Swan Song

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Everything is resplendent tonight, from the shiny trays brimming with delicacies to the cascades of flowers surrounding the room and its guests. Everything //must// be resplendent. Anything short of perfection will not be tolerated, not this time– something the King made abundantly clear. The crowd of nobles swarming around the place like flocks of starving birds might not be aware of it, but this is the first of just a handful of chances left. The thought leaves a painfully bitter taste on Leir’s tongue that no amount of spiced tea or honey cakes could ever wash out. *[[For a moment the stem glass in his hand threatens to shatter under the harsh grip. The gesture does nothing to ease the knot caught in the prince’s throat.|prelude2][$lgender to "man"; $he to "he"; $his to "his"; $him to "him"; $hers to "his"; $himself to "himself"; $hes to "he's"; $He to "He"; $His to "His"; $Hes to "He's"; $lchild to "boy"; $lson to "son"; $lspouse to "husband"; $prince to "prince"; $lking to "king"]] *[[The princess does her best to keep her polite smile in place. With any luck the guests will be too fascinated by their own voice to notice the sudden twitch in her jaw.|prelude2][$lgender to "woman"; $he to "she"; $his to "her"; $him to "her"; $hers to "hers"; $himself to "herself"; $hes to "she's"; $He to "She"; $His to "Her"; $Hes to "She's"; $lchild to "girl"; $lson to "daughter"; $lspouse to "wife"; $prince to "princess"; $lking to "queen"]]

Leir of House Sulien, $lson of Cadwal and Siv, and future $lking of Astrell. Songs are sung about $his beauty, vows of love sworn by drunks and poets. And seeing $him now, as the warm light of crystal chandeliers pours down the dark waves of $his<<if $he is "she">> long<<endif>> hair, it’s quite easy to understand why. $Hes taller than $his father, and more athletic, but lacks the imposing severity of the king. One can tell from the way the $prince lounges in $his seat, a silk-clad arm elegantly draped over the armrest as $he leans forward to share a story with some of the guests. They all laugh and cheer in delight, whilst King Cadwal’s mask of stony composure stays well in place. A charming young $lgender, the $prince, who always seems to captivate the crowds. $Hes been that way since childhood, which has made it easier for $him to navigate the intricacies of court. Well-aimed flattery and a winning smile can go a long way, even more so when coming from someone so beautiful. Yes, Leir is used to having the nobles eating out of the palm of $his hand and whisper in enamoured jealousy as they hang onto every honeyed word, all of them claiming the $prince’s velvet voice as theirs. But there are times, just like tonight, when the pressure becomes suffocating, and those strangers’ eyes on $him turn into hundreds of needles piercing $his skin. Each greedy stare makes $him bleed. The air is too thick, too scorching. It makes it hard to breathe. The next words leaving the $prince’s lips are unrushed, a well-rehearsed excuse delivered with graceful patience– it clashes with the violence of $his own heart, pounding fast against $his ribcage as if trying to escape it. Not more than a minute later Leir is standing [[on the balcony, alone.|prelude3]]

BY RDA

A <i>Swan Lake</i> interactive novel

<<if $statunlock is "true">> [[Character|stats]] <</if>> <<if $relunlock is "true">> [[Relationships|relationships]] <</if>>

<img src="https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/835554133347663922/908636707581222912/ssbanner_blue.png" width="100%"> /*https://64.media.tumblr.com/cb4d7e9ec9d101819152f83513f29920/2e7cb401d3caa7bd-8a/s400x600/314727b06e35b0b1689c6e9a4a53469a93320d23.png*/

<div class="stats"> <div class="title"> <h1>$name</h1> <h2>the white swan</h2> </div> <img src="file:///C:/Users/Utente_XB/Desktop/Original%20IF/68747470733a2f2f7777772e6c65776973616e64636c61726b7269766572626f61742e636f6d2f75706c6f6164732f312f302f352f342f31303534383134362f646976696465725f6f7269672e706e67.png" width="50%"> <center>//You are the firstborn and lost heir of <<if hasVisited("futurepassage")>>House $house<<else>>a powerful House<<endif>> and former betrothed of the crown $prince.//</center> <div class="info"> <div class="info-content"> <b>Name:</b> $name <b>Title:</b> $liege <b>Pronouns:</b> $they/$them <b>House:</b> <<if hasVisited("futurepassage")>>$house<<else>>unknown<<endif>> <b>Crest:</b> <<if hasVisited("prelude12 (friendly - att 3)")>>unknown<<else>>$crest<<endif>> <b>Locked:</b> unknown </div> </div> <h3>Appearance</h3> <<if hasVisited("futurepassage")>>//A $height, $figure $genderid with $skintone skin. Your $hairco hair is naturally $hairtex, and <<if $hairchange>>while you used to wear it differently, now you keep it<<else>>you've always preferred to keep it<<endif>> $hairlength and $hairstyle. You have $eyeco eyes, and <<if $facialhair is "beard">><<elseif $facialhair is "stubble">><<elseif $facialhair is "moustache">><<elseif $facialhair is "goatee">><<elseif $facialhair is "shaven">><<else>>no facial hair<<endif>>. <<if hasVisited("futurepassage")>>There are [insert special feature].<<endif>><<else>>//This section has not been unlocked yet.//<</if>> <h3>Disposition</h3> In the past <<if $pastatt is "1">>you were known for being stoic and prideful, always walking the line between uninterested and annoyed.<<elseif $pastatt is "2">>your sunny attitude often charmed people (although your tendency to never take anything seriously often got you in trouble). <<elseif $pastatt is "3">>you've always tried your best to treat other with kindness, and your genuine attitude made you well-liked. <<else>>your pungent sarcasm and often hostile demeanour made it hard for people to approach you, but you've never seemed to care.<</if>> <<if $changed>>But your attitude changed drastically during your imprisonment– <<if $att is "1">>nowadays you tend to get lost in thought, and your silent (often cold) demeanour is your way to keep your emotions hidden. <<elseif $att is "2">>you try your best to stay positive and humourous despite the situation, in the hope that your cheerful façade will be enough to deflect from what you're really feeling. <<elseif $att is "3">>you feel every emotion so intensely, to the point that you often struggle with the burdens of your situation; pain and loneliness softened your demeanour. <<else>>you became moody, hostile; all the suffering you so desperately try to hide often gets the best of you, making you lash out.<<endif>><<else>>The years spent in captivity changed you, and now <<if $att is "1">>you feel much more disconnected from your emotions; your perpetual displeasure left its place to numbness. <<elseif $att is "2">>it's not hard to see through the cracks of your façade, and as much as you try to stay optimistic and jest to distract yourself from it, pain never leaves you. <<elseif $att is "3">>you feel as if your gentle heart is always bleeding; the violence of your emotions adds to the loneliness of your prison and often overwhelms you. <<else>>suffering sharpened your edges; you are withdrawn, much more than in the past, and you temper your grief with anger in the attempt not to feel weak.<<endif>><</if>> <progress @value="$humanity" min="0" max="100" data-label="humanity"></progress> <<if hasVisited("futurepassage")>><progress @value="$touchav" min="0" max="100" data-label="touch aversion"></progress><progress @value="$monstercomp" min="0" max="100" data-label="resistance"></progress><<endif>> <h3>Skills</h3> <<if hasVisited("futurepassage")>>You are a proficient $skill and in your free time you enjoy $hobby. <<else>>//This section has not been unlocked yet.//<</if>> <button class="link-internal macro-button" data-passage=$return>Back to story</button>

<div class="stats"> <h3>Leir</h3> <h2>betrothed</h2> <progress @value="$leirf" min="0" max="100" data-label="affection"></progress> <progress @value="$leirro" min="0" max="100" data-label="romance"></progress> <h3>Odile</h3> <h2>black swan</h2> <progress @value="$oditrust" min="0" max="100" data-label="trust"></progress> <progress @value="$odiro" min="0" max="100" data-label="romance"></progress> <h3>Your family</h3> <<if $Rothbart>> ''Rothbart'': villain <progress @value="$vengeful" min="0" max="100" data-label="hatred"></progress> <</if>> <button class="link-internal macro-button" data-passage=$return>Back to story</button> </div>

<center><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/a57fad38ee2d5e1a28a6c4b0ef2ec2db/06eceec27023fc30-09/s2048x3072/05219e6c16405bd741ca8fd9f7ab8b093d936f58.png" width="70%"> <span style="line-height: 1.8;"><i><strong>Taken</strong> away from your home, your family and your future right before your wedding, you spent years as a captive, victim of an inescapable curse. At every dawn, you are turned into a swan. Only at night, when the moonlight touches the shores of the magical lake that has become your prison, can you return to your true form. It is solely by defeating the one who first cast the spell that you can take back your freedom, but you cannot do it alone. Will you write your happily ever after, or will your story end in despair? <strong>Swan Song</strong></i> is a short interactive story loosely based on Tchaikovsky’s ballet. <strong>WARNING!</strong> While this is not strictly an adult story, it is meant for a mature public and contains heavy topics not suitable for readers under the age of 17. Please read the list of <<link "content warnings">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Content Warnings"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("cw").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> before proceeding.</span> <<button "BEGIN" "preludestart">><</button>></center>

The night breeze is surprisingly cold, colder than it should be in the summer. It seeps through the thin fabric of $his garments and sends a chill down $his spine, but all the same $he stands $his ground, taking a deep breath. //In. Out. Repeat.// “We are running out of time, Leir.” A deep voice breaks the silence, and the sudden interruption causes the $prince to flinch. $He glances back, tensing a bit upon recognizing $his father, but otherwise does not react. Instead $he keeps $his gaze stubbornly fixed on the black sky, letting the starlight wash over $his brown skin and tinge it with silver. When the silence drags on, Cadwal sighs. “This cannot wait any longer. You owe it to your people, you have a duty–” “I know all too well about my duty, father.” The $prince’s voice comes out harsher than intended, and $he straightens up before adding, “I will do what I must.” $He speaks so solemnly, voice firm and full of intent, that no one would doubt $his words. But the king knows his $lson too well. “You think this unnecessary… You’re still too young to understand,” he comments after a moment. It’s an observation rather than reproach, but it has Leir pressing $his lips together in the attempt to hold $his tongue. It doesn’t last long. [[“How is marriage going to make me a better fit for the throne?”->prelude4]]

$He //doesn’t// understand, that much is true. $His father has been ruling alone for two decades, ever since the queen passed away. Not once has he expressed the wish to remarry, so the insistence on having Leir wed before ascending to the throne has never sat well with the $prince. Especially after what happened with... //<<cycle "$they" autoselect>> <<option "them" "they">> <<option "her" "she">> <<option "him" "he">> <<option "zir" "ze">> <<option "em" "ey">> <<option "hir" "zie">> ... <</cycle>>//. <span class="exp">[Select MC pronouns]</span> If possible, Cadwal’s stony expression grows even colder at the rushed question. “This is not about sentimentalism or love, child. Do not mistake me for a fool.” The king fixes his heir with a piercing stare. “Thinking you can rule on your own is as foolish as it is naive. You aren’t strong enough.” The last words alone are enough to make Leir stiffen, but Cadwal presses on ruthlessly, “We need support and connections, and a worthy suitor ensures you both things. I won’t be here holding your hand forever.” Leir almost wants to laugh at that. $He cannot remember a time when Cadwal has ever held $him by the hand, not even when $he was little. He’s never been a nurturing man, the King, always preferring harsh severity and iron discipline to soft words and guiding wisdom. Not seldom the $prince finds $himself resenting him for that, yet now the burn of frustration $he feels in the pit of $his stomach is almost unbearable. A tense silence stretches between them, if only for a moment. Whatever objection was on the tip of $his tongue dies the second $he notices [[Cadwal’s expression.->prelude5]]

<<nobr>><<mcpronounselect>> There is something akin to bone-deep sadness (//perhaps grief?//) in the king’s dark eyes as he looks at his $lson. It’s enough to make Leir falter, $his lips parting and closing without a sound.<</nobr>> When Cadwal speaks again, it’s not without kindness. “I gave you as much time as I could. But I cannot sit back and watch as my only child wastes away to chase a ghost.” Time… He did give Leir time. Weeks, months, and then more. Enough time to mourn, but not nearly enough to surrender. “I can’t stop searching,” murmurs the $prince– to $himself rather than $his father. “I won’t.” Frustration mixed with worry crosses Cadwal’s face. “I understand that <<cycle "$person" autoselect>> <<option "woman" "woman">> <<option "man" "man">> <<option "person" "person">> <</cycle>><span class="exp"> [select MC gender]</span> was…” He hesitates for a second, searching for the right term, “//important//, to you. But it’s time you acknowledge that there is nothing more you can do: $theyre gone.” Dead, is what he means… For what feels like the hundredth time this evening, Leir’s jaw clenches painfully. “//$They// <<were>> the child of some of your oldest allies. I was betrothed to $them for more than a decade and spent months together every single year ever since I was little, on //your// order.” $His voice begins to tremble in barely contained anger. “Is it so easy for you to forget?” Cadwal levels $him with an unimpressed stare, and all the coldness has returned to his eyes. “Your attachment to $them and the loyalty of $their family are the only reasons why I’ve been patient and indulged your obsession with finding $them, child. In all this time there has not been a single sign, no clue to suggest $they might still be alive. You’ve made no progress, and I have run out of sympathy.” Leir looks away, the familiar hold of guilt tightening around $his neck like a [[noose to a hanged man.|prelude6]]

//<b span style="text-align: right">Lakeside manor — Nighttime</b>// The sky is clear tonight, not a cloud in sight. From where you sit, perched on the windowsill of your bedroom, you can see everything: from the endless forest stretching till it touches the horizon, to the moon’s reflection painting the lake in silver. The same lake that bears your curse, the very place where at every dawn you become less and less of yourself, forced into a body that is not your own as humanity gets ripped from you... It is quite a beautiful view, there’s no denying it. The stray thought makes your heart clench, and you look away. The room is not as grand and rich as the one you had back home, but it’s elegant in its simplicity, and it’s comfortable. There are dozens of different books piled on the shelves, far more than you could ever read, and a large fireplace for the colder days. Elusive servants provide you with everything you need, and you’ve never been left to starve or suffer for as long as you’ve been here. No, for as long as you’ve been a //prisoner//. That is the right word. You are here //because you cannot go home.// You might pretend you are a guest as you roam around the manor, seeking solace behind its shiny glass walls, but the truth is one and one only: no matter how pretty a cage may be, //it will still be a cage.// <<cycle "$att" autoselect>> <<option "You close your eyes for a moment to compose yourself. No point in lingering on these feelings." "1">> <<option "You shake your head as if to banish the thought and force a smile. You cannot succumb to this grimness." "2">> <<option "You can feel a knot in your throat, tears starting to well up in your eyes as sadness overtakes you once again." "3">> <<option "Your arms are wrapped around yourself without you realizing, as your jaw tightens painfully in anger." "4">> <</cycle>><span class="exp"> [Select MC personality]</span> A sudden knock has your focus shift towards the door, and you can guess who it is before you even hear //<<cycle "$xem" autoselect>> <<option "xem" "xem">> <<option "her" "her">> <<option "him" "him">> <</cycle>>// <span class="exp"> [select Odile pronouns]</span> calling your name. <<nobr>>“<<if $they is "she">><<cycle "$name" autoselect>> <<option "Odette?" "Odette">> <<option "Eirwen?" "Eirwen">> <<option "Xue?" "Xue">> <<option "Nives?" "Nives">> <<option "Berfin?" "Berfin">> <<option "Hart?" "Hart">><</cycle>><<elseif $they is "he">><<cycle "$name" autoselect>> <<option "Aster?" "Aster">> <<option "Kari?" "Kari">> <<option "Warrin?" "Warrin">> <<option "Fannar?" "Fannar">> <<option "Eirwen?" "Eirwen">> <<option "Odette?" "Odette">><</cycle>><<else>><<cycle "$name" autoselect>> <<option "Aspen?" "Aspen">> <<option "Meridian?" "Meridian">> <<option "Odette?" "Odette">> <<option "Juniper?" "Juniper">> <<option "Eirwen?" "Eirwen">> <<option "Wren?" "Wren">><</cycle>><</if>>”<</nobr>> *[[Yes, that is your name.->prelude9]] *<<link "They're calling a different name ..." "Insert Name">><</link>>

<<odilepronounselect>><<if $pastatt is "1" and $att is "1">><<set $changed = false>><<elseif $pastatt is "2" and $att is "2">><<set $changed = false>><<elseif $pastatt is "3" and $att is "3">><<set $changed = false>><<elseif $pastatt is "4" and $att is "4">><<set $changed = false>><<else>><<set $changed = true>><</if>><<nobr>> When you don't reply immediately, there's another knock.<</nobr>> “$name?” This time Odile's voice comes out more hesitant, tiptoeing around the edges of your name. "I have your supper." $Xyr request remains unspoken, but you answer it all the same. “Come in.” The heavy wood lets out a pained creak as Odile steps in and closes the door behind $xem, $xyr dark robe fluttering at every step. <<nobr>>Ink-black eyes settle on you almost immediately, locking you under a gaze so intense that it has you shiver. Even from a distance, you can see the rings of silver surrounding the irises. Endless dark and hidden light, just like small eclipses staring at you… <<cycle "$odifaefear" autoselect>> <<option "it’s unnervingly stunning, in a way only eerie things can be." false>> <<option "you cannot help the terror that spreads through you every time you see them." true>> <</cycle>><</nobr>> Before you can react, Odile looks away, moving swiftly to place down the tray $xes been holding. There’s a loaf of bread on it, and a plate full of what looks like soup. “Do you–” Your gaze snaps back to Odile, who pauses and then rephrases the question. “Is there anything else you need?” There’s a shadow of a frown on $xyr face as $xe waits for an answer, absent-mindedly passing a hand through the silver of $xyr <<if $xe is "she">>short choppy hair<<else>>long silky hair<</if>>. You can guess from $xyr posture that $xes… not //nervous// exactly, but rather cautious. *[[And you understand why. Despite Odile’s endless kindness towards you, you have never responded in kind.->prelude10 (conflicted)][$humanity to 50]] <span class="exp">[conflicted path]</span> *<<link "Not that you would care about $xyr feelings. Odile may not be your capturer, but $xes the child of the man who imprisoned you... For that alone, you hate $xem." "prelude10 (antagonistic)">><<set $oditrust to 25, $humanity to 40>><</link>> <span class="exp">[antagonistic path]</span> *[[A sigh escapes your lips. You’ve told Odile not to act so guarded many times before, but you’re starting to think it might be a lost cause.->prelude10 (friendly)][$oditrust to 70; $humanity to 55]] <span class="exp">[friendly path]</span>

What is your name? <<textbox "$name" "" autofocus>><<button "Enter">><<replace "#name">>Your name is $name, correct?<</replace>><</button>> <span id="name"></span> [[Perfect, continue.|prelude9]]

<h2>End of prologue</h2> This is the end of the current demo, I hope you enjoyed what you've read so far! If you have any feedback concerning typos, bugs, or anything you think might be helpful, please don't hesitate to fill in <a href="https://forms.gle/LkyLbkXAMFnFXRS16" class="link-internal" target="_blank">this form</a> or contact me on <a href="https://swansong-if.tumblr.com/" target="_blank" class="link-internal">Tumblr</a>. <small>Please only fill in the form if you have something to report/suggest and avoid sending in blank forms! For general discussion about the demo/story you can comment on itch.io or send an ask on tumblr (no account needed)</small> Thank you for playing ♥ <center><h2><<link "Play again">><<= UI.restart()>><</link>></h2></center> <<set $statunlock to "true">> <<notify 3s>>STATS UNLOCKED<</notify>>

Odile has been nothing but kind to you, and you are well aware of that. $Xe takes care of you in subtle ways, probably thinking you haven’t noticed. But you know it’s $xem who filled your room with books to help you pass the time and enchanted your fireplace so that you’d never get cold at night, and who always makes sure to leave you potions and balms to alleviate your pain. All this and more without ever expecting a kind word in return. You’ve been harsh to $xem, in the past. And even though now you know that, in a way, $xes as much a prisoner as you are… there are times when <<cycle "$odireact" autoselect>> <<option "all the anger and frustration become needles prickling your skin" "anger">> <<option "you can’t help the vague feeling of disgust" "disgust">> <<option "there’s no denying the fear nestled in your bones" "fear">> <<option "no matter how much you try, you feel like you’ll never be able to trust $xem" "distrust">> <</cycle>>– Odile’s presence is a constant reminder of your helplessness. $Xe tried to help you, soothe and comfort you in any way $xe could think of. But in $xyr eyes, in the way $xe talks and moves you can see so much of your capturer. //$Xyr father.// Rothbart, the man who took you from everything you’ve ever known, your home, your family, your future… He ripped it all from you and more. The one who cursed you and made you less than human: that is the person you think of whenever you look at Odile. <<cycle "$confodireact" autoselect>><<option "That’s probably why it has been almost too easy to freeze $xem out" "freezeout">><<option "There have been times where you’ve wished for $xem to hurt as much as you were, because of that" "openhostility">><</cycle>>. //Conflicted// is not nearly enough to describe how you feel about Odile. Regardless of your intentions, your past actions towards $xem haven’t always been fair. *<<link "It is something you wish to change, if anything to alleviate the knot of guilt in your stomach. //Invite $xem to stay.//" "prelude11 (conflicted)">><<set $oditrust += 5, $conflictedrc to "1">><</link>> *<<link "Having someone at your side rather than feeling so lonely all the time, you’d like that. But trusting Odile all of a sudden is not easy." "prelude11 (conflicted)">><<set $conflictedrc to "2">><</link>> *<<link "It can’t be helped. No matter what happens, Odile will always be Rothbart’s child in your eyes." "prelude11 (conflicted)">><<set $conflictedrc to "3", $oditrust -= 10>><</link>>

<center><h1>Act 1</h1> //Several Years before...//</center>

<<set $statunlock = false>> <<set $relunlock = false>> <<set $plural to false>> /* PERSONALITY/ATTITUDE VARIABLES */ <<set $ptouchav to false>> <<set $bookworm to false>> <<set $monstercomp to 50>> <<set $touchav to 0>> <<set $humanity to 0>> /* SKILLS VARIABLES */ <<set $brain to 0>> <<set $charisma to 0>> <<set $combat to 0>> <<set $intrigue to 0>> */ secondary skills VARIABLES */ /* RELATIONSHIP VARIABLES - ROs */ <<set $leirro to 0>> <<set $leirf to 50>> <<set $odiro to 0>> <<set $oditrust to 50>> <<set $orocho to false>> /* RELATIONSHIP VARIABLES - others */ <<set $famresent = false>> <<set $hatred to 0>> <<set $resistance to 50>>

Double-click this passage to edit it.

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<center>THIS STORY CONTAINS SENSITIVE THEMES NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNGER READERS.</center> Depictions of: * Mild Gore (semi-graphic depictions of injuries & violence) * Mild Horror (specifically body horror) * Kidnapping and Imprisonment * Coersion * Trauma * Death mentions The following content will depend on the player's choices: * Depression & Panic attacks * Mild/allusive sexual content * Major character(s) death * No Happy Ending

/* Pronouns & Plural */ <<widget "are">><<if $plural eq true>>are<<else>>is<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "were">><<if $plural eq true>>were<<else>>was<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "s">><<if $plural eq true>><<else>>s<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "es">><<if $plural eq true>><<else>>es<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "have">><<if $plural eq true>>have<<else>>has<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "mcpronounselect">><<if $they is "they">><<set $their = "their"; $them = "them"; $theirs = "theirs"; $themself = "themself"; $theyre = "they're"; $They = "They"; $Their = "Their"; $Theyre = "They're"; $plural = true>> <<elseif $they is "she">><<set $their = "her"; $them = "her"; $theirs = "hers"; $themself = "herself"; $theyre = "she's"; $They = "She"; $Their = "Her"; $Theyre = "She's"; $plural = false>> <<elseif $they is "he">><<set $their = "his"; $them = "him"; $theirs = "his"; $themself = "himself"; $theyre = "he's"; $They = "He"; $Their = "His"; $Theyre = "He's"; $plural = false>> <<elseif $they is "ze">><<set $their = "zir"; $them = "zir"; $theirs = "zirs"; $themself = "zirself"; $theyre = "ze's"; $They = "Ze"; $Their = "Zir"; $Theyre = "Ze's"; $plural = false>> <<elseif $they is "ey">><<set $their = "eir"; $them = "em"; $theirs = "eirs"; $themself = "eirself"; $theyre = "ey's"; $They = "Ey"; $Their = "Eir"; $Theyre = "Ey's"; $plural = false>> <<else>><<set $their = "zir"; $them = "zir"; $theirs = "hirs"; $themself = "hirself"; $theyre = "zie's"; $They = "Zie"; $Their = "Hir"; $Theyre = "Zie's"; $plural = false>><</if>><</widget>> <<widget "mcgenderselect">><<if $person is "man">><<set $liege = "Lord"; $mylady = "My Lord"; $ladyship = "Lordship"; $child = "boy"; $spouse = "husband"; $ruler = "king">> <<elseif $person is "woman">><<set $liege = "Lady"; $mylady = "My Lady"; $ladyship = "Ladyship"; $child = "girl"; $spouse = "wife"; $ruler = "queen">> <<else>><<set $liege = "Liege"; $mylady = "Your Grace"; $ladyship = "Grace"; $child = "child"; $spouse = "spouse"; $ruler = "ruler">><</if>><</widget>> <<widget "odilepronounselect">><<if $xem is "xem">><<set $xe = "xe"; $xyr = "xyr"; $xyrs = "xyrs"; $xemself = "xemself"; $Xe = "Xe"; $Xyr = "Xyr"; $Xes = "Xe's"; $xes = "xe's">><<elseif $xem is "her">><<set $xe = "she"; $xyr = "her"; $xyrs = "hers"; $xemself = "herself"; $Xe = "She"; $Xyr = "Her"; $Xes = "She's"; $xes = "she's">><<else>><<set $xe = "he"; $xyr = "his"; $xyrs = "his"; $xemself = "himself"; $Xe = "He"; $Xyr = "His"; $Xes = "He's"; $xes = "he's">><</if>><</widget>> <<widget "heartcho">><<if $orocho is true>><<set $odiro += 2>><<unset $orocho>><<elseif $lrocho is true>><<set $leirro += 2>><<unset $lrocho>><</if>><</widget>>

//<center><<timed 0s t8n>>Years ago, King Cadwal announced the betrothal between his only child, heir to the throne of Astrell, and the firstborn of the wealthiest and most powerful noble house in the kingdom. However, mere days before the wedding could take place, the crown heir's betrothed was seemingly abducted in obscure circumstances.<</timed>> <<timed 4s t8n>>The sudden tragedy left a mark on the heir, whose strenuous attempts to bring back what was lost have failed completely over the years, as well as on the people of Astrell, who began whispering about monsters lurking in the shadows and mysterious disappearances.<</timed>> <<timed 7s t8n>>The King, wishing for his child to find a spouse before the coronation, has ever since pushed for a new engagement. Grand balls hosted by the crown started becoming more and more frequent, events where foreign royalties, diplomats and nobles from all over the land and beyond could gather so that the heir could choose a worthy suitor.<</timed>> <<timed 10s t8n>>[[This story begins during one of those balls...|prelude0]]<</timed>> </center>//

<center><h2>Prelude</h2><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/f2426dd68070890b6254e9d9f7df4bee/11699089ee06338c-db/s540x810/6c3327b7fb5af9f2969127164d51dfa197b32941.png" width="80%"></center> Most spend their whole life dreaming of the Royal Palace. The common folk bask in the shadow of its domes, looming over the fields and hills all around. Travellers tell tales about whatever marvellous treasure might be hidden there, beyond the ornate gates and the stained glass windows. If they're lucky enough, they might catch a glimpse of it, painted arches framed in gold and towers so high they tear the clouds apart. Yet for them, the castle always stays silent. For those who cross its threshold and walk down its gilded hallways, //it sings//. And right at this moment, its melody has never been louder. The night is only quiet for the less fortunate. To everyone else, it’s an endless stream of fruity wine, violins and perfume-stained silks. The dancers move swiftly across the ballroom in a swirl of colours, their steps resonating across the marble floor and creating a perfect rhythm– light as a spring breeze and just as elegant. It’s pure frenzy. Shiny beads of sweat and loud laughter, air filled with so much movement that it crackles with energy, and the orchestra can do nothing but play faster. //<center>[[...the music grows louder...|prelude1]]</center>//

<<mcgenderselect>>The King studies his $lson for a moment longer before turning to leave. “Do not disappoint me,” he says over his shoulder, and then he’s gone. The weight of his words sinks through Leir’s chest, burying itself to the hilt. Alone again. Leir leans against the balustrade letting out a shaky breath. It’s as if the conversation with $his father has drained what was left of $his energy, leaving $him unsteady… $His gaze falls to $his left hand and lands on the decorated ring on $his finger, right next to the signet of the royal house. It’s gorgeous, the way the gold catches the light and glints against $his darker complexion. Tonight $he wore it as a reflex, without really thinking about it… $He would love nothing more than to say it’s because $hes above the memories now, but each time $he slips it on $hes reminded of the promise made years before. And each time, the same face that haunts $his dreams appears before $him and clouds $his vision. That same young $person $he cannot seem to forget, with $their <<cycle "$hairtex" autoselect>> <<option "silky" "straight">> <<option "wavy" "wavy">> <<option "curly" "curly">> <<option "coily" "coily">> <</cycle>> <<cycle "$hairco">> <<option "raven" "black">> <<option "dark" "dark brown">> <<option "brown" "light brown">> <<option "auburn" "auburn">> <<option "red" "fiery red">> <<option "copper" "copper">> <<option "gold" "blonde">> <<option "snowy" "white">> <<option "grey" "grey">> <</cycle>> hair and those eyes, <<cycle "$eyeco">> <<option "the most beautiful shade of brown" "brown">> <<option "pitch black as the darkest hour" "black">> <<option "like thunderous grey skies before a storm" "grey">> <<option "neither brown nor green, but stunning nevertheless" "hazel">> <<option "deep green and vibrant as a forest's heart" "dark green">> <<option "as cold and shiny as emerald gems" "light green">> <<option "the colour of warm rich honey" "amber">> <<option "as blue and mysterious as the winter sea" "blue">> <<option "a most peculiar shade of violet" "purple">> <</cycle>>. <span class="exp"> [MC customization]</span> Leir wonders what $theyre doing, whether $they look<<s>> the same— //<<link "Would $he even recognize $them?" "prelude7">><</link>>//

There have been hundreds of stories on the disappearance of Leir’s betrothed. Some even say $they <<were>> taken by faeries, however outlandish that may sound. Others, more vicious, think $they ran away with a mysterious lover. Whispers of doubt sometimes slither into the $prince’s mind, telling $him that maybe the King was right all along. And maybe what Leir has been after is nothing more than false hope– solace for the weak and the desperate. It doesn’t matter, though. The truth is and will only be one: Leir will never stop searching. $He has hung onto every memory, every detail... $He remembers $them as if merely a day passed since then. <<cycle "$pastatt" autoselect>> <<option "Distant eyes and chin held high with the arrogant indifference only a noble can possess. More than once it reminded Leir of Cadwal’s temperament." "1">> <<option "Loud laughter and jokes at the ready even in the most inappropriate moments, which had gotten Leir in trouble several times when they were kids." "2">> <<option "A soft smile here and a kind word there. So easy to like, to love even… something Leir had always found so incredibly irritating." "3">> <<option "That piercing stare full of hostility. Always so uncompromising and easy to anger, able to push even someone as diplomatic as Leir to their limits." "4">> <</cycle>> <span class="exp">[Select past MC personality]</span> The young $lgender takes a deep breath, gazing up at the night sky with a pained frown. They could be looking at the same stars right now… the stray thought does nothing to ease $his mind. “Where are you?” $he murmurs. The moon stares back at $him, silent and unyielding. <<button "Somewhere far away..." "prelude8">><</button>>

/* Invite $xem to stay */ <<if $conflictedrc is "1" and $att is "1">><<nobr>>/* TYPE 1 */ “You can stay, if you want,” you say calmly, almost mechanically, as you reach for your dinner. There’s a flash of shock on Odile’s face as $xe registers your words. $Xe hesitates, and you shrug. “I don’t mind.”<</nobr>> That seems to be enough to convince $xem. $Xe looks around and then walks resolutely to the chair in front of the now cold fireplace, turning it around before sitting so $xe’s facing you. It’s a polite distance, and a cautious one— whether it’s to protect $xemself or you, you can only guess. There’s silence as you savour your dinner, enjoying the simple yet flavourful taste as you let it warm you up (lately you’ve found that despite it being late summer you are prone to feel cold). You can feel Odile’s gaze on you a few times, but fail to meet it whenever you raise your head. It’s lucky that you both seem to enjoy the quiet… You’ve never liked filling it with unnecessary words, and silence is a language of its own, after all. And you must admit, despite the confusing whirlwind of feelings $xe stirs up in you, you //are// curious. $Xes an intriguing individual, one whose thoughts and motivations you haven’t been able to figure out yet. Your eyes run along the sharp angle of $xyr jawline and follow the straight line of $xyr nose– there’s a veil of light freckles sprinkled on $xyr face that you’ve never noticed before, barely visible even against $xyr unnaturally pale skin. It does a good job at softening $xyr features. Finally, your eyes fall down to the collar of $xyr black tunic. It leaves enough of $xyr white shoulders bare that you catch a glimpse of the markings you know cover $xyr whole arms up to the collarbones. You’ve seen them before. They’re intricate, a crowded design made of geometric patterns printed on $xyr skin in bone white. Maybe ‘printed’ is not the right word. It looks as if they’ve been carved into the flesh. <<if $odifaefear>>The idea makes you shiver, as you stare on at the old scarring.<</if>> //Did someone do that to $xem? Or was it a choice, and $xe gave them to $xemself?// You’re almost tempted to ask, questions burning on the tip of your tongue, but you ultimately decide against it. Too engrossed in your examination you don’t notice Odile silently looking at you until you meet $xyr eyes. $Xe doesn’t seem offended, but then again you can rarely read $xyr expressions. “Is something the matter?” The look you give $xem in response is probably one of utter bewilderment because $xe tilts $xyr head and adds, “You were staring at me quite intensely.” It doesn’t sound like a reprimand or a jeer, just an observation, but it makes you acutely aware of the fact that you’ve been caught staring. And even more aware of how Odile’s focus is now solely and entirely on you. *<<link "//Apologize.//" "prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)">><<set $confpath to "1att1">><</link>> *<<link "Heat makes your skin prickle, yet you find yourself incapable of looking away. ♡" "prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)">><<set $confpath to "2att1", $odiro += 2>><</link>> *<<link "You shift in your seat, uncomfortable." "prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)">><<set $confpath to "3att1", $oditrust += 2>><</link>> *<<link "You shrug and throw $xem a vaguely apologetic look." "prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)">><<set $confpath to "4att1", $oditrust += 1>><</link>> *<<link "Never one to shy away, you keep your eyes fixed on $xem. “I’m curious about you, that’s all.”" "prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)">><<set $confpath to "5att1", $oditrust += 1>><</link>> <<elseif $conflictedrc is "1" and $att is "2">><<nobr>>/* TYPE 2 */ Silence stretches for a moment longer, and it’s enough to make you uncomfortable– you can’t stop the nervous chuckle that escapes you. Odile’s head tilts slightly, as though $xes assessing whether you have finally lost your mind (but you can see a flash of concern on $xyr face).<</nobr>> Another chuckle, and you scratch the back of your neck sheepishly. “Actually, I could use some company. Care to join me?” You gesture at your supper as you sit down to eat. Odile just stares at you. The dumbstruck expression $xes giving you is a nice change from $xyr usually unreadable face, you must admit. And more importantly, there is something comical about it that manages to make you relax. You laugh again, this time in genuine amusement. “Did I say something weird? It felt like quite the normal request, but you look as if you plan to run away any second from now.” The teasing words seem to finally bring $xem out of $xyr daze. “No, it’s–” $Xe shakes $xyr head firmly. “I won’t run. I was merely surprised. You don’t usually seek my company, if anything you avoid it.” It is quite admirable, the way $xe says it without sounding resentful. $Xes simply stating a fact, unwilling (or unable) to be anything but direct. Honesty is an appreciated trait, but still, you wince. “That's fair,” you admit after a moment, and you let out a deep sigh. “I know I haven’t been exactly //friendly// towards you.” Odile shoulders move briefly in what you assume is meant to be a small shrug. “I understand why. There’s no need for you to explain, nor should you worry about my feelings.” $Xe sure is not making this conversation any easier on you. You groan internally, but manage to crack a smile. “But I want this to change, now.” You think you sound a bit //too// cheerful, but luckily $xe doesn’t seem to notice. “This?” Odile hesitantly repeats, confusion making $xyr forehead furrow. A huff escapes you (and you aren’t sure whether it’s a sign of amusement or frustration), but you’re quick to gesture vaguely between the two of you. “This. Us. I would like for us to get closer. Getting to know you is the first step, wouldn’t you agree?” Even though you think you did a pretty good job explaining, Odile doesn’t seem to be of the same opinion. If anything, $xe looks more puzzled than ever. “You want us to be close.” $Xe mutters to $xemself, slowly tasting your words as if they’re completely foreign. And the $xe looks back at you, and you feel your smile falter. “Why?” It’s a simple question, really, but you find yourself hesitating. Against your every instinct, you swallow the temptation of lightening the conversation with a joke and instead search your mind for an answer. Why //do// you want to get closer? *[[Part of you just wants to feel less guilty.|prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)][$confpath to "1att2"; $oditrust += 2]] *<<link "Honestly? You’re lonely. You try to play it off but the truth is, you are missing something, anything resembling a connection." "prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)">><<set $confpath to "2att2">><</link>> *<<link "One day, you would like to call $xem a friend." "prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)">><<set $confpath to "3att2", $oditrust += 2>><</link>> *<<link "There’s just something about $xem that intrigues you, though you aren't about to tell $xem //that//. ♡" "prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)">><<set $confpath to "4att2", $odiro += 2>><</link>> *[[“Can't I be interested in you?” This might be a terrible idea, but you don’t have much to lose... ♡|prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)][$confpath to "5att2", $odiro += 2]] <<elseif $conflictedrc is "1" and $att is "3">><<nobr>>/* TYPE 3 */ “Would you… could you stay with me?” It’s meant to be a polite invite, but the words slip past your lips in a soft plea.<</nobr>> Odile’s eyes widen for a moment, or at least you think you see a flash of stupor crossing $xyr expression before it goes back to its usual unreadable state. It seems like $xes about to comment on the odd request, but ultimately decides against it and just gives a short nod as $xe sits down. “For as long as you wish me to.” You aren’t sure whether $xe says it to be courteous or genuinely means it, but the simple statement is almost enough to bring you to tears. If $xe notices $xe doesn’t react, and you take the opportunity to eat. You can feel Odile’s gaze on you a few times, but fail to meet it whenever you raise your head. $Xe seems to be intent on staring out your window, posture relaxed– more relaxed than you’ve ever seen $xem. $Xe seems to enjoy the quiet, you’ve noticed. <<cycle "$solitude">> <<option "And you understand, since you are the same way" true>><<option "You can sympathize, though there are times when the silence feels deafening" false>><</cycle>>. Regardless, you want to at least try to be friendly, so you do your best to start a conversation. You ask Odile about $xyr day, what $xe did, if there’s been anything in particular $xes enjoyed. It’s clear $xe tries $xyr best to satiate your interest but $xyr replies are as cryptic as they are hesitant. Almost as though $xes never had to talk about $xemself before. You suspect there might be truth in that. Still, this is the first time you’ve ever managed to hold a conversation with Odile. It’s different than you thought– <i>$xes</i> different. After a while you start to notice small details about $xem, like the fact that $xe tilts $xyr head to the side whenever $xes confused or uncertain, or that there’s a veil of light freckles sprinkled on $xyr nose and cheeks, barely visible against the unnaturally pale shade of $xyr skin. Every new thing you discover makes $xem look more… //human//. And makes you grow even more conflicted. Perhaps it was easier when you just thought of $xem as a heartless monster. Lonelier, but easier. “Is something the matter?” The sudden question shakes you from your daze, and you throw $xem a puzzled look. Did $xe ask you something? “You seem…” Odile pauses, frowning as $xe searches for the right word. “Troubled. Have I upset you somehow? I can leave now, if you wish for quiet.” Too lost in thought you failed to notice you had suddenly stopped talking. And more than that, you missed the burning sting of tears pooling in your eyes. It’s nothing new, truth to be told. All these emotions, this grief, this wistfulness, sometimes they become overwhelming. Having your heart falling from your eyes is something you’re used to, and it’s easy to let it happen when you’re as alone as you are. But tonight you are not alone. Jet black eyes meet your $eyeco ones, and you’re suddenly aware of Odile’s intense focus on you. *<<link "It’s too much. You ask $xem to leave." "prelude12 (conflicted - odi left)">><<set $confpath to "oleft2", $oditrust += 1>><</link>> *<<link "You try to tell $xem, beg $xem to stay, but the words get caught in your throat." "prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)">><<set $confpath to "2att3", $oditrust += 1>><</link>> *<<link "“Please, stay.” There’s something about $xyr presence that manages to calm you. ♡" "prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)">><<set $confpath to "3att3", $odiro += 2>><</link>> *<<link "//Reach out for $xem.//" "prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)">><<set $confpath to "4att3", $oditrust += 2, $touchav -=5>><</link>> *<<link "//Do you want $xem to leave? You’re not sure, you can’t think straight right now.//" "prelude12 (conflicted - odi left)">><<set $confpath to "oleft3">><</link>> <<elseif $conflictedrc is "1" and $att is "4">><<nobr>>/* TYPE 4 */ But how would you even ask $xem? This is somehow the longest conversation you’ve ever had with Odile without you <<if $confodireact is "freezeout">>coldly ignoring $xem or refusing to stay in the same room as $xem<<elseif $confodireact is "openhostility">>being hostile or worse<</if>>. You cannot start acting friendly out of the blue without $xem thinking you’ve lost your mind, can you?<</nobr>> Frustration makes your jaw clench. You meant it, you want to make things better between the two of you… both because $xe probably deserves better than the hurt you’ve been trying to inflict $xem, and because you’re //tired//. Tired of fighting against the only person who is trying to help, tired of being alone. But those aren’t things you’re willing to admit, and you’re not so keen to show just how desperate you are for comfort. Odile observes you in silence as you debate with yourself, $xyr brows furrowing in uncertainty. Maybe $xe senses your intentions because $xe speaks before you can push yourself to do so. “Would you like some company?” $Xyr tone is polite, although detached. And from the expression $xe gives you as soon as you hum in assent, you can guess $xe was not expecting you to say yes. $Xe stares on for a moment longer, lips parted in poorly hidden surprise, then swiftly takes a seat (making sure to leave quite enough space between you). The tense atmosphere softens a bit once you start eating, the quiet falling over the room like a blanket. You can’t think of anything to say to start the conversation– <<if $pastatt is "1" or $pastatt is "4">> after all you were never talkative, and the years haven’t made you any better at it<<else>>your people skills might be a bit rusty, and that is putting it lightly<</if>>. Luckily enough, Odile seems to be comfortable with the silence. This is the first time you get to see $xem so relaxed. $Xes draped elegantly over the chair, a pensive gaze fixed on the open window. Moonlight merges with the faint light of candles and washes over $xem in waves of silver and gold. $Xe makes quite the beautiful sight, with $xyr porcelain skin seeming almost aglow… you could easily mistake $xem for a statue, or a painting. In this light, even more than before, $xe looks otherworldly. <<if $odifaefear>>You do your best to ignore the cold shiver running down your spine at the thought.<</if>> You’re not sure for how long you have been staring (nor fully aware of the fact that you //have// been staring, for all that matters). All you know is that suddenly those piercing eyes are locked on you and your breath catches. “I am glad you asked me to stay,” $xe admits after a while. “Surprised. But glad, nevertheless.” There is something about the way $xe says it– maybe it’s the soft, low tone $xe uses, or how $xe seems to hesitate at every syllable yet never takes $xyr eyes off of you. //It makes you believe $xem.// The realization gives newfound weight to $xyr words... *<<link "You appreciate the sentiment, but you cannot help feeling embarrassed." "prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)">><<set $confpath to "1att4">><</link>> *<<link "The genuine gentleness of it startles you, so you do what you do best: you fight it." "prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)">><<set $confpath to "2att4", $oditrust += 2>><</link>> *<<link "...and you can feel the heat rushing to your face. ♡" "prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)">><<set $confpath to "3att4", $odiro += 2>><</link>> *<<link "Surely $xe can't know how much $xyr words affected you. //You shrug.//" "prelude12 (conflicted - odi stays)">><<set $confpath to "4att4">><</link>> *<<link "Maybe this was a mistake... //Ask $xem to leave//." "prelude12 (conflicted - odi left)">><<set $confpath to "oleft4">><</link>> <<elseif $conflictedrc is "2">><<nobr>> /* Hesitate */ The temptation of asking $xem to stay <<if $att is "2" or $att is "3">>makes your heart tremble, and you have to take a deep breath to calm yourself<<else>>has you clench your jaw, and whether it is out of stubbornness or pained realization, you could not tell<</if>>. But you cannot, you should not… $Xe would probably think it is nothing but a cruel joke, anyway. How do you ask someone to trust you when you have shown them over and over that you do not trust them?<</nobr>> And even now you hesitate, even now that you are the one wishing for $xem to stay, you are not entirely sure you can trust $xem. You can only fidget as you watch Odile giving you a small nod and turning to leave. Surprisingly, $xe stops just as soon as $xe reaches for the door, gloved fingers hovering above the handle. “I could stay.” $Xe blurts out the words so quickly that $xe seems to surprise even $xemself and $xe frowns slightly. “Apologies, I… What I meant to say is, I would be honoured to keep you company tonight. If you don’t mind, of course.” Whether $xes asking because $xe feels the same way as you do or because $xe sensed something and wanted to spare you from your predicament, you are not sure. <<if $att is "2" or $att is "3">>[[But maybe it’s a sign?|prelude12 (conflicted - odi left)][$confpath to "oleft5"]]<<else>>[[Believing in signs is unlike you, but now you hesitate.|prelude12 (conflicted - odi left)][$confpath to "oleft5"]]<</if>> <<elseif $conflictedrc is "3">><<nobr>>/* guilty reject */ There's no denying the temptation of asking $xem to stay that <<if $att is "2" or $att is "3">>makes your heart tremble for a moment<<else>>has you clench your jaw almost painfully<</if>>.<</nobr>> But even so, you cannot bring yourself to speak… $Xe would probably think it is nothing but a cruel joke, and could you blame $xem? How do you ask someone to trust you when you have shown them over and over that you do not trust them? And even now you are at war with yourself, even now that you are the one wishing for $xem to stay you feel the urge to run from $xem. Is it possible to trust an enemy? You pray for a day when you’ll wake up and see Odile as anyone but the child of your capturer. Silent, you only watch as Odile gives you a small nod and crosses the room in a few strides, black robes <<if $xe isnot "she">>and silver hair<</if>> fluttering as $xe moves. You think you see $xem hesitate, for a split second, but $xe does not stop nor looks back at you. And then $xes gone. The sound of the door closing behind $xem stirs something within you. *<<link "A sense of longing, and you aren't //quite// sure what you long for. ♡" "prelude12 (conflicted - odi left)">><<set $odiro += 2, $confpath to "oleft1longing">><</link>> *<<link "//Guilt//. It's always guilt." "prelude12 (conflicted - odi left)">><<set $oditrust += 2, $confpath to "oleft1guilt">><</link>> *<<link "You are not too keen on figuring out what it is. ♡" "prelude12 (conflicted - odi left)">><<set $odiro += 2, $confpath to "oleft1denialcr">><</link>> *<<link "It is painfully easy to recognize this loneliness as it greets you like an old friend." "prelude12 (conflicted - odi left)">><<set $confpath to "oleft1loneliness">><</link>> <</if>>

//You need nothing from $xem//. $Xyr attempts at kindness only make you sick. “Not from you.” Your voice is low, trembling with hatred as you spit out the words, “You’ve done enough for me already, haven’t you?” Odile doesn’t respond, only levels you with a stare you can’t quite decipher. You huff. “Just– //leave//. Leave me alone.” There’s a split second of hesitance before $xe nods. “As you wish. Rest well, $name.” A single word, and your vision fills with red. “Don’t you dare,” you growl, and the viciousness of it is enough to make $xem flinch. “Do not say my name as if you care about me, as if you did not curse me and trap me in here to rot.” $Xyr brows furrow, face tightening into a frown. “I didn’t.” “No, you just stood there and watched as your father ripped me from my home,” you hiss. “As he–” Your voice breaks helplessly before you can finish your sentence, and you bite your tongue in frustration until the metallic taste of blood floods your senses. Odile's facade breaks before your eyes as the accusation flies past your lips, and even though $xyr voice is still calm when $xe speaks $xe shakes $xyr head frantically. “I couldn’t stop him, I tried.” It almost sounds as if $xes trying to convince the both of you. “And I would free you, were it in my power. You must know that.” The look $xe gives you is part desperation and part frustration– $xe wants, //needs// you to believe that. But how could you? A bitter laugh echoes in the room as you throw your head back. “That must be a nice consolation, then. Is that what you tell yourself at every daybreak as you listen to my screams? Do you read your books and practice your tricks while I writhe in agony?” <<if $att is "1" or $att is "4">>Anger has your whole body shiver<<else>>Tears begin to sting and burn in your eyes<<endif>>. Odile watches on helplessly as you press on, spitting out words like venom. “I can //feel// my bones breaking one by one, piercing through my flesh as I turn, did you know that?” “And yet you refuse my help,” $xe bursts out, voice growing in volume until you can hear the turmoil $xe was so desperately trying to hide. “I could at the very least ease your pain.” The pity in $xyr gaze, the despair you can see in $xyr eyes are too much. They push you off the edge, and all you want is for everything (//everyone//) to burn with you. “What pain can you ease? Your father may have turned me into a monster, but //you//… you were always one.” You know as soon as you speak that you went too far. *[[You regret the words immediately.|prelude11 (antagonistic)][$oditrust +=2, $antpath to "1"]] *[[Good. That’s what you wanted.|prelude11 (antagonistic)][$oditrust -=5, $antpath to "2"]]

Odile has been nothing but kind to you in the years you’ve spent together. It was not easy, at first– especially after learning of $xyr parentage. You were scared, hurt, and you needed someone to blame for what was happening and $xe was there. Much to your surprise, $xe had endured the blunt force of your resentment with incredible gracefulness, letting you lash out at $xem without ever complaining. To this day you sometimes feel the urge to apologize, as you’ve done a hundred times before. It didn’t take long for you to notice the subtle ways $xe tried to care for you. How $xe filled your room with books to help you pass the time and enchanted your fireplace so that you’d never get cold at night, and how $xe always made sure to leave you salves to alleviate your pain– $xe does it still. All this and more without ever expecting anything in return. The longer you were with Odile, the less $xe reminded you of $xyr father. Rothbart, the man who made you a captive and placed a curse on you, turning you into something less than human… No, Odile is //nothing// like Rothbart, you know that now. The <<cycle "$odireact" autoselect>><<option "anger" "anger">><<option "revulsion" "disgust">><<option "terror" "fear">><<option "mistrust" "distrust">><</cycle>> you used to feel around $xem left turned into something else, something neither of you expected. * <<link "You have grown fond of $xem." "prelude11 (friendly)">><</link>> * <<link "You have feelings for $xem. ♡" "prelude11 (friendly)">><<set $odiro +=4>><</link>> * <<link "$Xe stirs a lot of emotions within you, some you aren’t sure you understand. ♡" "prelude11 (friendly)">><<set $odiro +=2>><</link>>

<<if $confpath is "oleft1longing">><<nobr>> It is a terrible feeling, longing. No way to run from it, no way to ignore it– you feel it in your whole body, it seeps through your skin until you ache everywhere. Longing is a sickness.<</nobr>> And part of you thinks that wishing for Odile to stay is to die of it. You push the thoughts aside. <<elseif $confpath is "oleft1denialcr">><<nobr>> It tastes like greed in your mouth, and your body tenses, almost as if on the verge of chasing Odile and begging $xem to stay. The realization is lightning in your mind, it jolts and burns you in its wake.<</nobr>> //This isn’t good//. You tuck the thought away, for now. <<elseif $confpath is "oleft1guilt">><<nobr>> It’s a curse of another kind, your own form or personal torture: craving for Odile to stay yet letting $xem go, wanting $xem to hurt as much as you do yet hating yourself for it.<</nobr>> Sometimes you wonder whether this guilt will ever fade. You tuck the thought away, for now. <<elseif $confpath is "oleft1loneliness">><<nobr>> It’s a curse of another kind, your own form or personal torture: craving for Odile to stay yet letting $xem go, wanting $xem to hurt as much as you do yet hating yourself for it.<</nobr>> Sometimes you wonder whether this loneliness will ever fade. You tuck the thought away, for now. <<elseif $confpath is "oleft2">><<nobr>>/* ask $xem to leave. */ “I can’t–” You try to speak, but the words are a noose tightening around your neck. //Please//.<</nobr>> You hope $xe hears it, the silent plea lingering in the air between you. $Xe does. Odile seems to war within $xemself, both wanting to stay close to you and give you space, but eventually nods and walks to the door. “$name?” The way $xyr voice softens around the edges of your name makes you ache. $Xe meets your eyes. “Make sure to rest.” The door closes behind $xem with a thud, and you take a few deep breaths until you’re calm again. <<elseif $confpath is "oleft3">><<nobr>>/* unsure */ You don’t know what you want. No words come out of your mouth, and you feel the weight of Odile’s gaze on you.<</nobr>> $Xes probably wondering what to do, trying to figure out whether you wish for $xem to stay or leave. You can guess from $xyr conflicted expression that $xes at war with $xemself– both wanting to stay close to you and give you space. Eventually, $xe sets on the latter and stands to leave. “I will give you some space.” You watch $xem as $xe closes the door behind $xem, a whispered goodbye before $xe disappears, and you take a deep breath to calm yourself. <<elseif $confpath is "oleft4">><<nobr>>/* mistake */ “You should leave.”<</nobr>> The words spill out of your lips abruptly enough that you flinch. Hurt crosses Odile’s face, just for a second, but from the look $xe gives you as $xe nods you know $xe understands. “Of course. I will leave you to it, then.” “Odile,” you call back when $xes already at the door, and $xe stops, “I’m…” //What were you even going to say?// That you’re sorry? You are, you always are, but– $Xyr eyes meet yours, and there’s gentle recognition in them. “I understand.” The two words alone are enough to coax a shaky breath out of you. That’s all $xe says before $xe turns and leaves, and you are alone again. <<elseif $confpath is "oleft5">><<if $att is "1" or $att is "4">><<nobr>> You regard $xem for a moment, torn. The offer is kind, and you have no wish to offend $xem, but you aren’t exactly sure this is the right time. This is one of those nights you would rather spend in solitude.<</nobr>> “Another time, perhaps? I am feeling rather tired, tonight.” $Xe doesn’t look upset, if anything you think $xyr eyes brighten a bit at the offer. “Of course. Rest well.” <<else>><<nobr>> You force a smile.<</nobr>> “Another time, perhaps? I am feeling rather tired, tonight.” It’s not a lie, you //are// tired. But more than that, you are full of doubts… about yourself, about Odile, about everything. As much as you appreciate $xyr offer, company is not what you need tonight. All you can hope is that $xe won’t be offended. Luckily $xe only offers a smile. “Of course. I’ll leave you to rest.”<<endif>> <</if>><<nobr>> After Odile leaves, you find yourself growing restless. No matter how hard you try or how weary you feel, your eyes won’t close. You don't know how much time passes as you toss and turn (hours, maybe) but you end up sighing in surrender.<</nobr>> As you eye the room, searching for something that might offer you some kind of diversion, something on the shelves catches your attention. Oh, //that//. Even in the dim light you recognize it, but you stand to grab it and turn it in your hands as if you’re seeing it for the first time. A little wooden statuette– cedar wood, you think, guessing from its shade. It’s small enough to fit perfectly in your palm but remarkably detailed. Your thumb follows along the elegant lines of the carving, and an odd sense of familiarity overtakes you as you look down at it. A <<cycle "$crest" autoselect>><<option "white stag" "stag">><<option "silver fox" "fox">><<option "wild bear" "bear">><<option "snow leopard" "leopard">><<option "snowy owl" "owl">><<option "white wolf" "wolf">><</cycle>> stares back at you with its carefully sculpted eyes. You know its shape all too well… for it was the [[symbol of your House.|prelude13 (conflicted - odi left end)]]

<<if $confpath is "1att1">><<nobr>> /* caught staring embarrassed*/ For how long have you been staring? Minutes, maybe, long enough for you to feel embarrassed. You hope you have enough composure to hide it, despite how part of you wishes to disappear right at this moment, and you manage to mutter a quick apology.<</nobr>> Odile observes you a second longer, and you can’t help but notice how exceptionally //still// $xe is. Then $xe hums. “I don’t mind.” $Xyr eyes leave you once again, and you <<cycle "$orocho">> <<option "relax against your seat. You are so used to observing people, the reversal always makes you tense" false>> <<option "try to ignore the tinge of disappointment that suddenly hits you ♡" true>><</cycle>>. <<elseif $confpath is "2att1">><<nobr>> /* flustered */ “I–” you try to say something, anything, but whatever excuse you were going to muster gets caught in your throat as those eyes stare at you. //Through// you.<</nobr>> The blood rushing to your cheeks makes you feel heated, almost strangled. A long-forgotten kind of warmth that makes it hard to think, to breathe, to speak… $Xe must sense you’re struggling, because Odile’s eyes leave yours behind as they land somewhere around the room. You could //swear// you see the corners of $xyr mouth curve, if only for a moment. <<elseif $confpath is "3att1">><<nobr>> /* uncomfy */ The attention, more than anything else, is what causes your uneasiness. <<if $pastatt is "1">>You’ve always been observant<<else>>The past years taught you to be observant<</if>>, and studying people and their reactions is almost second nature to you, whether it is just for your own amusement or for gain. That is probably why being the one watched is so unpleasant for you: you cannot guess the motive behind it.<</nobr>> Odile seems to notice your distress because $xe looks away, not before flashing you a faint and somewhat apologetic smile. You suppose you are grateful for that, at least. <<elseif $confpath is "4att1">><<nobr>> /* shrug */ It isn’t as if you were doing something reproachable, and Odile did not seem to mind you looking.<</nobr>> “Apologies. I was wondering about your, um,” you gesture vaguely at $xyr collarbones, unsure, “//markings//?” $Xe glances down, understanding dawning on $xyr face. “I see.” You decide it’s safe to press on, judging by the calmness in $xyr expression. “Do they serve a purpose? Or are they more of an aesthetic choice?” To your surprise, Odile smiles at you. “Maybe one day I will show you.” <<cycle "$orocho">> <<option "//Alright, then.//" false>><<option "Does $xe mean...? //Ah.// ♡" true>><</cycle>> You clear your throat. <<elseif $confpath is "5att1">><<nobr>> /* curious about you */ “I will admit, I find myself being rather curious about you.” You add a small shrug for good measure, so $xe doesn’t feel too pressured.<</nobr>> Shyness does not suit you, and you see no reason to lie. All that’s left is to gauge $xyr reaction– or try to, at least, since $xe maintains that same unnerving composure. When $xe frowns, you can’t help but feel a tinge of triumph at the visible reaction. “Why? You are far more intriguing than I am.” Not exactly what you expected $xem to say… <<cycle "$odiro">><<option "but you appreciate the sentiment, nevertheless. You offer $xem a faint smile, which $xe returns hesitantly.">><<option "you smirk, and there’s a flash of //something// you can’t quite place in Odile’s eyes ♡" 2>> <<option "the room feels warmer all of a sudden, and you try not to squirm under $xyr gaze ♡" 2>><</cycle>>. $Xyr question remains unanswered as $xe faces away from you. <<elseif $confpath is "1att2" or $confpath is "2att2">><<nobr>> /* guilty or lonely*/ It’s a selfish motive, you can admit it. You aren’t trying to deceive $xem– you really //do// care about making things right with $xem. But you would be lying to yourself if you thought there was no gain for you.<</nobr>> Hostility <<if $pastatt is 2 or 3>>has never suited you<<else>>does not suit you<</if>>, after all, and it’s time you take the first step. “I just do.” $Xe does not quite return your smile, but $xe looks somehow reassured. It’s a start. <<elseif $confpath is "3att2">><<nobr>> /* wants to be friends */ You never meant to be so hostile towards Odile. Or well, you did //at first//. Soon after your capture $xe had been introduced to you by Rothbart himself, and upon finding out they were related hatred and fear had been the only possible reactions.<</nobr>> It took you a while to notice it, the way Odile seemed to have as little freedom as you did. And it took you even longer to realize that all $xyr attempts at kindness were no traps. But after the initial shock, you had come to terms with the fact that the world is not all black and white, as you thought it was. It comes in shades of grey. And people… //people are complicated.// “I guess,” you start, and flash Odile a genuine smile that seems to take $xem aback, “I want to be your friend.” $Xe says nothing to that, only stares at you for a moment longer and then faces away. <<elseif $confpath is "4att2">><<nobr>> /* shy crushing */ You can’t really explain this feeling. Something about Odile draws you in, like a twisted sense of belonging that has your heart skip a beat whenever $xes near. Admitting it is out of the question, of course.<</nobr>> If $xe notices how flustered you are as you breathe out a chuckle, face burning and panicked mind, $xes kind enough to pretend otherwise. $Xyr head stays tilted to the side a moment longer, but $xe looks away without inquiring any further– something for which you are //endlessly// grateful. <<elseif $confpath is "5att2">><<nobr>>/* bold flirt */ You can feel the pleasant ache in your cheeks as your smile stretches into a teasing grin. “Can’t I simply be interested in you?”<</nobr>> $Xes intriguing, that much is an undeniable truth. No matter what your feelings towards $xem might be, you found that part of you is inexplicably drawn to $xem. And as much as you tell yourself indulging in this attraction would be terribly foolish, you wonder if there’s really anything you could do or say that can make your situation worse. It takes you a moment to realize Odile has not answered your question. $Xyr frown has deepened, but something in $xyr expression tells you that $xe knows //exactly// what you’re doing. “I suppose you can,” $xe murmurs after a while, and when $xe looks away you feel your smile falter. <<elseif $confpath is "2att3">><<nobr>> /* needs comfort*/ //Stay.// The silent plea rings through your mind, so forceful that for a second you wonder if you’re screaming. //Please, stay with me.// You try to speak, but the words get caught in your throat.<</nobr>> You don’t want $xem to leave, you don’t want to be alone. Hot tears start streaming down your cheeks, and a frustrated sob leaves your lips at the taste of salt in your mouth. Your vision is blurry, but you are quite sure you see Odile’s eyes widening before $xe stands up from $xyr chair fast enough to make it fall to the ground. $Xe pays it no mind. A leather-clad hand reaches out to you, stopping before it can touch you and then snapping back, <<cycle "$orocho">><<option "much to your disappointment ♡" true>><<option "for which you’re almost glad" false>><</cycle>>. But the look on Odile’s face tells you that $xe won’t leave you, $xe will stay for as long as you need $xem. That certainty alone is enough. You give $xem a faint nod as another sob shakes you, and $xe nods back. <<elseif $confpath is "3att3">><<nobr>> /* crush ask to stay */ “No, please,” you shake your head vehemently, “I would like it if you stayed.” //I need you here with me.// You don’t say the last part, but it’s the truth. Something you can’t explain yourself, but Odile’s presence has a soothing effect on you that you crave at this very moment. <</nobr>> $Xe watches with a worried expression as you rub your eyes to get rid of the tears, but when you manage to offer $xem a faint smile $xe finally nods. “Thank you, Odile.” $Xyr eyes do not leave you as $xe answers, that silver gaze piercing through you like arrows. “You are quite welcome… $name.” Your heart quivers in your chest. Then $xe looks away. <<elseif $confpath is "4att3">><<nobr>> /* touch */ //Glass//… That’s how you feel right now, as if you are made of glass and bound to break any second from now… something about your expression must be truly alarming, because barely a second later Odile has crossed the room in a few rushed steps to reach you, concern disrupting $xyr handsome face.<</nobr>> $Xes so close– close enough that you can feel $xyr gloved hands hovering over you, ready to steady you were you about to fall, close enough that <<if $xe is "she">>her breath ghosts over your skin<<else>>$xyr hair tickles your skin<</if>>, but $xe never touches you. Without even thinking you close the distance and pull $xem to you, as softly as you manage in your state. You feel Odile stiffen under your touch, but $xe makes no move to stop you, and once you bury your face in $xyr chest $xe hesitantly wraps $xyr arms around you. “Is this alright?” You barely miss $xyr whisper above your choked sobs, but you manage to nod and tighten your grip on $xem to answer. $Xe squeezes you gently in response. You aren’t sure for how long you stay like that, clinging to $xem as if $xes the lifeline keeping you from drowning (that much is not far from the truth), but after a while your breathing is calm enough that you let go, rubbing your eyes. “I’m sorry,” you mumble in embarrassment, but Odile shakes $xyr head. “Don’t be.” <<cycle "$orocho">><<option "You offer $xem a grateful smile." false>><<option "You feel your heart skipping a beat. ♡" true>><</cycle>> <<elseif $confpath is "1att4">><<nobr>> /* glad you asked - embarrassed */ Heat rushes to your face at the words, and you glance away nervously in the hope that $xe won’t notice how flustered you are. It’s kind of $xem… you were not expecting Odile to be so honest. Then again, you never gave $xem the chance to, before today.<</nobr>> You mumble a quick reply, and you could swear $xyr lips twist in amusement if only for a moment. <<elseif $confpath is "2att4">><<nobr>> /* hostility */ Resentment makes its way through your chest and slithers onto your next words before you can stop it.<</nobr>> “You speak as if I had any other option.” That is not a lie… here you are trapped together, no one else you can really talk to besides $xem. But you regret the venom in your tone almost immediately, even though Odile doesn’t visibly react. It’s as if the years have made you so wary of any form of kindness that you cannot ignore the instinct to flee from it or challenge it. You aren’t proud of it, of hurting people who are trying to help you, but as much as you wish to change there are times like this where you feel the reins slip from you and you lose control of yourself. You take a moment to swallow your pride enough to mutter an apology. “Forgive me. That was ungracious.” Odile regards you for a second longer, something in $xyr expression you cannot quite place– something sad, although you are not quite sure whether it’s because of your words or the truth behind them. <<cycle "$orocho">><<option "It makes you feel uneasy, you don’t want to be pitied." false>><<option "Your heartbeat quickens, but you try not to think about its meaning. ♡" true>><</cycle>> Eventually, $xe gives you a quiet nod, which you hope means forgiveness, and faces away. <<elseif $confpath is "3att4">><<nobr>> /* flustered */ Every attempt at a reply is suddenly gone from your mind, heat spreading across your face like wildfire. You mentally curse your body for betraying you and pray the gods, //any gods//, that Odile cannot hear your heartbeat rumbling from beneath your ribs. <</nobr>> //Why is it so easy for $xem to have you wrapped around $xyr finger without even trying?// You don’t have the time to find the answer when a flash of concern crosses $xyr eyes. “Everything alright? Are you feeling ill?” $Xe looks as if $xes about to rush to your aid, and it would be amusing were you not wishing to disappear. “No, I’m…” You clear your throat and school your features in what you hope is a neutral expression. “It was nothing.” $Xe gazes at you, uncertain, but nods, and you release the breath you’ve been holding. <<elseif $confpath is "4att4">><<nobr>> /* tough guy shrug*/ $Xe looks at you as if $xe cares about you, and for all the walls you might put up there’s no denying it, the warmth that blossoms in your chest and spreads through you. It leaves an unfamiliar tingle in your limbs.<</nobr>> The urge to push down whatever feeling might be surfacing wins, and all you offer in response is a shrug. Odile does not look perturbed– probably because this kind of reaction is //exactly// what $xe would expect from you. But if anything $xe looks almost… amused? $Xes always hard to read, but $xes //definitely// smiling now. “Are you //laughing at me//?” A faint chuckle leaves $xyr lips at your incredulous tone. You think your scowl has become more of a pout, which only seems to amuse $xem further because $xe covers $xyr mouth to stop $xemself from laughing. //Unbelievable.// “Please, forgive me. Mocking you was not my intention, it’s just–” $Xe purses $xyr lips, but you can still see the glint of hilarity in $xyr eyes, “You are quite transparent. Your emotions, I mean.” <<cycle "$orocho" autoselect>><<option "//Gods, you hope $xes wrong.//" false>><<option "//Why is $xe so handsome when $xe smiles?// ♡" true>><</cycle>> You huff haughtily at the comment and quickly face away from $xem, as Odile lets out another soft chuckle. <</if>> <<nobr>> The briefest silence that follows is interrupted (to your surprise) when Odile suddenly strides towards the small table next to your bed and reaches out to grab something. $Xyr hand stops mid-air, closing into a loose fist and falling back to $xyr side.<</nobr>> “You kept it.” It’s a statement that sounds like a question, a bit tentative, a bit trembling, and you frown at the softness in $xyr tone. You have to squint to see what $xes talking about. //Oh.// There’s a little statuette carved from cedar, there. It’s small enough to fit in your palm but remarkably detailed, the light wood elegantly sculpted in the shape of an animal– //[[something you know all too well.|prelude13 (conflicted - odi stays end)]]//

<<nobr>><<heartcho>> You haven’t forgotten the night Odile had brought it to you. “A <<cycle "$crest" autoselect>><<option "white stag" "stag">><<option "silver fox" "fox">><<option "wild bear" "bear">><<option "snow leopard" "leopard">><<option "snowy owl" "owl">><<option "white wolf" "wolf">><</cycle>>,” $xe had told you. The symbol of your House. You had seen it stitched and engraved everywhere all your life, painted in portraits and embroidered on your clothes. It meant //home//.<</nobr>> That’s why Odile had gifted it to you, so you would have something to remind it by. You remember all the grief and resentment you had felt in that moment, the <<if $pastatt is "2" or $pastatt is "3">>tears burning in your eyes<<else>>taste of blood in your mouth<<endif>>. You remember screaming, yelling at Odile to leave. And $xe had left. The statuette had been abandoned on the floor of your bedroom. An unwanted gift. Something had possessed you to pick it up anyways. It did not (could not) offer you comfort, but at the very least it made it easier to remember where you came from. Who you were //before//. <<if $att is "1">>“I did,” you nod, even though Odile can’t see it with $xyr back towards you. “Thank you for giving it to me.” $Xe hums. “I wish I could do more.” $Xyr whisper is so low that you barely catch it, and you’re not entirely sure it was meant for your ears. Yes, you wish $xe could do more as well. Free you from this prison, from the curse that has your body writhing and bleeding and breaking itself each time the light breaks. But you know as well as $xe does that such feat is not within your power nor $xyrs. “Sunrise is near. I should rest.” Your tone is carefully neutral, polite even, but the message behind it is firm and Odile is quick to understand. “Of course,” $xe nods, already making $xyr way to the door. $Xe pauses just before crossing it. “Rest well, $name.” <<button "And then $xes gone" "Act I">><</button>> <<elseif $att is "2">><<nobr>> “It was a good gift.” You try to laugh, but it ends up being an awkward huff. “You should hire the artisan, I could use more decor in this room.”<</nobr>> Odile does not laugh at your joke. $Xyr head tilts to the side. “I made that.” $Xe… //what?// “You carved it for me?” You can’t help the incredulity that fills your voice. You’re not sure what exactly surprises you so– maybe that $xe has such hidden talent, or the fact that $xe put such effort into making something for someone who, at the time, had shown $xem nothing but hatred. Odile only nods. “I can make you another one, if it pleases you.” This time it’s easy to break into a smile. $Xe nods, then seems to snap out of a daze and bows. “I’ll leave you to rest, now.” $Xe hesitates. “Thank you.” “For what?” $Xe flashes you a smile, brief, but warm. “Asking me to stay.” And then you are alone again. You sigh. <<button "The sun will be here soon" "Act I">><</button>> <<elseif $att is "3">><<nobr>> There’s a lump in your throat as you remember. “You have always been so kind to me… I owe you an apology, I–”<</nobr>> “//Don’t.//” Odile’s usually gentle tone comes out in a harsh order. It feels like a musician missing a note as they play. Dissonant, //wrong//. $Xe regards you with a frown, and even though $xe is as still as marble you think on the inside $xe’s trembling. “Do not apologize,” $xe repeats, “Not to me, not ever. My father, he… I wish I could’ve stopped him.” A sad smile appears on your face, but you feel it fade away immediately. “I know.” And you //do//, you do know $xe would free you from this curse if $xe could and take you back home. For that you are grateful, at the very least. But this is no ordinary prison, and neither of you can break the bars that hold you in their invisible grip. Inescapable, just like the sunrise you have come to fear. As you see your own mourning reflected in Odile’s eyes, [[you can’t help but hope that you won’t have to endure it alone, from now on.|Act I]] <<else>><<nobr>> “I did,” you mutter after a moment, glad that Odile has $xyr back to you. “I’m not sure why, honestly.”<</nobr>> $Xe says nothing in response, and you start fidgeting. You //really// should have hidden that statuette. “It’s pretty.” Your nervous comment seems to snap $xem from $xyr daze and $xe turns. “I am sorry.” $Xyr stare is so intense you almost shy away from it. “I know it might be of no value to you, but I wanted you to know that. I needed to say it.” The sudden declaration leaves you stunned, but you don’t have to ask what $xe means… $Xe cannot free you, $xe has no power against the horrid curse that is stealing away your life, consuming it– a raging fire that burns everything in its path. No matter how determined $xe might be, against $xyr father Odile is just as powerless as you are. Your jaw tightens painfully. “I wish to be alone, now.” There’s a tiredness in your voice that has nothing to do with lack of sleep. It does not go unnoticed, and you barely catch the worried glance thrown your way. Odile says nothing of it, though, and seems to understand because $xe nods immediately before making $xyr way to the door. “Rest well.” And then $xes gone. <<button "You close your eyes and wait for the sun" "Act I">><</button>><</if>> <small>End of current demo – Saving here is recommended</small>

As a kid, you used to laugh about your family’s attachment to the house crest; it was stitched on banners and embroidered on your clothes, painted and engraved everywhere you looked. But no matter what you said, it ended up growing on you. It meant //home//. And that’s why Odile had gifted it to you, so you would have something to remind home by. You don’t know where $xe got it from or how, but you cannot forget the night $xe had found you near the shore of the lake and handed it to you. Time has passed since then, yet you remember all the grief and resentment you had felt in that moment, the <<if $pastatt is "2" or $pastatt is "3">>tears burning in your eyes<<else>>taste of blood in your mouth<<endif>>. You remember screaming, yelling at Odile to leave. And $xe had left. The statuette had been abandoned on the ground, an unwanted gift from an unwelcome companion. Something had possessed you to go back for it. It did not (could not) offer you comfort, but at the very least it made it easier to remember where you came from. Who you were //before//. The life before this one… it’s getting harder and harder to remember it, or maybe it just hurts too much that you’d rather forget. With a shaky sigh, you stare into the night. For all the things you don’t know, you can never doubt the one certainty: //[[sunrise always comes.|Act I]]// <small>End of current demo – Saving here is recommended</small>

<<if $antpath is "1">><<nobr>> You watch in silent horror as Odile’s expression turns to stone in front of you, eyes flashing silver (whether it is pain or anger you see in them, you aren’t sure).<</nobr>> //This is not what you wanted…// “Forgive me, I–” You try, but the words turn to ashes on your tongue under $xyr gaze. “You punish me for something I have no control over.” Every trace of warmth has gone from $xyr voice. “We do not choose our parents, Your Grace.” $Xes right, you know $xe is. No one can choose where to be born, and a child should not pay for their parents’ crimes. //Then why can’t you stand the sight of $xem?// You feel yourself deflate, fingers digging in the flesh of your thighs as your gaze falls to the floor. “He took everything from me…” “I know.” Bent as you are, you miss the pained expression crossing Odile’s face. But you hear a newfound gentleness in $xyr words as $xe murmurs, “Let me help you. //Please.//” Words that are both plea and promise; you wish you could believe them. When you say nothing $xe turns to leave, and you think you hear a sigh leaving $xyr lips. $Xe pauses just as $xyr gloved hand closes around the handle. “I do care about you.” The statement catches you off guard, and $xyr lips curve into a faint smile just for a moment before it disappears. “You said not to speak as if I care about you, but I do.” With that $xe leaves… *[[…and you’re left with your heart thumping furiously in your chest. ♡|prelude12 (antagonistic - end)][$odiro +=2]] *<<link "…and find yourself wishing $xe had stayed." "prelude12 (antagonistic - end)">><<set $oditrust +=2>><</link>> *[[…and you can’t help but feel emptied.|prelude12 (antagonistic - end)]] <<else>><<nobr>>A shiver runs down your spine as Odile’s expression turns to stone in front of you, eyes flashing silver (whether it is pain or anger you see in them, you aren’t sure).<</nobr>> //Good.// You hope $xes hurting, you want $xem to feel even just a fraction of your anguish and the helplessness that comes with it. A mad kind of elation rushes through your veins at the small victory, but it’s short-lived. “You punish me for something I have no control over.” Each word cuts through you like a knife, its blade cold and unforgiving. “We do not choose our parents, Your Grace.” The usage of your title makes you flinch. $Xes right, you know $xe is. But the realization only makes you angrier, more dangerous, as you search your mind for something that might hurt $xem again. You’re not even sure //why//, you know $xes not responsible for $xyr father’s actions… and then it hits you. “But you look just like him.” Something about Odile reminds you so much of Rothbart, you can hardly stand to be in the same room as $xem. Odile regards you for a long moment, eyes studying your every motion as guilt and triumph war in your stomach. “Then I won’t have you forced to look at me any longer,” $xe murmurs eventually, and flashes you a bitter smile as $xe reaches for the door. “Goodnight, Your Grace.” *<<link "You don't stop $xem, but you almost wish you had." "prelude12 (antagonistic - end)">><</link>> *<<link "Your heartbeat quickens as you watch $xem leave. ♡" "prelude12 (antagonistic - end)">><<set $odiro +=2>><</link>> *<<link "The door closes behind $xem with a loud thump." "prelude12 (antagonistic - end)">><</link>> <</if>>

<<if $odiro gt 0>>$Xe means a lot to you, in ways that often confuse you and cause your heart to pound against your ribs. But you can’t think of //that//, not now.<<else>>Having $xem at your side might be the only thing that kept you sane during your years of imprisonment. You’re grateful for each and every moment you get to spend together.<<endif>> <<if $att is "1" or $att is "4">><<if $att is "1">><<nobr>> “No, I’m alright.” You observe $xem as you answer, noticing how $xes lingering by the doorstep. “Are you?”<</nobr>><<else>>You glance at $xyr rigid posture and let out a low whine. “Have I not told you already that you are //way// too stiff? I was pretty sure we’d discussed this.”<<endif>> Odile frowns. “Why?” You raise an eyebrow and nod at $xyr posture. <<if $att is "1">>“You look as if you will run off at any moment.”<<else>>“You’ll get stuck like that if you don’t relax.”<<endif>> That earns you a huff as $xe registers your words but at least $xe seems to relax. “I was merely going to ask if you wanted company.” You nod at that, gesturing at the chair next to yours, and this time there’s no hesitation before $xe walks to you. There’s mostly silence as you savour your dinner. You try to make conversation out of politeness, but luckily enough Odile enjoys the quiet just as much as you do. You’ve never liked filling it with unnecessary words, and silence is a language of its own, after all. And in your case, it speaks louder than any voice. This isn’t the first time you have found your gaze drawn to $xem– <<if $odiro gt 0>>the realization alone has blood rush to your face<<else>>$xe might just be the most intriguing person you have ever met (though admittedly the //only// person you've met in a while)<<endif>>. Your eyes run along the sharp angle of $xyr jawline and follow the straight line of $xyr nose. There’s a veil of light freckles sprinkled on $xyr face, barely visible even against $xyr unnaturally pale skin, but you know it’s there. It does a good job at softening $xyr features<<if $odiro gt 0>>, and you fight the temptation to reach out and run your fingers across it.<<else>>.<<endif>> When your gaze falls to the collar of $xyr black tunic, that’s when you notice it… Odile’s clothes usually hide most of $xem, almost never leaving $xyr shoulders and arms bare. You’ve never thought anything of it, but this is the first you can really see part of the markings you know cover $xyr whole arms up to the collarbones up close. They’re intricate, a crowded design made of geometric patterns printed on $xyr fair skin in bone white. Maybe printed is not the right word. It looks as if they’ve been carved into the flesh. <<if $odifaefear>>The idea makes you shiver, as you stare on at the old scarring.<</if>> “Your marks…” When you look at Odile you find $xem already staring back at you. “What are they?” $Xe glances down, understanding dawning on $xyr face. “Magical sigils.” You roll your eyes when you realize $xes not adding anything else. “Well, that was informative. Care to elaborate?” $Xe only chuckles at your sarcasm. “Is that why you were staring at me so intensely?” *<<link "//Busted.// ♡" "prelude12 (friendly)">><<set $odiro +=2, $prelfr to "1">><</link>> *<<if $att is "1">>[[“I liked you better when you didn’t make jokes.”|prelude12 (friendly)][$oditrust +=2; $prelfr to "2"]]<<elseif $att is "4">><<link "//Groan.// “Shut up.”" "prelude12 (friendly)">><<set $oditrust +=2, $prelfr to "2">><</link>><<endif>> <<elseif $att is "2">><<nobr>> The silence stretches for a moment longer, and it’s impossible to miss $xyr rigid posture as $xe lingers on your doorstep. You can’t help it; you burst out laughing.<</nobr>> Odile’s head tilts slightly, as though $xes assessing whether you have finally lost your mind. $Xe says nothing, but you can read the question written all over $xyr face. “Forgive me, I was just…” Another chuckle, and you scratch the back of your neck sheepishly. “You look like a statue, there. And didn’t I tell you before that you need not be so tense every time we speak?” If $xe could blush, you think $xe would be doing it right now. “Ah, I– Apologies, I was lost in thought.” “Yes, I figured as much.” You grin and gesture at your supper as you sit down to eat. “Well, are you going to join me? Eating alone sounds so //incredibly// dreadful.” $Xyr eyes gleam in amusement. “Then I suppose I must join you. I could never forgive myself if I let you suffer the sorrows of a meal spent in solitude.” You laugh in delight as $xe sits down next to you, and $xe flashes you a soft smile. *<<link "It has your heart fluttering in your chest, but you manage to hide it well. //Hopefully.// ♡" "prelude12 (friendly)">><<set $odiro +=2, $prelfr to "3">><</link>> *<<link "You’re glad $xe feels comfortable enough to joke with you. It took you a while to get to this point." "prelude12 (friendly)">><<set $oditrust +=2, $prelfr to "4">><</link>> <<elseif $att is "3">><<nobr>> It takes a moment for you to remember $xyr question, and you shake your head under $xyr expectant gaze.<</nobr>> “No, thank you. I’m alright. Unless…” you chew on your lip as you throw $xem a hopeful glance. “Would you stay?” Dining alone is not an appealing prospect. Odile nods, doesn’t even spare a second of hesitation. “For as long as you wish me to.” $Xe has sat down before you can even think of a reply. Time passes pleasantly as you eat. You both try your best to keep the conversation flowing, and you’re glad to find that Odile is, as always, an excellent listener. $Xe keeps $xyr entire focus on you, asking questions and listening to you in fascination as you talk about the last book you read or what you did the day before. You even try to ask about $xem, but you’re not surprised to find it surprisingly hard. It’s clear $xe tries $xyr best to satiate your interest but $xyr replies are as cryptic as they are hesitant. Almost as though $xes never had to talk about $xemself before. From what little you know about $xyr upbringing, you know there might be truth in that. At the very least, $xe looks at peace, even when the conversation pauses. Unsurprising, considering how much $xe enjoys the quiet, <<cycle "$solitude">><<option "even more than you do" true>><<option "much unlike yourself" false>><</cycle>>. This feeling of closeness, of connection, that you feel when $xes with you… it warms you. You like knowing the little things about $xem, like the fact that $xe tilts $xyr head to the side whenever $xes confused, or that if you look hard enough you can see a veil of light freckles sprinkled on $xyr face. *<<link "You are forever grateful for $xyr friendship." "prelude12 (friendly - att 3)">><<set $oditrust +=2, $prelfr to "5">><</link>> *<<if $odiro gt 2>><<link "Every new detail you discover only makes your feelings for $xem grow. ♡" "prelude12 (friendly - att 3)">><<set $odiro +=2, $prelfr to "6">><</link>><<else>><<link "The more you get to know $xem, the more you see $xem in a different light. ♡" "prelude12 (friendly - att 3)">><<set $odiro +=2, $prelfr to "6">><</link>><<endif>> *<<link "As much as you appreciate $xem, tonight you simply didn’t want to be alone." "prelude12 (friendly - att 3)">><<set $prelfr to "7">><</link>> <</if>>

<<if $prelfr is "1" or $prelfr is "2">>There’s a glint of amusement in $xyr eyes that leaves you speechless. //Is $xe teasing you?// <<if $prelfr is "1">><<cycle "$prtwfrfl">><<option "The realization sends a pleasant thrill down your spine" "bold">><<option "The room feels warmer all of a sudden" "shy">><</cycle>>. “Don’t be ridiculous. I was simply curious.” <<if $att is "4">>You glare at $xem to make your point ($xe looks quite undeterred, if not amused).<<endif>> You can’t quite interpret the smile $xe gives you, but you suspect $xe knows exactly what you were thinking about it. $Xe hums quietly. “I don’t mind.” Does $xe mean…? //Oh.// Something catches $xyr attention, saving you from replying. <<elseif $prelfr is "2" and $att is "1">>“You know,” you grimace playfully, “I think I liked you better when you didn’t understand jokes.” $Xe laughs. A //real// laugh, full and genuine, $xyr voice resonating through the air like silver bells. The beauty of it takes you aback, and you barely hear $xyr reply. “No, you did not.” Something catches $xyr attention, saving you from replying. <<elseif $prelfr is "2" and $att is "4">>“Could you please shut up?” Your voice comes out in a whiny groan, “I’m begging you.” $Xyr lips purse to stifle a chuckle and you pout, which only seems to make things worse. That's when $xe bursts out laughing. A //real// laugh, full and genuine, $xyr voice resonating through the air like silver bells. The beauty of it takes you aback, and you forget what you were saying a second before. Something catches $xyr attention, saving you from speaking.<<endif>> <<elseif $prelfr is "3" or $prelfr is "4">><<nobr>> “I never told you before…”<</nobr>> You raise your head from your plate to give $xem a quizzical look when $xe speaks. $Xes oddly serious, even for $xyr usual, and your smile wavers. Until $xe stares back at you. “I admire your resilience,” $xe admits after a moment, and $xes smiling at you as if you’re //extraordinary//. “All these years I never once saw you falter, not even when you were at your lowest.” //This is not where you saw this going.// <<if $odiro gt 0>>The sound of your own heart beating faster is almost deafening.<<else>>You try to chuckle to alleviate the sudden heaviness in your chest.<<endif>> If only $xe knew– you //do// falter, way more often than you’d care to admit. The thought brings a frown on your face that you immediately try to smooth out, but thankfully something has caught Odile’s attention before $xe can notice the strain in your expression. <<endif>><<nobr>> <</nobr>>Odile stands all of a sudden and strides towards the small table next to your bed. “You kept it,” $xyr voice is soft with emotion as $xe smiles, expression almost enraptured. You have to squint to see what $xes talking about. //Of course.// There’s a little statuette carved from cedar, there. It’s small enough to fit in your palm but remarkably detailed, the light wood elegantly sculpted in the shape of an animal. A <<cycle "$crest" autoselect>><<option "white stag" "stag">><<option "silver fox" "fox">><<option "wild bear" "bear">><<option "snow leopard" "leopard">><<option "snowy owl" "owl">><<option "white wolf" "wolf">><</cycle>>. You watch as Odile reaches out to take it, gloved fingers cradling it gently as if afraid to ruin the elegant lines of the carving. You know its shape all too well. It was the [[symbol of your House.|prelude13 (friendly - end)]]

<<if $att is "1">><<nobr>> “Of course I kept it,” you say, looking at $xem in bewilderment. Why //wouldn’t// you keep it? “You gave it to me.”<</nobr>> $Xe stares at you as if you’re a particularly complicated riddle, but eventually breaks into a smile. “I’m glad.” You haven’t forgotten the night Odile brought it to you. “Something to remember home by,” $xe had said, and $xe was not lying. Every time you hold the $crest in your palm, you feel closer to the past. It helps you remember who you were //before//, and that alone brings you endless comfort. “Thank you for giving it to me.” $Xe hums. “I wish I could do more.” You don’t need $xem to explain what $xe means by that. And you don’t doubt $xyr words, you //know// Odile would take your curse upon $xemself if $xe could. You smile sadly at $xem. “I know.” <<button "Together you wait for the sun" "Act I">><</button>> <small>End of current demo – Saving here is recommended</small> <<elseif $att is "2">><<nobr>> “Of course.” You flash $xem a grin. “It’s my most treasured possession. And I don’t just say that about //anything//.” The wink you add for good measure makes $xem chuckle.<</nobr>> “Then I shall consider myself lucky.” $Xyr eyes glint in both amusement and fondness. “I could make you another one.” <<linkappend "//Wait…//" t8n>> “You made this yourself?” Odile chuckles at your shocked expression and nods. You haven’t forgotten the night Odile brought the statuette to you. “Something to remember home by,” $xe had said, and $xe was not lying. Every time you hold the $crest in your palm, you feel closer to the past. It helps you remember who you were //before//, and that alone brings you endless comfort. For some reason knowing $xe made it with $xyr hands makes it even more special, and you feel warmth spreading in your chest. “Thank you,” you say as you smile brightly at $xem. There’s an emotion you can’t quite place flashing on $xyr face for a brief moment, and you think $xyr voice wavers a bit when $xe replies. “You are very welcome. //$name//.” <<button "Together you wait for the sun" "Act I">><</button>> <small>End of current demo – Saving here is recommended</small><</linkappend>> <<elseif $att is "4">><<nobr>> You hum, glancing away in embarrassment. Of course, you kept it…<</nobr>> You haven’t forgotten the night Odile gave it to you. “//Something to remember home by,//” $xe had said, and $xe had been right. Every time you look at the statuette, you feel closer to the past. It helps you remember who you were //before//, and that alone brings you endless comfort. Odile looks at you fondly, maybe with a bit of amusement as you try to look at anything but $xyr face– <<if $pastatt is "4" or $pastatt is "1">>you’ve never been the sentimental kind, after all.<<else>>sentimentality is quick to make you uncomfortable.<<endif>> “I’m glad.” The emotion in $xyr voice has you start fidgeting. Maybe you should have hidden that statuette. “$name?” The sound of your name snaps you from your thoughts and you raise your head to look at Odile. $Xyr stare is so intense you almost shy away from it. “I am with you. Always. I hope you know that.” <<if $odiro gt 2>>The sudden declaration leaves you stunned. Here you are, with a horrid curse consuming your life like a raging blaze destroying everything in its path– and yet you burn of a different kind of fire, one that has your heart sing so loudly that you suspect anyone could hear it. Your cheeks feel warmer all of a sudden.<<else>>The sudden declaration catches you off guard and you gawk at Odile, but as $xyr words settles in your mind you feel an odd kind of peace washing over you. You may not be the easiest person to get close to, you know that, but that never stopped $xem from standing by your side whenever you needed $xem. $Xyr words, as kind as they are, are not really needed– you already knew, you’ve always known. You stare back at $xem, hoping your eyes will convey what your words couldn’t.<<endif>> Odile smiles, and at times like this, you can’t help but feel happy to have $xem in your life. <<button "you hope $xe feels the same" "Act I">><</button>> <small>End of current demo – Saving here is recommended</small> <</if>>

<<if $ptwfrtouch is "yexception">><<set $touchav to 75, _hug to true>><<elseif $ptwfrtouch is "nexception">><<set $touchav to 50>><<elseif $ptwfrtouch is "no">><<set $touchav to 100>><<elseif $ptwfrtouch is "yes">><<set _hug to true>><<else>><<set _hug to false>><</if>><<nobr>> <</nobr>><<if _hug>>Odile’s touch is light as $xe holds you, the thick leather of $xyr gloves cold even through your clothes. $Xe holds you hesitantly, <<if $ptwfrtouch is "yes">>despite the many times before tonight where you sought comfort in $xyr arms<<elseif $ptwfrtouch is "yexception">>as if you are as fragile as glass and far more precious<<endif>>. You gladly let $xem, leaning into $xem and burying your face in the crook of $xyr neck, eyes shut so you cannot see. All you can sense is $xem, all around you. <<if $odiro gt 0>>It is overwhelming, drowning like this… but in $xyr arms you’ll gladly sink<<else>>The feeling helps ground you, making it easier to breathe<<endif>>. Sometimes you hate this weakness you feel within you… you wish you didn’t have to burden $xem with it. “I’m sorry,” you mutter against $xyr skin, “I’m so sorry, I–” “//Don’t.//” Odile’s gentle tone tastes harsher, and though you cannot see $xyr face you feel $xem tremble under your touch. “Do not apologize,” $xe repeats, and $xes begging you now, “Not to me, not ever.” You understand. $Xe feels responsible for what happened to you, for not being powerful enough to stop $xyr father, and you know $xe would free you from this curse or even take it upon $xemself if $xe could. But this is no ordinary prison, and neither of you can break the bars that hold you in their invisible grip. Inescapable, just like the sunrise you have come to fear. In Odile you sense the same mourning you feel in your heart, the one that has you ache at every breath you take. Neither of you is alone, and for that, at least, you are ever so grateful. <<button "You hold onto $xem a bit tighter" "Act I">><</button>> <<else>>Deep breaths, in and out. Whispers of encouragement you barely hear spill from Odile’s lips as you try to soothe yourself, to find something grounding. “$name, may I…?” You know what $xes asking without $xem saying it, and you nod. And then you feel it. Odile’s mind touches yours ever so lightly, $xyr magic surrounding you like a gentle breeze. $Xe doesn’t dive too deep but rather sticks to the surface enough that you can feel all the warmth radiating from $xyr thoughts, before a stream of hope and calm and affection flows into you. <<if $odiro gt 0>>You cannot stop a shiver from running down your spine at the intimacy of your connection<<else>>You feel yourself growing peaceful, and you breathe out in relief<<endif>>. //I would be lost without you.// There’s a lump in your throat as you offer a grateful smile, if a bit watery. You don’t say the words aloud, you don’t need to– not when you’re merged like this, and you don’t own your thoughts anymore. Right at this moment, you are //one//. Odile regards you for a moment, and what you feel makes it easy to believe $xyr next words. <<button "“I’m here.”" "Act I">><</button>> <</if>> <small>End of current demo – Saving here is recommended</small>

“Is something the matter?” The sudden question shakes you from your daze, and you throw $xem a puzzled look. “You seem…” Odile pauses, frowning as $xe searches for the right word. “Sadder. Is tonight a bad one?” So $xe did notice… the knot in your throat tightens as you give a slow nod. There have been bad nights before. All the emotions you so desperately try to push down, the grief, the wistfulness, sometimes they become overwhelming and sting until you feel your heart falling from your eyes. You tried to hide it from Odile, at first, so you wouldn’t upset $xem (or maybe out of your own pride). But somehow $xe knew. $Xes always known. And $xes the one who got you through those bad nights. Odile’s eyes meet yours, silently asking for permission. <<cycle "$ptwfrtouch" autoselect>><<option "You let $xem hold you, as $xes done many times before" "yes">><<option "It is unusual for you, but you tug $xem closer" "yexception">><<option "You let $xem get closer, but $xes careful not to touch you" "no">><<option "You don’t want to be touched right now, and $xe seems to undestand" "nexception">><</cycle>>. “I’m here,” $xe whispers, and you barely keep yourself from breaking down. *<<link "Being so close to $xem feels right. ♡" "prelude13 (friendly att 3 - end)">><<set $odiro +=2>><</link>> *[[You bask in the comfort of not being alone.|prelude13 (friendly att 3 - end)]] *[[Something about Odile manages to soothe you. You already start to feel better.|prelude13 (friendly att 3 - end)][$oditrust +=2]]

<small>End of current demo – Saving here is recommended</small> <h2>End of [chapter]</h2> This is the end of the current demo, I hope you enjoyed what you've read so far! If you have any feedback concerning typos, bugs, or anything you think might be helpful, please don't hesitate to fill in <a href="https://forms.gle/LkyLbkXAMFnFXRS16" class="link-internal" target="_blank">this form</a> or contact me on <a href="https://swansong-if.tumblr.com/" target="_blank" class="link-internal">Tumblr</a>. <small>Please only fill in the form if you have something to report/suggest and avoid sending in blank forms! For general discussion about the demo/story you can comment on itch.io or send an ask on tumblr (no account needed)</small> Thank you for playing ♥ <center><h2><<link "Play again">><<= UI.restart()>><</link>></h2></center>

//<b>ODILE</b> The sound of the door closing behind $xem is a wave of instant relief washing over $xem, soothing, and Odile exhales shakily as $xe leans against the cold stone wall. Nothing about this is normal. This stirring of emotions $name causes in $xem is so unfamiliar– $Xe has never known <<if $antpath is "1">>frustration<<else>>anger<<endif>>, before. Or remorse. $Xe used to believe $xe was not capable of truly feeling, at least not as humans do, so intensely that they let their heart cloud their mind. If becoming blind was the price to pay for feeling, Odile was happy $xe didn’t have to share that burden. And then $xe met $name. $Xe watched $them lose everything in the blink of an eye, having the life $they had always dreamed of being torn away from $them in just one night. Yet $they persevered. Odile remembers that night… $xe remembers $name, skin damp with rain and blood, the precious fabric of $their clothes stained, ruined, and the <<cycle "$crest" autoselect>><<option "white stag" "stag">><<option "silver fox" "fox">><<option "wild bear" "bear">><<option "snow leopard" "leopard">><<option "snowy owl" "owl">><<option "white wolf" "wolf">><</cycle>> stitched on them in the House colours ripped into shreds. Even now Odile can picture the <<if $pastatt is "1">>stony<<elseif $pastatt is "2">>lost<<elseif $pastatt is "3">>desperate<<else>>furious<<endif>> expression on $name’s face as $they realized what was happening so clearly, and yet again the guilt becomes so unbearably sharp, cutting $xem from within. $They never stopped fighting, not against Rothbart, not against his spell (the ‘curse’, as $name calls it), not even against Odile $xemself. It is admirable, but it doesn’t ease the conflict warring within Odile. Trust and loyalty, those are what matters. <<button "But who is $xe loyal to?" "Act I">><</button>>// <small>End of current demo – Saving here is recommended</small>

<<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>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>02</b> profile</div>' 'profile'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>03</b> saves</div>'>><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>>