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CREDITS<<audio ":playing" stop>> <<audio "loadingsong" loop play>>
[[Elias, the Bookbinder|Elias]]
[[Trevor, the Writer|Trevor]]
[[Arthur, the Bladesmith|Arthur]]
<<if $end1 is true and $end2 is true and $end3 is true>>[[Wait. This all seems ... familiar.|Lesbian Ending]]<</if>><<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "eliassong" loop play>>You round the corner to find the town square packed full of people and wares. Market days are always a <<linkreplace "fun" t8n>><<linkreplace "hectic" t8n>>loud<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> time to visit. You find the fountain where you have agreed to meet easily. But it is a long stretch of sun-baked cacophony before a man approaches you.
[[>>|Elias Conversation 1]]<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "trevorsong" loop play>>A pale man with dark hair and a soft smile waits for you at a table in the corner.
After brief introductions, he wastes no time jumping in, leaning back in his chair with a <<linkappend "smirk" t8n>>, like a schoolboy aiming to impress<</linkappend>>. “Just to warn you: I don’t read menus, and I’ve taken the liberty of ordering for us both already.”
“Um, okay?”
“They didn’t have my preferred cut of boar, which I honestly can’t believe, but I think I came up with something that should be decent. I’ve spent a little time traveling, so I guess you could say I’m a bit of a food snob.”
[[1. “Oh, do you cook? I actually really like cooking.”|Trevor 2a]]
[[2. “I love to travel. I really hope I get to do more soon.|Trevor 2b]]<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "arthursong" loop play>>You meet him at his workshop.
He is broad-shoulder and dark-skinned, with an intense gaze that meets yours directly. But his smile is warm, and his hand is gentle when he takes yours.
“You look exactly like she described you,” he says with a laugh.
[[1. “She didn’t tell me much about you, but it’s a pleasure to meet you.”|Arthur Conversation 1]]
[[2. “I can’t tell if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, but I’ll take it as a compliment.”|Arthur Conversation 1]]<<audio "mainsong" loop play>>You sold your firstborn child to a <span id='link'><<link "witch">><<append "#memory" t8n>>
You still remember her face, serious but not unkind, as she warned, “All magic has a price. Though, given the circumstances, I suppose you’re willing to pay it.” You were enchanted by her <<linkreplace "power" t8n>><<linkreplace "offer" t8n>>face<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>.<</append>><<replace "#link">>witch<</replace>><</link>></span> years ago to save your mother from a deadly disease.
@@#memory;
@@
@@#rest;
Since then, you’ve been less than successful in the dating world.
If you don’t find a mate soon, the witch will never get her part of the bargain.
[[>>|Intro 2]]It shouldn’t surprise you when she shows up at your door one day with a stern expression. “My dear, we must talk about your deal.”
Though she looks no older than you, the very air around her tingles with power. You can't argue. You get her situated at your kitchen table with a cup of tea before you try to explain. “I’ve tried, I really have. I’m just … <span id='bad'><<link "bad">><<append "#inserted-text-1">>No-dates-in-a-year bad at this.<</append>><<replace "#bad">>bad<</replace>><</link>></span> at this.” <span id='inserted-text-1'></span>
“I’m not cruel,” she cuts in, with a bemused little laugh. “I won’t force you to procreate with someone you don’t want to be with. I’m merely here to … help you toward happiness. And it seems you could use the help.”
[[>>|Intro 3]]<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "romance" loop play>>You look up at <<linkreplace "the witch" t8n>>your friend<</linkreplace>>. “Have we done this before?”
She smiles slowly. “Ah, so you’re starting to remember.”
You huff in frustration, but you find yourself returning her smile. “Are these my only options? Is this the way it has to be?”
Her eyes spark, and she leans forward keenly. “Perhaps there are other options. Perhaps there are things you’re only now beginning to see.”
[[>>|Lesbian End 1]]Blind dates arranged by a witch. How did your life come to this?
“Well,” you say hesitantly. “I guess it couldn't hurt?”
The witch’s pleased smile reminds you of the curl of a cat’s tail before it pounces.
“So,” she starts with a clap of her hands. [[“Let’s find you a man.”|Date Options]]“I thought you'd changed your mind,” you quip gently. He is a willowy man with hair like a <<linkreplace "daisy" t8n>>sunny day<</linkreplace>> and a shy face.
He speaks softly. “Oh. No way. It's just ... been a while since I did this.”
“You haven't been going out?”
“Not since my wife died.”
[[>>|Elias Conversation 2]]<<linkappend "Ugh." t8n>> Foot in mouth already.<</linkappend>> “Oh, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s alright. It’s been a few years, and the hurt heals a little every day.” He offers you his arm, and you walk together around the market stalls, exchanging introductions.
After a while, you say, “So, what do you think so far? Of the whole getting out thing?”
“So far it's alright. I like it. I'm just ... just a little surprised.”
“Why? What did you expect?”
“No, it's not you. I'm just surprised at how nervous I am.”
[[1. You laugh. “Me, too.”|Elias Conversation 3]]
[[2. “Don’t be. I don’t do this very often either.”|Elias Conversation 3]]“Really? At least now we know that much about each other. The Witch must have had some reason to think this would work.”
That piques your interest. “I guess you've known her a while, huh?”
He shakes his head. “I don't know her at all. She helped my village with a pixie problem we had when I was a <span id='link'><<link "kid.">><<append "#age" t8n>>
//How old was the witch then? How old is she now?//<</append>><<replace "#link">>kid.<</replace>><</link>></span> How do you know her?”
@@#age;
@@
@@#rest;
How to answer that? Your silence makes him stop walking, and he turns to you with an embarrassed <<linkreplace "gesture" t8n>>flapping of hands<</linkreplace>>.
“… OH, god, that’s a pretty personal question isn’t it? I’m sorry —”
[[1. “It’s okay, but maybe we can talk about that some other time?”|Elias Conversation 4]]
[[2. “I made a deal with her. I’m still paying off the debt.”|Elias Conversation 4]]The silence is <<linkreplace "awkward" t8n>>stretched and burning<</linkreplace>>. But he just smiles and nods down the street. “Could I interest you in some lunch at my favorite cafe?”
You smile back. “Yes, it's a great day for a little walk and some lunch.”
[[>>|Elias Date 1]]The meal has been served among comfortable small talk when he leans forward, suddenly intent.
“I know I’m not the most interesting person,” he admits with an endearing blush. “But I try to be a good one.”
There are <<linkreplace "worse" t8n>>much worse<</linkreplace>> ways of living. You smile. “So, tell me about yourself.”
The conversation flows for a hours, sharing details of their lives and interests. If it is not earth-shattering, it is easy and comfortable, and you both leave with smiles.
[[>>|Elias Marriage]]That date is followed by <<linkappend "another.">>
<<linkappend "And another." t8n>>
<<linkappend "And another." t8n>>
Each as sweet and simple as the last. Hours spent in warm company. Eventually, he asks you to marry him.
[[1. Accept.|Elias Baby 1]]
==[[2. Reject him.|Elias Rejection]]==<</linkappend>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>><<set $end1 to true>>
The witch gives you a week before she shows up and gently suggests you [[try again.|Date Options]]A year to the day after your wedding, a knock sounds on your door. It is the <<linkappend "witch" t8n>>, swathed in soft grays,<</linkappend>> a small basket in her hands and that same knowing smile on her face.
“I’ve come to check on your progress and, if you’re willing, to give you a little help.” She offers the <<linkappend "basket" t8n>>, full of gently clicking bottles filled with pearly liquid<</linkappend>>. “Some potions of fertility, to give you a little boost. And I’ve got some tips on how to ensure you conceive, if you’d like to be sure you’re doing it right.”
[[1. “Err, I think we’re good on that. We’re … doing it just fine. But I’ll gladly take the potions if it will help.”|Elias Baby 3]]
[[2. “I will gladly take the potions. And, um, I guess some tips might help?|Elias Baby 2.5]]Before you can get out another word, the witch nods in satisfaction and disappears in a cloud of vaguely sweet-scented smoke.
[[>>|Elias Baby 4]]The witch spends the next five minutes speeding efficiently through a list of tips to ensure pregnancy, from getting enough <<linkappend "sleep" t8n>> to rubbing moonstone on your <<linkappend "belly" t8n>> to wearing a sachet of eagle dung and rose water around your <<linkappend "waist." t8n>>
Your ears are burning by the time she’s finished.
[[>>|Elias Baby 3]]<</linkappend>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>>The next year still doesn’t bring a child, but it does bring the witch back on the same day. She is bearing a different basket of <<linkappend "potions" t8n>>, this time a gently glowing purple,<</linkappend>> and after you agree to try them, you manage to convince her to stay for dinner.
She is pleasant, enthralling <<linkappend "company" t8n>>, stories of speaking to tree spirits wedged between pearls of wisdom and attentive listening<</linkappend>>, and the night is over too quickly.
[[>>|Elias Baby 5]]The next year there is no baby, but there is the witch, who stays for hours and regales you with tales of traveling and adventures in kelpie husbandry. She has more stories than seems possible for someone her age, more than would fit in a lifetime.
The year after there is no baby, but there is the with, who brings a special goblin-brewed wine that has the three of you seeing colors and laughing well into the night. She leaves you with nasty-smelling elixirs for the next morning and a <<linkappend "split-second hug" t8n>>, the scent of rich earth hanging long after she left<</linkappend>>.
[[>>|Elias Baby 6]]When five years have passed, there is no baby, but there is the witch. You greet her with a delighted smile, and she greets you by taking your hands between hers and saying, “It’s over, dear.”
[[1. “What? What’s over?”|Elias Baby 7]]
[[2. “But we’re still trying!”|Elias Baby 7]]The witch shakes her head, but her smile is fond. “I’m sorry my dear, but I’m afraid children are not in you and your husband’s destiny.”
[[1. “But how will I repay you?”|Elias Baby 8]]
[[2. “Does this mean you’re going to take back what you gave me?”|Elias Baby 8]]She pats your hand fondly. “You made a good effort to repay what you owe. Now it is my choice to forgive that debt. Go and be happy.”
[[“Thank you. We’re free now.”|Elias Baby 9a]]
[[“Thank you, but, um … you could still visit!”|Elias Baby 9b]]The witch pulls back, still smiling softly. With one more nod, she disappears for the last time, leaving behind nothing but a sweetly scented puff of smoke.
A witch's word is good.
[[>>|Elias Ending]]“I mean, I’m sure you have important magic stuff to do," you stutter, "but, well … you’re always welcome here.”
A slow smile. “I’ll have to take you up on that.”
A witch's word is good.
[[>>|Elias Ending]]<<set $end1 to true>>
“You can’t shake the feeling that all this could have gone differently. [[Maybe better?”|Date Options]]He jumps in immediately. “You should really try my rabbit stew, my chef friend says it’s even better than his. The trick is …”
A waitress approaching the table interrupts his rapid-fire story. She sets two plates of colorful seafood down and asks if you’ve decided on a wine preference.
“Well?” he prompts you. “Come on, sweetie, I can’t make all the decisions for us.”
[[>>|Trevor 3]]He jumps in immediately. “Oh gods, you have to travel. You really can’t understand the world without seeing it. You know, people think it’s impossible to travel cheaply or easily, but all you really have to do is …”
A waitress approaching the table interrupts his rapid-fire story. She sets two plates of colorful seafood down and asks if you’ve decided on a wine preference.
“Well?” he prompts you. “Come on, sweetie, I can’t make all the decisions for us.”
[[>>|Trevor 3]]You tell the waitress your <<linkappend "wine preference," t8n>> rich and dangerously strong,<</linkappend>> then turn to your food. It’s a colorful assortment of seafood that looks appetizing but unidentifiable.
“Can I at least know what’s in this?”
He laughs, “Just try it. I guarantee you’ll like it. I spent some time on the Western Coast and got a taste for real seafood.”
[[1. “Mmm-hmm.”|Trevor 4]]
[[2. (…)|Trevor 4]]You nod along, glancing <<linkappend "away" t8n>>, calculating how early you can leave this date without feeling terribly rude<</linkappend>>.
“Look at me,” he insists with a laugh. “Don’t look there, look at me.”
Oooookay? You look back toward him with an unimpressed smile, shoveling a bite of food in your mouth. The faster you eat, the faster you can leave.
“So,” you ask, “what do you do?”
“Oh, I’m a writer.” He leans back, satisfied to have your attention. “It’s a difficult job, involves a lot of introspection and inner work. And, you know, really getting to the truth of things.”
Oh boy.
[[1. “Well, that’s interesting. What kind of things do you write about?”|Trevor 5]]
[[2. “Oh, I love to read.”|Trevor 5]]
[[3. (…)|Trevor 5]]“Well, I doubt my work is like anything you’re likely to read. I’m into deep, universal stories about identity and feelings of alienation.”
“Er, right. Like what?”
“Well, right now I’m working on a story about a scholar who is hitting middle age and feeling unsure about his direction in life. He’s always felt a little different, like he just doesn’t quite fit in with ordinary people, you know? Until he meets a vibrant, beautiful female apprentice who really helps him understand himself.”
You’re drinking <<linkappend "heavily" t8n>> to smother your grimace and your laughter<</linkappend>>.
He continues without waiting for a response. “Have you ever dated a writer? It’s a unique experience.”
“Um, no. I can’t say that I have,” you respond.
He’s barely listening though, as he leans over and snaps his fingers in the direction of a passing waitress. When she stops by the table, he gestures between you. “Don’t you think we make an attractive couple?”
You choke on a sip of wine.
[[1. You share a glance with the waitress.|Trevor 6]]
[[2. You laugh, disbelievingly.|Trevor 6]]“I’m so glad you’re a higher quality date than my last few. No offense, but I just don’t understand what’s up with women nowadays. Like my last date, god, she ate an entire tart and then asked for a bite of mine. Just, ew.”
Well, this was going nowhere good. You know you’re <<linkappend "frowning," t8n>> even as a voice in your head tuts that it’s rude<</linkappend>> but you can’t imagine what you’re supposed to say in response to that. You just want to get through this date to show the witch you <<linkreplace "tried" t8n>>care<</linkreplace>>.
“But I mean, seriously,” he continues blithely. “You don’t know how hard it is out here for us guys. Women are so crazy nowadays. Maybe it’s because so many guys are such jerks, but it seems like assholes get all the dates anyway. And then nice guys like me get stuck with the crazies.”
[[1. "I KNOW, bitches are SO crazy, right?! Like how crazy would it be if I just stood up right now and left you sitting here? HAHA, I GUESS I'M A CRAZY BITCH."|Trevor Ending]]
[[2. “Wow.” You can’t seem to say anything else. “Wow.” You put down your wine glass, put your napkin on the table, and walk out without another word.|Trevor Ending]]<<set $end2 to true>>
The second you make it out of the restaurant, the witch appears at your side.
“Nicely done, my dear. That’s the last time I take suggestions from Glinda.” With a gentle hand on your shoulder, she assures you, “At least there are other options. We’ll find you someone better.”
A witch’s word is good.
That definitely could have gone differently. [[Maybe better?|Date Options]]“I’m sorry we had to meet at the workshop. I don’t get much of a chance to step away these days, with business what it is. Not that I was much of a socializer before,” he adds with a slightly embarrassed expression.
“I’m not much a people-person myself. I mean, I have a witch setting me up on dates.”
You get a <<linkappend "laugh" t8n>> (warm and rumbling)<</linkappend>> out of him at that. “True enough. Maybe we’re a matched set. Would you like to sit outside and have a bite to eat? I brought a little something.”
[[1. “A picnic sounds perfect.”|Arthur Conversation 2]]
[[2. “How … quaint.”|Arthur Conversation 2]]You talk. He is serious about his work. Serious about life. Serious about starting a family. But he smiles easily when you tell tales about your <<linkappend "mother" t8n>> and her obsession with feeding the local imps<</linkappend>> and laughs freely when you make a particularly good joke about old mages and <<linkappend "pantaloons." t8n>> //So this old mage walks into a brothel …//<</linkappend>>
When it is time to leave, he gives you a hand up with a faintly embarrassed expression, and you think vaguely about kissing him.
[[>>|Arthur Conversation 3]]You visit the workshop often. Spend hours watching him work, trading stories from your pasts and <<linkreplace "idly" t8n>><<linkreplace "calmly" t8n>>emptily<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> discussing the future. You manage to coax him out of his workshop and over to your house. Your mother is helplessly charmed.
Then, comes the conversation you have been dreading.
[[1. “I have something I need to tell you.”|Arthur Conversation 4]]
[[2. “It’s time we talked about the future.”|Arthur Conversation 4]]He puts down his tools carefully, giving you his full attention. “Yes?”
You tell him of the witch, of your bargain, of its price. Of your debt.
His face is stormy. “Children are not currency.”
“I had little choice. A life for a life. If it could have been mine, I would have paid that price.”
He is still frowning. “I want to have children, a family. With you.”
[[1.You put your hand on his. “And we will. This is only a detour on the way to starting our family.” There would be more children, if he wants them.|Arthur Conversation 5a]]
==[[2.“I just want to pay my debt.”==|Arthur Conversation 5b]]==He lets out a breath, then turns his hand to hold yours. “It is difficult. But I understand the importance of keeping your word and paying your debts. And when this is done, we can get on with the rest of our lives.”
[[>>|Arthur Baby 1]]<<set $end3 to true>><<audio arthursong stop>><<audio arthurhome play>>
He is disgusted but accepting when he asks you to leave.
The witch comes to you, face inscrutable, and asks you to try again.
You can't shake the feeling this could have gone differently. [[Maybe better?|Date Options]]<<audio "arthursong" stop>><<audio "arthurhome" loop play>>You marry that <<linkappend "spring," t8n>> in a small candlelit ceremony,<</linkappend>> and a baby comes fast on its heels. With your mother’s wisdom and your husband’s support, you navigate the difficult months until your daughter arrives.
She is beautiful, with his dark skin and your eyes. But she cries oddly and does not eat enough, her little chest struggling for each breath.
You send for a healer. You are not surprised when the witch shows up instead.
[[>>|Arthur Baby 2]]“I hear congratulations are in order,” she says as she leans over to peer at the bundle in your arms, face soft. “Ah, but she is very sick.”
You ask: “Is there any way to help her?”
The witch looks up at you, gaze steady but kind. “This is no small illness. Your healers will not be able to save her. If I take her with me, she will be cared for. She will be taught. She will thrive.”
You look down at your daughter, frail and pained. You look across to your husband, who nods gravely. “It must be done.”
[[1. “Whatever will give her a chance at life.”|Arthur Baby 3]]
[[2. “Is there no other way?”|Arthur Baby 3]]The witch looks grave. “I’m sorry. I know this is hard. But I also know this is the only way to save her.”
She waits patiently while you both say your <<linkappend "goodbyes" t8n>>, teary-eyed kisses and soft promises to never forget<</linkappend>>.
When you transfer the sleeping bundle to the witch’s arms, when she smiles down sweetly at her new charge, you can’t help but ask, “Will we see you again?”
[[>>|Arthur Ending]]<<set $end3 to true>>
“That depends on you,” the witch answers, that some cryptic knowing smile back in place.
She brushes a comforting hand to your cheek, words seeming to curl directly from her chest to yours. “She will be more than healthy; she will be powerful.” And then they are gone.
A witch’s word is good.
“You can’t shake the feeling that all this could have gone differently. [[Maybe better?”|Date Options]]You feel a shift. <<linkreplace "Unconsidered possibilities" t8n>>Other futures<</linkreplace>> forming at the edges of your mind.
“What do you want?”
You think you know, but you are unsure if it’s possible. With a deep breath, you look the witch in the eyes. And offer her your hand.
She looks startled, for the first time you can remember. But her smile says she’d been hoping for this.
She takes your hand.
You have to ask:
[[1. “But what about my debt?”|Lesbian End 2]]
[[2. “What about our deal?”|Lesbian End 2]]She smiles and uses your clasped hands to pull you gently closer. “I wanted a student, who would eventually become a partner. An equal. Someone to show all the hidden secrets of this world. Someone to set free.”
In her eyes, you see <<linkreplace "fires and forests" t8n>><<linkreplace "hidden places and Old Ways" t8n>><<linkreplace "dark feathers and branching horns" t8n>>endings and beginnings<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>. You cannot look away.
“Now I can have that,” she continues. “If you want it.”
You feel yourself shiver.
[[“I want it.”|Lesbian End 3]]She leans in further, to murmur the promise against your skin. “You will be more than alive; you will be powerful.”
The promise is thrilling. But one thing matters <<linkreplace "more" t8n>>most<</linkreplace>>. “And we’ll do it together?”
She looks at you like you’re a revelation. Leans in to brush her lips to yours. “Together.”
A witch’s word is good.
[[End.|Ending]]<<cacheaudio "mainsong" "audio/TheKeepersdeal.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "loadingsong" "audio/Wah.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "eliassong" "audio/foodmarket.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "eliashome" "audio/springlambs.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "trevorsong" "audio/crowdwithviolin.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "arthursong" "audio/campfire.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "arthurhome" "audio/sadnesscosmo.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "romance" "audio/romantic.mp3">><<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "eliashome" loop play>>
The months pass in happiness and the pleasant work of building a home. But as months turn into a year, it seems that despite your efforts, a baby is not forthcoming.
[[>>|Elias Baby 2]]This game includes sound. Headphones are recommended.
Play in fullscreen for best experience. Click to start.
[img[WitchsWordCover.png][Intro 1]]
[[CREDITS|Ending]]Thank you for playing A Witch's Word!
''CREDITS''
Game by Mary Stanfield (<a href="https://rainbowstarbird.itch.io/">RainbowStarbird)</a>
Created with Twine and Sugarcube
Music by:
"The Keeper's Deal" by <a href="http://imleha.newgrounds.com/">imlEHa</a>
"Spring Lambs at Middle Hulme Farm Near Meerbrook" by <a href="http://freesound.org/people/konakaboom/sounds/238309/">konakaboom</a>
"Distant Campfire" by <a href="http://freesound.org/people/Robinhood76/sounds/63233/">Robinhood76</a>
"Crowd with Violin Playing" by <a href="http://freesound.org/people/alukahn/sounds/144139/">alukahn</a>
"Sadness Cosmo" by <a href="http://freesound.org/people/Bruno_ph/sounds/109409/">Bruno_ph</a>
"Romantic 0N_24mie" by <a href="http://freesound.org/people/Setuniman/sounds/155256/">Setuniman</a>
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