Deity's Gift

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The night your grandmother passes, The Deity tells of a prophecy that spreads like wildfire throughout the kingdoms. //And suddenly you are praised.// They want you to give them something extraordinary, but they aren't prepared for a gift that will shake the empire to its very core. //So then you are scorned.// ''//Warning: There will be strong language, possibly sexual content, and gore in this story. Please, do not read if that makes you uncomfortable.//'' Hello, and welcome to //Deity's Gift.// <<nobr>><div class="choices"> [[Continue.]] </div><</nobr>>

<div id="container"> <div id="header" onclick="toggle(this)"> <span id="header-text"></span> <div class="menutoggle"><span id="zero"><i class="fa fa-ellipsis-v" aria-hidden="true"></i> </span> <span id="one" style="bottom:-180px;"> <div class="menu-flex"> </div> </span></div> </div> <div id="story"> <div id="passages">  </div> </div> </div>  <script>function toggle() { var x = document.getElementById("one"); if (!x.style.bottom ||x.style.bottom === '-180px') { x.style.bottom = '0px'; } else { x.style.bottom = '-180px'; } }</script>

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<<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>00</b> go back</div>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>01</b> settings</div>'>><<script>>UI.settings()<</script>><</link>> <<if $customizemc is "set">>\ <div class="psg"><<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>02</b> profile</div>' 'profile'>><</link>></div> <</if>> <<if $relationsmc is "set">>\ <div class="psg"><<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>03</b> relatioships</div>' 'relationships'>><</link>></div> <</if>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>04</b> codex</div>' 'codex'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>05</b> saves</div>'>><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>>

Deity's Gift. / $gamechapter by <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/dashboard" target="_blank">Cass.</a>

winsert here <<link "Return." $return>><</link>>

a passage for testing the """$return""" function! it returns you to the last visited passage that isn't tagged with 'noreturn', whereas the general back button in the menu simply navigates through all visited passages. helps you avoid getting stuck in a loop! <<link "return to game" $return>><</link>>

<<set $gamechapter = "Prologue, Part One.">> <<nobr>><<cycle "$sthey" autoselect>> <<option “Girl”>> <<option “Boy”>> <</cycle>><</nobr>> <<nobr>><<cycle "$Sthey" autoselect>> <<option “Girl”>> <<option “Boy”>> <</cycle>><</nobr>>

<div class="message"><h4>When You Are Ten. Five Minutes Before The Last Prophecy, Part One Of Prologue.</h4></div><div class="message"><h4>Your Grandmother's Bedroom.</h4></div> It's quiet—so quiet. The fireplace crackles with heat, giving off just enough light for your grandmother's face to be visible while shadow plagued the corners of the bed chambers. You have been here many times before, as she always called on you when she had a vision—always. Though, this time, it was different. This time, her breathing is shaky, but her hand holds your own tightly, with all of her strength. "I am going to tell you a secret," She manages to get out through labored breaths, and her eyes look to you softly, their milky white as familiar as they were unsettling. [[You clench your eyes shut, looking away. You don't want it to be time yet.->join]] [[You grit your teeth, your jaw aching, but keep your gaze on her.->join]] [[You stare, almost blankly at your grandmother, awaiting her words.->join]]

"Listen to me," Your grandmother’s voice grows steady, and you feel those behind you shift with agency, ready to scribble down the words she will say, “I love you.” [["I love you, too," You say, trying to keep your own voice from trembling.->love]] [["Please, don't leave," Tears prickle into the corners of your eyes, and your voice cracks, a contrast to your grandmother's sure tone.->love]] [[You say nothing back, but nod to her, allowing her this last comfort.->love]]

Her white hair lays wiry on the pillow under her head, and it doesn't budge even as her head snaps back. Her eyes bleed gold, casting a soft light onto your face, and her voice suddenly becomes not her own. The voice is echoey, loud, and uncomfortable to listen to. Goosebumps rise on the back of your neck as your grandmother's eyes roll towards you. [[Princess of Thuris.->princess]] [[Prince of Thuris.->prince]] [[Heir of Thuris.->heir]]

[Make Sure To Set Your Pronouns!] //<span class="emphasis"><<link '"Princess of Thuris."'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>></span>// <<set $titlemc to "Princess">> <<set $futuretitle to "Queen">> <<set $gendermckid to "daughter">> <<set $genderset to "set">> [[Next.->Princess of Thuris.]]

[Make Sure To Set Your Pronouns!] //<span class="emphasis"><<link '"Prince of Thuris."'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>></span>// <<set $titlemc to "Prince">> <<set $futuretitle to "King">> <<set $gendermckid to "son">> <<set $genderset to "set">> [[Next.->Prince of Thuris.]]

[Make Sure To Set Your Pronouns!] //<span class="emphasis"><<link '"Heir of Thuris."'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>></span>// <<set $gendermckid to "child">> <<set $titlemc to "Heir">> <<set $futuretitle to "Ruler">> <<set $genderset to "set">> [[Next.->Heir of Thuris.]]

The Deity speaks your title, and only your title as, with your grandmother's body, They reach out with Their free hand, drawing invisible words in the air as They gather the breath to speak. "The Deity looks upon you with fondness—one bestowed only to the line of <<link "King Noam,">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("King Noam."); Dialog.wiki("The first ruler of Thuris."); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>" The words are familiar to you, as every heir before you has heard the same ones once this vision came, according to your lessons. The room is silent then, as The Deity pauses, and the fire dies. The people behind you shuffle closer, as suddenly, your grandmother’s hand //tears// out of your grip, moving up to harshly grab onto the back of your neck. "My gift to you," The Deity’s voice drops, "Is yet to come." Whispers break out amongst the room. [[Your heartrate rockets as you attempt to wiggle away, fear gripping you tight. What was happening?->nextt]] [[You narrow your gaze at the being in your grandmother's body. What exactly was it playing at?->nextt]] [[You blink at your grandmother's face as pain spiked on the back of your neck.->nextt]]

"When you come of age, only then, I will announce my gift to you and all the houses," They continue, voice straining as they use the last of your grandmother’s strength to finish, "Then, you will all rejoice." Their words are croaked out, fierce and weak at the same time. Your grandmother’s head drops heavily against the pillow, and the light goes out. [[Next.->pace]]

<div class="message"><h4>One Hour After The Last Prophecy.</h4></div><div class="message"><h4>The Hall Outside Your Bedroom.</h4></div> The King paces back and forth in front of your bedroom, arms crossed tightly as the Queen watches on. "This is the first time something like this has happened," States the Queen, pressing a finger to her chin, "Could this be a show of hostility to our line?" The King stops abruptly, "Hostility!? No, Sage, this is cause for celebration!" He laughs, moving towards his wife and grabbing her firmly by the shoulders. "This must be a sign that our heir is destined for great things!" Sage scoffs, tapping his wrist to signal him to release her—he does. "You know I do not believe in destiny." "The Deity has never shown this kind of favor to any heir before ours! How could you say that?" The King frowns, causing the Queen to sigh. "Who says this is favor? It is tradition for The Deity to relay the gift during the last prophecy, not claim that it must be revealed later! Do you not find this strange?!" Sage let her hands gesture to the hallway around them, as if The Deity’s words laid scribed into the walls. "Must you truly find the negative side of everything!?" He counters, "Can’t you simply be happy for our $gendermckid!?" "Do you even hear yourself, August!? Can't you even //consider// that this is a bad omen!?" Sage steps forward as August steps back, and at that moment she knew he was going to his study. As he began to walk, furiously, away, she touches a hand to the handle on the door beside her, calling out one last thing to her husband, "You cannot run from this! We will continue our discussion later." She got no retort. [[Next.->bedtime]]

Your mother steps into your bedroom, calm and composed despite the muffled argument you had heard just moments before. [[Your eyes were still watery from earlier. You still couldn't believe your grandmother was gone.->comfort]] [[You clutch the blanket thightly in your small hands, angry at what The Deity had said. Why didn't They tell you what your gift was?->comfort]] [[You perk up at the sight of your mother.->comfort]]

"My darling, what are you doing still awake?" Her voice was only lightly chastising as she moved across the room, waving her wrist at the chambermaid standing idle by the door. As she left, your mother took a seat on the edge of your bed, hands moving to rest calmly in her lap. Your bedroom is large, at the top of a tower, its ceiling curving upwards in a dome over the walls. Moonlight pours in from the balcony, though it hardly does anything to change the darkness of the room. The look in your mother's eyes is worried, and you wonder if it's about the Deity's words or for you. [[You wish you could've said a better goodbye to your grandmother.->flame]] [[You can't help but feel curious about the prophecy, why had it been like that?->flame]] [[You shake the thoughts from your mind—you'd rather not think about it.->flame]]

"Darling?" Your mother questions you again as she leans over to the candlestick beside your bed, cupping her hands over the wick in a would-be lazy fashion, if not for the fact that your mother never looked lazy. You watch as a spark blooms in her palms, and fire is born—growing and growing until it dimly lights the room. The Queen's thumb swipes over her skin, where the new burn fades as if it were never there at all. She doesn't acknowledge the display, as she never does, even when you ask. [[Ask about it anyway.]] [[Don't.]]

"I'll be able to do that too, right?" You blink up at your mother, and she lets out a slight sigh at your gaze. Sage presses her finger to the tip of your nose, lips sliding into a small smile, "Of course," She pauses, smile widening, "In due time." You let out a small huff as she avoids your query yet again. [[Next.->Don't.]]

The Queen looks away from you, "Word is bound to spread," She is talking at you now, not to you, "With the help of the servants present, or even the priests from the <<link "Sanctuary.">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Sanctuary."); Dialog.wiki("A place meant for worshiping the Deity."); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> This is too large a shock to keep confined." It's then that you notice the dark circles under your mother's eyes. [["Is that a bad thing?"]] [[Say Nothing.->nothing]]

"Is that a bad thing?" You question her. Sage blinks at you, and suddenly she is conscious of your presence again, "Not a bad thing, just a tiring one." [[Next.->nothing]]

"All will be well, darling," She suddenly states, looking back towards you and adjusting the blanket covering your small body, "I will make certain." She then sighs deeply, standing reluctantly. "I suppose I should let you sleep—it has been a long day." [["Can I have a goodnight kiss?"]] [["Goodnight, mother."]]

"Can I have a goodnight kiss?" She lets out a small breath of air that could've been a laugh, and leans down to press her full lips agaisnt your forehead, "Goodnight, my darling." "Goodnight," You mutter, as she blows out the flame lit by her magic, and turns to the door. [[Part Two Of Prologue.->propart2]]

"Goodnight, mother." She lets out a small breath of air that could've been a laugh, and leans down to press her full lips agaisnt your forehead, "Goodnight, my darling." "Goodnight," You mutter again, as she blows out the flame lit by her magic, and turns to the door. [[Next.->propart2]]

[You Have Unlocked A History Lesson in Codex!] <div class="message"><h4>When You Are Ten. Two Weeks After The Last Prophecy, Prologue Part Two.</h4></div><div class="message"><h4>The Hallway.</h4></div> You cradle a small, gilded hair brush in your palm. It looks painstakingly crafted, with your name carved into the handle in delicate handwriting. You drag your thumb over it, and it reads— <<message 'Feminine Name Suggestions.'>>\ [[Ether; Star.]] [[Belle; Beautiful.]] [[Amabel; Loving.]] <</message>> <<message 'Masculine Name Suggestions.'>>\ [[Ezra; Help.]] [[Alaric; Regal Ruler.]] [[Zayd; Rise.]] <</message>> <<message 'Gender-Neutral Name Suggestions.'>>\ [[Adin; Everlasting Bliss.]] [[Kai; Warrior.]] [[Ember; Spark.]] <</message>> <<textbox "$name" "">> <<set $name to "">> [[Next.->nameset]]

You blink up at your mother's tall figure, "Win my favor?" Your mother shifts her gaze to you, a smile curling the sides of her mouth, "You're the future $futuretitle, darling," She begins to grow impatient, and from the look on the guard's face, he notices, and begins to move faster. Curiosity grips you tight as another question comes to mind, "They did the same for Father?" Sage's eye twitches at the mention of her husband, "Perhaps not as much as this. You're a strange thing to the nobles. I believe they aren't sure if they should fear you or be in awe. Regardless, it wouldn't be wise to earn themselves a place on your bad side." [["My bad side?" You feel your nose wrinkle.]] [["I don't want anyone to be scared of me," You whisper.]] [["Good, they should be scared!" You cross your arms.]]

"They can keep their gifts then, I don't want them!" You huff. Your mother’s dry laugh scratches even your own throat, and she takes a moment to allow the guard to shift the last trinket in your path away before speaking. "It is only human nature to have greed," She shakes her head at nothing as she steps past the pile of things, you beside her, "Though, that doesn't mean they should act on it. Sadly, they know no different." "What's that got to do with giving me presents?" You can't help the slight confusion in your tone. "Darling, if you were to favor them, they could use that to overpower many a weaker people," A tinge of disgust stains her words, "Which is why, my darling, it is wise not to accept them." [[Next.->hallsecho]]

You watch eagerly as gift after gift is moved, "I'll be able to keep the gifts, right?" Your mother’s dry laugh scratches even your own throat, and she takes a moment to allow the guard to shift the last trinket in your path away before speaking. "It is only human nature to have greed," She shakes her head at nothing as she steps past the pile of things, you beside her, "Though, that doesn't mean you should act on it. I know you are young, so you must learn this now." "What's that got to do with giving me presents?" You can't help the slight confusion in your tone. "Darling, if you grow accustomed to this, they could use that to overpower many a weaker people, because you would, unconsciously or not, be showing them favor, " A tinge of disgust stains her words, "Which is why, my darling, it is wise not to accept them—" She glances at your chestfallen expression and sighs, "—Publically," She glances away, "Of course, you can keep them." [[Next.->hallsecho]]

"My bad side?" You feel your nose wrinkle. Your mother’s dry laugh scratches even your own throat, and she takes a moment to allow the guard to shift the last trinket in your path away before speaking. "It is only human nature to have greed," She shakes her head at nothing as she steps past the pile of things, you beside her, "Though, that doesn't mean they should act on it. Sadly, they know no different." "What's that got to do with my bad side?" You can't help the slight confusion in your tone. "Darling, if you were to favor them, they could use that to overpower many a weaker people," There's disgust her words, "Which is why, my darling, it is wise not to accept them publically," She waves her hand in a cirular motion, "If you expressed dislike towards them, they would loose many favors and allies, as no one would want to be involved with a noble family you showed hositility to." [[Next.->hallsecho]]

"I don't want anyone to be scared of me," You whisper. Your mother’s dry laugh scratches even your own throat, and she takes a moment to allow the guard to shift the last trinket in your path away before speaking. "Darling," She shakes her head at nothing as she steps past the pile of things, you beside her, "Sometimes it's better to be feared than not." "What," You can't help the small voice you use, "Why?" "Darling, mercy is something preyed upon," A tinge of pity stains her words, "Which is why, my darling, you cannot be too lenient." [[Next.->hallsecho]]

"Good, they should be scared!" You cross your arms. Your mother’s dry laugh scratches even your own throat, and she takes a moment to allow the guard to shift the last trinket in your path away before speaking. "It is only human nature to have greed," She shakes her head at nothing as she steps past the pile of things, you beside her, "Though, that doesn't mean they should act on it. Sadly, they know no different." "What's that got to do with giving me presents?" You can't help the slight confusion in your tone. "Darling, if you were to favor them, they could use that to overpower many a weaker people," A tinge of disgust stains her words, "Which is why, my darling, it is wise not to accept them publically." [[Next.->hallsecho]]

The hall echos faintly with the steps of servants making their daily routines, and the shine of the newly risen sun pours in from behind the pillars to the left and settles on the marble floor. Sage sighs as she rakes her thin fingers through her hair, and her voice is harsh as she mutters, "The nobles are not patient people, darling, it is not a surprise that they are trying such tactics so soon. They wish to know The Deity's Gift soon, and I fear they may grow restless." [["But we don't know what it is yet!"]] [["What would happen if they did?"]] [["Is that bad?" You ask, fear creeping into your tone.]]

"But we don't know what it is yet!" Sage nods, "Indeed, my darling," You watch as she turns to watch the walls pass you by, "Which is why we must find a way to make them content, and soon, I fear." [[Next.->guard]]

"What would happen if they did?" Sage is quiet for a moment, when faced with your question, and speaks only after a few moments, "If they grow restless enough, it is possible they would revolt. Though, that is a very slim chance." She places a hand on your shoulder, "Besides, The Deity will protect us. There is no need to worry." [[Next.->guard]]

"Is that bad?" You ask, fear creeping into your tone. Sage is quiet for a moment, when faced with your question, and speaks only after a few moments, "If they grow restless enough, it is possible they would revolt. Though, that is a very slim chance." She places a hand on your shoulder, "Besides, The Deity will protect us. There is no need to worry." [[Next.->guard]]

Sage pauses in the hall, just by the set of double doors that leads to the outside, and then to the barracks. "Are you prepared for today?" She continues, "It’s time you are assigned a personal guard." [["Do I really need one? I can protect myself!"]] [["Of course I remember!" You didn't get much sleep last night.]] [["Do I really need one?" You didn't know about spending every moment with a stranger.]] [["I'm prepared." You didn't mind either way—your mother said you needed one.]]

"Do I really need one? I can protect myself!" You huff, and the woman beside you presses a hand to her lips to muffle a light chuckle. "I suppose need is a strong word, darling," Sage says, "It is simply tradition for it to happen this way. There are many capable guards at your disposal, this //child// that will be assigned to you is merely for looks when you're this young," She looks to you for a moment, "And you needn't have to protect yourself, you are royalty." [["That's not fair!"]] [["That doesn't mean anything!"]] [[You frown at your mother, but don't retort.]]

"Of course I remember!" You didn't get much sleep last night. Sage smiles, but it looks pinched at the edges, "Try not to appear too eager, darling. This child will be no friend to you—they are only for appearances." [["Huh?" You squint at your mother.]] [["Why won't they be my friend?"]]

"Do I really need one?" You didn't know about spending every moment with a stranger. "I suppose need is a strong word, darling," Sage says, "It is simply tradition for it to happen this way. There are many capable guards at your disposal, this //child// that will be assigned to you is merely for looks when you're this young," She looks to you for a moment, "If you're concerned for your safety, you needn't be. No assassin would be able to penetrate our walls." [[You can't help but still be worried, "How do you know?"]] [[You feel more at ease now, "Alright."]]

"I'm prepared." You didn't mind either way—your mother said you needed one. Sage lets out a small, relieved sigh, and with a nod from the Queen, the soldier standing by the doors rushes to pull them open, and the vast training grounds are revealed. [[Next.->walcott]]

You can't help but still be worried, "How do you know?" Sage offers you what you think is meant to be a reassuring smile, "I make sure of it, darling." You say nothing else, and she lets out a small, relieved sigh when you don't push the matter, and with a nod from the Queen, the soldier standing by the doors rushes to pull them open, and the vast training grounds are revealed. [[Next.->walcott]]

You feel more at ease now, "Alright." Sage lets out a small, relieved sigh, and with a nod from the Queen, the soldier standing by the doors rushes to pull them open, and the vast training grounds are revealed. [[Next.->walcott]]

"That's not fair!" You furrow your eyebrows, and Sage's features meld into an irritated expression. "Darling, do not act like a child, we have no time for it now," Sage refuses to let you retort, and with a nod from the Queen, the soldier standing by the doors rushes to pull them open, and the vast training grounds are revealed. [[Next.->walcott]]

"That doesn't mean anything!" You furrow your eyebrows, and Sage's features meld into an irritated expression. "Darling, do not act like a child, we have no time for it now," Sage refuses to let you retort, and with a nod from the Queen, the soldier standing by the doors rushes to pull them open, and the vast training grounds are revealed. [[Next.->walcott]]

You frown at your mother, but don't retort. Sage lets out a small, relieved sigh when you don't push the matter, and with a nod from the Queen, the soldier standing by the doors rushes to pull them open, and the vast training grounds are revealed. [[Next.->walcott]]

The Barracks is a large stone building nearly attached to the castle, with it being so close. You know not the amount of guards that stay there, but you have a feeling it's quite a lot. Currently, only those eligible to become your personal guard are present, a variety of almost teenagers, and perhaps even younger than that. Your mother lets out an unimpressed breath, and that is when the Captain of the Royal Guard finally notices the two of you. [[Next.->wolcott2]]

"Huh?" You squint at your mother. The woman in question sighs, "Your stations are too different, it is to be nothing more than a master and servant relationship, remember this, darling." Sage refuses to let you retort, and with a nod from the Queen, the soldier standing by the doors rushes to pull them open, and the vast training grounds are revealed. [[Next.->walcott]]

"Why won't they be my friend?" The woman in question sighs, "Your stations are too different, it is to be nothing more than a master and servant relationship, remember this, darling." Sage refuses to let you retort, and with a nod from the Queen, the soldier standing by the doors rushes to pull them open, and the vast training grounds are revealed. [[Next.->walcott]]

Captain Wolcott was a tall, scarred man with a greying beard. He spoke loudly and gruffly, and so your mother wasn’t too fond of him. Though, he and your father were good friends, much to her dismay. You don't spend time with him often, you hardly know anything about him. [[You aren't sure what to think about him.->sageupset]] [[You think he's nice enough, if your father likes him.->sageupset]] [[You don't like him if your mother doesn't.->sageupset]]

"Your Majesty!" His voice booms across the grounds, and the many soldiers jerk to a stop, then repeat their Captain’s shout, bowing in respect. Sage presses a hand to her right temple, mouth set in a firm line before speaking, "Were you unaware that we were coming?" Her voice was cold, meant to bite, but Wolcott appears unaffected. "Of course not, Majesty," Wolcott flicks his wrist, and the soldiers all line up, some tripping over themselves as they did, "I thought it best to you give you a glimpse of their fighting skills before you choose." "Or lack thereof," The Queen mutters, as she observes the line, "Very well, name and status, and then a short demonstration of what they can do. I hope you won't disappoint me." Wolcott gave an almost curt nod as he moved to the start of the line, where a skinny, red-haired boy tensely stood with his arms behind his back, as did everyone else. [[Next.->garrett]]

"This one is Garrett, of Hallewell house. A bit of a weakling, but can hold his own in a fight," Wolcott gestures to the boy, who tenses up even further at his Captain’s words. "I did not ask for passing comments, Wolcott," The Queen snaps, though her face stays a calm mask as she turns to look Garrett up and down, "Your skills, boy, show them to me." Garrett bows to your mother, then clumsily unsheathes his longsword from the sheath at his hip. He approaches the training dummy with vigor, but even you see the shaking in his hands. The moment the tip of the sword touches the straw man, his arm buckles, and the blade goes tumbling from his grip. [[You stifle a gasp.]] [[Your eyebrows furrow. "Weakling."]] [[You feel a bit bad for him. What if he gets in trouble?]] [[Your eyebrows raise.]]

Your Relationship With $sname. $sThey thinks you're kind./Or/$sThey has q neutral opinion of you. <<link "Return." $return>><</link>>

You stifle a gasp, eyes darting between the two adults present and the boy. The Queen turns her head, not hiding her disgust as she glares at the Captain, "You expect //this// to protect my $gendermckid?" She doesn't shout, "I thought you trained them well." Wolcott shakes his head, a frown tugging at his mustached mouth. He waves Garrett over, "I train them well, but not every child is so suited to the way of battle, Majesty. Garrett is a noble child, two years ago, he couldn't even //hold// a sword," He places a large hand on the boy’s shoulder, squeezing gently, causing some tension to fall from the boy in question, "He has improved greatly." [[You bite back a scoff.]] [[Warmth gathers in your chest. You're glad Garrett won't get in trouble.]] [[You stare ahead, uninterested.]]

Your eyebrows furrow. "Weakling." The Queen turns her head, not hiding her disgust as she glares at the Captain, "You expect //this// to protect my $gendermckid?" She doesn't shout, "I thought you trained them well." Wolcott shakes his head, a frown tugging at his mustached mouth. He waves Garrett over, "I train them well, but not every child is so suited to the way of battle, Majesty. Garrett is a noble child, two years ago, he couldn't even //hold// a sword," He places a large hand on the boy’s shoulder, squeezing gently, causing some tension to fall from the boy in question, "He has improved greatly." [[You bite back a scoff.]] [[Warmth gathers in your chest. You're glad Garrett won't get in trouble.]] [[You stare ahead, uninterested.]]

You feel a bit bad for him. What if he gets in trouble? The Queen turns her head, not hiding her disgust as she glares at the Captain, "You expect //this// to protect my $gendermckid?" She doesn't shout, "I thought you trained them well." Wolcott shakes his head, a frown tugging at his mustached mouth. He waves Garrett over, "I train them well, but not every child is so suited to the way of battle, Majesty. Garrett is a noble child, two years ago, he couldn't even //hold// a sword," He places a large hand on the boy’s shoulder, squeezing gently, causing some tension to fall from the boy in question, "He has improved greatly." [[You bite back a scoff.]] [[Warmth gathers in your chest. You're glad Garrett won't get in trouble.]] [[You stare ahead, uninterested.]]

You bite back a scoff, crossing your arms. Wasn't he supposed to train them to their best? "How sweet," Sage’s voice was anything but warm, "However, it is your duty to provide soldiers to protect the Royal family, not coddle children who cannot even stand on their own two feet." She gestures sharply to the line of others, long sleeve swinging with her movement, "Remedy this." Wolcott is quiet for a moment, pressing Garrett towards the Barracks while thinking on his words. He finally settles with a nod. "Of course, Majesty." Your mother turns her head towards you, expression smoothing over from distaste to fondness, "It seems this will take a while, my darling," She frowns slightly, "There are many options to go through, and it's sure to grow warmer soon." Wolcott perks up from his space, eyes trained on your mother as she speaks. "Perhaps, you should go inside as I judge the others," She finally finishes, offering you a small smile. [["I want to stay! I want to see them stab the thing!"]] [["I want to stay outside, with you..."]] [["Okay," You didn't want to argue.]]

Warmth gathers in your chest. You're glad Garrett won't get in trouble. "How sweet," Sage’s voice was anything but warm, "However, it is your duty to provide soldiers to protect the Royal family, not coddle children who cannot even stand on their own two feet." She gestures sharply to the line of others, long sleeve swinging with her movement, "Remedy this." Wolcott is quiet for a moment, pressing Garrett towards the Barracks while thinking on his words. He finally settles with a nod. "Of course, Majesty." Your mother turns her head towards you, expression smoothing over from distaste to fondness, "It seems this will take a while, my darling," She frowns slightly, "There are many options to go through, and it's sure to grow warmer soon." Wolcott perks up from his space, eyes trained on your mother as she speaks. "Perhaps, you should go inside as I judge the others," She finally finishes, offering you a small smile. [["I want to stay! I want to see them stab the thing!"]] [["I want to stay outside, with you..."]] [["Okay," You didn't want to argue.]]

You stare ahead, uninterested. "How sweet," Sage’s voice was anything but warm, "However, it is your duty to provide soldiers to protect the Royal family, not coddle children who cannot even stand on their own two feet." She gestures sharply to the line of others, long sleeve swinging with her movement, "Remedy this." Wolcott is quiet for a moment, pressing Garrett towards the Barracks while thinking on his words. He finally settles with a nod. "Of course, Majesty." Your mother turns her head towards you, expression smoothing over from distaste to fondness, "It seems this will take a while, my darling," She frowns slightly, "There are many options to go through, and it's sure to grow warmer soon." Wolcott perks up from his space, eyes trained on your mother as she speaks. "Perhaps, you should go inside as I judge the others," She finally finishes, offering you a small smile. [["I want to stay! I want to see them stab the thing!"]] [["I want to stay outside, with you..."]] [["Okay," You didn't want to argue.]]

Your eyebrows raise slightly at the display. The Queen turns her head, not hiding her disgust as she glares at the Captain, "You expect //this// to protect my $gendermckid?" She doesn't shout, "I thought you trained them well." Wolcott shakes his head, a frown tugging at his mustached mouth. He waves Garrett over, "I train them well, but not every child is so suited to the way of battle, Majesty. Garrett is a noble child, two years ago, he couldn't even //hold// a sword," He places a large hand on the boy’s shoulder, squeezing gently, causing some tension to fall from the boy in question, "He has improved greatly." [[You bite back a scoff.]] [[Warmth gathers in your chest. You're glad Garrett won't get in trouble.]] [[You stare ahead, uninterested.]]

"I want to stay! I want to see them stab the thing!" You clench your small fists and wave them wildly, which evokes a disapproving expression from the Queen. "Ah!" Wolcott interjects, rushing to place his hands on the shoulders of the child next in line, "Shouldn’t the $titlemc stay to see one more demonstration?" Sage eyes the child, fingers moving to cup her chin as she observes, "You wish your own child to go next?" "Yes!" Wolcott says enthusatically, "Ellis is one of my best! Surely, you would like to be entertained?" He grins as your mother waves her wrist dismissively. "I suppose one more won’t hurt,” She gently takes you by the arm, leading you farther away from the action, "Wait here, $name." Ellis has a different air compared to Garrett. Their shoulders are relaxed, confident. Their face held poorly concealed excitement. [[Next.->impress]]

"I want to stay outside, with you..." You clench your small fists and frown, which evokes a warm expression from the Queen. "Ah!" Wolcott interjects, rushing to place his hands on the shoulders of the child next in line, "Shouldn’t the $titlemc stay to see one more demonstration?" Sage eyes the child, fingers moving to cup her chin as she observes, "You wish your own child to go next?" "Yes!" Wolcott says enthusatically, "Ellis is one of my best! Surely, you would like to be entertained?" He grins as your mother waves her wrist dismissively. "I suppose one more won’t hurt,” She gently takes you by the arm, leading you farther away from the action, "Wait here, $name." Ellis has a different air compared to Garrett. Their shoulders are relaxed, confident. Their face held poorly concealed excitement. [[Next.->impress]]

"Okay," You didn't want to argue. "Ah!" Wolcott interjects, rushing to place his hands on the shoulders of the child next in line, "Shouldn’t the $titlemc stay to see one more demonstration?" Sage eyes the child, fingers moving to cup her chin as she observes, "You wish your own child to go next?" "Yes!" Wolcott says enthusatically, "Ellis is one of my best! Surely, you would like to be entertained?" He grins as your mother waves her wrist dismissively. "I suppose one more won’t hurt,” She gently takes you by the arm, leading you farther away from the action, "Wait here, $name." Ellis has a different air compared to Garrett. Their shoulders are relaxed, confident. Their face held poorly concealed excitement. [[Next.->impress]]

As Ellis steps up to the training dummy, for the first time this morning, you see a glimmer of interest in your mother's eyes. They were sure in the way they drew their sword and the way they began to attack. Ellis slashes the dummy twice, hay falling from the compressed figure, causing more damage than Garrett had managed. They rear back, and for a moment you were confused, until they chopped the dummy’s head clean off of its shoulders. Wolcott claps enthusiastically, glancing eagerly at your mother to discern her reaction, and this time, it was fairly positive. [[Next.->ellis]]

"I see your training skills aren't completely inadequate," The praise sounds very forced, but it is praise nonetheless. Your mother looks to you again, pushing you lightly towards the doors you used to enter the training grounds, "Now, off with you, my darling." As you make your way towards the castle, you hear a glimpse of your mother’s displeased voice yet again. //"...What do you mean there’s one missing?!"// [[The doors close behind you.->noahh]]

<div class="message"><h4>The Hallway.</h4></div> Your free schedule—something uncommon—stretches ahead of you almost endlessly. Being alone is also uncommon, as your mother or tutor typically accompanies you wherever you go in the castle. [[It's boring either way.->wnader]] [[You like having time to yourself.->wnader]] [[You miss your mother already.->wnader]]

Your steps are loud in your ears as you walk, and your eyes shift restlessly over the space around you to give yourself something to do. Paintings, clean of dust and looking just recently created, embellish the walls, some of landscapes, and some of people you've never even laid eyes on before. That's until you reach the eminent frame that holds your family portrait. You were far younger then, and your mother had told you to hold the plainest expression for nearly an hour every day for a month. [[You had tried, of course. You eventually grew bored, however, and your expression somehow shows exactly that.->customizeeyes]] [[You had forced your cheeks into a smile that grew very tiring very fast, and the painting had managed to capture the look perfectly.->customizeeyes]] [[You had made an expression as plain as your mother had asked—and you look just that in the portrait.->customizeeyes]]

And then your father is smiling so wide you fear his cheeks might split in the corners. It was curious how he had kept the smile for so long—and how the painter had captured it perfectly(she was the best, your mother had said). His eyes crinkle slightly in the corners, the color of them sparkling and so much like your own. <div class="ital"><<nobr>><<cycle "$mceyecolor" autoselect>> <<option "Azure, bright and wash.»">><<option "Cerulean, deep and striking.»">><<option "Moss, pale and mesmerizing.»">> <<option "Emerald, vibrant and entrancing.»">> <<option "Hickory, rich and pleasing.»">><<option "Almond, light and grabbing.»">><<option "Smoke, fleeting and unusual.»">></div><</cycle>><</nobr>> You recall your mother saying something like that once. [[Next.->therrr]]

[[History.->history]] <<link "Return." $return>><</link>>

<<set $gamechapter = "Prologue, Part Two.">> <div class="message">“The clouds part, with the victor finally revealed. Queen Adira stands alone amongst the carnage; sword raised high in what should’ve been a rallying cry[…]</div> <div class="message">“Though there was none, as her comrades lay dead at her feet, her body the only one left untouched.”</div> <div class="message">''//—Broken Swords and Lying Promises: The Tale of Adira, and The Deity's Curse. //''</div> <<set $adiratruth to "set">> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> [[Next.->propart2part2]] </div><</nobr>>

[[Mysterious Texts.]] <<link "Return." $return>><</link>>

<div class="woo">Princess, Mia of Thuris.</div> <div class="woor">Apperance.</div><div class="ww">You have $mceyecolorup eyes and <<if $mcnohair is "bald">>\ <</if>></div> <div class="woor">Personality.</div><div class="ww">You are not particularly</div> [Kind/Hostilie.] [Sarcastic/Geninue.] [Serious/Playful.] Personality. [Kind/Hositile.] [Careful/Reckless.] [Optimistic/Reckless.]

Before we begin: There are four characters that are gender selectable, they will be set as you come across them(you only meet two in this update!) There will be a ♥ paired with romantic choices. Your pronouns can be changed anytime in Settings, but make sure you set them in game. If you would like to view the vague warnings for this update, click <<message 'here.'>>\ //Warnings For Prologue: Blood, Murder, Eldritch Beast, Allude to Classism.// <</message>> Please enjoy. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> [[Begin.->propart1.]] </div><</nobr>>

<<set $gamechapter = "Prologue, Part Two.">> <div class="messagetitles">Prologue: Too Small.</div> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> [[Next.->Begin.]] </div><</nobr>>

<<nobr>><<if $mchaircolor == "A brilliant and burning red, as bizarre as a sunset and sunrise.»">> <<set $mchairc = "red">> <<elseif $mchaircolor == "A warm brown, as deep as tree bark and foliage during fall.»">> <<set $mchairc = "brown">> <<elseif $mchaircolor == "A shining gold, blinding as the sun and as pure as light.»">> <<set $mchairl = "blond">> <<elseif $mchaircolor == "As dark as a raven’s wings, swirls of midnight and nighttime.»">> <<set $mchairc = "black">> <</if>><</nobr>> You snap out of your reverie with a start, turning away from eyes upon eyes upon faces, and turn the corner. The paintings fade from the walls as you continue to wander, boredom snapping at the edges of your young mind. This is until a large //crash// catches your attention—followed by a series of worrying cries from an open door a few paces ahead. And you smell something. [[Something sweet—it makes you hungry.->s]] [[Something sweet—it leaves you curious, even though you don't like sugary things.->s]]

When you peek inside the doorway, you see someone. <<nobr>><<cycle "$sthey" autoselect>> <<option "A girl»">><<option "A boy»">><</cycle>><</nobr>> is standing there. [[Next.->assignS]]

<<nobr>><<if $sthey == "A boy»">> <<set $sthey = "he">> <<set $sthem = "him">> <<set $stheir = "his">> <<set $stheirs = "his">> <<set $sname = "Simon">> <<set $sgender2 = "boy">> <<set $sgender = "man">> <<set $splur = false>> <<elseif $sthey == "A girl»">> <<set $sthey = "she">> <<set $sthem = "her">> <<set $stheir = "her">> <<set $stheirs = "hers">> <<set $sname = "Simone">> <<set $sgender2 = "girl">> <<set $sgender = "woman">> <<set $splur = false>> <</if>> <<set $sThey to $sthey.toUpperFirst(), $sThem to $sthem.toUpperFirst(), $sTheir to $stheir.toUpperFirst()>><</nobr>> A $sgender2 stands frozen amid a mess of flour, milk, and shards of a pot. $sThey snaps $stheir gaze to you, and then $sthey sucks in such a breath you fear $sthey may pop. "It was a—" $sThey pauses, voice lowering in what you think must be shame, "It was an accident!" $sThey clutches $stheir apron tightly in $stheir hands, $stheir palms covered in white. "I will clean it, I swear, so please—" $sTheir head drops heavily, and $sthey bends $stheir knees, touching clumps of ingredients and broken porcelain. <<if $sgender2 is "girl">>\ [[You gasp, stepping quickly into the kitchen. "Wait! You'll cut your hands!"]] [[You shake your head, though she doesn't see, so you speak instead, "You'll hurt yourself—stop."->1s]] [[You blink at her, but say nothing as she expertly uses her apron to clean the muddle of ingredients.->1ss]] <<else>>\ [[You gasp, stepping quickly into the kitchen. "Wait! You'll cut your hands!"]] [[You shake your head, though he doesn't see, so you speak instead, "You'll hurt yourself—stop."->1s]] [[You blink at him, but say nothing as he expertly uses his apron to clean the muddle of ingredients.->1ss]] <</if>>\

You gasp, stepping quickly into the kitchen. "Wait! You'll cut your hands!" $sThey pauses immediately, though $stheir fingers twitch. <<if $sgender2 is "girl">>\ [["I can call for someone to help you clean up?"]] [["I'll help you!"]] [[You say nothing, and the silence stretches so long that that she starts to reach for the mess again, despite your warning.->stubborn]] <<else>>\ [["I can call for someone to help you clean up?"]] [["I'll help you!"]] [[You say nothing, and the silence stretches so long that that he starts to reach for the mess again, despite your warning.->stubborn]] <</if>>\

You shake your head, though $they doesn't see, so you speak instead, "You'll hurt yourself—stop." $sThey pauses immediately, though $stheir fingers twitch. <<if $sgender2 is "girl">>\ [["I can call for someone to help you clean up?"]] [["I'll help you!"]] [[You say nothing, and the silence stretches so long that that she starts to reach for the mess again, despite your warning.->stubborn]] <<else>>\ [["I can call for someone to help you clean up?"]] [["I'll help you!"]] [[You say nothing, and the silence stretches so long that that he starts to reach for the mess again, despite your warning.->stubborn]] <</if>>\

And then those eyes catch your mother's features, and you instinctively reach up to touch the side of your head. <<nobr>><<cycle "$mchairlength" autoselect>> <<option "You're bald.»">><<option "You run your fingers through the short strands, just recently cut.»">><<option "The ends of your hair barely brush past your shoulders.»">> <<option "You slide your hand down your hair, which shifts, and you feel it through the fabric on your back.»">><</cycle>><</nobr>> <<nobr>><<if $mceyecolor == "Azure, bright and wash.»">> <<set $mceyecolorup = "Light blue">> <<set $mceyecolordown = "light blue">> <<elseif $mceyecolor == "Cerulean, deep and striking.»">> <<set $mceyecolorup = "Dark blue">> <<set $mceyecolordown = "dark blue">> <<elseif $mceyecolor == "Moss, pale and mesmerizing.»">> <<set $mceyecolorup = "Light green">> <<set $mceyecolordown = "light green">> <<elseif $mceyecolor == "Hickory, rich and pleasing.»">> <<set $mceyecolorup = "Dark brown">> <<set $mceyecolordown = "dark brown">> <<elseif $mceyecolor == "Emerald, vibrant and entrancing.»">> <<set $mceyecolorup = "Dark green">> <<set $mceyecolordown = "dark green">> <<elseif $mceyecolor == "Almond, light and grabbing.»">> <<set $mceyecolorup = "Light brown">> <<set $mceyecolordown = "light brown">> <<elseif $mceyecolor == "Smoke, fleeting and unusual.»">> <<set $mceyecolorup = "Grey">> <<set $mceyecolordown = "grey">> <</if>><</nobr>> [[Next.->hairtyepsf]]

<<nobr>><<if $mchairlength == "You're bald.»">> <<set $mchairl = "bald">> <<elseif $mchairlength == "You run your fingers through the short strands, just recently cut.»">> <<set $mchairl = "short">> <<elseif $mchairlength == "The ends of your hair barely brush past your shoulders.»">> <<set $mchairl = "medium length">> <<elseif $mchairlength == "You slide your hand down your hair, which shifts, and you feel it through the fabric on your back.»">> <<set $mchairl = "long">> <</if>><</nobr>> <<if $mchairl is "bald">>\ You snap out of your reverie with a start, turning away from eyes upon eyes upon faces, and turn the corner. The paintings fade from the walls as you continue to wander, boredom snapping at the edges of your young mind. This is until a large //crash// catches your attention—followed by a series of worrying cries from an open door a few paces ahead. And you smell something. [[Something sweet—it makes you hungry.->s]] [[Something sweet—it leaves you curious, even though you don't like sugary things.->s]] <<else>>\ <div class="ital"><<nobr>><<cycle "$mchairtype" autoselect>> <<option "Your mother's hair cradles the back of her neck with fluffy tufts that you sport as well.»">><<option "Your mother's curls frame her face and hug her shoulders—your own take what they can get and do the same.»">><<option "Airy, wavy strands float behind your mother when she walks, never still and always seeming to move—you have similar waves.»">> <<option "You mother's hair slides satisfyingly down her back, smooth like soft, running water that you match.»">></div><</cycle>><</nobr>> Then, you remember, vaguely, a problem that had occurred with the portrait. [[Next.->hairoclo]] <<endif>>\

<<nobr>><<if $mchairtype == "Your mother's hair cradles the back of her neck with fluffy tufts that you sport as well.»">> <<set $mchairt = "coiled">> <<elseif $mchairtype == "Your mother's curls frame her face and hug her shoulders—your own take what they can get and do the same.»">> <<set $mchairt = "curly">> <<elseif $mchairtype == "Airy, wavy strands float behind your mother when she walks, never still and always seeming to move—you have similar waves.»">> <<set $mchairlt = "wavy">> <<elseif $mchairtype == "You mother's hair slides satisfyingly down her back, smooth like soft, running water that you match.»">> <<set $mchairt = "straight">> <</if>><</nobr>> It’s difficult to tell when you aren’t standing beside it, but the shade of your hair is just ever so slightly off on the canvas. The exact shade had been impossible to recreate, even with the artist’s skill. You reach up a hand to touch the frame keeping the painting; not yet tall enough to brush the artwork itself(that was the sheer scale of it). The color borders your hue, and you compare it in your mind’s eye.<div class="ital"><<nobr>><<cycle "$mchaircolor" autoselect>> <<option "A brilliant and burning red, as bizarre as a sunset and sunrise.»">><<option "A warm brown, as deep as tree bark and foliage during fall.»">><<option "A shining gold, blinding as the sun and as pure as light.»">> <<option "As dark as a raven’s wings, swirls of midnight and nighttime.»">></div><</cycle>><</nobr>> [[Next.->movealongb]]

"I'll help you!" $sThey looks like $sthey's about to combust on the spot, cheeks growing pink, popping against pale skin. "No! Please!" $sThey dives for the mess again with $stheir apron in hand, staining it further. <div class="ital"><<nobr>><<cycle "$tsk" autoselect>> <<option "You squint»">><<option "You frown»">><<option "You blink»">></div><</cycle>><</nobr>> at $sthem, confused at being denied. [[March over and help.->helod]] [[Sit and watch.->oodp]]

You blink at $sthem, but say nothing as $sthey expertly uses $stheir apron to clean the muddle of ingredients. [[March over and help.->helod]] [[Sit and watch.->oodp]]

You say nothing, and the silence stretches so long that that $sthey starts to reach for the mess again, despite your warning. [[March over and help.->helod]] [[Sit and watch.->oodp]]

Put somethinghere

<div class="message"><h4>-----</h4></div><div class="message"><h4>???</h4></div> The hilt is clammy against Noah's palm, slick with sweat and nerves—all the things he cannot afford to feel right now. He slides from the stone wall, just avoiding a patrolling guard—they were at ease, he found—they weren't expecting anything like him. The grass is slightly damp beneath his leather boots, wet from the morning dew. He presses his fingers to it when he kneels behind a pillar. The hardest part was over—and if their informant is correct, the $titlemc is alone while ?their guard is selected. He shuffles slightly as his foot begins to fall asleep—drawing his blade from his cloak—he steps on pins and needles as he drives the point into the neck of an oncoming man in armor. [[Next.->firstkill]]

<div class="message"><h4>The Gardens.</h4></div> Noah slaps a hand over the man's mouth as he slices through the carotid artery, watching him convolute as he digs further into him. The moment passes quickly enough, and Noah places his weapon back into its hiding place. He lugs the man over his shoulder, which proves to be an extraordinary feat—because of the armor— He gasps; with an idea. //The gardens are vast enough to hide a body,// he realizes, and he dumps the corpse in a bush of flowers wide enough to cover him until the smell overpowers their fragrance. Noah strips—keeping only his dagger and boots—and begins unstrapping the armor from the dead man's body. [[Next.->freetime]]

<<set $help = "yes">> You cross the clean floor until you reach the scene, and <<nobr>><<cycle "$help" autoselect>><<option "with no hesitation,»">><<option "after a moment of hesitation,»">><<option "after brief contemplation,»">><</cycle>><</nobr>> you kneel just shy of the mess. The $sgender2 doesn't meet your eye, <<nobr>><<cycle "$woo">><<option "but you don't mind.»">><<option "but boredom grabs you, and you stay anyway.»">><<option "but you ignore that.»">><</cycle>><</nobr>> [["''What's your name?''"->nameanswer]] [["''Are you scared of me?''"->scaredanswer]]

<<set $help = "no">> You cross the clean floor until you reach the scene, <<nobr>><<cycle "$help" autoselect>><<option "and with no hesitation,»">><<option "and after a moment of hesitation,»">><<option "and after brief contemplation,»">>You cross the clean floor until you reach the scene,<</cycle>><</nobr>> you sit just shy of the mess. The $sgender2 doesn't meet your eye, <<nobr>><<cycle "$woo">><<option "but you don't mind.»">><<option "but boredom grabs you, and you stay anyway.»">><<option "but you ignore that.»">><</cycle>><</nobr>> [["''What's your name?''"->nameanswer]] [["''Are you scared of me?''"->scaredanswer]]

"Your Highness?" A questioning voice sounds out from behind the two of you. You turn to find that the familiar pitch belongs to your tutor, Duchess Manette, who, even with her weight, makes no noise when she walks. Her partner passed early in their marriage, and with no children, she husbanded the household alone for years. That was before she became your tutor, and her mauve hair is greying at the roots now—even though with her magical ability, she could revert the strands to their original color(at least according to your mother). Manette's voice is stern, eyes keenly lidded and arms tight across her chest, "Why are you not with the Queen? Why are you with—" Her eyes round slightly as she gets a better look at $sname's face, and then she turns icy, "—I should've known Sage would attempt to choose your guard alone." She drags her wrinkling palms over her face, releasing a heavy sigh. "And I shall be left with the aftermath, of course." She curls a finger at you as she angles her shoulders to the doorframe. You <<nobr>><<cycle "$tsk" autoselect>> <<option "huff»">><<option "sigh»">><<option "glare»">><</cycle>><</nobr>> when she beckons you, but you go to her nonetheless. "I will send the head maid to assist you," Manette tells $sname, and $sthey claps $stheir small hands together in response. "Please, I will clean it—I need no help—please," $sThey looks as if $sthey's about to cry, but Manette turns away. "Come along, Your Highness," Manette instructs, brushing away the $sgender2's pleas with practiced indifference. [[You send a sympathetic look behind you as you leave.->manangr]]

<div class="message"><h4>That Night.</h4></div><div class="message"><h4>The King's Study.</h4></div> Sage slams her hands down on August's large, oak desk, earning a look of annoyance in return. "Sage, please, it's already been done," He sits the quill in hand aside, pushing himself up from his chair. "It's not too late to change your mind, and you know it!" Sage watches as August moves towards the balcony, "August!" "Why are you so against it!?" He finally lets his voice rise, turning sharply in the moonlight to face the love of his life, "It's not as if //you// are a noble either, so why aren't you beside yourself in joy!?" [[Next.->scoffsd]]

Sage scoffs, "You would truly use that against me?" Her knuckles visibly tighten against her arm, "You know that matters not—no one will take the $Tgender2 seriously! You will be a laughing stock! Out of all the options, you chose the only commoner present—the only foreigner present! What was wrong with the Walcott child? They were perfect!" "That $Tgender2 saved our $gendermckid's life! Are you not grateful!?" August narrows his gaze, "You would truly scorn $Tthem because of $Ttheir birth. You may be Queen now Sage: but that is because I love you, not because of your status." "I already told you that isn't why! I grew up in the Sanctuary: I was—I still am—respected! I never starved nor was worked to the bone, I knew of etiquette, and though it stirred controversy: I was eventually accepted! Can you say the same will happen for that $Tgender2!?" Sage pauses only for a breath, "And, of course, I am thankful that $Tthey saved $name, and I always will be! That is why we should release $Tthem from $Ttheir duties with enough gold to last $Tthem!" "Sage!" August runs his fingers through his hair, tugging at it, "Please, can't we see eye to eye just this once!? The $Tgender2 will be taken care of here, $name will have a friend ?their age, and all will be well!" Sage turns sharply to show her husband her back, clutching at the amulet heavy around her neck, "Fine—I agree." August let out a breath of air, half relieved and half shocked, "Oh." [[Next.->letterss]]

Sage lets her gaze flicker to August's desk, eyebrows suddenly furrowed, "You are writing letters? To whom?" August strides away from the balcony with a smile on his face, "Jealous—there's no need: it's to our noble houses." "Nonsense, I am not—" Sage turns amply to the desk, "Why are you writing to them?" "It's a reply: they're asking again about the coming of age ceremony: they want invitations." August sits back in his chair with a huff. "That's preposterous—that's not tradition," Sage arches an eyebrow, and August releases a strained chuckle. "It's also not tradition for The Deity to do what They've done—so what can we do? I say we let them attend," August picks up his quill and resumes writing. [[Next.->planss]]

"There will need to be extra protection on the carriage—there and back," Sage chimes. "I know you don't want to—" August jumps, shock clear on his features. "You agree?" "If it's the only way to make them content, then yes. The last thing we need is a revolt," Sage sighs, "Now, like I said, extra protection. Wolcott will be with us if—he doesn't die from old age before then," She smiles ominously as August waves his free hand. "Don't jest—he's practically immortal," August lets a smile settle on his lips. "We shall see," Sage retorts. "Sage!" August laughs: earning a genuine smile from his wife. [[Next.->dreamss]]

<div class="message"><h4>Your Bedroom.</h4></div> Your eyes open to a vast space of nothing but black. A place of endless night. It is deathly silent. And you can feel breath on your neck. [[You try to flinch away, but your body stays rooted in place.]] [[You stay as still as possible.]]

You try to flinch away, but your body stays rooted in place. A voice hums low in your ear, yet it echoes everywhere around you, and suddenly it's the only thing you sense, the only thing you– It speaks your name. <div class="message">"$name?"</div> It doesn't feel like it's speaking to you, it doesn't feel like it should be able to speak at all—its voice is distorted—its voice is like an animal, it— <div class="message">"Repudiated?"</div> It asks something, you think, and the air around you crackles with cold and heat, and what should be laughter—it all comes from the voice—from the thing? //The beast?// It moves—floats—shifts away from you, but your nerves follow it, you're still aware of it, and it feels like it wants to hurt you. [[Next.->small]]

You stay as still as possible. A voice hums low in your ear, yet it echoes everywhere around you, and suddenly it's the only thing you sense, the only thing you– It speaks your name. <div class="message">"$name?"</div> It doesn't feel like it's speaking to you, it doesn't feel like it should be able to speak at all—its voice is distorted—its voice is like an animal, it— <div class="message">"Repudiated?"</div> It asks something, you think, and the air around you crackles with cold and heat, and what should be laughter—it all comes from the voice—from the thing? //The beast?// It moves—floats—shifts away from you, but your nerves follow it, you're still aware of it, and it feels like it wants to hurt you. [[Next.->small]]

It moves—floats—shifts away from you, but your nerves follow it, you're still aware of it, and it feels like it wants to hurt you. "Too small," Another voice joins the original, and it sounds feminine—sounds cold and dead and unfeeling, "No need." The voice rumbles as it's denied something—it's angry? "Leave," This time, only the feminine voice speaks, and the air around you grows stifling when you hear breathing near you again. [[You can't move—your body doesn't listen—->fightingwhat]]

The feminine voice disappears—forced away—overpowered? The dark somehow grows—you need to do something—you need to— [[Something hot stirs in your chest, in the palms of your hands—the back of your head—->wake]] [[There's something in your hand? A hilt—a knife—a sword? You can't tell—you can't feel anything else—->wake]] It leaps for you—and you know it'll kill if it touches you—if it reaches you—

And yet, you wake in a clump of sweat and blankets—completely fine. [[Next.->thewoman]]

<div class="message"><h4>-----</h4></div><div class="message"><h4>???</h4></div> The room is empty now, save for a woman, a man, and a beast. The woman traces the blade she holds with the tip of her finger, drawing a thin line of blood; but no change in expression. "You mean to say," Her words are the calmest Morr has ever heard them, "Your //prodigy// was unsuccessful?" The line of blood gathers into a droplet, falling, seemingly in slow motion, to the dusty stone floor underneath them. Morr watches it, instead of the woman's face, "Yes, mistress, he didn't—" He choked on his words, his excuse, "The Queen strung his body upon the battlements—none of the others managed to get inside." [[Next.->prodigy]]

"It was an amazing feat, I'm sure," The woman replies, "Though not one to celebrate—he still failed. But, no matter." Morr's throat itches with the need to sob—she would show mercy? "You're—you're not upset, mistress?" "Yes, I feel //my// prodigy will do nicely for this job, with time," A pleased smile makes its way to her lips. "You mean—Azrail?" Morr's eyebrows twitch. [[Next.->fool]]

"Who else, you fool?" The woman scoffs, and Morr rushes to explain himself. "But—" "—A mere babe, yes, I know," The woman states, "Yet, I see no one better for this job than my own flesh and blood," The woman finally looks to the man, body angling towards him. "Morr, I am afraid I have entertained you long enough." "I—mistress?" Morr's eyes widen as he stumbles a step back. "You must take responsibility for your teachings—I cannot allow you to live." "Mistress, please, I—" His words are cut abruptly short as the woman slides forward, in broad strides, and slashes a deep, burning cut onto his forearm. [[Next.->death]]

"Ah!" Morr grunts in pain, his body flinching with the need to flee—but he knows it's no use—it's over. A creeping shadow eats its way towards the dripping wound he dons, moving from the corners of the room, snuffing out all light in its path. It slides smoothly around the woman—as if she weren't there at all—its jaws open for Morr—only for Morr. And the last thing he sees—are ink blue eyes—the ones from his nightmares. [[Next.->endpropart2]]

That's the end of the prologue and the demo! I hope you enjoyed it! There will be new updates as soon as they are finished, my tumbler is open to ask and questions, have a lovely day!

After some thinking, you settle on the question, "What's your name?" The silence stretches longer than comfortable, and you start to squirm—until the $sgender2 mutters something too quiet to hear. "What?" You tilt forward to hear better. "My name is $sname, Your—" $sThey meets your eyes for a brief moment, "Your Highness." <<if not hasVisited("scaredanswer")>> <<link "<div class='choicebtn'><span>\"\Are you scared of me?\"\</span></div>" "scaredanswer">><</link>> <<else>> <<link "<div class='choicebtn'><span>\Next.</span></div>" "movealongggg">><</link>> <</if>>

"Are you scared of me?" You <<nobr>><<cycle "$tsk" autoselect>> <<option "frown.»">><<option "raise an eyebrow.»">><<option "tilt your head.»">><</cycle>><</nobr>> She shakes her head furiously, voice growing higher in pitch, "It's only—" She pauses, deciding against saying anything, "I did not mean to offend you, Your Highness." <<if not hasVisited("nameanswer")>> <<link "<div class='choicebtn'><span>\"What's your name?\"\</span></div>" "nameanswer">><</link>> <<else>> <<link "<div class='choicebtn'><span>\Next.</span></div>" "movealongggg">><</link>> <</if>>

There was once an author that spoke of every Ruler of Thuris—a harsh reality of their stories that frightened those who read. The author questioned The Deity, Their gifts and Their intentions, and it's rumored that The Deity struck them down after the first issue. It couldn't have been a single author, as time did pass—but it ever promulgated under the same name. That name is lost now, and the books banned, but in the deepest part of the Royal Library, you could find every issue as if just written. <<link "Return." $return>><</link>>

<div class="message"><h4>The Hallway.</h4></div> After a bit of walking, you find yourself at a spot you passed not too long ago. "Wait here, Your Highness," Manette points to the place where the garden meets a pillar. "I will be but a moment." She gives once last look, and then turns on her heel. You are left alone in the hallway once again. [[Next.->garden]]

It's warmer now, not near boiling—not enough to draw sweat. You peer into the greenery, colors bright and warm and inviting. A section of the castle was curious. The middle was gone completely, leaving room for the trees and flowers that made up the garden's grounds. The halls surround them, enclose them(and then when they continue, they are as all the other ones.) You place a foot into the grass, your shoe leaving an imprint when you remove it to stand on the marble of the floor once again. Madam Manette had told you to wait—<<nobr>><<cycle "$choicd" autoselect>><<option "and you didn't wish to upset her.»">><<option "and there was no telling the consequences if you upset her.»">><<option "though you didn't particularly care about the order.»">><</cycle>><</nobr>> Though, there was something strange about the gardens—something you'd never felt before. A pulling feeling that tells you that //you need to be in the gardens—now.// So you go. [[Next.->pulled]]

<div class="message"><h4>The Gardens.</h4></div> Birds sing prettily in their nests, and the stone path you walk is strangely comfortable on the soles of your feet. Everything is pleasant—not a cloud in the sky—and yet, even with the sun shining on you, there was no sticky heat. Something calls you off the beaten path, and you step into the soft grass to continue onward. Though, you pause short when noise reaches your ears—not a bird, a squirrel—and certainly no insect. It's crying. It's <<nobr>><<cycle "$Tthey" autoselect>> <<option "a girl»">><<option "a boy»">><</cycle>><</nobr>> crying. [[Next.->Theooo]]

<<nobr>><<if $Tthey == "a boy»">> <<set $Tthey = "he">> <<set $Tthem = "him">> <<set $Ttheir = "his">> <<set $Ttheirs = "his">> <<set $Tname = "Theodore">> <<set $Tgender2 = "boy">> <<set $Tgender = "man">> <<set $Tplur = false>> <<elseif $Tthey == "a girl»">> <<set $Tthey = "she">> <<set $Tthem = "her">> <<set $Ttheir = "her">> <<set $Ttheirs = "hers">> <<set $Tname = "Theodora">> <<set $Tgender2 = "girl">> <<set $Tgender = "woman">> <<set $Tplur = false>> <</if>> <<set $TThey to $Tthey.toUpperFirst(), $TThem to $Tthem.toUpperFirst(), $TTheir to $Ttheir.toUpperFirst()>><</nobr>> A $Tgender2 sits curled into $Ttheir arms and knees, and once you see $Tthem, the need to continue fades to the point where you no longer feel it at all. And the sun stirs sudden sweat on the back of your neck. [["''Hello?''"->moral]] [[Clear Your Throat.->moral]] [["''Hey!''"->moral]]

<<set $name to "Ether">> "Is that the last one?" Shock stains your words as the servant shakes their head. "Well—uh, no, your highness," They appear just as startled as yourself, if not more, "Far from it." They gesture to the hall behind them, past the pile of finely wrapped boxes that block your path. "There are more coming in as we speak," Your mother claims from beside you, having approached without you hearing, "Merely the houses vying to win your favor with empty gifts and trinkets." She beckons a nearby guard with a finger, "Clear us a path." [[You blink up at your mother's tall figure, "Win my favor?"]] [["They can keep their gifts then, I don't want them!" You huff.]] [[You watch eagerly as gift after gift is moved, "I'll be able to keep the gifts, right?"]]

<<set $name to "Belle">> "Is that the last one?" Shock stains your words as the servant shakes their head. "Well—uh, no, your highness," They appear just as startled as yourself, if not more, "Far from it." They gesture to the hall behind them, past the pile of finely wrapped boxes that block your path. "There are more coming in as we speak," Your mother claims from beside you, having approached without you hearing, "Merely the houses vying to win your favor with empty gifts and trinkets." She beckons a nearby guard with a finger, "Clear us a path." [[You blink up at your mother's tall figure, "Win my favor?"]] [["They can keep their gifts then, I don't want them!" You huff.]] [[You watch eagerly as gift after gift is moved, "I'll be able to keep the gifts, right?"]]

<<set $name "Amabel">> "Is that the last one?" Shock stains your words as the servant shakes their head. "Well—uh, no, your highness," They appear just as startled as yourself, if not more, "Far from it." They gesture to the hall behind them, past the pile of finely wrapped boxes that block your path. "There are more coming in as we speak," Your mother claims from beside you, having approached without you hearing, "Merely the houses vying to win your favor with empty gifts and trinkets." She beckons a nearby guard with a finger, "Clear us a path." [[You blink up at your mother's tall figure, "Win my favor?"]] [["They can keep their gifts then, I don't want them!" You huff.]] [[You watch eagerly as gift after gift is moved, "I'll be able to keep the gifts, right?"]]

<<set $name to "Ezra">> "Is that the last one?" Shock stains your words as the servant shakes their head. "Well—uh, no, your highness," They appear just as startled as yourself, if not more, "Far from it." They gesture to the hall behind them, past the pile of finely wrapped boxes that block your path. "There are more coming in as we speak," Your mother claims from beside you, having approached without you hearing, "Merely the houses vying to win your favor with empty gifts and trinkets." She beckons a nearby guard with a finger, "Clear us a path." [[You blink up at your mother's tall figure, "Win my favor?"]] [["They can keep their gifts then, I don't want them!" You huff.]] [[You watch eagerly as gift after gift is moved, "I'll be able to keep the gifts, right?"]]

<<set $name to "Alaric">> "Is that the last one?" Shock stains your words as the servant shakes their head. "Well—uh, no, your highness," They appear just as startled as yourself, if not more, "Far from it." They gesture to the hall behind them, past the pile of finely wrapped boxes that block your path. "There are more coming in as we speak," Your mother claims from beside you, having approached without you hearing, "Merely the houses vying to win your favor with empty gifts and trinkets." She beckons a nearby guard with a finger, "Clear us a path." [[You blink up at your mother's tall figure, "Win my favor?"]] [["They can keep their gifts then, I don't want them!" You huff.]] [[You watch eagerly as gift after gift is moved, "I'll be able to keep the gifts, right?"]]

<<set $name to "Zayd">> "Is that the last one?" Shock stains your words as the servant shakes their head. "Well—uh, no, your highness," They appear just as startled as yourself, if not more, "Far from it." They gesture to the hall behind them, past the pile of finely wrapped boxes that block your path. "There are more coming in as we speak," Your mother claims from beside you, having approached without you hearing, "Merely the houses vying to win your favor with empty gifts and trinkets." She beckons a nearby guard with a finger, "Clear us a path." [[You blink up at your mother's tall figure, "Win my favor?"]] [["They can keep their gifts then, I don't want them!" You huff.]] [[You watch eagerly as gift after gift is moved, "I'll be able to keep the gifts, right?"]]

<<set $name to "Adin">> "Is that the last one?" Shock stains your words as the servant shakes their head. "Well—uh, no, your highness," They appear just as startled as yourself, if not more, "Far from it." They gesture to the hall behind them, past the pile of finely wrapped boxes that block your path. "There are more coming in as we speak," Your mother claims from beside you, having approached without you hearing, "Merely the houses vying to win your favor with empty gifts and trinkets." She beckons a nearby guard with a finger, "Clear us a path." [[You blink up at your mother's tall figure, "Win my favor?"]] [["They can keep their gifts then, I don't want them!" You huff.]] [[You watch eagerly as gift after gift is moved, "I'll be able to keep the gifts, right?"]]

<<set $name to "Kai">> "Is that the last one?" Shock stains your words as the servant shakes their head. "Well—uh, no, your highness," They appear just as startled as yourself, if not more, "Far from it." They gesture to the hall behind them, past the pile of finely wrapped boxes that block your path. "There are more coming in as we speak," Your mother claims from beside you, having approached without you hearing, "Merely the houses vying to win your favor with empty gifts and trinkets." She beckons a nearby guard with a finger, "Clear us a path." [[You blink up at your mother's tall figure, "Win my favor?"]] [["They can keep their gifts then, I don't want them!" You huff.]] [[You watch eagerly as gift after gift is moved, "I'll be able to keep the gifts, right?"]]

<<set $name to "Ember">> "Is that the last one?" Shock stains your words as the servant shakes their head. "Well—uh, no, your highness," They appear just as startled as yourself, if not more, "Far from it." They gesture to the hall behind them, past the pile of finely wrapped boxes that block your path. "There are more coming in as we speak," Your mother claims from beside you, having approached without you hearing, "Merely the houses vying to win your favor with empty gifts and trinkets." She beckons a nearby guard with a finger, "Clear us a path." [[You blink up at your mother's tall figure, "Win my favor?"]] [["They can keep their gifts then, I don't want them!" You huff.]] [[You watch eagerly as gift after gift is moved, "I'll be able to keep the gifts, right?"]]

"Is that the last one?" Shock stains your words as the servant shakes their head. "Well—uh, no, your highness," They appear just as startled as yourself, if not more, "Far from it." They gesture to the hall behind them, past the pile of finely wrapped boxes that block your path. "There are more coming in as we speak," Your mother claims from beside you, having approached without you hearing, "Merely the houses vying to win your favor with empty gifts and trinkets." She beckons a nearby guard with a finger, "Clear us a path." [[You blink up at your mother's tall figure, "Win my favor?"]] [["They can keep their gifts then, I don't want them!" You huff.]] [[You watch eagerly as gift after gift is moved, "I'll be able to keep the gifts, right?"]]

<div class="message"><h4>-----</h4></div> <div class="message"><h4>The Gardens.</h4></div> Noah feels the invisible rope in his chest tighten once more, and yet the $mctitle makes no move towards where he hides. The last thing Noah wanted was to kill an innocent—to kill someone uninvolved with the job— Yet, he had gotten this far, and he would not fail. Noah keeps his steps soft—determined to make it as clean and silent as possible. [[Next.->who]]

The $Tgender2 startles at the sight of you, standing abruptly and revealing the guard's uniform baggy on $Ttheir chest. You've never seen $Ttheir face before. $TThey looks at you as if you're a ghost—as if you're something wrong—something that shouldn't be there. "Who are you?" $TTheir voice is weak from $Ttheir sobbing, and $Tthey stares at you through watery eyes, "You look fancy." The question stumps you for a moment, though something from your lessons surfaces in your mind. The heir to the throne receives a <<link "guard,">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("guard,"); Dialog.wiki("The custom is that the guards don't see the heir until the day they're chosen."); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> just after the last prophecy, so if $Tthey wasn't present when you were outside, $Tthey wouldn't know who you were. [["I look fancy?"]] [["Who are you!? This is the royal family's garden!"]]

"Yeah, like one of those noble people," The $Tgender2 sniffs, rubbing $Ttheir cheeks dry and breaking eye contact in favor of the ground. "I'm hiding," $TThey says suddenly, "Something's happening today—I don't want to do it." $TThey slumps down to the ground again, seeming to forget you were there at all. You shuffle, feeling out of place. <<if $Tgender2 is "boy">>\ [[Give him space and sit across from him.->nexttt2]] [[Sit beside him and comfort him.->nexttt3]] <<else>>\ [[Give her space and sit across from her.->nexttt2]] [[Sit beside her and comfort her.->nexttt3]] <</if>>\

"Who are //you?//" You accuse, "This garden is only for—" "I'm hiding," $TThey says suddenly, "Something's happening today—I don't want to do it." $TThey slumps down to the ground again, seeming to forget you were there at all. You shuffle in place, feeling as if you were the one intruding on $Ttheir garden instead of the opposite. <<if $Tgender2 is "boy">>\ [[Give him space and sit across from him.->nexttt2]] [[Sit beside him and comfort him.->nexttt3]] <<else>>\ [[Give her space and sit across from her.->nexttt2]] [[Sit beside her and comfort her.->nexttt3]] <</if>>\

<<if $help is "yes">>\ You help to clean the mess up completely, and now you're standing as you watch $sname shift $stheir gaze to the treats $sthey made. [["Can I have one?"]] [[Wait to see if you're offered one.]] <<else>>\ You watch $sname clean the mess up completely, and now you're standing as you watch $sthem shift $stheir gaze to the treats $sthey made. [["Can I have one?"]] [[Wait to see if you're offered one.]] <</if>>\

$sname doesn't get to say anything. [[Next.->manette]]

You don't get to say anything. [[Next.->manette]]

You slide slowly closer, moving like you were with a frightened deer instead of a human $Tgejder2. You settle across from $Tthem, and $Tthey pays you no mind as you do. [["It'll be alright," You say in a way you hope is comforting.]] [["Do you mean the choosing of the guard? Why don't you want to do it?"]]

You slide slowly closer, moving like you were with a frightened deer instead of a human $Tgender2. You settle beside $Tthem, and $Tthey pays you no mind as you do. <<if $Tgender2 is "boy">>\ [["It'll be alright," You say, and you pat his back in a way you hope is comforting.]] [["Do you mean the choosing of the guard? Why don't you want to do it?"]] <<else>>\ [["It'll be alright," You say, and you pat her back in a way you hope is comforting.]] [["Do you mean the choosing of the guard? Why don't you want to do it?"]] <</if>>\

You pat $Ttheir back, trying to soothe $Tthem. "I'll be alright—don't cry." $TThey doesn't seem to hear you as $Ttheir sobs grow louder, and $Tthey presses $Ttheir hands to $Ttheir eyes, trying to use them as dams. You can only jump when $Tthey twists $Ttheir body to clutch at your sleeve and buries $Ttheir forehead into your shoulder. [[Next.->na]]

"Do you mean the choosing of the guard?" You glance at $Ttheir uniform, and even when he doesn't answer, you know that's what he means. "Why don't you want to do it?" You can't help but feel<<nobr>><<cycle "$tsk" autoselect>><<option "curious: wouldn't it be an honor to be chosen?»">><<option "hurt, were you so bad?»">><<option "Indifferent: he can feel how he likes.»">><</cycle>><</nobr>> He takes a deep breath, "I'm not like the others—if I get picked, it's just another reason to hate me." He doesn't elaborate further than that—and he likely won't. So you don't ask anymore. [[Next.->na]]

<div class="message"><h4>-----</h4></div> Noah is nearly upon them now, fighting the tremor in his hands when faced with their tiny bodies. Children. They were— A harsh voice in his head reprimands him, //and they'll grow into adults. It's better to do it now rather than later.// And he knows it's right, so he tightens his grip and pauses just behind a thick tree trunk. [[Next.->gooo]]

The $Tgender2 deflates, exhausted from $Ttheir feelings, and continues to lean against you. But then $Ttheir body tightens—$Ttheir head and body snapping upwards to stand—suddenly pulled by strings—like a puppet. You see a flash of steel, the bite of a sharp edge, and the $Tgender2 has pulled a sword from $Ttheir hip with a practiced hand. $TTheir gaze is on you in a moment, and $Ttheir voice is demanding with a tone you'd never heard from anyone but your mother. "Stay behind me—there's something wrong." [["Wrong?" You look around.]] [["What are you talking about?"]] [["What?" You squint.]]

You look around. "Wrong—" A body comes flying from the shadows, and sunlight glints on something they hold in their hands. [[Next.->action]]

"What are you—" A body comes flying from the shadows, and sunlight glints on something they hold in their hands. [[Next.->action]]

You squint. "What—" A body comes flying from the shadows, and sunlight glints on something they hold in their hands. [[Next.->action]]

<div class="message"><h4>-----</h4></div> Noah stumbles, another blade visible and coming— Coming at him— It nearly slices his abdomen, and he reels to find the little guard with a weapon pointed skillfully in his direction. His blades wish to retaliate—he jumps forward again, going for the $Tgender2’s throat—going for blood—but a solid kick to his side sends him crumbling, and he watches as his dagger flies from his hand and lands weakly embedded in the ground. Breath leaves his lungs, and he chokes as a heavy boot settles on the bend of his neck and presses the side of his face into the grass. The face he sees then—the Captain of the Guard—and behind him— //King August of Thuris.// [[Next.->dadd]]

"Wolcott," August starts, reaching towards you with a stern look on his face, "Is he one of yours?" The Captain of the Guard bristles at that. "No, Your Majesty—he certainly isn't." "An assassin? The nerve—" Sage growls as she steps in front of you, her dress shielding you from the man on the ground. "Wolcott." Wolcott grunts in response, digging his heel into the man's skin as he leans down. "Smells like a brothel—the big one, in the capital." "And how would you know that, my friend?" August questions, a smile forming on his face. "I am—" Wolcott turns away momentarily, laughter in his tone, but he snaps his head towards the man again when Sage snaps. "My $gendermckid was in danger and—and you decide now is the time to joke!? August!" Sage takes you into her arms, rubbing circles onto your back. [[With the shock gone, you're left with fear. You hug your mother back.]] [[Your heart is pounding, and you can't tell if you're scared, excited, or both.]] [[You let your mother continue to hold you.]]

With the shock gone, you're left with fear. You hug your mother back. August shifts, guilt on his face, "You're right—Wolcott, take him to the dungeons. You know what to do." Wolcott nods, taking the man by the shoulders like a ragdoll and throwing him over his shoulder. [[Next.->into]]

Your heart is pounding, and you can't tell if you're scared, excited, or both. August shifts, guilt on his face, "You're right—Wolcott, take him to the dungeons. You know what to do." Wolcott nods, taking the man by the shoulders like a ragdoll and throwing him over his shoulder. [[Next.->into]]

You let your mother continue to hold you. August shifts, guilt on his face, "You're right—Wolcott, take him to the dungeons. You know what to do." Wolcott nods, taking the man by the shoulders like a ragdoll and throwing him over his shoulder. [[Next.->into]]

"Wolcott, this one //is// one of yours, correct?" August gestures to the $Tgender2, who has sheathed $Ttheir sword and lowered to one knee. $TTheir shoulders are shaking. "Indeed, Majesty," Wolcott shifts the struggling man he holds, "I was wondering where $Tthey had gone." August steps forward, "Please, stand. I cannot thank you enough—truly." "I don't need thanks," The $Tgender2 states; $Ttheir voice is hoarse. August moves on as if $Tthey hadn't said those words at all, "Wolcott—$Ttheir name?" "$Tname, Majesty," There's a brief pause, "$Tname." Sage tsks: "That one. August—" [[Next.->endscne]]

"I must do something for you!" The King says, "How would you like to become the $titlemc's guard?" He says it as if talking to a child, offering a treat. "August!" Sage shouts suddenly, but with a glance at Wolcott, she quiets. $Tname's voice comes out scratchy, this time: "It would be an honor." $TThey says that, and yet, when $Tthey raises $Ttheir head and looks at you—you think you seem something like resentment in $Ttheir eyes. [[Next.->thatnight]]

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