shivers coursing through you. You gasp, and that gasp gives way to a shout. The spider doesn't stop. Then, you see Jeshyr's lute on the ground! You snatch it up, and strum wildly at the strings to make noise. All of the spider's eyes turn to you, and it crawls over Jeshyr's shoulder... toward you! Then, a knife spears through its mouth and head. Its body goes limp and collapses beside you. Jeshyr stands where it falls, his hands coated in spider blood. He stares at you with a wild joy in his eyes. "Please tell me that was sexy for you." You force out a laugh, then look to the now-unguarded mouth of the cave. [[Dive into the cave.]] (set:$spiderfight to true)

{(if:$spiderfight is false)[You pull yourself through the cave mouth and stumble into the open atrium. A crack in the ceiling lets in the barest sliver of moonlight for you to see by. In the distance you hear wind and water echoing through a far away chamber.]}{(if:$spiderfight is true)[As you pull yourself through the cave mouth, Jeshyr comes in right behind you. He looks from you to the cave surrounding you, awestruck the whole time. "We really made it," he says. "I'll be honest, I didn't know if that would work." In the distance you hear wind and water echoing through a far away chamber.A crack in the ceiling lets in the barest sliver of moonlight for you to see by.]}\ [[Go deeper.]] { <script> var audio = document.createElement('audio'); audio.src="Assets/cavesounds1.wav"; audio.loop = true audio.play(); </script>}

The cave is wet and dark and dank, but you don't stop. You've come this far, there'e no way you'll give up now. Every step you take echoes off the walls, magnifying your every move, and frightening small creatures like rats and mice. In the deepest part of the cave, something glints in the shadows. It has to be the treasure Jeshyr is looking for! [[Claim the treasure!]] (if:$spiderfight is true)[ [["Jeshyr! Look!"]] ](if:$spiderfight is false)[ [[Steal some treasure for yourself.]] ]

You hurry over the slick stones and nearly slip and fall as you reach a stack of gold spilling out of a hole in the back wall. A large, pristine diamond rests on the top of the gold bars and pieces. And it happens to fit perfectly into a pocket on your riding gear. As you secure the gem, you hear more scrabbling behind you. Bats shriek and fly through the air, disturbed from their hiding place. When they clear, you see Jeshyr there, covering his head as the last bat flies away. You wave him down, eager to be reunited and glad to see that he's safe though his hands are coated in spider blood. [[Claim the treasure!]]

His eyes light up like stars. Without another word the two of you scramble, breathlessly, over the slick stones and startle a group of bats out of their hiding place. But you almost don't even notice it all. When you get closer, you see the distinct glitter of gold. [[Claim the treasure!]]

Jeshyr leans over your shoulder, then runs his hands through the golden coins. They clink and clatter against each other and the rest of the shining treasure - gems, pearls, and silver. "What a relief. It's really real! I knew it had to be." You're almost too excited to see all this wealth to ask him for clarification. [[Hug Jeshyr.]] [[Kiss Jeshyr's cheek.]] [[Lift Jeshyr up.]]

You throw your arms around Jeshyr, and he returns the gesture giving you a tight squeeze. You hear his heart pounding triumphantly against yours. "I could never have done this without you! {(if:$spiderfight is true)[Who knew you were such a great spider fighter?"]}{(if:$spiderfight is false)[You're quicker than you look!"]}\ And while you're glad to see Jeshyr happy, and to have gotten the treasure, you're still unsure of why Jeshyr needed it in the first place. What did all this have to do with the Grand Ball? Before you can ask him, though, Jeshyr lets you go and begins to climb down. [[Exit the cave.]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

You clutch the gold before you and lean against Jeshyr. You press your lips to the soft flesh of his cheek and he presses it against your lips in return. When you draw back, he gives you an enthusiastic wink. "I could never have done this without you! {(if:$spiderfight is true)[Who knew you were such a great spider fighter?"]}{(if:$spiderfight is false)[You're quicker than you look!"]}\ And while you're glad to see Jeshyr happy, and to have gotten the treasure, you're still unsure of why Jeshyr needed it in the first place. What did all this have to do with the Grand Ball? Before you can ask him, though, Jeshyr begins to climb down. [[Exit the cave.]] (set:$clever to it +1)

You release the treasure in front of you and instead throw your arms around Jeshyr's waist. He gasps a little as his feet disconnect from the ground, but it turns into laughter as you set him back down and grin. "I could never have done this without you! {(if:$spiderfight is true)[Who knew you were such a great spider fighter?"]}{(if:$spiderfight is false)[You're quicker than you look!"]}\ And while you're glad to see Jeshyr happy, and to have gotten the treasure, you're still unsure of why Jeshyr needed it in the first place. What did all this have to do with the Grand Ball? Before you can ask him, though, Jeshyr finishes filling his pockets and begins to climb down. [[Exit the cave.]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

You make your way out the same way you came in, but with significantly heavier packs. Something about the night air and the way it seeps into your bones makes you forget about your questions, for now, and invites you to enjoy its serenity. Jeshyr stands in the grass and spreads his arms to either side. "Ah! How did this night get even more beautiful?" [[Look at the stars.]] [["Play a tune for the conquering heroes?"]] [[Rest by the lake.]] <script> audio.src=""; </script>

You lean your head back and take in the view. The perfection of the moment washes over you, and you find yourself subconciously getting closer to Jeshyr. Or, maybe he got closer to you? "We got what we came for," Jeshyr says after a beat of quiet. "When you came into the tavern, I never could have imagined it meant that I'd get my way to win back the king's favor in the same night. It's only a matter of time now. "Do you want to know how I'm going to make the king listen to me? I'll play him a song. He told me to never play for coin again, but he never said that I couldn't play and //give// coin!" Jeshyr settles into the grass, and you take a place beside him. He sets his lute in his lap, and he begins to pluck. "The only problem is," he says, watching his fingers dance, "is I don't have a song to play for him." [["You could write a song!"]]

Jeshyr chuckles. "Naughty, naughty. You know I'm not allowed to play." As though that stopped him before. His laugh peters away and Jeshyr looks up at the sky. "We got what we came for," Jeshyr says. "When you came into the tavern, I never could have imagined it meant that I'd get my way to win back the king's favor in the same night. It's only a matter of time now. But my plan does have one final hitch." You raise a brow, skeptically. Scaling a glacier? Diving to the bottom of the ocean? An even bigger spider? He chuckles. "Nothing terrible this time, I swear. I don't have a song to play for the king to make him listen to me." Jeshyr plucks a few uninspired notes on his lute. [["You could write a song!"]]

You nearly throw yourself down the hill outside the cave to get to the shore of the lake. Jeshyr tumbles after you and you both reach the lakeside short of breath. Jeshyr plops down on the ground and draws his lute into his lap. He strums some chords that swell in the pristine night air, but fade out as the thoughts behind Jeshyr's eyes wander off. "We got what we came for," Jeshyr says, finally. "When you came into the tavern, I never could have imagined it meant that I'd get my way to win back the king's favor in the same night. It's only a matter of time now." He begins to pluck at the strings of his intrument, watching his fingers dance. "Do you want to know how I'm going to make the king listen to me? I'll play him a song. He told me to never play for coin again, but he never said that I couldn't play and //give// coin! The only problem is I don't have a song to play for him." [["You could write a song!"]]

"Or," he grins mischeviously. "//We// could write a song." You've never written a song with a bard before, but you're willing to give it a shot if he wants your help. Jeshyr settles in with his lute and plays a few chords in quick succession. Then, he slows down and plays them in careful order for you. He starts high, then goes low. He lifts his eyes to look at you. "Where should our melody begin?" [["Start with the highest."]] [["Start with the second highest."]] [["Start with the third highest."]] [["Start with the second lowest."]] [["Start with the lowest."]]

He plays the highest chord. "And next?" [["Then, the second."]] [["Then, the third."]] [["Then, the second lowest."]] [["Then, the lowest."]] <audio autoplay> <audio src = "Assets/lute1.wav"></audio>

He plays a slightly high chord. "And next?" [["Then, the first highest."]] [["Then, the third."]] [["Then, the second lowest."]] [["Then, the lowest."]] <audio autoplay> <audio src = "Assets/lute2.wav"></audio>

He plays a middle chord. "And next?" [["Then, the first highest."]] [["Then, the second."]] [["Then, the second lowest."]] [["Then, the lowest."]] <audio autoplay> <audio src = "Assets/lute3.wav"></audio>

He plays a low chord. "And next?" [["Then, the first highest."]] [["Then, the second."]] [["Then, the third."]] [["Then, the lowest."]] <audio autoplay> <audio src = "Assets/lute4.wav"></audio>

He plays the lowest chord. "And next?" [["Then, the first highest."]] [["Then, the second."]] [["Then, the third."]] [["Then, the second lowest."]] <audio autoplay> <audio src = "Assets/lute5.wav"></audio>

He plays a slightly high chord. "And finally?" [["End with the first highest."]] [["End with the third."]] [["End with the second lowest."]] [["End with the lowest."]] <audio autoplay> <audio src = "Assets/lute2.wav"></audio>

He plays a middle chord. "And finally?" [["End with the first highest."]] [["End with the second."]] [["End with the second lowest."]] [["End with the lowest."]] <audio autoplay> <audio src = "Assets/lute3.wav"></audio>

He plays a low chord. "And finally?" [["End with the first highest."]] [["End with the second."]] [["End with the third."]] [["End with the lowest."]] <audio autoplay> <audio src = "Assets/lute4.wav"></audio>

He plays the lowest chord. "And finally?" [["End with the first highest."]] [["End with the second."]] [["End with the third."]] [["End with the second lowest."]] <audio autoplay> <audio src = "Assets/lute5.wav"></audio>

He plays the highest chord. "And finally?" [["End with the second."]] [["End with the third."]] [["End with the second lowest."]] [["End with the lowest."]] <audio autoplay> <audio src = "Assets/lute1.wav"></audio>

He plays that last chord, and then all three in order. Jeshyr beams at you. "If this doesn't get the king to listen, then I don't know what will. Well, besides the treasure of course." [["I hope I helped."]] [["How did you ever write music without me?"]] [["You think this'll work?"]] <audio autoplay> <audio src = "Assets/lute2.wav"></audio>

Jeshyr places his lute to the side, opposite the side you sit on. He sidles closer. "Naturally, dear patron. You've got quite the ear for music." Jeshyr leans against your shoulder and his hand trails your lower back. "But that should surprise no one. After all, you were drawn to me!" It's true, you were. You let Jeshyr lean on you, and eventually the two of you lean back in silence. The melody that you made together plays in your mind and lulls you to sleep. Then, all at once, dawn light tickles your eyelids and wakes you. [["Jeshyr! Wake up!"]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

Jeshyr dramatically falls back to the grass! "It all makes so much sense, now! Everything in my life has led to this moment!" You chuckle, and Jeshyr invites you to lie beside him by brushing his fingers over the long grass. You ease yourself back, grateful for his warmth spilling across the earth. "Music is one of the things that brings people together," he says. "That's what I've always loved about it. Being half elf and half human, I never fit in with either side. But when I play music, everyone comes to me." For just a moment, the soft and sensitive side of Jeshyr shows in his eyes. He keeps up his cocky smirk, but you see through it. The next thing you know, the light of the sun is tickling your eyelids. You fell asleep! [["Jeshyr! Wake up!"]] (set:$clever to it +1)

Jeshyr sets his lute to his side opposite you. "I certainly don't think it can hurt. Especially with what we've come up with, here. You have an ear for music." He leans closer to you then runs a hand along your back, leaving goosebumps in his wake. "I always thought you had good taste." The two of you lean back in the grass to view the stars and pass a few half-hearted flirtations, mostly from Jeshyr, but the melody in your mind eventually lulls you to sleep instead. It isn't until the warm light of the early morning sun tickles your eyelids that you start awake. [["Jeshyr! Wake up!"]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

You shake the man beside you, and he sputters and starts. "Huh? What?" He looks around, then realizes. "We never made it back to the tavern!" This far into the woods, you don't know how long it'll take you to find your way back. Your clothes are wrinkled and dirty, in no condition to make your way to the Grand Ball. Even though the capital itself is closer than the tavern, you know that you need to go back. Thankfully, it's easier to traverse the woods in the light. It only takes about half as long to find your way back to the tavern and then you both have plenty of time to bathe and change into the clothes you brought for the event. Your outfit is simple, but still the nicest one you own. There are no ripped or worn seams and the cloth is soft. The sleeves taper to your wrists and your soft shoes swaddle your sore feet. Jeshyr's outfit is about as flamboyant as you'd expect, however. It has long coattails and a ruffled collar. The colors are deep and vibrant. You can only hope that it holds up while he rides on the back of your horse with you so you can make it to the capital in time. [[Race to the capital!]]

Jeshyr grumbles at every bump your horse makes, but the raods are hardly the smoothest until you get closer to the capital, and with you at the reigns he is forced to deal with the less-than-dignified passenger position behind you. Even though he complains and groans, you feel that he keeps his body pressed close against your back. His hands remain firmly clasped around you. You reach the capital city gates as the sun passes its highest point in the sky. Thankfully, it seems you won't be overly late after all. But the guards stop you to check your invitations, and one of them eyes the lute on Jeshyr's back warily. "Say, isn't that the bard the king passed around pictures of?" He says with a sneer. "The one who isn't allowed to be on palace grounds this evening under any pretense?" [["I don't know what you're talking about."]] [["Does it matter?"]] [["He's with me."]]

"Yeah, this guy's too ugly," says a second guard. You feel Jeshyr stiffen, but you clear your throat to remind him where the two of you are. The first guard squints and gives Jeshyr another once-over. "I guess. And this invitation's legitimate, you can pass through." Jeshyr silently steams behind you as you guide your horse through the streets of the capital at an easier pace than the hard ride on the other side of the walls. The colors and sounds of the street seem to distract Jeshyr well enough, at least. You notice, too, how nice it is that there are so many people celebrating together despite whatever differences there are between them. You steer your horse into the palace stables, open for public use for guests attending the Ball, and help Jeshyr straighten his ruffled pantaloons. "Your horse did this to me, you know," he fusses. Your horse poops. Jeshyr grimaces. "Filthy beast." [[Go through the front gate.]] [[Look for a back entrance.]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

"That man is my brother," Jeshyr says with an authoritative flair. "And he brings me shame. Not that it's any of your business." The guard side-eyes him. "Right..." "Can we go in?" Jeshyr presses. "I wouldn't want to trouble the king with a story of how his guards pestered me about my family's sullied name, you know." The guard hands the invitation back to you. "This is legitimate. Go on through." A weight lifts off your shoulders as you urge your horse forward. The colors and sounds of the street seem to distract Jeshyr well enough, at least. You notice, too, how nice it is that there are so many people celebrating together despite whatever differences there are between them. You steer your horse into the palace stables, open for public use for guests attending the Ball, and help Jeshyr straighten his ruffled pantaloons. "Your horse did this to me, you know," he fusses. Your horse poops. Jeshyr grimaces. "Filthy beast." [[Go through the front gate.]] [[Look for a back entrance.]] (set:$clever to it +1)

Another guard laughs from behind the first one. "Listen to yourself! You really think that bard's gonna be stupid enough to show up here with the king having it out for him?" Jeshyr narrows his eyes and you can sense him gathering words to throw back, but a swift elbow to the ribs keeps him quiet. "I suppose so," says the first guard, handing your invitation back to you. "You're invitation is legitimate. Don't cause any trouble in the king's city." Jeshyr silently steams behind you as you guide your horse through the streets of the capital at an easier pace than the hard ride on the other side of the walls. The colors and sounds of the street seem to distract Jeshyr well enough, at least. You notice, too, how nice it is that there are so many people celebrating together despite whatever differences there are between them. You steer your horse into the palace stables, open for public use for guests attending the Ball, and help Jeshyr straighten his ruffled pantaloons. "Your horse did this to me, you know," he fusses. Your horse poops. Jeshyr grimaces. "Filthy beast." [[Go through the front gate.]] [[Look for a back entrance.]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

You head toward the front gate, secure in the knowledge that you have a right to be there. But Jeshyr grabs your arm and stops you. You step off to the side, hidden in the shadow of the stables and the towers of the palace behind you. "Before we go in... I need to be honest with you." This gives you pause. You wait for Jeshyr to gather himself as he takes a breath. "The reason the king forbade me from playing is because of the treasure we found. I knew the king was looking for it. He never found it. And then I started singing... about his failure." You fold your arms. Now it's all making sense. Jeshyr sighs. "I thought it would be funny... I thought it would make me well-known. But unfortunately, it was a mistake. I messed up. But... now that you're with me, I know I can fix this. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. Until last night, I didn't think I'd need to because I didn't think I //could// fix it." Jeshyr's eyes are sorrowful, wet with genuine tears. His soul is bare, his feelings real and raw. This is not a performance like so many times before. You take Jeshyr's hand in yours. [["Let's go clear your name."]]

Jeshyr shadows you as you take off the opposite direction of the palace entrance. He follows you so closely you can practically feel his breath on your neck. You stop when you spy the servant's entrance, watching as a group of them make their way inside. You take a rock and wait patiently for the perfect moment, waiting for them to get inside and let the door fall closed behind them. When it does, you skip your rock along the ground so it wedges itself in the doorway. The heavy door remains slightly ajar, just enough for you and Jeshyr to pry it open. As you lean forward to slip through the cracked door, Jeshyr grabs your arm. "Wait," he says. You stop, anxious for Jeshyr to gather himself as he takes a breath. "The reason the king forbade me from playing is because of the treasure we found. I knew the king was looking for it. He never found it. And then I started singing... about his failure." You fold your arms. Now it's all making sense. Jeshyr sighs. "I thought it would be funny... I thought it would make me well-known. But unfortunately, it was a mistake. I messed up. But... now that you're with me, I know I can fix this. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. Until last night, I didn't think I'd need to because I didn't think I coudl fix it." Jeshyr's eyes are sorrowful, wet with genuine tears. His soul is bare, his feelings real and raw. This is not a performance like so many times before. You take Jeshyr's hand in yours. [["Let's go clear your name."]]

Jeshyr perks up and gives you a reassuring grin. His sorrow flees and now he looks brave and determined. The two of you keep a low profile as you make your way into the palace, which you find easier than expected despite Jeshyr's loud costume. You eventually reach the foyer, the center hub where the open wings of the palace meet and connect. If you're going to find a way to meet up with the king and plead Jeshyr's case, this is the place to start. You can hear the sound of the Grand Ball in full swing in the nearby wing. It's obviously the busiest part of the event, and the king will have to make an appearance there sooner or later. You also see the servants milling about, trying not to be noticed by the partygoers who are more interested in the high life. Someone still has to get the nobles their wine. If you pay enough attention to them, you could probably find some hidden passages that will take you to all corners of the castle where the king could notice you. The music in the ballroom swells and winds to a close, and you spot a band making their way toward the place. Bands at an event this long rotate to give musicians a break. Jeshyr can easily blend in with them, and if you stick close, this will be your only chance to get into the ballroom without being obvious about who you really are. Jeshyr waits for your lead. [[Demand to see the king in the ballroom.]] [[Sneak through the castle halls.]] [[Blend in with the rest of the band.]]

It seems like an obvious choice. You start to march forward, but Jeshyr touches your arm. "You're just going to stride in there? That's metaphorical suicide. If we want to get an audience with the king, we have to get his attention. And that means we need a grand entrance." Fortunately, Jeshyr has made a grand entrance or two, himself, and knows where to begin. Other wings are available to the public during the event, but the second floor is supposed to be cut off. It provides direct access to the upper level of the Ballroom which could be exploited against the king's safety. Or, in your case, it could be exploited as a stage. You mingle and flit your way through the open wings of the castle - you pass by rooms on rooms of aromatic food, a room dedicated to studying stars, even what seems like the route to the dungeons! But Jeshyr is more interested in the royal gardens. You make it outside without attracting any attention, and Jeshyr brings you around the side. A patch of thick ivy crawls up the wall between upper floor windows, and with a few carefully placed hands and feet, you scale the wall and hoist yourselves through windows that Jeshyr jimmies open from the outside. As you gather yourselves on the second floor, you're bombarded with sounds of the music from all around and the heat of the ballroom. Light glints off the chandeliers that dangle at eye level over the railings. "Hey!" A guard's voice! You've been spotted! It's now or never. [["Your Majesty! We come bearing gifts!"]]

With your current success of not being noticed, you decide that you should keep your streak going. With Jeshyr at your side, you file in behind a group of cooks. From there you slip around the hot kitchen, smelling the aromas of cooking meats and baking bread. The hall that leads to the kitchen leads to the servant's sleeping quarters, and beyond that is a small library. Not the grand library that the king likely uses, but one for guests and the servants. But once you and Jeshyr arrive at the library, you fear you've reached a dead end. You don't see any servants using back doors -- in fact, you don't see anyone at all. This part of the palace must not be open to the public during the Grand Ball... After you've figured that out, you and Jeshyr move a bit more freely in the outside halls. Without looking for back doors, you can focus instead on orienting yourself. Then, you overhear servants in a different room. "The king's made it to the Ballroom," one says. "Most of the guests will be there, vying for his attention. We should be through the thick of it for now." "This is it," Jeshyr whispers. "We've got to get to that Ballroom and find the king." The sound of the Ballroom makes it nearly impossible to miss. Two halls over, you find an entrance to the upper floor of the Ballroom. The chandeliers dangle just on the other side of the railing. You both move closer, and you can clearly see where the king is surrounded by guards warding off the great crowd of guests. "Hey!" A guard's voice! You've been spotted! It's now or never. [["Your Majesty! We come bearing gifts!"]]

Slipping in with the band is easy. Jeshyr bodily blocks you from sight with his lute on his back, and you blend in without causing any fuss. The actual band is too preoccupied with rushing to their place that they barely realize you've tagged along. The tired band slips past you, leaving only a harp player to strum at the second floor railing. She is quickly replaced so that the interlude isn't interrupted. A guard lifts a curtain that grants the band access to a narrow stairway that leads to the second floor. You and Jesyr are sure to take up the back, and not to make eye contact. Thankfully, the guard doesn't seem to have any faces memorized and looks past you to make sure you're not followed. As you reach the second level, the band takes their place. From this angle, you can see the densely packed crowd that surrounds the king, who is guarded by an impenetrable wall of guards all around him. The band strikes up their first chord, and you and Jeshyr stand dumbly in the wings. Without missing any beats, the band glances back and forth between you and the crowd, realization slowly dawning on them. "Hey!" A guard's voice. You've been spotted! It's now or never. [["Your Majesty! We come bearing gifts!"]]

You grip the railing of the second floor with white knuckles, and everything in the Ballroom comes to a halt. All eyes are on you. Then Jeshyr steps forward. He strums his lute in the melody you designed together, and sings in a velvet voice: "Oh, our good King, Valiant is he His tale shall we sing, And long may he reign." You take the hint, and begin to pull out bits of the treasure that you reclaimed. Jewels shine in the light. "The king's crown is a jewel, adorning his brow. But the treasure is ours as long as he'll rule." The king looks you both up and down, and you can almost swear you see something amused in his eyes. "So," he says in his powerful tone. "You're ready to come clean to me Jeshyr?" "I am," he replies. "I mocked you unjustly. I suplicate myself before your judgement." The king motions for the two of you to approach him. You find your way down to the bottom floor, finding that every guest in attendence and the guards watching over have split down the middle of the room. "Jeshyr," says the king. "For this injustice you've done to me, you must serve pennance. I decree that this will be done in service of my guests at this evening's Grand Ball. Your performance will clear your name, and you will be granted the privelege to play in my kingdom once more." [["Thank you, King Ludo."]] [["Way to go, Jeshyr!"]] [["Any reward for his dedicated assistant?"]]

"There is no need to thank me," King Ludo replies. "In fact, I'm certain that //you// are the one deserving of thanks. I take it you are the good influence that has brought Jeshyr to me?" "Without the help of this traveller, I would have wound up in a spider's web and penniless," Jeshyr insists. You nod. "Well, I'd say a hero of that calliber is entitled to a dance!" King Ludo extends his hand to you, palm up. His hands are surprisingly rough for someone you consider nobility. But his eyes, in contrast, are gentle as cotton. "If you'll allow me to thank you properly." [["I would love to, Your Highness."]] [["I'm honored, but no thank you."]] (set:$considerate to it +1)

The crowd titters with curiosity and already circulating gossip about the events. Jeshyr bows forward deeply. "I can never repay this kindness, King Ludo. You are truly wise and just." King Ludo shakes his head and laughter tumbles out of him. "You seem to have learned your lesson. Perhaps thanks to this good influence you've brought along to my party?" "On the contrary," Jeshyr interjects. "I am here as this invited guest's //date."// "I see," says King Ludo. He extends a hand to you and smiles. You catch his gentle blue eyes as they appraise your face. "Then, might I ask for a dance to thank the great hero of the evening?" [["I would love to, Your Highness."]] [["I'm honored, but no thank you."]] (set:$stubborn to it +1)

The king laughs boisterously at you as the crowd slowly starts to mingle together again. "Clearly you've spent too much time in my company. You'll ruin King Ludo's good image of you," Jeshyr warns you, playfully. "The reward is in the deed itself!" "Now, now," the king says. "I believe a reward can be arranged in the form of a dance." He extends his hand to you, a warm and inviting smile filling you with comforting heat as it washes over you. [["I would love to, Your Highness."]] [["I'm honored, but no thank you."]] (set:$clever to it +1)

Jeshyr steps back with a nod as you take King Ludo's hand and let him draw you over the dancefloor. The guards close ranks around you as you begin to sway to the music as it picks up once more. {(if:$considerate is >= 5)["The way Jeshyr looks at you, I'd think you're some kind of angel."]}{(if:$clever is >= 5)["The way Jeshyr talks about you, I'd say you've outsmarted the man at every turn haven't you?"]}{(if:$stubborn is >= 5)["You have the look in your eye like Jeshyr. Like you won't take no for an answer or let anything stand in your way."]}\ You aren't sure how to respond to that. And it must be obvious, because King Ludo lowers his head to whisper in your ear. "It's alright. I think I rather like those qualities in my party guests. Dare I say in my friends?" [[Bow out.]] [[Pull in closer.]]

King Ludo bows to you, and you hastily return the gesture. "I shan't keep you, then," says King Ludo. "Allow me to extend my thanks of behalf of my kingdom, then, and know that I will never forget this service." You and Jeshyr nod, and the guards close aroung the king once again to keep him separated from the rest of the room. It's just you and Jeshyr, once more, in a crowd of socialites who hover just far enough away to hear you but not close enough to speak with you. [["Congratulations, Jeshyr. You're a bard again."]]

You live to serve your king, but you're eager to get back to Jeshyr. You allow the king to lead you through a few more steps before you drop yourself low into a proper farewell. King Ludo returns the gesture and smiles to you as you go. The guards part and allow you back onto the dancefloor, where you find Jeshyr eagerly strumming a dancing beat. [["Congratulations, Jeshyr. You're a bard again."]]

You brush against King Ludo's body with your own. His heart nearly beats so loudly that you hear it skip a beat. "I'll take that as a yes," King Ludo says, smoothly recovering from being caught off guard. He takes you firmly, then, and leads you through more complicated dance steps that spin you about and dip you low. He locks eyes with you as he holds you prone in his arms, the depths of his blue irises drawing you in. This close, you can see how much his title has worn on his youth - he is still the youngest king in the land's history. He isn't even old enough to be your father. "I wonder," he says, breathily. "If perhaps I could find more than a dance partner and friend. A different sort of partnership..." The king angles his face down, stealing a glance at your lips. [[Kiss King Ludo.]] [[Let King Ludo kiss you.]] [["I have to go back to my bard friend."]]

{(if:$considerate is >= 5)[Jeshyr beams. "And a grateful one at that. I must have done something in a past life to inherit the good deed that you've done for me. And you've not asked for anything in return that was not in my power to give."]}{(if:$clever is >= 5)[Jeshyr laughs. "Thanks in no small part to you! I've met so many people, but never someone who kept me on my toes as much as you have. You're the smartest person in this room, even King Ludo knows that. How fortunate am I?"]}{(if:$stubborn is >= 5)[Jeshyr scoffs. "As if you would have allowed for anything less to happen. Every step of the way on this wild journey you've perservered and given me the strength I didn't know I had. Or needed. You've given me the greatest gift I could ask for."]}\ [["No, it was all you."]] [["I guess I did help a little."]]

You meet King Ludo halfway, pressing your lips firmly against his. His kiss is sure, but his lips are soft. You kiss him back and knot your fingers in the long hair at the base of his skull. When you part, King Ludo grins and pulls you to your feet to dance once more. [[Dance the night away!]]

You hold still, fluttering your eyes closed as King Ludo closes the gap between your lips. His kiss is sure, but his lips are soft. You kiss him back and knot your fingers in the long hair at the base of his skull. When you part, King Ludo grins and pulls you to your feet to dance once more. [[Dance the night away!]]

"Of course," King Ludo gracefully returns you to your feet, gives you a proper bow and a bright grin. The guards part to let you through, and King Ludo waves to you. You return the gesture, and find Jeshyr strumming eagerly to a dancing beat. [["Congratulations, Jeshyr. You're a bard again."]]

Jeshyr follows up on his word, playing well into the night until sweat rolls down his neck. His rythms are lively and keep the King's Grand Ball in full swing. All the evening, King Ludo is never far from your side. The guards come to trust you before the night closes, and you can move to and from their line without being stopped by them. Jeshyr eventually wears himself out, and the king grants him permission to leave and rest. But Jeshyr makes it a point to thank you once more with an enveloping embrace and another play of your song. King Ludo dances with you in the Ballroom, the garden, and even sneaks the two of you away to the roof. You fall asleep in the royal foyer, and wake up to say farewell. King Ludo kisses your cheeks and has your horse brought out. But something in his eyes tells you, as you leave, that your time with the king is not yet over. [[The End]] (set:$ending to 6)

"Come, now, don't be modest. Not here!" Jeshyr sweeps you close then releases you to the dancefloor as he begins to play a vibrant ballad. He sings like a songbird, and everyone in the Ballroom begins to twirl to his music! But you, naturally, have a front row spot. [[Dance to Jeshyr's music.]]

"I know this is the King's Grand Ball, but in my mind, this party is for you!" Jeshyr sweeps you close then releases you to the dancefloor as he begins to play a vibrant ballad. He sings like a songbird, and everyone in the Ballroom begins to twirl to his music! But you, naturally, have a front row spot. [[Dance to Jeshyr's music.]]

Your feet find the time to Jeshyr's song easily, like the music sings in your body. For hours you spin and twirl on the dancefloor with your countrymen of all backgrounds. You attract the attention of diplomats, socialites, and commoners alike and they all are eager to share a dance with you as long as Jeshyr is playing. He only stops when sweat rolls down his neck and back, and you two spend the rest of your time together darting in and out of the buffet rooms. He nearly drinks an entire cask of wine by himself! And in the morning, when you can barely remember the bleary details of the end of the night, you wake in the royal foyer wrapped in Jeshyr's arms. He puts his lips to yours right there, chapped and stained with wine, but drowning you in warmth. [[The End]] (set:$ending to 5)

You've received an invitation to (text-color:#e3d72b)[the King's Grand Ball,] the most spectacular event of the year. Everyone will be there, even the king himself! It's the perfect place to meet new people and make friends in high places that could improve your paltry sum of life outside the king's walls. Maybe, you could even catch the eye of someone special... [[Play]] [[Credits]]