The Nameless

Your browser lacks required capabilities. Please upgrade it or switch to another to continue.

Loading…

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Down to the inn's tavern, really? With all those mortalis you passed before? You're already shaking your head before you realize, and you don't miss the disappointed look that flashes across Oisein's face. <<if $choice is "first">> "I think I...need to rest," you answer, trying to ignore the frown from the other sheevra. "Do you really think you should be going too?" <<if ($o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship) or ($o_friendship > 6)>> Oisein's expression crumples and a pang of guilt strikes in your chest. You've always known $o_herhimthem to recharge quickly when there are easily-tricked mortalis around, but the idea of going out again so soon... and if you let them go alone, it'd probably just rattle you even more. But $o_shehethey do<<o_es>> pause, considering your question, waiting for what you'll say next instead of providing an answer of $o_herhistheir own. The words spill over your tongue unexpectedly. "Stay with me?" As soon as they're out, you brace for the jokes you know are coming. <<if $o_past_feelings and $o_flirt >0 >> Instead, you see color flood underneath $o_herhistheir eyes, and $o_herhistheir lips pinch into a tight line. <<o_capthey>> mumble$o_s something you don't catch, and when you lean toward $o_herhimthem to try to listen, $o_shehethey wave$o_s you off, the hand releasing from the doorknob. <<elseif $o_past_feelings>> Instead, you see color flood underneath $o_herhistheir eyes, and $o_herhistheir lips pinch into a tight line. <<o_capthey>> mumble$o_s something you don't catch, and when you lean toward $o_herhimthem to try to listen, $o_shehethey turn$o_s away, regressing and hiding within <<print $o_herhimthem>>self even more. <<else>> Instead, you see shock flood $o_herhistheir eyes, and $o_herhistheir lips pinch into a tight line. It stretches into a smile again, though, and $o_shehethey chuckle$o_s before releasing $o_herhistheir hand on the door. <</if>> "Safety in numbers?" $o_shehethey finally comments, one of the blandest things you've heard $o_herhimthem say in response to a question wide open for ridicule. "Something like that." "...Yeah. Okay. Give me ten though?" "Sure." Both of you are left in the wake of the most straightforward, curt conversation you've had in your history - "straightforward" being a state of existence you didn't even think possible for Oisein. <<o_capthey>> chew$o_s at $o_herhistheir bottom lip before nodding, quietly repeating 'back in ten,' before a muted click and creak later, $o_shehethey<<o_ve>> closed the door behind $o_herhimthem, leaving you to deal with the emptiness alone. You spare a quick look at the chairs, around the dresser - do you need spare blankets? Did you intend to just stay up all night? No, you'd be useless in the morning if the two of you were going to go trouncing around a Sanctum. The bed yawns open, the plush blankets and pillows inviting you to rest, but you resist the urge to collapse into it. <<else>> Oisein's expression crumples and a pang of guilt strikes in your chest. You'd heard before that $o_shehethey relished in easily-tricked mortalis, but the idea of going out again so soon... surely $o_shehethey had to see how poor of an idea it was, right? But it seems $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>>, and apparently won't take your advice. "I'll be alright, just need to clear my head a little. I won't be too long, and I'll check the wards on your door. Otherwise, see you in the morning?" You want to stop $o_herhimthem, but something in the set of $o_herhistheir eyes and the defiance in $o_herhistheir voice tells you it won't work regardless. So you just nod, and hope you'll actually have someone at your side to go trouncing through Harpoc's Sanctum tomorrow. A muted click and a creak later, Oisein pauses. "Goodnight, $pc_name. Rest well." <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "second">> "I think I...just need to rest, have some time to myself" you answer, trying to ignore the worry from the other sheevra. "But I won't stop you, just- don't get into too much trouble?" Oisein's face lights with mischief - you've always known $o_herhimthem to recharge quickly when there are easily-tricked mortalis around. But $o_shehethey dampen$o_s $o_herhistheir excitement at the distraction with an embarrassed cough before nodding. "I'll behave. Mostly," $o_shehethey chuckle$o_s. "I won't be too long - promise I won't leave the Albatross. And I'll be sure to check the wards on your door. Otherwise, see you in the morning?" <<if $o_past_friendship or $o_past_feelings>> "Will you actually be awake at a reasonable time?" <<o_capthey>> pout$o_s at your brutal attack, huffing with a turn toward the wall and muttering under $o_herhistheir breath. "Well, //now// I won't." "//Goodnight//, Oisein." <<else>> "Yeah, sounds good." <</if>> A muted click and a creak later, Oisein pauses. "Goodnight, $pc_name. Rest well." <</if>> Part of you hopes when you wake, it'll all have been a bad dream. <<link "Continue." "End Page">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> <<case 2>> <<case 3>> <</switch>>

<div class="fade-in-image"><img src="images/chapter4.PNG" style="max-width:80%; display:block; margin: 0 auto;"></div> <<set $o_gender to "person">> <<set $o_shehethey to "they">> <<set $o_herhistheir to "their">> <<set $o_herhimthem to "them">> <<set $o_hershistheirs to "theirs">> <<set $o_s to "">> <<set $o_isare to "'re">> <<notify>>Autosaving...<</notify>> <<fadein 5s>> <<set $codex_reviver to true>> //This city will be your grave.// The thought pervades your mind, an unforgiving hand that pulls you down every time you think you've stopped yourself from drowning in paranoia. Each building an enclosing crypt wall. Each creaking door an invasive, grating attack. Each "pardon me" muttered by a passing mortalis hiding a knife prepared to find a home in your throat. You swallow roughly, mouth dry and lungs stinging despite the cool mountain air that swims along the Falls Road. Oisein feels it too. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> $o_herhistheir best to keep up $o_herhistheir usual self; the bounce in $o_herhistheir step, the sway to $o_herhistheir hips. But it crumbles easily. Smooth confidence replaced by nervous laughter and tense smiles. A usual air of arrogance that collapses into fear. He eventually gives up, resigning himself to marching down the road with his body and movements rigid, white, clenched knuckles like their own set of snow-capped mountain peaks. The only time he ever tears his eyes from the path ahead is to check that you're still at his side. <ul> <li> <<fadein 5s>>[[Continue.|Ch4-MCAlbatross][$textGroup=1]]<</fadein>> </li></ul> <</fadein>>

Jac and Cerise are there when the two of you finally make it back to The Lucky Albatross. <<if $empathetic > $callous>> Though the tension is unlikely to completely leave your body for a while, their cheery smiles give you the smallest sense of ease. <<else>> The tension is unlikely to completely leave your body for a while, and their cheery, unnerving smiles only makes it worse. <</if>> But even their oblivious optimism can't hide the morose mood of a few of their patrons. Mortalis sit alongside each other at some of the booths, a smattering of both empty and full tables lined throughout the dining area. While most of them seem happy enough to imbibe in their drinks and their meals, there's a noticeable minority that are interested in the exact opposite. Eyes sunken, jaw set, a nervous scratching against a palm or an idle hand that reaches for a throat. Their gazes bore holes in the table or their drink, not looking around to notice any intruders, but subtly marking various paths over their own skin. And every so often, they hold a fist to their heart. Fingers unravel, trying to pluck the unnoticeable strings buried inside. You have a feeling their day might have included sensing an explosive wave of sheevra magic. As your eyes dart to the other, seemingly happier and unfazed patrons, you can't help but wonder which of them simply wears the facade better. There's plenty of muttering and noise to fill your ears. A small cry, "Did you hear?" A hushed whisper, "Governor //has// to address something now." A disbelieving, but hesitant scoff, "You're making things up." It's a blessing, you think, that you don't hear the word "sheevra" quite yet. You just catch a small, hesitant wave from Cerise as Oisein bounds ahead towards the stairs, and you trail quickly after with the barest hint of a nod to assuage the mortalis. <ul> <<if visited("Chapter3-Bank")>> <li>[[Continue.|Ch4-MCPatchBank][$textGroup=1]]</li> <<elseif visited("Chapter3-Sage")>> <li>[[Continue.|Ch4-SageRecap][$textGroup=1]]</li> <<elseif (visited("Chapter3-Oisein")) and ($o_friendship > 5)>> <li>[[Continue.|Ch4-MCPatchOisein][$textGroup=1]]</li> <<elseif (visited("Chapter3-Oisein")) and ($o_friendship <= 5)>> <li>[[Continue.|Ch4-OiseinPatchMC][$textGroup=1]]</li> <</if>> </ul>

Double-click this passage to edit it.

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<if $choice is "healerspecial">> The crease of joy framing golden eyes sparks in your head like stained glass dispersing light. You //did// say that you were looking forward to meeting the Healer again...but would $h_shehe be there? Oisein catches the way your thoughts halt your words, and the relaxed smile turns to something more mischievous. "You've got more than drink on the mind with a look like that, what else did you get up to?" <<if $reserved > $forward>> "I'm not usually one to kiss and tell, Oisein," you scold, though it doesn't seem to deter the jeering look on $o_herhistheir face. A shrill whistle sounds from where the grin cracks open into a wide smile. "You've told plenty just with that alone. Consider telling me about it later?" $o_shehethey coo$o_s, $o_herhistheir face the absolute picture of indecency and $o_herhistheir spirits entirely lifted. "And meet you in the hallway in ten?" <<else>> "Just taking a page from your book when it comes to mortalis," you confess, unable to hold back. A shrill whistle sounds from where the grin cracks open into a wide smile. "Where'd you find the time? Nevermind, tell me about it later?" $o_shehethey coo$o_s, $o_herhistheir face the absolute picture of indecency and $o_herhistheir spirits entirely lifted. "And meet you in the hallway in ten?" <</if>> You don't have a chance to answer before $o_shehethey<<o_re>> already bolting out the door, and you're left in the emptiness of your room. <<elseif $choice is "first">> You're really, //really// not sure about downstairs, given the events of the day. Still, you'd be too rattled thinking of what sort of danger - or misadventures - Oisein might get into alone to be able to fall asleep. And you really prefer to have support when the two of you go trouncing around an empty Sanctum tomorrow. Hopefully. "Yeah, alright. But only to keep you out of trouble." "You're gonna want to set a slightly more achievable goal," $o_shehethey purr$o_s out. But as suggestive as $o_herhistheir voice is, as soon as you say 'yes,' Oisein's face lights with joy. You've always known $o_herhimthem to recharge quickly when there are easily-tricked mortalis around. But $o_shehethey dampen$o_s $o_herhistheir excitement at the distraction with an embarrassed cough before nodding. "I won't take too long, meet you in the hallway in ten?" <<elseif $choice is "second">> Honestly, you're fairly sure you could use some energy as well, especially if the two of you are going to go trouncing around an empty Sanctum tomorrow. Or at least, that's the //hope.// "Alright yeah, could use a little boost myself." At your acceptance of the idea, Oisein's face lights with joy - you've always known $o_herhimthem to recharge quickly when there are easily-tricked mortalis around. But $o_shehethey dampen$o_s $o_herhistheir excitement at the distraction with an embarrassed cough before nodding. "I won't take too long, meet you in the hallway in ten?" <</if>> You suppose it's not the //worst// decision you've made today... <<link "Continue." "End Page">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> <<case 2>> Compared to the morning, the runes you trace now are done so carefully, cautiously. Each swoop of your finger painstakingly measured, each turn of your wrist executed with precision. You can't afford to have these fail now - and though you have no reason to think you'd ever mess up symbols as easy as these, the methodical movements put at least a part of your mind at ease. You feel the illusion take hold, shimmering light around the edge of the door that will mask it from most. A shrill whistle captures your attention from where Oisein steps from his room, the soft "click" of the door echoing behind him and down the empty hall. "I'd say it's overkill, but given the situation…" they look to the frame behind them with a pensive stare, before turning with a flourish. It's only then that you notice the golden bangles adorning their wrist, and though more of their body is //technically// covered, the skin-tight shirt they wear doesn't leave much room for imagination as it unfurls dark violet fabric over their collar and neck and caresses each muscle down their arms. Their pants remain nearly the same, hugging their hips and tightly wrapping around their legs, crowned at their waist by a myriad of glittering gold and dark gems strung together. Pathos reverberates outward from where his fingers touch each side of the door, tracing a different set of glyphs that you recognize will befuddle anyone coming too close, making any would-be trespasser forget why they were there in the first place. An easy grin settles on his face, and after the day you've had, it's a sight for sore eyes. When he looks back at you, you catch the soft glint of painted golden lines swept from the corner of his eyes. So much for a quick bite to eat. Oisein reads your mind, feigning innocence as his eyes widen and he - you can barely believe it - pouts "What?" Incredible. <hr> <ul> <li><<link "\"Oisein…\" I start to say, half weary and half amused." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I feign anguish right back. \"Why didn't you tell me we were dressing up? I'll look so bland next to you!\"" `passage()`>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Bit of a waste for a quick trip downstairs, isn't it?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I bite my tongue for now, but I wouldn't be surprised if Oisein noticed me trying to suppress a chuckle." `passage()`>><<set $choice to "fourth">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<if $choice is "first">> "Oisein..." you start, your tone beginning weary but the amusement leaking through. They catch it easily, keeping the light-hearted expression on their face. "I know, I know - how can anyone possibly clean up so well? You can't imagine what life is like when you swoon everytime you look in the mirror." The other sheevra taps their finger along their collar with a challenge - giving a miniscule, victorious shimmy and a gleeful hum when you sigh without response. You roll your eyes as you pass by him toward the stairs, but a playful bump of your shoulder into his has him laughing after you. <<elseif $choice is "second">> Scrunching your face and squinting your eyes, you gasp, hands wandering over your own clothes with a groan. "Why didn't you tell me we were dressing up? I'll look so bland next to you." "I wouldn't worry about it, most people do." The other sheevra taps their finger along their collar with a challenge - giving a miniscule, victorious shimmy and a gleeful hum when you pout without response. <<if $forward >$reserved>> "Ass," you finally muster. <</if>>You roll your eyes as you pass by them toward the stairs, but a playful bump of your shoulder into his has him laughing brightly as he follows after you. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You raise your brow as your arms loosely cross. "Bit of a waste for a quick trip downstairs, isn't it?" "$pc_name," they whisper with exaggerrated reproach. "It's //never// a waste." The other sheevra taps their finger along their collar with a challenge - giving a miniscule, victorious shimmy and a gleeful hum when you sigh without response. You roll your eyes as you pass by him toward the stairs, earning a huff as he follows after you. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Willing the words to die on your tongue, you clamp your lips together. But it doesn't stop the chuckle that bubbles in your throat. "I know, I know - how can anyone possibly clean up so well? You can't imagine what life is like when you swoon everytime you look in the mirror." The other sheevra taps their finger along their collar with a challenge - giving a miniscule, victorious shimmy and a gleeful hum when the chuckle begins to bubble past your lips. You roll your eyes as you pass by him toward the stairs, but the playful smile plastered over your face has him laughing brightly as he follows after you. <</if>> Shadows guide you downstairs, dim gold glowing from the crystals placed to light your way. The hollow sound of the wooden steps beneath your feet echoes in the narrow corridor, the growing clamor of patrons in the tavern climbing up to meet you. When the two of you emerge the evening has extinguished past the Albatross' dark windows, twilight moving between the tables and chairs. A mixture of both crystal lamps and lit candles splashes the colors of sunset across the faces of the mortalis chattering around you, none phased by your entrance. The carved birds sporadically placed along the walls come to life in the rich, burning light, the undersides of their wings engulfed in fiery shades. For the most part, the mood seems lighter than when you entered, though you're not sure if that was the cloud of your own panic. Most seem happy enough, groups of friends (or what you assume to be friends) gathered with plenty of hearty food and sloshing drinks to share among them. But as the delicate notes from the Soundweaver lace their way between the conversations, you still notice the few among the crowd who seem…off. A woman in the corner sits alone, staring a hole into the half-emptied cup in front of her as her nails tap an irregular rhythm against the table. Another's expression stays stagnant, held in a makeshift smile that sits awkwardly on his face, falling short of his eyes even as a rowdy woman next to him grabs him and laughs by the shoulder. Still another person rotates their drink around in their hands, focusing intently on whoever's speaking in their party - all while their hand idly drifts back to scratch at a spot between their ribs. When they realize, the color blanches from their face, and the cup spins between their palms again. You spot both Cerise and Jac in the corner speaking to another pair - the taller of the two men looking down fondly at the other while the shorter laughs with a booming chorus, hands resting against his large belly and bright teeth flashing through his warm tan cheeks.The two couples seem enraptured with the conversation until a younger man worms through the crowd - his hips narrowly avoiding a swung out arm - and pulls frantically at Jac's sleeve. The wrinkles in the older man's face scrunch with worry until he smiles and pats the waiter on the shoulder, giving a small nod to the group before following leisurely after the rushing mortalis back to the kitchen. He doesn't spot you as he passes the Soundweaver's stage, the person capturing the notes resonating from their violin in midair, rapidly orchestrating a tapestry of sound as their wrists and fingers fly fluidly in time with the song they've spun. He still doesn't spot you as he makes his way past the line of the bar and gives a quick nod to a pair of mortalis seated closely together. A pair of mortalis you happen to now recognize. The Healer and the Magesmith. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 4>> From what you can gather, the Magesmith may be equally as frustrating to the Healer, by the way $m_shehe huddles against $h_herhim, hands frantically moving with $m_herhis words as the Healer rubs tiredly at $h_herhis eyes, $h_herhis entire body hunched inward over the bar. The sudden change in the Healer's demeanor nags at the back of your mind - something so bright and open earlier now reduced to fragmented pieces caught in a surrender. <<if $healer_date or $healer_datecoy>> Still, you can't help the rush of excitement that washes from the crown of your head down along your neck, whispering heat against the your ears and along the line of your jaw. <<if $healer_date>> You swallow some of the sparks, and don't notice the small smirk that twitches at the corner of your lips. <<else>> You swallow some of the anticipation, not noticing the small smirk that twitches at the corner of your lips. <</if>> Which, given Oisein's skill as a pathosi, is child's play for him to catch. <<else>> You don't register it as your eyes narrow and curiosity tilts your head, as if trying to block out the sounds and sights of the rest of the room to try and discern what brought about the Healer's mood. You also don't register as Oisein's brow quirks, head swiveling to follow your line of sight. And you definitely don't register as a smirk begins to twitch at the corner of his lips. <</if>> Processing whatever you feel quickly loses priority as Oisein finds and grabs hold of the recognition written in your eyes, and swings his head round to where the Healer and Magesmith sit. Before you can stop them, he gives a singular, impish grin back to you, and rushes off to make what you know will be an unwelcome and likely overwhelming introduction. "Ois-" you barely manage to hiss out, trying to speed walk as nonchalantly as possible after them. Their lithe body easily maneuvers through the already-drunkards and their keepers - a coy comment here, a hand at the small of someone's back there. You try to follow in their wake, taking advantage of the small spaces they leave in their path. "Oisein!" you seethe with frustration again, just as your hand catches $o_herhimthem as $o_shehethey approach<<o_es>> the Magesmith and the Healer's backs - which are thankfully and by some miracle still turned toward you. You grip tight at the fabric at $o_herhistheir waist and pull, causing $o_herhimthem to stagger and flail on $o_herhistheir heels. But even then, he manage$o_s to make it look graceful. His darkened eyes slice back toward you, but the smile he wears is even sharper. You aim to drag him back into the crowd, at least until you can both //agree// on how you'll approach one of the only sources of information in the city that isn't trying to //kill you-// -until the dregs of their conversation freezes you both in place. "I felt something today, you wouldn't understand-" the Magesmith continues, still unaware of your eavesdropping. "Drop it." The Healer's tone is blunt and solid, meant to dissuade $h_herhis companion from continuing. It doesn't. "And I saw this $pc_gender…$pc_shehethey saw the Gold Sage and I yesterday…uh - talking…" You think you might //feel// the roll of the Healer's eyes through the back of $h_herhis head. <<h_capthey>> pulls a hand through $h_herhis hair from where it's tied to $h_herhis forehead, multiple strands falling loose. The dark waves tangle with $h_herhis fingers as $h_shehe drags the hand down $h_herhis face and over $h_herhis neck to settle in $h_herhis collar. You see different parts of $h_herhis tattoos now than you did before: while the thin bands around $h_herhis biceps are just hidden under sleeves, the three lines climbing over each shoulder angle toward the center of $h_herhis back before angling straight down past the wide scoop of sky blue fabric. <<if $h_date or $h_coy>> At first glance, the shirt seems plain, until you see $h_herhis shoulder shift when $h_herhis hand drop. Glittering, metallic embroidery flickers like an illusion along each seam, reflecting patterns you recognize from your time around Clan Obsidian. Rivers of thread meant to map those of Han - a stream of stars that hugs $h_herhis body. <</if>> The Magesmith folds over the bar, looking with disbelief at the Healer's reaction. Readjusting on $m_herhis stool, $m_shehe tries to angle <<print $m_herhim>>self to get $m_herhis companion's attention again. Bare arms are still on display, and you see the complex rune tattooed into $m_herhis left bicep hovering above the patchy, scarred skin and $m_herhis prosthetic arm. Now though, with the looser cloth and the open neckline, you catch another string of complicated symbols etched with dark ink into $m_herhis skin. Runes and lines you barely recognize braid themself around $m_herhis neck, funneling into a delicate point that nestles into the central dip of $m_herhis collar. As $m_shehe, thankfully, swivels toward where Jac busies himself in the kitchen, you see where the painted paths meet at the top of $m_herhis spine, before they open up and entwine like gnarled roots around an even larger, more complex glyph centered between $m_herhis shoulder blades. When $m_shehe crosses $m_herhis arms over the wood, the shortened shirt hikes up above the high band of $m_herhis pants, revealing the glyphs still weaving into the small of $m_herhis back below $m_herhis waist. <<if visited("Chapter2-MagesmithIgnore")>> "I didn't get a good chance to gauge it because $pc_shehethey decided to be an ass," the Magesmith continues, a bit unfairly. A sneer flashes across $m_herhis face while $m_herhis eyes glance down to where metallic fingertips tap against the bar. "But it was the same type of magic, I //swear.// Something must be going on with the sh-" <<elseif $m_suspicious>> "<<print $pc_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $pc_them>>were<<else>>was<</if>> nice enough to answer all my questions. Gave me time to get a feel for the magic in $pc_herhistheir earring-" //…shit.// "-it was the same. I //know// it was." The Magesmith's eyes narrow and glance down to where metallic fingertips tap against the bar. "It has to be the sh-" <<else>> "They were nice enough to answer some of my questions anyway. Not quite enough time to be absolutely sure but-" You lean in closer while a sliver of relief slides through your shoulders. "-it was the same, I swear." The Magesmith's eyes narrow and glance down to where metallic fingertips tap against the bar. "Something must be going on with the sh-" <</if>> "You really want to do this //now?// ''//Here?''//" "Why don't you //''want''// to find her?" $m_shehe snarls, rearing on the taller mortalis and closing in within inches of $h_herhis face. "Besides, no one's even listening…" The Magesmith eats $m_herhis words in the next instant, however, when $m_herhis eyes arc around the room only to land on where the two of you are //very much//listening. Magic hovers on $m_herhis forehead like a hazy heat, sliding from $m_herhis headband into $m_herhis once brown eyes. A mixture of black and scarlet battles to conquer $m_herhis pupils, plunging them into a darkness that shimmers ruby in the candlelight. Your grip tightens at Oisein's back as he holds in an inhale. "''//You.//''" <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Hi yes, me. Great to see you, been lovely - we'll just be going now.\"" `passage()`>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"Sorry, my //friend// here was looking for a place at the bar, but we were just about to find another spot.\"" `passage()`>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $honest += 1>><<set $o_friendship -= 1>><<set $textGroup += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "Surely I can lie my way out of this- \"Oh! I didn't notice you there- \"" `passage()`>><<set $choice to "third">><<set $deceptive += 1>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I'm not dealing with this. I try to swerve away without engaging." `passage()`>><<set $choice to "fourth">><<set $deceptive += 1>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 5>> <<if $choice is "first">> "Hi!" You manage to squawk out. "Yes, ''me.'' Great to see you, //really-//" You tug a little harder against Oisein's shirt, dragging them in line with your body then throwing a tense arm over their shoulder with a squeeze. "We'll just be on our way now-" Oisein only snickers. The traitor. Darkness swirls through the Magesmith's eyes again and $m_shehe opens $m_herhis mouth to respond. But at your voice, the Healer spins around, <<if $h_date or $h_coy>> $h_herhis face brightening and opening warmly at the sight of you. "$pc_name?" <<else>> $h_herhis face opening with surprise. "$pc_name?" <</if>> That seems to distract the Magesmith enough to draw $m_herhis scrutiny away, a full band of white around $m_herhis pupils as $m_herhis eyes widen and burst with sunflower yellow when $m_shehe rears on the Healer. "//You know $pc_herhistheir false- // ''what the //fuck?//''" <<elseif $choice "second">> "Sorry we were just-" your eyes dart to one of the sparse empty spots at the bar. If you have to find a work your way out of this one, maybe this version of the truth would be slightly believable? "My friend here was looking for a place at the bar and we were just passing by - honest." //'Honest?' What was that?// Darkness swirls through the Magesmith's eyes again and $m_shehe opens $m_herhis mouth to respond. But at your voice, the Healer spins around, <<if $h_date or $h_coy>> $h_herhis face brightening and opening warmly at the sight of you. "$pc_name?" <<else>> $h_herhis face opening with surprise. "$pc_name?" <</if>> That seems to distract the Magesmith enough to draw $m_herhis scrutiny away, a full band of white around $m_herhis pupils as $m_herhis eyes widen and burst with sunflower yellow when $m_shehe rears on the Healer. "//You know $pc_herhistheir false- // ''what the //fuck?//''" <<elseif $choice is "third">> "Sorry! Didn't see you there. We got pushed around by some jerks clearly enjoying their drink already." Oisein only snorts as you pull him back in line with your body, throwing an arm over his shoulder with forced nonchalance as you angle the two of you elsewhere - preferably in literally any direction but here. Darkness swirls through the Magesmith's eyes again and $m_shehe opens $m_herhis mouth to respond. At your voice though, the Healer spins around, <<if $h_date or $h_coy>> $h_herhis face brightening and opening warmly at the sight of you. "$pc_name?" <<else>> $h_herhis face opening with surprise. "$pc_name?" <</if>> That seems to distract the Magesmith enough to draw $m_herhis scrutiny away, a full band of white around $m_herhis pupils as $m_herhis eyes widen and burst with sunflower yellow when $m_shehe rears on the Healer. "//You know $pc_herhistheir false- // ''what the //fuck?//''" <<elseif choice is "fourth">> Nothing good can come out of engaging, especially after what you just heard. Oisein only snorts as you pull him back in line with your body, throwing an arm over his shoulder with forced nonchalance as you angle the two of you elsewhere - preferably in literally any direction but here. You catch a break in the crowd around the bar as another mortalis nudges past you. With a single, strained<<if $friendly > $aloof>>smile<<else>>nod<</if>>, you try to make your escape. But the Magesmith isn't about to let you go so easily. <<m_capthey>> step forward, only to be stopped by the Healer's hand at their shoulder. When the $h_gender catches the color in the Magesmith's eyes, though, $h_shehe scoffs. "Who could you possibly be so-" As $h_shehe catches up and finds you, <<if $h_date or $h_coy>> $h_herhis face brightens and opens warmly at the sight. "$pc_name?" <<else>> $h_herhis face opens with surprise. "$pc_name?" <</if>> That seems to distract the Magesmith enough to draw $m_herhis scrutiny away, a full band of white around $m_herhis pupils as $m_herhis eyes widen and burst with sunflower yellow when $m_shehe rears on the Healer. "//You know $pc_herhistheir false- // ''what the //fuck?//''" <</if>> The Healer doesn't seem to have a good answer to $m_herhis question, swiveling to you, taking in the sight of Oisein with a blink, before returning to the Magesmith. The Magesmith, for all $m_herhis shock, quickly snaps back on the two sheevra in front of $m_herhim with a silenced glare. Of the time you've spent in Renescen so far - even with <<if visited("Chapter3-Sage")>>tense conversations with a Sage and getting your mind salad-tossed in the Archival Library's courtyard - <<elseif visited("Chapter3-Bank")>><<if visited("Chapter3-BankTacita")>>chats with a missing High Sheevra, a bit of stargazing, and an exploding bank - <<else>>overwhelming illusions and getting yourself thrown like a ragdoll around a bank eventually set on fire - <</if>><<elseif visited("Chapter3-Oisein")>>confusing Arids energy and Oisein and yourself getting tossed like ragdolls next to an explosive bank - <</if>> you're not sure if there's been a moment when you've more fiercely hoped that the ground would swallow you whole. Jovial, bellowing chatter continues around you, unaware and apathetic to the awkward grimace of a confrontation happening at the bar. Lucky, or unluckily, Oisein seems to know the exact wrong thing to say. "Well, are you going to just stare at us all day? Or are you going to make one of us an offer?" You hope the question is aimed at the Healer. <<h_capthey>> might be able to take a joke. You know it's not. "Bold of you to assume you'd be worth making an offer to," the Magesmith responds back without missing a beat, $m_herhis teeth bared in a sneer. <<if $o_past_friendship or $o_past_feelings>>Only you would catch the slight tense in Oisein's forehead and the annoyed narrow of his eyes. <<else>>You swear you see Oisein's eyes narrow, though you can't tell whether it's out of annoyance or relishing the challenge." <</if>> "No need to get testy," Oisein eventually retorts in kind, voice barely even, before his eyes slide toward the Healer with a look about as clear and pure as murky water on a moonless night. "Besides, I'd be far more interested in showing your friend here what a higher standard of…//company// is like." "Riiight," the Magesmith drawls. "Doubt anyone's standards have lowered enough to consider //you//." The Healer steps in before the Magesmith even finishes $m_herhis sentence, Oisein's smile turning dangerous. The leanhaun's upturned lips sharpen to a knife's edge, the golden eyeliner barely able to brighten the dark violet starting to extinguish the light in his pupils. "I'm flattered, //really//- " the Healer proclaims a touch too loud, trying to sweep away the jagged remnants of their words. At $h_herhis hand on the Magesmith's shoulder, the shorter of the two just rolls $m_herhis eyes and tries to shrug it off only to be met with a firmer grip. <<if $h_date or $h_coy>> "Unfortunately, though, you may be set for disappointment." Despite the situation, the Healer's golden gaze flickers to you with raised brows and a hint of a playful smile that softens the tension otherwise stiffening the rest of $h_herhis body. <<if $m_flirt > 0>> If you thought the Magesmith couldn't wear a more visceral grimace, you'd be wrong. When $m_shehe catches the Healer's look, you're surprised $m_shehe doesn't immediately become sick by the look of disgust that warps $m_herhis features. Oisein's harsher expression partially thaws when he catches this too, turning to a relaxed amusement and a taunting grin at the Magesmith's clear impatience with the entire exchange. <<else>> Oisein's harsher expression partially thaws when he catches this, turning to relaxed amusement. <</if>> "So...maybe we can do some civil introductions first?" the Healer quietly continues. <<else>> "-though maybe we do some civil introductions first?" Golden eyes flicker to you, beseeching you to help somehow. <</if>> <<if $friendly > $aloof>> "Right!" you start, trying to match the Healer's friendlier demeanor. <<else>> "Right," you start, inhaling a breath and trying to relax in an attempt to match the Healer's friendlier demeanor. <</if>> "This is-" "Performer. Or sometimes Songbird" <<if $h_date or $h_coy>> <</if>> <<case 6>> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> The hollow sound of the wooden steps beneath your feet echoes in the narrow corridor, the growing clamor of patrons chatting climbing up to meet you. When you emerge <<case 2>> <</switch>>

<<switch>> <<case 1>> "Well, maybe $m_shehe has the right idea, in some sense anyway." The Healer turns to you with curiosity written across $h_herhis face. <<if $healer_date or $healer_datecoy>> "You did mention wanting to spend some more time with me, right?" <<else>> "I could do with a little fresh air, and wouldn't mind some company." //Wouldn't mind someone to make me look just like any other mortalis, more like it.// <</if>> A few blinks are followed by a smile as the Healer takes $h_herhis arm from the bar and scratches at the back of $h_herhis neck. <<if $healer_date or $healer_datecoy>> "I did say that, didn't I?" "That still true?" "Very," $h_shehe says without hesitation as the smile starts to grow on your face. Though the next moment $h_herhis expression shifts to guilt. "But I'd understand if you're a little put off by the Magesmith." You wave a hand <<if $friendly > $aloof>>casually<<else>>dismissively <</if>> in the air. "Oh it's going to take more than that to drive me away." Shining amber pools watch you, and for a moment you swear that they're the source of all light in the room, the candles and crystals dull in comparison. "Well…" Shifting $h_herhis elbow on the bar, $h_shehe pushes away from it to stand and takes a deep breath in, expression warm and eyes fixated on you. "…care to grab a little fresh air ourselves? I might just be able to recover this night yet." With a <<if $friendly > $aloof>>grin<<else>>small smile<</if>>, you stand to follow $h_herhim. "You read my mind." <<else>> "Might need to wait a second for the Magesmith to stop storming around," $h_shehe sighs out, before glancing at the door. "But-" Shining amber pools turn back to you, and for a moment you swear that they're the source of all light in the room, the candles and crystals dull in comparison. <<if $h_friendship > 5 >> "-yeah, I'd like that." <<else>> "-sure, why not." <</if>> <</if>> <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> shifts $h_herhis elbow on the bar and pushes away from it to stand, taking a deep breath in. With a nod towards the door, $h_shehe beckons you to follow. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>> </li></ul> <<case 2>> A golden glow spills onto the darkened street as you charge through the door, that same warm light reaching up from the entire city to brighten the face of the mountains and linger on the treetops in the distance. As you step out, blank walls and black windows reflect your silhouette from across the street, the shops there tidied up and closed. But the slight stirring of movement from the apartments above the storefronts draws your eyes to where crystalline light flickers through half-open glass panes, curtains fluttering when the breeze flirts by and lets fragmented pieces of conversations float toward you. There are a few other mortalis out in the crisp night air walking along the stone street - some harrowed and sullen, others chipper and stretching out their aches from the day. Pairs and groups chatter among themselves, a range between boisterous braggarts and conspiratorial whispers. A shiver runs from the top of your shoulder through your wrist when you swear you hear a mention of the bank. "Here, I know just the place." The Healer's voice stirs you from your thoughts, and you turn away from the passing mortalis back to your companion as the visceral awareness of your earring fades. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> steps away from the door of the Albatross past the sandy bricks of another building, each layer lined by orange light. Intricate steel patterns weave above you around one of its balconies before it disappears around a corner. But surprisingly, the Healer already comes to a halt at the entrance of the alley between this building and the next. It's your turn to look at $h_herhim with curiosity. "Just visiting the neighbors?" "Well, technically, we're going back to the Albatross." You stare at the Healer before $h_shehe laughs again. "Outside of it, anyway. It's a favorite little secret of mine. And I suppose it's Jac and Cerise's too, but either they haven't caught me yet or they're too nice to mention it." <hr> <ul> <li><<link "\"Is that…I mean, is it alright for me to tag along?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <<if $h_date or $h_datecoy>> <li><<link "\"Breaking onto someone's property for a first date? You do know how to keep things exciting.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $sarcastic += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>> <li><<link "\"Breaking onto someone's property is a favorite? You do know how to keep things exciting.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $choice to "third">><<set $sarcastic += 1>><</link>></li> <</if>> <li><<link "\"It's probably that they're too nice,\" you say warmly. \"But…alright. I'll admit, I'm excited to learn about your secret, then.\"" `passage()`>><<set $choice to "fourth">><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $friendly += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I don't say anything, but raise my brows skeptically." `passage()`>><<set $choice to "fifth">><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $aloof += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<if $choice is "first">> Considering you're trying to stay <<if $empathetic > $callous>>in their good graces<<else>>out of their way<</if>>, the idea doesn't sound exactly like what you had in mind. "Is that…I mean, is it alright for me to tag along?" Watching your face for a moment, the Healer eventually just grins. "Don't worry, if they do finally decide to yell at me after a decade of doing this, I'll charm our way out. But uh…" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> pauses as $h_herhis hand comes up to the corner of the building, scraping the brick with $h_herhis hand. "…just in case, do you happen to be good at acrobatics? Or maybe climbing?" "Acrobatics?" The Healer waves nonchalantly, clearly not concerned about $h_herhis statement or your shocked response. "We'll probably be fine. Come on!" <<elseif $choice is "second">> You can't help the grin and finally return the laugh. "Breaking onto someone's property for a first date? You do know how to keep things exciting." "It's not a habit, I swear." The Healer raises $h_herhis eyebrows as the markings on $h_herhis cheek tilt with $h_herhis smile. "But maybe I shouldn't have set the bar so high for you?" "Uh-huh. And if we do get caught?" "Don't worry," the Healer starts with a extra layer of smugness as $h_herhis hand comes up to the corner of the building. "If they do finally decide to yell at me after a decade of doing this, I'll charm our way out. But…" The hand scrapes away at some bits of dust and stone. "…just in case, do you happen to be good at climbing?" "Sorry - climbing?" The Healer waves nonchalantly, clearly not concerned about $h_herhis question or the shock in your face. "We'll probably be fine. Come on!" <<elseif $choice is "third">> "Breaking onto someone's property is a favorite? You do know how to keep things exciting." " <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> <</if>> With that intensely unsatisfactory answer, the Healer disappears into the looming darkness hidden between the buildings. If it were anyone else going into the alley, your instincts would say it was a trap. But given that you've spent a good part of your day following $h_herhim already, <<if $h_date or $h_coy>> and getting a coy promise out of it as well, <</if>> a part of you… <<if $empathetic > $callous>> //Would you call it trust?// A small voice inside gently whispers //yes//, but you drown it out as you press into the darkness. <<else>> //I wouldn't really call it trust… would I?// A small voice inside gently whispers //yes//, and you scoff into the night, drowning out that obnoxious assurance as you press into the darkness. <</if>> Once you've been enveloped by the darkness of the alley, your eyes begin to adjust. The crystal lanterns of the street spill their light into the alley more freely that it appeared before, and you find the way more navigable than you initially imagined. The Healer leads the way through the tight corridor, the bricks of the surrounding buildings your walls and the sky your ceiling, constellations reflecting the slivers of light peering through shuttered windows. There's a quiet //thunk// followed by a short //''ow''// in front of you, and you just see the silhouette of the Healer shoot $h_herhis hand to the right wall to lean into it, shoulder coming to meet brick as a a knee rises to greet $o_herhistheir other palm. "You okay?" You whisper, though you're not sure why. "Yeah I'm good," $h_herhis words are said quickly, with heated embarrassment. "You'd think I'd remember where the small step to the neighbor's back door and its railing is after ramming my foot into it a hundred times. But here we are." The Healer stands to the side to allow you to pass, acting as a barrier so you won't make the same mistake. <<if $genuine > $sarcastic>> "You sure you're fine?" You whisper once more as you step near $h_herhis side. Your palm brushes against the opposite wall, carefully outlining your course forward. As your eyes adjust to the darkness, you can better see the movement of $h_herhis nod. "Swear it'll take more than a bit of stone to take me out," $h_shehe laughs. You smile in return, even in the darkness, and just shake your head as you start to move around $h_herhim and the offending stairway. "Here's hoping there's not too many other traps in our way to this secret place," you comment quietly. The Healer hums as $h_shehe rejoins you, giving the stairs a wide berth and starting to lead the way again. <<else>> You watch $h_herhim as your eyes adjust to the darkness to better see $h_herhis movement, before trying to make out the path ahead. Weight shifting from foot to foot, you click your tongue and cross your arms, hoping it has the same effect it does in the light. "I don't know, seems like the perfect way to lure me into another trap. What if there's a second set of stairs? Maybe a rogue garden or weed out for my blood?" <</if>> "Oh I should probably mention that fire pit we'll have to jump over here in a second. It only opens up for newcomers." <<if $h_date>> "You know the //nicest// places." "Figured you'd need more than just breaking and entering to get your heart going. What can I say?" There's an audible pause, and as the Healer turns to you in the darkness you can practically hear $h_herhim grinning into the murmured words. "I aim to please." <<else>> "Is all of Renescen like this? Or just the places you know?" "Oh, it's not a proper outing in Renescen if you're heart doesn't get pumping at least once." You have to stop from snorting out loud. 'Heart-pumping' doesn't even begin to cover your time in Renescen so far. <</if>> TODO TRANSITION "Here we go." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> stops in front of a break in the buildings, where a row of tall wooden planks blocks off your view of whatever lies beyond. Another skinny alley greets you, though ahead and up to recognize the architecture of the Lucky Albatross, a few more windows lining its sides than the buildings around it. The Healer points $h_herhis chin forward to draw you in to follow, and makes $h_herhis way down the small path. There's a slightly brighter source of light ahead that spills a soft, warm glow down this particular corridor, and you soon step after $h_herhim to not be left behind. <<if $genuine > $sarcastic>> "I won't…actually have to acrobat my way out of a hairy situation, will I?" <<else>> "So is it from this point on that I'll need to be ready to flip my way out of a hairy situation? <</if>> "Only if we're unlucky," $h_shehe chuckles out. "Though saying that I might make a scene just to see what you can do." You shake your head in response with the barest smile threatening to break across your mouth. A wooden ladder reaches up the side of the building to small platforms that stretch below the windows, a similar design clambering up the opposite building. The sky is more visible now, the rooftops opening up for you to see. And the further the two of you go, the more details you begin to make out in what you now see to be a small, private courtyard ahead. Light pours outward from a small lantern swaying in a breeze as the Healer steps out in front of you, $h_herhis steps slowing and head on a swivel to check for any trouble. Satisfied that the coast is clear, $h_shehe beckons you with $h_herhis hand. All around $h_herhim, plants grow from a variety of boxes, some in neat, tidy rows, others barely being held back by the wooden planks surrounding them. To your left, the wooden planks turn into a sturdy brick wall, a massive bush of rosemary your first welcome into the garden, accompanied by sprouts of lavender framing the path on your right. Hanging above it from one of the platforms are a collection of other herbs - a dash of mint in a bright green pot, the scent of oregano from a clay container striped with orange, and an unruly head of parsley in a white rectangular box. Plenty of other herbs line your entry, and as you take a few tentative steps forward, you see vines of tomatoes clambering up wooden stakes, a pepper plant threatening to invade their space. Next to them, a low planter sprouts large leafy heads of lettuce followed by a transition to skinnier greens you think may be the only evidence of the carrots buried beneath. The garden stretches further to encompass the entire area behind the Albatross and works around the other corner opposite to where you entered. When you draw your eyes away, the Healer is already at the opposite wall of the garden, watching you with a smile that crinkles the edges of $h_herhis eyes. At $h_herhis feet, the vegetables and herbs instead turn into bundles of flowers - begonias like the ones in your room, lavender stalks that whisper past one another, and lilies reaching up above it all toward the top of the wall, stark white against the shadows. "It's nice, isn't it?" "You don't think world consuming sand-storms are calming? <</switch>> <<case 10>> You've heard your name plenty of times before. Said it out loud. Heard it in response. "Good night -" The Healer smiles, stars rising in $h_herhis eyes while $h_herhis voice disappears past the horizon. "- $pc_name." But the Healer murmurs your name like a secret, like it's $h_hershis to give and not one you already know. You wonder if it's been $h_hershis all along. <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"\"Good night,\" I say back quietly, but wait to see if "+$h_shehe+"'ll make a move."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $shy += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link `"\"Is that all?\" I tease, waiting expectantly for what "+$h_shehe+"'ll do next."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link `"I don't say anything, instead letting my actions speak for themselves when I lean towards "+$h_herhis+" cheek."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I think I say good night, but it's hard to know if it actually comes out over the rampaging beat of my heart in my throat." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $shy += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "With a warm smile growing on my face, I nod. \"Good night.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $friendly += 1>><</link>></li> </ul>

<<switch>> <<case 1>> You feel your chest tighten while the slow, rhythmic thump of the door that the Magesmith just burst through echos above the ambient chatter. After the day, you've had? Really? "I'll be right back," you mutter. <<if $h_date or $h_coy>> The Healer's eyes widen, brilliant amber snuffing out as $h_herhis eyes drop to the floor. A dull smile worms its way over $h_herhis lips but never arches into $h_herhis cheeks. <<h_capthey>> drags a fingernail through the grain of the counter's wood, opening $h_herhis mouth but dowsing whatever $h_shehe was going to say. Instead, $h_shehe shakes $h_herhis head. <<else>> The Healer grimaces, eyes casting to the ground. <<h_captheir>> teeth work into $h_herhis bottom lip before $h_shehe just shakes $h_herhis head in surrender. <</if>> "Don't say I didn't warn you." You're already stepping toward the door as the quiet words reach you. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> A golden glow spills onto the darkened street as you charge through the door, that same warm light reaching up from the entire city to brighten the face of the mountains and linger on the treetops in the distance. As you step out, blank walls and black windows reflect your silhouette from across the street, the shops there tidied up and closed. But the slight stirring of movement from the apartments above the storefronts draws your eyes to where crystalline light flickers through half-open glass panes, curtains fluttering when the breeze flirts by and lets fragmented pieces of conversations float toward you. There are a few other mortalis out in the crisp night air walking along the stone street - some harrowed and sullen, others chipper and stretching out their aches from the day. Pairs and groups chatter among themselves, a range between boisterous braggarts and conspiratorial whispers. A shiver runs from the top of your shoulder through your wrist when you swear you hear a mention of the bank. And to your right, charging away and almost shoulder checking a now disgruntled couple holding hands, is one particular mortalis hell-bent on getting away from you. "Hey!" You call out, grimacing at the irony. "Magesmith!" <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> doesn't stop, unsurprisingly. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link `"\"Wait! Please!\" I call desperately after "+$m_herhim+"."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $empathetic += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"What is your problem?!\" I shout after the Magesmith." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $empathetic += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"Hey, asshole!\" Two can play at this game." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $callous += 1>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<if $choice is "first">> The frustration starts to bundle in your gut, knotting in on itself before it begins to tangle with worry. "Wait! Please!" You call,desperation worming its way into your voice. <<if $empathetic > $callous >> Part of you swears against your empathy, knows this would be a pitiable sight to the rest of your clan. But the other part doesn't care. <<else>> Part of you is glad to be so far away from your clan, knowing this would be a pitiable sight to the rest of them. But you try to shove that thought away even as your jaw clenches. <</if>> The Magesmith must find some sense of pity, or maybe a retaliatory urge that's ready to unleash back on you. Whatever the cause, though, $m_shehe stops in the middle of the street, the metal in $m_herhis wrist creaking as it rolls once, twice, until $m_shehe turns. Defiant scarlet stares you down, the magic whirling around $m_herhis headband and spilling into $m_herhis eyes. Your steps slow to a halt, and the sound around you begins to dissipate. Mortalis whisper before they try clear the area around you and the Magesmith, until the closest bystanders are practically as far away from the two of you as $m_herhis shop. The //thunk// of wood shutting against stones sounds into the night and floats up into the stars, any light from the houses and shops around you almost completely doused. They think there's going to be a fight. A few spots shine from the short lanterns placed every few yards, their globes swinging quietly so as to not disturb your confrontation. Soon the only sounds are the ambient whispers trailing from the Albatross, and what sounds like the magic hum of a city's pylons. <<if visited("Chapter3-Oisein")>> The same ones you saw earlier, ready to defend against an encroaching sandstorm. <<else>> You barely register the memory of the tall stone pillars atop Renescen's walls as you came into the city, no doubt defending from some encroaching Arids storm. <</if>> But even that dreary reminder doesn't do much to pull you from your current situation. The Magesmith huffs. "What do you want?" "I don't know, to be treated with at least a tiny bit of decency?" The words spill out unbidden, but you don't regret them. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> scoffs, placing $m_herhis metal hand on $m_herhis hip. "Haven't earned it." <<if visited("Chapter2-MagesmithConvo")>> "You barely know me!" You protest, hand coming to lay over your heart. "Thing's were fine enough when you wanted information and wanted something from me, and now - what - you're just done?" Your accusation causes $m_herhim to squirm, eyes flickering to an uncomfortable grey before slowly fading back to scarlet. <<else>> You suppose that's fair, given that you did completely ignore the Magesmith's own requests to stop earlier today. But still, even that about of hostility isn't normal, right? "Is this is because of earlier? I didn't know you! I'm brand new to the city and some random person was trying to wave me down!" The scarlet is unrelenting <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "second">> The fuming frustration starts to bundle in your stomach, knotting in on itself until it launches its way up your throat. "What is your problem?!" You shout after the Magesmith. <<elseif $choice is "third">> "Hey asshole!" You should at $m_herhim. Any other day? Maybe. <</if>> <<if visited(Chapter2-MagesmithIgnore)>> "You blow me off and then get upset about getting the same back?" <<else>> <</if>> "We don't know each other. I don't owe you anything, and you don't owe me anything either." The Magesmith's voice turns into a snarl, and there's a crack from near their metallic arm. Was the metal getting brighter before? At your silence, the Magesmith scoffs. "What is your problem?!" <<case 4>> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> Faceless, taunting, and terrifying - the image of your assailant skulks in the shadows of your memory, waiting for you to turn your back to it. <<else>> Vibrant light and colors and life, Tacita's gentle voice - only to be devastated and destroyed, her desperate face as broken as the crumbling mountains roaring toward you as she yells for you to //run//. <</if>> You don't move at first, a part of you still wanting to insist that Oisein save his magic, or at least let you help or //something// to make you feel less useless. But you bite your tongue and nod - more to convince yourself with the other sheevra resolutely pulsing through the area. <<if $choice is "first">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat - as your hand lifts. Magic seeps out of you and through your fingers, giving $o_herhimthem a moment of forewarning before you rest the hand on $o_herhistheir shoulder. <<o_capthey>> <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> flinch, <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> move, but in the back of your skull you can feel some of the notes of $o_herhistheir magic bound backward and skate across your skin in some semblance of comfort. <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship or ($o_friendship > 5) >> Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together, uncertain what to do - before $o_herhistheir head tilts to the side to meet your hand with $o_herhistheir chin. <<o_capthey>><<o_re>> not aiming to pin you, but still applies the barest of pressure. Warmth from $o_herhistheir skin radiates through the thin, soft fabric of $o_herhistheir shirt and flows into your palm, while $o_herhistheir warm breath anoints your knuckles. "I've got you." It's enough to soothe you - it always is - and you give Oisein's shoulder a quick squeeze. Though $o_shehethey still <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> open $o_herhistheir eyes, $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> have to, the simple phrase speaking volumes for the usual curt and coy sheevra. Which makes the cold that much more palpable on your clammy hand when you disconnect, and trudge your way to the bathroom, closing the door behind you. <<else>> Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together, uncertain at first, before $o_herhistheir lips curve into a peaceful smile. <<o_capthey>> open$o_s a single eye again to look at you. "I've got it." It's enough to soothe you for now as you give Oisein's shoulder a quick squeeze, the warmth of his skin radiating through the thin, soft fabric of his shirt. The cold is palpable on your clammy hand when you disconnect, and trudge your way to the bathroom, closing the door behind you. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "second">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat. "Don't strain yourself," you tease, though there's a clear worry and care laced within your tone. Oisein rolls his lips together, a chuckle escaping though his mouth is pressed tight. <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship or ($o_friendship > 5) >> "Bit late for that, isn't it?" $o_shehethey jab$o_s back, opening a single eye again to look at you. The jeering line is enough to shake some of the tension loose from your shoulders, and when $o_shehethey see$o_s you relax, $o_herhistheir eyes close again. "I've got you." It's enough to soothe you - it always is. Though $o_shehethey still <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> move or reach toward you - <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> have to - the simple phrase speaking volumes for the usual curt and coy sheevra. <<else>> "I won't. Don't worry." The simple statement is enough to soothe you for now, shaking a miniscule amount of tension loose from your shoulders. <</if>> Without addressing $o_herhimthem again, you step tentatively toward the bathroom, closing the door behind you. <<elseif $choice is "third">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat - as the words creak out. "Thanks," you say quietly, afraid you might disturb $o_herhistheir focus. "Again." Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together, a chuckle escaping though $o_herhistheir mouth is pressed tight. <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship or ($o_friendship > 5) >> "Don't thank me just yet," $o_shehethey start$o_s the sentence snide, as if preparing a jab. But instead $o_herhistheir voice mimics yours, turning hushed and fragile. "Just trying to help." Though $o_herhistheir eyes are closed, the embarassed color rising in $o_herhistheir cheeks betrays $o_herhimthem. It's like $o_shehethey can sense what you're about to say, mouth and face crumpling. You find yourself smiling even as you slink towards the bathroom, just catching the faint, nervous huff from Oisein as you close the door behind you. <<else>> "You're welcome." <<o_capthem>> start$o_s the sentence snide, as if preparing a jab. But instead $o_herhistheir voice mimics yours, turning hushed and fragile. Though $o_herhistheir eyes are closed, the embarassed color rising in $o_herhistheir cheeks betrays $o_herhimthem as $o_shehethey chews the words $o_shehethey want$o_s to say. "Just trying to help." You find yourself smiling even as you slink towards the bathroom, just catching the faint uncertain look on Oisein's face as you close the door behind you. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat. Body fraught with nerves, you stand there silently and continue to watch, unsure if you should reach out to $o_herhimthem or say something or do //anything.// <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship or ($o_friendship > 5) >> Oisein must sense the uncertainty blending into your magic even as $o_hershistheirs runs rampant around you. A few stray notes are reeled back in, and in the back of your skull you can feel some of the chords of $o_herhistheir magic skate across your skin in some semblance of comfort. Still, you stand rigid, unmoving, immoblile, the other sheevra opening both of $o_herhistheir eyes and turning to face you while $o_herhistheir focus fractures and the pulse begins to disintegrate. But before $o_shehethey can lose it completely, you clench your fists and will your body forward, just catching $o_herhistheir concerned expression as you stride towards the bathroom even as anxiety rattles in your ribcage. <<else>> Oisein must sense the fright and fear blending into your magic even as $o_hershistheirs runs rampant around you. <<o_capthey>> open$o_s $o_herhistheir eyes, turning to face you - still rigid, unmoving, and immobile - while $o_herhistheir focus fractures and the pulse begins to disintegrate. But before $o_shehethey can lose it completely, you clench your fists and will your body forward, not catching $o_herhistheir expression as you stride towards the bathroom even as anxiety rattles in your ribcage. <</if>> Thankfully, the music begins to swells again just as you close the door behind you. <</if>> Wildflowers and subtle mountainscapes welcome you, delicate strokes carved into the dark walnut wood of the walls. Recognition strikes you, your memory placing the patterns alongside the wall panels of the tavern below. The fixings of the bathroom are clean and cozy, the cream-colored porcelain well-maintained and the bronze faucets shined with care. You step through the haze in your mind toward the sink, not quite ready to look up into the mirror just yet as your hands grip the slippery sides of the basin. Sparks of energy run through your fingertips as you lightly push against the fire glyph carved above the faucet, holding your finger there until the glyph is only half brightened, molten red light filling in the lines and halting just before reaching the tips of the intricate flames and the peaks of the marking's design. The curve of the water glyph arcs downward below the gleaming scarlet, hovering over where the faucet meets the wall. Changing the soft elemental magic within your chest, your fingers slide wet and cool along the line, a turquoise line filling as you hear the pipes gurgling behind the wall. In a swipe of desperation, you drag your finger fully across to fill the entire marking, and water bursts from the faucet in a torrent. Cupping your hands, you hold them underneath the rushing current, not paying any mind as droplets ricochet from your fingers against and over the sides to spray helplessly against the mirror and falling to the floor. It feels like an eternity that you wait there, letting the lukewarm water fill and empty from your palms as you spread your fingers to let the liquid filter through the spaces. Fill and empty. Fill. And empty. When your hands begin to protest, on the edge of pruning, you lower your neck down as you fill your palms once more. Warmth splashes against your cheeks as you bring your hands up instead of letting the water siphon down the drain, droplets running over your lips and dripping from your chin. You repeat the motion, try to wash away the image or the magic, wanting to wipe away the disquieting clamor richocheting inside your skull. But no scrubbing will wipe away grime as stubborn as this. Still, you continue, until your hands are hot and your cheeks raw from <<if $pc_hairlength is "shaved">> scrubbing. <<else>> scrubbing, the edges of your hair dampened and drooping. <</if>> Supporting yourself on the cool porcelein again, you look up. All in all, you don't look like someone who almost got caught in an inferno of burning wood and an explosion of magic. Tiny streaks of tiredness begin to show, however, in the faint red lightning-paths running from your pupil over the whites of your eyes - the color unnerving in it's own right. <<print $pc_eyecolor.toUpperFirst()>> stares back, but it isn't the same $pc_eyecolor that provided you comfort before when you first arrived in your mortalis form. Instead, the color looks distant, dull, distracted. Finger squeaking along the water glyph again, the turqoise line dies down and fades, and the fire glyph dims soon after. The soft //drip, drip, drip// of the remnants of water are the only thing chasing away the silence that seems to creep into each shadowed corner around you. Silence - which meant Oisein was already done with the pulse. Careful notes of passive pathos slowly skittered back, and by the fact that $o_shehethey hadn't barged through the door with a warning, you could only assume $o_shehethey hadn't read any threats in the minds nearby. Truthfully, you hadn't even noticed when $o_shehethey stopped, hadn't registered anything else outside this tiny, too clean sanctuary, thousands of miles away from your home. What had you gotten yourself into? You shake your head with a groan, rubbing at the worn grooves starting to wear below your eyes. Your gaze wanders to the bathtub, wondering what Oisein would say if you just filled it up and sat in the heated water for the next hour. From the look of it, you'd guess... <<set $pc_height to "average">> <hr> <ul> <li><<link "...that you'd have plenty of space to stretch out, since you're shorter than the average mortalis." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $pc_height to "short">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "...that you'd have just the right amount of space to relax, since you're about average mortalis height." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> <li><<link "...that you'd be a little cramped and your knees might float above the water, given that you're fairly tall compared to most mortalis." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $pc_height to "tall">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $pc_height is "short">> The ivory sheen of the tub sprawls in comfortable curves, your body aching to be able to stretch out inside and try to soak your worries away. <<elseif $pc_height is "average">> The ivory sheen of the tub winds in delicate curves, your body aching to climb into it to try to soak your worries away. <<else>> Though the ivory sheen of the tub winds in slightly cramped curves, your body still aches to climb into it to try to soak your worries away. <</if>> But you exhale the thought on a sigh and turn to the mirror again, trying to see what else can be done to calm your nerves. You know yourself, know that even with the dangers, Sirin wouldn't have trusted you with this for no reason - even if you were slightly dubious of their logic at sending only one sheevra. <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> Though with Oisein here now...even an unknown like this self-proclaimed "Reviver" might be a little less intimidating. At your thoughts, their presence comes murmuring back from your memory. //Mortalis magic, but sheevra. The voice from before, the disappearance...it has to all be connected.// Your head hangs low, watching droplets of water slowly slide into each other before disappearing past the drain. //They knew who we were. What clan we were with. Knew Sirin. How?// Swarming thoughts plague your mind as you press the plush towel against your face and wring your hands dry. You take one more breath as the memory flickers. Though darkness still hovers around the person's face, their last words to you ring clear. //"I'm going to revive this world. Remember that."// Why was that so terrifying when you seemed to have the same goal? //Why are they doing this?// <<else>> Though with Oisein here now...would they even believe that you had seen Tacita? Had spoken with her? At your thoughts, her presence and something else unsettling - the too-bright flowers and the too-perfectly carved mountains - come murmuring back from your memory. //How could she ask if we've done enough?// Your head hangs low, watching droplets of water slowly slide into each other before disappearing past the drain. //She knew who I was. What clan I was with. How?// Swarming thoughts plague your mind as you press the plush towel against your face and wring your hands dry. You take one more breath as the memory flickers. //What was she so afraid of? What was that place in between?// <</if>> //''Knock. Knock. Knock.''// A jolt runs down from your shoulders at the noise. "Still alive in there?" "Yeah!" You begin to put the towel back, trying to rub the tiredness from your eyes in a frenzy and preparing yourself to emerge. Oisein must hear you, though, a //thud// resounding against the door. "Take your time, I can wait." You pause, hear the water drain down through the building and pool somewhere near the ground, feel the unyielding porcelein meet your palms. <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> "I was attacked." A pause from Oisein before the muffled question comes through the door, $o_herhistheir voice unsteady even through the barrier between you. "By who?" <<link "\"Someone wielding names.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> <<else>> "I saw her." A pause from Oisein before the muffled question comes through the door, though you have a feeling $o_shehethey know$o_s the answer already. "Who?" <<link "\"Tacita.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> <</if>> <<case 3>> You continue to recount your day, almost thankful for the door so you don't have to see Oisein's face when you tell $o_herhimthem about the mix of sheevra and mortalis magic, the voice, what you saw of the bank before. The silence from the leanhaun continues as you tell $o_herhimthem about the Gold Sage, about the places that had experienced the odd magic. <<if $s_reveal>> A silence which halts when you tell $o_herhimthem about the Gold Sage //recognizing// Tacita, the quiet finally interrupted by the faint //sshhh// of $o_herhistheir back sliding down the other side of the door. At least $o_shehethey<<o_re>> already sitting down by the time you tell $o_herhimthem about the strange magic surrounding the bank and the portal to a strange paradise. <<else>> A silence which halts when you tell $o_herhimthem about the strange magic surrounding the bank - a portal to a strange paradise - the quiet finally interrupted by the faint //sshhh// of $o_herhistheir back sliding down the other side of the door. <</if>> The memory still vivid, you tell $o_herhimthem about the field, the rivers, the grass flowing outward as if a lush blanket were extended out from the mountains behind Renescen. You tell $o_herhimthem about Tacita standing there - stoic and still - before she turned to call to you. <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> And you tell $o_herhimthem about refusing to answer the call - the strangeness of the situation too much for your mind to bear. Recalling the fight goes quickly, though you're surprised not to hear Oisein make some jab at your inability to keep up with your attacker. <<else>> And you tell $o_herhimthem about answering the call, Tacita's maddening questions, to which Oisein also scoffs weakly just beyond the frame. Hesitation grips you when you begin to recall the crumbling illusion, her panic and insistence that you leave, before you were thrown into the starry nightscape surrounded by the shimmering path and far off auroras. <</if>> "I'm glad you're alright," Oisein rasps out - his voice even more dampened by what you can only assume is his hands dragging down his face. "But afraid I've got some not so good news for you too." You turn toward the door as he groans again. "The bank wasn't the first time I ran into that weird combination of magic today either." Blood and adrenaline start to ignite within you again, and you spin toward the handle of the bathroom, throwing the door open but keeping your hand tight around the worn metal. Oisein yelps at the movement, falling backward and spine thumping against the wooden floor from where $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>were<<else>>was<</if>> seated, $o_herhistheir head landing near your feet and blond hair sprawling in a halo around $o_herhimthem. <<o_capthey>> hiss<<o_es>> as $o_shehethey land$o_s, eyes narrowed and mouth twisted with irritation. "//Fuck's sake,// $pc_name, you need to warn me before you-" "You felt it too?" The fright - panic maybe - in your voice stops $o_herhimthem from finishing, the words spilling soundlessly out as $o_herhistheir gaze roams over your face, the rest of the sentence fizzling out on the floor. Mouth closing and jaw setting, $o_shehethey can only grimace as $o_shehethey prop$o_s <<print $o_herhimthem>>self up on $o_herhistheir elbows. You offer a hand to help $o_herhistheir stand, murmuring out a hushed "sorry" that's dismissed with a casual wave of $o_herhistheir hand - other things clearly taking up more of $o_herhistheir mind. "The Arids. The thing I was looking into? There's…" Oisein's features twist as $o_shehethey step$o_s toward the window, hands lowering to $o_herhistheir thighs and picking absentmindedly at the black cloth. <<if $dryad>> "You'd have a better sense of it than me, but… <<else>> "Know neither of us are elementalists but… <</if>> There was life. Underneath the surface, tons of magic, like the roots of something and an energy that felt both sheevra and mortalis. I don't know, it was like-" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> mouth squirms and $o_herhistheir nose scrunches, like the words are daring $o_herhimthem to speak but $o_shehethey can't quite find the courage to. Eventually $o_shehethey surrender$o_s to the unknown force, letting the thought float away on an exhale as $o_shehethey press<<o_es>> on. "I've never felt anything like it before, is the point. And it felt like it was all coming from the same source, which shouldn't be possible, right?" Beseeching eyes look to you with worry and for some semblance of comfort. But you're not sure what $o_shehethey expect$o_s, since you're just as much out of your depth as $o_shehethey <<o_are>>. Whether $o_shehethey pretend$o_s to have found what $o_shehethey <<o_were>> looking for or not, $o_shehethey still continue$o_s. "Then on my way back, I felt this - I mean - ''massive'' wave of energy bouncing through the city. Looked like a lunatic collapsing in an alley in the first quadrant. Dunno if that's when the bank exploded or not but not everyone felt it, just every few mortalis here and there. And that's not even accounting for the fact that it felt like a million //names// being shoved into my chest." Oisein clutches at the strings just below $o_herhistheir collar and turns away, looking up towards the window. "I felt like I was going to burn up from the <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> inside. Sound familiar?" <<if $o_friendship > 5>> You keep your eyes on Oisein - a nagging, worrying static creeping into the back of your mind. //It's fine,// you think to calm yourself. //<<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>><<o_re>> here and $o_shehethey<<o_re>> safe...ish.// Someone with access to so many names put into one burst? <<else>> A nagging, worrying static creeps into the back of your mind at $o_herhistheir description. You can't remember feeling names, but remember the distinct energy of sheevra of magic. Someone with access to so many names put into one burst? <</if>> Effortless magic, an overwhelming illusion, and a face you couldn't see leaps forward, the terror sinking into your stomach. You //know// who. <<else>> inside. But at least sounds like I had an easier time of it than you." A nagging, worrying static creeps into the back of your mind at $o_herhistheir description. You can't remember feeling names, but remember the distinct energy of the place. Had you missed something? <</if>> There's still uncertainty in the lines by Oisein's eyes and the tightness of $o_herhistheir mouth, and it's only emphasized when $o_shehethey look$o_s to you again, $o_herhistheir shoulders visibly hiking up. "Right. Okay." Oisein tilts $o_herhistheir head to the side with an audible //crack//, rolling it back the other way before $o_shehethey lace$o_s $o_herhistheir fingers behind $o_herhistheir neck and begin$o_s to pace back toward the window. "Settle in, think I'm going to do a couple more pulses if you don't mind waiting for a little bit." You've hardly room to think of anything else. <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> <<case 4>> An hour passes. Or maybe another year - an eon? - while Oisein sits bent over in one of the chairs, huddled into its hard surface and keeping $o_herhistheir eyes mostly shut. A couple times you swear $o_shehethey must be falling asleep and almost ready yourself to carry them over to where you're seated on the bed - until you feel a wave of pathos surge out again, a hair weaker each time it swirls over your shoulders and plummets into the floors and streets below. Eventually, he begins to ask you about the odd locations the Healer and Sage had mentioned <<if $o_past_friendship or $o_past_feelings>> - an easily spotted tactic to distract from his other worries. <<else>> - and though you didn't know him as well before Renescen, it's an easily spotted tactic to distract from his other worries. <</if>> You recall the places again: the bank in the second quadrant, the shop in the third, and the pathos parlor on the third-fourth border. All innocuous but submerged in odd magic - it //had// to be connected. Oisein quietly agrees, another wave of pathos magic rippling against the door and into the hallway. When it withdraws, $o_shehethey take$o_s another breath. But no matter how $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to keep up the facade of strength, you're able to hear the shaking that shudders through $o_herhistheir muscles and lungs. Concern trickles in your words. "You need to rest." Weary lavender light blooms over $o_herhistheir opening eyes, a flicker of black in the white as $o_shehethey refocus<<o_es>> some of $o_herhistheir magic back into $o_herhistheir glamour. With a roll of $o_herhistheir shoulders, $o_shehethey refix<<o_es>> a mask of confidence, straightening $o_herhistheir spine and raising $o_herhistheir chin. <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> "Still nothing, thankfully. Hopefully whoever you saw was more bark than bite." "Or used most of their 'bite' on the bank." <<o_capthey>> grimace$o_s. "At least we haven't gotten attacked again. Think that'll last?" The memory of the figure preparing the blinding attack crosses your mind, making you shift uncomfortably. "The cautious part of me says no, but- something tells me they won't outwardly attack here." "Because...?" "Well if they could, why not get rid of us as soon as we arrived? Before we found out anything else?" Oisein supports $o_herhistheir body on the back of a chair as $o_herhistheir face knits together in thought, one hand absentmindedly brushing against $o_herhistheir stomach to verify that $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>haven't<<else>>hasn't<</if>> begun disappearing again. "Plus," you continue, a seed of confidence planting itself in your chest. "They'll probably need some time to recover if it was their magic that destroyed the bank." You start to pace alongside the length of the bed, your earring heavy in your ear. "We should at least be able to rest easy tonight, and go after those places I told you about tomorrow morning." <<else>> "Still nothing, thankfully. Hopefully whoever was reponsible for the bank didn't notice us, and was more bark than bite." "Or used most of their 'bite' on the bank." <<o_capthey>> grimace$o_s. "At least we haven't gotten attacked. Think that'll last?" The memory of the explosion at your back and Tacita's distraught face crosses your mind, making you shift uncomfortably at the thought of what or //who// could have caused that. "The cautious part of me says no, but- something tells me we won't get outwardly attacked here." "Because...?" "Well, why not get rid of us as soon as we arrived? Before we found out anything else? Before I met Tacita?" //If it was Tacita.// Oisein supports $o_herhistheir body on the back of a chair as $o_herhistheir face knits together in thought, one hand absentmindedly brushing against $o_herhistheir stomach. "Plus," you continue, a seed of confidence planting itself in your chest. "They'll probably need some time to recover if it was their magic that destroyed the bank." You start to pace alongside the length of the bed, your earring heavy in your ear. "We should at least be able to rest easy tonight, and go after those places I told you about tomorrow morning." <</if>> With a nod, the <<if $leanhaun>>other<</if>> leanhaun straightens and meanders toward the dresser. "Question is, where do you want to hit first?" $o_shehethey start$o_s, fingers tracing around where your daggers rest in their sheathes. "Clan Harpoc was known for trading in secrets mainly, but without knowing a Harpoc sheevra personally -" Oisein purses $o_herhistheir lips and clicks $o_herhistheir tongue. "-I don't know if that means their Sanctum's main entrance would be somewhere best suited for that, or if they'd be as cagey and discreet about the main entrance as they are with the rest of us." "Main entrance means more traps, though." "But a quicker way in," he retorts with a raised finger. "No guarantee they'll both have entrances, but a secondary entrance will wind you all around but probably be less enchanted, like the forest groves in Saor. More likely to get lost than trigger an explosive glyph - just up to you to pick your poison." You grip the back of your neck and strain it as you tilt your head to the ceiling. "Both of those sound bad." "Never said they weren't," $o_shehethey snort$o_s out as $o_shehethey lean$o_s back, your remaining Sentiments chiming together as they rock with the dresser's movement. "But that's what we get for trespassing into another Clan's Sanctum without them." "To //save// them-" "Yeah..." There's a small noise as he winces, sucking in his bottom lip againts his teeth. "...think that's still up in the air." Your gaze meets $o_hershistheirs at the tense statement, holding to the lavender resolutely staring you down as $o_herhistheir mouth presses into a thin line. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> keep$o_s $o_herhistheir eyes locked on you when $o_shehethey continue$o_s. <<if $leanhaun>> "Since we're both pathosi, the secondary entrance might be a little easier going...but I'm up for whatever you are." <<else>> "I'm not //the best// at sensing traps as a pathosi - you'd probably have an easier time of it between the two of us. But I'm up for whatever you are." <</if>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> tilt$o_s $o_herhistheir head. "So - parlor or shop - what do you think?" <<set $q_one to false>> <<set $q_two to false>> <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What about the bank?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 50>><<set $q_one to true>><</link>></li> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What do you think?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 51>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"The parlor makes the most sense. What better way to learn secrets from people who will likely forget everything the next morning anyway? We should go find it on the third fourth border.\"" "Chapter4-BankSanctumDecision-Parlor">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Harpoc has always been discreet, and I can't see them changing for something as important as an entrance to their Sanctum. We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant.\"" "Chapter4-BankSanctumDecision-Shop">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>> <<case 50>> "What about the bank?" Oisein doesn't even hide the outlandish shock and gives an obnoxious guffaw - an incredibly fake one. "What about it?" "It was one of the places <<if $empathetic < $callous>>that mortalis<<else>>the Gold Sage<</if>> mentioned too." "The same bank we saw crumbling to ash and //crawling// with Intuits and half of Renescen's mortalis guards." $o_shehethey state$o_s, voice dripping with disapproval. "You're having a laugh." You scrunch your face at the patronizing tone, mouth dropping into a frown. "What if it was the main entrance?" "Then we have two side entrances to choose from, and you have a more straightforward choice than you think. And hey, maybe no traps!" $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>finish<<else>>finishes<</if>> the thought with a sardonic splay of $o_herhistheir hands to $o_herhistheir sides, but halt$o_s when $o_shehethey see$o_s your face. The mocking motion deflates with a sigh and an awkward scratch at $o_herhistheir scalp through $o_herhistheir unraveling hair. "Look, $pc_name, <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship>> you know I'd follow you just about anywhere. But you'd have to be out of your mind to go back so soon." <<else>> I'll follow your lead, but you'd have to be out of your mind to go back there so soon." <</if>> Drumming your fingers against the small window-side table, you outline the worn grooves of the wood and hum an accepting response. <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <li>$info_label "What about the bank?"</li> <<if $q_two>> <li>$info_label "What do you think?"</li> <<else>> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What do you think?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 51>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><</link>></li> <</if>> <li><<link "\"The parlor makes the most sense. What better way to learn secrets from people who will likely forget everything the next morning anyway? We should go find it on the third fourth border.\"" "Chapter4-BankSanctumDecision-Parlor">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Harpoc has always been discreet, and I can't see them changing for something as important as an entrance to their Sanctum. We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant.\"" "Chapter4-BankSanctumDecision-Shop">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>> <<case 51>> "Why's this all on me? What do you think?" Oisein stares at you silently before casting $o_herhistheir eyes down. "I wasn't chosen for this, remember. I just came to cause trouble on your behalf." There's a mirthless chuckle as $o_shehethey turn$o_s the left side of $o_herhistheir face away from you and start$o_s to fiddle with $o_herhistheir hair, drawing the bangs out as you feel a slight spark of magic. "I'm still asking," you continue, trying to distract $o_herhimthem. "I want to know." "Then I'd say the parlor would be a good contender. Makes the most sense to me, given the amount of things //I've// heard in exchange for some empty sweet nothings." A salacious but proud smirk alights $o_herhistheir face. "Then again, Clan Harpoc seemed to be the opposite of fun - so I don't know if that holds for them." <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <<if $q_one>> <li>$info_label "What about the bank?"</li> <<else>> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What about the bank?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 50>><<set $q_one to true>><</link>></li> <</if>> <li>$info_label "What do you think?"</li> <li><<link "\"The parlor makes the most sense. What better way to learn secrets from people who will likely forget everything the next morning anyway? We should go find it on the third fourth border.\"" "Chapter4-BankSanctumDecision-Parlor">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Harpoc has always been discreet, and I can't see them changing for something as important as an entrance to their Sanctum. We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant.\"" "Chapter4-BankSanctumDecision-Shop">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>> <</switch>>

<<notify>> Autosaving...<</notify>> <<if $q_two is true>> "As much as it makes sense for the pathos parlor for //you//-" In the corner of your eye, you just see Oisein pout. "-Harpoc has always been discreet, and I can't see them doing anything different for something as important as the main entrance to their Sanctum." You nod your head with determination and turn to the blond sheevra. "We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant." <<else>> "Harpoc has always been discreet," you start, nodding your head with determination and turning to the blond sheevra. "I can't see them doing anything different for something as important as the main entrance to their Sanctum. We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant." <</if>> <<if not $q_two>> There's a nod as $o_shehethey turn$o_s the left side of $o_herhistheir face away from you and starts to fiddle with $o_herhistheir hair, drawing the bangs out as you feel a slight spark of magic. <</if>> "Fiiine," $o_shehethey whine$o_s. "Suppose that makes some sense. And a vacant, apparently haunted parlor wouldn't be very fun to visit anyway." "Don't know if your priorities are in the right order there." Oisein gives you a challenging, but gleeful look. "When have they ever been?" <<include "Chapter4-BankPath-Merge">>

<<notify>> Autosaving...<</notify>> <<if $q_two>> "I think you're right-" you start as you see Oisein brighten in the corner of your eye. "-the pathos parlor makes the most sense. What better way to learn secrets, than from people who will likely forget everything anyway?" "Exactly." Oisein grins, before the expression falters. <<else>> "The pathos parlor makes sense," you start. "What better way to learn secrets from people who will likely forget everything the next morning anyway? We should go find it on the third fourth border." <</if>> <<if not $q_two>> There's a nod as $o_shehethey turn$o_s the left side of $o_herhistheir face away from you and starts to fiddle with $o_herhistheir hair, drawing the bangs out as you feel a slight spark of magic. <</if>> "It's always how I've operated anyway. But now that I think of it, I suppose a vacant, apparently haunted parlor won't be //as// fun as I'm hoping to visit." "Don't know if your priorities are in the right order there." Oisein gives you a challenging, but gleeful look. "When have they ever been?" <<include "Chapter4-BankPath-Merge">>

There's an audible inhale as Oisein's shoulders lift, and $o_shehethey shake$o_s $o_herhistheir head as if to loosen $o_herhistheir own apprehension before stepping towards the door of your room. "Don't know about you, but I could use a drink - or five - and some food to help refill my magic. If we stick close by we should be okay." "Do you think you could have missed something?" you prod <<if $friendly > $aloof>>cautiously.<<else>>.<</if>> "Or maybe they're powerful enough to hide from a pulse?" "''No.'' Now that I've gotten a read on that strange magic, as off as it was, whoever it was would be hard pressed to hide from //me.//" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> stare$o_s at you with confidence. Hardened conviction eventually melts into a relaxed smile as $o_shehethey motion$o_s for the hall with a nod of $o_herhistheir head. "Care to join me for a quick bite?" <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"Still not sure we're in the clear, but I don't want to let Oisein go off on "+$o_herhistheir+" own."` "Chapter4-StayAwake">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "Honestly I could use some energy too after the day I've had. And staying together might be for the best, especially if Oisein is going to go downstairs anyway." "Chapter4-StayAwake">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <<if $h_date or $h_coy>> <li><<link `"I'll admit, part of me wonders about the Healer...would "+$h_shehe+" be waiting? I suppose someone ought to look after Oisein too if "+$o_shehethey+" insist"+$o_s+" on going downstairs."` "Chapter4-StayAwake">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "healerspecial">><</link>></li> <</if>> <li><<link `"What I really need is sleep. I don't like the idea of Oisein going off alone, though. Maybe I could convince "+$o_herhimthem+" to stay with me."` "Chapter4-GoToSleep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link `"I'm not too keen on going downstairs, but I don't want to stop Oisein if that's what "+$o_shehethey+" need"+$o_s+"."` "Chapter4-GoToSleep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> </ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $devotion -= 1>> <<if $choice is "first">> "I'm fine I-" you stare blankly ahead, trying to process the vivid things you saw. "Are you okay? Did you see that? Saor and the aurora and...the Sentiments aren't usually that strong, right?" Oisein just nods, steadying $o_herhistheir breathing and straightening, fingers moving to tangle within the cloth of $o_herhistheir shirt. "Not that I know of. And I don't...I don't think we saw the same thing." <<o_capthey>> clear$o_s $o_herhistheir throat and stretch<<o_es>> $o_herhistheir body upward before stepping toward you, scanning over your body with a hesitant look, as if expecting something to have gone awry. "What did you see, then?" you press. At your question $o_shehethey look$o_s to the ceiling, hands framing $o_herhistheir hips before a hand runs over $o_herhistheir hair. <<o_captheir>> eyes narrow as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to make sense of whatever images overtook $o_herhistheir mind, but eventually $o_shehethey sit$o_s next to you, the bed creaking under $o_herhistheir weight. <<o_captheir>> fingers curl into the blanket near your thigh, but $o_shehethey flail$o_s and remove$o_s it a second later, splaying it in an odd postion over $o_herhistheir waist. "It was uh...looked like a person." "A person?" "It was you. I saw you in the Arids. But it wasn't you. I don't know," his hand drifts upward to scratch at the back of his scalp as his lips purse together and he forces the words out of his lungs. "Something about - don't laugh - Entwined and then you were in the Arids and ... dunno. Fucking //Sentiments// is all I figure." //Entwined? Like the tug you felt?// <<elseif $choice is "second">> "I'm fine I-" you stare blankly ahead, trying to process the vivid things you saw. "That's uh…pretty powerful stuff isn't it?" You try to maintain some form of nonchalance while turning your attention back to your disappearing wounds. "...the Sentiments aren't usually that strong, right?" Oisein just nods, steadying $o_herhistheir breathing and straightening, fingers moving to tangle within the cloth of $o_herhistheir shirt. "Not that I know of. And I don't...I don't think we saw the same thing." <<o_capthey>> clear$o_s $o_herhistheir throat and stretch<<o_es>> $o_herhistheir body upward before stepping toward you, scanning over your body with a hesitant look, as if expecting something to have gone awry. "What did you see, then?" you press. At your question $o_shehethey look$o_s to the ceiling, hands framing $o_herhistheir hips before a hand runs over $o_herhistheir hair. <<o_captheir>> eyes narrow as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to make sense of whatever images overtook $o_herhistheir mind, but eventually $o_shehethey sit$o_s next to you, the bed creaking under $o_herhistheir weight. <<o_captheir>> fingers curl into the blanket near your thigh, but $o_shehethey flail$o_s and remove$o_s it a second later, splaying it in an odd postion over $o_herhistheir waist. "It was uh...looked like a person." "A person?" "It was you. I saw you in the Arids. But it wasn't you. I don't know," $o_herhistheir hand drifts upward to scratch at the back of $o_herhistheir scalp as $o_herhistheir lips purse together and $o_shehethey force$o_s the words out of $o_herhistheir lungs. "Something about - don't laugh - Entwined and then you were in the Arids and ... dunno. Fucking //Sentiments// is all I figure." //Entwined? Like the tug you felt?// <<elseif $choice is "third">> You say nothing at their question, which only deepens the lines of $o_herhistheir brow. But you can't seem to look away from Oisein, trying to make sense of the sensations you felt. At your silence, Oisein clears $o_herhistheir throat, steadying $o_herhistheir breathing and straightening while $o_herhistheir fingers move to tangle within the cloth of $o_herhistheir shirt. "Did you...see something? I've never felt a Sentiment that powerfully." You discover your voice again as $o_shehethey watch<<o_es>>. "Yeah I...it was Saor. <<if visited("Prologue-GoldChoice")>> I think...something from the first deal I ever made. <</if>> And...maybe something around the Equinox? There were auroras anyway." Oisein nods and stretches $o_herhistheir body upward before stepping toward you, scanning over your body with a hesitant look, as if expecting something to have gone awry. "Right. We definitely didn't see the same thing then." "What did you see?" you press. At your question $o_shehethey look$o_s to the ceiling, hands framing $o_herhistheir hips before a hand runs over $o_herhistheir hair. <<o_captheir>> eyes narrow as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to make sense of whatever images overtook $o_herhistheir mind, but eventually $o_shehethey sit$o_s next to you, the bed creaking under $o_herhistheir weight. <<o_captheir>> fingers curl into the blanket near your thigh, but $o_shehethey flail$o_s and remove$o_s it a second later, splaying it in an odd postion over $o_herhistheir waist. "It was uh...looked like a person." "A person?" "It was you. I saw you in the Arids. But it wasn't you. I don't know," $o_herhistheir hand drifts upward to scratch at the back of $o_herhistheir scalp as $o_herhistheir lips purse together and $o_shehethey force$o_s the words out of $o_herhistheir lungs. "Something about - don't laugh - Entwined and then you were in the Arids and ... dunno. Fucking //Sentiments// is all I figure." //Entwined? Like the tug you felt?// <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> "Did that do the trick?" you ask as calmly as you can manage, trying to push the odd memories from your mind. At your dismissal, Oisein clears $o_herhistheir throat, though there's a slight flush and a self-conscious grimace that worms its way over $o_herhistheir features. <<o_capthey>> takes another moment, steadying $o_herhistheir breathing and straightening while $o_herhistheir fingers move to tangle within the cloth of $o_herhistheir shirt. "Did you...see something? I've never felt a Sentiment that powerfully." You busy yourself with surveying the patterns on the bed as $o_shehethey watch<<o_es>>. "Yeah I...it was Saor. <<if visited("Prologue-GoldChoice")>> I think...something from the first deal I ever made. <</if>> And...maybe something around the Equinox? There were auroras anyway." Oisein nods and stretches $o_herhistheir body upward before stepping toward you, scanning over your body with a hesitant look, as if expecting something to have gone awry. "Right. We definitely didn't see the same thing then." "What did you see?" you press. At your question $o_shehethey look$o_s to the ceiling, hands framing $o_herhistheir hips before a hand runs over $o_herhistheir hair. <<o_captheir>> eyes narrow as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to make sense of whatever images overtook $o_herhistheir mind, but eventually $o_shehethey sit$o_s next to you, the bed creaking under $o_herhistheir weight. <<o_captheir>> fingers curl into the blanket near your thigh, but $o_shehethey flail$o_s and remove$o_s it a second later, splaying it in an odd postion over $o_herhistheir waist. "It was uh...looked like a person." "A person?" "It was you. I saw you in the Arids. But it wasn't you. I don't know," $o_herhistheir hand drifts upward to scratch at the back of $o_herhistheir scalp as $o_herhistheir lips purse together and $o_shehethey force$o_s the words out of $o_herhistheir lungs. "Something about - don't laugh - Entwined and then you were in the Arids and ... dunno. Fucking //Sentiments// is all I figure." //Entwined? Like the tug you felt?// <</if>> At your silence, Oisein turns toward you, teeth digging into $o_herhistheir bottom lip as $o_shehethey give$o_s you another once-over. <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> "Sorry, I...I panicked a little and used a Devotion of yours to boost my healing magic. But it seems to have worked, right? You'll tell me if something feels off?" "Devot-" <<else>> "But it seems to have worked right? You'll tell me if something feels off?" <</if>> You look down at $o_herhistheir question, hands brushing over your shoulders and the singed edges of cloth, fingertips grazing over your cheek where a cut once was. You're not even sure where you were hurt - but you do know that some of the exhaustion has ebbed, your magic revitalized and thrumming again in your blood. Getting your bearings again, you look around the room as you stand and make your way over to the dresser, the last, clinging droplets of Devotion rolling within its now empty container. You can only ignore your reflection for so long, not wanting to confront how much color has drained from your face. <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> //A hood inches away from you. A face you can't see.// <<else>> //And what do you think this world is?// <</if>> You look up to see your face dirtied, but not as injured as you would've expected. There's a small bit of dirt freckling your cheek, and the hint of a bruise near your eye - sped through the healing process by the burst of magic that flowed through your body. <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> //I'm going to revive this world. Remember that// <<else>> //Do you think we've done enough? That what we're doing is right?// <</if>> "$pc_name?" <<o_captheir>> voice reels you back, brow lifted and a nervous hand clenching the blanket while $o_shehethey watch<<o_es>> you. <<o_captheir>> pupils flicker to where your skin stretches taut over your knuckles, the indent of your fingers into your palm finally registering as pain. Consciously, and as casually as you can, you will the tension away from your arm and away from your wrist, trying to breathe it out into the stagnant air of the room. It shudders through your elbow and over your shoulder, but you're able to control it just enough to stretch out your fingers, resting your hand softly against the dresser again. "Yeah I'm- I'm good. More than good. Thank you." Oisein nods solemnly, $o_herhistheir sunken demeanor a foreign thing on $o_herhistheir usually bright face. <<o_capthey>> watch<<o_es>> you curiously, but before you can respond - mouth agape and words about what you saw forming in your throat - Oisein closes $o_herhistheir eyes and roll$o_s $o_herhistheir shoulders with a sigh, a faint heartbeat of pathos magic starting to emanate out. You take a step toward $o_herhimthem but pause, light, shuddering music pinging against your consciouness where you know to look. "What are you doing?" "Pulsing," he responds without opening his eyes, lips screwing together into an odd frown as his eyes tighten. "Want to make sure we weren't followed." <<if $leanhaun>> "You don't have to," you say with exasperation as magic begins to blossom inside your chest to begin a pathos pulse instead of Oisein. <<else>> "You don't have to," you say with exasperation. <</if>> "You've already-" "No, but I want to," $o_shehethey reassure$o_s as a single eye opens to a squint before closing again. "Take a second to clear your head, Sanctin knows you need it more than I do. Then you can tell me what happened. Deal?" A chuckle escapes you at $o_herhistheir wording even as Oisein stubbornly continues to pathos pulse, You hear the strain of magic rushing past you and into the walls and floors - planting a song into the minds of the mortalis that will no doubt be stuck in their heads for at least the next hour. The blond tilts $o_herhistheir head as if to direct the tune, eyes tightening before $o_shehethey tuck$o_s $o_herhistheir chin to $o_herhistheir chest in focus. "Go on," $o_shehethey insist$o_s, head still craned downward but nodding wordlessly toward the bathroom. <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"I don't say anything, but give Oisein's shoulder a grateful squeeze as I pass "+$o_herhimthem+"."` "Ch4-Bank-BathMerge">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "\"Don't strain yourself,\" I tease, though there's a clear worry and care in my tone." "Ch4-Bank-BathMerge">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "\"Thanks,\" I say quietly. \"Again.\"" "Ch4-Bank-BathMerge">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "I keep quiet and make my way into the other room." "Ch4-Bank-BathMerge">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> </ul> <</switch>>

The smell of vanilla and butter (The Albatross, says your thoughts) begins to whisper against your nose, weighing closer and becoming more fragrant by the second. You blink. Then blink again, expecting Oisein's face and the thick rafters to meet you. But the Sentiment won't be pulled from your senses that easily. The scent slips away, magic threading over your heart while the other underlying smell of pastries and barley acquiesces, instead guiding you to the smell of- - juniper and citrus. The same smell as- Ginger curls appear first, flickering - you swear - into honey-blond waves. The figure standing on the balcony of one of Saor's Earth rings is turned toward the far canyon wall, a waterfall plummeting to the ground in the distance and the wind surging through the wide, green leaves that bow away from the rushing water. Fine mists are carried farther on the winds in the valley today, and their outline is haloed by the droplets reflecting sun. They lean forward over the railing, elbows resting on the damp stone and fingers tracing a pattern along their arm as they kick at the ground with the ball of their foot. You watch them, fondness blooming in your chest and growing into words you want, //need//, to say. Closing the distance, your hand finds the small of their back, warm to the touch against the cool air. Gr- Lavender eyes meet yours and you find Oisein in $o_herhistheir mortalis form turning quickly in your direction. First shock fills $o_herhistheir eyes at the touch, a bright violet erupting in $o_herhistheir soft pupils. But $o_herhistheir face softens when recognition sweeps across it, planting a smile on $o_herhistheir lips. "I was waiting for you." "Hopefully not too long?" you respond in a memory that isn't yours. Oisein hums, $o_herhistheir earring shining bright specks of gold across $o_herhistheir clothes as $o_shehethey tilt$o_s $o_herhistheir head and shrug$o_s. "I'd wait a lot longer, if that makes you feel any better." Somewhere in your periphery the day sets, the night sky sweeping over the two of you, charge led by the silvery sliver of the moon. The distant waterfall still rushes down into a pool that glimmers like a collection of navy diamonds, fine mist settling to rest on the canyon floor. A mixture of the city's lights and the stars reflect against the stone now- -along with the colors of the aurora in the sky, its vibrancy unlike anything you've ever seen. Both of your faces turn upward to meet the vision. Where your memories only paint the dancing light in turquoise and greens, this particular sky is broken up by what you imagine must be every color in existence. Bright fuchsia and gold and orange and bronze and violet crash together with a manic fervor, rolling and dancing over each other and spreading like a million, billion threads to every corner of the heavens. Every other sight and sound seems muted, somehow, shyly making way for the celestial beacons. Oisein turns to you with amazement etched into the lines of $o_herhistheir face, and to you, even the aurora has to surrender to $o_herhimthem. Without you realizing, your hand moves upward to $o_herhistheir face as your own laughter rings between the two of you. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> doesn't flinch or move, waiting patiently for your hand to connect and when it does, $o_herhistheir lips curl back to show $o_herhistheir teeth as the grin widens. A freckled hand comes up to envelop yours, holding it against $o_herhistheir heated skin as $o_herhistheir eyelids set against the stars in $o_herhistheir eyes. Something tugs fiercely against your sternum, coiling around your ribs and connecting you to the $o_gender in front of you. //But that's impossible...to feel Entwined you'd have to have-// //Come back,// says a desperate voice that sounds like Oisein. But not this Oisein. You smooth the crest of $o_herhistheir cheekbones with your thumb, trace the curve beneath $o_herhistheir eye and draw a path through the labyrinth of freckles back to the soft spot in front of $o_herhistheir ear. The mist places cool pinpricks on your neck and along your jaw, reaching up towards your temples while that same damp coolness shines on Oisein's skin and along $o_herhistheir golden hair. Reaching for the back of $o_herhistheir neck past the strands floating above your fingers, you pull $o_herhimthem closer, and closer still, until you feel your foreheads softly touch. Your other hand comes up to frame $o_herhistheir face, vision engulfed in the muted colors of dusk reflecting through $o_herhistheir eyes. "How long?" you ask. "Was I waiting? A good twenty minutes, probably." You huff. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> chuckle$o_s. "Through this life and all my lifetimes ahead," Oisein whispers without hesitation, words hovering in the breath you now share. "Though I'd prefer if they were //our// lifetimes." <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> hand comes to meet your hip, fingers pressing above the bone to pull you flush against $o_herhimthem, face tilting again and- The smell of juniper and the feel of satiny hair evaporate from your senses as you hear a ''//THUD//'', just before Saor begins to disintegrate. The aurora shatters, the waterfall recedes into the sky, torn leaves surging after it and into the wooden beams of your room's ceiling. And somewhere, you swear you feel the heat of the Arids painted over your arm. You blink again, but this time the memory doesn't return, slipping into the air and out of your grasp. There's a noise - breathing - that you realize aligns with the rise and fall of your chest as you find your bearings again. Renescen. The Lucky Albatross. Your room, on the bed where Oisein laid you down. <<linkreplace "Oisein-">> Oisein- With a disorienting sense of clarity, you try to find the source of the sound that pulled you from your reverie, only to find Oisein backed up near the window by a toppled chair. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> body is folded over, lower back digging into the stretched fabric of the curtain and pinning it to the wall, hands reaching to grip $o_herhistheir knees below stiff, straight arms. Ragged breaths come in through $o_herhistheir nose, out through $o_herhistheir mouth, and $o_shehethey wipe$o_s a shivering hand down $o_herhistheir face and rests it over $o_herhistheir lips. "Ois-" Just the first syllable jolts through his frame as his head snaps up. When he locks his gaze to yours, you realize that his freckles blend in more with his tanned skin than usual, due in no small part to the rose color spreading down his cheeks and into his neck. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> clamp$o_s $o_herhistheir lips together and inhale$o_s through $o_herhistheir nose, shoulders rising. You don't see - or hear - an exhale as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>freeze<<else>>freezes<</if>>. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Do you- I mean… did you see those memories?\" I practically squeak out." "Ch4-Bank-OEmbarrassed">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"That's uh…pretty powerful stuff isn't it?\" I try to say with some form of nonchalance while turning my attention back to my wounds, if only to avoid looking at Oisein." "Ch4-Bank-OEmbarrassed">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I say nothing, but can't seem to look away from Oisein, the heat rising in my face as well." "Ch4-Bank-OEmbarrassed">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"Did that do the trick?\" I ask as calmly as I can manage, trying to push the odd memories from my mind." "Ch4-Bank-OEmbarrassed">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> </ul> <</linkreplace>>

The smell of vanilla and butter (The Albatross, says your thoughts) begins to whisper against your nose, weighing closer and becoming more fragrant by the second. You blink. Then blink again, expecting Oisein's face and the thick rafters to meet you. But the Sentiment won't be pulled from your senses that easily. The scent slips away, magic threading over your heart while the other underlying smell of pastries and barley acquiesces, instead guiding you to the smell of- - juniper and citrus. The same smell as- Ginger curls appear first, flickering - you swear - into honey-blond waves. The figure standing on the balcony of one of Saor's Earth rings is turned toward the far canyon wall, a waterfall plummeting to the ground in the distance and the wind surging through the wide, green leaves that bow away from the rushing water. Fine mists are carried farther on the winds in the valley today, and their outline is haloed by the droplets reflecting sun. They lean forward over the railing, elbows resting on the damp stone and fingers tracing a pattern along their arm as they kick at the ground with the ball of their foot. You watch them and close the distance between you, the echo of your steps drawing their attention. Gr- Lavender eyes meet yours and you find Oisein in $o_herhistheir mortalis form turning quickly in your direction. First shock fills $o_herhistheir eyes at the touch, a bright violet erupting in $o_herhistheir soft pupils. But when recognition sweeps around $o_herhistheir face and plants a smile on $o_herhistheir lips, the colors of dusk settle into the devoted look $o_shehethey give$o_s. "I was waiting for you." "Hopefully not too long?" you respond in a memory that isn't yours. Oisein hums, $o_herhistheir earring shining bright specks of gold across $o_herhistheir clothes as $o_shehethey tilt$o_s $o_herhistheir head and shrug$o_s. "I'd wait a lot longer, if that makes you feel any better." Somewhere in your periphery the day sets, the night sky sweeping over the two of you, charge led by the silvery sliver of the moon. The distant waterfall still rushes down into a pool that glimmers like a collection of navy diamonds, fine mist settling to rest on the canyon floor. A mixture of the city's lights and the stars reflect against the stone now- -along with the colors of the aurora in the sky, its vibrancy unlike anything you've ever seen. Both of your faces turn upward to meet the vision. Where your memories only paint the dancing light in turquoise and greens, this particular sky is broken up by what you imagine must be every color in existence. Bright fuchsia and gold and orange and bronze and violet crash together with a manic fervor, rolling and dancing over each other and spreading like a million, billion threads to every corner of the heavens. Every other sight and sound seems muted, somehow, shyly making way for the celestial beacons. Oisein remains, awe etched into the lines of $o_herhistheir face as eyes dart throughout the sky. The two of you stand together, the water at the base of the falls still churning and spraying the mists towards the city. Oisein turns to the cliffs, and then to the sea, before $o_shehethey lean$o_s backwards off of the stone. Arms stretch upward and features scrunch together as the ivory cloth reveals a small band of tanned skin above $o_herhistheir waistline. When $o_herhistheir arms drop again, $o_shehethey look$o_s to you. The smile is still there, but it's shifted somehow. Something downcast taints the devotion from before, $o_herhistheir eyes drifting downward. You'd call it misery, but what could have caused it? Something tugs fiercely against your sternum, coiling around your ribs and connecting you to the $o_gender in front of you. //But that's impossible...to feel Entwined you'd have to have-// //Come back,// says a desperate voice that sounds like Oisein. But not this Oisein. You take a step closer and Oisein flinches, though $o_shehethey stand$o_s $o_herhistheir ground. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> watches you curiously, uncertain with your movements and your approach. Silence hovers in the air and floats on the mist, whispering sorrows on the dancing bands of light above you until $o_shehethey turn$o_s away again. "Can I ask you something?" You nod. Oisein opens $o_herhistheir mouth - -just as juniper evaporates from your senses alongside a ''//THUD//'', right before Saor begins to disintegrate. The aurora shatters, the waterfall recedes into the sky, torn leaves surging after it and into the wooden beams of your room's ceiling. You blink again, but this time the memory doesn't return, slipping into the air and out of your grasp. And somewhere, you swear you feel the heat of the Arids painted over your arm. There's a noise - breathing - that you realize aligns with the rise and fall of your chest as you find your bearings again. Renescen. The Lucky Albatross. Your room, on the bed where Oisein laid you down. <<linkreplace "Oisein-">> Oisein- With a disorienting sense of clarity, you try to find the source of the sound that pulled you from your reverie, only to find Oisein backed up near the window by a toppled chair. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> body is folded over, lower back digging into the stretched fabric of the curtain and pinning it to the wall, hands reaching to grip $o_herhistheir knees below stiff, straight arms. Ragged breaths come in through $o_herhistheir nose, out through $o_herhistheir mouth, and $o_shehethey wipe$o_s a shivering hand down $o_herhistheir face and rests it over $o_herhistheir lips. "Ois-" Just the first syllable jolts through $o_herhistheir frame as $o_herhistheir head snaps up. When $o_shehethey lock$o_s $o_herhistheir gaze to yours, you realize that $o_herhistheir freckles blend in more with $o_herhistheir tanned skin than usual, due in no small part to the dark red spreading down $o_herhistheir cheeks and into $o_herhistheir neck. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> clamp$o_s $o_herhistheir lips together and inhale$o_s through $o_herhistheir nose, shoulders rising. You don't see -or hear- an exhale as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>freeze<<else>>freezes<</if>>. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Do you- I mean… did you see those memories?\" I practically squeak out." "Ch4-Bank-OEmbarrassed">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"That's uh…pretty powerful stuff isn't it?\" I try to say with some form of nonchalance while turning my attention back to my wounds, if only to avoid looking at Oisein." "Ch4-Bank-OEmbarrassed">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I say nothing, but can't seem to look away from Oisein, the heat rising in my face as well." "Ch4-Bank-OEmbarrassed">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"Did that do the trick?\" I ask as calmly as I can manage, trying to push the odd memories from my mind." "Ch4-Bank-OEmbarrassed">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> </ul> <</linkreplace>>

The smell of vanilla and butter (The Albatross, says your thoughts) begins to whisper against your nose, weighing closer and becoming more fragrant by the second. You blink. Then blink again, expecting Oisein's face and the thick rafters to meet you. But the Sentiment won't be pulled from your senses that easily. The scent slips away, magic threading over your heart while the other underlying smell of pastries and barley acquiesces, instead guiding you to the smell of- - juniper and citrus. The same smell as- Ginger curls appear first, flickering - you swear - into honey-blond waves. The figure standing on the balcony of one of Saor's Earth rings is turned toward the far canyon wall, a waterfall plummeting to the ground in the distance and the wind surging through the wide, green leaves that bow away from the rushing water. Fine mists are carried farther on the winds in the valley today, and their outline is haloed by the droplets reflecting sun. They lean forward over the railing, elbows resting on the damp stone and fingers tracing a pattern along their arm as they kick at the ground with the ball of their foot. You watch them and close the distance between you, the echo of your steps drawing their attention. Gr- Lavender eyes meet yours and you find Oisein in $o_herhistheir mortalis form turning quickly in your direction. First shock fills $o_herhistheir eyes at the touch, a bright violet erupting in $o_herhistheir soft pupils. But $o_herhistheir face softens when recognition sweeps across it, planting a smile on $o_herhistheir lips. "I was waiting for you." "Hopefully not too long?" you respond in a memory that isn't yours. Oisein hums, $o_herhistheir earring shining bright specks of gold across $o_herhistheir clothes as $o_shehethey tilt$o_s $o_herhistheir head and shrug$o_s. "I'd wait a lot longer, if that makes you feel any better." The two of you stand together, watching the water at the base of the falls churn and spray the mists towards the city. Oisein leans backwards off of the stone, arms stretching upward and face scrunched together as the ivory cloth reveals a small band of tanned skin above $o_herhistheir waistline. When $o_herhistheir arms drop again, $o_shehethey look$o_s to you. The smile is still there, but it's shifted somehow. Something mischievous is laced in the devotion from before, $o_herhistheir eyes creasing as the smile widens. "I'm glad we met, you know," $o_shehethey say$o_s warmly. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> hand reaches for your forearm and gives a small squeeze while $o_shehethey hold$o_s your gaze. "Thank you." "For what?" "For-" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> expression morphs to one of embarrassment and $o_shehethey draw$o_s $o_herhistheir hand away. "-being…there?" The blond gives what can only be described as a disgusted noise as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>scratch<<else>>scratches<</if>> at $o_herhistheir cheek before fumbling with a loose bit of hair. Something tugs fiercely against your sternum, coiling around your ribs and connecting you to the $o_gender in front of you. //But that's impossible...to feel Entwined you'd have to have-// //Come back,// says a desperate voice that sounds like Oisein. But not this Oisein. Somewhere in your periphery the day sets, the night sky sweeping over the two of you, charge led by the silvery sliver of the moon. The distant waterfall still rushes down into a pool that glimmers like a collection of navy diamonds, fine mist settling to rest on the canyon floor. A mixture of the city's lights and the stars reflect against the stone now- -along with the colors of the aurora in the sky, its vibrancy unlike anything you've ever seen. Both of your faces turn upward to meet the vision. Where your memories only paint the dancing light in turquoise and greens, this particular sky is broken up by what you imagine must be every color in existence. Bright fuchsia and gold and orange and bronze and violet crash together with a manic fervor, rolling and dancing over each other and spreading like a million, billion threads to every corner of the heavens. Every other sight and sound seems muted, somehow, shyly making way for the celestial beacons. Oisein turns to you with amazement etched into the lines of $o_herhistheir face, and to you, even the aurora has to surrender to $o_herhimthem. You take a step closer and $o_shehethey flinches at the movement, before a strained and embarrassed laugh. At your pause $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> you curiously, uncertain with your intent and your approach, but a cautious invitation still open on $o_herhistheir features. Without you realizing, your hand moves upward to $o_herhistheir face as silence hovers between you and clings to the mist. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> waits, a perfect stillness in $o_herhistheir body now, for your hand to connect and when it does, $o_herhistheir eyes only widen. After a moment that seems like both a heartbeat and an eternity, a freckled hand comes up to envelop yours, holding it against $o_herhistheir heated skin as $o_herhistheir eyelids set against the sun in $o_herhistheir eyes. You smooth the crest of $o_herhistheir cheekbones with your thumb, trace the curve beneath $o_herhistheir eye and draw a path through the labyrinth of freckles back to the soft spot in front of $o_herhistheir ear. The mist places cool pinpricks on your neck and along your jaw, reaching up towards your temples while that same damp coolness shines on Oisein's skin and along $o_herhistheir golden hair. Reaching for the back of $o_herhistheir neck past the strands floating above your fingers, you pull $o_herhimthem closer, and closer still, until you feel your foreheads softly touch. Your other hand comes up to frame $o_herhistheir face, vision engulfed in the muted colors of dusk reflecting through $o_herhistheir eyes. "$pc_name?" comes the eager whisper, floating in the breath you share. You watch $o_herhimthem, fondness blooming in your chest and growing into words you want to say. When had that seed appeared, in the hidden alcove behind your heart? You open your mouth to tell $o_herhimthem- Just as the smell of juniper and the feel of satiny hair evaporate from your senses as you hear a ''//THUD//'', and Saor begins to disintegrate. The stones fall away, the waterfall recedes into the sky, torn leaves surging after it and into the wooden beams of your room's ceiling. You blink again, but this time the memory doesn't return, slipping into the air and out of your grasp. And somewhere, you swear you feel the heat of the Arids painted over your arm. There's a noise - breathing - that you realize aligns with the rise and fall of your chest as you find your bearings again. Renescen. The Lucky Albatross. Your room, on the bed where Oisein laid you down. <<linkreplace "Oisein-">> Oisein- With a disorienting sense of clarity, you try to find the source of the sound that pulled you from your reverie, only to find Oisein backed up near the window by a toppled chair. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> body is folded over, lower back digging into the stretched fabric of the curtain and pinning it to the wall, hands reaching to grip $o_herhistheir knees below stiff, straight arms. Ragged breaths come in through $o_herhistheir nose, out through $o_herhistheir mouth, and $o_shehethey wipe$o_s a shivering hand down $o_herhistheir face and rests it over $o_herhistheir lips. "Ois-" Just the first syllable jolts through his frame as his head snaps up. When he lock his gaze to yours, you realize that his freckles blend in more with his tanned skin than usual, due in no small part to the rose color spreading down his cheeks and into his neck. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> clamp$o_s $o_herhistheir lips together and inhale$o_s through $o_herhistheir nose, shoulders rising. You don't see - or hear - an exhale as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>freeze<<else>>freezes<</if>>. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Do you- I mean… did you see those memories?\" I practically squeak out." "Ch4-Bank-OEmbarrassed">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"That's uh…pretty powerful stuff isn't it?\" I try to say with some form of nonchalance while turning my attention back to my wounds, if only to avoid looking at Oisein." "Ch4-Bank-OEmbarrassed">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I say nothing, but can't seem to look away from Oisein, the heat rising in my face as well." "Ch4-Bank-OEmbarrassed">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"Did that do the trick?\" I ask as calmly as I can manage, trying to push the odd memories from my mind." "Ch4-Bank-OEmbarrassed">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> </ul> <</linkreplace>>

The smell of vanilla and butter (The Albatross, says your thoughts) begins to whisper against your nose, weighing closer and becoming more fragrant by the second. You blink. Then blink again, expecting Oisein's face and the thick rafters to meet you. But the Sentiment won't be pulled from your senses that easily. The scent slips away, magic threading over your heart while the other underlying smell of pastries and barley acquiesces, instead guiding you to the smell of- - juniper and citrus. The same smell as- Ginger curls appear first, flickering - you swear - into honey-blond waves. The figure standing on the balcony of one of Saor's Earth rings is turned toward the far canyon wall, a waterfall plummeting to the ground in the distance and the wind surging through the wide, green leaves that bow away from the rushing water. Fine mists are carried farther on the winds in the valley today, and their outline is haloed by the droplets reflecting sun. They lean forward over the railing, elbows resting on the damp stone and fingers tracing a pattern along their arm as they kick at the ground with the ball of their foot. You watch them and close the distance between you, the echo of your steps drawing their attention. Gr- Lavender eyes meet yours and you find Oisein in $o_herhistheir mortalis form turning quickly in your direction. First shock fills $o_herhistheir eyes at the touch, a bright violet erupting in $o_herhistheir soft pupils. But when recognition sweeps around $o_herhistheir face and plants a smile on $o_herhistheir lips, the colors of dusk settle into the devoted look $o_shehethey give$o_s. "I was waiting for you." "Hopefully not too long?" you respond in a memory that isn't yours. Oisein hums, $o_herhistheir earring shining bright specks of gold across $o_herhistheir clothes as $o_shehethey tilt$o_s $o_herhistheir head and shrug$o_s. "I'd wait a lot longer, if that makes you feel any better." The two of you stand together, watching the water at the base of the falls churn and spray the mists towards the city. Oisein leans backwards off of the stone, arms stretching upward and face scrunched together as the ivory cloth reveals a small band of tanned skin above $o_herhistheir waistline. When $o_herhistheir arms drop again, $o_shehethey look$o_s to you. "I'm glad we met, you know," $o_shehethey say$o_s warmly. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> hand reaches for your forearm and gives a small squeeze while $o_shehethey hold$o_s your gaze. "Thank you." "For what?" "For-" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> expression morphs to one of embarrassment and $o_shehethey draw$o_s $o_herhistheir hand away. "-being…there?" The blond gives what can only be described as a disgusted noise as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>scratch<<else>>scratches<</if>> at $o_herhistheir cheek before fumbling with a loose bit of hair. //Come back,// says a desperate voice that sounds like Oisein. But not this Oisein. Somewhere in your periphery the day sets, the night sky sweeping over the two of you, charge led by the silvery sliver of the moon. The distant waterfall still rushes down into a pool that glimmers like a collection of navy diamonds, fine mist settling to rest on the canyon floor. A mixture of the city's lights and the stars reflect against the stone now- -along with the colors of the aurora in the sky, its vibrancy unlike anything you've ever seen. Both of your faces turn upward to meet the vision. Where your memories only paint the dancing light in turquoise and greens, this particular sky is broken up by what you imagine must be every color in existence. Bright fuchsia and gold and orange and bronze and violet crash together with a manic fervor, rolling and dancing over each other and spreading like a million, billion threads to every corner of the heavens. Every other sight and sound seems muted, somehow, shyly making way for the celestial beacons. Oisein turns to you with amazement etched into the lines of $o_herhistheir face, and even the aurora has to surrender to $o_herhimthem. Something tugs fiercely against your sternum, coiling around your ribs and connecting you to the $o_gender in front of you. Recognition alights in Oisein's eyes at the same time, a hesistant hand raising to $o_herhistheir chest as if to weave $o_herhistheir fingers through the strings. //But that's impossible...to feel Entwined you'd have to have-// "$pc_name?" Oisein's voice shakes you from your reverie, $o_herhistheir furrowed brow a deparature from the look of wonder that filled $o_herhistheir features a moment before. <<o_capthey>> lift$o_s $o_herhistheir wrist out toward you, as if to pluck the connecting chords. But before a note rings out, $o_herhistheir shifting expression evaporates from your senses as you hear a ''//THUD//'', and Saor begins to disintegrate. The stones fall away, the waterfall recedes into the sky, torn leaves surging after it and into the wooden beams of your room's ceiling. You blink again, but this time the memory doesn't return, slipping into the air and out of your grasp. And somewhere, you swear you feel the heat of the Arids painted over your arm. There's a noise - breathing - that you realize aligns with the rise and fall of your chest as you find your bearings again. Renescen. The Lucky Albatross. Your room, on the bed where Oisein laid you down. <<linkreplace "Oisein-">> Oisein- With a disorienting sense of clarity, you try to find the source of the sound that pulled you from your reverie, only to find Oisein backed up near the window by a toppled chair. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> body is folded over, lower back digging into the stretched fabric of the curtain and pinning it to the wall, hands reaching to grip $o_herhistheir knees below stiff, straight arms. Ragged breaths come in through $o_herhistheir nose, out through $o_herhistheir mouth, and $o_shehethey wipe$o_s a shivering hand down $o_herhistheir face and rests it against $o_herhistheir chest. "Ois-" Just the first syllable strikes through his frame as his head snaps up. When he locks his gaze to yours, you see the sheen of sweat blending across his tanned skin, plunging over his cheeks and into his neck. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> clamp$o_s $o_herhistheir lips together and inhale$o_s through $o_herhistheir nose, shoulders rising. "Hey - Sorry - are you back? Are you alright?" <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Did you see that? Saor and the aurora and -\"" "Ch4-Bank-OChill">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"That's uh…pretty powerful stuff isn't it?\" I try to say with some form of nonchalance while turning my attention back to my wounds, if only to avoid looking at Oisein." "Ch4-Bank-OChill">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I say nothing, but can't seem to look away from Oisein, trying to make sense of the sensations I felt." "Ch4-Bank-OChill">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"Did that do the trick?\" I ask as calmly as I can manage, trying to push the odd memories from my mind." "Ch4-Bank-OChill">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> </ul> <</linkreplace>>

The smell of vanilla and butter (The Albatross, says your thoughts) begins to whisper against your nose, weighing closer and becoming more fragrant by the second. You blink. Then blink again, expecting Oisein's face and the thick rafters to meet you. But the Sentiment won't be pulled from your senses that easily. The scent slips away, magic threading over your heart while the other underlying smell of pastries and barley acquiesces, instead guiding you to the smell of- - juniper and citrus. The same smell as- Ginger curls appear first, flickering - you swear - into honey-blond waves. The figure standing on the balcony of one of Saor's Earth rings is turned toward the far canyon wall, a waterfall plummeting to the ground in the distance and the wind surging through the wide, green leaves that bow away from the rushing water. Fine mists are carried farther on the winds in the valley today, and their outline is haloed by the droplets reflecting sun. They lean forward over the railing, elbows resting on the damp stone and fingers tracing a pattern along their arm as they kick at the ground with the ball of their foot. You watch them and close the distance between you, the echo of your steps drawing their attention. Gr- Lavender eyes meet yours and you find Oisein in $o_herhistheir mortalis form turning quickly in your direction. First shock fills $o_herhistheir eyes, a bright violet erupting in $o_herhistheir soft pupils. But when recognition sweeps around $o_herhistheir face, the colors of dusk settle into the pensive look $o_shehethey give$o_s. "I was waiting for you." "Hopefully not too long?" you respond in a memory that isn't yours. Oisein hums, $o_herhistheir earring shining bright specks of gold across $o_herhistheir clothes as $o_shehethey tilt$o_s $o_herhistheir head and shrug$o_s. "Something tells me I'd wait a lot longer." The two of you stand together, watching the water at the base of the falls churn and spray the mists towards the city. Oisein leans backwards off of the stone, arms stretching upward and face scrunched together as the ivory cloth reveals a small band of tanned skin above $o_herhistheir waistline. When $o_herhistheir arms drop again, $o_shehethey look$o_s to you. "I think we were supposed to meet, you know" $o_shehethey say$o_s carefully, voice brittle. "What do you mean?" "I saw you-" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> expression morphs to one of embarrassment and $o_shehethey draw$o_s $o_herhistheir hand away. "-in my Haze. I know we didn't meet much after but-" The blond gives what can only be described as a disgusted noise as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>scratch<<else>>scratches<</if>> at $o_herhistheir cheek before fumbling with a loose bit of hair. Memory flickers over you "I remembering seeing you too." <<o_capthey>> look$o_s to you, expression warm and welcoming - familiar. //Come back,// says a desperate voice that sounds like Oisein. But not this Oisein. Somewhere in your periphery the day sets, the night sky sweeping over the two of you, charge led by the silvery sliver of the moon. The distant waterfall still rushes down into a pool that glimmers like a collection of navy diamonds, fine mist settling to rest on the canyon floor. A mixture of the city's lights and the stars reflect against the stone now- -along with the colors of the aurora in the sky, its vibrancy unlike anything you've ever seen. Both of your faces turn upward to meet the vision. Where your memories only paint the dancing light in turquoise and greens, this particular sky is broken up by what you imagine must be every color in existence. Bright fuchsia and gold and orange and bronze and violet crash together with a manic fervor, rolling and dancing over each other and spreading like a million, billion threads to every corner of the heavens. Every other sight and sound seems muted, somehow, shyly making way for the celestial beacons. Amazement etches into the lines of Oisein's face, and to you, even the aurora has to surrender to $o_herhimthem. Something tugs fiercely against your sternum, coiling around your ribs and connecting you to the $o_gender in front of you. Recognition alights in Oisein's eyes at the same time, a hesistant hand raising to $o_herhistheir chest as if to weave $o_herhistheir fingers through the strings. //But that's impossible...to feel Entwined you'd have to have-// "$pc_name?" Oisein's voice shakes you from your reverie, $o_herhistheir furrowed brow a deparature from the look of wonder that filled $o_herhistheir features a moment before. <<o_capthey>> lift$o_s $o_herhistheir wrist out toward you, as if to pluck the connecting chords. But before a note rings out, $o_herhistheir shifting expression evaporates from your senses as you hear a ''//THUD//'', and Saor begins to disintegrate. The stones fall away, the waterfall recedes into the sky, torn leaves surging after it and into the wooden beams of your room's ceiling. You blink again, but this time the memory doesn't return, slipping into the air and out of your grasp. And somewhere, you swear you feel the heat of the Arids painted over your arm. There's a noise - breathing - that you realize aligns with the rise and fall of your chest as you find your bearings again. Renescen. The Lucky Albatross. Your room, on the bed where Oisein laid you down. <<linkreplace "Oisein-">> Oisein- With a disorienting sense of clarity, you try to find the source of the sound that pulled you from your reverie, only to find Oisein backed up near the window by a toppled chair. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> body is folded over, lower back digging into the stretched fabric of the curtain and pinning it to the wall, hands reaching to grip $o_herhistheir knees below stiff, straight arms. Ragged breaths come in through $o_herhistheir nose, out through $o_herhistheir mouth, and $o_shehethey wipe$o_s a shivering hand down $o_herhistheir face and rests it against $o_herhistheir chest. "Ois-" Just the first syllable strikes through his frame as his head snaps up. When he locks his gaze to yours, you see the sheen of sweat blending across his tanned skin, plunging over his cheeks and into his neck. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> clamp$o_s $o_herhistheir lips together and inhale$o_s through $o_herhistheir nose, shoulders rising. "Hey - Sorry - are you back? Are you alright?" <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Did you see that? Saor and the aurora and -\"" "Ch4-Bank-OChill">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"That's uh…pretty powerful stuff isn't it?\" I try to say with some form of nonchalance while turning my attention back to my wounds, if only to avoid looking at Oisein." "Ch4-Bank-OChill">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I say nothing, but can't seem to look away from Oisein, trying to make sense of the sensations I felt." "Ch4-Bank-OChill">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"Did that do the trick?\" I ask as calmly as I can manage, trying to push the odd memories from my mind." "Ch4-Bank-OChill">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> </ul> <</linkreplace>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $devotion -= 1>> <<if $choice is "first">> Heat builds rapidly around you and for a moment you could swear your back at the bank, fire edging nearer. But it's a bubbling warmth that starts at the nape of your neck and crawls its way to your ears and jaw. "Do you- I mean… did you see those memories?" you practically squeak, cursing the //definitely// undignified way the words squeeze out. The breath Oisein is holding doesn't release for a few moments before, until you hear a quiet, steady stream of air through $o_herhistheir nose as $o_shehethey slowly begin$o_s to breathe again. <<if $o_past_feelings>> "I don't ehm...I don't know if they were //memories//. Actually-" $o_shehethey gulp$o_s while trying to pull <<print $o_herhimthem>>self together, brushing some of the hair out of $o_herhistheir face and awkwardly straightening the curtains."-I //know// they weren't memories." <<else>> "I don't ehm...I don't know if they were //memories//," $o_shehethey gulp$o_s while trying to pull <<print $o_herhimthem>>self together, brushing some of the hair out of $o_herhistheir face and awkwardly straightening the curtains. <</if>> <<o_capthey>> cough$o_s and stretches $o_herhistheir body upward, striding toward you with more gusto than you'd expect given the bright red painting over $o_herhistheir ear and spilling under $o_herhistheir temples. Sitting down with an exagerrated flourish, $o_shehethey go<<o_es>> through the motions of checking you over, eyes not meeting yours. You let $o_herhimthem, if only to keep $o_herhimthem busy while you try to figure out what to say. "What did you see, then? The Sentiments aren't- usually that strong, are they?" Your voice still creaks, but seems to settle. <<o_captheir>> fingers curl into the blanket near your thigh, but he flails and removes it a second later, splaying it in an odd postion over his waist. "It was uh...looked like a person. No, I've never known the Sentiments to be that strong." "A person?" <<o_capthey>> wince$o_s when you highlight the part of $o_herhistheir sentence $o_shehethey clearly wanted to avoid. A mumble is all you get for a response as $o_shehethey settle$o_s back, apparently satisfied that your at least not bent over in pain anymore. When you stare at $o_herhimthem, $o_shehethey sigh$o_s. "It was you. I saw you in the Arids. But it wasn't you. I don't know," $o_herhistheir hand drifts upward to scratch at the back of $o_herhistheir scalp as $o_herhistheir lips purse together and $o_shehethey force$o_s the words out of $o_herhistheir lungs. "Something about - don't laugh - Entwined and then you were in the Arids and ... dunno. Fucking //Sentiments// is all I figure." //Entwined? Like the tug you felt?// <<elseif $choice is "second">> Heat builds rapidly around you and for a moment you could swear your back at the bank, fire edging nearer. But it's a bubbling warmth that starts at the nape of your neck and crawls its way to your ears and jaw. "That's uh…pretty powerful stuff isn't it?" you say with a clearly forced nonchalance, while casting your eyes down to where you expect your scratches and scrapes to be, if only to avoid looking at Oisein. "Crazy string of memories, anyway." The breath $o_shehethey<<o_re>> holding doesn't release for a few moments before, until you hear a quiet, steady stream of air through $o_herhistheir nose as $o_shehethey slowly begin$o_s to breathe again. <<if $o_past_feelings>> "I don't ehm...I don't know if I saw //memories//. Actually-" $o_shehethey gulp$o_s while trying to pull <<print $o_herhimthem>>self together, brushing some of the hair out of $o_herhistheir face and awkwardly straightening the curtains."-I //know// they weren't memories." <<else>> "I don't ehm...I don't know if I saw //memories//," $o_shehethey gulp$o_s while trying to pull <<print $o_herhimthem>>self together, brushing some of the hair out of $o_herhistheir face and awkwardly straightening the curtains. <</if>> <<o_capthey>> cough$o_s and stretches $o_herhistheir body upward, striding toward you with more gusto than you'd expect given the bright red painting over $o_herhistheir ear and spilling under $o_herhistheir temples. Sitting down with an exagerrated flourish, $o_shehethey go<<o_es>> through the motions of checking you over, eyes not meeting yours. You let $o_herhimthem, if only to keep $o_herhimthem busy while you try to figure out what to say. "What did you see, then? The Sentiments aren't- usually that strong, are they?" Your voice still creaks, but seems to settle. <<o_captheir>> fingers curl into the blanket near your thigh, but he flails and removes it a second later, splaying it in an odd postion over his waist. "It was uh...looked like a person. No, I've never known the Sentiments to be that strong." "A person?" <<o_capthey>> wince$o_s when you highlight the part of $o_herhistheir sentence $o_shehethey clearly wanted to avoid. A mumble is all you get for a response as $o_shehethey settle$o_s back, apparently satisfied that your at least not bent over in pain anymore. When you stare at $o_herhimthem, $o_shehethey sigh$o_s. "It was you. I saw you in the Arids. But it wasn't you. I don't know," $o_herhistheir hand drifts upward to scratch at the back of $o_herhistheir scalp as $o_herhistheir lips purse together and $o_shehethey force$o_s the words out of $o_herhistheir lungs. "Something about - don't laugh - Entwined and then you were in the Arids and ... dunno. Fucking //Sentiments// is all I figure." //Entwined? Like the tug you felt?// <<elseif $choice is "third">> Heat builds rapidly around you and for a moment you could swear your back at the bank, fire edging nearer. But it's a bubbling warmth that starts at the nape of your neck and crawls its way to your ears and jaw. You can't seem to look away from Oisein even as your words fail you, and widened lavender clings tightly to your gaze. The breath $o_shehethey<<o_re>> holding doesn't release for a few moments before, until you hear a quiet, steady stream of air through $o_herhistheir nose as $o_shehethey slowly begin$o_s to breathe again. <<if $o_past_feelings>> "I don't ehm...I don't know if I saw //memories//. Actually-" $o_shehethey gulp$o_s while trying to pull <<print $o_herhimthem>>self together, brushing some of the hair out of $o_herhistheir face and awkwardly straightening the curtains."-I //know// they weren't memories." <<else>> "I don't ehm...I don't know if I saw //memories//," $o_shehethey gulp$o_s while trying to pull <<print $o_herhimthem>>self together, brushing some of the hair out of $o_herhistheir face and awkwardly straightening the curtains. <</if>> <<o_capthey>> cough$o_s and stretches $o_herhistheir body upward, striding toward you with more gusto than you'd expect given the bright red painting over $o_herhistheir ear and spilling under $o_herhistheir temples. Sitting down with an exagerrated flourish, $o_shehethey go<<o_es>> through the motions of checking you over, eyes now not meeting yours. You let $o_herhimthem, if only to keep $o_herhimthem busy while you try to figure out what to say. "What did you see, then? The Sentiments aren't- usually that strong, are they?" Your voice still creaks, but seems to settle. <<o_captheir>> fingers curl into the blanket near your thigh, but he flails and removes it a second later, splaying it in an odd postion over his waist. "It was uh...looked like a person. No, I've never known the Sentiments to be that strong." "A person?" <<o_capthey>> wince$o_s when you highlight the part of $o_herhistheir sentence $o_shehethey clearly wanted to avoid. A mumble is all you get for a response as $o_shehethey settle$o_s back, apparently satisfied that your at least not bent over in pain anymore. When you stare at $o_herhimthem, $o_shehethey sigh$o_s. "It was you. I saw you in the Arids. But it wasn't you. I don't know," $o_herhistheir hand drifts upward to scratch at the back of $o_herhistheir scalp as $o_herhistheir lips purse together and $o_shehethey force$o_s the words out of $o_herhistheir lungs. "Something about - don't laugh - Entwined and then you were in the Arids and ... dunno. Fucking //Sentiments// is all I figure." //Entwined? Like the tug you felt?// <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> "Did that do the trick?" I ask as calmly as I can manage, trying to push the strange thoughts from my mind, and brushing away at the remaining dust on my clothes. "Odd string of memories, anyway." The breath $o_shehethey<<o_re>> holding doesn't release for a few moments before, until you hear a quiet, steady stream of air through $o_herhistheir nose as $o_shehethey slowly begin$o_s to breathe again. <<if $o_past_feelings>> "I don't ehm...I don't know if I saw //memories//. Actually-" $o_shehethey gulp$o_s while trying to pull <<print $o_herhimthem>>self together, brushing some of the hair out of $o_herhistheir face and awkwardly straightening the curtains. There's a slight sting of melancholy in $o_herhistheir face, but you ignore it. "-I //know// they weren't memories." <<else>> "I don't ehm...I don't know if I saw //memories//," $o_shehethey gulp$o_s while trying to pull <<print $o_herhimthem>>self together, brushing some of the hair out of $o_herhistheir face and awkwardly straightening the curtains.There's a slight sting of melancholy in $o_herhistheir face, but you ignore it. <</if>> <<o_capthey>> cough$o_s and stretches $o_herhistheir body upward, striding toward you with more gusto than you'd expect given the bright red painting over $o_herhistheir ear and spilling under $o_herhistheir temples. Sitting down with an exagerrated flourish, $o_shehethey go<<o_es>> through the motions of checking you over, eyes not meeting yours. You let $o_herhimthem, if only to keep $o_herhimthem busy while you try to figure out what to say. "What did you see, then? The Sentiments aren't- usually that strong, are they?" Your voice still creaks, but seems to settle. <<o_captheir>> fingers curl into the blanket near your thigh, but $o_shehethey flail$o_s and remove$o_s it a second later, splaying it in an odd postion over $o_herhistheir waist. "It was uh...looked like a person. No, I've never known the Sentiments to be that strong." "A person?" <<o_capthey>> wince$o_s when you highlight the part of $o_herhistheir sentence $o_shehethey clearly wanted to avoid. A mumble is all you get for a response as $o_shehethey settle$o_s back, apparently satisfied that your at least not bent over in pain anymore. When you stare at $o_herhimthem, $o_shehethey sigh$o_s. "It was you. I saw you in the Arids. But it wasn't you. I don't know," $o_herhistheir hand drifts upward to scratch at the back of $o_herhistheir scalp as $o_herhistheir lips purse together and $o_shehethey force$o_s the words out of $o_herhistheir lungs. "Something about - don't laugh - Entwined and then you were in the Arids and ... dunno. Fucking //Sentiments// is all I figure." //Entwined? Like the tug you felt?// <</if>> At your silence, Oisein turns toward you, teeth digging into $o_herhistheir bottom lip as $o_shehethey give$o_s you another once-over. <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> "Sorry, I...I panicked a little and used a Devotion of yours to boost my healing magic. But it seems to have worked, right? You'll tell me if something feels off?" "Devot-" <<else>> "But it seems to have worked right? You'll tell me if something feels off?" <</if>> You look down at $o_herhistheir question, hands brushing over your shoulders and the singed edges of cloth, fingertips grazing over your cheek where a cut once was. You're not even sure where you were hurt - but you do know that some of the exhaustion has ebbed, your magic revitalized and thrumming again in your blood. Getting your bearings again, you look around the room as you stand and make your way over to the dresser, the last, clinging droplets of Devotion rolling within its now empty container. You can only ignore your reflection for so long, not wanting to confront how much color has drained from your face. <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> //A hood inches away from you. A face you can't see.// <<else>> //And what do you think this world is?// <</if>> You look up to see your face dirtied, but not as injured as you would've expected. There's a small bit of dirt freckling your cheek, and the hint of a bruise near your eye - sped through the healing process by the burst of magic that flowed through your body. <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> //I'm going to revive this world. Remember that.// <<else>> //Do you think we've done enough? That what we're doing is right?// <</if>> "$pc_name?" <<o_captheir>> voice reels you back, brow lifted and a nervous hand clenching the blanket while $o_shehethey watch<<o_es>> you. <<o_captheir>> pupils flicker to where your skin stretches taut over your knuckles, the indent of your fingers into your palm finally registering as pain. Consciously, and as casually as you can, you will the tension away from your arm and away from your wrist, trying to breathe it out into the stagnant air of the room. It shudders through your elbow and over your shoulder, but you're able to control it just enough to stretch out your fingers, resting your hand softly against the dresser again. "Yeah I'm- I'm good. Thank you." Oisein nods solemnly, $o_herhistheir sunken demeanor a foreign thing on $o_herhistheir usually bright face. <<o_capthey>> watch<<o_es>> you curiously, but before you can respond - mouth agape and words about what you saw forming in your throat - Oisein closes $o_herhistheir eyes and roll$o_s $o_herhistheir shoulders with a sigh, a faint heartbeat of pathos magic starting to emanate out. You take a step toward $o_herhimthem but pause, light, shuddering music pinging against your consciouness where you know to look. "What are you doing?" "Pulsing," $o_shehethey respond$o_s without opening $o_herhistheir eyes, lips screwing together into an odd frown as $o_herhistheir eyes tighten. "Want to make sure we weren't followed." <<if $leanhaun>> "You don't have to," you say with exasperation as magic begins to blossom inside your chest to begin a pathos pulse instead of Oisein. <<else>> "You don't have to," you say with exasperation. <</if>> "You've already-" "No, but I want to," $o_shehethey reassure$o_s as a single eye opens to a squint before closing again. "Take a second to clear your head, Sanctin knows you need it more than I do. Then you can tell me what happened. Deal?" A chuckle escapes you at $o_herhistheir wording even as Oisein stubbornly continues to pathos pulse, You hear the strain of magic rushing past you and into the walls and floors - planting a song into the minds of the mortalis that will no doubt be stuck in their heads for at least the next hour. The blond tilts $o_herhistheir head as if to direct the tune, eyes tightening before $o_shehethey tuck$o_s $o_herhistheir chin to $o_herhistheir chest in focus. "Go on," $o_shehethey insist$o_s, head still craned downward but nodding wordlessly toward the bathroom. <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"I don't say anything, but give Oisein's shoulder a grateful squeeze as I pass "+$o_herhimthem+"."` "Ch4-Bank-BathMerge">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "\"Don't strain yourself,\" I tease, though there's a clear worry and care in my tone." "Ch4-Bank-BathMerge">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "\"Thanks,\" I say quietly." "Ch4-Bank-BathMerge">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "I keep quiet and make my way into the other room." "Ch4-Bank-BathMerge">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> The sound of the door closing behind you is one of the sweetest symphonies you've heard today, though it's interrupted quickly by Oisein's jittery steps. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> storm$o_s past the drawers where your undisturbed belongings rest, almost clipping the bottom corner of the bed with $o_herhistheir hip as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>rush<<else>>rushes<</if>> around your room. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> swivel$o_s one of the pair of chairs out as if to sit, but decides against it and turns it back in towards the small table. Knuckles rap against the hard surface while the other hand moves to $o_herhistheir waist, then to $o_herhistheir head to run a hand over $o_herhistheir hair. When some of the tangles resist against $o_herhistheir fingers, $o_shehethey scoff$o_s with frustration. Finally, $o_shehethey turn$o_s to you from in the corner and the curtains ruffle at $o_herhistheir erratic movements. Focus is barely held together in $o_herhistheir eyes, and a breath later, you cock your head at $o_herhimthem when $o_shehethey motion$o_s at the bed. When you see the way $o_herhistheir shoulders slump and lips are set, you look closer to catch the extra layer of weariness embedded in $o_herhistheir face. "Need to retract some of my pathos," he says quietly, grimacing with an apology in his eyes. "Might want to be sitting down already, ‘cause I don't think I can catch you when you collapse." "Well I-" you pause and gape, now registering the hint of a tune laced in your thoughts. "-might not collapse? And wait-" Holding a hand up, you look to the dark oak floorboards, then back to your fellow sheevra. "You've been funneling pathos this whole time?" "You didn't see the state you were in coming out of that fire," $o_shehethey respond$o_s with determination, hand still stretched outward to the inviting sheets. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> chin tilts downward along with $o_herhistheir gaze. "Promise I'm not just saying that." Where you usually find teasing or sarcasm or light-hearted flippancy, you only see worry and a fine layer of fatigue, the lavender of Oisein's eyes dulling more with each passing minute. Your hand lowers as you realize how light and free your thoughts feel, a stark contrast to what you've just been through and where you expected to be. So you give in, taking a step forward, hand trailing over the wooden frame of the bed. At your approach, $o_shehethey look$o_s back up gratefully, and move$o_s aside to allow you to sit. The bed creaks beneath you as you lower yourself down, fingers curling into the blankets and fabric bunching between your knuckles. Oisein moves back to face you again and kneels down, lifting his hands upward so that they're level with your chest. Wrists turn over each other, and you hear the tune louder in your skull. The motion stops, and his gaze trails upward to your face. "Ready?" You pause. "How bad's it going to be?" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> eyes narrow, cheeks rising as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>scrunch<<else>>scrunches<</if>> up $o_herhistheir nose. "I'm not sure, don't know how much you were relying on my magic on the way back." The blanket twists in your fist until you can just feel the faint outline of your nails against your palm, fingers clenched inward. With a breath outward, the tension slowly seeps away. You nod. "Go ahead." At his added apprehension, you nod again for emphasis, until you hear Oisein exhale quickly through his nose. "Alright…here goes…" The sweet music swells and crescendos, before it begins to fade into dulcet chords and the barest hint of a note. Oisein sweeps a hand down and lures the magic back into $o_herhistheir body. You hear a note ping down the octaves and crash forward into a gentle final chord, and then, nothing. <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> Until a dull pain thunders through the silence. <<else>> Until exhaustion plunges through the silence. <</if>> <ul><li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 2>> <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> Everything catches up to you at once. The splintering wood echoes in your ears, the mocking crackle of flames dances around your arms and clings to your skin, a sickening weight drops in your stomach as light bursts in your eyes. "Shit. Shit. Shit shit shit shi-" The chant is a distant whisper as Oisein scrambles up, $o_herhistheir fingers digging into your shoulder and, you realize, keeping you from falling forward onto the unforgiving floorboards. Another hand reaches for your opposite arm, <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> voice fading in and out as your head bobs over the surface of consciousness. Gravity pulls your face forward until your chin connects with your collar and the back of your neck suddenly stretches, the strain plunging down your spine. "Hold…sec….I'll…kay?" comes another thick, bellowing sound. Your chin moves up, up, up - your eyes mark the ceiling and wonder what the beams would look like burned and blackened - and are you falling or are you floating? There's something supporting you and a faraway part of your consciousness says //Oisein//. Warmth bursts over the back of your neck as a hand cradles it carefully, fingers splayed over the base of your skull and an arm wrapped around your torso to gently drop your body into a cloud-like abyss - the bed, a quiet thought assures. Hazy orbs weave through your vision like orbiting suns and moons, light reflecting off the golden waterfalls that halo the blurred, tanned face above you. When the warmth retracts, the adrenaline starts to fade, a dim, drumming beat that makes way for a- Ah. There it is. "Sorry….gonna….promise I'll….later-" Oisein says again, except this time the sentence is muffled by the stinging sensation that engulfs your senses, a match struck against your skin and searing down your sides. It pools into tiny infernos marking your body, collecting at the places where your skin has been burned. You hear a clash of noises escape into the room, and you're fairly certain it's a mixture of your own pained hiss and a growing string of curses trailing from the other sheevra. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> disappear$o_s from your sight and you almost cry out, your fingers grasping to find some solace in another presence. But you settle for clenching your teeth against the pain and shutting your eyes tight as your hand instead seeks out the snarling wounds above your hip. There's a //pop// from somewhere near the door, and barely a few seconds pass before you hear the sound of glass being corked again. The mattress sinks near your side and you force your eyes open to see Oisein, seated on the edge of the bed. A resolute gaze reflects back at you, pupils yawning open to overwhelm the lavender with black. A long, drawn-out exhale later, $o_shehethey lift$o_s $o_herhistheir hands. Cool fingertips press cautiously just below your jaw on either side, your pulse beating frantically out to meet them. When the magic surges forward into your body, you recognize the powerful feeling immediately. //Devotion.// <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> A long breath streams out through your lips as your head hangs and the ache begins to spread in your bones. You can feel the dull echo of flames encroaching against your back, of your knees hitting the pavement, of your desperate crawl forward to escape the inferno behind you. Oisein stumbles upward, $o_herhistheir fingers finding your shoulder and giving you something to lean against. There's a slight push as $o_shehethey compensate$o_s for the added weight. "Hey," $o_shehethey start$o_s tentatively. "Hey, $pc_name, you alright? Can you hear me? Can you nod? Or blink or-" Not quite having the full processing power to choose between your options, you try to give a flutter of exaggerated blinks as your head rolls forward, then bobs back up. At your response, the first thing you hear is a merciless snicker, followed by an apologetic cough. Or at least you hope it is. "Right, hold on a sec. I'll help you lay back, okay?" Warmth bursts over the back of your neck as a hand cradles it carefully, fingers splayed over the base of your skull and an arm wrapped around your torso to gently drop your body into a cloud-like abyss - the bed, a quiet thought assures. You look up at the beams laid over each on the ceiling "Better?" "Getting there." Oisein shifts a little awkwardly on the bed where it sinks beside you, and you roll your head to watch $o_herhimthem look to the dresser then back to you. "What is it?" "I'm-" $o_shehethey grimace$o_s and scratch<<o_es>> at $o_herhistheir bare forearm, the soft cloth of $o_herhistheir shirt floating over $o_herhistheir elbow. "-no Healer, unfortunately. But if you want, I could probably give you a more uh… //permanent// boost with Devotion? It might help heal you anyway. <<if $devotion is 2>> Since you have two of them, I figured…" <<else>> And I'll try to get you another one sometime when we're not running away from buildings going up in smoke, I guess." <</if>> Your hand comes up to rub at your temples, trying to pin down the looming headache. <<if $sarcastic > $genuine>> "Have you ever even tried a healing spell? Or just…had any pure, //healing// thoughts?" White and pink bloom on $o_herhistheir lips where $o_herhistheir teeth bite down visibly - and awkwardly - and work into the flesh. A nervous inhale through $o_herhistheir nose fully expands $o_herhistheir chest, before $o_herhistheir cheeks puff outward as the breath is released in a burst through $o_herhistheir mouth. "I think you know the answer to the second question," $o_shehethey tease$o_s, eyes flitting back up to meet you for a brief moment as $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> unable to let the joke pass without comment. "As for the first - yes, technically?" "…And how did it //technically// go?" "Not terrible? I mean Mav is still able to walk, aren't they?" <<else>> "You think that would work?" "I think it's worth giving a try," he offers, eyes trained on your before they drift downward to his hand, fingers curling into the blanket. "…And you think you could do it?" "With that much juice?" Oisein laughs, confident and full - or at least with the appearance of being so. "I'd say anyone could. But I have tried a healing spell before - yes, really," $o_shehethey assure$o_s at your skeptical look. "I mean, Mav is still able to walk, aren't they?" <</if>> "That doesn't feel like a //great// way to prove you can do it." "Sure, but," Oisein shudders out the words with a breath, looking apprehensively toward the window. "I still think it's worth it. We need to both be on top of things if we're going to survive this, after what happened today." The two of you sit in silence, and the wave of weariness roils up again. Any adrenaline that had been keeping you going has fully faded now, your muscles aching the smell of singed hair - and possibly skin - wafting towards your nose. More pain slithers quietly along your limbs, digging in its fangs each time you move. It takes one more shift of your body - one more sting - before you have to admit that $o_shehethey might be right. "...Okay." Oisein's eyes widen at your acceptance, mouth parting slightly as if to protest $o_herhistheir own idea. But $o_shehethey leave$o_s it at that and nod$o_s, eyes dropping to the floor before skirting over to the dresser. <<o_capthey>> remain$o_s silent as $o_shehethey stand$o_s and fumbles with the fabric, the chime of the Sentiments echoing toward you. There's a //pop// from somewhere near the door, and barely a few seconds pass before you hear the sound of glass being corked again. The mattress sinks near your side and you force your eyes open to see Oisein, seated on the edge of the bed. A resolute gaze reflects back at you, pupils yawning open to overwhelm the lavender with black. A long, drawn-out exhale later, $o_shehethey lift$o_s $o_herhistheir hands. Cool fingertips press cautiously just below your jaw on either side, your pulse beating frantically out to meet them. When the magic surges forward into your body, you recognize the powerful feeling immediately. //Devotion.// <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 3>> You are the shoreline that a rising tide of memories sweeps over and embraces, Oisein's face disappearing above the surface of the magic as you sink deeper into its overwhelming depths. <<if visited("Prologue-GoldChoice")>> The first wave brings a face to the forefront of your mind out of the darkness, one you haven't seen in years. <<else>> The first wave brings a face you don't recognize to the forefront of your mind and out of the darkness. <</if>> A shock of ginger hair above a mother's smile, her dry hands lightly gripping at the carved sides of a crib as it rocks gently back and forth. In the memory you sit by her side, knees to knees, and wipe away the tears that follow her long yawn. Her muted eyes watch you with weariness and love both clear in the growing creases, and when you ask her to get some rest, she shakes her head. She was always so stubborn, you think, and you bring her hand to your lips. Please, you say, please rest. You assure her you'll stay up. She protests that you've worked too long. You insist there's no such thing for her. While the memory recedes for a brief moment, you think you feel something soothing at your side. The bundle from the crib is older in the second wave, and you hold her in your arms with worry buzzing behind your ears. Her fever has yet to break, and as you try to lay her down into her own bed, she cries and clings with little fists at your collar, dark ginger curls shaking around her clenched eyes. Another set of hands comes into your view and tries to soothe your daughter, finally managing to untangle her small fingers from the strings holding your shirt together. You run a hand over your hair and exhale. You swore she would never go hungry, swore you would make sure she wouldn't suffer. As your wife sits with her knees on the stone floor, hand smoothing over the worn, moth-eaten layers of blankets and the quick exhales of your daughter's tiny torso, you do the quick math in your head. Unexpected costs in the form of medicine may mean no substantial meals yourself for a few days, but it will make things easier for them. Wasn't there a cut near your shoulder a moment ago? Your body answers with a comforting heat settling on your collar, breathing over the billowing churn of someone else's life playing in your mind. <<if ($o_past_feelings) and ($o_flirt > 0)>> <ul><li>[[Continue.|Ch4-ODevotion-PastFFlirt][$textGroup=1]]</li></ul> <<elseif ($o_past_feelings) and ($o_flirt is 0)>> <ul><li>[[Continue.|Ch4-ODevotion-PastFNoFlirt][$textGroup=1]]</li></ul> <<elseif ($o_past_feelings is false) and ($o_flirt > 0)>> <ul><li>[[Continue.|Ch4-ODevotion-NoPastFlirt][$textGroup=1]]</li></ul> <<elseif $o_friendship > 5>> <ul><li>[[Continue.|Ch4-ODevotion-HiFriend][$textGroup=1]]</li></ul> <<else>> <ul><li>[[Continue.|Ch4-ODevotion-LowFriend][$textGroup=1]]</li></ul> <</if>> <</switch>>

Before you can respond, $o_shehethey close$o_s $o_herhistheir eyes and roll$o_s $o_herhistheir shoulders, a faint heartbeat of pathos magic starting to emanate out. You take a step toward $o_herhimthem but pause, light, shuddering music pinging against your consciouness where you know to look. "What are you doing?" "Pulsing," he responds without opening his eyes, lips screwing together into an odd frown as his eyes tighten. <<if $leanhaun>> "You don't have to," you say with exasperation as magic begins to blossom inside your chest to begin a pathos pulse instead of Oisein. "You've only just-" "I'm alright. 'least let me do this," he reassures. "Really doesn't take too much. <<else>> "You don't have to," you say with exasperation. "You've only just-" "I'm alright. Besides, punched in the gut or not, my pathos is still stronger than yours," he reassures as a single eye opens to a squint before closing again. "No offense. Really doesn't take too much, so at least let me do this. <</if>> Go take a moment for yourself, I'll be fine." Your chest deflates as Oisein stubbornly continues to pathos pulse, just hearing the strain of magic rushing past you and into the walls and floors - planting a song into the minds of the mortalis that will no doubt be stuck in their heads for at least the next hour. The blond tilts $o_herhistheir head as if to direct the tune, eyes tightening before $o_shehethey tuck$o_s $o_herhistheir chin to $o_herhistheir chest in focus. "Go on," $o_shehethey insist$o_s, head still craned downward but nodding wordlessly toward the bathroom. <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"I don't say anything, but give Oisein's shoulder a grateful squeeze as I pass "+$o_herhimthem+"."` "Chapter4-OPath-Bathroom">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "\"Don't strain yourself,\" I tease, though there's a clear worry and care in my tone." "Chapter4-OPath-Bathroom">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "\"Thanks,\" I say quietly." "Chapter4-OPath-Bathroom">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "I keep quiet and make my way into the other room." "Chapter4-OPath-Bathroom">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> </ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Faceless, taunting, and terrifying - the image of your assailant skulks in the shadows of your memory, waiting for you to turn your back to it. You don't move at first, a part of you still wanting to insist that Oisein save $o_herhistheir magic, or at least let you help or //something// to make you feel less useless. But you bite your tongue and nod - more to convince yourself with the other sheevra resolutely pulsing through the area. <<if $choice is "first">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat - as your hand lifts. Magic seeps out of you and through your fingers, giving $o_herhimthem a moment of forewarning before you rest the hand on $o_herhistheir shoulder. <<o_capthey>> <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> flinch, <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> move, but in the back of your skull you can feel some of the notes of $o_herhistheir magic bound backward and skate across your skin in some semblance of comfort. <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship or ($o_friendship > 5) >> Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together, uncertain what to do - before $o_herhistheir head tilts to the side to meet your hand with $o_herhistheir chin. <<o_capthey>><<o_re>> not aiming to pin you, but still applies the barest of pressure. Warmth from $o_herhistheir skin radiates through the thin, soft fabric of $o_herhistheir shirt and flows into your palm, while $o_herhistheir warm breath anoints your knuckles. "I've got you." It's enough to soothe you - it always is - and you give Oisein's shoulder a quick squeeze. Though $o_shehethey still <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> open $o_herhistheir eyes, $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> have to, the simple phrase speaking volumes for the usual curt and coy sheevra. Which makes the cold that much more palpable on your clammy hand when you disconnect, and trudge your way to the bathroom, closing the door behind you. <<else>> Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together, uncertain at first, before $o_herhistheir lips curve into a peaceful smile. <<o_capthey>> open$o_s a single eye again to look at you. "I've got it." It's enough to soothe you for now as you give Oisein's shoulder a quick squeeze, the warmth of $o_herhistheir skin radiating through the thin, soft fabric of $o_herhistheir shirt. The cold is palpable on your clammy hand when you disconnect, and trudge your way to the bathroom, closing the door behind you. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "second">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat. "Don't strain yourself," you tease, though there's a clear worry and care laced within your tone. Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together, a chuckle escaping though $o_herhistheir mouth is pressed tight. <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship or ($o_friendship > 5) >> "Bit late for that, isn't it?" $o_shehethey jab$o_s back, opening a single eye again to look at you. The jeering line is enough to shake some of the tension loose from your shoulders, and when $o_shehethey see$o_s you relax, $o_herhistheir eyes close again. "I've got you." It's enough to soothe you - it always is. Though $o_shehethey still <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> move or reach toward you - <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> have to - the simple phrase speaking volumes for the usual curt and coy sheevra. <<else>> "I won't. Don't worry." The simple statement is enough to soothe you for now, shaking a miniscule amount of tension loose from your shoulders. <</if>> Without addressing $o_herhimthem again, you step tentatively toward the bathroom, closing the door behind you. <<elseif $choice is "third">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat - as the words creak out. "Thanks," you say quietly, afraid you might disturb $o_herhistheir focus. Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together, a chuckle escaping though $o_herhistheir mouth is pressed tight. <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship or ($o_friendship > 5) >> "Don't thank me just yet," $o_shehethey start$o_s the sentence snide, as if preparing a jab. But instead $o_herhistheir voice mimics yours, turning hushed and fragile. "Just trying to help in return." Though $o_herhistheir eyes are closed, the embarassed color rising in $o_herhistheir cheeks betrays $o_herhimthem. It's like $o_shehethey can sense what you're about to say, mouth pursing and face crumpling. You find yourself smiling even as you slink towards the bathroom, just catching the faint, nervous huff from Oisein as you close the door behind you. <<else>> "You're welcome." <<o_capthem>> start$o_s the sentence snide, as if preparing a jab. But instead $o_herhistheir voice mimics yours, turning hushed and fragile. Though $o_herhistheir eyes are closed, the embarassed color rising in $o_herhistheir cheeks betrays $o_herhimthem as $o_shehethey chews the words $o_shehethey want$o_s to say. "Just trying to help." You find yourself smiling even as you slink towards the bathroom, just catching the faint uncertain look on Oisein's face as you close the door behind you. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat. Body fraught with nerves, you stand there silently and continue to watch, unsure if you should reach out to $o_herhimthem or say something or do //anything.// <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship or ($o_friendship > 5) >> Oisein must sense the uncertainty blending into your magic even as $o_hershistheirs runs rampant around you. A few stray notes are reeled back in, and in the back of your skull you can feel some of the chords of $o_herhistheir magic skate across your skin in some semblance of comfort. Still, you stand rigid, unmoving, immoblile, the other sheevra opening both of $o_herhistheir eyes and turning to face you while $o_herhistheir focus fractures and the pulse begins to disintegrate. But before $o_shehethey can lose it completely, you clench your fists and will your body forward, just catching $o_herhistheir concerned expression as you stride towards the bathroom even as anxiety rattles in your ribcage. <<else>> Oisein must sense the fright and fear blending into your magic even as $o_hershistheirs runs rampant around you. <<o_capthey>> open$o_s $o_herhistheir eyes, turning to face you - still rigid, unmoving, and immobile - while $o_herhistheir focus fractures and the pulse begins to disintegrate. But before $o_shehethey can lose it completely, you clench your fists and will your body forward, not catching $o_herhistheir expression as you stride towards the bathroom even as anxiety rattles in your ribcage. <</if>> Thankfully, the music begins to swells again just as you close the door behind you. <</if>> Wildflowers and subtle mountainscapes welcome you, delicate strokes carved into the dark walnut wood of the walls. Recognition strikes you, your memory placing the patterns alongside the wall panels of the tavern below. The fixings of the bathroom are clean and cozy, the cream-colored porcelain well-maintained and the bronze faucets shined with care. You step through the haze in your mind toward the sink, not quite ready to look up into the mirror just yet as your hands grip the slippery sides of the basin. Sparks of energy run through your fingertips as you lightly push against the fire glyph carved above the faucet, holding your finger there until the glyph is only half brightened, molten red light filling in the lines and halting just before reaching the tips of the intricate flames and the peaks of the marking's design. The curve of the water glyph arcs downward below the gleaming scarlet, hovering over where the faucet meets the wall. Changing the soft elemental magic within your chest, your fingers slide wet and cool along the line, a turquoise line filling as you hear the pipes gurgling behind the wall. In a swipe of desperation, you drag your finger fully across to fill the entire marking, and water bursts from the faucet in a torrent. Cupping your hands, you hold them underneath the rushing current, not paying any mind as droplets ricochet from your fingers against and over the sides to spray helplessly against the mirror and falling to the floor. It feels like an eternity that you wait there, letting the lukewarm water fill and empty from your palms as you spread your fingers to let the liquid filter through the spaces. Fill and empty. Fill. And empty. When your hands begin to protest, on the edge of pruning, you lower your neck down as you fill your palms once more. Warmth splashes against your cheeks as you bring your hands up instead of letting the water siphon down the drain, droplets running over your lips and dripping from your chin. You repeat the motion, try to wash away the image or the magic, wanting to wipe away the disquieting clamor richocheting inside your skull. But no scrubbing will wipe away grime as stubborn as this. Still, you continue, until your hands are hot and your cheeks raw from <<if $pc_hairlength is "shaved">> scrubbing. <<else>> scrubbing, the edges of your hair dampened and drooping. <</if>> Supporting yourself on the cool porcelein again, you look up. All in all, you don't look like someone who just had to face a powerful, name-fueled illusioner. Tiny streaks of tiredness begin to show, however, in the faint red lightning-paths running from your pupil over the whites of your eyes - the color unnerving in it's own right. <<print $pc_eyecolor.toUpperFirst()>> stares back, but it isn't the same $pc_eyecolor that provided you comfort before when you first arrived in your mortalis form. Instead, the color looks distant, dull, distracted. Finger squeaking along the water glyph again, the turqoise line dies down and fades, and the fire glyph dims soon after. The soft //drip, drip, drip// of the remnants of water are the only thing chasing away the silence that seems to creep into each shadowed corner around you. Silence - which meant Oisein was already done with the pulse. Careful notes of passive pathos slowly skittered back, and by the fact that $o_shehethey hadn't barged through the door with a warning, you could only assume $o_shehethey hadn't read any threats in the minds nearby. Truthfully, you hadn't even noticed when $o_shehethey stopped, hadn't registered anything else outside this tiny, too clean sanctuary, thousands of miles away from your home. What had you gotten yourself into? You shake your head with a groan, rubbing at the worn grooves starting to wear below your eyes. Your gaze wanders to the bathtub, wondering what Oisein would say if you just filled it up and sat in the heated water for the next hour. From the look of it, you'd guess... <<set $pc_height to "average">> <hr> <ul> <li><<link "...that you'd have plenty of space to stretch out, since you're shorter than the average mortalis." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $pc_height to "short">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "...that you'd have just the right amount of space to relax, since you're about average mortalis height." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> <li><<link "...that you'd be a little cramped and your knees might float above the water, given that you're fairly tall compared to most mortalis." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $pc_height to "tall">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $pc_height is "short">> The ivory sheen of the tub sprawls in comfortable curves, your body aching to be able to stretch out inside and try to soak your worries away. <<elseif $pc_height is "average">> The ivory sheen of the tub winds in delicate curves, your body aching to climb into it to try to soak your worries away. <<else>> Though the ivory sheen of the tub winds in slightly cramped curves, your body still aches to climb into it to try to soak your worries away. <</if>> But you exhale the thought on a sigh and turn to the mirror again, trying to see what else can be done to calm your nerves. You know yourself, know that even with the dangers, Sirin wouldn't have trusted you with this for no reason - even if you were slightly dubious of their logic at sending only one sheevra. Though with Oisein here now...even an unknown like this self-proclaimed "Reviver" might be a little less intimidating. At your thoughts, their words come mumuring back from your memory. ''//Lucky me. Two little birdies with one stone, as they say.//'' Your head hangs low, watching droplets of water slowly slide into each other before disappearing past the drain. //They knew who we were. What clan we were with. Knew Sirin. How?// Unyielding porcelein pushes back against your grip as your fingers clench. //Mortalis magic, but sheevra. The voice from before, the Arids, the disappearance...it has to all be connected.// Swarming thoughts plague your mind as you press the plush towel against your face and wring your hands dry. You take one more breath as the memory flickers. Though darkness still hovers around the person's face, their last words to you ring clear. //"I'm going to revive this world. Remember that."// Why was that so terrifying when you seemed to have the same goal? //Why are they doing this?// Buzzing static ignites in your skull, the exhaustion of the day and the drain of your magic from the fight finally catching up to you. You try to stand straight, but feel the bruises forming along your skin, arcing your back and pulling your arms behind your body. With an exhale, you make your way back to the bathroom door, gently opening it but keeping your hand tight around the worn metal. <<link "Continue." "Chapter4-OPath-TimeChoice">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<notify>> Autosaving...<</notify>> Oisein is still leaning near the dresser, eyes closed, though no magic flows out around $o_herhimthem. You begin to call $o_herhistheir name, until the subtle creak of the door draws $o_herhistheir attention and $o_shehethey turn$o_s $o_herhistheir head to you, eyes carefully opening. There's still uncertainty in the lines of $o_herhistheir face and the tightness of $o_herhistheir mouth, but $o_herhistheir shoulders visibly relax, $o_herhistheir fingers rising to tangle in the frayed ends of $o_herhistheir hair. Oisein tilts $o_herhistheir head to the side with an audible //crack//, rolling it back the other way before $o_shehethey lace$o_s $o_herhistheir fingers behind $o_herhistheir neck and begin$o_s to pace back toward the window. "Settle in," $o_shehethey say$o_s - like a command but soft enough that you know $o_shehethey<<o_re>> asking a favor. "I think I'm going to do a couple more pulses if you don't mind waiting for a little bit." An hour passes. Or maybe another year - an eon? - while Oisein sits bent over in one of the chairs, huddled into its hard surface and keeping $o_herhistheir eyes mostly shut. A couple times you swear $o_shehethey must be falling asleep, and almost ready yourself to carry $o_herhimthem over to where you're seated on the bed - until you feel a wave of pathos surge out, a hair weaker each time it swirls over your shoulders and plummets into the floors and streets below. When it withdraws again, $o_shehethey take$o_s another breath. But no matter how $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to keep up the facade of strength, you're able to hear the shaking that shudders through $o_herhistheir muscles and lungs. "You need to rest," you try to urge. Weary lavender light blooms over $o_herhistheir opening eyes, a flicker of black in the white as $o_shehethey refocus<<o_es>> some of $o_herhistheir magic back into $o_herhistheir glamour. With a roll of $o_herhistheir shoulders, $o_shehethey refix<<o_es>> a mask of confidence, straightening $o_herhistheir spine and raising $o_herhistheir chin. "All clear in and near the inn-" Oisein starts, gaze locked on the floorboards before rising to you. "-for now," $o_shehethey add$o_s quickly at your stare. "No ill intents or anything out of the ordinary aside from the mortalis, and most of the ones drowning in spirits downstairs are full up with their own anxieties," Oisein gives you a knowing look before continuing with a shrug. "Your theory just might be correct on the sorry state of our attacker - thank Sanctin they don't seem completely invincible. We can take a night to rest and recharge, I think." There's an audible inhale as Oisein's shoulders lift, and $o_shehethey shake$o_s $o_herhistheir head as if to loosen $o_herhistheir own apprehension before lifting <<print $o_herhimthem>>self and stepping towards the door of your room. "Don't know about you, but I could use a drink - or five - and some food to help refill my magic. If we stick close by we should be okay." "Do you think you could have missed something?" you prod <<if $friendly > $aloof>>cautiously.<<else>>.<</if>> "Or maybe they're powerful enough to hide from a pulse?" "''No.'' Now that I've gotten a read on them, as off as it was, they'd be hard pressed to hide from //me.//" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> straighten$o_s with confidence, watching you resolutely. Hardened conviction eventually melts away as $o_shehethey motion$o_s for the hall with a nod of $o_herhistheir head. "Care to join me for a quick bite?" <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"Still not sure we're in the clear, but I don't want to let Oisein go off on "+$o_herhistheir+" own."` "Chapter4-StayAwake">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "Honestly I could use some energy too after the day I've had. And staying together might be for the best, especially if Oisein is going to go downstairs anyway." "Chapter4-StayAwake">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <<if $h_date or $h_coy>> <li><<link `"I'll admit, part of me wonders about the Healer...would "+$h_shehe+" be waiting? I suppose someone ought to look after Oisein too if "+$o_shehethey+" insist"+$o_s+" on going downstairs."` "Chapter4-StayAwake">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "healerspecial">><</link>></li> <</if>> <li><<link `"What I really need is sleep. I don't like the idea of Oisein going off alone, though. Maybe I could convince "+$o_herhimthem+" to stay with me."` "Chapter4-GoToSleep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link `"I'm not too keen on going downstairs, but I don't want to stop Oisein if that's what "+$o_shehethey+" need"+$o_s+"."` "Chapter4-GoToSleep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> </ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> The sound of the wind and the river begin to quiet, and even the long grass stills around you. No longer fluttering and whispering in secret near your ankles and reaching for your knees, but straightening - formal and proper - as the two of you journey through it. The only motion, that you almost feel more than see, is the slight tremor in the petals of flowers turned upward, their faces pointed in intrigue toward you. <<if visited("Chapter4-MCVision-Healer")>> The Healer walks ahead, looking back every once in a while to confirm that you're still behind $h_herhim - that gracious, kind smile slowly turning $h_herhis mouth each time $h_shehe sees you. You continue on for a few minutes, happy enough to follow as the mountains rise higher and higher above the horizon, their snow-capped peaks dripping with the vibrant colors of the sky above. Then, even the Healer's steps fall silently in comparison to the noise building ahead - what you initially take to be the roar of some waterfall still out of sight. <<elseif visited("Chapter4-MCVision-Oisein")>> Oisein walks ahead, looking back every once in a while to confirm that you're still behind $o_herhimthem - lavender eyes sparking with delight each time $o_shehethey see$o_s you. You continue on for a few minutes, happy enough to follow as the mountains rise higher and higher above the horizon, their snow-capped peaks dripping with the vibrant colors of the sky above. Then, even Oisein's steps fall silently in comparison to the noise building ahead - what you initially take to be the roar of some waterfall still out of sight. <<elseif visited("Chapter4-MCVision-Magesmith")>> The Magesmith walks ahead, looking back every once in a while to confirm that you're still behind $m_herhim. Though $m_shehe aims to keep $m_herhis expression neutral, $m_herhis own body betrays $m_herhim - unable to hide the glow in $m_herhis cheeks and the expectant hesitation when you get just a hair too far behind. You continue on for a few minutes, happy enough to follow as the mountains rise higher and higher above the horizon, their snow-capped peaks dripping with the vibrant colors of the sky above. Then, even the Magesmith's steps fall silently in comparison to the noise building ahead - what you initially take to be the roar of some waterfall still out of sight. <<elseif visited("Chapter4-MCVision-Sage")>> The Sage walks ahead, looking back every once in a while to confirm that you're still behind $s_herhim - grace and patience in the turn of $s_herhis head, acceptance and hope lining $s_herhis smile. You continue on for a few minutes, happy enough to follow as the mountains rise higher and higher above the horizon, their snow-capped peaks dripping with the vibrant colors of the sky above. Then, even the Sage's steps fall silently in comparison to the noise building ahead - what you initially take to be the roar of some waterfall still out of sight. <</if>> But you know what the waterfalls of Saor sound like. Know the rhythm of their torrent and the beating drum of unrelenting water on stone. Know the echo and force of the largest waterfalls in the world drilling their way into the depths of the earth. And it isn't this. It isn't the thundering //CRASH// of destruction, the vibration starting to murmur against the bottom of your feet and the acrid smell of sand and metal creeping into your nose, vanquishing the sweet fragrance of the flowers. You look up. Instead, it's the sound and sight of mountains falling in on themselves, the grand colors that had crowned them a split second before now lost in the building storm of dust that spills - spits - out and down the ragged slopes with each new //''boom''//. You stop, looking towards the sky as massive, dark shapes roll in waves - boulders and stones torn and flung from the mountains as if some unknown, unseeable giant was digging a path through the range with their bare hands. It happens directly in front of you first, the mountains beginning to part straight down the center with a terrible, screeching protest. Foul, threatening clouds tower high above as each mountain crumbles, clawing its way through the sky and obscuring the stars. And one by one, the colors of the aurora blink out. The band of fuschia evaporates, the memory of it fading as the brilliant cerulean bands overtake them. Then the bands of silver and gold glide away, and you wonder if you must have imagined that the aurora could be anything like them. If the heavens themselves might be laughing at your wild imagination. Again and again the vibrant hues dim, fading into the night, escaping and tethering onto some distant star to pull themselves away from the world and be replaced by the more familiar teals and lime greens. Your hands almost lurch upward, fingers wanting to grasp at the flickering remnants of the once flourishing colors. But you know it would be in vain. You look down, fear thrashing against the walls of your chest. //This isn't real. It's ''not'' real. ''It's not real!''// But are you sure? <<if visited("Chapter4-MCVision-Healer")>> The Healer is turned toward you, farther away than you thought $h_shehe'd been before. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> wears a smile despite the chaos swarming behind $h_herhim. <<elseif visited("Chapter4-MCVision-Oisein")>> Oisein is turned toward you, farther away than you thought $o_shehethey'd been before. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> wear$o_s a smile despite the chaos swarming behind $o_herhimthem. <<elseif visited("Chapter4-MCVision-Magesmith")>> The Magesmith is turned toward you, farther away than you thought $m_shehe'd been before. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> wears a smile now, despite the chaos swarming behind $m_herhim. <<elseif visited("Chapter4-MCVision-Sage")>> The Sage is turned toward you, farther away than you thought $s_shehe'd been before. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> wears a smile now, despite the chaos swarming behind $s_herhim. <</if>> Your lungs are burning before you realize you're running, feet pounding against dry, drained earth as the grass disintegrates under each one of your heavy steps. Flowers weakly wilt and disappear - slithering into the cracks splitting the ground - and the river gives one last sigh before it gurgles up in a last, futile breath before its bed lays bare. <<if visited("Chapter4-MCVision-Healer")>> Unsettling calm permeates through the Healer's face and down $h_herhis body while the mountains continue to explode and tear apart. The duststorm spreads out along the entire horizon, and still $h_herhis shoulders remain relaxed, golden eyes fixated on you, fingers loosely threaded together and clasped in front of $h_herhim. And even as the violent, churning clouds begin to stampede out towards you, $h_shehe stays unmoving. You run - //Sanctin//, you run - trying to call out to $h_herhim with a voice that's no match for the death of a mountain range, reaching out with a hand that will never find $h_herhim. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> closes $h_herhis eyes. Tilts $h_herhis chin down. And is obliterated by the might of the Arids. <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> outline disappears in an instant, and a moment later the storm comes for you. <<elseif visited("Chapter4-MCVision-Oisein")>> Unsettling calm permeates through Oisein's face and down $o_herhistheir body while the mountains continue to explode and tear apart. The duststorm spreads out along the entire horizon, and still $o_herhistheir shoulders remain relaxed, lavender eyes fixated on you, fingers loosely threaded together and clasped in front of $o_herhimthem. And even as the violent, churning clouds begin to stampede out towards you, $o_shehethey stay$o_s unmoving. You run - //Sanctin//, you run - trying to call out to $o_herhimthem with a voice that's no match for the death of a mountain range, reaching out with a hand that will never find $o_herhimthem. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them>>close<<else>>closes<</if>> $o_herhistheir eyes. Tilt$o_s $o_herhistheir chin down. And <<o_are>> obliterated by the might of the Arids. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> outline disappears in an instant, and a moment later the storm comes for you. <<elseif visited("Chapter4-MCVision-Magesmith")>> Unsettling calm permeates through the Magesmith's face and down $m_herhis body while the mountains continue to explode and tear apart. The duststorm spreads out along the entire horizon, and still $m_herhis shoulders remain relaxed, deep brown eyes fixated on you, fingers loosely threaded together and clasped in front of $m_herhim with the fine yellow fabric of $m_herhis headband woven through. And even as the violent, churning clouds begin to race out towards you, $m_shehe stays unmoving. You run - //Sanctin//, you run - trying to call out to $m_herhim with a voice that's no match for the death of a mountain range, reaching out with a hand that will never find $m_herhim. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> closes $m_herhis eyes. Tilts $m_herhis chin down. And is obliterated by the might of the Arids. <<print $m_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> outline disappears in an instant, and a moment later the storm comes for you. <<elseif visited("Chapter4-MCVision-Sage")>> Unsettling calm permeates through the Healer's face and down $s_herhis body while the mountains continue to explode and tear apart. The duststorm spreads out along the entire horizon, and still $s_herhis shoulders remain relaxed, dark hazel eyes fixated on you, fingers loosely threaded together and clasped in front of $s_herhim. And even as the violent, churning clouds begin to race out towards you, $s_shehe stays unmoving. You run - //Sanctin//, you run - trying to call out to $s_herhim with a voice that's no match for the death of a mountain range, reaching out with a hand that will never find $s_herhim. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> closes $s_herhis eyes. Tilts $s_herhis chin down. And is obliterated by the might of the Arids. <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> outline disappears in an instant, and a moment later the storm comes for you. <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> Wind and sand and grime slam against your face, knocking the breath from your body, and howling <<if $pc_hairlength is "shaved">> over your head <<else>> through your hair. <</if>> A gradient of faded orange and brown swarms in your vision before you have to shut your eyes tight against the million pinpricks bombarding your skin. Your arms rise quickly in a weak attempt to shield yourself, but the grit has already caked itself to you - rough sand paper against your cheeks compared to the soft shelter you expected. Knees sink down to the dead ground as you curl into yourself. Could you dig yourself into the center of the world? Beg Sanctin to be released from the onslaught? Would it listen? Would you live? Your magic reaches outward, trying to find someone, something, //anything.// But there's nothing. //NOTHING.// Nothing around you. Nothing in the air. Nothing in the ground. //I can't die here I can't die here I can't die here// Dead. Drained. <<linkreplace "Devastated.">>Devastated. //Keep moving forward,// a voice urges. A soiled gust lashes at your sides, slices against your neck and your ears and pounds against your back. Still the storm screams against you and around you, echoing and thrashing inside your skull. Forward? How could you possibly move forward when you can barely hear your own thoughts? //How about now?// the voice asks- -just as the wind parts around you. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</linkreplace>> <<case 3>> The unforgiving current that you had just felt strike your forearms subsides. Far off, you can still hear the frustrated groan of the gales trying to pin you down again, eyes still squeezed shut into the dust feathering over your eyelashes. You don't dare lower your arms yet, fearing some sort of trick from the strong magics around you. Your fingers clench tighter at your elbows when that thought hits you, suddenly feeling powerful, //incredible//, ''all-encompassing'' elemental magic where the air was devoid of life before. //Whose magic?// Curiosity gets the best of you, your eyes immediately darting up at the realization. You can feel the grit of the sand on your face, taste the desert and earth on your tongue, feel the bruises forming from where your knees crashed against the ground. And yet, //something// has given you reprieve, has listened to your desperation. Air fights back against the storm, creating a perfect bubble of calm for you alone. Lackadaisy rivers of air form a perfect orb of protection that the storm is helpless against, reminding you briefly of the way the sheevra fire surrendered to the Sage before. You can't see past the edge, the horizon and sky lost to you in the dark, whirling storm. But you can see the ground around you, the drained land an oddly welcome sight. Rubbing your eyes, your fingertips brush away the sand as you blink in bewilderment. //Who-// //Keep moving forward,// something says again. //<<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> won't survive without you.// //<<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>>-// <<linkreplace "Oisein.">>Oisein. Of course- how could you- Where are you- //Devotion?// you think. A quiet laughter answers. Not something you can hear, but something - a light, airy, fleeting joy - that you can //feel.// You will your foot forward underneath your knee, pressing into the cracked dirt with your leg to righten yourself and stand. Though you stumble once, you just catch your balance and straighten, looking up to where you think the sky must be in whatever hellish vision you've found yourself in. Well. Forward then. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</linkreplace>> <<case 4>> Thankfully, it doesn't take long to reach the destination your disembodied guide intends for you. Your first few steps are tentative, toes testing each inch of dusty ground before the ball of your foot lowers next, and then your heel. After continuing to find solid footing - and after another amused bout of laughter rings in your thoughts - you walk with confidence, pushing into the unknown while the magic clears a path for you. A path that initially seems to be the same endless wasteland, repeating over and over. More than once, you think you recognize the same patterns of the void-like veins clawing across the ground - possibly the same dead plants, collapsed and weeping in the place where they once thrived. Then, the edge of water. A bank that drops suddenly into a dark pool, the edges stretching far past safety to your left and right. You take another step forward, the shore now a few feet away and taking up a third of your small haven. The water itself is a deep blue green - clear, you think - and unfathomably deep. And absolutely still. Surrounded by a usually impenetrable storm. Your steps slow to a halt, the hesitation creeping into your mind again. It couldn't be. //The Mirror?// No response. Instead, a set of ripples approaching from beyond answers, accompanied by strands of honeyed hair floating on the water's surface. You find your bravery again, hiding just behind the shock of blond and urging you to come closer. Scrambling, you will the protective magic forward and run to $o_herhimthem - heart pounding, hopes soaring - a halo of loosened hair reaching into soaked bangs clinging tightly to Oisein's damp skin. <<o_captheir>> mortalis form lies prone - eyes closed, chest still - floating in the tide of $o_herhistheir ivory shirt as it laps up against $o_herhistheir chest and hovers around $o_herhistheir collar. Lavender ribbons bob along with the rhythm of the water and flicker near $o_herhistheir elbows like bright eels. "Oisein?" you venture, voice rising. "Oisein, this isn't funny. <<if $o_past_friendship or $o_friendship > 9>> If you're just being dramatic again, so help me-" <<else>> C'mon - say something." <</if>> No response, hopes crashing. You're at the border of the water in an instant, one hand gripping the edge of the bank, the other reaching without thinking into the Mirror and out towards Oisein. Fingers splashing hopelessly against the water, you strain your arm out - further, just a bit further - until you finally find purchase in the silky shirt cloth. You tighten your grip, cloth straining and stretching against his opposite shoulder, convinced you'll never release him now that you've been able to grab hold, pulling him closer until you're able to reach with both hands and //''pull.''// Water comes dangerously close to Oisein's slightly parted - breathless - lips as $o_herhistheir head tips to the side, and you strain to try to keep it straightened as you bring $o_herhimthem to the sanctuary of dry land. When $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> finally close enough, shirt surging forward as the motion stops, you plunge your arms into the water beneath $o_herhistheir shoulders, hooking your elbows under and crossing across $o_herhistheir upper chest to lock your hands together. Digging your knees further into the earth, making sure you won't tumble over to join $o_herhimthem, one swift heave is enough to pull $o_herhistheir torso up to land. The crown of $o_herhistheir head tips back without the cushion of water, thudding into your chest as you give a second heave and swing your legs forward to dig your heels into the ground. A slight slip - a momentary panic - but on the third pull, the rest of $o_herhistheir slender frame breaks the Mirror's surface, $o_herhistheir entire body now free of its murky depths. Your lower back crashes down, shooting a slice of pain up your spine as you collapse and Oisein flops helplessly against you, head rolling to the side as $o_herhistheir hair slides and clings to your stomach like a tangle of seaweed, droplets of water sliding over $o_herhistheir still shut and worryingly peaceful eyes. You shuffle from under $o_herhimthem as quickly and gently as you can, trying to cradle $o_herhistheir neck and head as you unpin yourself from under $o_herhistheir body and lay it carefully down. Desperately, you reach your fingers for just under $o_herhistheir jaw, searching for a pulse, a breath, //anything.// And then, in the corner of your eye, a familiar buzz of energy catches your attention. Lingering just at the bottom edge of $o_herhistheir shirt, you recognize the strange magic of the Reviver's attack. It leers menancingly at you, and as you slide the wet fabric up to reveal what you hope to be the tanned, freckled skin of your fellow sheevra's stomach, you're met with the same unsettling sight as before. Oisein, disappearing, not much more than a faint outline left at his waist and the fractured ground beneath him peering up through the dim transparency of his body. //Not $o_hershistheirs,// a whisper says over your shoulder as your breath quickens. You snap your head to the side and find nothing but the storm still leering at the bubble's edge and the chill of the cool water soaking through your clothes climbing into your chest now. //This one will kill $o_herhimthem: Slowly at first, then all at once-// it continues, a few inches from your face but maddeningly absent. //-if you don't do anything.// <<if $persuasive > $intimidating+2>> "So what do I do?" you plead to the nothingness, <<else>> "So //tell// me what to do," you snarl at the nothingness, <</if>> ignoring the other questions sharpening in your mind. //Make a deal. Or start to, at least.// Make a- Your jaw drops, mouth parting, looking back to $o_herhistheir the faint glow now slinking and spreading, inch by inch, over $o_herhistheir body. "Sheevra can't make deals with each other," you start to explain with growing frustration and a tinge of panic. "We can't...//I// can't-" //You ''can.'' Reach for $o_herhimthem.// You still hesitate, despite the urgency within you building into a fiercer storm than the one still slamming into the barrier just a few feet away. An inhale in. Exhale out. A look down to your hands to start drawing the energy from your core, opening up your magic and readying it for an exchange where the terms are a mystery even to you. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> It comes quicker than you expect, eager threads poised to be woven as they wrap around your fingers. The taste of the Sentiment's magic on your tongue leaps to the forefront of your thoughts and strengthens the cords just as you lower your fingertips to where you hope to feel the skin just below Oisein's ribs. Something warm and soft pushes back against you despite the nothingness that you see, and a sliver of relief allows itself to grow. "Take hold," you whisper, voice softened like a prayer. <<if ($o_past_feelings and $o_flirt > 0) or $o_past_friendship>> "Don't take $o_herhimthem away from me. //Please.//" <<elseif $o_past_feelings and $o_flirt is 0>> "Bring $o_herhimthem back to me. //Please.//" <<else>> "//Please.//" <</if>> And take hold they do. A ricochet of magic almost floors you, but you hold steadfast against the force as the threads shoot upward before arcing back and plunging into Oisein's chest. Tremors start to shake through $o_herhistheir body - first a shiver through $o_herhistheir fingers that hums up $o_herhistheir arms. The sliver of relief bursts open when $o_herhistheir unmoving expression starts to twitch, but the hope dampens when $o_herhistheir face contorts with pain just as you feel the threads snag. But still you wait, patiently guiding your magic as it weaves around the energy invading Oisein's body. Resistance meets you as you thread it tighter, focusing on bringing it out towards you - tying you to Oisein in some semblance of a deal. Despite your earlier reservations, your magic cinches around the energy, and inch by inch, the nothingness begins to retreat. Freckles appear to scatter away from the edge of $o_herhistheir ribs, spilling over into the soft skin of $o_herhistheir stomach and flowing over its now steady rise and fall. They spread over and down $o_herhistheir sides in small trails, more and more of $o_herhistheir body returning back as the storm rages on around you. You //pull// ferociously, repeating the same mantra in your head and funneling it into your magic - it's //yours,// it's a //deal//, it doesn't belong to $o_herhimthem. The Reviver's energy cries out as its tethers are plucked one by one, rearing back against the power of Devotion igniting your lungs and ripping through the threads of magic. You're winning - and it knows its time is short - screeching as your magic slowly consumes. And finally - As soon as the magic is yanked free from Oisein, you sever the ties, their ends lashing wildly outward and releasing the energy into the air. Lavender eyes fly open near you, and you catch the edge of $o_herhistheir image shift. Hair falls back into the loose tie at the back of $o_herhistheir head, and $o_herhistheir body folds over as $o_shehethey grip$o_s $o_herhistheir stomach in a panic, narrowly missing where your knees are still pressed into the ground. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> earring drips into existence, hanging languidly from $o_herhistheir ear and catching the faint ambient light as the area begins to brighten. When $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>realize<<else>>realizes<</if>> the threat of disappearing has been removed, $o_shehethey look$o_s to you, searching for your face for some sort of answer as the water wicks away from $o_herhistheir clothes and $o_herhistheir skin. Droplets float away, one by one fleeing into the wall of sand and dirt, close to where your attention has held fast. "$pc_name?" he croaks weakly, but you barely hear. Oisein follows your line of sight, head turning apprehensively. Instead of the rage of magic trying to snuff out his life, the energy that once buried itself into his body hovers in a small, peaceful orb, full of life and light. It bobs once - twice - an enticing lure that has both you and Oisein leaning forward to listen to what spell it wants to speak. And a strange, unsettling question sits patiently at the back of your skull, like it was waiting for you to find it. //Should// you have taken it from him? Even Oisein reaches for the energy, and as $o_herhistheir fingers unfold and $o_shehethey sit$o_s up, hand stretched outward, you hear the silence. The stillness. The storm receding from the barrier's walls and the edge of the Mirror racing out toward the horizon and onward into the clear sky, dark water stretching into infinity. To your left and right the Arids expand - peaceful, welcoming. //Hopeful.// And when your eyes are drawn back to the water, a far bank catches your eyes. <<linkreplace "Figures made of light standing at its edge.">>Figures made of light standing at its edge. <<linkreplace "A city blooming, climbing into the sky.">>A city blooming, climbing into the sky. But the scene bursts into sparks of white hot fire, a firework that blinds you. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." "Chapter4-Oisein-ReturnToInn">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $devotion -= 1>> Coughs wrack your body as the vision disappears, and you feel the hazy magic of the Sentiment slowly slide away. The rough ground of the Arids transforms into plush blankets, your knees pressed into the bed in your room at the Lucky Albatross and bumping into Oisein's hip. The other sheevra still has $o_herhistheir hand reaching out, still desperate to grab a hold of the magic that was killing $o_herhimthem only moments ago. That awful question whispers again behind you, gnawing at your ear. "It's gone," you try to reassure $o_herhimthem, an attempt to tear $o_herhistheir eyes away from where they're glued - the disappointing view of the dresser mirror reflecting dim light. "The Devotion effects too, I think it's all fine now," you urge again, unsure if you should shake $o_herhimthem loose from $o_herhistheir stupor. "But you should check." Your voice becomes quieter with each statement, hoping that some of the words will make it to $o_herhimthem. A few wavering breaths pass between $o_herhistheir barely parted lips before $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>do<<else>>does<</if>> finally move, $o_herhistheir hand lowering slowly, a spark of fear lighting in $o_herhistheir eyes. But thankfully, when the hand does finally make it to $o_herhistheir shirt and $o_shehethey lift$o_s it to check for any residual effects, all of the strange magic is gone. All that's left is $o_herhistheir slightly reddened skin, the splash of brown freckles, and the faint outline of $o_herhistheir ribs when $o_herhistheir chest expands with a relieved breath. Or at least you'd think he'd be relieved, if tears weren't also building and overflowing down his cheeks. <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"\"Are you okay?\" I say with shock and worry, reaching for "+$o_herhistheir+" arm."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link `"\"Wait, did I miss something?\" I say with a nervous laugh. \"The Sentiment worked! Did you...I mean did you notice you have a stomach again?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link `"\"Hey- Snap out of it,\" I say with a growing amount of nerves and unease. \"What's going on?\""` `passage()`>><<set $choice to "third">><<set $aloof += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> As the fabric of $o_herhistheir shirt is put back into place, an idle hand haphazardly tucking it back into the top of $o_herhistheir pants, you watch the first of the droplets slide across $o_herhistheir chin and drip down onto $o_herhistheir thighs. <<if $choice is "first">> "Oisein?" You start, shock and worry clear in your voice. You sit back on your heels but reach forward towards $o_herhistheir forearm. "Are you okay?" <<elseif $choice is "second">> "Wait," you start with a nervous laugh, scratching at your cheek as you sit back on your heels. "Did I miss something? The Sentimenet worked! Did you...I mean did you notice that you have a stomach again?" <<elseif $choice is "third">> "Hey- Snap out of it," you urge harshly, the nerves and unease growing at the bottom of your stomach. "What's going on?" <</if>> At your question, Oisein looks to you with confusion. Watery eyes reflect streaks of light, $o_herhistheir pupils set like submerged amythysts behind $o_herhistheir golden bangs. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> blink$o_s - slowly at first - eyelashes fluttering against the current. Reading the surprise from you, $o_herhistheir hand comes up to touch $o_herhistheir face, but $o_shehethey snap$o_s $o_herhistheir fingers away as soon as they touch the foreign dampness taking over $o_herhistheir skin. "What-" Both hands wave in a wild flurry against $o_herhistheir cheeks now, the base of $o_herhistheir palms trying to strike away any evidence of the tears <<if $choice is "first">>as you retreat your hand<</if>>. Expression twisting into offense, $o_shehethey scoff$o_s first, before $o_herhistheir hands fall away, attempts useless against the torrent. And then he laughs. "Probably just..." he murmurs shakily through a hollow smile, his eyes not meeting yours as his skin pales. "...a side effect from getting a blast of Devotion. " <<if $forward > $reserved>> "I don't think-" you start, <<else>> You open your mouth to speak, <</if>> but stop as Oisein shakes $o_herhistheir head with another tense chuckle, awkward, stiff movements following as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to brush away $o_herhistheir bangs and your concern. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> hands and gaze come to rest on $o_herhistheir lap, and $o_shehethey blink$o_s in time with the seconds - chest rising every two, and falling with the next pair. Your eyes catch on the mundane patterns of the bedspread again, waiting for $o_herhimthem to speak. "It felt..." comes Oisein's voice again, hoarse and lifeless, and with what sounds unsettlingly similar to grief. "It was almost like I had-" The same question mocks you one last time from the silence in the sentence $o_shehethey can't complete. ''//Should you have taken it from $o_herhimthem?//'' Oisein is all but frigid as $o_shehethey climb$o_s - scramble$o_s - out of your bed, an anger rising at any sign of weakness shown. Your knees sink with the side giving way to $o_herhistheir weight until it bounces back as $o_shehethey lift$o_s <<print $o_herhimthem>>self away. Pacing a few steps toward the window, $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>go<<else>>goes<</if>> through the motion of checking over <<print $o_herhimthem>>self. A swing of $o_herhistheir leg and a swivel of $o_herhistheir ankle, a windmill of $o_herhistheir arm and a dull //pop// near $o_herhistheir shoulder, and the near stumble from a twinge in $o_herhistheir knees. Annoyance highlights $o_herhistheir cheeks, and you watch $o_herhistheir shoulders rise with an agitated breath. As $o_herhistheir hands slide down $o_herhistheir face to wipe away the last remaining dampness, they come to rest on $o_herhistheir hips just as $o_herhistheir head hangs, spine hunched, and $o_shehethey kick$o_s at the skirting beneath the room's window. "Seems to have done the trick, anyway," $o_shehethey comment$o_s, with not nearly as much energy as you'd expect from someone who just swerved certain death. <<set $numq to 0>> <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What did //you// see?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 100>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Is there something else on your mind?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Maybe you should get some more rest, just in case.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"So...about our next steps-\"" `passage()`>><<set $choice to "fourth">><<set $aloof += 3>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $o_friendship -= 2>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>> <<case 3>> Swinging your legs around, you finally move forward and let your feet settle against the floor. <<if $choice is "second2" or $choice is "third2" or $choice is "fourth2">> <<else>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> turn to you, but strands of golden hair shudder in the wake of $o_herhistheir sudden stillness, floating down to $o_herhistheir shoulders from where they were once tied. Another breath, fists balling, before $o_shehethey tear$o_s $o_herhistheir gaze from the window and stare$o_s at the back wall instead, sharp profile outlined by the fading evening light trickling past the curtains and the warm glow of the room's crystals. Still $o_herhistheir pupils are cast down, shoulder halted in its turn toward you. <</if>> <<if $choice is "second" or $choice is "second2">> Your hands push from your knees to stand and you approach $o_herhimthem cautiously. "Is there something else on your mind?" <<if $choice neq "second2">> The laugh $o_shehethey give$o_s is humourless and weak, eyes narrowing. They close as $o_shehethey shake$o_s $o_herhistheir head, $o_herhistheir usual confidence and poise slowly recovering and oozing into $o_herhistheir limbs. It finally seeps fully through $o_herhistheir body as $o_herhistheir posture straightens and $o_shehethey hold$o_s $o_herhistheir head high again. <</if>> There's a barely noticeable flinch at your approach, but $o_shehethey recover$o_s smoothly. Gratitude shows in $o_herhistheir expression at your question, and $o_shehethey barely smile$o_s. "I'll be alright," $o_shehethey eventually respond$o_s, an elusively straightforward 'thank you' just out of reach. "Could do with a rest and possibly some food to help restore my magic. At least we haven't gotten attacked again. Think that'll last?" <<elseif $choice is "third" or $choice is "third2">> Your hands push from your knees to stand and you approach $o_herhimthem cautiously. "Maybe-" Your jaw tightens. "Maybe you should get some more rest, just in case?" <<if $choice neq "third2">> The laugh $o_shehethey give$o_s is humourless and weak, eyes narrowing. They close as $o_shehethey shake$o_s $o_herhistheir head, $o_herhistheir usual confidence and poise slowly recovering and oozing into $o_herhistheir limbs. It finally seeps fully through $o_herhistheir body as $o_herhistheir posture straightens and $o_shehethey hold$o_s $o_herhistheir head high again. <</if>> There's a barely noticeable flinch at your approach, but $o_shehethey recover$o_s smoothly. Gratitude shows in $o_herhistheir expression at your question, and $o_shehethey barely smile$o_s. "I'll be alright," $o_shehethey eventually respond$o_s, an elusively straightforward 'thank you' just out of reach. "Could do with a rest and possibly some food to help restore my magic. At least we haven't gotten attacked again. Think that'll last?" <<elseif $choice is "fourth" or $choice is "fourth2">> No time like the present to push forward, anyway. Maybe Oisein will eventually talk to you, maybe $o_shehethey won't, but at least $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> healed. "So...about our next steps," you start, hands pushing from your knees to stand. <<if $choice neq "fourth2">> The laugh $o_shehethey give$o_s is humourless and bitter, eyes narrowing. They close as $o_shehethey shake$o_s $o_herhistheir head, $o_herhistheir usual confidence and poise slowly recovering and oozing into $o_herhistheir limbs. It finally seeps fully through $o_herhistheir body as $o_herhistheir posture straightens and $o_shehethey hold$o_s $o_herhistheir head high again. <</if>> "Straight to business, then?" <<if $sarcastic > $genuine>> "With a murderous psychopath after us? Absolutely." <<else>> "With that...murderous Reviver or whatever they might be is out there? Don't you want to get out of the city?" <</if>> <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship>> Oisein face goes neutral, blinking a few times as $o_shehethey consider$o_s your words, until $o_shehethey resign$o_s to a defeated shrug. <<else>> Oisein gives you an incredulous look before resigning to a shrug. <</if>> "Fair. At least we haven't gotten attacked again. Think that'll last?" <</if>> The memory of the figure stumbling across the wall as they left crosses your mind, but you still shift uncomfortably. "The cautious part of me says no, but- something tells me they won't outwardly attack here." "Because...?" "Well if they could, why not get rid of us as soon as we arrived? Before we found out anything else?" Oisein supports his body on the back of a chair as his face knits together in thought, one hand absentmindedly brushing against his stomach to verify that he hasn't begun disappearing again. "Plus," you continue, a seed of confidence planting itself in your chest. "They looked and sounded drained as they were leaving. They'll probably need some time to recover if it was their magic that destroyed the bank." You start to pace alongside the length of the bed, your earring heavy in your ear. "We should at least be able to rest easy tonight, and go after those places I told you about tomorrow morning." With a nod, the <<if $leanhaun>>other<</if>> leanhaun straightens and meanders toward the dresser. "Question is, where do you want to hit first?" $o_shehethey start$o_s, fingers tracing around where your daggers rest in their sheathes. "Clan Harpoc was known for trading in secrets mainly, but without knowing a Harpoc sheevra personally -" Oisein purses $o_herhistheir lips and clicks $o_herhistheir tongue. "-I don't know if that means their Sanctum's main entrance would be somewhere best suited for that, or if they'd be as cagey and discreet about the main entrance as they are with the rest of us." "Main entrance means more traps, though." "But a quicker way in," he retorts with a raised finger. "No guarantee they'll both have entrances, but a secondary entrance will wind you all around but probably be less enchanted, like the forest groves in Saor. More likely to get lost than trigger an explosive glyph - just up to you to pick your poison." You grip the back of your neck and strain it as you tilt your head to the ceiling. "Both of those sound bad." "Never said they weren't," $o_shehethey snort$o_s out as $o_shehethey lean$o_s back, your remaining Sentiments chiming together as they rock with the dresser's movement. "But that's what we get for trespassing into another Clan's Sanctum without them." "To //save// them-" "Yeah..." There's a small noise as $o_shehethey wince$o_s, sucking in $o_herhistheir bottom lip againts $o_herhistheir teeth. "...think that's still up in the air." Your gaze meets $o_hershistheirs at the tense statement, holding to the lavender resolutely staring you down as $o_herhistheir mouth presses into a thin line. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> keep$o_s $o_herhistheir eyes locked on you when $o_shehethey continue$o_s. <<if $leanhaun>> "Since we're both pathosi, the secondary entrance might be a little easier going...but I'm up for whatever you are." <<else>> "I'm not //the best// at sensing traps as a pathosi - you'd probably have an easier time of it between the two of us. But I'm up for whatever you are." <</if>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> tilt$o_s $o_herhistheir head. "So - parlor or shop - what do you think?" <<set $q_one to false>> <<set $q_two to false>> <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What about the bank?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 50>><<set $q_one to true>><</link>></li> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What do you think?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 51>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"The parlor makes the most sense. What better way to learn secrets from people who will likely forget everything the next morning anyway? We should go find it on the third fourth border.\"" "Chapter4-OiseinSanctumDecision-Parlor">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Harpoc has always been discreet, and I can't see them changing for something as important as an entrance to their Sanctum. We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant.\"" "Chapter4-OiseinSanctumDecision-Shop">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>> <<case 50>> "What about the bank?" Oisein doesn't even hide the outlandish shock and gives an obnoxious guffaw - an incredibly fake one. "What about it?" "It was one of the places <<if $empathetic < $callous>>that mortalis<<else>>the Gold Sage<</if>> mentioned too." "The same bank we saw crumbling to ash and //crawling// with Intuits and half of Renescen's mortalis guards." $o_shehethey state$o_s, voice dripping with disapproval. "You're having a laugh." You scrunch your face at the patronizing tone, mouth dropping into a frown. "What if it was the main entrance?" "Then we have two side entrances to choose from, and you have a more straightforward choice than you think. And hey, maybe no traps!" $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>finish<<else>>finishes<</if>> the thought with a sardonic splay of $o_herhistheir hands to $o_herhistheir sides, but halt$o_s when $o_shehethey see$o_s your face. The mocking motion deflates with a sigh and an awkward scratch at $o_herhistheir scalp through $o_herhistheir unraveling hair. "Look, $pc_name, <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship>> you know I'd follow you just about anywhere. But you'd have to be out of your mind to go back so soon." <<else>> I'll follow your lead, but you'd have to be out of your mind to go back there so soon." <</if>> Drumming your fingers against the small window-side table, you outline the worn grooves of the wood and hum an accepting response. <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <li>$info_label "What about the bank?"</li> <<if $q_two>> <li>$info_label "What do you think?"</li> <<else>> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What do you think?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 51>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><</link>></li> <</if>> <li><<link "\"The parlor makes the most sense. What better way to learn secrets from people who will likely forget everything the next morning anyway? We should go find it on the third fourth border.\"" "Chapter4-OiseinSanctumDecision-Parlor">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Harpoc has always been discreet, and I can't see them changing for something as important as an entrance to their Sanctum. We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant.\"" "Chapter4-OiseinSanctumDecision-Shop">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>> <<case 51>> "Why's this all on me? What do you think?" Oisein stares at you silently before casting $o_herhistheir eyes down. "I wasn't chosen for this, remember. I just came to cause trouble on your behalf." There's a sad chuckle as $o_shehethey turn$o_s the left side of $o_herhistheir face away from you and start$o_s to fiddle with $o_herhistheir hair, drawing the bangs out as you feel a slight spark of illusion magic. "I'm still asking," you continue, trying to distract him. "I want to know." "Then I'd say the pathos parlor would be a good contender. Makes the most sense to me, given the amount of things //I've// heard in exchange for some empty sweet nothings." A salacious but proud smirk alights his now re-illusioned face, the scar fading as his hand lowers. "Then again, Clan Harpoc seemed to be the opposite of fun - so I don't know if that holds for them." You decide not to say anything to avoid bringing attention to the wound Oisein clearly wants to avoid acknowledging - for now. <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <<if $q_one>> <li>$info_label "What about the bank?"</li> <<else>> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What about the bank?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 50>><<set $q_one to true>><</link>></li> <</if>> <li>$info_label "What do you think?"</li> <li><<link "\"The parlor makes the most sense. What better way to learn secrets from people who will likely forget everything the next morning anyway? We should go find it on the third fourth border.\"" "Chapter4-OiseinSanctumDecision-Parlor">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Harpoc has always been discreet, and I can't see them changing for something as important as an entrance to their Sanctum. We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant.\"" "Chapter4-OiseinSanctumDecision-Shop">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>> <<case 100>> The sting of your teeth biting into your lip lurches the question forward. "Oisein...what did //you// see?" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> turn to you, but strands of golden hair shudder in the wake of $o_herhistheir sudden stillness, floating down to $o_herhistheir shoulders from where they were once tied. Another breath, fists balling, before $o_shehethey tear$o_s $o_herhistheir gaze from the window and stare$o_s at the back wall instead, sharp profile outlined by the fading evening light trickling past the curtains and the warm glow of the room's crystals. Still $o_herhistheir pupils are cast down, shoulder halted in its turn toward you. "A memory," $o_shehethey breathe$o_s. <<if visited("Prologue-GoldChoice")>> "From your first deal, I think, from what you told me before - if that's the same Sentiment. It was-" $o_herhistheir mouth hangs open. "-well, you probably have a guess at what it was." <<else>> "From whichever mortalis made the deal for that Sentiment. It was-" $o_herhistheir mouth hangs open. "-well, it doesn't matter what it was." <</if>> <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Tell me anyway,\" I urge." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I don't say anything else and wait for Oisein to continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 101>> <<if $choice is "first">> "Tell me anyway," you urge, leaning toward the edge of the bed but unsure if you should move. At your request, $o_shehethey rock$o_s onto $o_herhistheir heels before settling back down, a hand lifting to flick away some of the hair that's fallen across $o_herhistheir face. <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_flirt > 0>> The hand comes to rest at $o_herhistheir lips, teeth biting around $o_herhistheir thumbnail as $o_herhistheir finger stroke$o_s $o_herhistheir chin. It drops as $o_shehethey complete$o_s $o_herhistheir turn from before and face$o_s you, though not without a tint of pink rising in $o_herhistheir neck. "It really doesn't matter-" $o_shehethey mutter$o_s. "-just <<if visited("Prologue-GoldChoice")>>that<<else>>some<</if>>...cringy mortalis couple." The hand comes back up to scratch nervously at $o_herhistheir neck. "But...more importantly, it must have been at an Equinox because the aurora..." <<else>> The hand comes to rest at $o_herhistheir lips, teeth biting around $o_herhistheir thumbnail as $o_herhistheir finger idly stroke $o_herhistheir chin. It drops as $o_shehethey complete$o_s $o_herhistheir turn from before and face$o_s you. "There was <<if visited("Prologue-GoldChoice")>>that<<else>>a<</if>> mortalis couple, and I was racing through different moments in their lives. But that's not all-" The hand comes back up to stroke thoughtfully at $o_herhistheir neck. "It must have been at an Equinox because the aurora..." <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "second">> You hold your tongue, waiting for Oisein to continue even as you lean toward the edge of the bed. At your silence, $o_shehethey rock$o_s onto $o_herhistheir heels before settling back down, a hand lifting to flick away some of the hair that's fallen across $o_herhistheir face. <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_flirt > 0>> The hand comes to rest at $o_herhistheir lips, teeth biting around $o_herhistheir thumbnail as $o_herhistheir finger idly stroke $o_herhistheir chin. It drops as $o_shehethey complete$o_s $o_herhistheir turn from before and face$o_s you, though not without a tint of color rising in $o_herhistheir neck. <<else>> The hand comes to rest at $o_herhistheir lips, teeth biting around $o_herhistheir thumbnail as $o_herhistheir finger idly stroke $o_herhistheir chin. It drops as $o_shehethey complete$o_s $o_herhistheir turn from before and face$o_s you. <</if>> "More importantly, it must've been at an Equinox because the aurora-" <</if>> <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> eyes widen in wonder and $o_herhistheir hands splay out in front of $o_herhimthem with $o_herhistheir palms to you. "- was incredible. Full of colors I feel like I've never seen and blinding and bright over Saor. Nothing compared to the usual and it was so...." A hint of a smile almost shines in $o_herhistheir face before it's doused, and $o_herhistheir hands slowly lower. "I think I felt something like it right when I got hit - But it all came crashing down and there you were - there ''we'' were - surrounded by the Arids and then boom - back in this Sanctin-forsaken city." The laugh he forces out is humourless and bitter, his eyes narrowing. They close as he shakes his head, his usual confidence and poise slowly recovering and oozing into his limbs. It finally seeps fully through his body as his posture straightens and he holds his head high. "Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to be rid of whatever that was," $o_shehethey say$o_s with a flippant sneer, before aiming a raised brow at you. "But the Sentiments aren't usually that strong, are they? What shit bundle of mortalis memories did it give you? If you were in the Arids, it couldn't've been very good." <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> chuckle is sharp and barbed, another defense atop the walls $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>fortify<<else>>fortifies<</if>> around $o_herhistheir thoughts. <<if visited("Chapter4-MCVision-Oisein")>> It's a far cry from the $o_gender you saw in the hazy vision, all soft smiles and welcoming eyes. Seeing Oisein as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>are<<else>>is<</if>> now, you can barely believe that it might've been the same person. The familiar string of musical magic. The tug that urged you <<if visited("Chapter4-MCVision-OiseinRomance")>> closer. <<if $visiontouch>> The heat of $o_herhistheir forehead against yours. <<else>> The heat of $o_herhistheir skin reaching across the space between you. <</if>> ...All devoured by the helplessness you felt as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>were<<else>>was<</if>> consumed. <<else>> closer. ...And the helplessness as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>were<<else>>was<</if>> consumed. <</if>> Your fists clench at the image, the whiplash of seeing $o_herhimthem obliterated and then immediately finding $o_herhistheir lifeless body in the vastness of the Mirror. The desperation and horror and the chill of dark water creeping into your body. <<elseif visited("Chapter4-MCVision-Healer")>> It's a far cry from the $h_gender you saw in the hazy vision, all soft smiles and warmth. A mortalis - of all you could've seen - <<if $h_date or $h_coy>> who has, granted, grown on you even in these past two days. <<elseif $h_friendship >= 3>> who has, granted, been open and friendly to you. <<else>> that you barely know. <</if>> But to somehow feel the energy of their magic - the cool feel of water, the tug that urged you <<if visited("Chapter4-MCVision-HealerRomance")>> closer, and <<if $visiontouch>> the heat of $h_herhis arms wrapped around you in an embrace you didn't want to break. <<else>> the adoring stare of $h_herhis golden eyes upon yours. <</if>> All devoured by the helplessness you felt as $h_shehe was consumed. <<else>> closer, and the helplessness as $h_shehe was consumed. <</if>> Your fists clench at the image, the whiplash of seeing $h_herhis peaceful face immediately obliterated in the might of a storm. But the tension is swept away at the thought of telling Oisein, almost causing you to snort with bewilderment. What would $o_shehethey say - would any sheevra say - if you told $o_herhimthem that a Sentiment made you see a mortalis you've only just met? <<elseif visited ("Chapter4-MCVision-Magesmith")>> It's a far cry from the $m_gender you saw in the hazy vision, with soft, but hesitant eyes. A mortalis - of all you could've seen - that you barely know. But to somehow feel the energy of their magic - the fiery, molten energy in your veins, the tug that urged you <<if visited("Chapter4-MCVision-MagesmithRomance")>> closer, and <<if $visiontouch>> the heat of $m_herhis skin against yours. <<else>> the heat of $m_herhis gaze on you. <</if>> All devoured by the helplessness you felt as $m_shehe was consumed <<else>> closer, and the helplessness as $m_shehe was consumed. <</if>> Your fists clench at the image, the whiplash of seeing $m_herhis peaceful face immediately obliterated in the might of a storm. But the tension is swept away at the thought of telling Oisein, almost causing you to snort with bewilderment. What would $o_shehethey say - would any sheevra say - if you told $o_herhimthem that a Sentiment made you see a mortalis you've only just met? <<elseif visited("Chapter4-MCVision-Sage")>> It's a far cry from the $s_gender you saw in the hazy vision, all softness and full of care. A mortalis - of all you could've seen - that you barely know. But to somehow feel the energy of their magic - the brisk wind dancing over your skin, the tug that urged you <<if visited("Chapter4-MCVision-SageRomance")>> closer, and the <<if $visiontouch>> delicate movement of a hand over a heart. <<else>> delicate movement of $s_herhis cheeks lifting with a content smile. <</if>> All devoured by the helplessness you felt as $s_shehe was consumed. <<else>> closer, and the helplessness as $s_shehe was consumed. <</if>> Your fists clench at the image, the whiplash of seeing $s_herhis peaceful face immediately obliterated in the might of a storm. But the tension is swept away at the thought of telling Oisein, almost causing you to snort with bewilderment. What would $o_shehethey say - would any sheevra say - if you told $o_herhimthem that a Sentiment made you see a mortalis you've only just met? <</if>> "I saw an aurora too," you say simply, purposefully tucking away the other words threatening to <<if visited("Chapter4-MCVision-OiseinRomance")>> spill out and hoping that Oisein doesn't notice the dryness in your throat or the warmth behind your ears. Luckily, it seems $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> distracted enough to not try and read you. <<else>> spill out. <</if>> "Like you said - full of color. And...something whispering about my own - don't laugh - Entwined." Oisein's brow raises farther, but a glimpse of gentleness makes it through the barrier $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> building as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> you with pity. "Entwined?" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> //tsk$o_s// with disbelief. "$pc_name, you know we can't-" "I know, I know-" you say, waving the words away with embarassment. "Just telling you what I got. It did seem pretty potent but...must just be something about the Sentiments." Despite your dismissal and $o_herhistheir own, Oisein pauses in silence at the thought before shaking $o_herhistheir head. <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <li>$info_label "What did //you// see?"</li> <li><<link "\"Is there something else on your mind?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 3>><<set $choice to "second2">><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Maybe you should get some more rest, just in case.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 3>><<set $choice to "third2">><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"So...about our next steps-\"" `passage()`>><<set $choice to "fourth2">><<set $aloof += 1>><<set $textGroup to 3>><<set $o_friendship -= 2>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>> <</switch>>

<<set $num_q += 1>> <<if $q_two is true>> "As much as it makes sense for the pathos parlor for //you//-" In the corner of your eye, you just see Oisein pout. "-Harpoc has always been discreet, and I can't see them doing anything different for something as important as the main entrance to their Sanctum." You nod your head with determination and turn to the blond sheevra. "We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant." <<else>> "Harpoc has always been discreet," you start, nodding your head with determination and turning to the blond sheevra. "I can't see them doing anything different for something as important as the main entrance to their Sanctum. We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant." <</if>> <<if not $q_two>> There's a nod as $o_shehethey turn$o_s the left side of $o_herhistheir face away from you and starts to fiddle with $o_herhistheir hair, drawing the bangs out as you feel a slight spark of illusion magic. As casually as $o_shehethey can, $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>stretch<<else>>stretches<</if>> $o_herhistheir arms over $o_herhistheir now re-illusioned face, the scar fading as $o_herhistheir hands lower. <</if>> "Fiiine," $o_shehethey whine$o_s. "Suppose that makes some sense. And a vacant, apparently haunted parlor wouldn't be very fun to visit anyway." "Don't know if your priorities are in the right order there." Oisein gives you a challenging, but gleeful look. "When have they ever been?" <<include "Chapter4-OPath-Merge">>

<<if $q_two>> "I think you're right-" you start as you see Oisein brighten in the corner of your eye. "-the pathos parlor makes the most sense. What better way to learn secrets, than from people who will likely forget everything anyway?" "Exactly." Oisein grins, before the expression falters. <<else>> "The pathos parlor makes sense," you start. "What better way to learn secrets from people who will likely forget everything the next morning anyway? We should go find it on the third fourth border." <</if>> <<if not $q_two>> There's a nod as $o_shehethey turn$o_s the left side of $o_herhistheir face away from you and starts to fiddle with $o_herhistheir hair, drawing the bangs out as you feel a slight spark of illusion magic. As casually as $o_shehethey can, $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>stretch<<else>>stretches<</if>> $o_herhistheir arms over $o_herhistheir now re-illusioned face, the scar fading as $o_herhistheir hands lower. <</if>> "It's always how I've operated anyway. But now that I think of it, I suppose a vacant, apparently haunted parlor won't be //as// fun as I'm hoping to visit." "Don't know if your priorities are in the right order there." Oisein gives you a challenging, but gleeful look. "When have they ever been?" <<include "Chapter4-OPath-Merge">>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<if $choice is "first">> "I'm sure," you say earnestly, and move to $o_herhistheir side. "Let me help, Oisein." Despite your knowledge of one another, Oisein still surveys you like something foreign and new. Like <<print $o_shehethey>><<if $o_them>>'ve<<else>>'s<</if>> never seen <<if $leanhaun>> your markings glow across your skin, <<elseif $unseelie>>your markings dance across your skin, <<elseif $dryad>>your markings shift and grow across your skin, <</if>> never heard your voice or felt your presence, never reached for you on that cliff overlooking Saor. But within the same gaze - //It's this,// you think, answering your earlier question with the realization, reading the desire for trust and familiarity in the conflict written across Oisein's face. Though the pause drags on $o_shehethey eventually offer$o_s an apologetic smile and nods to the bed. <<elseif $choice is "second">> "Oisein," You try to show a more easy-going smirk to break the tension of the moments before. "We're in this mess together, aren't we?" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> chuckle$o_s. <<if $o_past_feelings>>"You mean you pulled me into this mess." "I didn't-" "Ah, I meant more…" $o_shehethey hold$o_s $o_herhistheir tongue as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> you with a fondness that dusts across $o_herhistheir eyes, and there's a quick flash of the heat lightning and rain from that day at the Sanctum just before you left. A snap of $o_herhistheir hand to yours, the worry in $o_herhistheir face on the brink of unearthing something deeper. That desire for familiarity and trust that thrums through the air now. //It's this,// you think, answering your earlier question with the realization. Though the pause drags on, Oisein eventually shakes $o_herhistheir head, apparently lost in some memory as well, before offering an apologetic smile. "Never mind, it doesn't matter what I meant." Before you can press, $o_shehethey nod$o_s to the bed. <<else>> "Would appreciate if you at least //tried// to pick the less life-threatening ones though." "You wouldn't be my friend if I did." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> laugh$o_s then, but winces as soon as the sound bursts forward, sighing once $o_herhistheir hand has come to $o_herhistheir stomach. "Alright." A nod to the bed. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "third">> You just nod and tense again for whatever $o_shehethey<<o_re>> about to do. At your more stoic response, Oisein gives an apologetic smile and nods to the bed. <</if>> "You mind? I'm not bleeding." A pause. "Er, well-" $o_shehethey turn$o_s $o_herhistheir face up to the rafters again and smooth$o_s over the ribbons from $o_herhistheir sleeves, still loose in $o_herhistheir hands. "-I'm pretty sure I'm not bleeding. Doesn't feel like it - just roughed up a bit." "Go ahead," you say quietly, and give $o_herhimthem some space as $o_shehethey takes a deep breath. "Shouldn't need to strip - as lovely a sight as I promise it is," $o_shehethey can't help but add with a grin, albeit a weak one. The hollow attempt pangs sadly in your chest. "But I should probably…" Hiking one of $o_herhistheir sleeves up, $o_shehethey roll$o_s the loose fabric in on itself, leaving $o_herhistheir left forearm clear. With a practiced grace, $o_shehethey wrap$o_s the ribbon just above $o_herhistheir elbow and holds one end of it between $o_herhistheir teeth, before tying a knot one-handed against the taut strand. The ribbon trails over $o_herhistheir forefinger, swims across $o_herhistheir palm, and fastens with another pull into a perfect circlet to hold back the fabric. Even in that simple motion, and now that you know <<print $o_shehethey>>$o_isare sustaining <<print $o_herhimthem>>self, you can hear the weak cry of $o_herhistheir magic struggling to fight away the pain. The shake in $o_herhistheir wrists and the edges of an ache in $o_herhistheir eyes become more evident and progressively worse as $o_shehethey prepare$o_s to do the same to the other side. <<if ($o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship) and ($o_friendship > 7) >> <hr> <ul> <li><<link "\"I can tie it,\" I offer, holding a hand out for the second ribbon." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1 >><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "I want to be there but don't know that it's my place to help, so I stand back." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<else>> "Do you need-" you start, but $o_shehethey shake$o_s $o_herhistheir head quietly, before powering through the repeated motion on $o_herhistheir other sleeve. Once $o_herhistheir sleeves are tied back, $o_shehethey plant$o_s <<print $o_herhimthem>>self down on the bed, and raises both arms to pull out the small knotted chord holding half of $o_herhistheir hair back. "Better go ahead and -" Honeyed bangs fall forward from where they were tied, and $o_shehethey gather$o_s all of $o_herhistheir hair together to tie back into a bun. "-get this out of the way too." <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> muscles tense with the extra movement, but still $o_shehethey commit$o_s to it. Part of you wonders if it's just another part of the show to try and assuage your fears. And reduce the guilt bubbling uncomfortably below your ribs. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 2>> <<if $choice is "first">> "You don't have to - I can tie it - " you offer, holding your hand out for the second ribbon. <<if $sarcastic > $genuine>> Not trying to hurt $o_herhistheir ego //too much//, you try to adopt a light, teasing tone. "Looks like you're aching for my help anyway." <<else>> Your voice shifts, full of concern. "I can tell it…hurts." <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "second">> You start to speak, but aren't sure if you should offer your help, wanting to leave that to Oisein. Silence is cast over the room, despite the fact that Oisein's brow is more knit than it should be with the simpler task at hand. Despite the fact that $o_herhistheir teeth dig into $o_herhistheir lip and $o_herhistheir fingers strain and shake when trying to weave the fabric over itself, and $o_herhistheir legs are tense with effort. "...does it hurt?" you ask, your eyes full of worry and lips tight, trying to open a space for what you hope will be a question of $o_herhistheir own. <</if>> Oisein bristles more than you thought $o_shehethey would, and you realize $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>were<<else>>was<</if>> likely trying to put on a strong face to assuage your fears. And reduce the guilt bubbling uncomfortably below your ribs. But something in $o_herhistheir expression breaks at your words, finally allowing $o_herhimthem to let go of the tight hold they have on $o_herhistheir pride. With a breath out, $o_shehethey release$o_s the tension in $o_herhistheir arms and torso, and nod$o_s. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> plant$o_s <<print $o_herhimthem>>self down emphatically on the bed, the duvet scrunching around $o_herhistheir thighs while $o_shehethey hold$o_s the ribbon out wordlessly to you with a weak smile. When you take the soft, purple cloth in hand, $o_shehethey hold$o_s $o_herhistheir arm out for you, beginning to roll up the cloth by <<print $o_herhimthem>>self. Until you stop $o_herhimthem, giving a pointed look that says //I've got this// and a small squeeze at $o_herhistheir wrist. Vulnerability is a state that escapes Oisein on the best days, and one $o_shehethey sprint$o_s away from at all costs on the worst. So it's no surprise to you when $o_herhistheir jaw locks in confusion and a barely concealed dissatisfaction. Given your history, you know to wait. Eventually, after a few more moments of narrowed lavender searching your face, $o_shehethey turn$o_s $o_herhistheir eyes to the window and give$o_s a tiny nod of permission. The cream-colored cloth is just as velvety as the ribbon in your hands, and you admittedly struggle more than you'd care to admit in comparison to how deftly Oisein handled it before. But still, you carefully roll the sleeves upward, folding the layers over each other as your fingers brush over $o_herhistheir cool, freckled skin. Despite the fact that <<print $o_shehethey>>$o_isare still in $o_herhistheir mortalis form, the image of $o_herhistheir markings glowing with embarrassment makes you snort quietly. "You're enjoying this way too much," $o_shehethey mutter$o_s, and you just catch $o_herhimthem throwing a glance to the side before $o_herhistheir eyes cast back up towards the wall. "I'm dying, and you're laughing." "You're not dying." It comes out more of a command than a response. "What happened to being all peachy and fine?" <<if $o_flirt > 0>> "Well if I had known this would be the end result…" $o_shehethey murmur$o_s. From $o_herhistheir tone of voice, you'd expect a terrible, suggestive grin. <<else>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> scoffs, though with less force and offense than before. From the sound, you'd expect some sort of scoff or grimace, another dismissal of how close you both were to things getting much worse. <</if>> But instead, when you look up to chastise $o_herhimthem, you're silenced by a smile that curves pleasantly - genuinely - into $o_herhistheir cheeks. "Either way, I'm sure I'll be alright in the future if I have you to worry after me." <<if $sarcastic > $genuine>> You almost shove $o_herhimthem until you remember you are, in fact, helping an injured friend. So you settle for a 'tsk' while your thumbs rest in the soft skin of $o_herhistheir inner elbow, and a curt, "Don't take that as an invitation to keep getting beaten up." <<else>> You shake your head while your thumbs rest in the soft skin of $o_herhistheir inner elbow, settling for a quiet, "Try not to give me a reason to worry after you?" <</if>> Oisein only hums innocently in response. Ribbon streams and weaves through your fingers as you wrap it around $o_herhistheir bicep, waves of satin that hug against $o_herhistheir arm when you pull it tight. The cloth of $o_herhistheir shirt resists to being restrained, but you tuck the loose bits into the loops as much as you can in order to keep $o_herhistheir arms clear. When you finish, Oisein begins to raise $o_herhistheir other arm to pull out the small knotted chord holding half of $o_herhistheir hair back. "Better go ahead and -" Honeyed bangs fall forward from where they were tied, and $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> with mixed success to gather$o_s all of $o_herhistheir hair together to tie back into a bun. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link `$flirt_label + " I can already feel the heat tracing up my neck, and submerging in my lungs, but still hold my hand out to help "+$o_herhimthem+ "."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $o_flirt += 1>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><<set $reserved += 1>><</link>> </li> <li><<link `$flirt_label + " \"If you're looking for me to spoil you, you just have to ask.\" I say, the start of a smirk on my face overriding the dull echo of something warm in my chest."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $o_flirt += 1>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $forward += 1>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"You're hopeless, you know that?\" I say with exasperation. \"C'mon then, give it here.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "I just sit back and watch for now." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<if $choice is "fourth">> You sit back as $o_shehethey collect$o_s all of $o_herhistheir hair, and watch the way $o_herhistheir muscles tense with the extra movement. Though $o_shehethey commit$o_s, part of you wonders if it's just another part of the show to try and assuage your fears. For all the jagged, barbed parts of Oisein and all the masks that $o_shehethey wear$o_s, you feel, and maybe know, the truer parts of $o_herhimthem lie in the gentler places. In the satiny ribbons and silky cloth of $o_herhistheir shirt. In the river of freckles caressing $o_herhistheir cheeks and splashing up into the tips of $o_herhistheir ears. In $o_herhistheir cascading, honeyed hair, airy and light in $o_herhistheir hands despite the day's events, and the crisp smell of apples and pine. Another bit of laughter slips through despite the situation, and Oisein's eyes find yours. "Laughing at my suffering again, $pc_name?" You only give a small smile in return. The elastic cord snaps against $o_herhistheir fingers once while $o_shehethey pull$o_s $o_herhistheir hair through, exposing the bare skin of $o_herhistheir neck and the top of $o_herhistheir back as $o_herhistheir hair bunches together. Elbows bobbing with the remaining motions, $o_shehethey tilt$o_s $o_herhistheir chin down to finish pulling through the cord again and wrapping it into some semblance of a bun, tucking the stray ends into the parts tight against $o_herhistheir scalp. Head swaying like a metronome, $o_shehethey let$o_s $o_herhistheir cheek fall to the right, and then the left, testing the tightness of $o_herhistheir hair. Satisfied, $o_herhistheir rhythm slows, and $o_shehethey straighten$o_s to take in a deep breath, chest compressing as the exhale comes audibly through $o_herhistheir nose. <<else>> <<if $choice is "first">> Below the surface of your chest, a warmth simmers below your heart and seeps into each bone, <<if (not($o_past_feelings)) and ($o_flirt > 0)>> tracing over lines already familiar to your body, but not quite to you. <<elseif $o_past_feelings and ($o_flirt > 1)>> tracing in old lines and brightening a familiar feeling. <<elseif ($o_past_feelings) and ($o_flirt is 1)>>tracing in old lines and brightening a dormant feeling. <<else>> tracing in new lines and brightening an unfamiliar feeling. <</if>>You bury it, as you were told to do, but it doesn't stop it from boiling upward into your neck and along your jaw when you hold your hand out for the cord in Oisein's hand. Oisein's eyes perk up with an anticipation to reflect yours, and $o_shehethey lift$o_s $o_herhistheir wrist to place the small cord in your open palm as $o_herhistheir voice lowers to whisper. "Careful, you'll never get rid of me if you keep being so nice." Extra shadows cast against $o_herhistheir face with $o_herhistheir thick hair undone, lavender pooling into a dark royal purple that threatens to consume you. You think this is how $o_shehethey must draw in mortalis, the promise of some unimaginable feeling that only $o_shehethey can provide. But you've seen that expression before, and this is different. There are no sharp, razor-like edges to $o_herhistheir smile, no snares waiting in the black of $o_herhistheir widening pupils. Instead, $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> full of smooth, softened lines, a rare, sunrise of a smile that glows into the dawn in $o_herhistheir eyes and into the quiet run of delighted notes that reach out in $o_herhistheir magic. Something in your collar sparks and ignites when $o_shehethey trail$o_s carefully over the skin at the base of your fingers and up each bend, pausing mercilessly for a moment before drifting $o_herhistheir hand back to $o_herhistheir waist and turning away. <<elseif $choice is "second">> "Y'know, if you're looking for me to spoil you, you just have to ask," you say, the start of the smirk starting to dawn on your face. It overshadows something faint, dull, and warm that reverberates in your chest and etches itself into your skin, <<if (not($o_past_feelings)) and ($o_flirt > 0)>> tracing over lines already familiar to your body, but not quite to you. <<elseif $o_past_feelings and ($o_flirt > 1)>> tracing in old lines across your bone and brightening a familiar feeling. <<elseif $o_past_feelings and ($o_flirt is 1)>>tracing in old lines across your bone and brightening a dormant feeling. <<else>> tracing in new lines across your bone and brightening an unfamiliar feeling. <</if>> A problem for later, anyway. Oisein's eyes perk up with an anticipation to reflect yours, and $o_shehethey lift$o_s $o_herhistheir wrist to place the small cord in your open palm as $o_herhistheir voice lowers to whisper. "I'll be sure to remember that for the future. Just remember you brought this on yourself." Extra shadows cast against $o_herhistheir face with $o_herhistheir thick hair undone, lavender pooling into a dark royal purple that threatens to consume you. You think this is how $o_shehethey must draw in mortalis, the promise of some unimaginable feeling that only $o_shehethey can provide. But you've seen that expression before, and this is different. There are no sharp, razor-like edges to $o_herhistheir smile, no snares waiting in the black of $o_herhistheir widening pupils. Instead, $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> full of smooth, softened lines, a rare, sunrise of a smile that glows into the dawn in $o_herhistheir eyes and into the quiet run of delighted notes that reach out in $o_herhistheir magic. Something in your collar sparks and ignites when $o_shehethey trail$o_s carefully over the skin at the base of your fingers and up each bend, pausing mercilessly for a moment before drifting $o_herhistheir hand back to $o_herhistheir waist and turning away. <<elseif $choice is "third">> "C'mon now," you say with exasperation as you hold out your hand, //again.// "Stop being impossible and give it here." If a look could blow raspberries by itself, Oisein would be a master of it. You'd guess $o_shehethey think$o_s it intimidating, but between the two of you, it's practically laughable. Attempts at a sharp, razor-like gaze fall into the softened curves of $o_herhistheir face, and you meet $o_herhistheir eyes head-on with a gentle nudge of your own. There's a small exhale and an //ugh// before $o_shehethey finally places the tight cord into your palm. "Wasn't so hard, was it?" You chide as $o_shehethey turn$o_s. "You're just lucky I'm too tired to fight back." <</if>> With your help now, $o_herhistheir magic becomes quieter, more relaxed. There's still a layer of it that $o_shehethey hold$o_s onto, the mask covering the actual state of $o_herhistheir wounds and the fatigue in $o_herhistheir body. But there are openings in the chords now, rests that begin to untwine and lengthen, almost ready to surrender to you. Oisein faces the headboard, $o_herhistheir back and hair to you while $o_shehethey prop$o_s a knee up onto the blanket and tuck$o_s $o_herhistheir foot into the thigh of the leg hanging over the edge of the bed. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> hand sinks into the fluffed patterns of the white cover, fingers extending into the triangles that run the width of the blanket. <<if $choice is "third">> For all the jagged, barbed parts of Oisein and all the masks that $o_shehethey wear$o_s, you feel, and maybe know, the truer parts of $o_herhimthem lie in the gentler places. In the satiny ribbons and silky cloth of $o_herhistheir shirt. In the river of freckles caressing $o_herhistheir cheeks and splashing up into the tips of $o_herhistheir ears. In $o_herhistheir cascading, honeyed hair, airy and light in your hands despite the day's events, and the crisp smell of apples and pine. Another bit of laughter slips through despite the situation, and you hear a dramatic huff while you smooth over $o_herhistheir hair and collect it in your hands. "What're you- ow!" You snap your hand back. "I didn't do anything!" "You did to!" "If you keep being dramatic, I'll //really// pull your hair." "You wouldn't-" $o_shehethey start$o_s to spin around but your hand is faster, speeding upward to press against $o_herhistheir cheek and straighten $o_herhistheir face back towards the headboard with a jolt. "Ass," $o_shehethey say$o_s, cheek moving against your hand and the smile evident in $o_herhistheir voice. "Learned from the best." The elastic cord snaps against your fingers once while you pull $o_herhistheir hair through, exposing the bare skin of $o_herhistheir neck and the top of $o_herhistheir back as $o_herhistheir hair bunches together. Without you asking $o_herhistheir chin tilts down, though with a grumble, hands moving to fold over another in $o_herhistheir lap while you finish pulling through the cord again and wrapping it into some semblance of a bun, tucking the stray ends into the parts tight against $o_herhistheir scalp. "It's not perfect, but it'll do the job if you're just trying to keep it out of your face," you say on the appraisal of your handiwork, slightly messy but still collected. Oisein tilts $o_herhistheir head to one side, then the other, to get a feel of how tightly $o_herhistheir hair is tied back. "Works for me. Though if you've got some secret aspirations to become an Aestheticer-" "You're hilarious. Really." "I know," $o_shehethey grin$o_s, the weight of the room's atmosphere being kept back by the delight in $o_herhistheir face. <<else>> You scoot a few inches toward $o_herhimthem, the faint smell of juniper radiating from $o_herhistheir clothes and woven into $o_herhistheir hair. You must've smelled it before, you think, when you were trying to roll back $o_herhistheir sleeve, but it races into the forefront now, reminding you of how close you actually are. But you ignore it - or try to - raising your hands to just below $o_herhistheir ears. And still you hesitate, noticing that Oisein seems to be holding $o_herhistheir breath too. At first you think you've set fire to your fingertips when you brush against the spot behind $o_herhistheir ears and move to the base of $o_herhistheir skull, collecting the golden strands in your hands. For all the jagged, barbed parts of Oisein and all the masks that $o_shehethey wear$o_s, you feel, and maybe know, the truer parts of $o_herhimthem lie in the gentler places. In the satiny ribbons and silky cloth of $o_herhistheir shirt. In the river of freckles caressing $o_herhistheir cheeks and splashing up into the tips of $o_herhistheir ears. In $o_herhistheir cascading, honeyed hair, airy and light in your hands despite the day's events, and the crisp smell of apples and pine. Music swells around $o_herhimthem when your knuckles slide down $o_herhistheir shoulder blades to follow the wave of $o_herhistheir hair, goosebumps anointing the markings on $o_herhistheir neck and collar, and gliding onto your arms. "Your hands are freezing," $o_shehethey say$o_s tenderly, secretly, with the smile evident in $o_herhistheir voice. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> speak$o_s into the empty corners of the room, like $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> disturbing a private scene as an outsider, and not entangled in this moment <<print $o_herhimthem>>self. "Sorry," is all you can say back, though there are other words, formless and new, that threaten to burst through your clamped lips as a warmth swells into your neck and kisses the back of your jaw. You could prolong this moment out longer. Into forever, preferably. And a wavering song, unsteady and timid in the air, seems to indicate that Oisein would too. But reality strikes like a viper, reminding you of why you were here in the first place. The elastic cord snaps against your fingers once while you pull $o_herhistheir hair through, exposing the bare skin of $o_herhistheir neck and the top of $o_herhistheir back as $o_herhistheir hair bunches together. Without you asking $o_herhistheir chin tilts down, hands moving to fold over another in $o_herhistheir lap while you finish pulling through the cord again and wrapping it into some semblance of a bun, tucking the stray ends into the parts tight against $o_herhistheir scalp. "It's not the best, but it'll do the job if you're just trying to keep it out of your face," you say on the appraisal of your handiwork, slightly messy but still collected. Oisein laughs and nods, tilting $o_herhistheir head to one side, then the other, to get a feel of how tightly $o_herhistheir hair is tied back. "Works for me." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> repeat$o_s the motion a few more times, swaying like a metronome. You're not sure if it's the warm glow of the crystals igniting for the evening in your room, one by the door and the other on the night stand, that casts the slight rose color that accompanies $o_herhistheir freckles now. The comfortable smile fades as $o_herhistheir tempo slows. Brushing at an imaginary bit of $o_herhistheir hair back out of habit, $o_herhistheir chest expands in a long breath, before $o_shehethey exhales audibly through $o_herhistheir nose. A half-hearted cough in $o_herhistheir throat sounds sharp - jarring - in the middle of the still room as you look down and rub your palms against each other. When the heat in your hands is finally warmer than the wave receding from behind your ears, you nod for $o_herhimthem to continue. <</if>> <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> With $o_herhistheir sleeves and hair tucked away, $o_shehethey shift$o_s $o_herhistheir body around to face you, looking to $o_herhistheir hands. "Alright. Last chance to leave. And you have to promise not to freak out." "O-" "Yeah I know, I know," $o_shehethey groan$o_s through a knowing smile, stretching out $o_herhistheir back. The usual flourish and drama is missing from $o_herhistheir movements as $o_shehethey bring$o_s $o_herhistheir left hand near $o_herhistheir face. Listening for $o_herhistheir magic now, you hear the minor notes trilling nervously when $o_shehethey make$o_s a pulling motion, and you can see the shadowy fibers of illusion magic unthreading themselves from $o_herhistheir cheek. The fresh, furious scar appears again like an unwelcome visitor. A wound $o_herhistheir glamour hadn't been designed to cover, creeping from near the corner of $o_herhistheir eye down to disappear right underneath $o_herhistheir jaw. It cuts a coarse, rough wasteland through $o_herhistheir otherwise soft features. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> wait$o_s then, though you can still sense the illusion magic on $o_herhistheir torso and the pathos reverberating by $o_herhistheir temples. Both of you know it'll come up at some point. So you inhale the courage to ask. "Does Sirin know you're here?" "Yes." The pause is yours, Oisein looking intently at $o_herhistheir hands. "Were you supposed to come?" "No." The silence becomes Oisein's, who closes $o_herhistheir eyes, and tightens $o_herhistheir face against the question and the explanation $o_shehethey know$o_s $o_shehethey owe$o_s. "That's…about the whole story, really," $o_shehethey say$o_s to the bed spread, to the floor, to the table, anywhere else but to you. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> give you a genuine chance to respond, rushing on to try and distract from the mountain of questions hovering viciously in the air between you. "I'll stop the other illusion magic now, just going to keep a little pathos so I don't just pass out." You want to press. Want to ask what happened. But the defeated look in $o_herhistheir eyes and the image of $o_herhimthem toppled, an antler shattered, stops you. And you //do// need to check what happened with the Reviver's attack. So against your better judgment, you nod for now, and Oisein responds immediately with a sorrowful, but apologetic half-smile. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> fully untuck$o_s the rest of $o_herhistheir shirt now, music crescendoing, then quieting, in slow cycles to the beat of an ominous waltz. Fingers wave and then spiral as $o_herhistheir wrists roll and tumble, one over the other. More fibers like before start to dissipate again, this time from over $o_herhistheir stomach, weaving into the air and whispering into the blank, unseen spaces in your periphery. The same happens around $o_herhistheir arms, and as the last threads unravel, you see Oisein's eyes widen, right about the same time as yours. "Oh. That's… not great." You see it on $o_herhistheir fingers first, a wispy, smoke-like energy that circles $o_herhistheir nails and throws the lines of $o_herhistheir hands into a hazy, shuddering mirage. Tanned skin and freckles become near indistinguishable in the odd mist, the blur of the lingering magic smearing them together. Oisein looks up to you fearfully, before pulling up $o_herhistheir shirt to expose $o_herhistheir stomach. It writhes there too, the freckles that trail down around $o_herhistheir sides all but lost to the magic. You can barely make out the line of $o_herhistheir waist by the contrast of the black cloth alone, but try as you might, you can't focus on the sight of $o_herhistheir skin. Even when you know $o_herhistheir hand reaches to smooth over it, your eyes can't keep track no matter how insistent your mind becomes. It bears a resemblance, you note with a chill, to the magic around the Reviver's face. "Okay, I know I said not to freak out. But I didn't specify that ''//I//'' couldn't -" The bed creaks as you rise, and you're already at the dresser, unraveling the Sentiments from the leather casing and unhooking the button keeping Devotion locked in place. The small charm marking its contents chimes against the glass as it comes undone, the liquid warm and curling around the inside of the vial as it beats a rhythm against your palm. <<if visited("Prologue-GoldChoice")>> You can almost see the mortalis from the bar all those years ago. A sloppy, drunken facade and a woman collapsed in her doorway. <</if>> Oisein is still grasping at $o_herhistheir own body as you approach $o_herhimthem again, $o_herhistheir face in a panic. When your feet come back into view, $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> startled out of $o_herhistheir focus, searching your face for an answer. <<if $aloof > $friendly>> "If you say 'I told you so', I'll- <<else>> "Promise you can tell me 'I told you so' later but - <</if>> Wait, you're going to use a Sentiment?" "You have a better idea?" you ask, the end of the question becoming slightly muffled with strain as you twist the cork at the top. "I'm no Healer, and we need a fix - //fast.//" "Well I mean it hasn't spread //that// bad-" You don't even have to say $o_herhistheir name for $o_herhimthem to stop. "- but we don't know what it's doing specifically, right? Aside from being kind of blurry and…maybe we can find someone-" "Who else would we go to?" The 'pop' of the cork bounces between you while Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together and glances at the side. You wait for $o_herhimthem to come to the same conclusion - the only conclusion, really. You're alone. The only sheevra in the city. Well, to be fair, the person trying to kill you might have something to do with the sheevra, but that's not really helpful. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> body comes to term with this before $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>do<<else>>does<</if>>. While $o_shehethey still stare$o_s, $o_herhistheir hand moves to bunch $o_herhistheir shirt up, meeting what you think should be the bottom of $o_herhistheir ribs. "Be careful," $o_shehethey start$o_s quietly, and you're ready to give a retort when the look on $o_herhistheir face stops you. If anything, there's concern in $o_herhistheir eyes for //you.// "The Sentiments can drag you under when you least expect. Just…remember to come up for air?" Devotion bubbles gracefully against the glass. With the cork undone, it flirts against the edge and sighs a subtle scent of something familiar…like <<if $leanhaun>> a morning sunrise over Saor, light cresting over the cliffs and lightning the city. <<elseif $unseelie>> Saor's canyon in the rain, the cool mist of the waterfalls swirling to meet the droplets and soaked banks of the rivers. <<elseif $dryad>> the sweet flowers and vines of your Sanctum, magnolia and the smell of bark filling your senses. <</if>> Oisein notices it too, drawing in a long breath of the Sentiment from where $o_shehethey sit$o_s. When the smell fades, $o_shehethey shake$o_s $o_herhistheir head. You sit down again, the open vial in hand, and take a few more seconds to watch the worry coursing through Oisein's eyes. Breaking the gaze, you move your hand to the core of $o_herhistheir stomach, the magic fizzling around your solid form. Though you don't immediately feel the expected give of $o_herhistheir skin, there's still a static there that sparks between what you hope is $o_herhistheir body and your fingers. //Heal $o_herhimthem,// you think, trying to focus your thoughts and the magic. //Fix this, return $o_herhimthem back whole, // you plead. After another second, you down the Sentiment in one gulp. Another second later, its heartbeat becomes your own. <<set $visiontouch to true>> <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Ch4-MCUseDevotion][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> The Sentiment meets your lips like a long-lost lover, impatient and eager, clambering to embrace you, an overwhelming desire to be whole. It races down your throat and seeps into your muscles, threading it's way into your blood. The aura of your magic thrums for a moment, a dimming furnace inside your chest that beats, and dulls. Beats, then dulls. And then ignites. Regardless of your mortalis form, you can see the disguise begin to peel away near your outstretched hand. <<if $leanhaun>> Your fingernails glow, the light spreading to pierce through your disguise and rise like dawn into every corner of the room. <<elseif $unseelie>> Your markings wrap defensively around your skin as if to protect you, trying to envelop your body in a shield despite the tumultuous changes echoing from inside. <<elseif $dryad>> Your markings grow, piercing through your disguise and weaving over your wrists and fingers, ready to burst into a flurry and overtake the room. <</if>> But you rein it back, trying to maintain control and direct the pure, unfiltered magic straight into the <<if $leanhaun>>other<</if>> leanhaun's body. The room becomes bright, brighter, then starts to fade, like staring into a dying sun. And between the cycles of night and day that pulse outward from you, there's the faint trace of lavender. Oisein's eyes cloud over as your hand presses against his skin, head rolling forward and fists reaching into the blankets to clutch the fabric tight in his fingers. But the fact that you can even begin to distinguish his fingers clearly gives you hope. So you shut your eyes, focus the devotion. Powerful, unyielding. A whisper hums against your ear, a sliver of magic that traces over your jaw and begins to creep into the edge of your vision. Somewhere else, Oisein nods $o_herhistheir head - once, twice. And then $o_shehethey fall$o_s. You reach to catch $o_herhimthem. But all you grasp is - <ul> <li> <<link "-warmth." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> Sunlight - bright, pure, unfiltered. Distant mountains in stark peaks, a clear river that trickles and bubbles a secret into the air, the wind threading softly through blades of grass and flowers shifting through every color you've ever seen. A figure in the distance that you see between your outstretched fingers and a pang in your heart that reaches toward them. You see… <hr> <ul> <li> [[...Oisein.|Chapter4-MCVision-Oisein][$textGroup=1]] </li> <li> [[...the Healer.|Chapter4-MCVision-Healer][$textGroup=1]] </li> <li> [[...the Magesmith.|Chapter4-MCVision-Magesmith][$textGroup=1]] </li> <li> [[...the Sage.|Chapter4-MCVision-Sage][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <</switch>>

Your face twists with fury, a barely contained rage warping through your eyes and the hard scowl set in your jaw. If you hadn't just let go of the door handle, you imagine it may have been difficult not to just snap the whole damn thing off. "Inside. Now," you command, nose flaring and a hand jutting up to point inward. Oisein swells with indignation, inhaling deeply before $o_herhistheir mouth opens to snap back at you. But $o_shehethey must read the hurt in your features, pausing before any of the words actually make it past $o_herhistheir throat. After a moment of holding $o_herhistheir breath,$o_herhistheir chest deflates. He might be able to fool anyone else, but you recognize the weary, staccato notes that trail half-heartedly in his magic. You still expect to hear some vapid excuse to come pouring from his lips. A quick, dramatic "You worry too much!" Or "I'm fine!" despite the incredibly obvious fact that he's not. Instead Oisein contemplates you, pressing his lips into a thin line before his shoulders drop and he rubs sheepishly at his arms. "Yeah, alright." Not meeting your gaze as $o_shehethey walk$o_s past, you think you hear a muttered 'sorry', but aren't sure if you're imagining it. The sound of the lock clicking behind you is deafening in the tension between you. Oisein practically rushes forward into the room, narrowly clipping the frame of your bed with $o_herhistheir hip as $o_shehethey step$o_s around it and find$o_s something incredibly enrapturing on the very blank table, and waits for you to speak. "Alright, let's have a look then," you say to $o_herhistheir back. "I mean," Oisein lifts $o_herhistheir face to the ceiling as $o_shehethey formulate$o_s some jaunty response. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> spin$o_s with a weak attempt at $o_herhistheir usual bravado, arms casting outward but eyes still noticeably avoiding looking to you directly. "I //am// fine, I wouldn't have been able to walk from the second if I was in that bad of a shape." With a pause and a thoughtful tap of his finger on his chin, he shifts his weight to the side and fidgets with the loose ivory cloth tucked into the dark waistline of his pants. "And really, is it even fun if someone doesn't get thrown through a box?" Well, there's one version of what you expected $o_herhimthem to say. Your eyes trail down to where $o_herhistheir hands seems to be twirling mindlessly around the ends of $o_herhistheir shirt's strings, traveling down the center folds almost as if $o_shehethey- Tiny, fragile refrains of illusion magic. Strained, like a violin string almost ready to snap, centered around $o_herhistheir stomach. Well. At least you know where $o_shehethey got hit. "Let me see." Oisein puffs out $o_herhistheir cheeks. Scratches aside, you know the worst is where $o_shehethey<<o_re>> conveniently covering, apparently hiding it with more than just $o_herhistheir hand. "Oisein," you say again, trying to interrupt $o_herhistheir focus. "$pc_name," he snaps back with a sigh. "See, I can do the dramatic name-reciting too." "Are you serious?" you start, just barely metering your frustration. "You decide you're ready to throw yourself away just like that and think now's the right time to joke around?" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> hand freezes, and you take advantage of $o_herhistheir hesitation. "Lift up your shirt." Oisein recovers, unfortunately, with a sneer. "Didn't take you for someone to get off on an adrenaline high." "Lift up your shirt before I rip it off." <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> sneer twists into a wildly inappropriate smirk that bunches the freckles on $o_herhistheir cheeks. "Promise you will?" "Stop wasting your magic." You take a step forward. "Stop //hiding// things from me." Another, and Oisein flinches. "And for //fuck's// sake, lift up your shirt." There's more pain than you expect in your voice as it almost turns to a snarl, and Oisein halts when $o_shehethey hear$o_s it. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> mouth parts, the words not catching and just falling away unsaid. Your lungs, your legs, your entire body aches from it all. From the Reviver, to a mortalis //Sage// possibly knowing what you are, to having to fight with someone you should be able to trust. //What's trust, among sheevra, though? //A bitter part of you thinks. An unsettling pull in your gut almost rips you from the room to stampede away and leave this whole mess behind, Oisein and all. What had Sirin done for you? What do you owe any of them, really? You could probably leave Renescen, maybe finally see Braka or Han, see if another Clan would take you in and be less prone to insane ideas like sending a lone sheevra in to find a thousand others who might have disappeared because of an illusioned //psychopath.// You shut your eyes. Count your breaths. Feel the the press of your eyelids into your cheeks and the tension of your locked limbs. Another breath. And then you open your eyes again. Shame flourishes in Oisein's face, $o_herhistheir gaze cast over to the bed to examine the cloth's thin geometric patterns. Suspended in this moment, you wonder if <<print $o_shehethey>><<if $o_them>>'ve<<else>>'s<</if>> ever felt guilt before this. Darkened lavender eyes still not meeting yours, $o_shehethey look$o_s to the door, and then steps over to the window. The curtains shift and drape over two of $o_herhistheir fingers as $o_shehethey check$o_s to make sure the wooden frame is securely fastened to the wall, and then pulls the dark maroon cloth tight against the dying dregs of light. "I'm… gonna need to sit," he laughs out ruefully. Voice lowering, he begins to untuck the cloth of his shirt from his pants and gently pulls away the purple ribbons that cinch around the billowing sleeves on his wrists. "Aside from the illusion magic, I've…been fluffin' myself up with pathos since your boost ran out." //Ran out? Why didn't you say any-// You clench your teeth at the accusatory question that threatens to burst forward, and just watch as $o_shehethey step$o_s to the bed. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> sigh$o_s, and then finally meet$o_s your eyes. "Sure you want to see this? My-" $o_shehethey wave$o_s to above $o_herhistheir head. "-antler didn't even hurt. Probably just need some food and rest for the rest of it. Would prefer a deal but…" $o_herhistheir elbow swings up and a hand moves to scratch behind $o_herhistheir neck. Something between a grimace and a smile worms its way on $o_herhistheir lips. "…for once, I don't think I'm up for it." <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"\"I'm sure. Let me help,\" I urge "+$o_herhimthem+ " again."` "Ch4-OiseinPrep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"We're in this mess together, aren't we?\" I try to say, forcing a hint of a smirk after that tense back and forth." "Ch4-OiseinPrep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "I nod and brace myself for whatever is about to happen." "Ch4-OiseinPrep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $aloof += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>></li> </ul>

Your face twists with confusion, brows furrowing and eyes searching Oisein the upfront answer you're lacking. You open your mouth to speak, to fill in the empty space with sound. But the words elude you and escape somewhere away through the hall's window and into the city, back to where Oisein threw <<print $o_herhimthem>>self in the way of an attack meant for you. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> might be able to fool anyone else, but you recognize the weary, staccato notes that trail half-heartedly in $o_herhistheir magic. You still expect to hear some vapid excuse to come pouring from $o_herhistheir lips. A quick, dramatic "You worry too much!" Or "I'm fine!" despite the incredibly obvious fact that <<print $o_shehethey>>$o_isare not. Instead Oisein contemplates you, pressing his lips into a thin line before his shoulders drop and his rubs sheepishly at his arms. "Yeah, alright." Not meeting your gaze as $o_shehethey walk$o_s past, you think you hear a muttered 'sorry', but aren't sure if you're imagining it. The sound of the lock clicking behind you is probably the sweetest symphony you've heard today. Oisein moves forward into the room, narrowly clipping the frame of your bed with $o_herhistheir hip as $o_shehethey steps forward meekly. A vacant expression washes over $o_herhistheir face as $o_shehethey find$o_s something incredredibly enrapturing on the very blank table, and waits for you to speak. "We should check how you're doing first," you say, finally finding your words and trying to block out the image of the jagged scar that crawled up Oisein's jaw. "I mean," Oisein lifts $o_herhistheir face to the ceiling as $o_shehethey formulate$o_s some jaunty response. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> spin$o_s with a weak attempt at $o_herhistheir usual bravado, arms casting outward but eyes still noticeably avoiding looking to you directly. "I //am// fine, I wouldn't have been able to walk from the second if I was in that bad of a shape." With a pause and a thoughtful tap of $o_herhistheir finger on $o_herhistheir chin, $o_shehethey shift$o_s $o_herhistheir weight to the side and fidgets with the loose ivory cloth tucked into the dark waistline of $o_herhistheir pants. "And really, is it even fun if someone doesn't get thrown through a box?" Well, there's one version of what you expected him to say. Your eyes trail down to where his hands seems to be twirling mindlessly around the ends of his shirt's strings, traveling down the center folds almost as if he- Tiny, fragile refrains of illusion magic. Strained, like a violin string almost ready to snap, centered around his stomach. Well. At least you know where he got hit. "Let me see." Oisein puffs out $o_herhistheir cheeks. Scratches aside, you know the worst is where $o_shehethey<<o_re>> conveniently covering, apparently hiding it with more than just $o_herhistheir hand. "Oisein," you say again, trying to interrupt $o_herhistheir focus. "$pc_name," $o_shehethey snap$o_s back with a sigh. "See, I can do the dramatic name-reciting too." "I'm trying to help-" you let the impatience bleed directly into your voice. "All I'm trying to do is to help some…stupid, reckless ass-" "Aw, $pc_name-" "Who almost just-" you step forward and Oisein flinches at your sudden approach and the force of your voice. "-//died// because of me, so I need you to let me see if I can do anything, and I need you to stop //hiding// things from me!" There's more pain than you expect in your voice as it almost turns to a desperate plea, and Oisein halts when $o_shehethey hear$o_s it. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> mouth parts, the words not catching and just falling away unsaid. Your lungs, your legs, your entire body aches from it all. From the Reviver, to a mortalis //Sage// possibly knowing what you are, to having to fight with someone you should be able to trust. //What's trust, among sheevra, though? //A bitter part of you thinks. An unsettling pull in your gut almost rips you from the room to stampede away and leave this whole mess behind, Oisein and all. What had Sirin done for you? What do you owe any of them, really? You could probably leave Renescen, maybe finally see Braka or Han, see if another Clan would take you in and be less prone to insane ideas like sending a lone sheevra in to find a thousand others who might have disappeared because of an illusioned //psychopath.// You shut your eyes. Count your breaths. Feel the the press of your eyelids into your cheeks and the tension of your locked limbs. Another breath. And then you open your eyes again. Shame flourishes in Oisein's face, $o_herhistheir gaze cast over to the bed to examine the cloth's thin geometric patterns. Suspended in this moment, you wonder if <<print $o_shehethey>><<if $o_them>>'ve<<else>>'s<</if>> ever felt guilt before this. Darkened lavender eyes still not meeting yours, $o_shehethey look$o_s to the door, and then steps over to the window. The curtains shift and drape over two of $o_herhistheir fingers as $o_shehethey check$o_s to make sure the wooden frame is securely fastened to the wall, and then pulls the dark maroon cloth tight against the dying dregs of light. "I'm… gonna need to sit," he laughs out ruefully. Voice lowering, he begins to untuck the cloth of his shirt from his pants and gently pulls away the purple ribbons that cinch around the billowing sleeves on his wrists. "Aside from the illusion magic, I've…been fluffin' myself up with pathos since your boost ran out." //Ran out? Why didn't you say any-// You clench your teeth at the accusatory question that threatens to burst forward, and just watch as he steps to the bed. He sighs, and then finally meets your eyes. "Sure you want to see this? My-" $o_shehethey wave$o_s to above $o_herhistheir head. "-antler didn't even hurt. Probably just need some food and rest for the rest of it. Would prefer a deal but…" $o_herhistheir elbow swings up and a hand moves to scratch behind $o_herhistheir neck. Something between a grimace and a smile worms its way on $o_herhistheir lips. "…for once, I don't think I'm up for it." <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"\"I'm sure. Let me help,\" I urge "+$o_herhimthem+ " again."` "Ch4-OiseinPrep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"We're in this mess together, aren't we?\" I try to say, forcing a hint of a smirk after that tense back and forth." "Ch4-OiseinPrep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "I nod and brace myself for whatever is about to happen." "Ch4-OiseinPrep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $aloof += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>></li> </ul>

You face twists with worry, brows furrowing and eyes searching Oisein for some more upfront answer. "Can we talk more inside?" You plead, trying to even your breathing and the rapid, anxious beat of your heart. "Please? I know you're more hurt than you're letting on, and-" Oisein swells, inhaling deeply before $o_herhistheir mouth opens to protest. But $o_shehethey must finally register the hurt in your features, pausing before any of the words actually make it past $o_herhistheir throat. After a moment of holding $o_herhistheir breath, $o_herhistheir chest deflates. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> might be able to fool anyone else, but you recognize the weary, staccato notes that trail half-heartedly in $o_herhistheir magic. You still expect to hear some vapid excuse to come pouring from $o_herhistheir lips. A quick, dramatic "You worry too much!" Or "I'm fine!" despite the incredibly obvious fact that <<print $o_shehethey>>$o_isare not. Instead Oisein contemplates you, pressing his lips into a thin line before his shoulders drop and he rubs sheepishly at his arms. "Yeah, alright." Not meeting your gaze as $o_shehethey walk$o_s past, you think you hear a muttered 'sorry', but aren't sure if you're imagining it. The sound of the lock clicking behind you is probably the sweetest symphony you've heard today. Oisein moves forward into the room, narrowly clipping the frame of your bed with $o_herhistheir hip as $o_shehethey steps forward meekly. A vacant expression washes over $o_herhistheir face as $o_shehethey find$o_s something incredredibly enrapturing on the very blank table, and waits for you to speak. "We should check how you're doing first," you say softly, trying to block out the image of the jagged scar that crawled up Oisein's jaw. "I mean," Oisein lifts $o_herhistheir face to the ceiling as $o_shehethey formulate$o_s some jaunty response. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> spin$o_s with a weak attempt at $o_herhistheir usual bravado, arms casting outward but eyes still noticeably avoiding looking to you directly. "I //am// fine, I wouldn't have been able to walk from the second if I was in that bad of a shape." With a pause and a thoughtful tap of his finger on his chin, he shifts his weight to the side and fidgets with the loose ivory cloth tucked into the dark waistline of his pants. "And really, is it even fun if someone doesn't get thrown through a box?" Well, there's one version of what you expected him to say. Your eyes trail down to where his hands seems to be twirling mindlessly around the ends of his shirt's strings, traveling down the center folds almost as if he- Tiny, fragile refrains of illusion magic. Strained, like a violin string almost ready to snap, centered around his stomach. Well. At least you know where he got hit. "Let me see." Oisein puffs out $o_herhistheir cheeks. Scratches aside, you know the worst is where $o_shehethey<<o_re>> conveniently covering, apparently hiding it with more than just $o_herhistheir hand. "Oisein," you say again, trying to interrupt $o_herhistheir focus. "$pc_name," $o_shehethey snap$o_s back with a sigh. "See, I can do the dramatic name-reciting too." "I'm trying to help-" you let the impatience bleed directly into your voice. "All I'm trying to do is to help some…stupid, reckless ass-" "Aw, $pc_name-" "Who almost just-" you step forward and Oisein flinches at your sudden approach and the force of your voice. "-//died// because of me, so I need you to let me see if I can do anything, and I need you to stop //hiding// things from me!" There's more pain than you expect in your voice as it almost turns to a desperate plea, and Oisein halts when $o_shehethey hear$o_s it. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> mouth parts, the words not catching and just falling away unsaid. Your lungs, your legs, your entire body aches from it all. From the Reviver, to a mortalis //Sage// possibly knowing what you are, to having to fight with someone you should be able to trust. //What's trust, among sheevra, though? //A bitter part of you thinks. An unsettling pull in your gut almost rips you from the room to stampede away and leave this whole mess behind, Oisein and all. What had Sirin done for you? What do you owe any of them, really? You could probably leave Renescen, maybe finally see Braka or Han, see if another Clan would take you in and be less prone to insane ideas like sending a lone sheevra in to find a thousand others who might have disappeared because of an illusioned //psychopath.// You shut your eyes. Count your breaths. Feel the the press of your eyelids into your cheeks and the tension of your locked limbs. Another breath. And then you open your eyes again. Shame flourishes in Oisein's face, $o_herhistheir gaze cast over to the bed to examine the cloth's thin geometric patterns. Suspended in this moment, you wonder if <<print $o_shehethey>><<if $o_them>>'ve<<else>>'s<</if>> ever felt guilt before this. Darkened lavender eyes still not meeting yours, $o_shehethey look$o_s to the door, and then steps over to the window. The curtains shift and drape over two of $o_herhistheir fingers as $o_shehethey check$o_s to make sure the wooden frame is securely fastened to the wall, and then pulls the dark maroon cloth tight against the dying dregs of light. "I'm… gonna need to sit," $o_shehethey laugh$o_s out ruefully. Voice lowering, $o_shehethey begins to untuck the cloth of $o_herhistheir shirt from $o_herhistheir pants and gently pulls away the purple ribbons that cinch around the billowing sleeves on $o_herhistheir wrists. "Aside from the illusion magic, I've…been fluffin' myself up with pathos since your boost ran out." //Ran out? Why didn't you say any-// You clench your teeth at the accusatory question that threatens to burst forward, and just watch as $o_shehethey step$o_s to the bed. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> sigh$o_s, and then finally meet$o_s your eyes. "Sure you want to see this? My-" $o_shehethey wave$o_s to above $o_herhistheir head. "-antler didn't even hurt. Probably just need some food and rest for the rest of it. Would prefer a deal but…" $o_herhistheir elbow swings up and a hand moves to scratch behind $o_herhistheir neck. Something between a grimace and a smile worms its way on $o_herhistheir lips. "…for once, I don't think I'm up for it." <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"\"I'm sure. Let me help,\" I urge "+$o_herhimthem+ " again."` "Ch4-OiseinPrep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"We're in this mess together, aren't we?\" I try to say, forcing a hint of a smirk after that tense back and forth." "Ch4-OiseinPrep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "I nod and brace myself for whatever is about to happen." "Ch4-OiseinPrep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $aloof += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>></li> </ul> <<if visited("Ch4-ForwardPlan")>> [[Ch4-OiseinPrep]] <</if>>

Your face twists with frustration, one false step from snapping. "We need to talk," you say plainly, but with enough authority and confidence that Oisein's eyes just barely widen. //About what just happened. About the scar.// "And you're not getting out of this without us checking out whatever you got hit with." Oisein swells with indignation, inhaling deeply before $o_herhistheir mouth opens to protest. But $o_shehethey must read the hurt in your features, pausing before any of the words actually make it past $o_herhistheir throat. After a moment of holding $o_herhistheir breath, $o_herhistheir chest deflates. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> might be able to fool anyone else, but you recognize the weary, staccato notes that trail half-heartedly in $o_herhistheir magic. You still expect to hear some vapid excuse to come pouring from $o_herhistheir lips. A quick, dramatic "You worry too much!" Or "I'm fine!" despite the incredibly obvious fact that <<print $o_shehethey>>$o_isare not. Instead Oisein contemplates you, pressing his lips into a thin line before his shoulders drop and he rubs sheepishly at his arms. "Yeah, alright." Not meeting your gaze as he walks past, you think you hear a muttered 'sorry', but aren't sure if you're imagining it. The sound of the lock clicking behind you is probably the sweetest symphony you've heard today. Oisein moves forward into the room, narrowly clipping the frame of your bed with $o_herhistheir hip as $o_shehethey steps forward meekly. A vacant expression washes over $o_herhistheir face as $o_shehethey find$o_s something incredredibly enrapturing on the very blank table, and waits for you to speak. "Alright, first things first," you state, crossing your arms. "Let's have a look at where you got hit." "I mean," Oisein lifts $o_herhistheir face to the ceiling as $o_shehethey formulate$o_s some jaunty response. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> spin$o_s with a weak attempt at $o_herhistheir usual bravado, arms casting outward but eyes still noticeably avoiding looking to you directly. "I //am// fine, I wouldn't have been able to walk from the second if I was in that bad of a shape." With a pause and a thoughtful tap of $o_herhistheir finger on $o_herhistheir chin, $o_shehethey shift$o_s $o_herhistheir weight to the side and fidgets with the loose ivory cloth tucked into the dark waistline of $o_herhistheir pants. "And really, is it even fun if someone doesn't get thrown through a box?" Well, there's one version of what you expected $o_herhimthem to say. Your eyes trail down to where his hands seems to be twirling mindlessly around the ends of his shirt's strings, traveling down the center folds almost as if he- Tiny, fragile refrains of illusion magic. Strained, like a violin string almost ready to snap, centered around his stomach. Well. At least you know where he got hit. "Let me see." Oisein puffs out his cheeks. Scratches aside, you know the worst is where <<print $o_shehethey>>$o_isare conveniently covering, apparently hiding it with more than just $o_herhistheir hand. "Oisein," you say again, trying to interrupt $o_herhistheir focus. "$pc_name," $o_shehethey snap$o_s back with a sigh. "See, I can do the dramatic name-reciting too." "Are you serious?" you start, just barely metering your frustration. "You decide you're ready to throw yourself away just like that and think now's the right time to joke around?" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> hand freezes, and you take advantage of $o_herhistheir hesitation. "Lift up your shirt." Oisein recovers, unfortunately, with a sneer. "Didn't take you for someone to get off on an adrenaline high." "Lift up your shirt before I rip it off." <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> sneer twists into a wildly inappropriate smirk that bunches the freckles on $o_herhistheir cheeks. "Promise you will?" "Stop wasting your magic." You take a step forward. "Stop //hiding// things from me." Another, and Oisein flinches. "And for //fuck's// sake, lift up your shirt." There's more pain than you expect in your voice as it almost turns to a snarl, and Oisein halts when $o_shehethey hear$o_s it. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> mouth parts, the words not catching and just falling away unsaid. Your lungs, your legs, your entire body aches from it all. From the Reviver, to a mortalis //Sage// possibly knowing what you are, to having to fight with someone you should be able to trust. //What's trust, among sheevra, though? //A bitter part of you thinks. An unsettling pull in your gut almost rips you from the room to stampede away and leave this whole mess behind, Oisein and all. What had Sirin done for you? What do you owe any of them, really? You could probably leave Renescen, maybe finally see Braka or Han, see if another Clan would take you in and be less prone to insane ideas like sending a lone sheevra in to find a thousand others who might have disappeared because of an illusioned //psychopath.// You shut your eyes. Count your breaths. Feel the the press of your eyelids into your cheeks and the tension of your locked limbs. Another breath. And then you open your eyes again. Shame flourishes in Oisein's face, $o_herhistheir gaze cast over to the bed to examine the cloth's thin geometric patterns. Suspended in this moment, you wonder if <<print $o_shehethey>><<if $o_them>>'ve<<else>>'s<</if>> ever felt guilt before this. Darkened lavender eyes still not meeting yours, $o_shehethey look$o_s to the door, and then steps over to the window. The curtains shift and drape over two of $o_herhistheir fingers as $o_shehethey check$o_s to make sure the wooden frame is securely fastened to the wall, and then pulls the dark maroon cloth tight against the dying dregs of light. "I'm… gonna need to sit," $o_shehethey laugh$o_s out ruefully. Voice lowering, $o_shehethey begins to untuck the cloth of $o_herhistheir shirt from $o_herhistheir pants and gently pulls away the purple ribbons that cinch around the billowing sleeves on $o_herhistheir wrists. "Aside from the illusion magic, I've…been fluffin' myself up with pathos since your boost ran out." //Ran out? Why didn't you say any-// You clench your teeth at the accusatory question that threatens to burst forward, and just watch as $o_shehethey step$o_s to the bed. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> sigh$o_s, and then finally meet$o_s your eyes. "Sure you want to see this? My-" $o_shehethey wave$o_s to above $o_herhistheir head. "-antler didn't even hurt. Probably just need some food and rest for the rest of it. Would prefer a deal but…" $o_herhistheir elbow swings up and a hand moves to scratch behind $o_herhistheir neck. Something between a grimace and a smile worms its way on $o_herhistheir lips. "…for once, I don't think I'm up for it." <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"\"I'm sure. Let me help,\" I urge "+$o_herhimthem+ " again."` "Ch4-OiseinPrep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"We're in this mess together, aren't we?\" I try to say, forcing a hint of a smirk after that tense back and forth." "Ch4-OiseinPrep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "I nod and brace myself for whatever is about to happen." "Ch4-OiseinPrep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $aloof += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>></li> </ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Thankfully, the main hallway is clear when the two of you approach the door of your room, and you work through the lock ward that you placed just this morning. This morning. //Sanctin.// Had it really only been a day? Your hand runs through the magic as that realization buzzes in your head, recognition sparking in the spell and collecting back around your wrist. When you straighten your back and curl your magic inward, you start to hear a couple of oddly hesistant steps back away from you. "Well!" Oisein says in a quiet exclamation, clapping their hands together with a flair. "Fun day for sure. Uh- meet you in the morning to go over things?" Channeling as much menace as you can possibly muster, you turn slowly, practically threateningly, toward $o_herhimthem, leveling $o_herhimthem with a sour glare. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> suck$o_s in a hiss through $o_herhistheir teeth as $o_shehethey start$o_s muttering. "Oh, I'm definitely staying out of your way for the night if that's what you're going with-" "Oisein." "Not to mention I should probably actually pay for my room since this doesn't seem like it'll wrap up quickly-" "Oisein." "Though maybe if I just illusion the door those two'll forget how many rooms they have? They seemed old enou-" //''"Oisein!"''// The force you put into the door handle surprises even you, and the hearty slam against the opposite wall creates a loud //boom// that careens down the building between the remaining doors. In the wake of Oisein's babbling, the eventual quiet weighs heavily between you, only broken by the distant sounds of Cerise's bright laughter and the drone of mortalis speaking. Your fists clench, nails digging into your palm as you stare at the floor, then up to Oisein's shocked face. <hr> <ul> <li><<link "I'm sad and worried, I almost lost a friend just now! Granted, a friend who's apparently keeping secrets, but still." "Ch4-MCPatchOisein-Sad">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I'm scared and confused. I don't know who the Reviver was, we just about died, and now Oisein is lying to me?" "Ch4-MCPatchOisein-Confused">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <li><<link `"I'm frustrated. How could "+$o_shehethey+" put " + $o_herhimthem+"self in danger like that? Where did the scar come from? What"+$o_isare+" "+$o_shehethey+" not saying?"` "Ch4-MCPatchOisein-Frustrated">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>></li> <li><<link `"I'm furious. I don't understand how "+$o_shehethey+" could just decide to throw "+ $o_herhimthem+"self into the fray like that, and I don't like being kept in the dark."` "Ch4-MCPatchOisein-Furious">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> [[Ch4-MCPatchOisein-Furious]] [[Ch4-MCPatchOisein-Frustrated]] [[Ch4-MCPatchOisein-Confused]] [[Ch4-MCPatchOisein-Sad]] <</switch>>

Dark strands of hair waft in the breeze, loose and undone. It curls quietly against $h_herhis scalp and drifts down by $h_herhis ear. The blue cloth $h_shehe had draped over $h_herhis shoulders before is absent, the black sleeveless arcs of $h_herhis shirt covering part of the angled tattoos that peer up from $h_herhis collar and plunge down beneath the cloth over $h_herhis shoulder <<if $h_gender is "man">> blades. <<else>> blades and diving around her sides. <</if>> Weight shifts through $h_herhis hips, the faded yellow cloth tied at $h_herhis waist twisting with the movement. Though $h_shehe's turned away, you can tell $h_herhis face is turned upward toward the cerulean sky. You blink as $h_shehe moves, and swear you see another figure standing at $h_herhis side with matching dark hair and warm brown skin. But the mirage flickers away before you can confirm it. You're standing, stepping, closer now, hand lowered. Flowers and foliage bend away to guide you in a predetermined path to $h_herhis side, an indistinguishable murmur hiding just behind you. Another step. The murmur follows to the tune of the river's current. Another step. A movement that flickers above the far-off snow-capped mountain range. Another step, this time to the Healer's side. When you look to $h_herhim, $h_shehe's smiling. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" $h_shehe asks, though something makes you unsure if you're the question's intended recipient. You look up into darkness, sun suddenly snuffed. Stars glimmer down at you as if they'd be observing you this entire time, constellations reaching and yawning across the canvas of the night. But the aurora threading through them captures your attention, its vibrancy unlike anything you've ever seen. Where your memories only paint the dancing bands of light in dusty turquoise and greens, this particular sky is broken up by what you imagine must be every color in existence. Bright fuchsia and gold and orange and bronze and violet crash together with a manic fervor, rolling and dancing over each other and spreading like a million, billion threads to every corner of the heavens. The grand shadow of the mountains bows to the light, the whisper and chiming of the grass and river quieting in reverence. There's a quiet, rich laughter next to you that draws you back down to see the Healer's golden eyes as bright as the aurora focused on you, watching your reaction. <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <li> <<link `$flirt_label + " //Of course it's the Healer.// Devotion murmurs, clear as the crisp air. //Of course.//"` "Chapter4-MCVision-HealerRomance">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $h_flirt += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li> <<link `"Devotion's murmur grows louder, more confident. //Of course it's the Healer. I'll always have "+$h_herhim +"."` "Chapter4-MCVision-HealerFriend">><<set $choice to "second">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>>

The murmur embraces you, tiny pinpricks like rain that soak into your body while the Healer watches you. //It had to be the Healer,// Devotion whispers. //Of course.// A mixture of hope and hesitation spreads on $h_herhis face when there's a tug at your chest, knotted around your sternum and threading back over your ribs to your spine. An invisible entanglement that inches forward before snapping taut and pulling at the same energy from the $h_gender in front of you. There's a moment where you can feel the chilling churn of $h_herhis magic as if it were your own - whirlpools that swirl over your shoulders, ripple across your skin and spin around your fingertips. But…to feel //Entwined,// you'd have to have- "Can I trust you?" The Healer interrupts, the tides of magic receding away from you with suspicion. //What could you say to that? // <<if $empathetic > $callous + 2>> "You can." //Is it a lie?// <<else>> "I don't know." //Are you sure?// <</if>> <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> chest expands with an inhale, cloth stretching to reveal more of the lines tattooed over the horizon of $h_herhis shoulders. As $h_shehe breathes out, $h_herhis eyes close - shut tight, eyelids pressing harshly into $h_herhis cheeks - and there's the barest tremor in $h_herhis arms. "Will you trust me?" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> lets the question fester in the air before $h_shehe opens $h_herhis golden eyes to you, something painful evident in the jarring angles of $h_herhis words. They hover in the air, sharp and ready to strike, though the target still seems a mystery. Could you ever trust a mortalis, really? Even one like the Healer? "Yes," you say without thought. <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> barbed words fall to the ground at your response, and the Healer breathes the sigh of relief $h_shehe'd been holding, before that maddeningly comforting smile adorns $h_herhis lips again. "It's almost time," $h_shehe says. "Time-?" Another look to you, face brighter, and in another sudden shift, you realize the aurora's colors reflecting on $h_herhis terracotta skin aren't coming from the sky anymore, but instead flowing out from the Healer <<print $h_herhim>>self. Blue and green highlight over the curves of $h_herhis collar, hair shimmers like threads of molten obsidian, and $h_herhis cheeks are painted with shades of fuchsia and lilac. "Time for the next," $h_shehe whispers with a nod, eyes watching you in earnest. "But you don't have to be afraid. You'll have your Entwined by your side." Light grows more brilliant by the second and you raise a hand to shield yourself from the brightest of it, the colors pouring from the $h_gender in front of you. Lowering your hand for a moment as the tide of vibrancy washes back, you narrow your eyes in confusion. "The next what? And you can't- you have to know. I can't have Entwined without-" "Do I know?" The Healer asks the world, head turning to look towards the mountains, eyes narrowed but soft as $h_herhis shoulders relax. "Do you?" <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> brilliant golden eyes find you again. "But maybe we can talk about that another time. You're looking for someone, aren't you?" You're not sure what $h_shehe's talking- // A flicker of lavender // The $h_gender motions with $h_herhis hand, silently beckoning you to come with $h_herhim before $h_shehe pivots on $h_herhis heel and begins to step away. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> knows you'll follow. <ul> <li> <<link "And follow you do." "Chapter4-FindOisein">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> The murmur embraces you like a tide, tentative waves that eventually wash your entire body in warmth. //Of course it's the Healer,// Devotion whispers. //Of course.// The delight spreads on $h_herhis face when there's a tug at your chest, knotted around your sternum and threading back over your ribs to your spine. An invisible entanglement that inches forward before snapping taut and pulling at the same energy from the $h_gender in front of you. There's a moment where you can feel the chilling churn of $h_herhis magic as if it were your own - whirlpools that swirl over your shoulders, ripple across your skin and spin around your fingertips. But to feel Entwined, you'd have to have- Before you can finish your thought… <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "…the Healer reaches towards me, as if to pull me into an embrace." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"…I reach out towards the Healer, wanting to pull "+$h_herhim+" into an embrace."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"…I find "+$h_herhim+" watching me as if I were the only other soul in the world."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $reserved +=1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $choice is "first">> Before you can finish your thought, the Healer lifts one of $h_herhis arms toward you. The tattoo circling $h_herhis bicep shifts as $h_herhis muscles tense, keeping $h_herhis hand just above your shoulder. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> watches the twitch of $h_herhis fingers, before eyes journey from where $h_herhis palm hovers, up through your neck and face and finally to your eyes. An ask of permission lingers in $h_herhis pools of gold, and the quiet whisper of grass and the bubbling churn of the river fade away, miles from where you stand. As soon as you give a single nod, a pressure sets upon your shoulder. You just see the movement of $h_herhis other arm coming to meet you, a blur of motion as you're pulled forward, the warmth of $h_herhis arms encircling you and pressing you close, heat passing from $h_herhim to you. One arm already securely around your body, a palm raises to the back of your neck, resting at the top of your spine. <<if $pc_hairlength is "short" or $pc_hairlength is "shaved">> Goosebumps race down between your shoulders as you feel $h_herhis skin, each finger pressing desperately against you. To confirm your existence - here in this moment - beside $h_herhim. <<elseif $pc_hairlength is "medium" or $pc_hairlength is "long">> Goosebumps race down between your shoulders as you feel $h_herhis fingers weaving between your hair to press desperately against you. To confirm your existence - here in this moment - beside $h_herhim. <</if>> While $h_herhis cheek finds a place to rest against your ear, your hands reach around. They curl with uncertainty before extending out, searching for the crests and troughs of $h_herhis torso, smoothing $h_herhis shirt over the tattoos that wrap $h_herhis sides and following the paths you somehow know. Each joint dances upward, eventually resting your fingertips along $h_herhis shoulder blades and pulling $h_herhim closer. Hands floating on the edges of $h_herhis shirt while your chin tucks into the pooling heat of $h_herhis collar, you can't help but think you might be home. Which is when magic //engulfs// you. You shudder and freeze, almost able to hear the roar of billowing water - a storm, a typhoon - building into waves and white caps crashing over your heart before rushing outwards. It threatens to sweep you away out to sea along with it, and for a moment you wonder if you should allow it to do just that. But instead the surge gives in to your presence as somewhere, the Healer holds on tighter. The ocean abating - surrendering - and revealing a calm in the center where sun pierces through the clouds and water flows in steady, undemanding streams. It glides within your veins, over each muscle, spilling through your lips and caught in the current of the breath sailing near the base of your skull. Still further the magic trickles down, filling in each vertebrae to the end of your spine and collecting down through your heel. A torrent of //something// more uncertain threatens to surface and clutch you around your ankles to drag you into the undertow — but it's quickly hidden again. "Can I trust you?" The Healer interrupts, the tides of magic receding away from you with suspicion as $h_herhis arms loosen and $h_shehe begins to disconnect from the embrace. <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> hands slide away from your back but come to a rest along your upper arms. Your own grip below $h_herhis ribs, looking up to find $h_herhim pleading for an answer in the tenseness locking $h_herhis jaw. //What could you say to that? // <<if $empathetic > $callous + 2>> "You can." //Is it a lie?// <<else>> "I don't know." //Are you sure?// <</if>> <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> chest expands with an inhale, cloth stretching to reveal more of the lines tattooed over the horizon of $h_herhis shoulders. As $h_shehe breathes out, $h_herhis eyes close - shut tight, eyelids pressing harshly into $h_herhis cheeks - and there's the barest tremor in $h_herhis arms. "Will you trust me?" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> lets the question fester in the air before $h_shehe opens $h_herhis golden eyes to you again, something painful evident in the jarring angles of $h_herhis words. They hover, sharp and ready to strike, though the target still seems a mystery. Could you ever trust a mortalis, really? Even one like the Healer? "Yes," you say without thought. The barbed words fall to the ground at your response, and the Healer breathes the sigh of relief $h_shehe'd been holding before that maddeningly comforting smile adorns $h_herhis lips again. A single, gentle squeeze later - //too short,// a deeper, buried part of you thinks - $h_herhis hands drop, coursing over your elbows and flowing down your forearms, before $h_shehe finally releases you. A step back, and a furtive turn towards the mountains. <<elseif $choice is "second">> Before you can finish your thought, you begin to lift an arm towards the Healer. The tattoo circling $h_herhis bicep shifts as $h_herhis muscles tense, watching your movement. There's a shudder within your fingers as they just barely ghost over $h_herhis shoulders, your eyes journeying from where your palm hovers, up through $h_herhis neck and face and finally to $h_herhis eyes. An ask of permission lingers while you search pools of gold, and the quiet whisper of grass and bubbling of the river move miles away. In response, $h_shehe gives the barest nod, a quiet tip of $h_herhis chin, lifting $h_herhis hand to support your elbow. A smile grows when $h_herhis thumb traces along its edge, arcing over into your forearm. Eyes dart over your face and to where $h_herhis hand meets you, then back up to meet your eyes. And in the next instant there's a blur of motion as the two of you move together, and you vaguely register the initial warmth of $h_herhis arms encircling you and pressing you close, heat passing from $h_herhim to you. One arm already securely around your body, a palm raises to the back of your neck, resting at the top of your spine. <<if $pc_hairlength is "short" or "bald">> Goosebumps race down between your shoulders as you feel $h_herhis skin, each finger pressing desperately against you. <<elseif $pc_hairlength is "medium" or "long">> Goosebumps race down between your shoulders as you feel $h_herhis fingers weaving between your hair to press desperately against you. <</if>> To confirm your existence - here in this moment - beside $h_herhim. While $h_herhis cheek finds a place to rest against your ear, your own hands reach around. They curl with uncertainty at first, before extending out, searching for the crests and troughs of $h_herhis torso, smoothing $h_herhis shirt over the tattoos that wrap $h_herhis sides and following the paths you somehow know. Each joint dances upward, eventually resting your fingertips along $h_herhis shoulder blades and pulling $h_herhim closer. Hands floating on the edges of $h_herhis shirt while your chin tucks into the pooling heat of $h_herhis collar, you can't help but think you might be home. Which is when magic //engulfs// you. You shudder and freeze, almost able to hear the roar of billowing water - a storm, a typhoon - swelling into waves and crashing over your heart before rushing outwards. It threatens to sweep you away out to sea along with it, and for a moment you wonder if you should allow it to do just that. But instead the surge gives in to your presence, the ocean abating, revealing a calm in the center where water flows in rivers of joy and you feel soaked with sun. It glides within your veins, over each muscle, spilling through your lips and caught in the current of the breath sailing from the base of your skull to the end of your spine and through your heel. A torrent of //something// more uncertain threatens to surface and clutch you around your ankles to drag you into the undertow — but it's quickly pulled underneath again. "Can I trust you?" The Healer interrupts, the tides of magic receding away from you with suspicion as $h_herhis arms loosen and $h_shehe begins to disconnect from the embrace. <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> hands slide away from your back but come to a rest along your upper arms. Your own grip below $h_herhis ribs, looking up to find $h_herhim pleading for an answer in the tenseness locking $h_herhis jaw. //What could you say to that? // <<if $empathetic > $callous + 2>> "You can." //Is it a lie?// <<else>> "I don't know." //Are you sure?// <</if>> <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> chest expands with an inhale, cloth stretching to reveal more of the lines tattooed over the horizon of $h_herhis shoulders. As $h_shehe breathes out, $h_herhis eyes close - shut tight, eyelids pressing harshly into $h_herhis cheeks - and there's the barest tremor in $h_herhis arms. "Will you trust me?" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> lets the question fester in the air before $h_shehe opens $h_herhis golden eyes to you again, something painful evident in the jarring angles of $h_herhis words. They hover, sharp and ready to strike, though the target still seems a mystery. Could you ever trust a mortalis, really? Even one like the Healer? "Yes," you say without thought. The barbed words fall to the ground at your response, and the Healer breathes the sigh of relief $h_shehe'd been holding before that maddeningly comforting smile adorns $h_herhis lips again. A single, gentle squeeze later - //too short,// a deeper, buried part of you thinks - $h_herhis hands drop, coursing over your elbows and flowing down your forearms, before $h_shehe finally releases you. A step back, and a furtive turn towards the mountains. <<else>> <<set $visiontouch to false>> Before you can finish your thought, the Healer faces you, eyes wandering over your face and the lines of your collar. The tattoo circling $h_herhis bicep shifts as $h_herhis muscles tense, arms rigid even as $h_herhis hands come together to clasp each other tightly. Golden eyes fall in hesitation, before eyes journey from where $h_herhis palms rub together, up through your neck and face again, and finally to your eyes. There's a focus in the rich, metallic tones of $h_herhis eyes that you've only seen a few times in your long life. The type of dedication and adoration you've been taught to either avoid completely or tread carefully with when considering a deal. <<if visited("Prologue-GoldChoice")>> The taste of devotion that you saw ruin and save a family all those years ago. <</if>> And now, to see it aimed at you like you're the only soul in the world, you have a feeling that if everything around you - the field and its flowers, the river and its rocks, the mountains and their peaks - were to all melt away, the Healer would still see only you. More of $h_herhis magic bubbles out as your gazes hold, waiting for your acceptance, as something else echos just below the surface of the energy. //A home,// somewhere inside you answers as your magic tentatively reaches forward. The Healer's eyes are still trained on you, hands idly grasping each other and face neutral, but now there's a question in $h_herhis eyes. You answer with the barest tilt of your chin downward, vision full of $h_herhim. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> smiles. Which is when magic //engulfs// you. You shudder and freeze, almost able to hear the roar of billowing water - a storm, a typhoon - swelling into waves and crashing over your heart before rushing outwards. It threatens to sweep you away out to sea along with it, and for a moment you wonder if you should allow it to do just that. But instead the surge gives in to your presence, the ocean abating, revealing a calm in the center where water flows in rivers of joy and you feel soaked with sun. It glides within your veins, over each muscle, spilling through your lips and caught in the current of the breath sailing from the base of your skull to the end of your spine and through your heel. A torrent of //something// more uncertain threatens to surface and clutch you around your ankles to drag you into the undertow — but it's quickly pulled underneath again. "Can I trust you?" The Healer interrupts, the tides of magic receding away from you with newfound and jarring suspicion. //What could you say to that? // <<if $empathetic > $callous + 2>> "You can." //Is it a lie?// <<else>> "I don't know." //Are you sure?// <</if>> <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> chest expands with an inhale, cloth stretching to reveal more of the lines tattooed over the horizon of $h_herhis shoulders. As $h_shehe breathes out, $h_herhis eyes close - shut tight, eyelids pressing harshly into $h_herhis cheeks - and there's the barest tremor in $h_herhis arms. "Will you trust me?" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> lets the question fester in the air before $h_shehe opens $h_herhis golden eyes to you, something painful evident in the jarring angles of $h_herhis words. They hover, sharp and ready to strike, though the target still seems a mystery. Could you ever trust a mortalis, really? Even one like the Healer? "Yes," you say without thought. The barbed words fall to the ground at your response, and the Healer breathes the sigh of relief $h_shehe'd been holding, before that maddeningly comforting smile adorns $h_herhis lips again. <</if>> "It's almost time," $h_shehe says. "Time-?" Another look to you, face brighter, and in another sudden shift, you realize the aurora's colors reflecting on $h_herhis warm brown skin aren't coming from the sky anymore, but instead flowing out from the Healer <<print $h_herhim>>self. Blue and green highlight over the curves of $h_herhis collar, hair shimmers like threads of molten obsidian, and $h_herhis cheeks are painted with shades of fuchsia and lilac. "Time for the next," $h_shehe whispers with a nod, eyes watching you in earnest. "But you don't have to be afraid. You'll have your Entwined by your side." Light grows more brilliant by the second and you raise a hand to shield yourself from the brightest of it, the colors pouring from the $h_gender in front of you. Lowering your hand for a moment as the tide of vibrancy washes back, you narrow your eyes in confusion. "The next what? And you can't- you have to know. I can't have Entwined without-" "Do I know?" The Healer asks the world, head turning to look towards the river, eyes narrowed but soft as $h_herhis shoulders relax. "Do you?" <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> brilliant golden eyes find you again. "But maybe we can talk about that another time. You're looking for someone, aren't you?" You're not sure what $h_shehe's talking- // A flicker of lavender // The $h_gender motions with $h_herhis hand, silently beckoning you to come with $h_herhim before $h_shehe pivots on $h_herhis heel and begins to step away. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> knows you'll follow. <ul> <li> <<link "And follow you do." "Chapter4-FindOisein">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</switch>>

Deep auburn hair waves gently in the breeze, untied and flowing freely. <<if $m_gender is "man">> The strands curl in the wind, floating against his temples as his shoulders rise in a slow breath, and then lower as he lets the tension go. <<else>> The strands brush tentatively against the tops of her shoulder blades before nudging upwards against her bare shoulders, the golden embroidery at the edge of the emerald shirt a shining transition against her pale skin. <</if>> The thin circlet you had seen them wear before, filled to the brim with magic, lays dormant in $m_herhis prosthetic hand. Every so often a gust threatens to whisk it away - and $m_shehe almost lets it - only to tighten $m_herhis fingers at the last minute. Though $m_shehe's turned away, you can tell $m_herhis face is turned upward toward the cerulean sky. You're standing, stepping, closer now, hand lowered. Flowers and foliage bend away to guide you in a predetermined path to $m_herhis side, an indistinguishable murmur hiding just behind you. Another step. The murmur follows to the tune of the river's current. Another step. A movement that flickers above the far-off snow-capped mountain range. Another step, this time to the Magesmith's side. When you look to $m_herhim, awe holds $m_herhis gaze upwards. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" $m_shehe asks, rich brown eyes still taken by the sky. Something makes you unsure if you're the question's intended recipient. You look up into darkness, sun suddenly snuffed. Stars glimmer down at you as if they'd be observing you this entire time, constellations reaching and yawning across the canvas of the night. But the aurora threading through them captures your attention, its vibrancy unlike anything you've ever seen. Where your memories only paint the dancing bands of light in dusty turquoise and greens, this particular sky is broken up by what you imagine must be every color in existence. Bright fuchsia and gold and orange and bronze and violet crash together with a manic fervor, rolling and dancing over each other and spreading like a million, billion threads to every corner of the heavens. The grand shadow of the mountains bows to the light, the whisper and chiming of the grass and river quieting in reverence. There's a thoughtful, throaty hum next to you that draws you back down to see the Magesmith turned towards you, $m_herhis scars joining in the faint, distant voices, ready to tell you a story. <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <li> <<link `$flirt_label + " //Of course it's the Magesmith.// Devotion murmurs, clear as the crisp air. //Of course.//"` "Chapter4-MCVision-MagesmithRomance">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $m_flirt += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li> <<link `"Devotion's murmur grows louder, more confident. //Of course it's the Magesmith. I'll always have "+$m_herhim +"."` "Chapter4-MCVision-MagesmithFriend">><<set $choice to "second">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>>

The murmur embraces you like rays of sunlight, beams of warmth that eventually wash over your entire body while the Magesmith watches you. //It had to be the Magesmith,// Devotion whispers. //Of course.// A mixture of fear and excitement spreads on $m_herhis face when there's a tug at your chest, knotted around your sternum and threading back over your ribs to your spine. An invisible entanglement that inches forward before snapping taut and pulling at the same energy from the $m_gender in front of you. There's a moment where you can feel the burn of $s_herhis magic as if it were your own, a heat that threatens to consume you whole, before rearing back in the last second to only flicker warmly against your arms. But…to feel //Entwined,// you'd have to have- "Is it you?" $m_herhis voice slices through your uncertainty, eyes searching your face for the terrifying answer $m_shehe expects. "I think so." Your whisper comes out just as fearful, though more from the fear of having to watch $m_herhim slip away. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> gives a nod and looks to the ground, fingers clenching and unclenching as thoughts swarm across $m_herhis features. Hues of the aurora cast across $m_herhis skin as $m_shehe closes $m_herhis eyes and takes a deep breath, air shifting around $m_herhim - the reeds and plants bending inward on $m_herhis inhale, and bowing backwards as $m_shehe exhales. You could swear the stone peaks of the mountains and the stars themselves lean in with the rise of $m_herhis chest, and fade back away as it falls. And at the end of it, $m_shehe opens $m_herhis eyes. And smiles. "It's almost time," $m_shehe says, and the world is shaken from its focus, while yours is only trained on the slight tilt of $m_herhis lips, the delight just barely daring to show itself in $m_herhis raised cheeks and narrowed eyes. "Time-?" Another look to you, face brighter, and in another sudden shift, you realize the aurora's colors reflecting on $m_herhis pale skin aren't coming from the sky anymore, but instead flowing out from the Magesmith <<print $m_herhim>>self. Blue and green highlight over the curves of $m_herhis collar, hair shimmers like threads of molten copper, and $m_herhis cheeks flush with shades of fuchsia and lilac. "Time for the next," $m_shehe whispers with a nod, eyes watching you in earnest. "But you don't have to be afraid. You'll have your Entwined by your side." Light grows more brilliant by the second and you raise a hand to shield yourself from the brightest of it, the colors pouring from the $m_gender in front of you. Lowering your hand for a moment as the tide of vibrancy washes back, you narrow your eyes in confusion. "The next what? And you can't- you have to know. I can't have Entwined without-" "Do I know?" The Magesmith asks bluntly, fists clenched and face set with determination. "Do you?" <<print $m_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> deep brown eyes find you again. "But maybe we can talk about that another time. You're looking for someone, aren't you?" You're not sure what $m_shehe's talking- // A flicker of lavender // The $m_gender motions with $m_herhis hand, silently beckoning you to come with $m_herhim before $m_shehe pivots on $m_herhis heel and begins to step away. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> knows you'll follow. <ul> <li> <<link "And follow you do." "Chapter4-FindOisein">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> The murmur embraces you like rays of sunlight, beams of warmth that eventually wash over your entire body while the Magesmith watches you. //Of course it's the Magesmith,// Devotion whispers. //Of course.// A mixture of fear and excitement spreads on $m_herhis face when there's a tug at your chest, knotted around your sternum and threading back over your ribs to your spine. An invisible entanglement that inches forward before snapping taut and pulling at the same energy from the $m_gender in front of you. There's a moment where you can feel the burn of $h_herhis magic as if it were your own, a heat that threatens to consume you whole, before rearing back in the last second to only flicker warmly against your arms. But to feel Entwined, you'd have to have- Before you can finish your thought… <hr> <ul> <li> <<link `"…the Magesmith reaches a tentative hand up towards my face, brushing "+$m_herhis+" knuckles against my cheek."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"…I reach a tentative hand up toward the Magesmith's face, brushing my knuckles against "+$m_herhis+" cheek."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"…I notice the Magesmith's lips begin to turn into a hesitant smile, a rose-like color blooming over "+$m_herhis+" features."` `passage()`>><<set $reserved +=1>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $choice is "first">> Before you can finish your thought, movement from the Magesmith draws your attention. Right hand begins to lift before $m_shehe freezes and changes $m_herhis mind. Looking down at $m_herhis own hands as if they were a completely alien, $m_herhis eyes dance between them before $m_shehe eventually switches the removed headband over so that $m_shehe can raise the metallic hand higher to hover just before your face. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> looks for acceptance in your expression, body still - save for the gentle rise of $m_herhis shoulders on each breath, the deep green fabric stretching across $m_herhis collar and over $m_herhis expanding chest. But even when you give a small nod, $m_shehe looks to the side. Then to $m_herhis floating hand. Presses $m_herhis teeth nervously into $m_herhis bottom lip. And finally meets your gaze again as $m_shehe reaches $m_herhis hand to your skin and takes a minuscule step forward. The chill registers first, the shining knuckles carefully following the arc from your chin to the hollow of your cheek. <<print $m_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> eyes trace the path closely, a pause punctuated by a noticeable swallow. A tiny scratching noise whispers near your right ear as the fingers unfurl and magic glimmers and threads through the glyph tattooed into $m_herhis arm. But the glittering magic and jewels embedded into the curling patterns of metal only catch your attention for a moment, before it's brought back to the fingers resting just before your ear, and the thumb resting just beside your nose. It dips carefully - cautiously - before brushing gently over the curve of your cheek bones. As it journeys back to join $m_herhis other fingers, $m_herhis eyes shift away again, unable to meet yours. You find your own eyelids becoming heavy as well, starting to close while your head leans into $m_herhis touch. And then - the magic //erupts// inside you. Molten fire swarms into your blood and cradles your heart before it pulses outward, no longer retreating into the faint, wavering warmth from before. The boiling current moves slowly through your limbs - filling in each finger and each joint, testing the paths with heated uncertainty and hope combined. Still further it falls, pooling into your stomach and diving into your legs, until every inch of your veins are ablaze. Where you expect the magic to scorch an unforgiving path across your body, you find instead a tender caress. No merciless inferno, but a sun shining from your core and bathing you in its warmth, casting vivid light through your bones. Though even then, there's still a small corner of darkness in the magic - a closed off, frozen abyss that you can't quite reach. "Is it you?" $m_herhis voice slices through your consciousness, stopping you from approaching the guarded, walled-away space. When you open your eyes, you find $m_herhim searching your face for the terrifying answer $m_shehe expects, palm still pressed to your cheek. Your whisper comes out just as fearful, though more from a sense of dread that $m_shehe might slip away as soon as you speak. "I think so." <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> contemplates your brow, your eyes, your nose, your jaw - while $m_herhis hand gently falls away. As it does there's an immediate want, clear as the scars drawn over $m_herhis skin, written into the stiff movement of $m_herhis arm lowering. A temptation to reach back up to you and outline your features one more time. Instead, $m_shehe gives a nod and looks to the ground, fingers clenching and unclenching as thoughts swarm across $m_herhis features. Hues of the aurora cast across $m_herhis skin as $m_shehe closes $m_herhis eyes and takes a deep breath, air shifting around $m_herhim - the reeds and plants bending inward on $m_herhis inhale, and bowing backwards as $m_shehe exhales. You could swear the stone peaks of the mountains and the stars themselves lean in with the rise of $m_herhis chest, and fade back away as it falls. <<elseif $choice is "second">> Before you can finish your thought, your hand begins to move - needing to reach to $m_herhim, needing to connect. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> watches you warily at first, until the wariness begins to morph into something closer to curiosity. Your hand draws closer, knuckles searching for $m_herhis skin. The Magesmith's body goes still, gaze averted, as you look for acceptance in $m_herhis expression. Looking to $m_herhis brown eyes. The scar through $m_herhis brow. The way $m_herhis teeth press nervously into $m_herhis bottom lip. The fluttering strand of auburn hair that dances to the side of $m_herhis cheek. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> continues to remain motionless save for the gentle rise of $m_herhis shoulders on each breath, the deep green fabric stretching across $m_herhis collar and over $m_herhis expanding chest. If you hadn't just been studying every careful detail of the Magesmith, you may have missed the infinitesimally small nod that $m_shehe finally gives. With a combination of defiance and a challenge, $m_shehe meets your gaze as you bridge the final gap to $m_herhis skin and take a step forward. Warmth registers first, building in $m_herhis cheeks and shuddering through your fingers as your knuckles trace the arc from $m_herhis chin up to the hollow of $m_herhis cheek. And still $m_shehe watches you, a pause punctuated by a noticeable swallow. Fingers unfurling, your wrist shifts as your thumb moves upward, hovering again over the skin of $m_herhis brow while your other fingers rest just before $m_herhis ear. You don't dare touch the scar yet, looking again to the Magesmith's face. Something flickers in $m_herhis face as pupils stay trained on you. Where you thought you'd be the one asking //Are you sure?//, instead you find that question in $m_herhim - hidden and shivering behind the colors reflected in the Magesmith's eyes and in the tight set of $m_herhis jaw. //I am.// you think as you nod. Bands of vibrant crimson and blue dance inside the widening black before $m_herhis eyelids slowly close and you wait - one more inhale, one more exhale - before you place your thumb against the the raised skin. You can feel the ridges along its edges as you smooth across from $m_herhis forehead to $m_herhis temple, returning your thumb to the start of the path. Tracing down the smoothed, discolored skin sends a shiver through $m_herhis body, goosebumps raising along the bare skin at $m_herhis shoulder. You follow it down across and through $m_herhis eyebrow, diverting with the scar as it traces along the edge of $m_herhis eye, and eventually drop your thumb from the path to rejoin the rest of your fingers softly pressed to the side of $m_herhis face. As your own eyes grow heavy and begin to close, you can just feel the pressure of the Magesmith leaning into your hand. And then - the magic //erupts// inside you. Molten fire swarms into your blood and cradles your heart before it pulses outward, no longer retreating into the faint, wavering warmth from before. The boiling current moves slowly through your limbs - filling in each finger and each joint, testing the paths with heated uncertainty and hope combined. Still further it falls, pooling into your stomach and diving into your legs, until every inch of your veins are ablaze. Where you expect the magic to scorch an unforgiving path across your body, you find instead a tender caress. No merciless inferno, but a sun shining from your core and bathing you in its warmth, casting vivid light through your bones. Though even then, there's still a small corner of darkness in the magic - a closed off, frozen abyss that you can't quite reach. "Is it you?" $m_herhis voice slices through your consciousness, stopping you from approaching the guarded, walled-away space. When you open your eyes, you find $m_herhim searching your face for the terrifying answer $m_shehe expects, your palm still pressed to $m_herhis cheek. Your whisper comes out just as fearful, though more from a sense of dread that $m_shehe might slip away as soon as you speak. "I think so." <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> contemplates your brow, your eyes, your nose, your jaw - while your hand gently falls away. As it does there's an immediate want, clear as the scars drawn over $m_herhis skin, written into the tense movement of $m_herhis face turning. A temptation to bring your hand to $m_herhis face again, to let you outline $m_herhis features one more time. Instead, $m_shehe gives another nod and looks to the ground, fingers clenching and unclenching as thoughts swarm across $m_herhis features. Hues of the aurora cast across $m_herhis skin as $m_shehe closes $m_herhis eyes and takes a deep breath, air shifting around $m_herhim - the reeds and plants bending inward on $m_herhis inhale, and bowing backwards as $m_shehe exhales. You could swear the stone peaks of the mountains and the stars themselves lean in with the rise of $m_herhis chest, and fade back away as it falls. <<elseif $choice is "third">> <<set $visiontouch to false>> Before you can finish your thought, movement from the Magesmith draws your attention. There's a dusted pink that starts to peek through the strands of auburn hair as the corner of $m_herhis mouth starts to twist into a smile. Right hand begins to lift before $m_shehe freezes - realizing what's happening with $m_herhis body and $m_herhis face - before $m_shehe changes $m_herhis mind. Eyes dancing down at $m_herhis hand as if it and its movements were completely alien. Fingers clench together as $m_shehe shakes $m_herhis head for a moment and looks back up to you. Heat, not unlike the sensation from before, starts to build in your chest when $m_herhis brown eyes look to you. A feeling that lounges across your collar when $m_shehe blinks - once, twice - and takes a step closer. Prickling goosebumps that cascade over your shoulders as the warmth reaches up into the base of your neck and along your ears before filling your cheeks. You start to close your eyes - part of you wanting to keep the oncoming rush at bay, and the other ready to leap toward it. And when inky black finally overtakes your vision - the magic //erupts// inside you. . Molten fire swarms into your blood and cradles your heart before it pulses outward, no longer retreating into the faint, wavering warmth from before. The boiling current moves slowly through your limbs - filling in each finger and each joint, testing the paths with heated uncertainty and hope combined. Still further it falls, pooling into your stomach and diving into your legs, until every inch of your veins are ablaze. Where you expect the magic to scorch an unforgiving path across your body, you find instead a tender caress. No merciless inferno, but a sun shining from your core and bathing you in its warmth, casting vivid light through your bones. Though even then, there's still a small corner of darkness in the magic - a closed off, frozen abyss that you can't quite reach. "Is it you?" $m_herhis voice slices through your consciousness, stopping you from approaching the guarded, walled-away space. When you open your eyes, you find $m_herhim searching your face for the terrifying answer $m_shehe expects, body closer than you thought it was barely a moment ago. Your whisper comes out just as fearful, though more from a sense of dread that $m_shehe might slip away as soon as you speak. "I think so." <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> contemplates your brow, your eyes, your nose, your jaw - before $m_shehe takes a steps back. As $m_shehe does there's an immediate want, clear as the scars drawn over $m_herhis skin, written into the tense movement of $m_herhis face turning. A temptation to bring your hand to $m_herhis face again, to let you outline $m_herhis features one more time. Instead, $m_shehe gives another nod and looks to the ground, fingers clenching and unclenching as thoughts swarm across $m_herhis features. Hues of the aurora cast across $m_herhis skin as $m_shehe closes $m_herhis eyes and takes a deep breath, air shifting around $m_herhim - the reeds and plants bending inward on $m_herhis inhale, and bowing backwards as $m_shehe exhales. You could swear the stone peaks of the mountains and the stars themselves lean in with the rise of $m_herhis chest, and fade back away as it falls. <</if>> And at the end of it, $m_shehe opens $m_herhis eyes. And smiles. "It's almost time," $m_shehe says, and the world is shaken from its focus, while yours is only trained on the slight tilt of $m_herhis lips, the delight just barely daring to show itself in $m_herhis raised cheeks and narrowed eyes. "Time-?" Another look to you, face brighter, and in another sudden shift, you realize the aurora's colors reflecting on $m_herhis pale skin aren't coming from the sky anymore, but instead flowing out from the Magesmith <<print $m_herhim>>self. Blue and green highlight over the curves of $m_herhis collar, hair shimmers like threads of molten copper, and $m_herhis cheeks flush with shades of fuchsia and lilac. "Time for the next," $m_shehe whispers with a nod, eyes watching you in earnest. "But you don't have to be afraid. You'll have your Entwined by your side." Light grows more brilliant by the second and you raise a hand to shield yourself from the brightest of it, the colors pouring from the $m_gender in front of you. Lowering your hand for a moment as the tide of vibrancy washes back, you narrow your eyes in confusion. "The next what? And you can't- you have to know. I can't have Entwined without-" "Do I know?" The Magesmith asks bluntly, fists clenched and face set with determination. "Do you?" <<print $m_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> deep brown eyes find you again. "But maybe we can talk about that another time. You're looking for someone, aren't you?" You're not sure what $m_shehe's talking- // A flicker of lavender // The $m_gender motions with $m_herhis hand, silently beckoning you to come with $m_herhim before $m_shehe pivots on $m_herhis heel and begins to step away. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> knows you'll follow. <ul> <li> <<link "And follow you do." "Chapter4-FindOisein">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Honeyed hair wafts on the breeze, brushing over $o_herhistheir shoulders as the ripples of ivory cloth expose the glamoured tanned skin of $o_herhistheir back and collar. But even with the vibrant image of Oisein's usual mauve skin, glowing markings, and arcing antlers, $o_herhistheir mortalis form seems to fit comfortably. Though $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> turned away, arms hanging loosely at $o_herhistheir side, you can tell $o_herhistheir face is turned upward toward the cerulean sky. You're standing, stepping, closer now, hand lowered. Flowers and foliage bend away to guide you in a predetermined path to $o_herhistheir side, an indistinguishable murmur hiding just behind you. Another step. The murmur follows to the tune of the river's current. Another step. A movement that flickers above the far-off snow-capped mountain range. Another step, this time to Oisein's side. When you look to $o_herhimthem, $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> smiling into $o_herhistheir freckles - fine and delicately dusted over $o_herhistheir cheeks, nothing like the usual haphazard splotches of color. Cheeks curve below $o_herhistheir eyes where faded lavender still thrives, though $o_herhistheir earring is noticeably absent. But… how could you forget? There's no need for a glamour. Hadn't $o_shehethey always looked like this? "It's beautiful, isn't it?" he asks, though something makes you unsure if you're the question's intended recipient. You look up into darkness, sun suddenly snuffed. Stars glimmer down at you as if they'd been observing you this entire time, constellations reaching and yawning across the canvas of the night. But the aurora threading through them captures your attention, its vibrancy unlike anything you've ever seen. Where your memories only paint the dancing light in turquoise and greens, this particular sky is broken up by what you imagine must be every color in existence. Bright fuchsia and gold and orange and bronze and violet crash together with a manic fervor, rolling and dancing over each other and spreading like a million, billion threads to every corner of the heavens. The grand shadow of the mountains bows to its presence, the whisper and chiming of the grass and river quieting in reverence. There's a soft, demure laughter next to you that draws you back down to see Oisein's eyes narrowed in delight as he watches your reaction. <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <li> <<link `$flirt_label + " //Of course it's Oisein.// Devotion murmurs, clear as the crisp air. //Of course.//"` "Chapter4-MCVision-OiseinRomance">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $o_flirt += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li> <<link `"Devotion's murmur grows more confident. //Of course it's Oisein. I'll always have "+$o_herhimthem +"."` "Chapter4-MCVision-OiseinFriend">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "second">> <</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>> <</switch>>

The murmur hums like a plucked string, clear in the air while Oisein watches you. //Of course it's Oisein.// Devotion whispers. //Always there, // <<if ($o_past_friendship) or ($o_past_feelings)>> //always at your side.// <<else>> //always willing to be at your side, even when you couldn't see it.// <</if>> The delight spreads on $o_herhistheir face when there's a tug at your chest, knotted around your sternum and threading back over your ribs to your spine. An invisible entanglement that inches forward before snapping taut and pulling at the same energy from the $o_gender in front of you. There's a moment where you can hear the song of his magic as if it were your own, the notes like their own celestial chimes, major chords and the run of a bright scale echoing along the bands of the aurora. But… to feel Entwined, you'd have to have- "I'm glad we found each other," Oisein says, eyes half-lidded and all genuine joy on $o_herhistheir face. "I'm lucky to have you." <<if $friendly > $aloof>> <<if $sarcastic > $genuine>> "You're right, of course," you quip back instantly. The words repeat faintly in the area around you, by the river, by the flowers, by the mountains. Oisein laughs and looks back up to the sky. <<else>> "I'm lucky to have you too," you say back instantly. The words repeat faintly in the area around you, by the river, by the flowers, by the mountains. Oisein laughs and looks back up to the sky. <</if>> <<else>> You give the barest hint of a smile and nod, hoping that that will be answer enough. It seems to be, when Oisein laughs and looks back up to the sky. <</if>> <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> skin is cast in the hues of the aurora as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>close<<else>>closes<</if>> $o_herhistheir eyes and takes a deep breath in. Air shifts around $o_herhimthem, the reeds and plants bending inward on $o_herhistheir inhale, and bowing backwards as $o_shehethey exhale$o_s. You could swear the stone peaks of the mountains and the stars themselves lean in with the rise of $o_herhistheir chest, and fade back away as it falls. "It's almost time," $o_shehethey say$o_s, and the world is shaken from its focus. "Time-?" Another look to you, face brighter, and in another sudden shift, you realize the aurora's colors reflecting on $o_herhistheir tanned skin aren't coming from the sky anymore, but instead flowing out from Oisein <<print $o_herhimthem>>self. Blue and green highlight over the curves of $o_herhistheir collar, hair shimmers like threads of molten gold, and $o_herhistheir cheeks flush with shades of fuchsia and lilac. "Time for the next," he whispers with a nod, eyes watching you in earnest. "But you don't have to be afraid. You'll have your Entwined by your side." Light grows more brilliant by the second and you raise a hand to shield yourself from the brightest of it, the colors pouring from the $o_gender in front of you. Lowering your hand for a moment as the tide of vibrancy washes back, you narrow your eyes in confusion. "The next what? And we can't-you know we can't be Entwined without-" "Do I know?" Oisein asks as the wind playfully picks up strands of his hair. "Do you?" At one particular gust, $o_shehethey lift$o_s a hand and delicately shift$o_s $o_herhistheir chin, wagging a finger as if to chide the element. It immediately slinks away, retreating with an air of embarrassment (how do you know that?) Oisein's grey eyes find you again. "But maybe we can talk about that another time. You're looking for someone, aren't you?" You're not sure what $o_shehethey<<o_re>> talking- // A flicker of lavender // The $o_gender smiles and motions with his hand, beckoning you to follow before he pivots on his heel and begins to step away. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> know$o_s you'll follow. <ul> <li> <<link "And follow you do." "Chapter4-FindOisein">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> The murmur hums like a plucked string, stunning and clear in your chest and resonating in your bones. //Of course it's Oisein,// Devotion whispers. //Of course.// The delight spreads on $o_herhistheir face when there's a tug at your chest, knotted around your sternum and threading back over your ribs to your spine. An invisible entanglement that inches forward before snapping taut and pulling at the same energy from the $o_gender in front of you. There's a moment where you can hear the song of $o_herhistheir magic as if it were your own, the notes like their own celestial chimes echoing behind your eyes - major chords and the run of a bright scale over the bands of the aurora. But to feel Entwined, you'd have to have- Before you can finish your thought… <hr> <ul> <li> <<link `"…Oisein reaches out "+$o_herhistheir+ " hand for me to take."` `passage()`>><<set $choice to "first">><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"…my body moves on its own, holding my hand to Oisein for "+$o_herhimthem+" to take."` `passage()`>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"…Oisein smiles at me, a dusty pink sheen spreading over "+$o_herhistheir+" cheeks."` `passage()`>><<set $choice to "third">><<set $reserved +=1>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> Before you can finish your thought, <<if $choice is "first">> Oisein holds out $o_herhistheir hand for you to take, fingers unfurling like a flower blooming for the sun. There's no impatience and no uncertainly - just the quiet, unspoken understanding between you. You adjust your footing to swivel your body to $o_hershistheirs, starting to lift a wrist upward to take $o_herhistheir hand. The wind shifts with the motion, billowing underneath your arm as if to carry you to $o_herhimthem while the world waits with bated breath. When your skin meets theirs, the aurora fractures into a million more colors, all reflecting and contained in his eyes. Your fingertips find him first, and when they touch, Oisein's own curl on top to bring yours in, until your fingers are folded over another. He gives a slight squeeze - the slight indent of trimmed nails into your first joint and the beat of his pulse already reaching to synchronize with yours - before his wrist turns. Unclasping your hands but still maintaining the touch, his hand rotates just a fraction, smoothing over the tops of your knuckles and unfolding fully this time with fingers splayed wide. You count each point where your fingernails rest against his warm skin, each finger matching, and extend your joints outward to mirror his. Palm to palm, $o_shehethey mark$o_s a trail over your face with a heavy gaze, smiling all the while, $o_herhistheir eyes alight with adoration. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> begins to shift $o_herhistheir fingers to the side to fill in the empty spaces of your hand, watching for your reaction. The flutter in your chest resounds louder when $o_herhistheir fingers shift fully, falling into the valleys of your skin to interlace your fingers. You listen to the world breathe a sigh then, the colors in the sky twirling with excitement, river sparkling with gossip that it gives to the grass in smooth currents who's reflections paint an aurora through the hills. The smell of earth and of magnolias and lilies flirts closely between the two of you for a moment, only to realize their intrusion and float away on the wind. Oisein leans forward, and you find yourself moving to meet them until your foreheads touch - warm, welcoming, as natural as breathing. You just catch $o_herhistheir eyes beginning to close as yours do, the two of you in perfect harmony. And $o_herhistheir magic //sings//. No longer just abstract chords and glimpses, but a huge crescendo of a sonata that bursts into your collar and plunges into your heart, an accompanying violin sweetly singing above it as the bow pivots and shivers over your skin. It draws out the low notes humming on your shoulders and finds the melody hidden in the soft skin of your elbow and at the edge of your wrist. Still further it reaches, brushing against the bass note nestled down past your thighs at the back of your knees. And behind it all, a hidden saccharine voice as light as the air and just as free sings for your ears alone. A magic that rivals the aurora - wild and rapturous, harmonizing the warmth between your bodies. Oisein opens $o_herhistheir eyes in tandem with you, half-lidded pupils now full with the reflection of your own $pc_eyecolor eyes. //It's not possible,// says an unwelcome voice, feathering darkness into the edge of your vision. You can feel Oisein's brow furrow more than you see it, the slow shake of $o_herhistheir head rolling $o_herhistheir skin against yours while $o_herhistheir knuckles squeeze around yours. His whisper is tinged with pity - and an unfathomable sadness. "A terrible lie to keep telling yourself for so long, don't you think?" The shadowy presence rears back in surprise, surrendering to the soft tones of his voice and skulking into the back of your mind. A knowing chuckle echoes into the narrow space between you, tempting you to move forward to swallow the sound and stop the next from ever escaping with your lips against his. But before you can, cool air greets your skin when $o_shehethey back$o_s away. The music ebbs and fades, leaving a timid echo that tinges your memory with a familiarity - and a peculiar feeling that the song has been a part of you all along. Still holding to your hand and turning your fingers downward, Oisein breathes deeply through $o_herhistheir nose. <<elseif $choice is "second">> you find your own hand reaching for Oisein - a natural movement, you think. The only option, really. You adjust your footing to swivel your body to $o_hershistheirs, starting to lift a wrist upward to $o_herhimthem. The wind shifts with the motion, billowing underneath your arm as if to carry you to $o_herhimthem while the world waits with bated breath. There's no shock or surprise in $o_herhistheir face when $o_shehethey see$o_s you move, just the quiet, unspoken understanding between you. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> chin tilts down, smile growing alongside the warm color blooming behind $o_herhistheir freckles. Framing $o_herhistheir body, $o_herhistheir hand begins to lift to mirror yours. When your skin meets $o_hershistheirs, the aurora fractures into a million more colors, all reflecting and contained in $o_herhistheir eyes. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> fingertips find you first, and when they touch, you curl your fingers on top to bring $o_hershistheirs in, until your fingers are folded over another. You give a slight squeeze - the indent of trimmed nails into $o_herhistheir first joint and the beat of $o_herhistheir pulse already reaching to synchronize with yours - before your wrist turns. Unclasping your hands but still maintaining the touch, your hand rotates just a fraction, smoothing over the tops of $o_herhistheir knuckles and unfolding fully this time with fingers splayed wide. Palm to palm, he marks a trail over your face, smiling all the while, eyes alight with adoration. You begin to shift your fingers to the side to fill in the empty spaces of his hand, watching for his reaction. The flutter in your chest resounds louder when your fingers shift fully, falling into the valleys of his skin to interlace your fingers. You listen to the world breathe a sigh then, the colors in the sky twirling with excitement, river sparkling with gossip that it gives to the grass in smooth currents who's reflections paint an aurora through the hills. The smell of earth and of magnolias and lilies flirts closely between the two of you for a moment, only to realize their intrusion and float away on the wind. Oisein leans forward, and you find yourself moving to meet them until your foreheads touch - warm, welcoming, as natural as breathing. You just catch $o_herhistheir eyes beginning to close as yours do, the two of you in perfect harmony. And $o_herhistheir magic //sings//. No longer just abstract chords and glimpses, but a huge crescendo of a sonata that bursts into your collar and plunges into your heart, an accompanying violin sweetly singing above it as the bow pivots and shivers over your skin. It draws out the low notes humming on your shoulders and finds the melody hidden in the soft skin of your elbow and at the edge of your wrist. Still further it reaches, brushing against the bass note nestled down past your thighs at the back of your knees. And behind it all, a hidden saccharine voice as light as the air and just as free sings for your ears alone. A magic that rivals the aurora - wild and rapturous, harmonizing the warmth between your bodies. Oisein opens $o_herhistheir eyes in tandem with you, half-lidded pupils now full with the reflection of your own $pc_eyecolor eyes. //It's not possible,// says an unwelcome voice, feathering darkness into the edge of your vision. You can feel Oisein's brow furrow more than you see it, the slow shake of $o_herhistheir head rolling $o_herhistheir skin against yours while $o_herhistheir knuckles squeeze around yours. His whisper is tinged with pity - and an unfathomable sadness. "A terrible lie to keep telling yourself for so long, don't you think?" The shadowy presence rears back in surprise, surrendering to the soft tones of $o_herhistheir voice and skulking into the back of your mind. A knowing chuckle echoes into the narrow space between you, tempting you to move forward to swallow the sound and stop the next from ever escaping with your lips against $o_hershistheirs. But before you can, cool air greets your skin when $o_shehethey back$o_s away. The music ebbs and fades, leaving a timid echo that tinges your memory with a familiarity - and a peculiar feeling that the song has been a part of you all along. Still holding to your hand and turning your fingers downward, Oisein breathes deeply through $o_herhistheir nose. <<elseif $choice is "third">> the sight of Oisein's smile catches you off guard. Though when you continue to watch $o_herhistheir reaction, you realize it may be more that the color blooming behind $o_herhistheir freckles is what's made your heartbeat jump into your collar. It spreads over $o_herhistheir cheeks and courses upward into $o_herhistheir ears, painting a layer of dusty pink across $o_herhistheir skin. <<set $visiontouch to false>> Oisein begins to raise $o_herhistheir hand, but thinks better of it. Instead, $o_shehethey turns to frame $o_herhistheir body in a reflection of yours, and takes the smallest step forward. Your pulse moves from the base of your neck and springs forward into your throat, and a part of you wonders if $o_shehethey can hear it in the peaceful quiet around you. Though you're not touching, the warmth from $o_herhistheir skin still washes forward and around you. Each line and shape in $o_herhistheir eyes is easily distinguishable this close, a field of lavender reaching forever into the distance. Each freckle clearly outlining a path that a part of you wants to trace. But before you can act, you see $o_herhistheir eyes begin to close - as yours do - the two of you in perfect harmony. Magic //sings// to you now as the world breathes a relieved sigh. No longer just abstract chords and glimpses, but a huge crescendo of a sonata that bursts into your collar and plunges into your heart, an accompanying violin sweetly singing above it as the bow pivots and shivers over your skin. It draws out the low notes humming on your shoulders and finds the melody hidden in the soft skin of your elbow and at the edge of your wrist. Still further it reaches, brushing against the bass note nestled down past your thighs at the back of your knees. And behind it all, a hidden saccharine voice as light as the air and just as free sings for your ears alone. A magic that rivals the aurora - wild and rapturous, harmonizing the warmth between your bodies. Oisein opens his eyes in tandem with you, half-lidded pupils now full with the reflection of your own $pc_eyecolor eyes. //It's not possible,// says an unwelcome voice, feathering darkness into the edge of your vision. Oisein's brow furrows, the slow shake of his head punctuating the worrying expression. His whisper is tinged with pity - and an unfathomable sadness. "A terrible lie to keep telling yourself for so long, don't you think?" The shadowy presence rears back in surprise, surrendering to the soft tones of $o_herhistheir voice and skulking into the back of your mind. A knowing chuckle echoes into the narrow space between you, tempting you to move forward to swallow the sound and stop the next from ever escaping with your lips against $o_hershistheirs. But before you can, the music ebbs and fades. It leaves a timid echo that tinges your memory with a familiarity, and a peculiar feeling that the song has been a part of you all along. <</if>> "It's almost time," he says, and the world is shaken from its focus. "Time-?" Another look to you, face brighter, and in another sudden shift, you realize the aurora's colors reflecting on $o_herhistheir tanned skin aren't coming from the sky anymore, but instead flowing out from Oisein <<print $o_herhimthem>>self. Blue and green highlight over the curves of $o_herhistheir collar, hair shimmers like threads of molten gold, and $o_herhistheir cheeks flush with shades of fuchsia and lilac. "Time for the next," $o_shehethey whisper$o_s with a nod, eyes watching you in earnest. "But you don't have to be afraid. You'll have your Entwined by your side." Light grows more brilliant by the second and you raise your other hand to shield yourself from the brightest of it, the colors pouring from the $o_gender in front of you. Lowering your hand for a moment as the tide of vibrancy washes back, you narrow your eyes in confusion. "The next what? And we can't-you know we can't be Entwined without-" "Do I know?" Oisein asks as the wind playfully picks up strands of $o_herhistheir hair. "Do you?" At one particular gust, $o_shehethey delicately shift$o_s $o_herhistheir chin, wagging a finger as if to chide the element. It immediately slinks away, retreating with an air of embarrassment. (how do you know that?) Oisein's grey eyes find you again. "But maybe we can talk about that another time. You're looking for someone, aren't you?" You're not sure what $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> talking- //A flicker of lavender.// <<if $choice is "first" or $choice is "second">> The $o_gender smiles and motions with $o_herhistheir head to your connected hands, beckoning you to follow before $o_shehethey pivots on $o_herhistheir heel and begins to step away. <<else>> The $o_gender smiles and motions with $o_herhistheir hand, beckoning you to follow before $o_shehethey pivots on $o_herhistheir heel and begins to step away. <</if>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> know$o_s you'll follow. <ul> <li> <<link "And follow you do." "Chapter4-FindOisein">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</switch>>

Dark braids shift against each other in the breeze, loose and untied without the gold ribbon you had seen before. The outer robes of a Sage have been left somewhere else, and instead you see $s_herhim adorned with a dark, dusty yellow shawl over $s_herhis shoulders, the swooping lush cloth fluttering along $s_herhis back. The light beige tunic underneath clings to $s_herhis shoulder blades as the golden embroidery spills over them, a serene stillness present through $s_herhis whole body. You swear - for just a moment - that you almost see the sands of the Arids sweep in and nestle into the folds of the fabric, only to be whisked away in the next moment. Though $s_shehe's turned away, you can tell $s_herhis face is turned upward toward the cerulean sky. You're standing, stepping, closer now, hand lowered. Flowers and foliage bend away to guide you in a predetermined path to $s_herhis side, an indistinguishable murmur hiding just behind you. Another step. The murmur follows to the tune of the river's current. Another step. A movement that flickers above the far-off snow-capped mountain range. Another step, this time to the Sage's side. When you look to $s_herhim, $s_shehe's smiling. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" $s_shehe asks, though something makes you unsure if you're the question's intended recipient. You look up into darkness, sun suddenly snuffed. Stars glimmer down at you as if they'd be observing you this entire time, constellations reaching and yawning across the canvas of the night. But the aurora threading through them captures your attention, its vibrancy unlike anything you've ever seen. Where your memories only paint the dancing bands of light in dusty turquoise and greens, this particular sky is broken up by what you imagine must be every color in existence. Bright fuchsia and gold and orange and bronze and violet crash together with a manic fervor, rolling and dancing over each other and spreading like a million, billion threads to every corner of the heavens. The grand shadow of the mountains bows to the light, the whisper and chiming of the grass and river quieting in reverence. There's a reserved, but genuine laugh next to you that draws you back down to see the Sage turned towards you, the deep hazel in $s_herhis eyes more brilliant than the reflection of the aurora. <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <li> <<link `$flirt_label + " //Of course it's the Sage.// Devotion murmurs, clear as the crisp air. //Of course.//"` "Chapter4-MCVision-SageRomance">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $s_flirt += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li> <<link `"Devotion's murmur grows louder, more confident. //Of course it's the Sage. I'll always have "+$s_herhim +"."` "Chapter4-MCVision-SageFriend">><<set $choice to "second">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>>

The murmur embraces you like a gentle breeze, a wind that softly threads around your spine and could support you through anything. //It had to be the Sage,// Devotion whispers. //Of course.// An unsurprised contentness spreads on $s_herhis face when there's a tug at your chest, knotted around your sternum and threading back over your ribs to your spine. An invisible entanglement that inches forward before snapping taut and pulling at the same energy from the $s_gender in front of you. There's a moment where you can sense $s_herhis magic, a whorl of air that feels as natural in your lungs and in your body as if it were your own breath driving life into your limbs. But…to feel //Entwined,// you'd have to have- "I hoped it was you," the Sage says, interrupting your thoughts and drawing your attention back. Your eyes snap to journey through $s_herhis face, memorizing $s_herhis smile and traveling upward to land on $s_herhis eyes glittering with happiness. You become aware of each breath, unsure where the line is drawn between your tangled magic. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> nods at your silence, casting $s_herhis eyes to $s_herhis fingers as $s_herhis thumbs trace carefully over each other. Near $s_herhis shoulder, the shawl flutters. "I've been waiting." "Waiting - for me?" You take a step forward, head tilted with curiosity. The words repeat faintly in the area around you, by the river, by the flowers, by the mountains. "Why?" "Because it's almost time," $s_shehe says, and the world is shaken from its loosening focus, while yours is only trained on the tilt of $s_herhis lips, the delight shining unashamedly in $s_herhis raised cheeks and narrowed eyes. "Time-?" Another look to you, face brighter, and in another sudden shift, you realize the aurora's colors reflecting on $s_herhis dark skin aren't coming from the sky anymore, but instead flowing out from the Sage <<print $s_herhim>>self. Blue and green highlight over the curves of $s_herhis collar, hair shimmers and twirls like coments, and $s_herhis cheeks are painted with shades of fuchsia and lilac. "Time for the next," $s_shehe whispers, eyes watching you in earnest. "But you don't have to be afraid. You'll have your Entwined by your side." Light grows more brilliant by the second and you raise a hand to shield yourself from the brightest of it, the colors pouring from the $s_gender in front of you. Lowering your hand for a moment as the vortex of vibrancy rushes back, you narrow your eyes in confusion. "The next what? And you can't- you have to know. I can't have Entwined without-" "Do I know? Does anyone really?" The Sage laughs brightly, and instead of shock you almost find you joining $s_herhim with a laugh of your own. When the laugh subsides, $s_herhis deep hazel eyes find you again. "Do you?" You know the answer to that, have known it your whole life. Don't you? A breath in front of you as the Sage looks back to the mountain scape. "But maybe we can talk about that another time. You're looking for someone, aren't you?" You're not sure what $s_shehe's talking- // A flicker of lavender // The $s_gender motions with $s_herhis hand, silently beckoning you to come with $s_herhim before $s_shehe pivots on $s_herhis heel and begins to step away. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> knows you'll follow. <ul> <li> <<link "And follow you do." "Chapter4-FindOisein">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> The murmur embraces you like a gentle breeze, a wind that softly threads around your spine and could support you through anything. //It had to be the Sage,// Devotion whispers. //Of course.// An unsurprised contentness spreads on $s_herhis face when there's a tug at your chest, knotted around your sternum and threading back over your ribs to your spine. An invisible entanglement that inches forward before snapping taut and pulling at the same energy from the $s_gender in front of you. There's a moment where you can sense $s_herhis magic, a whorl of air that feels as natural in your body as if it were your own breath driving life into your limbs. But…to feel //Entwined,// you'd have to have- Before you can finish your thought... <hr> <ul> <li> <<link `"…the Sage reaches to take my hand in "+$s_herhis+", placing it quietly against "+$s_herhis+" heart."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "…I reach to take the Sage's hand in mine, placing it quietly against my heart." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"…I feel the warmth of the Sage's magic reach out to me, pure joy woven into "+$s_herhis+" face."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><<set $reserved +=1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $choice is "first">> Before you can finish your thought, movement from the Sage draws your focus. Though hesitant, $s_shehe still steps forward, watching your eyes for approval and pressing $s_herhis lips tightly together. When you stare resolutely back, $s_shehe looks down and reaches for you. Curled fingers halt just before where your right hand hangs, and after another flicker of $s_herhis gaze upward, $s_shehe finally reaches to meet your skin. Warmth hovers over your pinky first, then over the middle of your palm, and finally wraps around and over all your fingers when $s_herhis hand completely encompasses yours. A squeeze. A barely noticeable chuckle that blends into the wind running through the grass, blades brushing against your calves. A floating sensation as $s_shehe lifts your hand upward and supports it with $s_herhis other hand, thumbs smoothing over each of your knuckles. With the care of a curator admiring a matchless rarity, $s_shehe brings your hand near $s_herhis lips as if to kiss your skin. But $s_shehe stills - second guessing or having a change of heart, you're not sure - until $s_shehe turns your fingers upward. One hand switches first, gingerly tilting your wrist backward and resting one thumb in your palm before smoothing it up between your own thumb and forefinger. The other follows soon after, also pressing softly into the center before easing up to rest where your fingers meet your palm. Watching you again for any sense of resistance, $s_shehe takes another step forward - another breath - chest rising as $s_shehe lowers your hand to $s_herhis collar and tucks it beneath the draping fabric that flows over $s_herhis body. It's less of a change of heart, you realize, and more that $s_shehe wants to open $s_herhis heart to //you.// A secret kept in this space alone, your fingers resting against the hollow of $s_herhis neck and covered in the waves of silk - while an unshakeable, reassuring //thump// rises to meet you and beats along each crease of your skin, each bone that hovers over $s_hershis. Could you ever open your heart to a mortalis? Would $s_shehe want to open $s_herhis heart to //you?// And when the rhythm settles and thrums steadily against your palm, magic //cascades// over you. At first your body tenses, overwhelmed by an impending sense of being swept clear off your feet by the squall rampaging towards you. But it softens, rushing in only to veer and split around your sides at the last second. The Sage's braids float up gracefully, dancing around $s_herhis shoulders and framing $s_herhis face while the air spins between you, and $s_herhis tender smile lights the world. Like a satin brush painting over your skin, you can feel the crisp breeze of $s_herhis magic coursing over your elbow, twirling around your waist, flirting up against your jaw and over your cheeks, before it breathes new life into your chest. You inhale the magic and feel it in your throat, slipping into your lungs. The smell of earth and wet leaves. The shimmering flutter of yellow and orange discs before they spin away from white bark under a vivid azure sky, pirouetting through the air and waltzing through foreign branches. Carried forward on a gale that refuses to land - refuses to be silenced and soothed - the resolve of discovery in each twist and turn it takes. "I hoped it was you," the Sage says, interrupting your thoughts and drawing your attention back. Your eyes snap to journey through $s_herhis face, memorizing $s_herhis smile and traveling upward to land on $s_herhis eyes glittering with happiness. You become aware of each breath, unsure where the line is drawn between your tangled magic. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> nods at your silence, casting $s_herhis eyes to where your hands rests and your pulse runs to meet $s_hershis. Near $s_herhis shoulder, the shawl flutters. "I've been waiting." "Waiting - for me?" You tilt your head with curiosity. The words repeat faintly in the area around you, by the river, by the flowers, by the mountains. "Why?" <<elseif $choice is "second">> Before you can finish your thought, you find your hand moving on its own, reaching towards the Sage. Though hesitant, you still step forward, watching $s_herhis eyes for approval and pressing your lips tightly together. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> keeps $s_herhis eyes on you, and there's a slight shiver in $s_herhis arms when your curled fingers halt just before where $s_herhis right hand hangs. Another flicker of your gaze upward, still finding $s_herhis breath steady, eyes trained on you, and a contentness that warms $s_herhis cheeks. When you finally reach to meet $s_herhim, your hand hovers near $s_herhis pinky and presses carefully behind it. Then over the middle of $s_herhis palm. Then finally wrapping around and over all of $s_herhis fingers when your hand completely encompasses $s_hershis. A squeeze. A barely noticeable chuckle that blends into the wind running through the grass, blades brushing against your calves. A floating sensation as you lift $s_herhis hand upward and support it with your other hand, thumbs smoothing over each of $s_herhis knuckles. With equal measures of care and apprehension - hoping $s_shehe won't shy away from you - you bring $s_herhis hand closer, turning $s_herhis fingers upward as $s_herhis wrist becomes level with your heart. One hand switches first, gingerly tilting $s_herhis wrist backward and resting one thumb in $s_herhis palm before smoothing it up between $s_herhis thumb and forefinger. The other follows soon after, also pressing softly into the center before easing up to rest where $s_herhis fingers meet $s_herhis palm. You takes another step forward, another breath, chest rising as you lower $s_herhis hand to your collar, $s_herhis fingers resting in the hollow of your neck. Could you ever open your heart to a mortalis? Would $s_shehe want to open $s_herhis heart to //you?// Catching a glimpse of $s_herhis reaction, all you find is acceptance in the light reflected in $s_herhis eyes and the slight nod of $s_herhis head. A secret kept in this space alone, your heart pounding, thumping against each crease of $s_herhis skin, each bone that hovers over yours. And when the rhythm settles and thrums steadily in the small space between, magic //cascades// toward you. At first your body tenses, overwhelmed by an impending sense of being swept clear off your feet by the squall rampaging towards you. But it softens, rushing in only to veer and split around your sides at the last second. The Sage's braids float up gracefully, dancing around $s_herhis shoulders and framing $s_herhis face while the air spins between you, and $s_herhis tender smile lights the world. Like a satin brush painting over your skin, you can feel the crisp breeze of $s_herhis magic coursing over your elbow, twirling around your waist, flirting up against your jaw and over your cheeks, before it breathes new life into your chest. You inhale the magic and feel it in your throat, slipping into your lungs. The smell of earth and wet leaves. The shimmering flutter of yellow and orange discs before they spin away from white bark under a vivid azure sky, pirouetting through the air and waltzing through foreign branches. Carried forward on a gale that refuses to land - refuses to be silenced and soothed - the resolve of discovery in each twist and turn it takes. "I hoped it was you," the Sage says, interrupting your thoughts and drawing your attention back. Your eyes snap to journey through $s_herhis face, memorizing $s_herhis smile and traveling upward to land on $s_herhis eyes glittering with happiness. You become aware of each breath, unsure where the line is drawn between your tangled magic. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> nods at your silence, casting $s_herhis eyes to where $s_herhis hand rests and where $s_herhis pulse runs to meet yours. Near $s_herhis shoulder, the shawl flutters. "I've been waiting." "Waiting - for me?" You tilt your head with curiosity. The words repeat faintly in the area around you, by the river, by the flowers, by the mountains. "Why?" <<elseif $choice is "third">> <<set $visiontouch to false>> Before you can finish your thought, there's a comforting beat of magic beside you, and you find the Sage with pure joy woven into $s_herhis face. Though hesitant, you still step forward, watching $s_herhis eyes for approval and pressing your lips tightly together. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> keeps $s_herhis eyes on you, and there's a slight shiver in $s_herhis arms when you almost start to reach out to $s_herhim. Another flicker of your gaze upward, still finding $s_herhis breath steady, eyes trained on you, and a contentness that lifts $s_herhis cheeks. Your hand lowers as the warmth of $s_herhis magic trickles in between you, flooding forward but halting just before an invisible boundary - a line $s_shehe doesn't dare to cross without your permission. A barely noticeable question blends into the wind running through the grass, blades brushing against your calves. Could you ever open your heart to a mortalis? Would $s_shehe want to open $s_herhis heart to //you?// Inching forward, your magic spills out, contemplating and veering close to the boundary that $s_shehe and you have set. Sparks of energy are palpable in the air each time your magics almost collide, and even the Sage holds $s_herhis breath in anticipation. Chancing a glimpse of $s_herhis reaction - unsure if $s_herhis nerves have changed $s_herhis mind - all you find is acceptance in the light reflected in $s_herhis eyes and the slight nod of $s_herhis head. A secret kept in this space alone, your heart pounding, thumping, //bruising// against your ribs. And when the rhythm settles and thrums steadily in the small space between, magic //cascades// toward you. At first your body tenses, overwhelmed by an impending sense of being swept clear off your feet by the squall rampaging towards you. But it softens, rushing in only to veer and split around your sides at the last second. The Sage's braids float up gracefully, dancing around $s_herhis shoulders and framing $s_herhis face while the air spins between you, and $s_herhis tender smile lights the world. Like a satin brush painting over your skin, you can feel the crisp breeze of $s_herhis magic coursing over your elbow, twirling around your waist, flirting up against your jaw and over your cheeks, before it breathes new life into your chest. You inhale the magic and feel it in your throat, slipping into your lungs. The smell of earth and wet leaves. The glittering flutter of yellow and orange discs before they spin away from white bark under a vivid azure sky, pirouetting through the air and waltzing through foreign branches. Carried forward on a gale that refuses to land - refuses to be silenced and soothed - the resolve of discovery in each twist and turn it takes. "I hoped it was you," the Sage says, interrupting your thoughts and drawing your attention back. Your eyes snap to journey through $s_herhis face, memorizing $s_herhis smile and traveling upward to land on $s_herhis eyes glittering with happiness. You become aware of each breath, unsure where the line is now drawn between your tangled magic. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> nods at your silence, while near $s_herhis shoulder, the shawl flutters. "I've been waiting." "Waiting - for me?" You tilt your head with curiosity. The words repeat faintly in the area around you, by the river, by the flowers, by the mountains. "Why?" <</if>> "Because it's almost time," $s_shehe says, and the world is shaken from its focus, while yours is only trained on the tilt of $s_herhis lips, the delight shining unashamedly in $s_herhis raised cheeks and narrowed eyes. "Time-?" Another look to you, face brighter, and in another sudden shift, you realize the aurora's colors reflecting on $s_herhis dark skin aren't coming from the sky anymore, but instead flowing out from the Sage <<print $s_herhim>>self. Blue and green highlight over the curves of $s_herhis collar, hair shimmers and twirls like coments, and $s_herhis cheeks are painted with shades of fuchsia and lilac. "Time for the next," $s_shehe whispers, eyes watching you in earnest. <<if $choice is "first">> An inhale as $s_herhis eyes close. An exhale as $s_herhis eyes drop to your hand, beginning to lift it away from its newfound home and letting it drift away. With a light touch guiding your wrist back to your side, there's instant regret - and yearning - when the two of you disconnect. But $s_shehe shakes it away and tries to carefully place $s_herhis smile again. <<elseif $choice is "second">> An inhale as $s_herhis eyes close. An exhale as $s_herhis eyes drop to $s_herhis hand, beginning to lift it away from its newfound home and letting it drift away. With your light touch guiding $s_herhis wrist back to your side, there's instant regret - and yearning - when the two of you disconnect. But $s_shehe shakes it away and tries to carefully place $s_herhis smile again. <<else>> An inhale as $s_herhis eyes close. An exhale as they open again. There's an instant regret - and yearning, by the way $s_herhis body wants to lean toward you - that $s_shehe can't continue this hidden moment between you. But $s_shehe shakes it away and tries to carefully place $s_herhis smile again. <</if>> "But you don't have to be afraid. You'll have your Entwined by your side." Light grows more brilliant by the second and you raise a hand to shield yourself from the brightest of it, the colors pouring from the $s_gender in front of you. Lowering your hand for a moment as the vortex of vibrancy rushes back, you narrow your eyes in confusion. "The next what? And you can't- you have to know. I can't have Entwined without-" "Do I know? Does anyone really?" The Sage laughs brightly, and instead of shock you almost find you joining $s_herhim with a laugh of your own. When it subsides, $s_herhis deep hazel eyes find you again. "Do you?" You know the answer to that, have known it your whole life. Don't you? A breath in front of you as the Sage looks back to the mountain scape. "But maybe we can talk about that another time. You're looking for someone, aren't you?" You're not sure what $s_shehe's talking- // A flicker of lavender // The $s_gender motions with $s_herhis hand, silently beckoning you to come with $s_herhim before $s_shehe pivots on $s_herhis heel and begins to step away. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> knows you'll follow. <ul> <li> <<link "And follow you do." "Chapter4-FindOisein">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $devotion -= 1>> <<if $choice is "first">> "I'm fine I-" you stare blankly ahead, trying to process the vivid things you saw. "Are you okay? Did you see that? Saor and the aurora and...the Sentiments aren't usually that strong, right?" Oisein just nods, steadying $o_herhistheir breathing and straightening, fingers moving to tangle within the cloth of $o_herhistheir shirt. "Not that I know of. And I don't...I don't think we saw the same thing." <<o_capthey>> clear$o_s $o_herhistheir throat and stretch<<o_es>> $o_herhistheir body upward before stepping toward you, scanning over your body with a hesitant look, as if expecting something to have gone awry. "What did you see, then?" you press. At your question $o_shehethey look$o_s to the ceiling, hands framing $o_herhistheir hips before a hand runs over $o_herhistheir hair. <<o_captheir>> eyes narrow as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to make sense of whatever images overtook $o_herhistheir mind, but eventually $o_shehethey sit$o_s next to you, the bed creaking under $o_herhistheir weight. <<o_captheir>> fingers curl into the blanket near your thigh, but $o_shehethey flail$o_s and remove$o_s it a second later, splaying it in an odd postion over $o_herhistheir waist. "It was uh...looked like a person." "A person?" "It was you. I saw you in the Arids. But it wasn't you. I don't know," $o_herhistheir hand drifts upward to scratch at the back of $o_herhistheir scalp as $o_herhistheir lips purse together and $o_shehethey force$o_s the words out of $o_herhistheir lungs. "Something about - don't laugh - Entwined and then you were in the Arids and ... dunno. Fucking //Sentiments// is all I figure." //Entwined? Like the tug you felt?// <<elseif $choice is "second">> "I'm fine I-" you stare blankly ahead, trying to process the vivid things you saw. "That's uh…pretty powerful stuff isn't it?" You try to maintain some form of nonchalance while turning your attention back to your disappearing wounds. "...the Sentiments aren't usually that strong, right?" Oisein just nods, steadying $o_herhistheir breathing and straightening, fingers moving to tangle within the cloth of $o_herhistheir shirt. "Not that I know of. And I don't...I don't think we saw the same thing." <<o_capthey>> clear$o_s $o_herhistheir throat and stretch<<o_es>> $o_herhistheir body upward before stepping toward you, scanning over your body with a hesitant look, as if expecting something to have gone awry. "What did you see, then?" you press. At your question $o_shehethey look$o_s to the ceiling, hands framing $o_herhistheir hips before a hand runs over $o_herhistheir hair. <<o_captheir>> eyes narrow as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to make sense of whatever images overtook $o_herhistheir mind, but eventually $o_shehethey sit$o_s next to you, the bed creaking under $o_herhistheir weight. <<o_captheir>> fingers curl into the blanket near your thigh, but $o_shehethey flail$o_s and remove$o_s it a second later, splaying it in an odd postion over $o_herhistheir waist. "It was uh...looked like a person." "A person?" "It was you. I saw you in the Arids. But it wasn't you. I don't know," $o_herhistheir hand drifts upward to scratch at the back of $o_herhistheir scalp as $o_herhistheir lips purse together and $o_shehethey force$o_s the words out of $o_herhistheir lungs. "Something about - don't laugh - Entwined and then you were in the Arids and ... dunno. Fucking //Sentiments// is all I figure." //Entwined? Like the tug you felt?// <<elseif $choice is "third">> You say nothing, but you can't seem to look away from Oisein, trying to make sense of the sensations you felt. At your silence, Oisein clears $o_herhistheir throat, steadying $o_herhistheir breathing and straightening while $o_herhistheir fingers move to tangle within the cloth of $o_herhistheir shirt. "Did you...see something? I've never felt a Sentiment that powerfully." You discover your voice again as $o_shehethey watch<<o_es>>. "Yeah I...it was Saor. <<if visited("Prologue-GoldChoice")>> I think...something from the first deal I ever made. <</if>> And...maybe something around the Equinox? There were auroras anyway." Oisein nods and stretches $o_herhistheir body upward before stepping toward you, scanning over your body with a hesitant look, as if expecting something to have gone awry. "Right. We definitely didn't see the same thing then." "What did you see?" you press. At your question $o_shehethey look$o_s to the ceiling, hands framing $o_herhistheir hips before a hand runs over $o_herhistheir hair. <<o_captheir>> eyes narrow as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to make sense of whatever images overtook $o_herhistheir mind, but eventually $o_shehethey sit$o_s next to you, the bed creaking under $o_herhistheir weight. <<o_captheir>> fingers curl into the blanket near your thigh, but $o_shehethey flail$o_s and remove$o_s it a second later, splaying it in an odd postion over $o_herhistheir waist. "It was uh...looked like a person." "A person?" "It was you. I saw you in the Arids. But it wasn't you. I don't know," $o_herhistheir hand drifts upward to scratch at the back of $o_herhistheir scalp as $o_herhistheir lips purse together and $o_shehethey force$o_s the words out of $o_herhistheir lungs. "Something about - don't laugh - Entwined and then you were in the Arids and ... dunno. Fucking //Sentiments// is all I figure." //Entwined? Like the tug you felt?// <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> "Did that do the trick?" you say as calmly as you can manage, trying to push the odd memories from your mind. At your dismissal, Oisein clears $o_herhistheir throat, though there's a slight flush and a self-conscious grimace that worms its way over $o_herhistheir features. <<o_capthey>> takes another moment, steadying $o_herhistheir breathing and straightening while $o_herhistheir fingers move to tangle within the cloth of $o_herhistheir shirt. "Did you...see something? I've never felt a Sentiment that powerfully." You busy yourself with surveying the patterns on the bed as $o_shehethey watch<<o_es>>. "Yeah I...it was Saor. <<if visited("Prologue-GoldChoice")>> I think...something from the first deal I ever made. <</if>> And...maybe something around the Equinox? There were auroras anyway." Oisein nods and stretches $o_herhistheir body upward before stepping toward you, scanning over your body with a hesitant look, as if expecting something to have gone awry. "Right. We definitely didn't see the same thing then." "What did you see?" you press. At your question $o_shehethey look$o_s to the ceiling, hands framing $o_herhistheir hips before a hand runs over $o_herhistheir hair. <<o_captheir>> eyes narrow as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to make sense of whatever images overtook $o_herhistheir mind, but eventually $o_shehethey sit$o_s next to you, the bed creaking under $o_herhistheir weight. <<o_captheir>> fingers curl into the blanket near your thigh, but $o_shehethey flail$o_s and remove$o_s it a second later, splaying it in an odd postion over $o_herhistheir waist. "It was uh...looked like a person." "A person?" "It was you. I saw you in the Arids. But it wasn't you. I don't know," $o_herhistheir hand drifts upward to scratch at the back of $o_herhistheir scalp as $o_herhistheir lips purse together and $o_shehethey force$o_s the words out of $o_herhistheir lungs. "Something about - don't laugh - Entwined and then you were in the Arids and ... dunno. Fucking //Sentiments// is all I figure." //Entwined? Like the tug you felt?// <</if>> At your silence, Oisein turns toward you, teeth digging into $o_herhistheir bottom lip as $o_shehethey give$o_s you another once-over. "But it seems to have worked right? You'll tell me if something feels off?" You look down at $o_herhistheir question, hands brushing over your shoulders, and fingertips grazing over your cheek where a cut once was. You're not even sure where else you were hurt - but you do know that some of the exhaustion has ebbed, your magic revitalized and thrumming again in your blood. Getting your bearings again, you look around the room as you stand and make your way over to the dresser, the last, clinging droplets of Devotion rolling within its now empty container. You can only ignore your reflection for so long, not wanting to confront how much color has drained from your face. //A hood inches away from you. A face you can't see.// You look up to see your face dirtied, but not as injured as you would've expected. There's a small bit of dirt freckling your cheek, and the hint of a bruise near your eye - sped through the healing process by the burst of magic that flowed through your body. "$pc_name?" <<o_captheir>> voice reels you back, brow lifted and a nervous hand clenching the blanket while $o_shehethey watch<<o_es>> you. <<o_captheir>> pupils flicker to where your skin stretches taut over your knuckles, the indent of your fingers into your palm finally registering as pain. Consciously, and as casually as you can, you will the tension away from your arm and away from your wrist, trying to breathe it out into the stagnant air of the room. It shudders through your elbow and over your shoulder, but you're able to control it just enough to stretch out your fingers, resting your hand softly against the dresser again. <<if visited("Ch4-OMCHurt-AssRoute")>> "Yeah I'm- I'm good. More than good." You swallow the awkwardness and the staticy anger and anxiety that had coursed through you before. "I'm sorry about...earlier. I was-" The words choke you, and you shake your head. "Thank you." Oisein pauses, blinking through your apology and the shift in your emotions. <<else>> "Yeah I'm- I'm good. More than good. Thank you." Oisein nods solemnly, $o_herhistheir sunken demeanor a foreign thing on $o_herhistheir usually bright face. <</if>> <<o_capthey>> watch<<o_es>> you curiously, but before you can respond - mouth agape and words about what you saw forming in your throat - Oisein closes $o_herhistheir eyes and roll$o_s $o_herhistheir shoulders with a sigh, a faint heartbeat of pathos magic starting to emanate out. You take a step toward $o_herhimthem but pause, light, shuddering music pinging against your consciouness where you know to look. "What are you doing?" "Pulsing," $o_shehethey respond$o_s without opening $o_herhistheir eyes, lips screwing together into an odd frown as $o_herhistheir eyes tighten. "Want to make sure we weren't followed." <<if $leanhaun>> "You don't have to," you say with exasperation as magic begins to blossom inside your chest to begin a pathos pulse instead of Oisein. <<else>> "You don't have to," you say with exasperation. <</if>> "You've already-" "No, but I want to," $o_shehethey reassure$o_s as a single eye opens to a squint before closing again. "Take a second to clear your head, Sanctin knows you need it more than I do. " A chuckle escapes you at $o_herhistheir wording even as Oisein stubbornly continues to pathos pulse, You hear the strain of magic rushing past you and into the walls and floors - planting a song into the minds of the mortalis that will no doubt be stuck in their heads for at least the next hour. The blond tilts $o_herhistheir head as if to direct the tune, eyes tightening before $o_shehethey tuck$o_s $o_herhistheir chin to $o_herhistheir chest in focus. "Go on," $o_shehethey insist$o_s, head still craned downward but nodding wordlessly toward the bathroom. <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"I don't say anything, but give Oisein's shoulder a grateful squeeze as I pass "+$o_herhimthem+"."` "Ch4-Oisein-MCHurtBath">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "\"Don't strain yourself,\" I say quietly, clear worry and care in my tone." "Ch4-Oisein-MCHurtBath">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "\"Thanks,\" I say quietly. \"Again.\"" "Ch4-Oisein-MCHurtBath">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "I keep quiet and make my way into the other room." "Ch4-Oisein-MCHurtBath">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Faceless, taunting, and terrifying - the image of your assailant skulks in the shadows of your memory, waiting for you to turn your back to it. You don't move at first, a part of you still wanting to insist that Oisein save $o_herhistheir magic, or at least let you help or //something// to make you feel less useless. But you bite your tongue and nod - more to convince yourself with the other sheevra resolutely pulsing through the area. <<if $choice is "first">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat - as your hand lifts. Magic seeps out of you and through your fingers, giving $o_herhimthem a moment of forewarning before you rest the hand on $o_herhistheir shoulder. <<o_capthey>> <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> flinch, <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> move, but in the back of your skull you can feel some of the notes of $o_herhistheir magic bound backward and skate across your skin in some semblance of comfort. Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together, uncertain at first, before $o_herhistheir lips curve into a peaceful smile. <<o_capthey>> open$o_s a single eye again to look at you. "I've got it." It's enough to soothe you for now as you give Oisein's shoulder a quick squeeze, the warmth of $o_herhistheir skin radiating through the thin, soft fabric of $o_herhistheir shirt. The cold is palpable on your clammy hand when you disconnect, and trudge your way to the bathroom, closing the door behind you. <<elseif $choice is "second">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat. "Don't strain yourself," you tease, though there's a clear worry and care laced within your tone. Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together, a chuckle escaping though $o_herhistheir mouth is pressed tight. "I won't. Don't worry." The simple statement is enough to soothe you for now, shaking a miniscule amount of tension loose from your shoulders. Without addressing $o_herhimthem again, you step tentatively toward the bathroom, closing the door behind you. <<elseif $choice is "third">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat - as the words creak out. "Thanks," you say again quietly, afraid you might disturb $o_herhistheir focus. Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together, a chuckle escaping though $o_herhistheir mouth is pressed tight. "You're welcome." <<o_capthey>> start$o_s the sentence snide, as if preparing a jab. But instead $o_herhistheir voice mimics yours, turning hushed and fragile. Though $o_herhistheir eyes are closed, the embarassed color rising in $o_herhistheir cheeks betrays $o_herhimthem as $o_shehethey chews the words $o_shehethey want$o_s to say. "Just trying to help." You find yourself smiling even as you slink towards the bathroom, just catching the faint uncertain look on Oisein's face as you close the door behind you. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat. Body fraught with nerves, you stand there silently and continue to watch, unsure if you should reach out to $o_herhimthem or say something or do //anything.// Oisein must sense the fright and fear blending into your magic even as $o_hershistheirs runs rampant around you. <<o_capthey>> open$o_s $o_herhistheir eyes, turning to face you - still rigid, unmoving, and immobile - while $o_herhistheir focus fractures and the pulse begins to disintegrate. But before $o_shehethey can lose it completely, you clench your fists and will your body forward, not catching $o_herhistheir expression as you stride towards the bathroom even as anxiety rattles in your ribcage. Thankfully, the music begins to swells again just as you close the door behind you. <</if>> Wildflowers and subtle mountainscapes welcome you, delicate strokes carved into the dark walnut wood of the walls. Recognition strikes you, your memory placing the patterns alongside the wall panels of the tavern below. The fixings of the bathroom are clean and cozy, the cream-colored porcelain well-maintained and the bronze faucets shined with care. You step through the haze in your mind toward the sink, not quite ready to look up into the mirror just yet as your hands grip the slippery sides of the basin. Sparks of energy run through your fingertips as you lightly push against the fire glyph carved above the faucet, holding your finger there until the glyph is only half brightened, molten red light filling in the lines and halting just before reaching the tips of the intricate flames and the peaks of the marking's design. The curve of the water glyph arcs downward below the gleaming scarlet, hovering over where the faucet meets the wall. Changing the soft elemental magic within your chest, your fingers slide wet and cool along the line, a turquoise line filling as you hear the pipes gurgling behind the wall. In a swipe of desperation, you drag your finger fully across to fill the entire marking, and water bursts from the faucet in a torrent. Cupping your hands, you hold them underneath the rushing current, not paying any mind as droplets ricochet from your fingers against and over the sides to spray helplessly against the mirror and falling to the floor. It feels like an eternity that you wait there, letting the lukewarm water fill and empty from your palms as you spread your fingers to let the liquid filter through the spaces. Fill and empty. Fill. And empty. When your hands begin to protest, on the edge of pruning, you lower your neck down as you fill your palms once more. Warmth splashes against your cheeks as you bring your hands up instead of letting the water siphon down the drain, droplets running over your lips and dripping from your chin. You repeat the motion, try to wash away the image or the magic, wanting to wipe away the disquieting clamor richocheting inside your skull. But no scrubbing will wipe away grime as stubborn as this. Still, you continue, until your hands are hot and your cheeks raw from <<if $pc_hairlength is "shaved">> scrubbing. <<else>> scrubbing, the edges of your hair dampened and drooping. <</if>> Supporting yourself on the cool porcelein again, you look up. All in all, you don't look like someone who just had to face a powerful, name-fueled illusioner. Tiny streaks of tiredness begin to show, however, in the faint red lightning-paths running from your pupil over the whites of your eyes - the color unnerving in it's own right. <<print $pc_eyecolor.toUpperFirst()>> stares back, but it isn't the same $pc_eyecolor that provided you comfort before when you first arrived in your mortalis form. Instead, the color looks distant, dull, distracted. Finger squeaking along the water glyph again, the turqoise line dies down and fades, and the fire glyph dims soon after. The soft //drip, drip, drip// of the remnants of water are the only thing chasing away the silence that seems to creep into each shadowed corner around you. Silence - which meant Oisein was already done with the pulse. Careful notes of passive pathos slowly skittered back, and by the fact that $o_shehethey hadn't barged through the door with a warning, you could only assume $o_shehethey hadn't read any threats in the minds nearby. Truthfully, you hadn't even noticed when $o_shehethey stopped, hadn't registered anything else outside this tiny, too clean sanctuary, thousands of miles away from your home. What had you gotten yourself into? You shake your head with a groan, rubbing at the worn grooves starting to wear below your eyes. Your gaze wanders to the bathtub, wondering what Oisein would say if you just filled it up and sat in the heated water for the next hour. From the look of it, you'd guess... <<set $pc_height to "average">> <hr> <ul> <li><<link "...that you'd have plenty of space to stretch out, since you're shorter than the average mortalis." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $pc_height to "short">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "...that you'd have just the right amount of space to relax, since you're about average mortalis height." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> <li><<link "...that you'd be a little cramped and your knees might float above the water, given that you're fairly tall compared to most mortalis." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $pc_height to "tall">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $pc_height is "short">> The ivory sheen of the tub sprawls in comfortable curves, your body aching to be able to stretch out inside and try to soak your worries away. <<elseif $pc_height is "average">> The ivory sheen of the tub winds in delicate curves, your body aching to climb into it to try to soak your worries away. <<else>> Though the ivory sheen of the tub winds in slightly cramped curves, your body still aches to climb into it to try to soak your worries away. <</if>> But you exhale the thought on a sigh and turn to the mirror again, trying to see what else can be done to calm your nerves. You know yourself, know that even with the dangers, Sirin wouldn't have trusted you with this for no reason - even if you were slightly dubious of their logic at sending only one sheevra. Though with Oisein here now...even an unknown like this self-proclaimed "Reviver" might be a little less intimidating. At your thoughts, their words come mumuring back from your memory. ''//Lucky me. Two little birdies with one stone, as they say.//'' Your head hangs low, watching droplets of water slowly slide into each other before disappearing past the drain. //They knew who we were. What clan we were with. Knew Sirin. How?// Unyielding porcelein pushes back against your grip as your fingers clench. //Mortalis magic, but sheevra. The voice from before, the Arids, the disappearance...it has to all be connected.// Swarming thoughts plague your mind as you press the plush towel against your face and wring your hands dry. You take one more breath as the memory flickers. Though darkness still hovers around the person's face, their last words to you ring clear. //"I'm going to revive this world. Remember that."// Why was that so terrifying when you seemed to have the same goal? //Why are they doing this?// Buzzing static ignites in your skull, the exhaustion of the day and the drain of your magic from the fight finally catching up to you. You try to stand straight, but feel the bruises forming along your skin, arcing your back and pulling your arms behind your body. With an exhale, you make your way back to the bathroom door, gently opening it but keeping your hand tight around the worn metal. <<link "Continue." "Ch4-OMCHurt-Wrapup">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Oisein is still leaning near the dresser, eyes closed, though no magic flows out around $o_herhimthem. You begin to call $o_herhistheir name, until the subtle creak of the door draws $o_herhistheir attention and $o_shehethey turn$o_s $o_herhistheir head to you, eyes carefully opening. There's still uncertainty in the lines of $o_herhistheir face and the tightness of $o_herhistheir mouth, but $o_herhistheir shoulders visibly relax, $o_herhistheir fingers rising to tangle in the frayed ends of $o_herhistheir hair. Oisein tilts $o_herhistheir head to the side with an audible //crack//, rolling it back the other way before $o_shehethey lace$o_s $o_herhistheir fingers behind $o_herhistheir neck and begin$o_s to pace back toward the window. "Settle in," $o_shehethey say$o_s - like a command but soft enough that you know $o_shehethey<<o_re>> asking a favor. "I think I'm going to do a couple more pulses if you don't mind waiting for a little bit." An hour passes. Or maybe another year - an eon? - while Oisein sits bent over in one of the chairs, huddled into its hard surface and keeping $o_herhistheir eyes mostly shut. A couple times you swear $o_shehethey must be falling asleep, and almost ready yourself to carry $o_herhimthem over to where you're seated on the bed - until you feel a wave of pathos surge out, a hair weaker each time it swirls over your shoulders and plummets into the floors and streets below. When it withdraws again, $o_shehethey take$o_s another breath. But no matter how $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to keep up the facade of strength, you're able to hear the shaking that shudders through $o_herhistheir muscles and lungs. "You need to rest," you try to urge. Weary lavender light blooms over $o_herhistheir opening eyes, a flicker of black in the white as $o_shehethey refocus<<o_es>> some of $o_herhistheir magic back into $o_herhistheir glamour. With a roll of $o_herhistheir shoulders, $o_shehethey refix<<o_es>> a mask of confidence, straightening $o_herhistheir spine and raising $o_herhistheir chin. "All clear in and near the inn-" Oisein starts, gaze locked on the floorboards before rising to you. "-for now," $o_shehethey add$o_s quickly at your stare. "No ill intents or anything out of the ordinary aside from the mortalis, and most of the ones drowning in spirits downstairs are full up with their own anxieties," Oisein gives you a knowing look before $o_shehethey grimace$o_s. "At least we haven't gotten attacked again. Think that'll last?" The memory of the figure preparing the blinding attack crosses your mind, making you shift uncomfortably. "The cautious part of me says no, but- something tells me they won't outwardly attack here." "Because...?" "Well if they could, why not get rid of us as soon as we arrived? Before we found out anything else?" Oisein supports $o_herhistheir body on the back of a chair as $o_herhistheir face knits together in thought. "Plus," you continue, a seed of confidence planting itself in your chest. "They looked and sounded drained as they were leaving. They'll probably need some time to recover if it was their magic that destroyed the bank." You start to pace alongside the length of the bed, your earring heavy in your ear. "We should at least be able to rest easy tonight, and go after those places I told you about tomorrow morning." With a nod, the <<if $leanhaun>>other<</if>> leanhaun straightens and meanders toward the dresser. "Question is, where do you want to hit first?" $o_shehethey start$o_s, fingers tracing around where your daggers rest in their sheathes. "Clan Harpoc was known for trading in secrets mainly, but without knowing a Harpoc sheevra personally -" Oisein purses $o_herhistheir lips and clicks $o_herhistheir tongue. "-I don't know if that means their Sanctum's main entrance would be somewhere best suited for that, or if they'd be as cagey and discreet about the main entrance as they are with the rest of us." "Main entrance means more traps, though." "But a quicker way in," $o_shehethey retort$o_s with a raised finger. "No guarantee they'll both have entrances, but a secondary entrance will wind you all around but probably be less enchanted, like the forest groves in Saor. More likely to get lost than trigger an explosive glyph - just up to you to pick your poison." You grip the back of your neck and strain it as you tilt your head to the ceiling. "Both of those sound bad." "Never said they weren't," $o_shehethey snort$o_s out as $o_shehethey lean$o_s back, your remaining Sentiments chiming together as they rock with the dresser's movement. "But that's what we get for trespassing into another Clan's Sanctum without them." "To //save// them-" "Yeah..." There's a small noise as $o_shehethey wince$o_s, sucking in $o_herhistheir bottom lip againts $o_herhistheir teeth. "...think that's still up in the air." Your gaze meets $o_hershistheirs at the tense statement, holding to the lavender resolutely staring you down as $o_herhistheir mouth presses into a thin line. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> keep$o_s $o_herhistheir eyes locked on you when $o_shehethey continue$o_s. <<if $leanhaun>> "Since we're both pathosi, the secondary entrance might be a little easier going...but I'm up for whatever you are." <<else>> "I'm not //the best// at sensing traps as a pathosi - you'd probably have an easier time of it between the two of us. But I'm up for whatever you are." <</if>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> tilt$o_s $o_herhistheir head. "So - parlor or shop - what do you think?" <<set $q_one to false>> <<set $q_two to false>> <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What about the bank?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 50>><<set $q_one to true>><</link>></li> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What do you think?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 51>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"The parlor makes the most sense. What better way to learn secrets from people who will likely forget everything the next morning anyway? We should go find it on the third fourth border.\"" "Chapter4-OiseinMCSanctumDecision-Parlor">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Harpoc has always been discreet, and I can't see them changing for something as important as an entrance to their Sanctum. We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant.\"" "Chapter4-OiseinMCSanctumDecision-Shop">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>> <<case 50>> "What about the bank?" Oisein doesn't even hide the outlandish shock and gives an obnoxious guffaw - an incredibly fake one. "What about it?" "It was one of the places <<if $empathetic < $callous>>that mortalis<<else>>the Gold Sage<</if>> mentioned too." "The same bank we saw crumbling to ash and //crawling// with Intuits and half of Renescen's mortalis guards." $o_shehethey state$o_s, voice dripping with disapproval. "You're having a laugh." You scrunch your face at the patronizing tone, mouth dropping into a frown. "What if it was the main entrance?" "Then we have two side entrances to choose from, and you have a more straightforward choice than you think. And hey, maybe no traps!" $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>finish<<else>>finishes<</if>> the thought with a sardonic splay of $o_herhistheir hands to $o_herhistheir sides, but halt$o_s when $o_shehethey see$o_s your face. The mocking motion deflates with a sigh and an awkward scratch at $o_herhistheir scalp through $o_herhistheir unraveling hair. "Look, $pc_name, I'll follow your lead for now, but you'd have to be out of your mind to go back there so soon." Drumming your fingers against the small window-side table, you outline the worn grooves of the wood and hum an accepting response. <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <li>$info_label "What about the bank?"</li> <<if $q_two>> <li>$info_label "What do you think?"</li> <<else>> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What do you think?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 51>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><</link>></li> <</if>> <li><<link "\"The parlor makes the most sense. What better way to learn secrets from people who will likely forget everything the next morning anyway? We should go find it on the third fourth border.\"" "Chapter4-OiseinMCSanctumDecision-Parlor">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Harpoc has always been discreet, and I can't see them changing for something as important as an entrance to their Sanctum. We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant.\"" "Chapter4-OiseinMCSanctumDecision-Shop">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>> <<case 51>> "Why's this all on me? What do you think?" Oisein stares at you silently before casting $o_herhistheir eyes down. "I wasn't chosen for this, remember. I just came to cause trouble on your behalf. And apparently be a pain in your ass." There's a sad chuckle as $o_shehethey turn$o_s the left side of $o_herhistheir face away from you and start$o_s to fiddle with $o_herhistheir hair, drawing the bangs out as you feel a slight spark of illusion magic. "I'm still asking," you continue, trying to distract $o_herhimthem. "I want to know." "Then I'd say the pathos parlor would be a good contender. Makes the most sense to me, given the amount of things //I've// heard in exchange for some empty sweet nothings." A salacious but proud smirk alights $o_herhistheir now re-illusioned face, where you know the scar lingers. "Then again, Clan Harpoc seemed to be the opposite of fun - so I don't know if that holds for them." You decide not to say anything to avoid bringing attention to the wound Oisein clearly wants to avoid acknowledging - for now. <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <<if $q_one>> <li>$info_label "What about the bank?"</li> <<else>> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What about the bank?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 50>><<set $q_one to true>><</link>></li> <</if>> <li>$info_label "What do you think?"</li> <li><<link "\"The parlor makes the most sense. What better way to learn secrets from people who will likely forget everything the next morning anyway? We should go find it on the third fourth border.\"" "Chapter4-OiseinMCSanctumDecision-Parlor">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Harpoc has always been discreet, and I can't see them changing for something as important as an entrance to their Sanctum. We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant.\"" "Chapter4-OiseinMCSanctumDecision-Shop">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>> <</switch>>

<<set $num_q += 1>> <<if $q_two is true>> "As much as it makes sense for the pathos parlor for //you//-" In the corner of your eye, you just see Oisein pout. "-Harpoc has always been discreet, and I can't see them doing anything different for something as important as the main entrance to their Sanctum." You nod your head with determination and turn to the blond sheevra. "We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant." <<else>> "Harpoc has always been discreet," you start, nodding your head with determination and turning to the blond sheevra. "I can't see them doing anything different for something as important as the main entrance to their Sanctum. We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant." <</if>> <<if not $q_two>> There's a nod as $o_shehethey turn$o_s the left side of $o_herhistheir face away from you and starts to fiddle with $o_herhistheir hair, drawing the bangs out as you feel a slight spark of illusion magic. As casually as $o_shehethey can, $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>stretch<<else>>stretches<</if>> $o_herhistheir arms over $o_herhistheir now re-illusioned face where you know the scar lingers Will you ever have the chance to press $o_herhimthem for it? Would $o_shehethey let you? You decide not to say anything to avoid bringing attention to the wound Oisein clearly wants to avoid acknowledging - for now. <</if>> "Fiiine," $o_shehethey whine$o_s. "Suppose that makes some sense. And a vacant, apparently haunted parlor wouldn't be very fun to visit anyway." "Don't know if your priorities are in the right order there." Oisein gives you a challenging, but gleeful look. "When have they ever been?" <<include "Chapter4-OiseinMCPath-Merge">>

<<if $q_two>> "I think you're right-" you start as you see Oisein brighten in the corner of your eye. "-the pathos parlor makes the most sense. What better way to learn secrets, than from people who will likely forget everything anyway?" "Exactly." Oisein grins, before the expression falters. <<else>> "The pathos parlor makes sense," you start. "What better way to learn secrets from people who will likely forget everything the next morning anyway? We should go find it on the third fourth border." <</if>> <<if not $q_two>> There's a nod as $o_shehethey turn$o_s the left side of $o_herhistheir face away from you and starts to fiddle with $o_herhistheir hair, drawing the bangs out as you feel a slight spark of illusion magic. As casually as $o_shehethey can, $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>stretch<<else>>stretches<</if>> $o_herhistheir arms over $o_herhistheir now re-illusioned face, where you know the scar lingers. Will you ever have the chance to press $o_herhimthem for it? Would $o_shehethey let you? You decide not to say anything to avoid bringing attention to the wound Oisein clearly wants to avoid acknowledging - for now. <</if>> "It's always how I've operated anyway. But now that I think of it, I suppose a vacant, apparently haunted parlor won't be //as// fun as I'm hoping to visit." "Don't know if your priorities are in the right order there." Oisein gives you a challenging, but gleeful look. "When have they ever been?" <<include "Chapter4-OiseinMCPath-Merge">>

There's an audible inhale as Oisein's shoulders lift, and $o_shehethey shake$o_s $o_herhistheir head as if to loosen $o_herhistheir own apprehension before stepping towards the door of your room. "Don't know about you, but I could use a drink - or five - and some food to help refill my magic. If we stick close by we should be okay.<<if visited("Chapter4-OMCHurt-AssRoute")>> Might even pull that stick out of your ass from earlier.<</if>>" <<if visited("Chapter4-OMCHurt-AssRoute")>>You ignore the comment. <</if>>"Do you think you could have missed something?" you prod <<if $friendly > $aloof>>cautiously.<<else>>.<</if>> "Or maybe they're powerful enough to hide from a pulse?" "''No.'' Now that I've gotten a read on that strange magic, as off as it was, they'd be hard pressed to hide from //me.//" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> stare$o_s at you with confidence. Hardened conviction eventually melts away as $o_shehethey motion$o_s for the hall with a nod of $o_herhistheir head. "Care to join me for a quick bite?" <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"Still not sure we're in the clear, but I don't want to let Oisein go off on "+$o_herhistheir+" own."` "Chapter4-StayAwake">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "Honestly I could use some energy too after the day I've had. And staying together might be for the best, especially if Oisein is going to go downstairs anyway." "Chapter4-StayAwake">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <<if $h_date or $h_coy>> <li><<link `"I'll admit, part of me wonders about the Healer...would "+$h_shehe+" be waiting? I suppose someone ought to look after Oisein too if "+$o_shehethey+" insist"+$o_s+" on going downstairs."` "Chapter4-StayAwake">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "healerspecial">><</link>></li> <</if>> <li><<link `"What I really need is sleep. I don't like the idea of Oisein going off alone, though. Maybe I could convince "+$o_herhimthem+" to stay with me."` "Chapter4-GoToSleep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link `"I'm not too keen on going downstairs, but I don't want to stop Oisein if that's what "+$o_shehethey+" need"+$o_s+"."` "Chapter4-GoToSleep">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> </ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Thankfully, the main hallway is clear when the two of you approach the door of your room, and you work through the lock ward that you placed just this morning. This morning. //Sanctin.// Had it really only been a day? Your hand runs through the magic as that realization buzzes in your head, recognition sparking in the spell and collecting back around your wrist. When you straighten your back and curl your magic inward, you start to hear a couple of oddly hesistant steps approaching you. Oisein raises $o_herhistheir hand, but quickly lowers it, still trying to characterize the distance between you even as you watch $o_herhistheir brow scrunch with worry. <<o_capthey>> decide$o_s against pressing $o_herhistheir luck, and finally raise $o_herhistheir eyes to yours. "I need to rein in some of my magic," $o_shehethey say$o_s carefully, casting $o_herhistheir gaze down the hall. "But let me stay and help...check whatever this...self-proclaimed 'Reviver' did," $o_shehethey finish<<o_es>>, waiting for your answer as $o_shehethey glance$o_s down to where you were struck. <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"I smile and look at "+$o_herhimthem+". \"You don't have to ask me twice. And...thanks.\""` "Ch4-OMCHurt-NormalPersonRoute">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "first">><<set $o_friendship += 3>><<set $friendly += 2>><<set $forward += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link `"I don't say anything at first. It still feels a little odd between us and I don't want to worry " + $o_herhimthem+". Still, I hope "+$o_shehethey+" stay"+$o_s+"."` "Ch4-OMCHurt-NormalPersonRoute">><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $o_friendship += 3>><</link>></li> <li><<link `"I shrug off "+$o_herhistheir+" concern. I've generally been fine without "+$o_herhimthem+" until now, no need to get overly attached."` "Ch4-OMCHurt-AssRoute">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $o_friendship -= 3>><<set $choice to "first">><<set $aloof += 3>><<set $callous += 3>><</link>></li> <li><<link `"\"I'm fine,\" I snap. \"Take your magic in and go. We can talk more in the morning.\""` "Ch4-OMCHurt-AssRoute">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $o_friendship -= 3>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $aloof += 3>><<set $callous += 3>><</link>></li> </ul> <</switch>>

You begin to fumble with the wards on the door, hearing a soft //ssshhhh// as the runes fizzle away and the lock clicks open. <<if $choice is "first">> Shrugging, you turn your face away from $o_herhimthem and start to reach for the door handle, maintaining a neutral expression. "I'll take care of it." Silence follows your bland statement, until it's interrupted by a sardonic laugh laced with venom. "Really? That's what you're going with? You'll just...//take care of it?//" <<elseif $choice is "second">> "I'm fine," you snap. "Take your magic and //go.// We can talk more in the morning." Silence follows your outburst, until it's interrupted by a sardonic laugh laced with venom. "Really? You're //fine?// Think you'll still be fine once my magic is gone?" <</if>> "I don't //need// you, Oisein." The force $o_shehethey put$o_s into swinging open the door surprises even you, and the hearty slam against the opposite wall creates a loud //boom// that careens down the building between the remaining doors. The eventual quiet weighs heavily, only broken by the distant sounds of Cerise's bright laughter and the drone of mortalis speaking. "That's too bad." $o_shehethey state$o_s, eyes darkening to violet and features completely still as $o_shehethey motion$o_s inward to your room. "It's not a question. I'm helping." Your fists clench, nails digging into your palm as you stare at the floor, then up to Oisein's face. "Like you //helped// before?" "Fuck off," $o_shehethey scoff$o_s in bewilderment. "There a reason you're so set on being an ass? Last time I checked, I wasn't the one who tried to blow you into oblivion. I'm just trying to make sure you don't //die-//" $o_shehethey hiss<<o_es>>. "-something I'm starting to think twice about." You're about to snarl back a response before a door creaks open timidly near the stairs. A curly-haired mortalis woman peeks out from the room, giving an awkward cough and patting down the fabric of her dress as she steps forward, sparing a glance to the two of you and pausing just outside her door. Though Oisein's back is turned to the woman, $o_shehethey roll$o_s $o_herhistheir eyes and grit$o_s $o_herhistheir teeth, flicking $o_herhistheir wrist up and arcing $o_herhistheir hand back. A thin, vibrant chord rings in $o_herhistheir magic, only apparent to you when you're this close, and a fog takes over the woman's eyes. Her head slowly rotates down the hall away from you, and she takes methodical, unnaturally even steps one after another, eventually reaching the top of the stairs. Oisein shoves past you, slamming into your shoulder as you watch the mortalis disappear and feel the pathos in the air dissippate. "Hurry up," $o_shehethey spit$o_s from inside your room. "Then maybe I'll get out of your hair for the night," $o_shehethey turn$o_s just to narrow $o_herhistheir eyes and let$o_s the last word ooze out with false syrupy sweetness. "Deal?" You follow and slam the door behind you. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." "Ch4-OMCHurt-DevotionPrepMerge">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> </ul>

You begin to fumble with the wards on the door, hearing a soft //ssshhhh// as the runes fizzle away and the lock clicks open. Before all this - before Renescen, and even in Saor - what were the two of you, really? Had you misjudged $o_herhimthem? And that scar...what had $o_shehethey gone through to get to you? <<if $choice is "first">> As you place a hand gently on the handle, you turn to smile at Oisein. "You don't have to ask me twice." An embarrassed, but grateful, warmth eases behind your neck. "And...thanks." You expect some sort of jab or teasing to come next, but Oisein just reflects your expression, relief spreading in the curves of $o_herhistheir cheeks and reaching $o_herhistheir eyes. "Yeah, of course." <<else>> You're not sure what to say, not sure if you have the right to ask $o_herhimthem to stay. But a small sliver of you hopes the silence will speak the words you can't seem to find. Thankfully, it does. <<o_captheir>> chuckle is barely audible, and you expect some sort of jab or teasing to come next. But Oisein just smiles, relief spreading in the curves of $o_herhistheir cheeks and reaching $o_herhistheir eyes. "C'mon then, you're not going to croak on my watch." <</if>> Reaching past you, $o_shehethey swing$o_s the door open carefully and follows you in, quietly closing the door behind $o_herhimthem. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." "Ch4-OMCHurt-DevotionPrepMerge">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> </ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<if visited("Ch4-OMCHurt-NormalPersonRoute")>> The sound of the door closing is one of the sweetest symphonies you've heard today, though it's interrupted quickly by Oisein's jittery steps. Despite $o_herhistheir calm facade in the hallway, $o_shehethey quickly pace$o_s past the drawers where your undisturbed belongings rest, almost clipping the bottom corner of the bed with $o_herhistheir hip as $o_shehethey walk$o_s around your room. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> swivel$o_s one of the pair of chairs out as if to sit, but decides against it and turns it back in towards the small table. Knuckles rap against the hard surface while the other hand moves to $o_herhistheir waist, then to $o_herhistheir head to run a hand over $o_herhistheir hair. <<else>> <<o_capthey>> quickly storm$o_s past the drawers where your undisturbed belongings rest, almost clipping the bottom corner of the bed with $o_herhistheir hip as $o_shehethey walk$o_s around your room. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> swivel$o_s one of the pair of chairs out as if to sit, but decides against it and turns it back in towards the small table. Knuckles rap against the hard surface while the other hand moves to $o_herhistheir waist, then to $o_herhistheir head to run a hand over $o_herhistheir hair. <</if>> "Right then. You're...probably going to want to sit for when I retract my magic." <<if visited("Ch4-OMCHurt-AssRoute")>> "O-" "//Don't.// Shut up and let me do this." You groan at $o_herhistheir command, too tired to fight more and surrendering to $o_herhistheir request as you make your way over to the wooden frame of the bed. At your approach, $o_shehethey just nod$o_s more forcefully at the direction of the mattress, moving aside to allow you to sit.The bed creaks beneath you as you lower yourself down, fingers curling into the blankets and fabric bunching between your tensing knuckles. <<else>> You nod and make your way over to the wooden frame of the bed. At your approach, $o_shehethey look$o_s back up gratefully, and move$o_s aside to allow you to sit. The bed creaks beneath you as you lower yourself down, fingers curling into the blankets and fabric bunching between your knuckles. <</if>> Oisein moves back to face you again and kneels down, lifting $o_herhistheir hands upward so that they're level with your chest. Wrists turn over each other, and you hear the tune louder in your skull. The motion stops, and $o_herhistheir gaze trails upward to your face. "Ready?" You pause. "How bad's it going to be?" <<if visited("Ch4-OMCHurt-NormalPersonRoute")>> <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> eyes narrow, cheeks rising as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>scrunch<<else>>scrunches<</if>> up $o_herhistheir nose. "I'm not sure, don't know how much you were relying on my magic on the way back." <<else>> "Pretty bad," $o_shehethey respond$o_s curtly with a sneer. "Though you have it under control, right?" <</if>> The blanket twists in your fist until you can just feel the faint outline of your nails against your palm, fingers clenched inward. With a breath outward, the tension slowly seeps away. You nod. "Go ahead." At $o_herhistheir <<if visited("Ch4-OMCHurt-AssRoute")>>surprising<<else>>added<</if>> apprehension, you nod again for emphasis, until you hear Oisein exhale quickly through $o_herhistheir nose. "Alright…here goes…" The <<if visited("Ch4-OMCHurt-NormalPersonRoute")>>sweet<</if>> music swells and crescendos, before it begins to fade into dulcet chords and the barest hint of a note. Oisein sweeps a hand down and lures the magic back into $o_herhistheir body. You hear a note ping down the octaves and crash forward into a gentle final chord, and then, nothing. Until a dull pain thunders through the silence. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> A long breath streams out through your lips as your head hangs and the ache begins to spread in your bones. You can feel the dull echo of your assailant's attack encroaching against your back, of your knees hitting the pavement, of your desperate, flailing need to survive. Oisein stumbles upward, $o_herhistheir fingers finding your shoulder and giving you something to lean against. There's a slight push as $o_shehethey compensate$o_s for the added weight. "Hey," $o_shehethey start$o_s tentatively<<if visited("Ch4-OMCHurt-AssRoute")>>, much gentler than $o_shehethey <<o_were>> moments before<</if>>. "Hey, $pc_name, you alright? Can you hear me? Can you nod? Or blink or-" Not quite having the full processing power to choose between your options, you try to give a flutter of exaggerated blinks as your head rolls forward, then bobs back up. At your response, the first thing you hear is a merciless snicker, followed by an apologetic cough. Or at least you hope it is. "Right, hold on a sec. I'll help you lay back, okay?" Warmth bursts over the back of your neck as a hand cradles it carefully, fingers splayed over the base of your skull and an arm wrapped around your torso to gently drop your body into a cloud-like abyss - the bed, a quiet thought assures. You look up at the beams laid over each on the ceiling "Wait you're...shit. Shit shit shit shit shit-" "What's going on-" You see it on your fingers first, a wispy, smoke-like energy that circles your nails and throws the lines of your hands into a hazy, shuddering mirage. <<print $pc_skincolor.toUpperFirst()>> skin becomes near indistinguishable with the ceiling in the odd mist, the blur of the lingering magic smearing them together. Oisein looks to you fearfully, pointing frantically to your shirt to expose your stomach. It writhes there too, the freckles that trail down around your sides all but lost to the magic. You can barely make out the line of your waist by the contrast of the cloth alone, but try as you might, you can't focus on the sight of your skin. Even when you know your hand reaches to smooth over it, your eyes can't keep track no matter how insistent your mind becomes. It bears a resemblance, you note with a chill, to the magic around the Reviver's face. Oisein is already at the dresser, unraveling the Sentiments from the leather casing and unhooking the button keeping Devotion locked in place. The small charm marking its contents chimes against the glass as it comes undone, the liquid curling around the inside of the vial as it beats a rhythm against $o_herhistheir palm. <<o_capthey>> turn$o_s resolutely to you. "Oisein-" "We need to try. I think....I think I can do something with a Sentiment." "Healing magic is...and we don't know what it's doing specifically, right? Aside from being kind of blurry. Maybe we can find someone-" "Who else would we go to?" The 'pop' of the cork bounces between you while Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together and glances at the side. <<o_capthey>> wait$o_s for you to come to the same conclusion - the only conclusion, really. You're alone. The only sheevra in the city. Well, to be fair, the person trying to kill you might have something to do with the sheevra, but that's not really helpful. "...Okay." Oisein's eyes widen at your acceptance, mouth parting slightly as if to protest $o_herhistheir own idea. But $o_shehethey leave$o_s it at that and nod$o_s. A gulp and a few seconds pass before you hear the sound of glass being corked again. The mattress sinks near your side and you force your eyes open to see Oisein, seated on the edge of the bed. An undaunted gaze reflects back at you, pupils yawning open to overwhelm the lavender with black. A long, drawn-out exhale later, $o_shehethey lift$o_s $o_herhistheir hands. Cool fingertips press cautiously just below your jaw on either side, your pulse beating frantically out to meet them. When the magic surges forward into your body, you recognize the powerful feeling immediately. <ul> <li> <<link "//Devotion.//" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> You are the shoreline that a rising tide of memories sweeps over and embraces, Oisein's face disappearing above the surface of the magic as you sink deeper into its overwhelming depths. <<if visited("Prologue-GoldChoice")>> The first wave brings a face to the forefront of your mind out of the darkness, one you haven't seen in years. <<else>> The first wave brings a face you don't recognize to the forefront of your mind and out of the darkness. <</if>> A shock of ginger hair above a mother's smile, her dry hands lightly gripping at the carved sides of a crib as it rocks gently back and forth. In the memory you sit by her side, knees to knees, and wipe away the tears that follow her long yawn. Her muted eyes watch you with weariness and love both clear in the growing creases, and when you ask her to get some rest, she shakes her head. She was always so stubborn, you think, and you bring her hand to your lips. Please, you say, please rest. You assure her you'll stay up. She protests that you've worked too long. You insist there's no such thing for her. While the memory recedes for a brief moment, you think you feel something soothing at your side. The bundle from the crib is older in the second wave, and you hold her in your arms with worry buzzing behind your ears. Her fever has yet to break, and as you try to lay her down into her own bed, she cries and clings with little fists at your collar, dark ginger curls shaking around her clenched eyes. Another set of hands comes into your view and tries to soothe your daughter, finally managing to untangle her small fingers from the strings holding your shirt together. You run a hand over your hair and exhale. You swore she would never go hungry, swore you would make sure she wouldn't suffer. As your wife sits with her knees on the stone floor, hand smoothing over the worn, moth-eaten layers of blankets and the quick exhales of your daughter's tiny torso, you do the quick math in your head. Unexpected costs in the form of medicine may mean no substantial meals yourself for a few days, but it will make things easier for them. Wasn't there a cut near your shoulder a moment ago? Your body answers with a comforting heat settling on your collar, breathing over the billowing churn of someone else's life playing in your mind. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." "Ch4-OiseinPatchMCVision">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <</switch>>

The smell of vanilla and butter (The Albatross, says your thoughts) begins to whisper against your nose, weighing closer and becoming more fragrant by the second. You blink. Then blink again, expecting Oisein's face and the thick rafters to meet you. But the Sentiment won't be pulled from your senses that easily. The scent slips away, magic threading over your heart while the other underlying smell of pastries and barley acquiesces, instead guiding you to the smell of- - juniper and citrus. The same smell as- Ginger curls appear first, flickering - you swear - into honey-blond waves. The figure standing on the balcony of one of Saor's Earth rings is turned toward the far canyon wall, a waterfall plummeting to the ground in the distance and the wind surging through the wide, green leaves that bow away from the rushing water. Fine mists are carried farther on the winds in the valley today, and their outline is haloed by the droplets reflecting sun. They lean forward over the railing, elbows resting on the damp stone and fingers tracing a pattern along their arm as they kick at the ground with the ball of their foot. You watch them and close the distance between you, the echo of your steps drawing their attention. Gr- Lavender eyes meet yours and you find Oisein in $o_herhistheir mortalis form turning quickly in your direction. First shock fills $o_herhistheir eyes, a bright violet erupting in $o_herhistheir soft pupils. But when recognition sweeps around $o_herhistheir face, the colors of dusk settle into the pensive look $o_shehethey give$o_s. "I was waiting for you." "Hopefully not too long?" you respond in a memory that isn't yours. Oisein hums, $o_herhistheir earring shining bright specks of gold across $o_herhistheir clothes as $o_shehethey tilt$o_s $o_herhistheir head and shrug$o_s. "Something tells me I'd wait a lot longer." The two of you stand together, watching the water at the base of the falls churn and spray the mists towards the city. Oisein leans backwards off of the stone, arms stretching upward and face scrunched together as the ivory cloth reveals a small band of tanned skin above $o_herhistheir waistline. When $o_herhistheir arms drop again, $o_shehethey look$o_s to you. "I think we were supposed to meet, you know" $o_shehethey say$o_s carefully, voice brittle. "What do you mean?" "I saw you-" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> expression morphs to one of embarrassment and $o_shehethey draw$o_s $o_herhistheir hand away. "-in my Haze. I know we didn't meet much after but-" The blond gives what can only be described as a disgusted noise as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>scratch<<else>>scratches<</if>> at $o_herhistheir cheek before fumbling with a loose bit of hair. Memory flickers over you "I remembering seeing you too." <<o_capthey>> look$o_s to you, expression warm and welcoming - familiar. //Come back,// says a desperate voice that sounds like Oisein. But not this Oisein. Somewhere in your periphery the day sets, the night sky sweeping over the two of you, charge led by the silvery sliver of the moon. The distant waterfall still rushes down into a pool that glimmers like a collection of navy diamonds, fine mist settling to rest on the canyon floor. A mixture of the city's lights and the stars reflect against the stone now- -along with the colors of the aurora in the sky, its vibrancy unlike anything you've ever seen. Both of your faces turn upward to meet the vision. Where your memories only paint the dancing light in turquoise and greens, this particular sky is broken up by what you imagine must be every color in existence. Bright fuchsia and gold and orange and bronze and violet crash together with a manic fervor, rolling and dancing over each other and spreading like a million, billion threads to every corner of the heavens. Every other sight and sound seems muted, somehow, shyly making way for the celestial beacons. Amazement etches into the lines of Oisein's face, and to you, even the aurora has to surrender to $o_herhimthem. Something tugs fiercely against your sternum, coiling around your ribs and connecting you to the $o_gender in front of you. Recognition alights in Oisein's eyes at the same time, a hesistant hand raising to $o_herhistheir chest as if to weave $o_herhistheir fingers through the strings. //But that's impossible...to feel Entwined you'd have to have-// "$pc_name?" Oisein's voice shakes you from your reverie, $o_herhistheir furrowed brow a deparature from the look of wonder that filled $o_herhistheir features a moment before. <<o_capthey>> lift$o_s $o_herhistheir wrist out toward you, as if to pluck the connecting chords. But before a note rings out, $o_herhistheir shifting expression evaporates from your senses as you hear a ''//THUD//'', and Saor begins to disintegrate. The stones fall away, the waterfall recedes into the sky, torn leaves surging after it and into the wooden beams of your room's ceiling. You blink again, but this time the memory doesn't return, slipping into the air and out of your grasp. And somewhere, you swear you feel the heat of the Arids painted over your arm. There's a noise - breathing - that you realize aligns with the rise and fall of your chest as you find your bearings again. Renescen. The Lucky Albatross. Your room, on the bed where Oisein laid you down. <<linkreplace "Oisein-">> Oisein- With a disorienting sense of clarity, you try to find the source of the sound that pulled you from your reverie, only to find Oisein backed up near the window by a toppled chair. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> body is folded over, lower back digging into the stretched fabric of the curtain and pinning it to the wall, hands reaching to grip $o_herhistheir knees below stiff, straight arms. Ragged breaths come in through $o_herhistheir nose, out through $o_herhistheir mouth, and $o_shehethey wipe$o_s a shivering hand down $o_herhistheir face and rests it against $o_herhistheir chest. "Ois-" Just the first syllable strikes through $o_herhistheir frame as $o_herhistheir head snaps up. When $o_shehethey lock$o_s $o_herhistheir gaze to yours, you see the sheen of sweat blending across $o_herhistheir tanned skin, plunging over $o_herhistheir cheeks and into $o_herhistheir neck. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> clamp$o_s $o_herhistheir lips together and inhale$o_s through $o_herhistheir nose, shoulders rising. "Hey - Sorry - are you back? Are you alright? Are you-" At $o_herhistheir question, you peer down, happily finding your fingers in their usual, opaque form. You wiggle them through the air and spin your wrist, making sure the recovery isn't a figment of your imagination. You look down at your stomach and check over the rest of your body, finding all of it, thankfully, in tact and whole again. Before you say anything, you hear a thud as Oisein's head rolls back, a sigh of relief slipping through $o_herhistheir lips. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Did you see that? Saor and the aurora and -\"" "Ch4-Oisein-MCHurtPostVision">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"That's uh…pretty powerful stuff isn't it?\" I try to say with some form of nonchalance while turning my attention back to my body, if only to avoid looking at Oisein." "Ch4-Oisein-MCHurtPostVision">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I say nothing, but can't seem to look away from Oisein, trying to make sense of the sensations I felt." "Ch4-Oisein-MCHurtPostVision">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"Did that do the trick?\" I say as calmly as I can manage, trying to push the odd memories from my mind." "Ch4-Oisein-MCHurtPostVision">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> </ul> <</linkreplace>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> The sound of the door closing behind you is one of the sweetest symphonies you've heard today, though it's interrupted quickly by Oisein's jittery steps. The curtains are still closed, thankfully, the edge of sunset and the darkness of the room causing the light crystals to reignite their magics for the evening. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> storm$o_s past the drawers where your undisturbed belongings rest, almost clipping the bottom corner of the bed with $o_herhistheir hip as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>rush<<else>>rushes<</if>> around your room. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> swivel$o_s one of the pair of chairs out as if to sit, but decides against it and turns it back in towards the small table, the vase of begonias unperturbed by the chaos. Knuckles rap against the hard surface, the flowers shuddering against the vibration, while the other hand moves restlessly to $o_herhistheir waist then to $o_herhistheir hair. When some of the tangles resist against $o_herhistheir fingers, $o_shehethey scoff$o_s with frustration. "You spoke-" Oisein groans and drags $o_herhistheir hands down $o_herhistheir face. "A //Sage// knows we're here? Knows that we're-" The words aren't accusatory, wracked more with dread and anxiety, the same feelings currently twisting in your gut and starting to roll sporadically around your lungs and into your throat. "And- I'm sorry, $s_shehe //helped// us avoid the Intuits?" "Apparently, I mean-" you rub at your eyes with the base of your hand, adrenaline beginning to fade. "-from what $s_shehe said, $s_shehe must've known Tacita-" "Does that make //any// sense to you?" Oisein exclaims, this time clearly taking out $o_herhistheir stress on you as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>march<<else>>marches<</if>> over. "-and it seems like $s_shehe's been trying to find sheevra to work with but-" "I mean, this //reeks// of a trap," Oisein interrupts again. "What else did $s_shehe say? You're sure $s_shehe wouldn't come charging in here now? Should we even be here?" <hr> <ul> <li><<link "\"Okay, hold on - slow down. I know it's a lot but let me explain.\" I know Oisein is nervous, but we need to try to sort this through calmly." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $persuasive += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li><<link `"\"What, really? A mortalis Sage trying to ask for sheevra help out of nowhere? How does that sound like a trap I didn't notice!\" I'm still trying to figure things out too, in case "+$o_shehethey+" hadn't noticed."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"If you'd let me talk for a second-\" I snap back, not having the patience for this right now." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $aloof += 1>><<set $intimidating += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I wait for Oisein to calm down for a second before answer, not wanting to contribute to the panic and letting it fizzle out." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $aloof += 1>><<set $persuasive += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $choice is "first">> You hold your hands up in defense, and Oisein staggers back, eyes widening as $o_shehethey survey$o_s how close $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>were<<else>>was<</if>> encroaching into your space. "Hold on a second," you try to speak in a low, slow voice. "I know it's a lot, but let me explain." Panic writhes on Oisein's face and $o_shehethey begin$o_s to open $o_herhistheir mouth just as you hold up your hand again. There's a second hesitation, a second urge to say something, until $o_shehethey clamp$o_s $o_herhistheir lips shut. Eyes narrowing, $o_shehethey survey$o_s your face for intent, until eventually $o_shehethey nod$o_s with understanding. "Alright. Okay. Sorry," $o_shehethey sigh$o_s quietly, lowering <<print $o_herhimthem>>self into one of chairs and cradling $o_herhistheir head in $o_herhistheir palms for another moment before looking up and resting $o_herhistheir chin on $o_herhistheir overlapping knuckles. "So what happened before we met up?" <<elseif $choice is "second">> You throw your hands up in defense, and Oisein staggers back to avoid their arc, not realizing how close $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>were<<else>>was<</if>> encroaching into your space. "What, really? A mortalis Sage trying to ask for sheevra help and getting all buddy buddy out of nowhere?" You throw your hands wide in mock ignorance. "That //definitely// doesn't sound like a trap - why would that sound like a trap to you?" A brief moment of disbelief is followed by realization as Oisein scoffs at your snark, not reveling in $o_herhistheir usual persona being reflected back at $o_herhimthem. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> move$o_s away, resuming the unsteady rhythm of knuckles against wood along the top of a chair before plunging $o_herhistheir fingers into $o_herhistheir hair again to scratch nervously at $o_herhistheir scalp. A thumb presses tensely into the joint of $o_herhistheir forefinger as the hand finally rests against the top of the chair's back, and $o_shehethey turns to face you again. Oisein's shoulders are still raised and stiff, but you have a feeling that's the most relaxed $o_shehethey'll be able to be for now. "So? You going to reveal what happened or be snippy with your only ally right now?" $o_shehethey fling$o_s back, an extra injection of venom in $o_herhistheir voice. <<if $persuasive > $intimidating>> "I'll try to explain," you say with an even voice that you hope will be the antidote to $o_herhistheir sneer. "But I'm also still figuring things out too, in case you hadn't noticed." Eyes narrowing, $o_shehethey look$o_s to your eyes, the lift in your cheeks, the set of your jaw, trying to draw out your intent. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> lips close cautiously over the sliver of $o_herhistheir bared teeth, until eventually $o_shehethey nod$o_s with understanding. "Alright. Okay," $o_shehethey sigh$o_s out some of $o_herhistheir annoyance and lower$o_s <<print $o_herhimthem>>self into one of chairs as $o_shehethey keep$o_s $o_herhistheir eyes on you, resting $o_herhistheir chin on $o_herhistheir overlapping knuckles. "So. What happened with the Sage?" <<else>> "I'll explain if you give me a chance," you say with a fiercer voice through gritted teeth. "But I'm still trying to figure things out too, in case you hadn't noticed." Eyes narrowing, $o_shehethey survey$o_s your face for intent, $o_herhistheir lips not quite closing over $o_herhistheir sneer. But $o_shehethey take$o_s the statement as it is, eventually nodding reluctantly and spinning around to drop $o_herhistheir weight into the chair. Though some of the tension has dissipated into the air, it still prevails through $o_herhistheir crossed legs and arms, and the unrelenting stare $o_shehethey point$o_s your way. The only other movement $o_shehethey make$o_s is an emphatic shrug, a wordless //'So?'// <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "third">> Even before $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>finish<<else>>finishes<</if>> $o_herhistheir sentence, you find yourself bristling at the sudden bitterness of $o_herhistheir tone, trying to get a word in before $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>have<<else>>has<</if>> the chance to speak again. "If you'd //let me talk// for a second, maybe you'd find out," you fire back. "And to be alone with a Sage in the first place?!" $o_shehethey exclaim$o_s instead, taking a step closer. "Especially after you found out $s_shehe knew Tacita?" "What else was I supposed to do?" The edge of your voice sharpens as it becomes louder, frustration boiling and building in your gut. "Ask around and hope another mortalis might have known her? The information was right there for the taking!" "Served up on a platter, just like that? Is your survival instinct that //shit//?" As Oisein encroaches into your space, your fists clench and you take a step forward yourself as a burst of shock reveals itself in $o_herhistheir eyes, widening beneath the break in $o_herhistheir golden bangs. "And what would you have done? Left $s_herhim be? Given up a direct lead?" Leaning into $o_herhistheir stupor, you inch closer until there's hardly any space between you. "It was //worth// the risk." Your statement falls with finality, daring Oisein to challenge you as your earring whines against the glamour and magic starts to mix into the angry concoction of energy threatening to escape from your body. Lavender mixed with dark violet marks a path over your face - $o_herhistheir gaze unyielding, but not instigating. There's a string, a torrent, of words that dance in $o_herhistheir throat. But $o_shehethey must feel the magic bleeding out, instead deciding to just face away from you and scoff. "…we'll see," $o_shehethey respond$o_s reluctantly. The two of you stew in silence for another half minute more, before Oisein clicks $o_herhistheir tongue and spins back to the table. Steps heavier and stilted, $o_shehethey drop$o_s $o_herhistheir entire weight into one of the chairs. Though the barest amount of the tension has dissipated into the air, it still prevails through $o_herhistheir crossed legs and arms, and the unrelenting stare $o_shehethey point$o_s your way. The only other movement $o_shehethey make$o_s is an emphatic shrug, a wordless //'So?'// <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> You breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth as Oisein's question evaporates into the air. Waiting, you let the silence swarm in, blinking passively as panicked lavender stares you down. Nerves still writhe over the other sheevra's face, and there's a second round of tension as $o_shehethey gear$o_s up to ask the questions again. But after the realization that you're giving $o_herhimthem time, $o_shehethey clamp$o_s $o_herhistheir lips shut. Eyes narrowing, $o_shehethey survey$o_s your face for intent, until eventually $o_shehethey nod$o_s with understanding. "Alright. Okay. Sorry," $o_shehethey sigh$o_s quietly, lowering <<print $o_herhimthem>>self into one of chairs and cradling $o_herhistheir head in $o_herhistheir palms for another moment before looking up and resting $o_herhistheir chin on $o_herhistheir overlapping knuckles. "So what happened before we met up?" <</if>> <<if ($choice is "third") or (($choice is "second") and ($intimidating > $persuasive))>> You breathe slowly, counting one, two…five breaths before you decide to continue. Willing some of the unease to disappear, you start to explain. <<else>> You breathe slowly, counting, one, two… five breaths to try and organize your thoughts and the day's events. Willing Oisein to understand, you start to explain. <</if>> "The mortalis I ran into when I first got here, a Healer, was the one who told me about the Sage. Specifically that the Sage had confided in $h_herhim about places around the third quadrant." <<if visited("Chapter2-HealerHarmonim")>> Keeping some of the other details light, especially around the harmonim, you continue. <<else>> Chewing on your lip, you tilt your head to the side. "Plus, $h_shehe let me know about a group of mortalis who think the third quadrant was self inflicted. And who don't think the sheevra are to blame for the Arids." This catches Oisein's attention, one of $o_herhistheir brows skewing upward, and you nod briefly at $o_herhistheir reaction. "Yeah, though I imagine most of the city just treats them like zealots." Oisein hums a sardonic agreement. <</if>> <<if visited("Chapter2-Rails")>> You go on to describe your time on the rails, skimming over the voice for a moment while you try to decide how to approach it. <<else>> You go on to describe your time walking through the city - the Falls Road, the Collegium, and then…the bank. <</if>> Fingers curl inward to pinch at your palms before you stretch them out again, trying to summon the strangeness back to you. As you explain the flip-flopping, indecisive energy you felt even before you saw the bank burn, Oisein's eyes narrow further and further over a spark of familiarity. <<if ($choice is "third") or (($choice is "second") and ($intimidating > $persuasive))>> <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> muscles begin to relax despite the confrontational back and forth of before, arms and legs untangling to allow $o_herhistheir forearms to lean over on $o_herhistheir thighs. <<else>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> start$o_s to gradually lean over, as if not to spook you from your story, and allow$o_s $o_herhistheir forearms to lean over on $o_herhistheir thighs. <</if>> With $o_herhistheir eyes trained on you, $o_shehethey nod$o_s for you to continue. You swallow. "And I think…there was a voice. <<if $rails>> Heard it underground in the rail station. It felt the same as the bank when everything-" you bring your fingers in before flaring them like an explosion. "With that sort of..." You reach for your throat and press you palms into the sides of your neck. "...mix of sheevra and mortalis magic." <<else>> I heard it around the bank before everything-" you bring your fingers in before flaring them like an explosion. "It had the same feel as the overall magic, with that sort of..." You reach for your throat and press your palms into the sides of your neck. "...mix of sheevra and mortalis magic." <</if>> Oisein blinks at you, $o_herhistheir face blank for a few seconds. There's a full, unwavering belief in $o_herhistheir eyes though, <<if ($choice is "third") or (($choice is "second") and ($intimidating > $persuasive))>> even with the awkwardness and strain, <</if>> and you feel at least a little comfort from that. Especially since you now know you may have met the source of the voice in your head. "Don't love that you started with 'I think'," $o_shehethey say$o_s tentatively, reining you back from your thoughts while $o_shehethey give$o_s a strained, tight-lipped grimace. "What did it say?" The question floats fearfully on the air between you. Your own face tenses as you try to clear up your thoughts, trying to form the words that had injected themselves directly into your mind barely a few hours ago. <ul> <li> <<link "But you can't." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 3>> Not because you're forgetful or because you weren't paying attention. An impenetrable wall slams down in your memory, blocking you from remembering the words, remembering the voice, only registering the feelings. The other sheevra watches knowingly as you fumble and juggle the thoughts, staring as you try to sift through the fragments and piece them together. Your mind finally surrenders to the blockade you've been trying to break your way through, throwing one last, defiant urge against it before you settle into the fact that you won't - //can't// - remember. Oisein exhales out, an elbow lifting as $o_shehethey grip$o_s at $o_herhistheir shoulder. Nails dig into $o_herhistheir own skin and $o_shehethey give$o_s a forceful hiss - a faint, whispered //'fuck'// slipping out as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to parse through what you've told $o_herhimthem. <<if $leanhaun>> "Don't have to tell you that scrambling memories is <<else>> "Scrambling memories is <</if>> powerful pathos, $pc_name," $o_shehethey continue$o_s. "And on top of a mortalis knowing Tacita, and a weird cocktail of magic?" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> clasp$o_s $o_herhistheir hands together, fingers folding over one another, and bring$o_s $o_herhistheir steepled forefingers to $o_herhistheir lips. "The bank wasn't the first time I ran into that weird combination of magic today either." You tilt your head to Oisein and take a tentative step towards the bed, and then another. The bed creaks beneath you as you lower yourself down, fingers curling into the blankets and fabric bunching between your knuckles. "The Arids. The thing I was looking into? There's…" Oisein's features twist, hands lowering to $o_herhistheir thighs again and picking at the black cloth. <<if $dryad>> "You'd have a better sense of it than me, but… <<else>> "Know neither of us are elementalists but… <</if>> There was life, $pc_name. Underneath the surface, tons of magic, like the roots of something and an energy that felt both sheevra and mortalis. I don't know, it was like-" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> mouth squirms and $o_herhistheir nose scrunches, like the words are daring $o_herhimthem to speak but $o_shehethey can't quite find the courage to. Eventually $o_shehethey surrender$o_s to the unknown force, letting the thought float away on an exhale as $o_shehethey press<<o_es>> on. "I've never felt anything like it before, is the point. And it felt like it was all coming from the same source, which shouldn't be possible, right?" Beseeching eyes look to you with worry and for some semblance of comfort. But you're not sure what $o_shehethey expect$o_s, since you're just as much out of your depth as $o_shehethey <<o_are>>. Whether $o_shehethey pretend$o_s to have found what $o_shehethey <<o_were>> looking for or not, $o_shehethey still continue$o_s. "Then on my way back, I felt this - I mean - ''massive'' wave of energy bouncing through the city. Looked like a lunatic collapsing in an alley in the first quadrant. Dunno if that's when the bank exploded or not but not everyone felt it, just every few mortalis here and there. And that's not even accounting for the fact that it felt like a million //names// being shoved into my chest." Oisein clutches at the strings just below $o_herhistheir collar and turns away, looking up towards the window. "I felt like I was going to burn up from the inside." <<if $o_friendship > 5>> You keep your eyes on Oisein - a nagging, worrying static creeping into the back of your mind. //It's fine,// you think to calm yourself. //<<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>><<o_re>> here and $o_shehethey<<o_re>> safe...ish.// But who would have access to so many names put into one burst? <<else>> A nagging, worrying static creeps into the back of your mind at $o_herhistheir description. You can't remember feeling names, but remember the distinct energy of sheevra of magic. And who would have access to so many put into one burst? <</if>> Effortless magic, an overwhelming illusion, and a face you couldn't see leaps forward, the terror sinking into your stomach. You //know// who. Oisein speaks again after another scratch at $o_herhistheir neck, not noticing the way your hand clenches just a hair tighter. "At any rate, I was able to trace the source back to the bank, and then went looking for your magic and-" Oisein shrugs and splays out $o_herhistheir hands. "Here we are, thanks to the help of your new mortalis friend-" $o_herhistheir attention draws to you "-which I'm still //very// interested to know more about." And tell $o_herhimthem you do - if only to keep the unsettling movement of the figure's cape from fluttering in your mind's periphery for a few moments longer. You stand again for this, stepping out and pacing a path across the floor, letting the grain of the wood guide you through your memories - at least what you have left of them. Recognition streaks oddly across Oisein's face when you mention what the Sage had described around the auroras. The fading of colors and something gradually changing. Unreliable records and conflicting oddities in accounts of the sheevra. What most mortalis believed to be missing - but what the Sage believed to be just as integral to the world. Another thought sings for attention: the two of you, your entire clan - //all sheevra// - didn't always have the chance or even //want// the chance for a history lesson with a city's Sage, but surely this wasn't the first time this had ever been discovered? Thousands of years of existence, and no one had thought to open a book? Instinct tells you something's wrong, though your experience and Sirin's voice try to tuck it gently - secretly - away. The other sheevra seems just as lost in thought until you finally recite back the Sage's theory outloud. "Oh that's bullshit-" $o_shehethey laugh$o_s sardonically, almost defensively. "-you know that's bullshit, right? We're here because of them. It's just more blame gaming, why would we be here otherwise?" <<if $empathetic > $callous+1>> "Does it have to be because of that, though? Aren't there some holes in what we know too?" <<else>> "Sure, I agree but...the way the Sage framed it - aren't there some holes in what we know too?" <</if>> "It's...I mean-" Oisein comes to the same standstill as you, you imagine, trying to justify and cling to the High Sheevra's stories. And soon the same train of thought arrives as $o_herhistheir eyes darken. "So what, the Sage wants to let everyone know 'Ah, just kidding about the sheevra not being a thing to worry about, they're still a huge threat, should probably do something about it-' and you still think you can trust $s_herhim? As we're trying to find //any// bit of Harpoc or a //High Sheevra//?" "<<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> won't hurt us," <<if $empathetic > $callous +2>> you snap, earning an incredulous look from Oisein. <<else>> you say back forcefully, with a substantial amount of surprise in Oisein's face as well as your own. You rub at your eyes and shake your head. <</if>> "The Sage seems to be more on the sheevra's side than anything. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> wouldn't be the one leading some big attack, and $s_shehe wouldn't have //helped// us-" "Could be playing the long game-" "-with that amount of risk. You know they have heavier consequences for getting caught with us." Oisein's mouth begins to form the same words again as $o_shehethey cross<<o_es>> $o_herhistheir arms, but you interrupt $o_herhimthem. "And apparently Tacita was encouraging $s_herhim. If I read things right they were practically friends, and saw each other pretty regularly over the past two years." At the High Sheevra's name, Oisein freezes and looks at you with about as much skepticism as you think $o_shehethey can muster. But the skepticism turns to something else, thoughts warring across $o_herhistheir face with each obvious shift in $o_herhistheir expression. First neutral, then disbelieving, then something darker casts from $o_herhistheir brows over $o_herhistheir eyes as $o_shehethey look$o_s to the floor. "You really think we can trust the Gold Sage?" <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"\"I trust "+$s_herhim+". I have no reason not to.\""` "Ch4-SageTrust">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $empathetic += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li><<link `"\"I trust "+$s_herhim+". But I know we should still be cautious.\""` "Ch4-SageCautiousTrust">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><<set $empathetic += 1>><<set $reserved +=1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"\"I'm not sure if we can trust "+$s_herhim+". But we're safe for now at least, and we can find out more later.\""` "Ch4-SageNotSureTrust">><<set $o_friendship += 1>><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $aloof += 1>><<set $callous += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> </ul> <</switch>>

"I trust $s_herhim," you say, unwavering resolution in your voice as your fingers tap against the wooden dresser, the Sentiments clinking together with a faint chime. "I have no reason not to." "Not even the fact that $s_shehe's, y'know, //mortalis?//" As soon as you nod, Oisein groans, disapproval pouring over $o_herhistheir face. "Those rose-colored glasses are going to blind you, $pc_name." "We'll see, you don't know that for sure." "That's my point," Oisein comments quietly, before deciding that $o_shehethey //do<<o_es>>// want to continue this line of thought. "We //don't// know the Sage, and we don't know what $s_herhis plans are. It's better to default to cautious than to trust some mortalis you just met. For all we know, $s_shehe could be grabbing as many Intuits as $s_shehe can find to tear down this place and-" "I told you, $s_shehe //won't.//" "Fine." There's a tinge of anger and hurt in the weighty word while Oisein's eyes bore into you. "But I'll absolutely take the chance to say 'told you so' if the worst happens." "I'd be worried if you didn't." That, at least, manages to pull a miniscule grin in the corner of Oisein's mouth that $o_shehethey hurriedly dampen$o_s. <<include "Ch4-TrustChoiceCommon">>

"I trust $s_herhim," you say, your voice wavering slightly as your fingers tap against the wooden dresser, the Sentiments clinking together with a faint chime. "But...I know we should still be cautious." Lavender eyes bore into your own before Oisein chews at $o_herhistheir lip. "Alright. That's fair. I don't love the fact that $s_shehe's...y'know - //mortalis// and knows about us," There's a groan as $o_herhistheir tanned hand tousles through $o_herhistheir hair. "But as long as we're not just throwing ourselves to $s_herhis mercy completely." <<if $empathetic > $callous + 2>> "I do think $s_shehe's different, though. If $s_shehe's being genuine, $s_shehe'd make a pretty great ally." Disapproval pours quickly over Oisein's face. "Those rose-colored glasses are going to blind you, $pc_name." "I'm just putting it out there," you say as your hands raise in defense. "We should consider both sides." "Fine." The word weighs heavily in the air while Oisein's eyes bore into you. "But I'll absolutely take the chance to say 'told you so' if the worst happens." "I'd be worried if you didn't." That, at least, manages to pull a miniscule grin from the corner of Oisein's mouth that $o_shehethey struggle$o_s to dampen. <<else>> "Not if we can help it, no." "Glad to see you still have some sense about you, anyway." The statement weight heavily in the air while Oisein's eyes bore into you. "For a moment I thought you were going to suggest giving $s_herhim a tour around the Faille'Tor Sanctum next." <<if $sarcastic > $genuine>> "Oh," you feign a casual air as you look back to $o_herhimthem. "I was planning to ask you to be the guide, actually." That, at least, manages to pull a miniscule grin from the corner of Oisein's mouth that $o_shehethey struggle$o_s to dampen. <<else>> "I don't think we're ready for //that.// But who knows?" A miniscule grin appears at the corner of Oisein's mouth - likely on the brink of laughing at your optimism. <</if>> <</if>> <<include "Ch4-TrustChoiceCommon">>

"I'm not sure if we can trust $s_herhim" you say, voice reserved as your fingers tap against the wooden dresser, the Sentiments clinking together with a faint chime. "But we're safe for now, at least, and we can find out more about the Sage later. "Guess that counts for something," Oisein groans as $o_herhistheir tanned hand tousles through $o_herhistheir hair. "As long as we're not just going to throw ourselves to $s_herhis mercy, I'm good." "No, we'll take our time there. Maybe avoid $s_herhim if we can until we get our first look at the Sanctum." "Makes sense. For a moment, though, I thought you were going to suggest giving the Sage a tour around the Faille'Tor Sanctum next." <<if $sarcastic > $genuine>> "Oh," you feign a casual air as you look back to $o_herhimthem. "I was planning to ask you to be the guide, actually." That, at least, manages to pull a miniscule grin from the corner of Oisein's mouth that $o_shehethey struggle$o_s to dampen. <<else>> "I don't think we're ready for //that.// But who knows?" A miniscule grin appears at the corner of Oisein's mouth - likely on the brink of laughing at your optimism. <</if>> <<include "Ch4-TrustChoiceCommon">>

"So..." Oisein starts, averting $o_herhistheir gaze. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> voice becomes softer, almost hesitant, though $o_shehethey<<o_re>> clearly confident in $o_herhistheir next statement. You have a feeling the quiet, tentative cadence is for you. "...this where you tell me what has you so spooked if things were so grand with the Sage? I could feel it in your magic when you got to the bank." Ah. Right. <<link "//Them.//" "Ch4-SageConvoBreak">><<set $textGroup to 1>> <</link>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> What could you say that wouldn't sound insane? Though considering this entire conversation so far, Oisein would likely take the entire thing in stride. An incessant, lurking darkness taunts your thoughts - the unseeable face creeping closer, the magic of an insurmountable hoard of names looming above you. The lacquer of the wood beneath your fingernails protects it from any scratches as your hand and arm tense. Had there been any magic behind your quaking grip, though, and the furniture wouldn't escape unscathed. The thought makes you chuckle - barely an exhale - and not enough to distract you from the questions that threaten to drown you. If the Sage hadn't been there, would your mind be broken? The pieces dashed across the Archival Library's courtyard? Would Oisein have found you as an empty husk, like a mortalis drained of their name? //Well, not quite the same. But-// "$pc_name?" <<o_captheir>> voice reels you back, brow lifted and a nervous hand clenching the blanket while $o_shehethey watch<<o_es>> you. <<o_captheir>> pupils flicker to where your skin stretches taut over your knuckles, the indent of your fingers into your palm finally registering as pain. Consciously, and as casually as you can, you will the tension away from your arm and away from your wrist, trying to breathe it out into the stagnant air of the room. It shudders through your elbow and over your shoulder, but you're able to control it just enough to stretch out your fingers, resting your hand softly against the dresser again. You ignore your reflection, not wanting to confront how much color has drained from your face. Before you can respond - mouth agape and words forming in your throat - Oisein closes $o_herhistheir eyes and roll$o_s $o_herhistheir shoulders with a sigh, a faint heartbeat of pathos magic starting to emanate out. You take a step toward $o_herhimthem but pause, light, shuddering music pinging against your consciouness where you know to look. "What are you doing?" "Pulsing," $o_shehethey respond$o_s without opening $o_herhistheir eyes, lips screwing together into an odd frown as $o_herhistheir eyes tighten. "Want to make sure we weren't followed." <<if $leanhaun>> "You don't have to," you say with exasperation as magic begins to blossom inside your chest to begin a pathos pulse instead of Oisein. <<else>> "You don't have to," you say with exasperation. <</if>> "No, but I want to," $o_shehethey reassure$o_s as a single eye opens to a squint before closing again. "Take a second to clear your head - maybe get rid of that ghost that's got a hold of you." Your chest deflates as Oisein stubbornly continues to pathos pulse, just hearing the strain of magic rushing past you and into the walls and floors - planting a song into the minds of the mortalis that will no doubt be stuck in their heads for at least the next hour. The blond tilts $o_herhistheir head as if to direct the tune, eyes tightening before $o_shehethey tuck$o_s $o_herhistheir chin to $o_herhistheir chest in focus. "Go on," $o_shehethey insist$o_s, head still craned downward but nodding wordlessly toward the bathroom. <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"I don't say anything, but give Oisein's shoulder a grateful squeeze as I pass "+$o_herhimthem+"."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "\"Don't strain yourself,\" I tease, though there's a clear worry and care in my tone." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "\"Thanks,\" I say quietly, sheepishly, as I slink towards the bathroom." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "I keep quiet and make my way into the other room, nerves still trembling and rattling through my body." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> Faceless, taunting, and terrifying - the image of your assailant skulks in the shadows of your memory, waiting for you to turn your back to it. You don't move at first, a part of you still wanting to insist that Oisein save $o_herhistheir magic, or at least let you help or //something// to make you feel less useless. But you bite your tongue and nod - more to convince yourself with the other sheevra resolutely pulsing through the area. <<if $choice is "first">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat - as your hand lifts. Magic seeps out of you and through your fingers, giving $o_herhimthem a moment of forewarning before you rest the hand on $o_herhistheir shoulder. <<o_capthey>> <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> flinch, <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> move, but in the back of your skull you can feel some of the notes of $o_herhistheir magic bound backward and skate across your skin in some semblance of comfort. <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship or ($o_friendship > 5) >> Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together, uncertain how to help - before $o_herhistheir head tilts to the side to meet your hand with $o_herhistheir chin. <<o_capthey>><<o_re>> not aiming to pin you, but still applies the barest of pressure. Warmth from $o_herhistheir skin radiates through the thin, soft fabric of $o_herhistheir shirt and flows into your palm, while $o_herhistheir warm breath anoints your knuckles. "I've got you. Don't worry." It's enough to soothe you - it always is - and you give Oisein's shoulder a quick squeeze. Though $o_shehethey still <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> open $o_herhistheir eyes, $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> have to, the simple phrase speaking volumes for the usual curt and coy sheevra. Which makes the cold that much more palpable on your clammy hand when you disconnect, and trudge your way to the bathroom, closing the door behind you. <<else>> Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together, uncertain at first, before $o_herhistheir lips curve into a peaceful smile. <<o_capthey>> open$o_s a single eye again to look at you. "I've got it. Don't worry." It's enough to soothe you for now as you give Oisein's shoulder a quick squeeze, the warmth of $o_herhistheir skin radiating through the thin, soft fabric of $o_herhistheir shirt. The cold is palpable on your clammy hand when you disconnect, and trudge your way to the bathroom, closing the door behind you. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "second">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat. "Don't strain yourself," you tease, though there's a clear worry and care laced within your tone. Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together, a chuckle escaping though $o_herhistheir mouth is pressed tight. <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship or ($o_friendship > 5) >> "I think you've got that covered for us for the day, dont you?" $o_shehethey jab$o_s back, opening a single eye again to look at you. The jeering line is enough to shake some of the tension loose from your shoulders, and when $o_shehethey see$o_s you relax, $o_herhistheir eyes close again. "I've got you. Don't worry." It's enough to soothe you - it always is. Though $o_shehethey still <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> move or reach toward you - <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> have to - the simple phrase speaking volumes for the usual curt and coy sheevra. <<else>> "I won't. Don't worry." The simple statement is enough to soothe you for now, shaking a miniscule amount of tension loose from your shoulders. Especially coming from the usual curt and coy sheevra, the ease and confidence in $o_herhistheir tone speaks volumes. <</if>> Without addressing $o_herhimthem again, you step tentatively toward the bathroom, closing the door behind you. <<elseif $choice is "third">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat - as the words creak out. "Thanks," you say quietly, afraid you might disturb $o_herhistheir focus. Oisein rolls $o_herhistheir lips together, a chuckle escaping though $o_herhistheir mouth is pressed tight. <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship or ($o_friendship > 5) >> "Don't thank me just yet," $o_shehethey start$o_s the sentence snide, as if preparing a jab. But instead $o_herhistheir voice mimics yours, turning hushed and fragile. "Just trying to help you." Though $o_herhistheir eyes are closed, the embarassed color rising in $o_herhistheir cheeks betrays $o_herhimthem. It's like $o_shehethey can sense what you're about to say, mouth pursing and face crumpling. "Ugh, look what you've done to me. Get away, you're a distraction." You find yourself smiling even as you slink towards the bathroom, just catching the faint, nervous smile on Oisein's face as you close the door behind you. <<else>> "You're welcome." <<o_capthey>> start$o_s the sentence snide, as if preparing a jab. But instead $o_herhistheir voice mimics yours, turning hushed and fragile. Though $o_herhistheir eyes are closed, the embarassed color rising in $o_herhistheir cheeks betrays $o_herhimthem as $o_shehethey chews the words $o_shehethey want$o_s to say. "Just trying to help." You find yourself smiling even as you slink towards the bathroom, just catching the faint uncertain look on Oisein's face as you close the door behind you. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Your first couple steps are slow, hesistant, bringing you to Oisein's side. You observe $o_herhimthem as the melody surrounds you - eyes shut, and a quiet, just audible hum in $o_herhistheir throat. Body fraught with nerves, you stand there silently and continue to watch, unsure if you should reach out to $o_herhimthem or say something or do //anything.// <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship or ($o_friendship > 5) >> Oisein must sense the fright and fear blending into your magic even as $o_hershistheirs runs rampant around you. A few stray notes are reeled back in, and in the back of your skull you can feel some of the chords of $o_herhistheir magic skate across your skin in some semblance of comfort. Still, you stand rigid, unmoving, immoblile, the other sheevra opening both of $o_herhistheir eyes and turning to face you while $o_herhistheir focus fractures and the pulse begins to disintegrate. But before $o_shehethey can lose it completely, you clench your fists and will your body forward, just catching $o_herhistheir concerned expression as you stride towards the bathroom even as anxiety rattles in your ribcage. <<else>> Oisein must sense the fright and fear blending into your magic even as $o_hershistheirs runs rampant around you. <<o_capthey>> open$o_s $o_herhistheir eyes, turning to face you - still rigid, unmoving, and immobile - while $o_herhistheir focus fractures and the pulse begins to disintegrate. But before $o_shehethey can lose it completely, you clench your fists and will your body forward, not catching $o_herhistheir expression as you stride towards the bathroom even as anxiety rattles in your ribcage. <</if>> Thankfully, the music begins to swells again just as you close the door behind you. <</if>> Wildflowers and subtle mountainscapes welcome you, delicate strokes carved into the dark walnut wood of the walls. Recognition strikes you, your memory placing the patterns alongside the wall panels of the tavern below. The fixings of the bathroom are clean and cozy, the cream-colored porcelain well-maintained and the bronze faucets shined with care. You step through the haze in your mind toward the sink, not quite ready to look up into the mirror just yet as your hands grip the slippery sides of the basin. Sparks of energy run through your fingertips as you lightly push against the fire glyph carved above the faucet, holding your finger there until the glyph is only half brightened, molten red light filling in the lines and halting just before reaching the tips of the intricate flames and the peaks of the marking's design. The curve of the water glyph arcs downward below the gleaming scarlet, hovering over where the faucet meets the wall. Changing the soft elemental magic within your chest, your fingers slide wet and cool along the line, a turquoise line filling as you hear the pipes gurgling behind the wall. In a swipe of desperation, you drag your finger fully across to fill the entire marking, and water bursts from the faucet in a torrent. Cupping your hands, you hold them underneath the rushing current, not paying any mind as droplets ricochet from your fingers against and over the sides to spray helplessly against the mirror and falling to the floor. It feels like an eternity that you wait there, letting the lukewarm water fill and empty from your palms as you spread your fingers to let the liquid filter through the spaces. Fill and empty. Fill. And empty. When your hands begin to protest, on the edge of pruning, you lower your neck down as you fill your palms once more. Warmth splashes against your cheeks as you bring your hands up instead of letting the water siphon down the drain, droplets running over your lips and dripping from your chin. You repeat the motion, try to wash away the image or the magic, wanting to wipe away the disquieting clamor richocheting inside your skull. But no scrubbing will wipe away grime as stubborn as this. Still, you continue, until your hands are hot and your cheeks raw from <<if $pc_hairlength is "shaved">> scrubbing. <<else>> scrubbing, the edges of your hair dampened and drooping. <</if>> Supporting yourself on the cool porcelein again, you look up. All in all, you don't look like someone who just had an illusion shoved inside their mind. Tiny streaks of tiredness begin to show, however, in the faint red lightning-paths running from your pupil over the whites of your eyes - the color unnerving in it's own right. <<print $pc_eyecolor.toUpperFirst()>> stares back, but it isn't the same $pc_eyecolor that provided you comfort before when you first arrived in your mortalis form. Instead, the color looks distant, dull, distracted. Finger squeaking along the water glyph again, the turqoise line dies down and fades, and the fire glyph dims soon after. The soft //drip, drip, drip// of the remnants of water are the only thing chasing away the silence that seems to creep into each shadowed corner around you. Silence - which meant Oisein was already done with the pulse. Careful notes of passive pathos slowly skittered back, and by the fact that $o_shehethey hadn't barged through the door with a warning, you could only assume $o_shehethey hadn't read any threats in the minds nearby. Truthfully, you hadn't even noticed when $o_shehethey stopped, hadn't registered anything else outside this tiny, too clean sanctuary, thousands of miles away from your home. What had you gotten yourself into? You shake your head with a groan, rubbing at the worn grooves starting to wear below your eyes. Your gaze wanders to the bathtub, wondering what Oisein would say if you just filled it up and sat in the heated water for the next hour. From the look of it, you'd guess... <<set $pc_height to "average">> <hr> <ul> <li><<link "...that you'd have plenty of space to stretch out, since you're shorter than the average mortalis." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $pc_height to "short">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "...that you'd have just the right amount of space to relax, since you're about average mortalis height." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> <li><<link "...that you'd be a little cramped and your knees might float above the water, given that you're fairly tall compared to most mortalis." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $pc_height to "tall">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<if $pc_height is "short">> The ivory sheen of the tub sprawls in comfortable curves, your body aching to be able to stretch out inside and try to soak your worries away. <<elseif $pc_height is "average">> The ivory sheen of the tub winds in delicate curves, your body aching to climb into it to try to soak your worries away. <<else>> Though the ivory sheen of the tub winds in slightly cramped curves, your body still aches to climb into it to try to soak your worries away. <</if>> But you exhale the thought on a sigh and turn to the mirror again, trying to see what else can be done to calm your nerves. You know yourself, know that even with the dangers, Sirin wouldn't have trusted you with this for no reason - even if you were slightly dubious of their logic at sending only one sheevra. Though with Oisein here now...even a Sage might be a little less intimidating. //"...we need to better understand what sort of magic those bands were instead of making the assumption that there was some great worldy magic that the sheevra stole."// At your thoughts, $s_herhis words come mumuring back from your memory. // ..the aurora is supposed to represent ours and ''sheevra'' magic. Their magic, their //existence//, is as old as ours...// Your head hangs low, watching droplets of water slowly slide into each other before disappearing past the drain. //...I want to convince others that we should be ''seeking'' the sheevra. There must be something we're missing...// Something about the Sage's wording resonates inside of you, an old memory, a decaying dream that blooms and reaches for your consciousness as if it were the sun. <<link "...How many Equinoxes ago was it?" "Ch4-SanctumMem">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> //''The Lucky Albatross: Present''// —— A jolt runs down from your shoulders at the noise, the last fragments of the aurora disappearing through your fingers and sliding between the floorboards. //''Knock, knock, knock''// <<if $o_past_friendship or $o_past_feelings>> "Still alive in there?" Oisein's sheevra form fades away in the wake of $o_herhistheir worried tone, $o_herhistheir concern from before twisting over the images and shattering your reverie. <<else>> Silence invades your mind in the wake of $o_herhistheir rhythmic banging, $o_herhistheir concern from before twisting over the images and shattering your reverie. <</if>> You turn the water back on before the presence of the cloaked figure jumps to the forefront of your thoughts again. Though now they keep to the corners, the sharpness of their presence dulling. <<if $genuine > $sarcastic>> "Be out in a second," you call quietly, splashing the cool water against your face. <<else>> <<if $o_past_friendship or $o_past_feelings>> "I'll let you know in a second," you call, splashing the cool water against your face as you hear a quiet snort past the wooden door. <<else>> "Promise I'm still alive," you call, splashing the cool water against your face. "Mostly." A quiet snort sounds beyond the wooden door. <</if>> <</if>> Swarming thoughts plague your mind as you press the plush towel against your face and wring your hands dry. You take one more breath as the memory fades. //Do mortalis feel it the way we do? Like something's missing?// Though darkness still hovers around the person's face, their last words to you ring clear. //"I'm going to revive this world. Remember that."// Why was that so terrifying when you seemed to have the same goal? Blood and adrenaline start to ignite in you at the thought of the intrusion again, and you spin toward the handle of the bathroom, throwing the door open but keeping your hand tight around the worn metal. Oisein jumps at the movement and the sudden creak of the door, spinning from where $o_shehethey <<o_were>> looking out through the window, the curtains resting against $o_herhistheir fingers. "All clear in and near the inn-" Oisein starts. "-for now," $o_shehethey add$o_s quickly at your stare. "No ill intents or anything out of the ordinary aside from the mortalis, and most of the ones drowning in spirits downstairs are full up with their own anxieties." <<o_captheir>> gaze flickers down to where you still lean your weight against the door, then looks back up. "You good?" You were missing something. You had to be. And this time you couldn't ignore it. "When we were going to the bank - the Sage and I - someone took over my mind with an illusion." Oisein's face drains of color, $o_herhistheir mouth falling open and slack. "I couldn't make out their face. But apparently I just stopped moving - it felt so real, and I couldn't see anyone else, it was like they cleared the entire area and everything went still, and I was in my sheevra form, and I got the same sense of the combination of sheevra and mortalis magic and-" "Hey, hey hey hey-" Fabric flutters down across the darkened glass as $o_shehethey step$o_s toward you, a hand outstretched. The same sort of notes start to ping outward like when $o_shehethey performed $o_herhistheir scan, but this time the magic swirls within the room. Calm moves like waves around your body, the pathos uninvasive, unobtrusive, but cocooning you in comfort. Oisein's eyes narrow with worry as $o_herhistheir wrist carefully rotates, not pressing $o_herhistheir magic any further against you, but still trying to soften the sharp shadows crawling around the room. Catching your breath from the string of words that spilled out, you close your eyes, try to wait for your heartbeat to slow, and try again. "It's like I said. Someone took over my senses with an illusion. It was just me and them in the Library courtyard and they were being evasive and condescending and-" You pause, sorting through the events in your head while Oisein drops $o_herhistheir eyes to the floor. "They knew about you. And I'm...almost positive they have something to do with Harpoc and Tacita." Magic withdraws quickly, but you just catch ragged, jittery tones before Oisein is able to disconnect $o_herhistheir pathos. <<o_captheir>> face tells you all you need to know; eyes unblinking at the floor, the smooth movements of $o_herhistheir wrist halting, fingers curling into a tight fist, and $o_herhistheir chest rising and falling rapidly. <<o_capthey>> look$o_s over to the wall at the mundane decor. A little crystal lantern or some abstract painting - you don't know - all of it blurring together and blending with the wood. "Are you...are you alright?" <hr> <ul> <li><<link `"Not particularly, and I don't mind saying that so Oisein knows "+$o_shehethey+"<<o_re>> not alone."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><</link>> <li><<link "Actually, I think I'm starting to be. I'm nervous, for sure. But at least I have Oisein here." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> </li> <li><<link "Definitely not, but I don't want to worry Oisein." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "Me? Alright? Oh yeah, absolutely. Totally and completely alright, nothing to see here!" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> <li><<link "Once I'm done burying my feelings a little more, I will be." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $aloof += 1>><<set $choice to "fifth">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> Oisein slowly pivots, fingers raking through the tangles at the end of $o_herhistheir hair as $o_shehethey wait$o_s for your answer. <<if $choice is "first">> You can see the slow building anxiety in $o_herhistheir eyes, and though you're not sure if sharing what you feel will help put $o_herhimthem at ease, you do anyway. "No," you say quietly, eyes casting over your room and arcing from the door to the bed. "Not really. But now we have more to go on, and at least we've got each other's backs." You sigh yourself and try to force a weak smile. "Though I'd understand if you want to run while you can." Oisein's eyes noticeably widen at your transparency, the edges of $o_herhistheir cheeks dusting with darkened rose. <<o_capthey>> clear$o_s $o_herhistheir throat, but there's already the hint of a snarky remark curving up on $o_herhistheir lips. "What, and leave you alone to wreak havoc in the city without me? I don't think so." "I //was// hoping to fit in 'wreak havoc in the city' into the schedule, so good to know you're sticking around." A smile sneaks out of Oisein as you finish. There's still uncertainty in the lines by $o_herhistheir eyes and the tightness of $o_herhistheir mouth, but $o_herhistheir shoulders visibly relax, $o_herhistheir fingers dropping from $o_herhistheir hair. "Right. Okay." Oisein tilts $o_herhistheir head to the side with an audible //crack//, rolling it back the other way before $o_shehethey lace$o_s $o_herhistheir fingers behind $o_herhistheir neck and begin$o_s to pace back toward the window. "Settle in, think I'm going to do a couple more pulses if you don't mind waiting for a little bit." This time $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> need to wait for your answer. <<elseif $choice is "second">> You can see the slow building anxiety in $o_herhistheir eyes, and resolve to try and put some of it at ease. And all-in-all, you //are// starting to feel some of your own tension start to release now that Oisein knows. Now that another sheevra - someone you can definitely trust - knows. "I will be," you say quietly, still trying to convince yourself. You look up to Oisein with your jaw set and fists clenched. "I'm nervous, and I really don't like what we've found out so far. But at least I have you here. At least we've got each other and we have a path forward." Oisein's eyes noticeably widen at your transparency, the edges of $o_herhistheir cheeks dusting with darkened rose. <<o_capthey>> clear$o_s $o_herhistheir throat, but there's already the hint of a snarky remark curving up on $o_herhistheir lips. "Even if that path forward involves what sounds like a powerful psychopath?" "Even so." A smile sneaks out of Oisein as you finish. There's still uncertainty in the lines by $o_herhistheir eyes and the tightness of $o_herhistheir mouth, but $o_herhistheir shoulders visibly relax, $o_herhistheir fingers dropping from $o_herhistheir hair. "Right. Okay." Oisein tilts $o_herhistheir head to the side with an audible //crack//, rolling it back the other way before $o_shehethey lace$o_s $o_herhistheir fingers behind $o_herhistheir neck and begin$o_s to pace back toward the window. "Settle in, think I'm going to do a couple more pulses if you don't mind waiting for a little bit." This time $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> need to wait for your answer. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You can see the slow building anxiety in $o_herhistheir eyes, resolving to try and distract $o_herhimthem, or do something that might put $o_herhimthem at ease. "I'm fine," you half-lie. Eventually maybe, but for now, the encounter still sends shivering bouts of goosebumps over your arms. "We'll be fine," you continue, still trying to convince yourself. "At least we have know we have a potential culprit and we have a path forward." Oisein narrows $o_herhistheir eyes and furrows $o_herhistheir brow, recognizing what you're trying to do. "Even if that path forward involves what sounds like a powerful psychopath?" When you nod, $o_shehethey press<<o_es>> $o_herhistheir lips together, but resigns to keeping silent with a sigh. "Right. Okay." Oisein tilts $o_herhistheir head to the side with an audible //crack//, rolling it back the other way before $o_shehethey lace$o_s $o_herhistheir fingers behind $o_herhistheir neck and begin$o_s to pace back toward the window. "I think...I think I'm going to do a couple more pulses if you-" $o_shehethey gulp$o_s for air "-don't mind waiting for a little bit." This time $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> wait for your answer. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> You barely wait before you try to force a smile, albeit a weak one. "I mean, I was sort of expecting something to go terribly wrong, so at least now that's out in the open, over and done with-" Oisein narrows $o_herhistheir eyes and furrows $o_herhistheir brow, recognizing what you're trying to do. "That doesn't really answer the question." "I'll be alright," you insist, the fragile smile still barely balancing, one wrong step from breaking. "Just a little shaken. But I'll be alright. At least we have a path forward now." Oisein narrows $o_herhistheir eyes and furrows $o_herhistheir brow, recognizing what you're trying to do. "Even if that path forward involves what sounds like a powerful psychopath?" "It'd be a bit boring without one, wouldn't it?" Words begin to form - likely unkind ones - before Oisein thinks better of it, pressing $o_herhistheir lips together and resigning to keep silent with a sigh. "Right. Okay." Oisein tilts $o_herhistheir head to the side with an audible //crack//, rolling it back the other way before $o_shehethey lace$o_s $o_herhistheir fingers behind $o_herhistheir neck and begin$o_s to pace back toward the window. "I think...I think I'm going to do a couple more pulses if you-" $o_shehethey gulp$o_s for air "-don't mind waiting for a little bit." This time $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> wait for your answer. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> You can see the slow building anxiety in $o_herhistheir eyes, resolving to try and put some of it at ease. Even at the cost of burying your own feelings. "I'll be fine," you respond resolutely, even as Oisein's face opens with shock at your curt answer. But you press before $o_shehethey can speak. "At least we have a path forward and know what their magic feels like now. That's something." Oisein narrows $o_herhistheir eyes and furrows $o_herhistheir brow, recognizing what you're trying to do. "Even if that path forward involves what sounds like a powerful psychopath?" When you nod, $o_shehethey press<<o_es>> $o_herhistheir lips together, but resigns to keeping silent with a sigh. "Right. Okay." Oisein tilts $o_herhistheir head to the side with an audible //crack//, rolling it back the other way before $o_shehethey lace$o_s $o_herhistheir fingers behind $o_herhistheir neck and begin$o_s to pace back toward the window. "I think...I think I'm going to do a couple more pulses if you-" $o_shehethey gulp$o_s for air "-don't mind waiting for a little bit." This time $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> wait for your answer. <</if>> An hour passes. Or maybe another year - an eon? - while Oisein sits bent over in one of the chairs, huddled into its hard surface and keeping $o_herhistheir eyes mostly shut. A couple times you swear $o_shehethey must be falling asleep and almost ready yourself to carry them over to where you're seated on the bed - until you feel a wave of pathos surge out again, a hair weaker each time it swirls over your shoulders and plummets into the floors and streets below. <<o_capthey>> <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> respond when you try to recount the remaining details you remember from the encounter with the self-proclaimed "Reviver", only giving small, infrequent nods to show that $o_shehethey<<o_re>> listening. Eventually, $o_shehethey begin$o_s to ask you about the odd locations the Healer and Sage had mentioned <<if $o_past_friendship or $o_past_feelings>> - an easily spotted tactic to distract from $o_herhistheir other worries. <<else>> - and though you didn't know $o_herhimthem as well before Renescen, it's an easily spotted tactic to distract from $o_herhistheir other worries. <</if>> You recall the places again: the bank in the second quadrant, the shop in the third, and the pathos parlor on the third-fourth border. All innocuous but submerged in odd magic - it //had// to be connected. Oisein quietly agrees, another wave of pathos magic rippling against the door and into the hallway. When it withdraws, $o_shehethey take$o_s another breath. But no matter how $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to keep up the facade of strength, you're able to hear the shaking that shudders through $o_herhistheir muscles and lungs. Concern trickles in your words. "You need to rest." Weary lavender light blooms over $o_herhistheir opening eyes, a flicker of black in the white as $o_shehethey refocus<<o_es>> some of $o_herhistheir magic back into $o_herhistheir glamour. With a roll of $o_herhistheir shoulders, $o_shehethey refix<<o_es>> a mask of confidence, straightening $o_herhistheir spine and raising $o_herhistheir chin. "Still nothing, thankfully. Hopefully whoever you saw was more bark than bite." "Or used most of their 'bite' on the bank." <<o_capthey>> grimace$o_s. "At least we haven't gotten attacked again. Think that'll last?" The memory of the figure stumbling away from the Sage's attack crosses your mind, but you still shift uncomfortably. "The cautious part of me says no, but- something tells me they won't outwardly attack here." "Because...?" "Well if they could, why not get rid of us as soon as we arrived? Before we found out anything else?" Oisein leans back in the chair as $o_herhistheir face knits together in thought, one hand absentmindedly brushing against $o_herhistheir chest. "Plus," you continue, a seed of confidence planting in your chest. "They looked and sounded drained as they were leaving. They'll probably need some time to recover if it was their magic that destroyed the bank and they had to fend off a Sage." You stand and start to pace alongside the length of the bed, your earring heavy in your ear. "We should at least be able to rest easy tonight, and go after those places I told you about tomorrow morning." With a nod, the <<if $leanhaun>>other<</if>> leanhaun looks toward the dresser before standing with a quiet groan and meandering over. "Question is, where do you want to hit first?" $o_shehethey start$o_s, fingers tracing around where your daggers rest in their sheathes. "Clan Harpoc was known for trading in secrets mainly, but without knowing a Harpoc sheevra personally -" Oisein purses $o_herhistheir lips and clicks $o_herhistheir tongue. "-I don't know if that means their Sanctum's main entrance would be somewhere best suited for that, or if they'd be as cagey and discreet about the main entrance as they are with the rest of us." "Main entrance means more traps, though." "But a quicker way in," $o_shehethey retort$o_s with a raised finger. "No guarantee they'll both have entrances, but a secondary entrance will wind you all around but probably be less enchanted, like the forest groves in Saor. More likely to get lost than trigger an explosive glyph - just up to you to pick your poison." You grip the back of your neck and strain it as you tilt your head to the ceiling. "Both of those sound bad." "Never said they weren't," $o_shehethey snort$o_s out as $o_shehethey lean$o_s back, your remaining Sentiments chiming together as they rock with the dresser's movement. "But that's what we get for trespassing into another Clan's Sanctum without them." "To //save// them-" "Yeah..." There's a small noise as $o_shehethey wince$o_s, sucking in $o_herhistheir bottom lip againts $o_herhistheir teeth. "...think that's still up in the air." Your gaze meets $o_hershistheirs at the tense statement, holding to the lavender resolutely staring you down as $o_herhistheir mouth presses into a thin line. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> keep$o_s $o_herhistheir eyes locked on you when $o_shehethey continue$o_s. <<if $leanhaun>> "Since we're both pathosi, the secondary entrance might be a little easier going...but I'm up for whatever you are." <<else>> "I'm not //the best// at sensing traps as a pathosi - you'd probably have an easier time of it between the two of us. But I'm up for whatever you are." <</if>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> tilt$o_s $o_herhistheir head. "So - parlor or shop - what do you think?" <<set $q_one to false>> <<set $q_two to false>> <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What about the bank?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 50>><<set $q_one to true>><</link>></li> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What do you think?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 51>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"The parlor makes the most sense. What better way to learn secrets from people who will likely forget everything the next morning anyway? We should go find it on the third fourth border.\"" "Chapter4-SageSanctumDecision-Parlor">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Harpoc has always been discreet, and I can't see them changing for something as important as an entrance to their Sanctum. We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant.\"" "Chapter4-SageSanctumDecision-Shop">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>> <<case 50>> "What about the bank?" Oisein doesn't even hide the outlandish shock and gives an obnoxious guffaw - an incredibly fake one. "What about it?" "It was one of the places <<if $empathetic < $callous>>that mortalis<<else>>the Gold Sage<</if>> mentioned too." "The same bank we saw crumbling to ash and //crawling// with Intuits and half of Renescen's mortalis guards." $o_shehethey state$o_s, voice dripping with disapproval. "You're having a laugh." You scrunch your face at the patronizing tone, mouth dropping into a frown. "What if it was the main entrance?" "Then we have two side entrances to choose from, and you have a more straightforward choice than you think. And hey, maybe no traps!" $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>finish<<else>>finishes<</if>> the thought with a sardonic splay of $o_herhistheir hands to $o_herhistheir sides, but halt$o_s when $o_shehethey see$o_s your face. The mocking motion deflates with a sigh and an awkward scratch at $o_herhistheir scalp through $o_herhistheir unraveling hair. "Look, $pc_name, <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship>> you know I'd follow you just about anywhere. But you'd have to be out of your mind to go back so soon." <<else>> I'll follow your lead, but you'd have to be out of your mind to go back there so soon." <</if>> Drumming your fingers against the small window-side table, you outline the worn grooves of the wood and hum an accepting response. <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <li>$info_label "What about the bank?"</li> <<if $q_two>> <li>$info_label "What do you think?"</li> <<else>> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What do you think?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 51>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $o_friendship += 1>><</link>></li> <</if>> <li><<link "\"The parlor makes the most sense. What better way to learn secrets from people who will likely forget everything the next morning anyway? We should go find it on the third fourth border.\"" "Chapter4-SageSanctumDecision-Parlor">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Harpoc has always been discreet, and I can't see them changing for something as important as an entrance to their Sanctum. We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant.\"" "Chapter4-SageSanctumDecision-Shop">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>> <<case 51>> "Why's this all on me? What do you think?" Oisein stares at you silently before casting $o_herhistheir eyes down. "I wasn't chosen for this, remember. I just came to cause trouble on your behalf." There's a mirthless chuckle as $o_shehethey turn$o_s the left side of $o_herhistheir face away from you and start$o_s to fiddle with $o_herhistheir hair, drawing the bangs out as you feel a slight spark of magic. "I'm still asking," you continue, trying to distract $o_herhimthem. "I want to know." "Then I'd say the pathos parlor would be a good contender. Makes the most sense to me, given the amount of things //I've// heard in exchange for some empty sweet nothings." A salacious but proud smirk alights $o_herhistheir face. "Then again, Clan Harpoc seemed to be the opposite of fun - so I don't know if that holds for them." <hr> <<liveblock>> <ul> <<if $q_one>> <li>$info_label "What about the bank?"</li> <<else>> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What about the bank?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 50>><<set $q_one to true>><</link>></li> <</if>> <li>$info_label "What do you think?"</li> <li><<link "\"The parlor makes the most sense. What better way to learn secrets from people who will likely forget everything the next morning anyway? We should go find it on the third fourth border.\"" "Chapter4-SageSanctumDecision-Parlor">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Harpoc has always been discreet, and I can't see them changing for something as important as an entrance to their Sanctum. We should start with the small shop in the third quadrant.\"" "Chapter4-SageSanctumDecision-Shop">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</liveblock>> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <div class="center"> <<link "//''Saor, Vernal Equinox: Ten Years Ago...''//" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></div> <<case 2>> ——- The air was thick with the smoke of firecrackers and a symphony of laughter as you made your way through the Earth Rings of Saor - stepping through the passages specially opened between the city's levels for the three-day celebration. Your fingers followed the valleys and troughs of pock-marked stone bricks stacked in spiral staircases, rough patterns scraping across the soft skin of your palm. Paper streamers coursed above you and around you and below you; tied to the eaves of shops and run through the wooden slots of a home's open shutters. Magic protected them against the mist of the canyon's waterfalls - like all things in Saor - and it was magic again that ignited them like waves of neon lightning. A million clashes of color that still paled in comparison to the Equinox's aurora, even as it fought for brilliance against the blue of the daytime sky. The sun was beginning to set when you passed the final peak of the city, drifting along with the crowds filtering through the upper levels of Saor's Crossing and onto the arms of the massive stone bridge spanning the canyon. The sharp smell of pressed olives and onions tinged the warm, earthy smell of lemon-steamed rice, the mixture shared between a couple who laughed with wonder as the lights grew brighter above. Nearby, something sweet - a pungent mix of cherry and pomegranate - wafted over to your nose, long taffy treats flailing wildly from a child's hands as their father followed after in a panic. He just managed to catch the tail end of the elastic candy before it dragged through the dust and dirt, as a pair of bright hazel eyes and a smile - equal parts teeth and dark gaps - turned toward him with an outstretched hand to share. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "I loved this. I was practically riding the high of emotion surrounding me, snacking on a savory treat of my own as I made my way closer to the Sanctum while observing everyone." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $curious += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><<set $forward += 1>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I didn't mind the mortalis, I just wasn't a fan of crowds and preferred to observe the Equinox somewhere quieter. Still, the entire event was definitely a spectacle to be seen." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $empathetic += 1>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I enjoyed the Equinox, but not the gigantic crowd of mortalis. But I pushed through them regardless." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $callous += 1>><<set $aloof += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "Being surrounded by mortalis like this made me nervous, and I tried to get through as quickly as I could to the end of the bridge." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $apprehensive += 1>><<set $friendly += 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<if $choice is "first">> The vibrant energy of the mortalis was second only in intensity to the all-encompassing flavor of toasted sesame seeds, the still-warm brittle snapped between your teeth. You could almost say you were sad to leave these crowds - their elated songs and flailing limbs, the smell of caramelizing sugar and piercing citrus, the warmth of magic thrumming through them - But you knew you'd had better get a little closer to the Sanctum before nightfall, lest you miss the //real// fun and an even more impressive celebration, in your humble opinion. <<elseif $choice is "second">> To you the mortalis were interesting enough to observe, sure. But the crowds. //Sanctin,// the crowds. Sure, the Sanctum wasn't necessarily luxurious. But sometimes you wondered whether the Saor bridge would crumble onto itself during one of these celebrations from the sheer volume of bodies crammed into its pathways. As curious as they were with their elated songs and flailing limbs, you figured you'd better pick up the pace to the Sanctum unless you wanted to find out if this was the day the bridge would finally surrender. <<elseif $choice is "third">> Mortalis were bad enough on a day-to-day basis, let alone when they seemed inches away from knocking each over the bridge's edge to plummet into Saor's canyon. Were there even supposed to be this many people on the bridge at once? A frustrated groan surfaced in your throat as you pushed past some mortalis singing a tone deaf song - not nearly as annoying as the accompanying flailing limbs. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Being surrounded by mortalis like this always made you nervous. You knew that your glamour should disguise you plenty; disguise your magic and disguise your features too. But still you felt the chilling sensation of eyes at your earring, <<if $pc_horns is true>> <<if $pc_horns_desc is "antlers">> at your antlers, <<elseif $pc_horns_desc is "point">> at your rising horns, <<elseif $pc_horns_desc is "mav">> at your curving horns, <<elseif $pc_horns_desc is "spiral">> at your spiraling horns, <<elseif $pc_horns_desc is "ram">> at your twisting horns, <</if>> at the markings that would betray what you were. Something akin to a whimper built in your throat as you squeezed between the ever encroaching hoards of mortalis, their flailing limbs lashing towards you and their tone-deaf songs piercing your ears. <</if>> <</if>> The stone patterns of the bridge ran like a current beneath your feet, their grooves and imperfections fitting around your soles. You passed the crystal lamps that lined the barriers, counting them down - ten…six, five…three, two, one - until you met the familiar terrain of the worn down path leading through Saor's forests. Mortalis were rarer at this point, most either skeptically unsure of why you would be heading out from the city and its festivities, others smirking with the knowledge of the nooks and crannies of the forests meant for a secret rendezvous away from the prying eyes of crowds. Which is just what you were aiming for. Though for slightly different reasons than they might be expecting. Shy slivers of orange and red had recently begun to sneak through the evergreen, the trail winding further onward into a mixture of trees hugging the rolling forest floor. Where the average mortalis might see unexplored regions, or poisonous and precarious plants, you saw a home. A reprieve from the city and the duties that lay there, a chance to return to the tiny patch of "normalcy" that a sheevra could claim. You looked for the tell-tale markings of the Sanctum - a mixture of purposefully planted trees and the flicker of an illusion barrier that would be easy to mistake for a trick of the light. A slightly broken branch, a trail of leaves too perfect to be natural. Your hand slid against the illusion, the magic wafting against your skin like a fluttering curtain. With one more furtive look back, you parted it and stepped through. <ul><li><<link "Only to be slammed with light and sound." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 4>> Sirin was nowhere to be seen, predictably, though you weren't sure if you'd even be able to tell with the number of sheevra out on the surface. With so many away from the darker corners of the Sanctum hidden underground and just within canyon walls, it was a wonder no mortalis had ever found your clan around the Equinox. Leanhaun laughed with radiant light, small sunbeams from their markings and the sparklers alike piercing through the smoke. Nearby came the chittering squeaks of the felidae moths, bounding from one sheevra's shoulder to the next or nestling into someone's hair. Some were surrounded by hovering globes of light - the swarms of firefly-like sheevra normally kept underground or near Sirin's tree. But now, in this celebration, they flickered between tight pressed bodies and weaved among the reaching tree branches, reveling in the clan's joy. Chatter abounded, a thousand conversations that thrummed with the melody of someone singing. <<if $o_past_friendship>> If you were a betting $pc_gender, you'd have guessed it was Oisein showing off again. When you looked over, though, you instead found a dryad - and a Soundweaver by the looks of things - whose name escaped you in the moment. But the vibrant fuchsia of the hibiscuses along her shoulder drew you in as much as the sweet music of her magic, the air and sound circling around her bending to her whims. <<else>> You looked over to the source to find a dryad - and a Soundweaver by the looks of things - whose name escaped you in the moment. The vibrant fuchsia of the hibiscuses along her shoulders drew you in as much as the sweet music of her magic, the air and sound circling around her bending to her whims. <</if>> Her voice began to fade back into the churning noise of the Clan's celebration as other conversations bubbled up to the surface. "…whole tray of sweet bread and sausages and I-" "I saw … I swear! In mortalis form, headed for the city." "- this mortalis at that tavern, swear he looked-" "You did not- Sirin would never…Equinox of all times…" Faint words peaked your interest, an unseelie explaining emphatically to their companion with wild hand movements, insisting they saw Sirin head //into// Saor on the Equinox of all times. Your expression mirrored the one of disbelief in the sheevra listening, a hand flicking against her horns as her eyes rolled. Here and there, other sheevra gave you a subtle nod, or a grin, or a wave. Heleen, another dryad with markings like immense palm tree fronds, came up to give you a small squeeze at your shoulder. Her smile was full of teeth, darkened eyes glinting with green as she passed you a kebab stick stacked with fried dough covered in cinnamon and sugar. Giggles trailed after her light, floating steps as Mav came up behind her to grab her wrist and pull her forward. You popped one into your mouth, the burst of sweet heavenly against your tongue. You'd sworn each bite was laced with pathos magic with the way it sparked against you. Further into the Sanctum a clearing in the trees appeared, the noise only slightly quieter, replaced with the zips and fizzes of small fireworks bursting in a shower of vibrant fragments that floated away on the wind. More of the firefly sheevra collected together, loose patterns streaming underneath the explosions of light, and following each ember as it drifted and faded slowly to the ground. The soft purple of dusk smeared across the sky as you craned your neck toward the sky. While darkness blanketed over the treetops and reached toward the Sanctum and Saor, more of your clan began to appear in the clearing. Wind followed the shadows, racing though the blades of supple grass as bands of color danced and dazzled above. One by one, groups of sheevra sat together - some lounging against rocks or tree stumps long dead and dried, others laying their backs against the ground and letting the natural waves of the earth cradle them as they watched the spectacle in the heavens. You caught the eye of Mav and Heleen again, hands still full of confectionery treats and laughing at some inside joke. The palm fronds over Heleen's skin shuddered in delight from her laughter, giving the impression that they might be caught in the night's breeze as well. <<if $o_past_friendship or $o_past_feelings>> They sat near a few others, an unseelie and leanhaun among them who seemed to make some snarky comment at Mav's expense, judging by the way they bristled and swelled with indignation to the tune of Heleen's laughter growing louder. <<else>> They sat near a few others, including a leanhaun you had seen before on some of your scouting missions. <<o_captheir>> freckles shimmered in a way that would make stars hesitate, and $o_herhistheir grin was sharp, but tinged with kindness in the presence of the others. A delicate hand brushed back against blond strands while $o_shehethey made some sort of comment, likely at Mav's expense, judging by the way they bristed and swelled with indignation to the tune of Heleen's laughter growing louder. Something snagged in your chest about the leanhaun - Oisein, wasn't it? - something familiar echoing inside your magic. It didn't help that at that exact moment, $o_shehethey looked up to meet your eyes. Lavender sparked with the gradient flickering above as $o_shehethey watched you, $o_herhistheir companions ignorant to where $o_herhistheir attention had been drawn. That same something pulled at your sternum, urged you to join them. But that was impossible. Wasn't it? <<if $friendly > $aloof>> You shook the strange feelings away, giving a polite smile and a nod. Oisein watched you a few moments more, as if waiting to see if you would change your mind. But eventually, $o_shehethey just nodded as well, eyes lingering on your face. A returning smile barely stretched $o_herhistheir lips, the curve not reaching $o_herhistheir eyes - a sunken, almost saddened thing. You saw $o_herhimthem blink the expression away, before turning back to where Mav was emphatically telling some wild story. <<else>> You shook the strange feelings off, rolling your shoulders and ignoring the tug as you gave a somber nod and turning away. You didn't catch as Oisein watched you a few moments more, as if waiting to see if you would change your mind with a sunken, saddened smile that sat heavily on $o_herhistheir lips without ever reaching $o_herhistheir eyes. But eventually, $o_shehethey went back to the sheevra in $o_herhistheir group, as Mav finished telling some wild story with their hands splayed wide in the air. <</if>> <</if>> You sunk down to the ground soon after, finding a clear spot just past a grouping of boulders with a clear line of sight to the other side of the canyon, and the aurora painting elegantly over your head. The grass and weeds and wildflowers were cool to the touch, a mixture of humidity in the air that skirted over your skin and anointed each green leaf and each white petal as you swung your legs around, being careful not to crush any of the flowers that had welcomed you. Bits of dirt snuck under your nails as your fingers curled against the ground. With one last look at the surrounding forest and the growing number of sheevra - lit leanhauns, glowing fireflies, bright smiles and carefree chatter - you nestled yourself into the ground to watch the aurora. First to your elbows, your lungs filling with the crisp night air, and then carefully resting the crown of your head against the bed of plants that reached to brush over your neck before yielding to the weight of your body. <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> <<case 5>> Edges of the treetops snuck into your periphery, their dark shapes framing your vision and illuminating with orange and yellows and red as the last bits of fireworks died down. But even with the final sparklers brightening the area, there was still nothing to compare to the magic swirling in the sky. You were content to watch in silence, your breath calmed and even, a part of you wondering if you could float up towards the sky like the firefly sheevra desperate to join the rivers of light. Or maybe, if you sat still enough, the aurora would reach down and paint its colors on your body. The same comfortable quiet that had struck you washed over the area - an oddity for a clan of sheevra on any other day. Awe was a powerful silencer, though, and an expected one on a night like this. <<if $o_past_friendship or $o_past_feelings>> Well, comfortable quiet had //almost// completely washed over the area, but a shuffling from the direction you'd come from and the tell-tale notes of music-like magic warned you that it might soon be interrupted. <<if $o_past_feelings>> "Well well, look who I've found." Greens and blues outlined and reflected across Oisein's golden hair as $o_herhistheir face appeared above you, hands framing your temples while $o_shehethey crawled forward and beamed down at you. Bangs spilled down under $o_herhistheir antlers, strands spilling across the dark mauve skin of $o_herhistheir exposed neck from where it was loosely tied. The sparkling freckles of $o_herhistheir sheevra form could've easily blended with the stars, the lavender rings of light in $o_herhistheir darkened eyes like two moons shining down, the soft light cascading across your face. That familiar heat began to build - behind the nape of your neck and reaching up to gently trace over your ears before splashing down into your cheeks. A smile eased and pushed at the corners of your mouth, your heart beginning to thump - a faint bass to the joyous melody shifting in the magic around you. Another familiar feeling budded brightly against your bones. A tug against your sternum that, if you had let it, you were convinced would have floated your body upward to $o_hershistheirs, letting your lips trace along the universe held up by $o_herhistheir cheekbones. The grin the Oisein wore shifted into a smile to match yours - gentle, adoring - as $o_herhistheir elbows began to betray $o_herhimthem, folding to bring $o_herhistheir face closer to yours. Edges of $o_herhistheir golden hair drifted at your brow - - before the two of you snapped back to the moment. It wasn't sudden this time. There was no shock, no widened eyes, no awkward coughs. Ironically, part of you would have preferred the more visceral reaction - if only to actually have some tangible measure of $o_herhistheir feelings, needing the reassurance that you weren't alone in your confusion. Instead, the moment swirled away like smoke through your fingers - beautiful in its brevity, but gone in a wisp as soon as you saw it. Twin moons set as $o_shehethey closed $o_herhistheir eyes, the smile turning into a saddened, sunken thing before $o_shehethey affixed the grin back on $o_herhistheir face. "Here I thought I'd have to drag you out of Saor," $o_shehethey whispered, ushering away the tension. "What took you so long?" <<o_capthey>> didn't move from where $o_shehethey held $o_herhistheir body above you, and you thanked Sanctin for each moment more that $o_shehethey stayed. "Shoving as many Equinox sweets into my mouth as I possibly could, obviously," you shrugged against the ground, trying to joke away the awkwardness. "It's busy work." Oisein's mouth twisted expectantly as $o_herhistheir freckles danced against $o_herhistheir face. "Did you bring //me// any?" <hr> <ul> <li><<link "\"If you want to come a little closer, you might be able to have a taste.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Of course I brought some, who do you think I am?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <li><<link "Oh. Damn it - I had meant to grab some for Oisein but totally forgot." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> "//There// you are!" Greens and blues outlined and reflected across Oisein's golden hair as $o_herhistheir face appeared above you, hands framing $o_herhistheir waist as $o_shehethey beamed down from where $o_shehethey bent over your body. Bangs spilled down under $o_herhistheir antlers, strands spilling across the dark mauve skin of $o_herhistheir exposed neck from where it was loosely tied. The sparkling freckles of $o_herhistheir sheevra form could've easily blended with the stars, the lavender rings of light in $o_herhistheir darkened eyes like two moons shining down, casting soft light against the ground. A familiar joy began to build - bubbling and bright inside your chest and pushing up through your throat and into the smile that eased and pushed at the corners of your mouth. You felt $o_herhistheir magic as your own, a brilliant, vivid melody shifting in response to your presence. Another familiar feeling budded against your bones. A tug against your sternum that, if you had let it, you were convinced would have floated your body upward in a fit of laughter, the notes entangled with $o_hershistheirs. The grin that Oisein wore never left, but $o_herhistheir brow raised at your reaction. "Thought for sure I'd have to drag you out of Saor," $o_shehethey jabbed, crossing $o_herhistheir arms in a look of mock annoyance. "What took you so long?" "Shoving as many Equinox sweets into my mouth as I possibly could, obviously," you shrugged. "It's busy work." Oisein's mouth twisted mischievously as $o_herhistheir freckles danced against $o_herhistheir face. "Did you bring //me// any?" <hr> <ul> <li><<link "\"If you want to come a little closer, you might be able to have a taste.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Of course I brought some, who do you think I am?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <li><<link "Oh. Damn it - I had meant to grab some for Oisein but totally forgot." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<else>> Greens and blues outlined and reflected across the members of your clan as final fireworks fizzled out, the conversations dulling and giving way to the sight of the heavens. Every sheevra of Faille'Tor was enraptured with the spectacle, as they usually were, and for once your clan was completely still. When the Equinoxes came, the wild parties and explosions and food were expected, practically required. But toward the end of each one - as remnants of the celebrations lay discarded and strewn around the city and across the Sanctum - you sometimes wondered if there wasn't something more to the sheevra's festivities. More than just copying the mortalis, or preening about magic skill or having an excuse to steal more things from the Sky Rings and cause general chaos. Those colors called to you, sometimes. Inviting you to swim within them. Calling your heart //home//, though your mind insisted that had and always would be Saor. It was this sense of wistful longing, a pining for abstract paths and rivers of light, that sometimes drew your eyes away from the display and instead turned them toward the faces of the other sheevra around you. Tonight was one such time when the thoughts bubbled back to the surface, and you chanced a look at some of the others. Not a smile among them, eyes fogged and half-lidded, a suffocating homesickness swallowing them up. Even Mav and Heleen and boisterous Oisein - all of their expressions down-cast, rings of light in their eyes dulling the longer they stared. You knew why, because that same feeling sunk deep in your chest. Something was missing. Not only from you, but from the aurora. <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 9>><</link>> <</if>> <<case 6>> <<if $o_past_feelings>> <<if $choice is "first">> Smugness flickered on your lips as you folded your hands over one another on your stomach, eyes narrowing and that same heat still twisting through your body. "If you come a little closer, you might be able to have a taste," you cooed out, scratching up a point of victory for yourself when you saw surprise skate across Oisein's features. But true to form, $o_shehethey recovered quickly, pure delight in $o_herhistheir eyes and a sharpness in the slicing smirk of $o_herhistheir mouth. <<o_capthey>> tempted fate again as $o_shehethey lowered - though fully in control now - letting $o_herhistheir hair brush across the tender skin of your throat as $o_herhistheir breath stole yours away. "Are you sure it's not a taste of //me// you want?" You felt that tug again, your face rising to capture $o_hershistheirs, when $o_shehethey lifted <<print $o_herhimthem>>self fully up and away, melodious laughter ringing around you. Before you could help it, a wounded scoff escaped you. "Tease." "Oh, you're one to talk." You ignored the barb and the want to grab Oisein by the collar, busying your hand and focusing on the weight of the small chocolates settled in your pocket. Reaching past your hip, you pulled forth some of the small globes - chocolate and nut mixtures and sugar spun into delicate bite-sized delights. Oisein's pupils widened with anticipation as you dropped the brightly wrapped candies into $o_herhistheir outstretched hands, freckles glittering along $o_herhistheir forearm and reflecting across the metallic paper. <<o_capthey>> ripped one open as soon as it hit $o_herhistheir palm, shoving it into $o_herhistheir mouth and watching you warmly while a hum of appreciation echoed in $o_herhistheir throat. <<elseif $choice is "second">> Your brow furrowed in offense, the weight of the small chocolates settling in your pocket. You didn't reach for them right away, staring at Oisein. "Who do you think I am?" "Hopefully one of my very favorite purveyor of snacks?" "Make it your //favorite// instead of 'one of' and then //maaaaybe//…" "Oh you'll have to compete with Mav then. They were able to sneak me an entire carton of sugar apples once and-" Oisein stops <<print $o_herhimthem>>self at your narrowed eyes. "But I'm sure it's nothing in comparison to the lovely things you've brought me!" "That's what I thought," you grumble, though the smile breaks through before you can help it. Reaching past your hip, you pulled forth some of the small globes - chocolate and nut mixtures and sugar spun into delicate bite-sized delights. Oisein's pupils widened with anticipation as you dropped the brightly wrapped candies into $o_herhistheir outstretched hands, freckles glittering along $o_herhistheir forearm and reflecting across the metallic paper. <<o_capthey>> ripped one open as soon as it hit $o_herhistheir palm, shoving it into $o_herhistheir mouth and watching you warmly while a hum of appreciation echoed in $o_herhistheir throat. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You went rigid, freezing with your hands folded over your one another on your stomach and eyes widening. //Damn it.// Oisein - being the annoyingly talented pathosi $o_shehethey <<o_were>> - didn't need $o_herhistheir magic to read your expression. "$pc_name!" "I'm sorry! I forgot!" "Betrayed, deceived-" "That's a little dramatic-" you snapped, finally looking to where $o_herhistheir face shifted to an exaggerated frown of despair, clutching the strings at the front of $o_herhistheir shirt as $o_herhistheir freckles flickered dimly. "Oisein-" "Never have I been so broken-" "Oisein, please-" "-so distraught-" "Oisein!" <<o_captheir>> face shattered at your sharp tone, a grin breaking across $o_herhistheir mouth and raising $o_herhistheir cheeks. "I //am// going to remember this the next time we're in Saor together. Better have some aurins on you-" <<if $genuine > $sarcastic>> You shifted your hands to the back of your head, cool grass weaving between your fingers as you rolled your eyes. "Alright, alright, next time in we're in the city-" "There's this gem and enchanting shop that does-" "-I'll get you //one// thing from that sweet shop you like-" "…three." "One." "Fineeee," $o_shehethey surrendered with a whine, waving $o_herhistheir hands in defeat. <<else>> You shifted your hands to the back of your head, cool grass weaving between your fingers as you rolled your eyes. "You'll be too busy swindling some mortalis into buying you more jewelry to remember." "You're not wrong," $o_herhistheir mouth turned wickedly upward. "But you can make this up to me with at least three cakes from that sweet shop in the Market-" "One." "Three!" "One!" "Fineee," $o_shehethey surrendered with a whine, waving $o_herhistheir hands in defeat. <</if>> Despite your apparent transgression against $o_herhimthem though, $o_shehethey still watched you warmly before craning $o_herhistheir face to the sky. <</if>> <<elseif $o_past_friendship>> <<if $choice is "first">> Smugness flickered on your lips as you folded your hands over one another on your stomach, eyes narrowing and an unfamiliar heat twisting through your body. "If you come a little closer, you might be able to have a taste," you cooed out, scratching up a point of victory for yourself when you saw surprise skate across Oisein's features. But true to form, $o_shehethey recovered quickly, pure delight in $o_herhistheir eyes and a sharpness in the slicing smirk of $o_herhistheir mouth. You heard the thud of $o_herhistheir knees hitting the ground, $o_herhistheir face suddenly above yours as $o_herhistheir hands framed your temples. <<o_capthey>> tempted fate again as $o_shehethey lowered - though fully in control now - letting $o_herhistheir hair brush across the tender skin of your throat as $o_herhistheir breath stole yours away. "Are you sure it's not a taste of //me// you want?" You felt that tug again, your face lifting to capture $o_hershistheirs, when $o_shehethey lifted <<print $o_herhimthem>>self fully up and away, melodious laughter ringing around you. Before you could help it, a scoff escaped you. "Tease." "You're one to talk!" You ignored the barb and the want to grab Oisein by the collar, busying your hand and focusing on the weight of the small chocolates settled in your pocket. Reaching past your hip, you pulled forth some of the small globes - chocolate and nut mixtures and sugar spun into delicate bite-sized delights. Oisein's pupils widened with anticipation as you dropped the brightly wrapped candies into $o_herhistheir outstretched hands, freckles glittering along $o_herhistheir forearm and reflecting across the metallic paper. <<o_capthey>> ripped one open as soon as it hit $o_herhistheir palm, shoving it into $o_herhistheir mouth and watching you warmly while a hum of appreciation echoed in $o_herhistheir throat. <<elseif $choice is "second">> Your brow furrowed in offense, the weight of the small chocolates settling in your pocket. You didn't reach for them right away, staring at Oisein. "Who do you think I am?" "Hopefully one of my very favorite purveyor of snacks?" "Make it your //favorite// instead of 'one of' and then //maaaaybe//…" "Oh you'll have to compete with Mav then. They were able to sneak me an entire carton of sugar apples once and-" Oisein stops <<print $o_herhimthem>>self at your narrowed eyes. "But I'm sure it's nothing in comparison to the lovely things you've brought me!" "That's what I thought," you grumble, though the smile breaks through before you can help it. Reaching past your hip, you pulled forth some of the small globes - chocolate and nut mixtures and sugar spun into delicate bite-sized delights. Oisein's pupils widened with anticipation as you dropped the brightly wrapped candies into $o_herhistheir outstretched hands, freckles glittering along $o_herhistheir forearm and reflecting across the metallic paper. <<o_capthey>> ripped one open as soon as it hit $o_herhistheir palm, shoving it into $o_herhistheir mouth and watching you warmly while a hum of appreciation echoed in $o_herhistheir throat. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You went rigid, freezing with your hands folded over your one another on your stomach and eyes widening. //Damn it.// Oisein - being the annoyingly talented pathosi $o_shehethey <<o_were>> - didn't need $o_herhistheir magic to read your expression. "$pc_name!" "I'm sorry! I forgot!" "Betrayed, deceived-" "That's a little dramatic-" you snapped, finally looking to where $o_herhistheir face shifted to an exaggerated frown of despair, clutching the strings at the front of $o_herhistheir shirt as $o_herhistheir freckles flickered dimly. "Oisein-" "Never have I been so broken-" "Oisein, please-" "-so distraught-" "Oisein!" <<o_captheir>> face shattered at your sharp tone, a grin breaking across $o_herhistheir mouth and raising $o_herhistheir cheeks. "I //am// going to remember this the next time we're in Saor together. Better have some aurins on you-" <<if $genuine > $sarcastic>> You shifted your hands to the back of your head, cool grass weaving between your fingers as you rolled your eyes. "Alright, alright, next time in we're in the city-" "There's this gem and enchanting shop that does-" "-I'll get you //one// thing from that sweet shop you like-" "…three." "One." "Fineeee," $o_shehethey surrendered with a whine, waving $o_herhistheir hands in defeat. <<else>> You shifted your hands to the back of your head, cool grass weaving between your fingers as you rolled your eyes. "You'll be too busy swindling some mortalis into buying you more jewelry to remember." "You're not wrong," $o_herhistheir mouth turned wickedly upward. "But you can make this up to me with at least three cakes from that sweet shop in the Market-" "-One." "Three!" "One." "Fineee," $o_shehethey surrendered with a whine, waving $o_herhistheir hands in defeat. <</if>> Despite your apparent transgression against $o_herhimthem though, $o_shehethey still watched you warmly before craning $o_herhistheir face to the sky. <</if>> <</if>> <<if $o_past_feelings>> Bright notes interweaved with your magic and nestled beneath your wrists as Oisein shifted to the side, swinging $o_herhistheir legs around and lowering $o_herhistheir body to lay beside you. <<else>> Bright notes interweaved with your magic, playful and teasing, as Oisein shifted to the side, swinging $o_herhistheir legs around and lowering $o_herhistheir body to lay beside you. <</if>> The aurora continued to sway and spin above, the fireflies twirling within its tendrils and blending in with the stars just visible behind the vibrant blues and greens. You could hear Oisein's steady <<if $choice is "third">> breathing, the content glow of $o_herhistheir freckles shimmering in your periphery. <<else>> breathing mixed with the quiet crinkle of another chocolate wrapper, the content glow of $o_herhistheir freckles shimmering in your periphery. <</if>> Final fireworks fizzled out, the conversations dulling and giving way to the sight of the heavens. Every sheevra of Faille'Tor was enraptured with the spectacle, as they usually were, and for once your clan was completely still. When the Equinoxes came, the wild parties and explosions and food were expected, practically required. But toward the end of each one - as remnants of the celebrations lay discarded and strewn around the city and across the Sanctum - you sometimes wondered if there wasn't something more to the sheevra's festivities. More than just copying the mortalis, or preening about magic skill or having an excuse to steal more things from the Sky Rings and cause general chaos. Those colors called to you, sometimes. Inviting you to swim within them. Calling your heart //home//, though your mind insisted that had and always would be Saor. It was this sense of wistful longing, a pining for abstract paths and rivers of light, that sometimes drew your eyes away from the display and instead turned them toward the faces of the other sheevra around you. Tonight was one such time when the thoughts bubbled back to the surface, and you chanced a look at some of the others. Not a smile among them, eyes fogged and half-lidded, a suffocating homesickness swallowing them up. Even Oisein's expression was down-cast, rings of lavender in $o_herhistheir eyes dulling the longer $o_shehethey stared. "Do you ever feel like we're missing something?" Oisein's eyes widened when your quiet voice emerged through the <<if $choice is "third">> silence. <<o_capthey>> didn't respond right away, taking another few seconds to slowly chew through your question, swallowing it with a nervous gulp. <<else>> silence, a noticeable bump in $o_herhistheir cheek. <<o_capthey>> didn't respond right away, taking another few seconds to slowly chew through the chocolate and your question, swallowing them both with a nervous gulp. <</if>> "Well," $o_shehethey didn't hide the pain crackling through $o_herhistheir voice, keeping $o_herhistheir eyes upward. "Some would say we are." "Not that." "Then what?" <ul><li><<link "\"In the aurora.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 7>> <<o_capthey>> looked to you, a question in $o_herhistheir eyes now instead. But instead of all skepticism, you had found a sliver of understanding. "What do you mean?" $o_shehethey still asked. "Like there should be more to see. More of...something in it?" The fog cleared from $o_herhistheir eyes as $o_herhistheir face lit again with a teasing smile. "//Something.// Could you be a little more specific?" <<if $genuine > $sarcastic>> "I'm serious," you protested, annoyance building at $o_herhistheir smirk. "But I can't...I don't know how to describe it." <<else>> "No actually, that's as clear as I can get." "I mean, //''I''// can imagine what you mean perfectly, but maybe for everyone else..." $o_shehethey gestured to the nearest group of sheevra, whose focus was still transfixed on the night sky. "Seriously," you finally protested, annoyance building at $o_herhistheir smirk. "I can't...I don't know how to describe it." <</if>> <<o_captheir>> face turned somber at your tone and $o_shehethey glanced back to the shifting aurora. The two of you let the quiet blanket over you again, blades of grass whispering around your ankles and the pressure of the earth against your skull trying to assuage any worries. "Yeah, I know what you mean," the other sheevra eventually answered. "But maybe that's okay." Oisein kneaded $o_herhistheir teeth into $o_herhistheir lip, $o_herhistheir voice barely above the sound of the wind streaming through the field surrounding you. Rolling onto $o_herhistheir side, $o_shehethey propped $o_herhistheir head up onto $o_herhistheir hand and dug $o_herhistheir elbow into the ground, other arm resting along the curve of $o_herhistheir body and outlined by flickering green and blue light. You waited for $o_herhimthem to continue, not wanting to interrupt $o_herhistheir thoughts or ruin the calm veneer across $o_herhistheir face. As you did, $o_herhistheir hand brushed idly over the plants around you, head swiveling around to take in your other clan members. "I mean - do we //need// to know if something's really missing or what that might be?" <<o_capthey>> plucked a dandelion that had sprouted from a collection of them at the base of a nearby rock, avoiding your gaze as $o_shehethey studied the soft white headed seeds and twirled the stem between $o_herhistheir fingers. A single desperate leaf clung to the fragile plant, half torn across its jagged, tooth-like edges. You rolled onto your side to face Oisein fully, tucking an arm beneath your head and creating a pillow with your elbow. More strands of blond hair fell over $o_herhistheir face, shrouding some of the sadness nestled into the soft lines arcing under $o_herhistheir eyes. <<o_capthey>> looked //tired.// "Don't you //want// to know?" <<o_capthey>> froze. "Isn't it enough as it is?" Bright eyes locked with yours for a fraction of a moment, before $o_shehethey returned them to the flower in $o_herhistheir hand. A quick inhale later, $o_shehethey lifted $o_herhistheir chin and the dandelion head, gently blowing across the seeds and releasing them into the wind. You watched as they dispersed and escaped on the next gust, swirling into the invisible eddies and revolving around each other. When some of the fireflies caught sight of the seeds, they fluttered closer, some spinning around in fragile flights, others buoying themselves atop the soft heads. It was as the seeds and fireflies became indistinguishable with the aurora's light that Oisein breathed out the question. <ul><li><<link "\"Aren't we?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 8>> <div class="center"> <<link "//''Knock. Knock. Knock.''//" "Ch4-SancMemReturn">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </div> <<case 9>> You'd never be able to describe if it someone asked. //But maybe that was okay.// You let the quiet blanket over you again at the thought. //Do I really need to know if something's missing? Do I have to find out what it is?// You kneaded your teeth into your lip, the sound of wind streaming through the field surrounding you. Rolling onto your sdie, you propped up your head onto your hand and dug your elbow into the ground, your other arm resting along the curve of your body and outlined in flickering green and blue light. Fingers brushed idly over the plants around you, head swiveling around to take in your other clan members. That tug on your sternum, your eyes drawn back to the antlers sprouting from golden blond hair. <<o_capthey>> must have turned when you weren't looking, something drawing $o_herhistheir attention while the other sheevra around $o_herhimthem continued to stare at the sky. <<o_capthey>> plucked a dandelion that had sprouted from a collection of them at the base of a nearby rock, avoiding your gaze as $o_shehethey studied the soft white headed seeds and twirled the stem between $o_herhistheir fingers. A single desperate leaf clung to the fragile plant, half torn across its jagged, tooth-like edges. //Isn't it enough as it is?// Bright eyes locked with yours for a fraction of a moment, before $o_shehethey returned them to the flower in $o_herhistheir hand. A quick inhale later, $o_shehethey lifted $o_herhistheir chin and the dandelion head, gently blowing across the seeds and releasing them into the wind. You watched as they dispersed and escaped on the next gust, swirling into the invisible eddies and revolving around each other. When some of the fireflies caught sight of the seeds, they fluttered closer, some spinning around in fragile flights, others buoying themselves atop the soft heads. It was as the seeds and fireflies became indistinguishable with the aurora's light that you breathed out the question into the empty space around you. <ul><li><<link "\"Aren't we?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 8>><</link>></li></ul> <</switch>>

Thank you for playing The Nameless! This is the end of the current demo. Game Development blog can be found on <a href="https://parkerlyn.tumblr.com" target="_blank">Tumblr (parkerlyn)</a> If you enjoyed the game, please consider <a href="https://www.patreon.com/parkerlyn" target="_blank">becoming a Patron</a> (one-time donations welcome!) or donating via the itch.io page. Every month, 20% of my Patreon income goes toward <a href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/" target="_blank">The Trevor Project</a> and <a href="https://abortionfunds.org/" target="_blank">The National Network of Abortion Funds.</a> Thank you so much again for reading and playing, and for all your support! xoxo ♥ Parker <div class="center"> <<button "Restart the Game">><<run UI.restart()>><</button>> </div> <div class="center"><img src="images/sepleft.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"> <div class="particle-text-orange-header" style="display:inline;">Credits</div> <img src="images/sepright.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"></div> ''Writing, Programming, and Art:'' Parker Lyn ''Partial UI Design'' from <a href="https://vahnya.itch.io/twine-template" target="_blank">Twine Template by Vahnya</a> ''Nameless Beta Readers:'' Dashing, Nora, Christina (levelofdepth), Dee, GingerGen, Emma Cole, Citta, Lanja, honourlight, Vahnya, Gage, Unithecorn, Anne, Nina, Bree, Elizabeth, & Crow <div class="center"><img src="images/sepleft.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"> <div class="particle-text-orange" style="display:inline;">''Thank you Patrons!''</div> <img src="images/sepright.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"> /*''//Deboshree//'' | ''//Nora//'' | //Olli Free// | nyehilism | //BucketofGeese// //Dia// | //Cait [Shifty Cow]// | //Chardii// | //Medouse// | //Israa// Novem | //''Gryphon''// | //Darkmere// | Kat | Ida */ ''//Deboshree//'' | ''//Nora//'' | //''Gryphon''// //Olli Free// | //BucketofGeese// | //Dia// | //Cait [Shifty Cow]// | //Chardii// //Medouse// | //Israa// | //Darkmere// nyehilism | Novem | Kat | Ida </div>

<div class="center"><img src="images/sepleft.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"> <div class="particle-text-orange-header" style="display:inline;">The Four Sheevra Clans</div> <img src="images/sepright.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"></div> As the Old Wars ended and the sheevra set forward with their mission, there was a natural separation into four clans based in the four remaining areas untouched by the Arids. Each clan was led by a High Sheevra, said to be some of the first sheevra to come into creation who had seen Sanctin themself. <div class="particle-text-orange">''Clan Faille'Tor'' </div> <img src="images/CodexAssets/FailleTor.png" alt="Faille-Tor" border="0" style="width: 25%; height:auto; float:right;"> //High Sheevra:// Sirin //City:// Saor While any sheevra can make any deal so long as the terms are set, Clan Faille'Tor are best known for trading in memories and also have the widest variety of types of sheevra and magic proficients. Since Sirin can shapeshift into a large blackbird, there's some fantastical stories around the clans about them stealing sheevra from other cities to make that diversity. Their Sanctum is embedded into the trees and within the cliffs around Saor, surrounding the underground rivers that eventually lead to the waterfalls of the city's canyon. <div class="particle-text-orange">''Clan Moirae'' </div> <img src="images/CodexAssets/Moirae.png" alt="Moirae" border="0" style="width: 25%; height:auto; float:right;"> //High Sheevra:// Clo, Kehs, and Atra //City:// Braka Clan Moirae are best known for trading in time. They're also the largest Clan and are known for being a bit more impulsive, but close-knit and loyal. Many of their sheevra are air-favored elementalists, which is helpful with the structure of Braka. As such, most of Moirae's sheevra tend to show similar traits to birds, reptiles, or different rams/goats. Their Sanctum spans all three buttes/mesas of Braka, and is structured almost like a hive, with carved out layers throughout. <div class="particle-text-orange">''Clan Obsidian'' </div> <img src="images/CodexAssets/Obsidian.png" alt="Obsidian" border="0" style="width: 25%; height:auto; float:right;"> //High Sheevra:// Itzal and Tlali //City:// Han Clan Obsidian are known to trade most in health. They keep to themselves generally, though if prompted are actually the most willing to meet up with other clans... until recently. The Clan is mainly comprised of merfolk and other water-based sheevra as well as a good number of leanhauns around their underwater cavern Sanctum, which suits the rivers of Han. Many of their sheevra have skin that either looks like the depths of the ocean, the night sky, or both. <div class="particle-text-orange">''Clan Harpoc'' </div> <img src="images/CodexAssets/Harpoc.png" alt="Harpoc" border="0" style="width: 25%; height:auto; float:right;"> //High Sheevra:// Tacita //City:// Renescen Clan Harpoc are best for trading in secrets and knowledge. They are known to be the most integrated with their city, which fuels the rumor about them becoming sympathetic towards the mortalis since they know the most about the people of their area. Predictably, there are many leanhaun and unseelie among them, and they are generally known for their stoic personalities and the muted, dull colors of their sheevra forms. <div class="center"> <<button "Back to Codex" "Codex">><</button>> <<button "Return to Game" $return>><</button>> </div>

<div class="center"><img src="images/sepleft.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"> <div class="particle-text-orange-header" style="display:inline;">B r a k a</div> <img src="images/sepright.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"></div> <img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1E8uMAq77gB89S8Ky-Le6mkgwHP5mqkDG" align="left" style="width:20%; height: auto; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> <div class="particle-text-orange">''Names:'' </div> "The Western City" | "City in the Sky" <div class="particle-text-orange">''Old War Siphon:'' </div> Raising the city onto the three buttes where it currently rests. <div class="particle-text-orange">''Sheevra Clan:'' </div> Moirae Nestled at the edge of the Briste mountain range, the northern city of Renescen is the thriving center of astronomy and metallurgy in the world. The architecture, predictably, imitates the stone and metal motifs of the mountains, with the majority of the city built of sandy brick with highlights or frames of metal in larger buildings like the Archival Library. Four quadrants make up Renescen, fanning outward from the Crossing that sits on the border between the city and the Arids. The first quadrant is made up primarily of residences and small shops, and is home to the most smithies. The second quadrant contains the seat of power in the city, the Governor's Circle, as well as larger institutions such as the Collegium and the Archival Library. The Library's observatory dish is said to be observable from miles away, a golden union of science and magic that allows Renescen to boast the most accurate records of the night sky and the movements of the stars. The third quadrant is the home of industry and manufacturing, and Renescen's sprawling markets and apartments. There are rumors of a pathway here into an underground black market, though if there is, any purveyor of illegal goods has managed to always stay one step ahead of the city guard. The fourth quadrant is the center of culture and the arts for the city, boasting multiple green spaces and museums that could rival the Archival Library. The Falls Road cuts across all four quadrants in an arc, and is the main pathway that connects the city. Other alleys and smaller streets trickle away from this main road through the quadrants, invoking the namesake image of a waterfall. Like every other city, Renescen's border to the Arids is supported by a series of magical pylons that are activated to shield the city from threatening sandstorms. Both Renescen and Braka are the two cities that most closely border the Arids. The city residents mainly use the sky rails and carts to traverse through the quadrants. jfdkalsfjaslkd;fjaklsjdf ajf <div class="center"> <div class="center"> <<button "Back to Codex" "Codex">><</button>> <<button "Return to Game" $return>><</button>> </div> /*<img src="https://i.ibb.co/VqK3Zxg/FHealer.png" alt="FHealer" border="0"></a> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/NtTZZsj/FMagesmith.png" alt="FMagesmith" border="0"></a> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/H2WMPy9/FSage.png" alt="FSage" border="0"></a> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/JFksHFq/MHealer.png" alt="MHealer" border="0"></a> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/pZpLd8S/MMagesmith.png" alt="MMagesmith" border="0"></a> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/QFn5j8g/MSage.png" alt="MSage" border="0"></a> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/BzxcpJZ/Oisein-Afab.png" alt="Oisein-Afab" border="0"></a> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/dDPVhbJ/Oisein-Afab2.png" alt="Oisein-Afab2" border="0"></a> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/Wg3h4Hw/Oisein-Amab.png" alt="Oisein-Amab" border="0"></a> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/g6wbDRy/Oisein-Amab2.png" alt="Oisein-Amab2" border="0"></a>*/

/*<<include "Oisein-CodexImage">>*/ <div class="center"><img src="images/sepleft.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"> <div class="particle-text-orange-header" style="display:inline;">Oisein</div> <img src="images/sepright.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"></div> <img src="images/nbOiseinProfile.png" style="width: 40%; height:auto; float:right;"> Sheevra | Pathosi <div class="particle-text-orange">''TRUE NAME''</div> ???? <div class="particle-text-orange">''FALSE NAME''</div> Oisein <div class="particle-text-orange">''ALIAS(ES)''</div> Many <div class="particle-text-orange">''OCCUPATION''</div> Sheevra of Clan Faille'Tor, occasional singer <div class="particle-text-orange">''AGE''</div> ??? <div class="particle-text-orange">''HEIGHT''</div> 5"10' | 178 cm <div class="particle-text-orange">''EYE COLOUR''</div> Lavender <div class="particle-text-orange">''HAIR COLOUR + STYLE''</div> Golden blond, normally tied half-up <div class="particle-text-orange">''DISTINGUISHING FEATURES''</div> Spots and freckles across $o_herhistheir entire body in both mortalis and sheevra form <div class="particle-text-orange">''TATTOO(S)''</div> None <div class="particle-text-orange">''SCAR(S)''</div> <<if (visited("Chapter4")) and (visited("Chapter3-Oisein"))>>A jagged, relatively fresh wound runs from the edge of $o_herhistheir left eye down over $o_herhistheir cheek and ends just below $o_herhistheir jaw.<<else>>???<</if>> A fellow sheevra from your Clan, Faille'Tor, you've known Oisein for most of your life. Extremely gifted with pathos magic, Oisein has generally secured deals in your home city of Saor by manipulating the emotions of the mortalis, seducing them through their more base desires. Known as a chaotic troublemaker even in your Clan, Oisein defers to $o_herhistheir whims when making decisions regardless of the collateral. Though $o_shehethey tend$o_s to default to sarcasm and snark, $o_shehethey seem$o_s to have a soft spot for you. <div class="center"> <<button "Back to Codex" "Codex">><</button>> <<button "Return to Game" $return>><</button>> </div>

/*<<include "Healer-CodexImage">>*/ <div class="center"><img src="images/sepleft.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"> <div class="particle-text-orange-header" style="display:inline;">The Healer</div> <img src="images/sepright.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"></div> <<if $h_gender is "man">> <img src="images/mHealerProfile.png" style="width: 40%; height:auto; float:right;"> <<else>> <img src="images/fHealerProfile.png" style="width: 40%; height:auto; float:right;"> <</if>> Mortalis | Illusioner <div class="particle-text-orange">''TRUE NAME''</div> ???? <div class="particle-text-orange">''FALSE NAME''</div> ???? <div class="particle-text-orange">''ALIAS(ES)''</div> Healer, First Healer, Healer off Daroca <div class="particle-text-orange">''OCCUPATION''</div> Healer in Renescen's First Quadrant /*<div class="particle-text-orange">''AGE''</div> 26 */ <div class="particle-text-orange">''HEIGHT''</div> 6'3" | 190 cm <div class="particle-text-orange">''EYE COLOUR''</div> Gold <div class="particle-text-orange">''HAIR COLOUR + STYLE''</div> Black, undercut and normally tied back in a bun <div class="particle-text-orange">''DISTINGUISHING FEATURES''</div> Healer tattoos <div class="particle-text-orange">''TATTOO(S)''</div> Geometric lines that frame $h_herhis shoulder blades and run over $h_herhis body <div class="particle-text-orange">''SCAR(S)''</div> None A skilled illusionist as well, <<print $h_shehe>>'s known in the first quadrant as being one of the most approachable and welcoming Healers. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>>'s usually seen carrying bundles of herbs from the surrounding forests or plucking them from the eaves of $h_herhis roof. Even when <<print $h_shehe>>'s rushing deliveries around the city, it's difficult to catch $h_herhim without a smile. Open and friendly, the Healer wears $h_herhis heart on $h_herhis sleeve and cares deeply and fully for the ones $h_shehe loves. <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> trust, while easy to earn, is almost impossible to regain when broken. <div class="center"> <<button "Back to Codex" "Codex">><</button>> <<button "Return to Game" $return>><</button>> </div>

/*<<include "Magesmith-CodexImage">>*/ <div class="center"><img src="images/sepleft.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"> <div class="particle-text-orange-header" style="display:inline;">The Magesmith</div> <img src="images/sepright.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"></div> <<if $m_gender is "man">> <img src="images/mMagesmithProfile.png" style="width: 40%; height:auto; float:right;"> <<else>> <img src="images/fMagesmithProfile.png" style="width: 40%; height:auto; float:right;"> <</if>> Mortalis | Elementalist <div class="particle-text-orange">''TRUE NAME''</div> ???? <div class="particle-text-orange">''FALSE NAME''</div> ???? <div class="particle-text-orange">''ALIAS(ES)''</div> Magesmith, First Magesmith <div class="particle-text-orange">''OCCUPATION''</div> Magesmith in Renescen's First Quadrant /*<div class="particle-text-orange">''AGE''</div> 28 */ <div class="particle-text-orange">''HEIGHT''</div> 5'9" | 175 cm <div class="particle-text-orange">''EYE COLOUR''</div> Varies. Naturally dark brown <div class="particle-text-orange">''HAIR COLOUR + STYLE''</div> Dark auburn. Worn with headband or tied back. <div class="particle-text-orange">''DISTINGUISHING FEATURES''</div> intricate brass left forearm prosthetic <div class="particle-text-orange">''TATTOO(S)''</div> magical glyph on inner left bicep, top of and along spine. Tattoo at top of spine circles magical symbols around neck. <div class="particle-text-orange">''SCAR(S)''</div> numerous. Most noticeable is a scar through $m_herhis left eyebrow A prickly artificer who lives in Renescen's first quadrant, the Magesmith is renowed throughout the city for $m_herhis enchanting skill and inventions. Many smiths become more successful if they can convince the Magesmith to partner with them. Normally aloof and bluntly honest, the Magesmith can come across as condescending. But though $m_shehe keeps $m_herhis emotions close, it's easy to see how fiercely protective $m_shehe becomes for the ones $m_shehe cares about. Don't expect a straight answer if you ask $m_herhim about the arm. <div class="center"> <<button "Back to Codex" "Codex">><</button>> <<button "Return to Game" $return>><</button>> </div>

/*<<include "Sage-CodexImage">>*/ <div class="center"><img src="images/sepleft.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"> <div class="particle-text-orange-header" style="display:inline;">The Sage</div> <img src="images/sepright.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"></div> <<if $s_gender is "man">> <img src="images/mSageProfile.png" style="width: 40%; height:auto; float:right;"> <<else>> <img src="images/fSageProfile.png" style="width: 40%; height:auto; float:right;"> <</if>> Mortalis | Elementalist <div class="particle-text-orange">''TRUE NAME''</div> ???? <div class="particle-text-orange">''FALSE NAME''</div> ???? <div class="particle-text-orange">''ALIAS(ES)''</div> Sage, Gold Sage <div class="particle-text-orange">''OCCUPATION''</div> Elemental Sage of Renescen's Archival Library /*<div class="particle-text-orange">''AGE''</div> 27 */ <div class="particle-text-orange">''HEIGHT''</div> 6'0" | 183 cm <div class="particle-text-orange">''EYE COLOUR''</div> Hazel <div class="particle-text-orange">''HAIR COLOUR + STYLE''</div> Dark brown/black, normally in braids and held back with gold ribbon <div class="particle-text-orange">''DISTINGUISHING FEATURES''</div> Normally seen with gold eyeliner along bottom of eyes <div class="particle-text-orange">''TATTOO(S)''</div> None <div class="particle-text-orange">''SCAR(S)''</div> None As the Gold Sage of Renescen's Archival Library, $s_shehe serves as the expert on elemental magic within the city. <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> elemental magic in particular is unmatched, though <<print $s_shehe>>'d be the last person to boast. Hopeful and earnest, $s_shehe may appear reserved but is always forthcoming and kind. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> loves to speak on history and the inner workings of magic, the pitch and rhythm of $s_herhis voice picking up considerably when excited. Aside from $s_herhis day-to-day duties with the Library, $s_shehe also has a penchant for research of the night sky and the auroras. Especially since they may hold information that could save the Arids. <div class="center"> <<button "Back to Codex" "Codex">><</button>> <<button "Return to Game" $return>><</button>> </div>

<div class="center"><img src="images/sepleft.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"> <div class="particle-text-orange-header" style="display:inline;">Magic</div> <img src="images/sepright.png" style="max-width:20%; display:inline-block;"></div> Everyone in the world is able to tap into any of the three schools of magic, but always favors one heavily over the others. There are legends of people able to master all three, known as "Chromatics". The High Sheevra are rumored to be such beings. <hr> <div class="center"><div class="particle-text-orange-header" style="display:inline;">Pathos</div></div> <img src="images/PathosRound.png" style="width:30%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 15px;"> Pathos is the magic of understanding others and their thoughts - and sometimes influencing them. Users most skilled in this school of magic are often called "pathosi" or "pathos proficients". Pathosi are often able to read people the easiest, tapping into the hidden strains of another's magic and the emotions running deep within to quickly understand their motivations. However, if trying to persuade someone against their usual morals, or trying to read a particularly guarded memory or emotion, it takes a strong pathosi to do so without their target realizing either during or after being affected. Within mortalis law, using pathos to specifically influence for profit/political gain/to commit a crime - "Marionetting or 'netting" - is highly illegal and often not touted in public. There are, however, "pathos parlors" where one could go to experience a heightened sense of euphoria or any other emotion a person could desire at the hands of a skilled pathosi. Pathos proficients can also experience an empathetic echo, where either the emotions of the person they're reading or the emotions they're pushing onto a target can richochet back if they're not careful, and throw them into confusion about their own emotions and thoughts. <hr> <div class="center"><div class="particle-text-orange-header" style="display:inline;">Elemental</div></div> <img src="images/ElementalRound.png" style="width:30%; height:auto; float: left; margin: 15px;"> Elemental is the magic of the world and its natural energy, and in short, smaller bursts, is the magic most used day-to-day, but is by no means less powerful. Users proficient in this school of magic are often called "elementalists". Almost everyone in the world uses some sort of minor elemental magic every day - from lighting candles or cooking, to lifting light objects through the air. But it takes a practiced elementalist to draw out the magic's real power. With study, most elementalists find themselves favoring a certain element, and incorporating that element into most of their magic. But even if someone is fire-favored, it doesn't rule out the use of air or water magic. Though it does usually mean those other portions are often less finessed. Elemental magic is one of the more chaotic schools if a person were to push their limits too far, so it is extremely accident prone if not handled correctly, or if someone were to branch too far and too fast into an element that they're not in tune with. Those who seek more education and practice to hone their elemental skills take much longer to master it, and always need a proper mentor or teacher. <hr> <div class="center"><div class="particle-text-orange-header" style="display:inline;">Illusion</div></div> <img src="images/IllusionRound.png" style="width:30%; height:auto; float: left; margin: 15px;"> Illusions are the magic of tricking and deception - though not always in a negative light, and more often than not to help others. Users proficient in this school of magic are often called "illusioners". At first glance, illusioners may seem like they're only manipulating or creating a show, bending light and sound to their whims. But there are a variety of other uses. In the world of Sanctin, many Healers use illusion magic to help, often working on their proficiency in illusion magic to also calm patients down in certain situations. Artists throughout the cities are also known to use illusion magic in new and unique ways to create new masterpieces. Many illusioners must walk a fine line, making sure that they don't fall into a trap or become stuck in their own illusions. This is most difficult when the are most easily able to create a version of life that may be more preferable to their current state. If an illusioner falls too deep into the illusion, there's a risk they will lose control of it, and the illusion may manifest randomly for a period of time, draining their magic unexpectedly. Eventually, this side effect can fade if the illusioner becomes aware and fights it. <hr> <div class="center"> <<button "Back to Codex" "Codex">><</button>> <<button "Return to Game" $return>><</button>> </div>

<<if $dryad is true>> <div class="center"> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/MDSRFxY/dryadleft.png" style="max-width: 20%; display:inline-block;"> <div class="particle-text-orange-header-center">$pc_name</div> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/19QqP5n/dryadright.png" style="max-width: 20%; display:inline-block;"> </div> <<elseif $unseelie is true>> <div class="center"> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/3skVBLV/unseelieleft.png" style="max-width: 20%; display:inline-block;"> <div class="particle-text-orange-header-center">$pc_name</div> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/vjmMQ02/unseelieright.png" style="max-width: 20%; display:inline-block;"> </div> <<elseif $leanhaun is true>> <div class="center"> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/PwQjCWV/leanhaunleft.png" style="max-width: 25%; display:inline-block;"> <div class="particle-text-orange-header-center">$pc_name</div> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/z7tkD8B/leanhaunright.png" style="max-width: 25%; display:inline-block;"> </div> <</if>><div class="center"> <<if visited("Chapter1")>> <<button "Toggle Handwriting">> <<if $journal_handwritten>> <<set $journal_handwritten to false>> <<else>> <<set $journal_handwritten to true>> <</if>> <<update>><</button>> <</if>> <<if visited("Chapter2")>>Jump to: <a href="#ch1">Chapter 1</a><</if>> <<if visited("Chapter3")>> | <a href="#ch2">Chapter 2</a><</if>> <<if visited("Chapter4")>> | <a href="#ch3">Chapter 3</a><</if>> <<if visited("Chapter1")>><<button "Back to Stats" "Stats">><</button>> <<button "Return to Game" $return>><</button>><</if>> </div> <<if visited("Chapter1")>> <hr> <<liveblock>> <<if $journal_handwritten>> <div class="journal-date"> ''Vernal 2/13, 3016 - Saor'' </div> <<else>> <div class="particle-text-orange-header">''Vernal 2/13, 3016 - Saor''</div> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <<liveblock>> <<if $journal_handwritten>> <div class="journal"> I was called by Sirin today for a new scouting mission. But not in Saor - instead, they asked me to travel to Renescen to search for Clan Harpoc, and its High Sheevra, Tacita. I don't know if I've ever met anyone from Harpoc, to be honest, unless they've come into Saor without our knowledge. Obsidian has been the more common visitors here, though I heard a High Sheevra of Moirae has visited a couple times. Either way, nothing good can come from a Clan disappearing...I hope it sounds worse than it actually is. </div> <<else>> I was called by Sirin today for a new scouting mission. But not in Saor - instead, they asked me to travel to Renescen to search for Clan Harpoc, and its High Sheevra, Tacita. I don't know if I've ever met anyone from Harpoc, to be honest, unless they've come into Saor without our knowledge. Obsidian has been the more common visitors here, though I heard a High Sheevra of Moirae has visited a couple times. Either way, nothing good can come from a Clan disappearing...I hope it sounds worse than it actually is. <</if>> <</liveblock>> <div class="center"> <<if visited("Prologue-GoldChoice")>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/GoldChoice.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <<else>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/GoldChoiceGrey.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <</if>> <<if visited("Prologue-CoupleChoice")>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/LoverChoice.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <<else>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/LoverChoiceGrey.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <</if>> <<if visited("Prologue-DaughterChoice")>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/DaughterChoice.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <<else>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/DaughterChoiceGrey.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <</if>> </div> <<liveblock>> <<if $journal_handwritten>> <div class="journal"> Afterwards as I was wandering through our Sanctum, I caught sight of some younger scouts - a group of dryad, unseelie, and leanhaun - fresh faced and excited as they lingered around the borders. Seeing them reminded me of my own first deal. <<if visited("Prologue-GoldChoice")>> That drunk mortalis who turned out to be cleverer than I initially thought, a sack of gold, and those vacant eyes. And seeing his wife distraught with grief is an image I won't soon forget. I was lucky really - not every sheevra can say they found a Sentiment on their first deal. But to feel Devotion powerful enough to distill...do I even want to know what that's like? <<elseif visited("Prologue-CoupleChoice")>> That $h_gender who I mistook as a jilted lover - just looking to see $h_herhis Entwined again. The sort of power that mortalis' feelings must have had... I was lucky really - not every sheevra can say they found a Sentiment on their first deal. But to feel Despair powerful enough to distill...do I even want to know what that's like? <<elseif visited("Prologue-DaughterChoice")>> The determined eyes of a daughter wronged, the sick color of bruises, and the smell of death. We're not usually ones to speed along a mortalis' end - bit of a waste - but I can't say I was unhappy with how things turned out. And I was lucky really - not every sheevra can say they found a Sentiment on their first deal. But to feel Fury powerful enough to distill...do I even want to know what that's like? <</if>> </div> <<else>> Afterwards as I was wandering through our Sanctum, I caught sight of some younger scouts - a group of dryad, unseelie, and leanhaun - fresh faced and excited as they lingered around the borders. Seeing them reminded me of my own first deal. <<if visited("Prologue-GoldChoice")>> That drunk mortalis who turned out to be cleverer than I initially thought, a sack of gold, and those vacant eyes. And seeing his wife distraught with grief is an image I won't soon forget. I was lucky really - not every sheevra can say they found a Sentiment on their first deal. But to feel Devotion powerful enough to distill...do I even want to know what that's like? <<elseif visited("Prologue-CoupleChoice")>> That $h_gender who I mistook as a jilted lover - just looking to see $h_herhis Entwined again. The sort of power that mortalis' feelings must have had... I was lucky really - not every sheevra can say they found a Sentiment on their first deal. But to feel Despair powerful enough to distill...do I even want to know what that's like? <<elseif visited("Prologue-DaughterChoice")>> The determined eyes of a daughter wronged, the sick color of bruises, and the smell of death. We're not usually ones to speed along a mortalis' end - bit of a waste - but I can't say I was unhappy with how things turned out. And I was lucky really - not every sheevra can say they found a Sentiment on their first deal. But to feel Fury powerful enough to distill...do I even want to know what that's like? <</if>> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <div class="center"> <<if $o_past_friendship>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/OiseinFriends.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <<else>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/OiseinFriendsGrey.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <</if>> <<if $o_past_feelings>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/OiseinFeelings.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <<else>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/OiseinFeelingsGrey.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <</if>> <<if $o_past_friendship is false and $o_past_feelings is false>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/OiseinAcq.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <<else>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/OiseinAcqGrey.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <</if>> </div> <<liveblock>> <<if $journal_handwritten>> <div class="journal"> I almost didn't hear Oisein when $o_shehethey approached - glad I wasn't standing too close to the canyon edge. <<if $o_past_friendship>> But either way, I was glad to see $o_herhimthem. Oisein has basically become my best friend, though it feels a little odd to write that. I know Sirin is always saying we don't have the same connections as the mortalis because well...we're connected to the world and Sanctin instead. But is that really true? Don't know if this is the place to guess at that, but the point is that I trust Oisein. <<elseif $o_past_feelings>> But either way, I was glad to see $o_herhimthem. Oisein has basically become my best friend, though it feels a little odd to write that. I know Sirin is always saying we don't have the same connections as the mortalis because well...we're connected to the world and Sanctin instead. But is that really true? And sometimes I wonder if there might be more between us. I swear I've caught this flicker of softness in $o_herhistheir eyes when $o_shehethey look$o_s to me, and the way $o_shehethey caught my wrist- I know Oisein's a well-known pathosi and a skilled manipulator of mortalis - but this isn't that. At least...I don't think so. Guess that's neither here or there now that I'm going to Renescen without $o_herhimthem. ...I hate that. <<else>> I was a little surprised to see $o_herhimthem. I've seen $o_herhimthem around here and there, and we're on alright terms, but I wouldn't say we're particularly close. From what I've heard, $o_shehethey usually spend$o_s $o_herhistheir time concocting new schemes and getting into trouble. Though as pathosi go, $o_herhistheir skills are supposedly unmatched. <<if $leanhaun>> Maybe one day we'll see how well they stand up against mine.<</if>> <</if>> Oisein sensed...fear, from my encounter with Sirin. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> warned me about going to Renescen - but what could I really say to Sirin's request? <<if $o_past_friendship and ($o_past_feelings is false)>> As I went to leave and start preparing, Oisein reached out for me. And of course, brought up that unfortunate thing with the kid getting the better of me - which I mean, is debatable. But eventually, $o_herhistheir told me $o_shehethey thought I was getting set up to be a sacrifice for information. Which I...can't really disagree with. And then that worry again - that genuine care I've come to take for granted from $o_herhimthem. <<elseif $o_past_feelings is false and $o_past_friendship is false>> As I went to leave and start preparing, Oisein reached out for me. After I got over the shock, $o_shehethey immediately took $o_herhistheir hand away, and said I seemed like a sacrifice. Which I...can't really disagree with. <</if>> ...I wonder what the future has in store. </div> <<else>> I almost didn't hear Oisein when $o_shehethey approached - glad I wasn't standing too close to the canyon edge. <<if $o_past_friendship>> But either way, I was glad to see $o_herhimthem. Oisein has basically become my best friend, though it feels a little odd to write that. I know Sirin is always saying we don't have the same connections as the mortalis because well...we're connected to the world and Sanctin instead. But is that really true? Don't know if this is the place to guess at that, but the point is that I trust Oisein. <<elseif $o_past_feelings>> But either way, I was glad to see $o_herhimthem. Oisein has basically become my best friend, though it feels a little odd to write that. I know Sirin is always saying we don't have the same connections as the mortalis because well...we're connected to the world and Sanctin instead. But is that really true? And sometimes I wonder if there might be more between us. I swear I've caught this flicker of softness in $o_herhistheir eyes when $o_shehethey look$o_s to me, and the way $o_shehethey caught my wrist- I know Oisein's a well-known pathosi and a skilled manipulator of mortalis - but this isn't that. At least...I don't think so. Guess that's neither here or there now that I'm going to Renescen without $o_herhimthem. ...I hate that. <<else>> I was a little surprised to see $o_herhimthem. I've seen $o_herhimthem around here and there, and we're on alright terms, but I wouldn't say we're particularly close. From what I've heard, $o_shehethey usually spend$o_s $o_herhistheir time concocting new schemes and getting into trouble. Though as pathosi go, $o_herhistheir skills are supposedly unmatched. <<if $leanhaun>> Maybe one day we'll see how well they stand up against mine.<</if>> <</if>> Oisein sensed...fear, from my encounter with Sirin. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> warned me about going to Renescen - but what could I really say to Sirin's request? <<if $o_past_friendship and ($o_past_feelings is false)>> As I went to leave and start preparing, Oisein reached out for me. And of course, brought up that unfortunate thing with the kid getting the better of me - which I mean, is debatable. But eventually, $o_herhistheir told me $o_shehethey thought I was getting set up to be a sacrifice for information. Which I...can't really disagree with. And then that worry again - that genuine care I've come to take for granted from $o_herhimthem. <<elseif $o_past_feelings is false and $o_past_friendship is false>> As I went to leave and start preparing, Oisein reached out for me. After I got over the shock, $o_shehethey immediately took $o_herhistheir hand away, and said I seemed like a sacrifice. Which I...can't really disagree with. <</if>> ...I wonder what the future has in store. <</if>> <</liveblock>> <hr> <<else>> <hr> <div class="center"> Continue playing to unlock your journal... </div> <</if>> /* Events of Chapter 1 */ <<if visited("Chapter2")>> <<liveblock>> <<if $journal_handwritten>> <div class="journal-date"> ''Vernal 2/25, 3016 - Renescen'' </div> <<else>> <div class="particle-text-orange-header">''Vernal 2/25, 3016 - Renescen''</div> <</if>> <<if $journal_handwritten>> <div class="journal"> Made it to Renescen, thankfully without too much hassle. It's always strange seeing my mortalis form when I'm expecting to see my real self. Almost gave myself away immediately right at Renescen's Crossing with a pretty embarassing jump - but otherwise fairly smooth sailing. Kicked off this scouting mission with a bang - literally. Slammed right into a mortalis (though I guess, really, $h_shehe slammed into me maybe?), and knocked $h_herhis things all over the place. <<if $healer_pickup>> Spent a second helping $h_herhim out - no reason not to - and $h_shehe ended up telling me about a place to stay - The Lucky Albatross. <<else>>Didn't really feel like helping a mortalis I didn't know, but $h_shehe did end up telling me about a place to stay - The Lucky Albatross.<</if>> I did mention my name just to get a read on Renescen's mortalis - as paranoid as Saor, which I should've expected. <<if $city_info>> <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> also mentioned some unsavory deaths in the city's third quadrant. Would at least be worth checking out...though hopefully I don't find Clan Harpoc among the bodies. <</if>> On my way to the Lucky Albatross, I ran across a couple of mortali fighting - a Magesmith and a Sage. Sort of hoping that Sage doesn't imply the same power as it does in Saor, but I'm guessing it does. And then the Magesmith happened to catch sight of me which was...odd. I don't know if $m_shehe was looking more at me or my earring, or - hopefully - the building that was behind me? But I didn't catch much more of their argument or give $m_herhim another chance to look, and made my way forward. The Lucky Albatross is this quaint little inn with a horrible and also ridiculous namesake - this quasi-bird-type-creature carving that hangs outside their front door. <<if $daroca_dialogue>> True to $h_herhis word, one of the owners welcomed me with open arms when I mentioned the Healer, and I was ushered inside. <<else>> It was easy enough to get a room, and the couple that runs the place seemed alright. <</if>> To just hand out their false names without care though? Maybe I'll have to keep more of an eye on the owners than I initially thought. Well - they were a little older. Probably aren't as cautious as the younger ones. The rooms are alright, and I'm mostly settled in. I was just getting comfortable when I heard a knock at my door - or through my door. Scared the name right out of me, but it turned out to be Oisein! I didn't think Sirin was going to allow anyone else to follow, or let this be a two sheevra mission but- maybe I was wrong? <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship>> But Sanctin, I'm glad to have $o_herhimthem here. <<else>> Can't say I'm upset about having the extra support though. <</if>> Tomorrow brings the first of our information gathering. I'm going to try to track down the Healer again since $h_shehe definitely had some information on the third quadrant, and Oisein is going to be surveying something $o_shehethey heard about on the city border. To not dying! </div> <<else>> Made it to Renescen, thankfully without too much hassle. It's always strange seeing my mortalis form when I'm expecting to see my real self. Almost gave myself away immediately right at Renescen's Crossing with a pretty embarassing jump - but otherwise fairly smooth sailing. Kicked off this scouting mission with a bang - literally. Slammed right into a mortalis (though I guess, really, $h_shehe slammed into me maybe?), and knocked $h_herhis things all over the place. <<if $healer_pickup>> Spent a second helping $h_herhim out - no reason not to - and $h_shehe ended up telling me about a place to stay - The Lucky Albatross. <<else>>Didn't really feel like helping a mortalis I didn't know, but $h_shehe did end up telling me about a place to stay - The Lucky Albatross.<</if>> I did mention my name just to get a read on Renescen's mortalis - as paranoid as Saor, which I should've expected. <<if $city_info>> <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> also mentioned some unsavory deaths in the city's third quadrant. Would at least be worth checking out...though hopefully I don't find Clan Harpoc among the bodies. <</if>> On my way to the Lucky Albatross, I ran across a couple of mortali fighting - a Magesmith and a Sage. Sort of hoping that Sage doesn't imply the same power as it does in Saor, but I'm guessing it does. And then the Magesmith happened to catch sight of me which was...odd. I don't know if $m_shehe was looking more at me or my earring, or - hopefully - the building that was behind me? But I didn't catch much more of their argument or give $m_herhim another chance to look, and made my way forward. The Lucky Albatross is this quaint little inn with a horrible and also ridiculous namesake - this quasi-bird-type-creature carving that hangs outside their front door. <<if $daroca_dialogue>> True to $h_herhis word, one of the owners welcomed me with open arms when I mentioned the Healer, and I was ushered inside. <<else>> It was easy enough to get a room, and the couple that runs the place seemed alright. <</if>> To just hand out their false names without care though? Maybe I'll have to keep more of an eye on the owners than I initially thought. Well - they were a little older. Probably aren't as cautious as the younger ones. The rooms are alright, and I'm mostly settled in. I was just getting comfortable when I heard a knock at my door - or through my door. Scared the name right out of me, but it turned out to be Oisein! I didn't think Sirin was going to allow anyone else to follow, or let this be a two sheevra mission but- maybe I was wrong? <<if $o_past_feelings or $o_past_friendship>> But Sanctin, I'm glad to have $o_herhimthem here. <<else>> Can't say I'm upset about having the extra support though. <</if>> Tomorrow brings the first of our information gathering. I'm going to try to track down the Healer again since $h_shehe definitely had some information on the third quadrant, and Oisein is going to be surveying something $o_shehethey heard about on the city border. To not dying! <</if>> <</liveblock>> <hr> <</if>> /*Events of Chapter 2 */ <<if visited("Chapter3")>> <<liveblock>> <<if $journal_handwritten>> <div class="journal-date"> ''Vernal 2/26, 3016 - Renescen'' </div> <<else>> <div class="particle-text-orange-header">''Vernal 2/26, 3016 - Renescen''</div> <</if>> <<if $journal_handwritten>> <div class="journal"> Woke up today with a bit of floating which was...annoying. Like always. The mortalis owners of the Inn, Jac & Cerise, pointed me in the direction of the Healer's home. Ironically though, they also warned me about crossing paths with the Magesmith - that snarky mortalis in the argument I saw yesterday who stared at my earring, I'm pretty sure. Sounds like $m_shehe generally just gives off fairly standoffish vibes, so at least I'm not alone in thinking that. </div> <<else>> Woke up today with a bit of floating which was...annoying. Like always. The mortalis owners of the Inn, Jac & Cerise, pointed me in the direction of the Healer's home. Ironically though, they also warned me about crossing paths with the Magesmith - that snarky mortalis in the argument I saw yesterday who stared at my earring, I'm pretty sure. Sounds like $m_shehe generally just gives off fairly standoffish vibes, so at least I'm not alone in thinking that. <</if>> <<if $journal_handwritten>> <div class="journal"> And of course, I did end up having to pass by the Magesmith's shop, and of course $m_shehe called out to me, saying that $m_shehe recognized the magic of my earring. I had another chance to see that headband of $m_hershis too, an extremely precise glamour magic with some enchantments I didn't think the mortalis has perfected yet. <<if visited("Chapter2-MagesmithIgnore")>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/MagesmithIgnore.png" alt="Magesmith Symbol Crossed out" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> <<else>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/MagesmithNavRuneOrange.png" alt="Magesmith Symbol" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> <</if>> <<if visited("Chapter2-MagesmithIgnore")>> But after the way $m_shehe stared yesterday, I didn't want to give $m_herhim another chance to study my earring...even if $m_shehe did say $m_shehe'd seen it before around Renescen. Even more reason to take Cerise's advice and stay out of $m_herhis way if $m_shehe's hand run-in with sheevra before - whether or not $m_shehe knew it. Maybe the conversation would have been civil enough, and maybe $m_shehe would have kept to simpler questions - $m_shehe seemed cautious enough not to want to press too hard. But I'm still not sure just how much the Magesmith knows, which is a little unsettling. Hopefully I won't have to run across $m_herhim again. So I made my way onward without looking back. <<else>> But even after the way $m_shehe stared, $m_shehe said $m_shehe'd seen that magic before...and I couldn't pass up the chance for more information. The conversation was civil enough, a back and forth of question and answer. The Magesmith said $m_shehe'd seen magic like my earring in necklaces around Renescen, and $m_shehe described the detached feel of the magic well enough. I don't think I gave enough away to clue $m_herhim in to my purpose in the city, or any sort of hint to my real nature. I'm still not sure just how much the Magesmith knows, though, which is a little unsettling. Eventually a friend of $m_hershis came - in a crying panic. It was the perfect time for me to make my way onward. <</if>> </div> <<else>> And of course, I did end up having to pass by the Magesmith's shop, and of course $m_shehe called out to me, saying that $m_shehe recognized the magic of my earring. I had another chance to see that headband of $m_hershis too, an extremely precise glamour magic with some enchantments I didn't think the mortalis has perfected yet. <<if visited("Chapter2-MagesmithIgnore")>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/MagesmithIgnore.png" alt="Magesmith Symbol Crossed out" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> <<else>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/MagesmithNavRuneOrange.png" alt="Magesmith Symbol" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> <</if>> <<if visited("Chapter2-MagesmithIgnore")>> But after the way $m_shehe stared yesterday, I didn't want to give $m_herhim another chance to study my earring...even if $m_shehe did say $m_shehe'd seen it before around Renescen. Even more reason to take Cerise's advice and stay out of $m_herhis way if $m_shehe's hand run-in with sheevra before - whether or not $m_shehe knew it. Maybe the conversation would have been civil enough, and maybe $m_shehe would have kept to simpler questions - $m_shehe seemed cautious enough not to want to press too hard. But I'm still not sure just how much the Magesmith knows, which is a little unsettling. Hopefully I won't have to run across $m_herhim again. So I made my way onward without looking back. <<else>> But even after the way $m_shehe stared, $m_shehe said $m_shehe'd seen that magic before...and I couldn't pass up the chance for more information. The conversation was civil enough, a back and forth of question and answer. The Magesmith said $m_shehe'd seen magic like my earring in necklaces around Renescen, and $m_shehe described the detached feel of the magic well enough. I don't think I gave enough away to clue $m_herhim in to my purpose in the city, or any sort of hint to my real nature. I'm still not sure just how much the Magesmith knows, though, which is a little unsettling. Then a friend of $m_hershis came - in a crying panic. It was the perfect time for me to make my way onward. <</if>> <</if>> <<if $journal_handwritten>> <div class="journal"> Eventually I did find the Healer's home. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> was working with an Architect to help do something on $h_herhis roof. We went inside $h_herhis home to talk the third quadrant which wasn't exactly $h_herhis favorite subject and for a moment, I almost thought $h_shehe'd kick me. <<if visited("Chapter2-HealerCrush")>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/CloiBulb.png" alt="Closed Harmonim" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:right;margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> <<else>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/Harmonim.png" alt="Open Harmonim" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:right;margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> <</if>> <<if visited("Chapter2-HealerCrush")>> I watched as $h_shehe crushed up a harmonim for some sort of salve (what did $h_shehe call it? A cloi? What???), and as $h_shehe did so, $h_shehe mentioned the same sort of magic imbalance that Sirin did. And also brought up a group of mortalis who apparently believe what the sheevra do about the Arids...and acknowledge the mortalis are really the ones at fault. That was...surprising, to say the least. <<else>> But I just caught $h_herhim from crushing a harmonim (what did $h_shehe call it? A cloi? What???), and once I showed $h_herhim how to actually sing to it to better get to the nectar inside, $h_shehe seemed more willing to talk. And quite a bit more relaxed. <</if>> The Healer mentioned that there were these places that were affected - more strange occurences around the third quadrant, but that another friend of theirs had more information and $h_shehe could take me to them. So we ended up leaving and heading towards the second quadrant. </div> <<else>> Eventually I did find the Healer's home. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> was working with an Architect to help do something on $h_herhis roof. We went inside $h_herhis home to talk the third quadrant which wasn't exactly $h_herhis favorite subject and for a moment, I almost thought $h_shehe'd kick me out of $h_herhis home. <<if visited("Chapter2-HealerCrush")>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/CloiBulb.png" alt="Closed Harmonim" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:right; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> <<else>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/Harmonim.png" alt="Open Harmonim" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:right; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> <</if>> <<if visited("Chapter2-HealerCrush")>> I watched as $h_shehe crushed up a harmonim for some sort of salve (what did $h_shehe call it? A cloi? What???), and as $h_shehe did so, $h_shehe mentioned the same sort of magic imbalance that Sirin did. And also brought up a group of mortalis who apparently believe what the sheevra do about the Arids...and acknowledge the mortalis are really the ones at fault. That was...surprising, to say the least. <<else>> But I just caught $h_herhim from crushing a harmonim (what did $h_shehe call it? A cloi? What???), and once I showed $h_herhim how to actually sing to it to better get to the nectar inside, $h_shehe seemed more willing to talk. And quite a bit more relaxed. <</if>> The Healer mentioned that there were these places that were effected - more strange occurences around the third quadrant, but that another friend of theirs had more information and $h_shehe could take me to them. So we ended up leaving and heading towards the second quadrant. <</if>> <<if $journal_handwritten>> <div class="journal"> <<if visited("Chapter2-Walk")>> We ended up walking through Renescen, along what the Healer called the Falls Road - the main arc running through Renescen that connects all the quadrants. It was nice enough, lots of busy shops and a million mortalis. <img src="images/ChapterChoices/Walk.png" alt="Walk" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> Eventually we made our way into the second quadrant, and you could immediately tell the difference. The Collegium with its massive iron gates and some old forgotten mortalis' statue (the Healer mentioned Han had two mortalis immortalized in stone around their Collegium, which squashes my theory that it's all the vaguely same heroic person since Saor also just has the one), the lit hills of the Governor's circle- And then the Healer showed me something else. One of the places $h_shehe had mentioned before where everyone inside had suddenly disappeared. A bank - perfectly lined with the Governor's circle - an ideal place for a Sanctum entrance. But it was overgrown and full of this...alluring magic. And I think there was a voice? Something grabbed onto my mind and started to pull. But for once I was glad to have a mortalis by my side, because the Healer snapped me out of it. I don't think $h_shehe heard it, but $h_shehe definitely felt the strange magic. The feeling of both sheevra and mortalis...does that make any sense? <<else>> We ended up taking the rails through Renescen, their version of Saor's waterlifts, I think. They were these large carts that lowered to the ground and then rose upward, and I have to admit, the view was impressive. <img src="images/ChapterChoices/Rails.png" alt="Rails" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> But that wasn't the thing that caught my attention the most. I think there was this...voice. Somewhere in the underground cavern where the gates were for the rails. It was this...strangely alluring magic, and I only managed to snap out of it thanks to the Healer. I couldn't get a read on it, and I don't think the Healer heard anything either. Not a great way to make an impression on someone - hearing voices. Eventually we made our way into the second quadrant, and you could immediately tell the difference. The Collegium with its massive iron gates and some old forgotten mortalis' statue (the Healer mentioned Han had two mortalis immortalized in stone around their Collegium, which squashes my theory that it's all the vaguely same heroic person since Saor also just has the one), the lit hills of the Governor's circle- And then the Healer showed me something else. One of the places $h_shehe had mentioned before where everyone inside had suddenly disappeared. A bank - perfectly lined with the Governor's circle - an ideal place for a Sanctum entrance. But it was overgrown and full of that same alluring magic. And the Healer definitely felt it this time as well. The feeling of both sheevra and mortalis...does that make any sense? <</if>> </div> <<else>> <<if visited("Chapter2-Walk")>> We ended up walking through Renescen, along what the Healer called the Falls Road - the main arc running through Renescen that connects all the quadrants. It was nice enough, lots of busy shops and a million mortalis. <img src="images/ChapterChoices/Walk.png" alt="Walk" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> Eventually we made our way into the second quadrant, and you could immediately tell the difference. The Collegium with its massive iron gates and some old forgotten mortalis' statue (the Healer mentioned Han had two mortalis immortalized in stone around their Collegium, which squashes my theory that it's all the vaguely same heroic person since Saor also just has the one), the lit hills of the Governor's circle- And then the Healer showed me something else. One of the places $h_shehe had mentioned before where everyone inside had suddenly disappeared. A bank - perfectly lined with the Governor's circle - an ideal place for a Sanctum entrance. But it was overgrown and full of this...alluring magic. And I think there was a voice? Something grabbed onto my mind and started to pull. But for once I was glad to have a mortalis by my side, because the Healer snapped me out of it. I don't think $h_shehe heard it, but $h_shehe definitely felt the strange magic. The feeling of both sheevra and mortalis...does that make any sense? <<else>> We ended up taking the rails through Renescen, their version of Saor's waterlifts, I think. They were these large carts that lowered to the ground and then rose upward, and I have to admit, the view was impressive. <img src="images/ChapterChoices/Rails.png" alt="Rails" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> But that wasn't the thing that caught my attention the most. I think there was this...voice. Somewhere in the underground cavern where the gates were for the rails. It was this...strangely alluring magic, and I only managed to snap out of it thanks to the Healer. I couldn't get a read on it, and I don't think the Healer heard anything either. Not a great way to make an impression on someone - hearing voices. Eventually we made our way into the second quadrant, and you could immediately tell the difference. The Collegium with its massive iron gates and some old forgotten mortalis' statue (the Healer mentioned Han had two mortalis immortalized in stone around their Collegium, which squashes my theory that it's all the vaguely same heroic person since Saor also just has the one), the lit hills of the Governor's circle- And then the Healer showed me something else. One of the places $h_shehe had mentioned before where everyone inside had suddenly disappeared. A bank - perfectly lined with the Governor's circle - an ideal place for a Sanctum entrance. But it was overgrown and full of that same alluring magic. And the Healer definitely felt it this time as well. The feeling of both sheevra and mortalis...does that make any sense? <</if>> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <hr> <</if>> /*Events of Chapter 3 */ <<if visited("Chapter4")>> <<liveblock>> <<if $journal_handwritten>> <div class="journal"> As the Healer continued into the courtyard of Renescen's Archival Library, I couldn't help but notice the mosaics along the path. It's about what you'd expect - the mortalis version of how things happened in the Old Wars. Some evil villain emerging from the Fifth City, the other four rallying to defeat them and their magic-draining ways, only to be punished and "gifted" with the sheevra - the supposed dregs of whatever energy the Fifth City wielded. Sirin's voice came to mind when I saw that...about how they've said it was really all four cities being power-hungry, how they were all fighting, and how Sanctin created the sheevra to try and damage the harm that had been done. <<if $callous > $empathetic>> I'd say I'm surprised that the mortalis could believe something as ridiculous as the story that they've made up, but I'd be lying. <<else>> Surely the mortalis can't really believe the story about the Fifth City, can they? <</if>> The Archival Library itself is a building to behold, all curving glass and shining metal on the outside, with a great dish affixed above it pointed at the sky. Not at all like the central pillar of Saor. Part of me prefers Renescen's though - Saor's Library never seems to let in enough light, and sometimes I wonder if people have just been lost forever into its dark corners. </div> <<else>> As the Healer continued into the courtyard of Renescen's Archival Library, I couldn't help but notice the mosaics along the path. It's about what you'd expect - the mortalis version of how things happened in the Old Wars. Some evil villain emerging from the Fifth City, the other four rallying to defeat them and their magic-draining ways, only to be punished and "gifted" with the sheevra - the supposed dregs of whatever energy the Fifth City wielded. Sirin's voice came to mind when I saw that...about how they've said it was really all four cities being power-hungry, how they were all fighting, and how Sanctin created the sheevra to try and damage the harm that had been done. <<if $callous > $empathetic>> I'd say I'm surprised that the mortalis could believe something as ridiculous as the story that they've made up, but I'd be lying. <<else>> Surely the mortalis can't really believe the story about the Fifth City, can they? <</if>> The Archival Library itself is a building to behold, all curving glass and shining metal on the outside, with a great dish fixed above it pointed at the sky. Not at all like the central pillar of Saor. Part of me prefers Renescen's though - Saor's Library never seems to let in enough light, and sometimes I wonder if people have just been lost forever into its dark corners. <</if>> <<if $s_reveal>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/SageTacita.png" alt="Spoke about Tacita" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:right; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> <<else>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/SageNoTacita.png" alt="Did not speak about Tacita" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:right; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> <</if>> <<if $journal_handwritten>> <div class="journal"> The Healer introduced me to the Gold Sage - a friend of $h_hershis, from what I could tell. Another Sage was there too, Osmium, though he happened to drag the Healer away for something related to the Magesmith. Which left myself and the Gold Sage alone to talk. I had to build up to the questions I really wanted to ask - about those locations that the Healer had mentioned. So in the meantime, I asked about the Library and the city in general. The Sage provided some interesting insight into it all, and sounded like some of the opinions $s_shehe had might not be shared by other mortalis. Either way, we eventually reached the topic of the three locations - the bank, the shop, and the pathos parlor - that had mysteriously vacated right around the time that Sirin tracked Clan Harpoc and Tacita going dark. <<s_capthey>> were a little hesitant at first, but it seemed that coming with the Healer was the right choice to gain at least a little bit of $s_herhis trust. We moved to an aisle full of Echoes, and the Sage detailed the oddities surrounding each. <<if $s_reveal>> And I'll admit...I took a risk. Something made me want to ask the Sage about Tacita. So I did. I asked $s_herhim if $s_shehe knew anyone with the same description. And the recognition? Instant. We didn't get much time to dive into what $s_shehe knew, though, before the Osmium Sage appeared again, calling for his colleague. The Gold Sage was more prepared for it though, instantly putting on a facade of calmness that would put any sheevra to shame. <<else>> And I'll admit...I wanted to take a risk. But I just couldn't ask $s_herhim if $s_shehe knew Tacita. I'd prefer to keep that sort of thing close to my chest. Eventually the Osmium Sage appeared again, calling for his colleague, and we were brought back out. <</if>> </div> <<else>> The Healer introduced me to the Gold Sage - a friend of $h_hershis, from what I could tell. Another Sage was there too, Osmium, though he happened to drag the Healer away for something related to the Magesmith. Which left myself and the Gold Sage alone to talk. I had to build up to the questions I really wanted to ask - about those locations that the Healer had mentioned. So in the meantime, I asked about the Library and the city in general. The Sage provided some interesting insight into it all, and sounded like some of the opinions $s_shehe had might not be shared by other mortalis. Either way, we eventually reached the topic of the three locations - the bank, the shop, and the pathos parlor - that had mysteriously vacated right around the time that Sirin tracked Clan Harpoc and Tacita going dark. <<s_capthey>> were a little hesitant at first, but it seemed that coming with the Healer was the right choice to gain at least a little bit of $s_herhis trust. We moved to an aisle full of Echoes, and the Sage detailed the oddities surrounding each. <<if $s_reveal>> And I'll admit...I took a risk. Something made me want to ask the Sage about Tacita. So I did. I asked $s_herhim if $s_shehe knew anyone with the same description. And the recognition? Instant. We didn't get much time to dive into what $s_shehe knew, though, before the Osmium Sage appeared again, calling for his colleague. The Gold Sage was more prepared for it though, instantly putting on a facade of calmness that would put any sheevra to shame. <<else>> And I'll admit...I wanted to take a risk. But I just couldn't ask $s_herhim if $s_shehe knew Tacita. I'd prefer to keep that sort of thing close to my chest. Eventually the Osmium Sage appeared again, calling for his colleague, and we were brought back out. <</if>> <</if>> <div class="center"> <<if visited("Chapter3-Sage")>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/LibraryPath.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <<else>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/LibraryPathGrey.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <</if>> <<if visited("Chapter3-Bank")>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/BankPath.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <<else>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/BankPathGrey.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <</if>> <<if visited("Chapter3-Oisein")>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/OiseinPath.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <<else>> <img src="images/ChapterChoices/OiseinPathGrey.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> <</if>> </div> <<if $journal_handwritten>> <div class="journal"> It was at this point that I had to make a decision. <<if visited("Chapter3-Sage")>> I knew that I couldn't leave our conversation at just that, and decided to stay longer within the Archival Libary to speak to the Gold Sage. It seemed like $s_shehe knew that might happen as well, and was waiting to take me to the Planetarium. On our way up to the upper levels, we ran into the Platinum Sage, an exuberant person who was just finished using the Planetarium, who seemed to get under the Gold Sage's skin. Once we had the place to ourselves, though, the Sage and I made a deal - of sorts. <<s_capthey>> agreed to tell me how $s_shehe knew Tacita in exchange for telling $s_herhim why I was looking for her. Fair enough. The Sage mentioned that Tacita approached $s_herhim about $s_herhis research, and that they connected through the Library. Which made sense, given that the Sage had a particular interest in //sheevra// magic and how it tied to the aurora. <<s_capthey>> showed me a - admittedly impressive - display within the Planetarium comparing the aurora we know now to what it might have looked like during the Cold Wars. Specifically, that there were thousands more colors within the aurora before, and that some mortalis use this as another excuse to blame the sheevra for the change in magic in the world. But instead of subscribing to this, or even believing that the sheevra were a dwindling existence, the Sage used the aurora to justify that the sheevra have somehow always been a constant in the world, and that they're still very present today. Which...is a bit of a problem, given that we've worked to make most mortalis believe that we don't have as much of a presence in the world, despite our growing numbers. And it doesn't help that Sirin has always told us the usual sheevra story - that we were created as a result of the Old Wars and hadn't existed beforehand. It's hard to believe a mortalis would know our story better...but I don't know that I can say I know what the truth is for sure. But even with those revelations, the Sage seemed to be empathetic to the sheevra, continuing to bring up mentions of working together, or something along the same lines. Looking back, I really should have seen what happened coming. Before we could dig too deep into my reasons for being in Renescen around Tacita, a massive wave of magic slammed into both of us while we were still in the Planetarium. The Sage's acolyte came running and told us that the bank I'd passed earlier with the Healer had been engulfed in fire, and the Sage and I made our way down to try and find out what had happened. As we made our way across the Library's courtyard...an illusion invaded my mind. Everyone around me disappeared and everything else went deathly still. Eventually, a cloaked figure appeared, chiding me about my purpose in Renescen as I stood there in my sheevra form. And no matter how hard I tried, I //couldn't see their face.// It was incredible illusion magic, one that I couldn't penetrate. And what was worse is that the magic felt...both sheevra and mortalis. <img src="images/ChapterChoices/Reviver.png" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> The cloaked figure prepared to attack, but was blocked by an elemental force, the waves of the previously water around me suddenly springing to life. They began to back away, but not before saying that they would do what the mortalis and sheevra hadn't been able to. Revive the world. Disappearing along with the rest of the illusion, I found myself with the Sage kneeling nearby, other mortalis running around us. Turns out $s_shehe had interrupted the illusion, saying that I had just frozen mid-stride. <<s_capthey>> didn't give any indication that $s_shehe had seen what had happened - had seen me as my true self - and ran off again towards the bank. When we got there, the Sage helped to ease the fire, which I recognized as again - both sheevra and mortalis - and $s_shehe was masterful with both kinds of magic. I've never seen a mortalis manipulate sheevra magic like that, only the other way around. When $s_shehe came back, $s_shehe warned me of the Intuits - incredible skilled pathosi guards around Renescen. Specifically, warned that they would detect sheevra magic if I got too close. Still, $s_shehe seemed to be on my side, distracting the Intuits while I tried to make my way out of the crowd. Thank Sanctin I ran into Oisein, who was just as panicked as I was about the situation. We saw the Sage point the Intuits in a completely different direction before heading back towards the first quadrant and The Lucky Albatross. It's been barely a day, and things are already a mess. Can we trust the Sage? And who's this self-proclaimed "Reviver"? <<elseif visited("Chapter3-Bank")>> I couldn't get that strange energy out of my head, and felt myself drawn back to the bank that the Healer and I had passed on the way to the Library. When I arrived, I snuck past some of the guards and found a break in the fence where I was able to test out the area around the bank. As it turned out, the entire bank was actually encompassed in incredibly powerful illusion magic, but I couldn't initially tell what was real and what wasn't. <<if $check_fail>> I somehow managed to get past it, though maybe not quite that gracefully, only to enter into another illusion. <<else>> I was able to get past it, however, only to enter into another illusion. <</if>> Somehow, I was thrown into my sheevra form again, but I was distracted by my surroundings. It was a vision of beauty, mountains and rivers and wildflowers as far as the eye could see. The air was crisp and full and the field lush and green. Too bad it all felt...off. It was around this point that I saw a figure off in the distance, who looked exactly as Sirin had described what Tacita would like - the billowing dark fabrics, and the barely translucent veil that covered most of her face, the waves of her hair tied back into braids that were woven around to the back of her head. She called for me...called me little blackbird - a nickname only another sheevra would know, and even then only usually said by the other High Sheevra. <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> But no matter how much she called out for me, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. And something was //very// wrong. Whoever - //whatever// - it was became frustrated when I wouldn't respond, and eventually gave up trying to convince me to trust them. Part of me wishes I had fallen it, because what happened next was more than just mildly unpleasant. They lunged for me, moved too quick to follow, and threw me to the ground as the illusion disappeared around us. We ended up in the dilapidated ruins of the bank, the wood already rotting and the furniture strewn around. I didn't expect to have to fight for my life within a day of being in a new city, but they didn't give me another option. They tried to goad me about the reason I was in the city, or about Oisein, or about anything, until, I suppose, they finally had had enough. <img src="images/ChapterChoices/Reviver.png" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> I say "fight", but really, they had the advantage more often than not. In fact, I'm pretty sure that they could have killed me at any point and were just toying with me - blocking my exit, throwing me into a destroyed teller stand - until eventually they prepared an attack that I thought would destroy me and the bank together. And in the midst of the strange mix of sheevra and mortalis magic - they proclaimed that they would do what the mortalis and sheevra hadn't been able to. Revive the world. I didn't have a chance to see where they disappeared to before the attack blinded me and I awoke in an inferno. Instead of aiming straight at me, they had ignited the entire area, leaving no way out. Or so I thought. But there was a little bit of space for me to be able to escape, and I was able to crash through the wall of the bank to make it outside. Right into the middle of the disappearing illusion. Thankfully, I was still on the side alley of the bank and was able to crawl my way to safety without any of the mortalis catching sight of me. As I made it past the outer fence again - barely - there was a familiar strain of magic that headed my way. Oisein showed up in the alley and was understandably shocked, but helped me with a small boost of magic as we headed toward the front of the bank. When we got there, it was the Gold Sage who helped to ease the fire, which I recognized as again - both sheevra and mortalis - and $s_shehe was masterful with both kinds of magic. I've never seen a mortalis manipulate sheevra magic like that, only the other way around. <<s_capthey>> saw us from afar when $s_shehe had gotten things more under control, and headed toward a set of guards. Oisein recognized them as Intuits - incredible skilled pathosi guards around Renescen - and we thought for sure that $s_shehe would be the one to tell them. But instead, $s_shehe seemed to be on our side, distracting the Intuits while we tried to make our way out of the crowd. We saw the Sage point the Intuits in a completely different direction before heading back towards the first quadrant and The Lucky Albatross. It's been barely a day, and things are already a mess. Can we trust the Sage? And who's this self-proclaimed "Reviver"? <<else>> I mean...I had to call out for Tacita, didn't I? She was right there, the answer seemed to be right in front of me. When she spoke it was a bit...cryptic. She asked me if this lush world could have been our past or our future, and whether or not it could ever involve the mortalis. Sirin had said that she was more empathetic to the mortalis but I've never heard a High Sheevra speak how she did. She...questioned whether we had done enough, whether we were doing enough or even the right thing. But what else could we be doing? Eventually the illusion began to start crumbling, and Tacita became more panicked. She urged me to go, but that she couldn't follow, and couldn't give more information on Clan Harpoc. I didn't get a chance to ask all that I wanted before she urged me through a gate that led into darkness. When I slipped into the odd magic, a path lit before me, and I was surrounded by stars and other celestial bodies. And then, eventually, the aurora. It was completely silence except for the sound of my footsteps, and eventually I came across a shadowy version of the gate that I had initially fallen through. There was nothing around it, no way above or below it, and my only choice was to go through. <img src="images/ChapterChoices/ReviverGrey.png" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> I was back in the tall grass that had surrounded the bank then. Back in the illusion. But I didn't have time to contemplate before I felt a powerful explosion of magic behind me. I awoke in an inferno, the bank ablaze and the illusion disintegrating. Thankfully, I was still on the side alley of the bank and was able to crawl my way to safety without any of the mortalis catching sight of me. As I made it past the outer fence again - barely - there was a familiar strain of magic that headed my way. Oisein showed up in the alley and was understandably shocked, but helped me with a small boost of magic as we headed toward the front of the bank. When we got there, it was the Gold Sage who helped to ease the fire, which I recognized as again - both sheevra and mortalis - and $s_shehe was masterful with both kinds of magic. I've never seen a mortalis manipulate sheevra magic like that, only the other way around. <<s_capthey>> saw us from afar when $s_shehe had gotten things more under control, and headed toward a set of guards. Oisein recognized them as Intuits - incredible skilled pathosi guards around Renescen - and we thought for sure that $s_shehe would be the one to tell them. But instead, $s_shehe seemed to be on our side, distracting the Intuits while we tried to make our way out of the crowd. We saw the Sage point the Intuits in a completely different direction before heading back towards the first quadrant and The Lucky Albatross. It's been barely a day, and things are already a mess. Can we trust the Sage? <</if>> <<elseif visited("Chapter3-Oisein")>> I had already learned so much, so I went to try and find Oisein early at Renescen's border with the Arids in the first quadrant. As I was going to meet them, something didn't quite add up. Had Sirin sent Oisein after saying that they were only going to send me? How long had Oisein been in Renescen? I didn't have a lot of time to contemplate before I ran across the leanhaun <<print $o_herhimthem>>self, and told $o_herhimthem what I had found out so far. I mentioned the Healer and the Sage, and the weird mix of both mortalis and sheevra magic. When I mentioned that, $o_shehethey told me that $o_shehethey had run into something similar, and that $o_shehethey could show me what $o_shehethey meant closer to the edge of the Arids. After passing through a park and distracting a mortalis guard, we were easily able to go for a walk along the border of the city. Oisein took us out a little farther into the wasteland and when we reached a certain point, $o_shehethey had me sense for magic underground. <<if $dryad>> When I did, we discovered a whole system of roots that reached out toward the Arid Villages from the city, which isn't how it is at all in Saor or the other cities. Usually, it feels like all magic and life just drops off a cliff's edge. But this stretched out farther, though the magic was fragile. And the magic itself was odd too - a mixture of both sheevra and mortalis magic. <<else>> When I did, I felt the same thing that $o_shehethey had, a mixture of sheevra and mortalis magic that seemed to span from Renescen itself out to the Arids and its villages. <</if>> But that wasn't the strangest part. The magic felt like it had come from someone who was //both// sheevra and mortalis. Understandably, we were both fairly disturbed. Neither of us had even run across something like this...what had we gotten ourselves into? To try and gather more information, I offered to bring Oisein back to the bank, where I had felt the strange magic before. We made our way through the city again, and on our way up, Oisein asked if I still trusted Sirin, or if I thought there might be more that they weren't saying. <<if $ch3_sirin_wary>> <<o_capthey>> had a good point, and I'll admit, this whole thing had already made me pretty wary of Sirin and what they weren't saying. Were we so easily discarded? <<else>> Even with what I had learned, though, I still trust them to an extent. They couldn't know what's going on exactly, could they? I hadn't ever known them to be cruel enough to just sacrifice someone from the clan. <</if>> We didn't notice the danger quick enough as we made our way down a side alley, almost to the bank. Everything else went deathly still, and Oisein and I were stripped of our glamours, standing out in the open in our sheevra forms. Eventually, a cloaked figure appeared, chiding us about our purpose in Renescen. And no matter how hard I tried, I //couldn't see their face.// It was incredible illusion magic, one that I couldn't penetrate. And what was worse is that the magic felt...both sheevra and mortalis. The cloaked figure tried to get inside our heads, and pointed out a fresh scar that I hadn't noticed that reached from the edge of Oisein's eye down $o_herhistheir cheek, dipping below $o_herhistheir jaw. <<o_capthey>> promised to explain later, and as the figure thought they had the upper hand, we sprung into action. There were definitely moments I thought that they might get the upper hand, but we managed to keep most of their attacks at bay. Up until the moment that they became frustrated, and aimed what felt like the power of a million //names//. <<if $o_ch3_hurt>> It should have been me. But at the last moment, Oisein protected me and took the brunt of the attack. When I came to my senses, Oisein's lifeless body was sprawled over me. I managed to wake them, thank Sanctin, as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>were<<else>>was<</if>> muttering something about darkness and auroras. <<else>> Aimed straight at me. When I woke, it was to Oisein shaking me awake, the edges of my sight tinged by swiling color, like the Equinox's auroras. <</if>> And just a few feet away was the bank, engulfed in flames and a vivid inferno. The cloaked figure was still there, but they were visibly weakened. They began to back away, but not before saying that they would do what the mortalis and sheevra hadn't been able to. Revive the world. Using a little boost of magic, we were able to leave the alley and try to get away from the bank, with our glamours securely back on. <img src="images/ChapterChoices/Reviver.png" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> When we got to the front of the bank, it was the Gold Sage who helped to ease the fire, which I recognized as again - both sheevra and mortalis - and $s_shehe was masterful with both kinds of magic. I've never seen a mortalis manipulate sheevra magic like that, only the other way around. <<s_capthey>> saw us from afar when $s_shehe had gotten things more under control, and headed toward a set of guards. Oisein recognized them as Intuits - incredible skilled pathosi guards around Renescen - and we thought for sure that $s_shehe would be the one to tell them. But instead, $s_shehe seemed to be on our side, distracting the Intuits while we tried to make our way out of the crowd. We saw the Sage point the Intuits in a completely different direction before heading back towards the first quadrant and The Lucky Albatross. It's been barely a day, and things are already a mess. Can we trust the Sage? And who's this self-proclaimed "Reviver"? <</if>> </div> <<else>> It was at this point that I had to make a decision. <<if visited("Chapter3-Sage")>> I knew that I couldn't leave our conversation at just that, and decided to stay longer within the Archival Libary to speak to the Gold Sage. It seemed like $s_shehe knew that might happen as well, and was waiting to take me to the Planetarium. On our way up to the upper levels, we ran into the Platinum Sage, an exuberant person who was just finished using the Planetarium, who seemed to get under the Gold Sage's skin. Once we had the place to ourselves, though, the Sage and I made a deal - of sorts. <<s_capthey>> agreed to tell me how $s_shehe knew Tacita in exchange for telling $s_herhim why I was looking for her. Fair enough. The Sage mentioned that Tacita approached $s_herhim about $s_herhis research, and that they connected through the Library. Which made sense, given that the Sage had a particular interest in //sheevra// magic and how it tied to the aurora. <<s_capthey>> showed me a - admittedly impressive - display within the Planetarium comparing the aurora we know now to what it might have looked like during the Cold Wars. Specifically, that there were thousands more colors within the aurora before, and that some mortalis use this as another excuse to blame the sheevra for the change in magic in the world. But instead of subscribing to this, or even believing that the sheevra were a dwindling existence, the Sage used the aurora to justify that the sheevra have somehow always been a constant in the world, and that they're still very present today. Which...is a bit of a problem, given that we've worked to make most mortalis believe that we don't have as much of a presence in the world, despite our growing numbers. And it doesn't help that Sirin has always told us the usual sheevra story - that we were created as a result of the Old Wars and hadn't existed beforehand. It's hard to believe a mortalis would know our story better...but I don't know that I can say I know what the truth is for sure. But even with those revelations, the Sage seemed to be empathetic to the sheevra, continuing to bring up mentions of working together, or something along the same lines. Looking back, I really should have seen what happened coming. Before we could dig too deep into my reasons for being in Renescen around Tacita, a massive wave of magic slammed into both of us while we were still in the Planetarium. The Sage's acolyte came running and told us that the bank I'd passed earlier with the Healer had been engulfed in fire, and the Sage and I made our way down to try and find out what had happened. As we made our way across the Library's courtyard...an illusion invaded my mind. Everyone around me disappeared and everything else went deathly still. Eventually, a cloaked figure appeared, chiding me about my purpose in Renescen as I stood there in my sheevra form. And no matter how hard I tried, I //couldn't see their face.// It was incredible illusion magic, one that I couldn't penetrate. And what was worse is that the magic felt...both sheevra and mortalis. <img src="images/ChapterChoices/Reviver.png" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> The cloaked figure prepared to attack, but was blocked by an elemental force, the waves of the previously water around me suddenly springing to life. They began to back away, but not before saying that they would do what the mortalis and sheevra hadn't been able to. Revive the world. Disappearing along with the rest of the illusion, I found myself with the Sage kneeling nearby, other mortalis running around us. Turns out $s_shehe had interrupted the illusion, saying that I had just frozen mid-stride. <<s_capthey>> didn't give any indication that $s_shehe had seen what had happened - had seen me as my true self - and ran off again towards the bank. When we got there, the Sage helped to ease the fire, which I recognized as again - both sheevra and mortalis - and $s_shehe was masterful with both kinds of magic. I've never seen a mortalis manipulate sheevra magic like that, only the other way around. When $s_shehe came back, $s_shehe warned me of the Intuits - incredible skilled pathosi guards around Renescen. Specifically, warned that they would detect sheevra magic if I got too close. Still, $s_shehe seemed to be on my side, distracting the Intuits while I tried to make my way out of the crowd. Thank Sanctin I ran into Oisein, who was just as panicked as I was about the situation. We saw the Sage point the Intuits in a completely different direction before heading back towards the first quadrant and The Lucky Albatross. It's been barely a day, and things are already a mess. Can we trust the Sage? And who's this self-proclaimed "Reviver"? <<elseif visited("Chapter3-Bank")>> I couldn't get that strange energy out of my head, and felt myself drawn back to the bank that the Healer and I had passed on the way to the Library. When I arrived, I snuck past some of the guards and found a break in the fence where I was able to test out the area around the bank. As it turned out, the entire bank was actually encompassed in incredibly powerful illusion magic, but I couldn't initially tell what was real and what wasn't. <<if $check_fail>> I somehow managed to get past it, though maybe not quite that gracefully, only to enter into another illusion. <<else>> I was able to get past it, however, only to enter into another illusion. <</if>> Somehow, I was thrown into my sheevra form again, but I was distracted by my surroundings. It was a vision of beauty, mountains and rivers and wildflowers as far as the eye could see. The air was crisp and full and the field lush and green. Too bad it all felt...off. It was around this point that I saw a figure off in the distance, who looked exactly as Sirin had described what Tacita would like - the billowing dark fabrics, and the barely translucent veil that covered most of her face, the waves of her hair tied back into braids that were woven around to the back of her head. She called for me...called me little blackbird - a nickname only another sheevra would know, and even then only usually said by the other High Sheevra. <<if visited("Chapter3-BankReviver")>> But no matter how much she called out for me, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. And something was //very// wrong. Whoever - //whatever// - it was became frustrated when I wouldn't respond, and eventually gave up trying to convince me to trust them. Part of me wishes I had fallen it, because what happened next was more than just mildly unpleasant. They lunged for me, moved too quick to follow, and threw me to the ground as the illusion disappeared around us. We ended up in the dilapidated ruins of the bank, the wood already rotting and the furniture strewn around. I didn't expect to have to fight for my life within a day of being in a new city, but they didn't give me another option. They tried to goad me about the reason I was in the city, or about Oisein, or about anything, until, I suppose, they finally had had enough. <img src="images/ChapterChoices/Reviver.png" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> I say "fight", but really, they had the advantage more often than not. In fact, I'm pretty sure that they could have killed me at any point and were just toying with me - blocking my exit, throwing me into a destroyed teller stand - until eventually they prepared an attack that I thought would destroy me and the bank together. And in the midst of the strange mix of sheevra and mortalis magic - they proclaimed that they would do what the mortalis and sheevra hadn't been able to. Revive the world. I didn't have a chance to see where they disappeared to before the attack blinded me and I awoke in an inferno. Instead of aiming straight at me, they had ignited the entire area, leaving no way out. Or so I thought. But there was a little bit of space for me to be able to escape, and I was able to crash through the wall of the bank to make it outside. Right into the middle of the disappearing illusion. Thankfully, I was still on the side alley of the bank and was able to crawl my way to safety without any of the mortalis catching sight of me. As I made it past the outer fence again - barely - there was a familiar strain of magic that headed my way. Oisein showed up in the alley and was understandably shocked, but helped me with a small boost of magic as we headed toward the front of the bank. When we got there, it was the Gold Sage who helped to ease the fire, which I recognized as again - both sheevra and mortalis - and $s_shehe was masterful with both kinds of magic. I've never seen a mortalis manipulate sheevra magic like that, only the other way around. <<s_capthey>> saw us from afar when $s_shehe had gotten things more under control, and headed toward a set of guards. Oisein recognized them as Intuits - incredible skilled pathosi guards around Renescen - and we thought for sure that $s_shehe would be the one to tell them. But instead, $s_shehe seemed to be on our side, distracting the Intuits while we tried to make our way out of the crowd. We saw the Sage point the Intuits in a completely different direction before heading back towards the first quadrant and The Lucky Albatross. It's been barely a day, and things are already a mess. Can we trust the Sage? And who's this self-proclaimed "Reviver"? <<else>> I mean...I had to call out for Tacita, didn't I? She was right there, the answer seemed to be right in front of me. When she spoke it was a bit...cryptic. She asked me if this lush world could have been our past or our future, and whether or not it could ever involve the mortalis. Sirin had said that she was more empathetic to the mortalis but I've never heard a High Sheevra speak how she did. She...questioned whether we had done enough, whether we were doing enough or even the right thing. But what else could we be doing? Eventually the illusion began to start crumbling, and Tacita became more panicked. She urged me to go, but that she couldn't follow, and couldn't give more information on Clan Harpoc. I didn't get a chance to ask all that I wanted before she urged me through a gate that led into darkness. When I slipped into the odd magic, a path lit before me, and I was surrounded by stars and other celestial bodies. And then, eventually, the aurora. It was completely silence except for the sound of my footsteps, and eventually I came across a shadowy version of the gate that I had initially fallen through. There was nothing around it, no way above or below it, and my only choice was to go through. <img src="images/ChapterChoices/ReviverGrey.png" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> I was back in the tall grass that had surrounded the bank then. Back in the illusion. But I didn't have time to contemplate before I felt a powerful explosion of magic behind me. I awoke in an inferno, the bank ablaze and the illusion disintegrating. Thankfully, I was still on the side alley of the bank and was able to crawl my way to safety without any of the mortalis catching sight of me. As I made it past the outer fence again - barely - there was a familiar strain of magic that headed my way. Oisein showed up in the alley and was understandably shocked, but helped me with a small boost of magic as we headed toward the front of the bank. When we got there, it was the Gold Sage who helped to ease the fire, which I recognized as again - both sheevra and mortalis - and $s_shehe was masterful with both kinds of magic. I've never seen a mortalis manipulate sheevra magic like that, only the other way around. <<s_capthey>> saw us from afar when $s_shehe had gotten things more under control, and headed toward a set of guards. Oisein recognized them as Intuits - incredible skilled pathosi guards around Renescen - and we thought for sure that $s_shehe would be the one to tell them. But instead, $s_shehe seemed to be on our side, distracting the Intuits while we tried to make our way out of the crowd. We saw the Sage point the Intuits in a completely different direction before heading back towards the first quadrant and The Lucky Albatross. It's been barely a day, and things are already a mess. Can we trust the Sage? <</if>> <<elseif visited("Chapter3-Oisein")>> I had already learned so much, so I went to try and find Oisein early at Renescen's border with the Arids in the first quadrant. As I was going to meet them, something didn't quite add up. Had Sirin sent Oisein after saying that they were only going to send me? How long had Oisein been in Renescen? I didn't have a lot of time to contemplate before I ran across the leanhaun <<print $o_herhimthem>>self, and told $o_herhimthem what I had found out so far. I mentioned the Healer and the Sage, and the weird mix of both mortalis and sheevra magic. When I mentioned that, $o_shehethey told me that $o_shehethey had run into something similar, and that $o_shehethey could show me what $o_shehethey meant closer to the edge of the Arids. After passing through a park and distracting a mortalis guard, we were easily able to go for a walk along the border of the city. Oisein took us out a little farther into the wasteland and when we reached a certain point, $o_shehethey had me sense for magic underground. <<if $dryad>> When I did, we discovered a whole system of roots that reached out toward the Arid Villages from the city, which isn't how it is at all in Saor or the other cities. Usually, it feels like all magic and life just drops off a cliff's edge. But this stretched out farther, though the magic was fragile. And the magic itself was odd too - a mixture of both sheevra and mortalis magic. <<else>> When I did, I felt the same thing that $o_shehethey had, a mixture of sheevra and mortalis magic that seemed to span from Renescen itself out to the Arids and its villages. <</if>> But that wasn't the strangest part. The magic felt like it had come from someone who was //both// sheevra and mortalis. Understandably, we were both fairly disturbed. Neither of us had even run across something like this...what had we gotten ourselves into? To try and gather more information, I offered to bring Oisein back to the bank, where I had felt the strange magic before. We made our way through the city again, and on our way up, Oisein asked if I still trusted Sirin, or if I thought there might be more that they weren't saying. <<if $ch3_sirin_wary>> <<o_capthey>> had a good point, and I'll admit, this whole thing had already made me pretty wary of Sirin and what they weren't saying. Were we so easily discarded? <<else>> Even with what I had learned, though, I still trust them to an extent. They couldn't know what's going on exactly, could they? I hadn't ever known them to be cruel enough to just sacrifice someone from the clan. <</if>> We didn't notice the danger quick enough as we made our way down a side alley, almost to the bank. Everything else went deathly still, and Oisein and I were stripped of our glamours, standing out in the open in our sheevra forms. Eventually, a cloaked figure appeared, chiding us about our purpose in Renescen. And no matter how hard I tried, I //couldn't see their face.// It was incredible illusion magic, one that I couldn't penetrate. And what was worse is that the magic felt...both sheevra and mortalis. The cloaked figure tried to get inside our heads, and pointed out a fresh scar that I hadn't noticed that reached from the edge of Oisein's eye down $o_herhistheir cheek, dipping below $o_herhistheir jaw. <<o_capthey>> promised to explain later, and as the figure thought they had the upper hand, we sprung into action. There were definitely moments I thought that they might get the upper hand, but we managed to keep most of their attacks at bay. Up until the moment that they became frustrated, and aimed what felt like the power of a million //names//. <<if $o_ch3_hurt>> It should have been me. But at the last moment, Oisein protected me and took the brunt of the attack. When I came to my senses, Oisein's lifeless body was sprawled over me. I managed to wake them, thank Sanctin, as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>were<<else>>was<</if>> muttering something about darkness and auroras. <<else>> Aimed straight at me. When I woke, it was to Oisein shaking me awake, the edges of my sight tinged by swiling color, like the Equinox's auroras. <</if>> And just a few feet away was the bank, engulfed in flames and a vivid inferno. The cloaked figure was still there, but they were visibly weakened. They began to back away, but not before saying that they would do what the mortalis and sheevra hadn't been able to. Revive the world. Using a little boost of magic, we were able to leave the alley and try to get away from the bank, with our glamours securely back on. <img src="images/ChapterChoices/Reviver.png" border="0" style="width: 20%; height:auto; float:left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"> When we got to the front of the bank, it was the Gold Sage who helped to ease the fire, which I recognized as again - both sheevra and mortalis - and $s_shehe was masterful with both kinds of magic. I've never seen a mortalis manipulate sheevra magic like that, only the other way around. <<s_capthey>> saw us from afar when $s_shehe had gotten things more under control, and headed toward a set of guards. Oisein recognized them as Intuits - incredible skilled pathosi guards around Renescen - and we thought for sure that $s_shehe would be the one to tell them. But instead, $s_shehe seemed to be on our side, distracting the Intuits while we tried to make our way out of the crowd. We saw the Sage point the Intuits in a completely different direction before heading back towards the first quadrant and The Lucky Albatross. It's been barely a day, and things are already a mess. Can we trust the Sage? And who's this self-proclaimed "Reviver"? <</if>> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <hr> <</if>> <div class="center"> <<if $show_stats is true>><<button "Back to Stats" "Stats">><</button>> <</if>> <<button "Return to Game" $return>><</button>> </div>

T h e N a m e l e s s

The Nameless

''by <a href="https://parkerlyn.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Parker Lyn</a>''

<<run UIBar.stow();>><<run UIBar.hide();>> <<set $misclickmanager to false>> <<set $journalbutton to " Journal">> <<set $textGroup to 1>> <<set $show_stats to false>> <<set $show_rel to false>> <<set $show_codex to false>> <<set $journal_handwritten to true>> <<set $codex_oisein to false>> <<set $codex_healer to false>> <<set $codex_sage to false>> <<set $codex_magesmith to false>> <<set $codex_sirin to true>> <<set $codex_clokehsatra to false>> <<set $codex_itzaltlali to false>> <<set $codex_tacita to false>> <<set $codex_jaccerise to false>> <<set $codex_architect to false>> <<set $codex_osmiumsage to false>> <<set $codex_reviver to false>> <<set $codex_names to true>> <<set $codex_magic to true>> <<set $codex_sheevraclans to false>> <<set $codex_mortalis to false>> <<set $codex_oldwars to false>> <<set $codex_arids to false>> <<set $codex_renescen to false>> <<set $codex_saor to false>> <<set $codex_han to false>> <<set $codex_braka to false>> <<set $rel_oisein to false>> <<set $rel_healer to false>> <<set $rel_sage to false>> <<set $rel_magesmith to false>> <<set $pc_name to "Sheevra Scout">> <<set $pc_gender to "person">> <<set $pc_dim to "kid">> <<set $pc_shehethey to "they">> <<set $pc_herhimthem to "them">> <<set $pc_hershistheirs to "theirs">> <<set $pc_herhistheir to "their" >> <<set $pc_polite to "xir">> <<set $pc_them to true>> <<set $pc_s to "">> <<set $pc_isare to "'re">> <<set $pc_haircolor to "brown">> <<set $pc_hairlength to "long">> <<set $pc_hairstyle to "straight">> <<set $pc_hair_desc to "straight">> <<set $pc_eyecolor to "brown">> <<set $pc_skincolor to "beige">> <<set $pc_sameskin to false>> <<set $pc_type to "Not Selected Yet">> <<set $pc_earring to "stud">> <<set $dryad to false>> <<set $leanhaun to false>> <<set $unseelie to false>> <<set $pc_customize_complete to false>> <<set $clan_status to "Faille'Tor">> <<set $pc_sh_haircolor to "">> <<set $pc_sh_skincolor to "">> <<set $pc_horns_tf to false>> <<set $pc_horns to "">> <<set $pc_tail_tf to false>> <<set $pc_tail to "">> <<set $despair_count to 1>> <<set $delight_count to 1>> <<set $devotion_count to 1>> <<set $repulsion_count to 1>> <<set $fright_count to 1>> <<set $fury_count to 1>> <<set $moirae_friendship to 30>> <<set $failletor_friendship to 70>> <<set $obsidian_friendship to 30>> <<set $harpoc_friendship to 30>> <<set $friendly to 0>> <<set $aloof to 0>> <<set $frialo to "neutral">> <<set $persuasive to 0>> <<set $intimidating to 0>> <<set $perint to "neutral">> <<set $sarcastic to 0>> <<set $genuine to 0>> <<set $sargen to "neutral">> <<set $forward to 0>> <<set $reserved to 0>> <<set $forres to "neutral">> <<set $empathetic to 0>> <<set $callous to 0>> <<set $empcal to "neutral">> <<set $curious to 0>> <<set $apprehensive to 0>> <<set $curapp to "neutral">> <<set $honest to 0>> <<set $deceptive to 0>> <<set $hondec to "neutral">> <<set $magic to 0>> <<set $might to 0>> <<set $magmig to "neutral">> <<set $elemental to 0>> <<set $pathos to 0>> <<set $illusion to 0>> <<set $strength to 0>> <<set $agility to 0>> <<set $sentiments_found to false>> <<set $delight to 1>> <<set $despair to 1>> <<set $devotion to 1>> <<set $repulsion to 1>> <<set $fury to 1>> <<set $fright to 1>> <<set $RO_split to "">> <<set $RO_custom_whenmeet to false>> <<set $RO_Name to "blank">> <<set $RO_Gender to "blank">> <<set $h_met to false>> <<set $o_met to false>> <<set $s_met to false>> <<set $m_met to false>> <<set $h_friendship to 0>> <<set $h_flirt to 0>> <<set $h_feelings to 0>> <<set $h_rel_status to "Neutral.">> <<set $h_gender to "man">> <<set $h_shehe to "he">> <<set $h_herhis to "his">> <<set $h_herhim to "him">> <<set $h_hershis to "his">> <<set $o_friendship to 0>> <<set $o_flirt to 0>> <<set $o_feelings to 0>> <<set $o_rel_status to "Neutral.">> <<set $o_gender to "person">> <<set $o_shehethey to "they">> <<set $o_herhistheir to "their">> <<set $o_herhimthem to "them">> <<set $o_hershistheirs to "theirs">> <<set $o_s to "">> <<set $o_isare to "'re">> <<set $o_them to false>> <<set $s_friendship to 0>> <<set $s_flirt to 0>> <<set $s_feelings to 0>> <<set $s_rel_status to "Neutral.">> <<set $s_gender to "woman">> <<set $s_shehe to "she">> <<set $s_herhis to "her">> <<set $s_herhim to "her">> <<set $s_hershis to "hers">> <<set $m_friendship to 0>> <<set $m_flirt to 0>> <<set $m_feelings to 0>> <<set $m_rel_status to "Neutral.">> <<set $m_gender to "woman">> <<set $m_shehe to "she">> <<set $m_herhis to "her">> <<set $m_herhim to "her">> <<set $m_hershis to "hers">> <<set $rebellion to 0 >> <<set $o_past_feelings to false>> <<set $o_past_friendship to false>> <<set $RO_custom_whenmeet to false>>

<<run UIBar.stow();>><<run UIBar.show();>>Legend goes when the world was formed, the mortal races, //mortalis//, were created with the gift of magic. But as time passed their hubris grew, and the //sheevra// were created to curb their pride. When it comes to these chaotic and malevolent beings, the lands are full of cautionary tales. Some would tell you that the stories are just that. Tools people use to scare children and curse enemies, exaggerated accounts to cow opponents and impress lovers. To them names have no power. There are no mysterious deals to fear, and the figure who seduces you into an alley at midnight is certainly no malicious spirit. Which luckily for ''you'', means easy prey. Since you've gained consciousness, you've known the mortalis are responsible for creating the wastelands between the cities, draining the world of its magic. And that it's up to you to take that energy back - by locking them into deals, taking their memories, or ideally, finding out a mortalis' name - so the sheevra can slowly restore the world to its more balanced state. But it doesn't always come easy. Most mortalis are paranoid about the existence of your people, and as such, the world has become a place where most go by their profession, or else have chosen a false name to live their life under. After all, knowing someone's //true// name is the most intimate secret a person can offer. You never imagined fearful weaklings like these would be any threat to you. But when an entire sheevra clan disappears seemingly overnight from one of the four cities left in the world, you're sent across the continent and far from your home to investigate. And you quickly find - through sources both sheevra and mortalis - that the truth is never simple. //Will you find out what happened before it comes for you?// ''Welcome to The Nameless!'' Thank you for reading this demo! This story takes place in a fantasy setting with a heavy focus on character development and romance. ''Warnings:'' The Nameless is currently 18+, and will contain depictions of violence and light gore, strong language, and eventually optional sexual content. Please let me know if any additional warnings should be added! <ul><li>[[Continue|Game Setup]]</li></ul>

<><<if $show_stats is true>><li><<link "S t a t s" "Stats">><<script>>var viewportWidth = window.innerWidth || document.documentElement.clientWidth; if (viewportWidth < 1000) {$("#sidebar").toggleClass("toggled");}<</script>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $show_rel is true>><li><<link "E n t w i n e d" "Entwined">><<script>>var viewportWidth = window.innerWidth || document.documentElement.clientWidth; if (viewportWidth < 1000) {$("#sidebar").toggleClass("toggled");}<</script>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $show_codex is true>><li><<link "C o d e x" "Codex">><<script>>var viewportWidth = window.innerWidth || document.documentElement.clientWidth; if (viewportWidth < 1000) {$("#sidebar").toggleClass("toggled");}<</script>><</link>></li><</if>><>

<<widget "o_are">><<switch $o_them>><<case true>>are<<case false>>is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "o_were">><<switch $o_them>><<case true>>were<<case false>>was<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "o_es">><<switch $o_them>><<case true>><<case false>>es<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "o_re">><<switch $o_them>><<case true>><<print "'re">><<case false>><<print "'s">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "o_ve">><<switch $o_them>><<case true>><<print "'ve">><<case false>><<print "'s">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "pc_are">><<switch $pc_them>><<case true>>are<<case false>>is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "pc_were">><<switch $pc_them>><<case true>>were<<case false>>was<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "pc_es">><<switch $pc_them>><<case true>><<case false>>es<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "pc_re">><<switch $pc_them>><<case true>>re<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "pc_ve">><<switch $pc_them>><<case true>>ve<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "o_capthey">><<switch $o_shehethey>><<case "she">><<print "She">><<case "he">><<print "He">><<case "they">><<print "They">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "o_captheir">><<switch $o_herhistheir>><<case "her">><<print "Her">><<case "his">><<print "His">><<case "their">><<print "Their">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "o_capthem">><<switch $o_shehethey>><<case "she">><<print "Her">><<case "he">><<print "Him">><<case "they">><<print "Them">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "o_captheirs">><<switch $o_shehethey>><<case "she">><<print "Hers">><<case "he">><<print "His">><<case "they">><<print "Theirs">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "h_capthey">><<switch $h_shehe>><<case "she">><<print "She">><<case "he">><<print "He">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "h_captheir">><<switch $h_shehe>><<case "she">><<print "Her">><<case "he">><<print "His">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "h_capthem">><<switch $h_shehe>><<case "she">><<print "Her">><<case "he">><<print "Him">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "h_captheirs">><<switch $h_shehe>><<case "she">><<print "Hers">><<case "he">><<print "His">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "m_capthey">><<switch $m_shehe>><<case "she">><<print "She">><<case "he">><<print "He">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "m_captheir">><<switch $m_shehe>><<case "she">><<print "Her">><<case "he">><<print "His">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "m_capthem">><<switch $m_shehe>><<case "she">><<print "Her">><<case "he">><<print "Him">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "m_captheirs">><<switch $m_shehe>><<case "she">><<print "Hers">><<case "he">><<print "His">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s_capthey">><<switch $m_shehe>><<case "she">><<print "She">><<case "he">><<print "He">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s_captheir">><<switch $m_shehe>><<case "she">><<print "Her">><<case "he">><<print "His">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s_capthem">><<switch $m_shehe>><<case "she">><<print "Her">><<case "he">><<print "Him">><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s_captheirs">><<switch $m_shehe>><<case "she">><<print "Hers">><<case "he">><<print "His">><</switch>><</widget>>

<if tags().contains("main-menu")> <div id="main-menu"></div> <else> <div id="sidebar"> <div class="sidebar-header">  <div></div>  <h1 class="story-title" data-passage="gameTitle"></h1>  <div class="sidebar-toggle"> </div> </div>   <div class="sidebar-history-nav"> </div> <div id="sidebar-body">  <div class="story-logo" data-passage="storyLogo"></div>  <h2 class="story-author" data-passage="storyAuthor"></h2> <nav class="sidebar-nav"> <img src="images/sidebar1.png" style="width:100%; height:auto;"> <ul class="story-menu" data-passage="storyMenu"></ul> <img src="images/sidebar2.png" style="width:100%; height:auto;"> <ul class="story-tools"> <li> Journal </li> <li> Saves </li> <li> Settings </li> <li> Restart </li> </ul> </nav> </div>  </div>  <div id="story" role="main"> <div id="passages"> <div id="passage-start" data-passage="start" class="passage"> </div> </div> </div> </if>

<<set $malecount to 0>> <<set $femcount to 0>> <<set $o_gender to "person">> /*<<elseif ($ro_randgender > 4) and ($ro_randgender < 0)>> <<set $o_gender to "man">> <<set $malecount += 1>> <<else>> <<set $o_gender to "woman">> <<set $femcount += 1>> */ <<set $ro_randgender to random(1, 2)>> <<if $ro_randgender is 1>> <<set $h_gender to "man">> <<set $malecount += 1>> <<else>> <<set $h_gender to "woman">> <<set $femcount += 1>> <</if>> <<set $ro_randgender to random(1, 2)>> <<if $ro_randgender is 1>> <<set $s_gender to "man">> <<set $malecount += 1>> <<else>> <<set $s_gender to "woman">> <<set $femcount += 1>> <</if>> <<if $malecount is 2>> <<set $m_gender to "woman">> <<elseif $femcount is 2>> <<set $m_gender to "man">> <<else>> <<set $ro_randgender to random(1, 2)>> <<if $ro_randgender is 1>> <<set $m_gender to "man">> <<else>> <<set $m_gender to "woman">> <</if>> <</if>> /*<<if $o_gender is "woman">> <<set $o_shehethey to "she">> <<set $o_herhistheir to "her">> <<set $o_herhimthem to "her">> <<set $o_hershistheirs to "hers">> <<set $o_s to "s">> <<set $o_isare to "'s">> <<set $o_them to false>> <<elseif $o_gender is "man">> <<set $o_shehethey to "he">> <<set $o_herhistheir to "his">> <<set $o_herhimthem to "him">> <<set $o_hershistheirs to "his">> <<set $o_s to "s">><<set $o_isare to "'s">> <<set $o_them to false>>*/ <<set $o_shehethey to "they">> <<set $o_herhistheir to "their">> <<set $o_herhimthem to "them">> <<set $o_hershistheirs to "theirs">> <<set $o_s to "">><<set $o_isare to "'re">> <<set $o_them to true>> <<if $h_gender is "woman">> <<set $h_shehe to "she">> <<set $h_herhis to "her">> <<set $h_herhim to "her">> <<set $h_hershis to "hers">> <<elseif $h_gender is "man">> <<set $h_shehe to "he">> <<set $h_herhis to "his">> <<set $h_herhim to "him">> <<set $h_hershis to "his">> <</if>> <<if $s_gender is "woman">> <<set $s_shehe to "she">> <<set $s_herhis to "her">> <<set $s_herhim to "her">> <<set $s_hershis to "hers">> <<elseif $s_gender is "man">> <<set $s_shehe to "he">> <<set $s_herhis to "his">> <<set $s_herhim to "him">> <<set $s_hershis to "his">> <</if>> <<if $m_gender is "woman">> <<set $m_shehe to "she">> <<set $m_herhis to "her">> <<set $m_herhim to "her">> <<set $m_hershis to "hers">> <<elseif $m_gender is "man">> <<set $m_shehe to "he">> <<set $m_herhis to "his">> <<set $m_herhim to "him">> <<set $m_hershis to "his">> <</if>> All RO genders have been randomized ''except for Oisein, who uses he/they and identifies as nonbinary.'' ''Note: The Nameless has a mobile-friendly format, but Save Files are less stable.'' If possible, it's recommended to play the game on a desktop/laptop. If staying on mobile, you can "Save to Disk", but it's likely that this will only maintain one save or else pick up your game where you left off last. Thank you so much again for reading, and enjoy the story! <ul><li>[[Start your adventure...|Prologue Start][$textGroup=1]]</li></ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>><<if $firstchoice is "oisein">>"Oisein?" The whisper cuts through the silence like a plea. Your fingers tenderly push aside some of the brush in an attempt to get a better view of the source of the sound, as your voice disappears ahead of you. <<elseif $firstchoice is "magic">> You clamp your mouth shut, pressing your teeth into your bottom lip. The warmth inside you kindles again, and you ready a spell, the magic coursing down your arm and halting to gather and thrum in your wrist. <<elseif $firstchoice is "hide">>You find a small gathering of bushes near the base of a particularly wide tree trunk and kneel behind it. Coarse ground scrapes against your skin as you steady yourself, your fingers unconsciously scraping into the dirt and embedding the earth into your fingernails. <<elseif $firstchoice is "intimidate">>Blood iron or not, how dare a mortalis come up against you? You steel your nerves and square directly towards the sound with your shoulders back and chin raised, prepared for a rebuttal against your pursuer. <</if>> <<if $firstchoice is "hide">> The silence drags on, and you crane your neck to try to get a view as the pressure builds into a roar in your ears. <<else>> The silence drags on, and the pressure builds into a roar in your ears.<</if>> ...<<fadein .5s 7s>><<link "''//CLACK!!//''" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>><</fadein>> <<case 2>> Your nerves shriek at the searing pain tearing through your left shoulder before your ears even register the sound of the crossbow bolt being loosed. <<if $firstchoice is "magic">>The spell gathering in your hand goes wide, the leaves of a far off sapling charring in the process.<</if>> <<if $firstchoice is "intimidate">>Black blood oozes out near your collar and you feel your breath grow shallow as you try to hold back the shock your body is charging into.<<else>>Black blood oozes out near your collar and you feel your breath grow shallow in a mild panic.<</if>> Your right hand seeks out the wound as you fall, trying to angle your good shoulder into another tree for support. Clenching your teeth and holding your breath, you look down to find the bolt thoroughly lodged into your shoulder, the iron poison already starting. No matter what you try to do, nothing succeeds in stemming the blood - or the torment. <<if $firstchoice is "intimidate">> <<set $prologue_standing to true>>You dig your nails into the rough bark to remain standing, a snarl lashing out as the figure emerges.<<else>>Your legs give out and you crumple to the ground as the figure emerges.<</if>> The glittering outline of the city - different patterns, same light as home - peeks through the line of trees as the mortalis in front of you loads the crossbow again and takes a step closer, voice filled with as much malice as the dark veins starting to branch out over your skin. "I know what you are, //sheevra.//" <ul><li> [[A few weeks ago...|Prologue-Saor][$textGroup = 1]]</li></ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 2>>"What were the stories? Why disconcerting?" Sirin doesn't look at you, instead idly grabbing at the sash around their waist. It's a motion you wouldn't expect from the usually cold and composed sheevra, and it betrays their nerves. "Tacita was always of the mind that we should openly cohabitate with the mortalis. Offer up our magic as a service. We'd managed to dissuade her for quite some time, but last we heard, she had actually reached out to Renescen's Council to put this plan into action." The High Sheevra purses their lips before continuing. "Clan Moirae sent an emissary to stop her, but they received a message back that neither Tacita nor any of Harpoc's sheevra could be found. And that there was a massive shift in the magic surrounding the city. There wasn't any more elaboration on that, unfortunately." You see their expression darken and their nails lengthen threateningly as they curl their fingers around their chin. "And then the messenger was sent back to them, dead. Dropped at the entrance of Moirae's Sanctum." They finally turn back to you. "If this is the mortalis' doing, if they've somehow subdued a Clan, we need to know. An affront like this will not go unanswered." <hr> <ul><li><<link "Frown with concern. \"You think the entire clan is gone?\" " `passage()`>><<set $choice = "frown">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $genuine+=1>><<set $friendly+=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Arch a brow. \"Are we sure they're not just finally cutting us off?\" " `passage()`>><<set $choice = "brow">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $sarcastic+=1>><<set $persuasive+=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Scoff. \"What concern is it to us?\" " `passage()`>><<set $choice = "scoff">><<set $aloof+=1>><<set $intimidating+=1>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Nod. \"I understand.\" " `passage()`>><<set $choice = "nod">><<set $genuine +=1>><<set $aloof+=1>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I stay silent, but anxiety begins buzzing in my mind." `passage()`>><<set $choice = "silence">><<set $genuine+=1>><<set $apprehensive+=1>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 3>><<if $choice is "frown">>Concern cascades through your chest as you frown. Surely Sirin can't expect you to believe some crusty old group of mortalis eliminated Tacita and her sheevra. "You think the entire clan is gone?" Nails dig into your palms without you realizing. The High Sheevra's expression shifts, and they look at you with an ounce of pity and sadness. "We don't know. What we've seen so far doesn't leave room for a particularly uplifting explanation, however." Genuine is not a word you would use to describe your people, but you can hear the worry in those words. <<elseif $choice is "brow">>Of all of the Clans, Harpoc has always been more secluded than the others, and the possiblity that they may just be finally separating completely runs through your mind. "Are we sure they're not just finally cutting us off?" Exhaustion permeates through Sirin's figure as they scratch at their forehead. "No, it's more than that, though we did wonder." They let the pause hang in the air. "If they were just //ignoring// us, there wouldn't have been as massive an energy shift." Was that fear you saw flicker across their face? Whatever it was, it's gone in the next instant. <<elseif $choice is "scoff">> Clan Harpoc has certainly never reached out a hand of friendship, and you can't see why your Clan would be involved in their affairs now. "What concern are they to us?" Gaze like ice, Sirin rears their head towards you with a snarl, spitting out their next words. "What sort of question is that? Would you see us meet the same fate? Do I need to spell out what sort of threat this could mean for the remaining Clans?" Heat emanates off your cheeks in embarassment, your eyes drifting to the side. They choose to ignore the line of questioning. <<elseif $choice is "nod">> You nod dutifully. "I understand. We need to find out what happened." The High Sheevra looks at you appreciately and hums their approval. <<elseif $choice is "silence">> You stay quiet, the anxiety beginning to clutch at the base of your skull. Sirin watches you carefully, their brow knitted in concern. <</if>> "I have some trust in Clan Moirae, but I'd still like you to investigate the city, discreetly." They say, continuing their orders and trying to shake off any emotion they may have let slip. "I won't pretend this will be simple, or that it won't be dangerous, given the results of the last attempt at contact. But if you focus more on gathering information, you should be able to avoid the worst." "Should?" "'Should' is the best I can offer." Given that the order is coming directly from a High Sheevra, you don't really have a choice besides going. But... <hr> <ul><li><<link "I'm happy to do it, this can only help us be better prepared. And it's rare for us to visit another Clan's city, so I'll make the most of it." `passage()`>><<set $choice = "happy">><<set $friendly+=1>><<set $curious+=1>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I don't //love// the idea of jumping into a dangerous situation like this alone, but I understand the need for subtlety." `passage()`>><<set $sarcastic +=1>><<set $persuasive+=1>><<set $choice = "self">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I don't see the point of this, especially if I might get killed in the process." `passage()`>><<set $choice = "callous">><<set $aloof+=1>><<set $intimidating+=1>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "It is what it is, I suppose." `passage()`>><<set $choice = "neutral">><<set $aloof+=1>><<set $genuine+=1>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 4>> <<if $choice is "happy">> Order or no, you're happy to be able to serve your clan in this way, especially if it allows you to experience a new place. <<elseif $choice is "self">> You don't particularly love the idea of traveling to Renescen alone, especially if a Moirae sheevra has already suffered the consequence. But if you lay low, you should be able to get out unscathed... right? <<elseif $choice is "callous">> You grind you teeth in masked annoyance. What's the point of all of this? Renescen is far enough away from your Clan, so why bother? <<elseif $choice is "neutral">> You don't have a strong opinion either way, but you're not going to object to Sirin's demands. <</if>> They smile a touch too wide when you give a small nod to confirm the answer they were expecting - or rather, forcing. "Good, I'll be expecting regular reports. I will gather supplies for you and let you know when you are to depart. Expect to leave within a week." Mists gather among the fabric of their black robes, until there's hardly a distinctive difference between the haze, the cloth, and the branches around them. As it builds and billows, you can feel the once stable branches around you begin to bend and weave, bowing to Sirin's will. They turn away without much more of a thought towards you, the slow wave of their long fingers the only indication that your conversation is over. The haze takes over your vision, roiling over itself like a miasma, until the branches disappear and you find yourself at the base of the goliath tree. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> You're used to the vertigo at this point, the sudden teleportation always disorienting to some degree. Still, would it kill them to give you more of a warning? Or just...any other information? Above you, you see the swollen, branchless trunk stretch towards the cloudy sky and feel the cool pricks of raindrops hit your cheeks. The crown of leaves and tangle of branches at the top don't do very much to shield you this far away, but the droplets are welcome this time, helping to ground you again. Closing your eyes to steady yourself for a few moments more, you exhale and turn down the path away from the High Sheevra's throne. There are a few other sheevra gathered about the grove, going in and out of Faille'Tor's Sanctum. Even with all the entrances hidden from mortalis eyes, you can still feel the thrum of energy and magic tunneling beneath your feet. A small goblin adorned with blue flames passes straight into the ground near one of the roots, no doubt scaring the life out of another sheevra passing innocently down below. Spinners stand demurely nearby, their chatter rife with gossip. Though they usually travel about in their disguised mortalis form, the movement of their fingers is still eerily similar to the rapid dance of spider legs. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> There's a gathering of dryads tending to the collection of the massive trees that make up the surface of the Sanctum, and you can feel the comfort of their magic surging into the wild around you. Flittering around the group, a small swarm of felidae moths are determined to cause a distraction, and they manage to pull the attention of some of the younger sheevra. One of them laughs and materializes the ivy drawn into his skin for one to land on, another flaunting her elemental magic as she creates small floating disks of ice for the moths to pounce between. But the oldest dryad knows better. She throws a small bundle of twine a good distance away, and the moths, always forgetting the trick immediately after, give chase with their eyes large and ears back. Coming from the main roads talking amongst themselves, you see a another group of sheevra, including some of the leanhaun. Every time one of them moves their arms, the glowing patterns along their skin move and shift, throwing light and shadow across their faces and the other sheevra around them. In the overcast hue of the rain, they look like a swarm of flickering fireflies. You hear them chatter about another mortalis falling victim to their strong pathos magic, the emotions of others intuitive and easy to manipulate to those skilled enough. The group of unseelie traveling at their side listen politely, but you can tell they'd rather end the one-sided conversation. One of the unseelie rolls their wrist as they glance idly to the side, their markings drifting near and wrapping back around their body. No doubt they're recollecting some of their illusion magic, the broad brush-like strokes offering an impressive advantage at painting over and twisting any scene into something of their making. Memories slip over as you watch the scenes around you. You look down at your own body and… <hr> <div class = "center"> <a data-passage="Elemental-Info" class="link-internal link-image" alt="Elemental"> <img src="images/ElementalRound.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> </a> <a data-passage="Illusion-Info" class="link-internal link-image" alt="Illusion"> <img src="images/IllusionRound.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> </a> <a data-passage="Pathos-Info" class="link-internal link-image" alt="Pathos"> <img src="images/PathosRound.png" style="width:18%; height:auto; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;"> </a> </div> <ul> <li><<link "...admire a myriad of flora tattooed over my skin. //[Dryad: Bonus to Elemental Magic]//" `passage()`>> <<set $choice = "dryad">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> <li><<link "...stretch my arm to see my own painted markings. //[Unseelie: Bonus to Illusion Magic]//" `passage()`>><<set $choice = "unseelie">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "...watch the shimmering patterns glinting off my fingers. //[Leanhaun: Bonus to Pathos Magic]//" `passage()`>><<set $choice = "leanhaun">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> /*<a data-passage="passage()" class="link-internal link-image"> <img src="https://i.ibb.co/wh07q1W/TheArids.png" style="width:25%; height:auto; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;"><<popover>> Element Test <</popover>> </a> <div class="magicpop"><<link [img[images/elemental.jpg]]>><<popover>> Element Test <</popover>> <</link>></div> <img src="images/illusion.jpg" style="max-width: 20%; display:inline-block;"> <img src="images/pathos.jpg" style="max-width: 20%; display:inline-block;">*/ <<case 7>> <<if $choice is "dryad">> <<set $dryad to true>> <<set $pc_type to "dryad">> <<set $elemental +=5>> In Clan Faille'Tor, you're considered one of the more powerful dryads, your skill in the elements practically unmatched. You look down at your own body and admire the myriad of flora tattooed across it, keeping them flat against your skin for now. The first image you remember is the dark black pools of Sirin's eyes, pulling you awake into consciousness. Immediately after that, an elder sheevra gently taking your hands into their own, showing you how to mold magic to your will. The energy had flown around you naturally, and you had taken on the job of nourishing the Sanctum when you were younger, as all dryads do. You remember the fire sparking to life in your palms from the energy the scouts had gathered, quickly snuffed out into an orb of pure magic that you were able to give back to the Sanctum. <<elseif $choice is "unseelie">> <<set $unseelie to true>> <<set $pc_type to "unseelie">> <<set $illusion += 5>> In Clan Faille'Tor, you're considered one of the more powerful unseelie, deception practically your second language. You stretch your arm to see your own painted markings course over your skin. The first image you remember is the dark black pools of Sirin's eyes, pulling you awake into consciousness. Immediately after that, an elder sheevra gently taking your hands into their own, showing you how to mold magic to your will. The energy had flown around you naturally, and as a young unseelie, you had ensured that the wards around the Sanctum were fortified. The others had beamed with pride the first time you made the outer Sanctum paths disappear in a shimmer of illusion magic. <<elseif $choice is "leanhaun">> <<set $leanhaun to true>> <<set $pc_type to "leanhaun">> <<set $pathos += 5>> In Clan Faille'Tor, you're considered one of the more powerful leanhaun, with a penchant for manipulation. Leagues of mortalis have bent to your will, believing it to be their own. An allure spell here, an altered memory there - it's all simple to you. You look down at your body and watch the shimmering patterns glinting off your fingers. The first image you remember is the dark black pools of Sirin's eyes, pulling you awake into consciousness. Immediately after that, an elder sheevra gently taking your hands into their own, showing you how to mold magic to your will. The energy had flown around you naturally, and being a younger leanhaun, you had helped with the responsibility of keeping away any mortalis who had accidentally found themselves wandering too close to the Sanctum. Glossy eyes stare through the memory, the first mortalis you manipulated suddenly realizing that whatever they were searching for was in the exact opposite direction. <</if>> Continuing along the brush-lined path, you ignore the usual entrance you take into the rest of the Sanctum and keep your eyes forward. The mist collecting along the ground parts for you, while the fine rain persists. Past the bundle of trees lies the cliff overlooking the hanging city of Saor. To the unknowing, the buildings seem to droop like hanging lanterns from the great stone bridge that holds it together, though you know of the hidden support beams below. The city spans the widest at the top, the infrastructure slowly narrowing as it disappears into the constant fog present at the base of the canyon. You were able to join the bands of sheevra who ventured into Saor once you were older. Whenever you took on your mortalis disguise, it was usual to use a mortalis form similar to your own, which recently was… <hr> A <<cycle "$pc_gender" autoselect>> <<option "man" "man">> <<option "woman" "woman">> <<option "person" "person">> <</cycle>> using <<cycle "$pc_shehethey" autoselect>> <<option " he/him " "he">> <<option " she/her " "she">> <<option " they/them " "they">> <</cycle>> pronouns. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 8>> <<if $pc_shehethey is "he">> <<set $pc_herhimthem to "him">> <<set $pc_hershistheirs to "his">> <<set $pc_herhistheir to "his">> <<set $pc_them to false>> <<set $pc_s to "s">> <<set $pc_isare to "'s">> <<elseif $pc_shehethey is "she">> <<set $pc_herhimthem to "her">> <<set $pc_hershistheirs to "hers">> <<set $pc_herhistheir to "her">> <<set $pc_them to false>> <<set $pc_s to "s">> <<set $pc_isare to "'s">> <<elseif $pc_shehethey is "they">> <<set $pc_herhimthem to "them">> <<set $pc_hershistheirs to "theirs">> <<set $pc_herhistheir to "their">> <<set $pc_them to true>> <<set $pc_s to "">> <<set $pc_isare to "'re">> <</if>> //''[Note: Once unlocked, pronouns can be changed at any time in the Stats page.]''// Posing as a band of travelers seeking shelter from the Arids, it was easy enough to blend into the regular stream of mortalis thrumming through the labyrinth of stairs that make up the city. It was then you learned how to spot mortalis most susceptible to deals - another sheevra pointing out the signs of the lustful, the greedy, the boisterous, and most importantly, the desperate. A necessary part of sheevra life, they had said. It was your duty to siphon energy and magic from the mortalis, to try and give back to the world they had drained so thoughtlessly in their hunt for power during the Old Wars. The Arids encroached ever closer to the cities each year, and they wouldn't take responsibility for the damage they had done. So it was up to you to make them. And make them you would, remembering the first deal you made: <hr> <ul><li>[[I promised riches to a man hungry for gold, in exchange for a memory|Prologue-GoldChoice][$textGroup = 1]]</li> <li>[["I approached a "+$h_gender+ " with the proposition of a night with anyone " + $h_shehe + " wanted, as long as "+$h_shehe+ " gave me "+ $h_herhis+" name."|Prologue-CoupleChoice][$textGroup = 1]]</li> <li>[[I promised to help an eldest daughter with a sick parent, in exchange for ten years off her life.|Prologue-DaughterChoice][$textGroup = 1]]</li> </ul> <</switch>>

<div class="fade-in-image"><img src="images/nameless_chap1_900.png" style="max-width:80%; display:block; margin: 0 auto;"></div> <<set $show_codex to true>> <<set $show_rel to true>> <<notify>>Codex & Entwined Unlocked!<</notify>> <<fadein 5s>> ''//Renescen's Crossing, a week later…//'' ——— Droplets of the portal float from your skin and fling themselves backwards into the arch behind you, a beam of light warming your face through the great windows of Renescen's Crossing. Glass and steel freckle the station with brilliant sun and when your eyes adjust, you see the gaggle of people who had come through the portal from Saor at your ticketed time, guided down by two women. They smile cheerily at you. "Right this way, please," comes the slightly unsettling unison. You pass between them down the steps and columns from the portal and spare a look back. Already, the women have the portal half closed, guiding their hands along the stone as runes blink out one by one until the gate is left empty and magicless. Turning again towards the rest of the station, you continue to make your way down the steps, hand sliding against the cold metallic railing. Outside the walls of the clear corridor to your right and left, you see dormant portals unattended, others crowded with lines of passengers waiting to travel. You haven't seen a sight like this in a while, and in your focus almost run into the set of glass panels blocking your exit from the portal's terminal. As you look into your reflection, you have to stifle the reaction to lash out at the mortalis $pc_gender staring back at you. <ul><li> <<fadein 5s>>[[Continue|Chapter1-Crossing][$textGroup = 1]]<</fadein>></li></ul><</fadein>>

<<switch $textGroup>><<case 1>> <div class="fade-in-image"><img src="images/nameless_prologue_900.png" style="max-width:80%; display:block; margin: 0 auto;"></div> <<fadein 5s>> //Sloppy, careless-// Something screeches past your face, lodging itself into the tree trunk next to you with a sickening ''//thud//'' - the same time you think you feel your stomach launch itself into your throat. //SHIT.// Unease creeps languidly up your neck, already clutching the base of your skull before you chance a look at the head of the bolt. "Blood iron," you hiss through clamped teeth. Your magic weakens for just a moment, flickering and beating against the sensation of nails clambering up your spine and sending a chill through your gut. //When did the mortalis start carrying blood iron?// Curious thoughts won't help you now. You have to get away before one of those things- ''//CRACK!//'' Wood splinters into your face, your hand coming up just in time to deflect the worst of it. An ember of power ignites in your chest as you slam your other palm into a nearby tree, the magic roaring in your veins. Light streams from between your fingers, and a hundred branches burst forth from the bark as you step forward past them. <ul><li><<fadein 5s>><<link "That should slow them down for a little bit. Have to put some distance between us… " `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>><</fadein>></li></ul> <</fadein>> <<case 2>> Your instincts scream for you to run. Behind you, the sound of trampled leaves grows louder. Movements not quite as fluid in this altered body, you scramble and stumble through the thicket of trees, lungs burning with your heaving breath. When your foot catches again on the root of a thick oak, the frustration starts to boil in your throat. //Well, if they already know, might as well make the most of it.// Pushing yourself a little further, the sound behind you quiets, if only just slightly. Now is as good a time as any, and you brace yourself against a boulder before ripping out your earring. As soon as the ornament leaves your ear, your flesh morphs, your eyes blacken, and your power grows. Magic surges into your ribs and out through your breath, enveloping you in its comforting energy. Muscles lengthen and unwind with glee as you take a moment to stretch your arms upward towards the sky, reaching up, up, up into the stars. Different patterns but the same familiar light as home. But you pull your arms back with a curse, the seconds passing by too quickly. It's time to keep going. Without your mortalis disguise, your natural form carries you with ease over the roots and foliage of your surroundings, any hindrance barely a whisper against your ankles. //I hope they haven't caught…// The thought cuts off when you hear an unnatural shuffling to your left. You screech to a halt, and an unfamiliar feeling drops heavily in your heart. Fear. <hr> <ul><li>[["Oisein?" I whisper urgently. It shouldn't have taken this long to meet up.|Prologue-Arrow][$firstchoice = "oisein"; $textGroup=1; $o_friendship+=1; $friendly+=1]]</li> <li>[[I keep silent and ready a magic rebuttal. |Prologue-Arrow][$firstchoice = "magic"; $textGroup=1; $magic+=1; $elemental+=1; $pathos+=1; $illusion+=1]]</li><li>[[Try to hide. My quick-thinking has served me well before.|Prologue-Arrow][$firstchoice = "hide"; $textGroup=1; $might+=1; $agility+=1; $apprehensive+=1]]</li><li>[[Square up and go directly towards the sound. The mortalis should be scared of me, not the other way around.|Prologue-Arrow][$firstchoice = "intimidate";$textGroup=1;$might+=1; $strength+=1; $intimidating+=1]]</li></ul> <</switch>>

A few quick things. First: ''Some choice options can be labeled'' (Ex. &hearts; for flirt options and ⟳ for options that will loop back after gathering information). Additionally, starting in Chapter 2 and 3, ''there are a few text passages that will animate as a "glitch" ''(no flashing, but changing text sizes and weights) and may be triggering for those sensitive to animations. ''//Both choice labels and glitch text can be configured in the Settings Menu at any time. They are both default enabled.//'' Second, you can also set the entire game to Dark Mode or remove the background images at any time from the Settings menu as well. One extra thing for mobile users: If playing in portrait mode, the background images will remain disabled. Third, you have a choice to set some of the romance option (RO) genders now, randomize them, or decide later. Would you like to set them now or as you meet them? <hr> <ul> <li>[[Set ROs now.]]</li> <li>[[Randomize ROs.]]</li> <li>[[Set ROs when I meet them.]]</li> </ul>

<<if $choice_labels is false>> <<set $flirt_label to "">> <<set $info_label to "">> <<elseif $choicelabels is true>> <<set $flirt_label to "&hearts; ">> <<set $info_label to "⟳ ">> <</if>> <<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>>''Please select from below:'' Oisein uses he/they and identifies as nonbinary. /*<<listbox "$o_gender">> <<option "she/her" "woman">> <<option "he/him" "man">> <<option "they/them" "person" selected>> <</listbox>>*/ The Healer: <<listbox "$h_gender">> <<option "she/her" "woman">> <<option "he/him" "man" selected>> <</listbox>> The Sage: <<listbox "$s_gender">> <<option "she/her" "woman" selected>> <<option "he/him" "man">> <</listbox>> The Magesmith: <<listbox "$m_gender">> <<option "she/her" "woman" selected>> <<option "he/him" "man">> <</listbox>> <ul><li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 2>> /*<<if $o_gender is "woman">> <<set $o_shehethey to "she">> <<set $o_herhistheir to "her">> <<set $o_herhimthem to "her">> <<set $o_hershistheirs to "hers">> <<set $o_s to "s">> <<set $o_isare to "'s">> <<set $o_them to false>> <<elseif $o_gender is "man">> <<set $o_shehethey to "he">> <<set $o_herhistheir to "his">> <<set $o_herhimthem to "him">> <<set $o_hershistheirs to "his">> <<set $o_s to "s">><<set $o_isare to "'s">> <<set $o_them to false>>*/ <<set $o_shehethey to "they">> <<set $o_herhistheir to "their">> <<set $o_herhimthem to "them">> <<set $o_hershistheirs to "theirs">> <<set $o_s to "">><<set $o_isare to "'re">> <<set $o_them to true>> <<if $h_gender is "woman">><<set $h_shehe to "she">><<set $h_herhis to "her">><<set $h_herhim to "her">><<set $h_hershis to "hers">><<elseif $h_gender is "man">><<set $h_shehe to "he">><<set $h_herhis to "his">><<set $h_herhim to "him">><<set $h_hershis to "his">><</if>> <<if $s_gender is "woman">><<set $s_shehe to "she">><<set $s_herhis to "her">><<set $s_herhim to "her">><<set $s_hershis to "hers">><<elseif $s_gender is "man">><<set $s_shehe to "he">><<set $s_herhis to "his">><<set $s_herhim to "him">><<set $s_hershis to "his">><</if>> <<if $m_gender is "woman">><<set $m_shehe to "she">><<set $m_herhis to "her">><<set $m_herhim to "her">><<set $m_hershis to "hers">><<elseif $m_gender is "man">><<set $m_shehe to "he">><<set $m_herhis to "his">><<set $m_herhim to "him">><<set $m_hershis to "his">><</if>> The ROs are set as follows: Oisein: he/they The Healer: $h_shehe/$h_herhim The Sage: $s_shehe/$s_herhim The Magesmith: $m_shehe/$m_herhim Is this correct? <hr> <ul><li><<link "No (Go back to selection page) " `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Yes, that's correct." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> RO Genders are set. ''Note: The Nameless has a mobile-friendly format, but Save Files are less stable.'' If possible, it's recommended to play the game on a desktop/laptop. If staying on mobile, you can "Save to Disk", but it's likely that this will only maintain one save or else pick up your game where you left off last. Thank you so much again for reading, and enjoy the story! <ul><li>[[Start your adventure...|Prologue Start][$textGroup=1]]</li></ul> <</switch>>

<<if $choice_labels is false>> <<set $flirt_label to "">> <<set $info_label to "">> <<elseif $choicelabels is true>> <<set $flirt_label to "&hearts; ">> <<set $info_label to "⟳ ">> <</if>>Gender choices for the ROs will appear as you meet them, ''except for Oisein, who uses he/they and identifies as nonbinary.'' During your first interactions with each mortalis RO, there will be a cycling option within a sentence. Click the italicized text to cycle through to your choice (shown in example below). <<set $gen_example to "man">> "People tend to notice <<cycle "$gen_example" autoselect>> <<option "his attractive features.\"" "man">> <<option "her attractive features.\"" "woman">> <</cycle>> ''Note: The Nameless has a mobile-friendly format, but Save Files are less stable.'' If possible, it's recommended to play the game on a desktop/laptop. If staying on mobile, you can "Save to Disk", but it's likely that this will only maintain one save or else pick up your game where you left off last. Thank you so much for reading, and enjoy the game! <<set $RO_custom_whenmeet to true>><ul><li>[[Start your adventure...|Prologue Start]]</li></ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>>He was easy to spot in the tavern, voice loud enough to be heard through the entirety of Saor's canyon. Challenging anyone who would dare to a game of Liar's Dice, confident that he couldn't be beaten and that he would relieve all the patrons of their gold before the next fortnight. The smell of liquor was almost as obvious as his trick sets of dice. "This seems a bit trite if you're going for a get rich quick scheme," you said, sliding into the pointedly empty booth across from him. Eyeing you up and down, he guffawed. You remember wishing you had an extra pair of hands to cover your ears from the obnoxious noise masquerading as a laugh. "What I've got here is a legitimate business, helping friends lighten their weighty pockets," he sneered. "How's someone as green as you gonna lecture me? You barely look old enough to Cross on your own!" Bold of him to assume, even if this was to be your first deal on your own. You shrugged and drummed your fingers on the table while his second bout of laughter died down. When you did glance over, you found him watching the movement of your hands with a growing uncertainty creeping up his shoulders. "Just think that there are quicker, better ways if gold is what you're after," you said low, drawing him in. "Things that don't cost your dignity or another minute of your time. You could leave here tonight a wealthier man than some in the upper ring." Your voice hardly carried over the small wooden table now, and he was nearly laying across it to hear you. Mortalis as desperate as this one were easy to lure, and lure him you did. <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<switch $pc_gender>><<case "woman">><<set $pc_dim to "girl">><<case "man">><<set $pc_dim to "boy">><<case "person">><<set $pc_dim to "kid">><</switch>>"What are you on about, $pc_dim? You're just talkin' out your ass." The bite was in his words, but you saw the curiosity illuminating his face. You continued to feign nonchalance. "If you're not interested, I'd be more than happy to offer this to someone else-" A hand shot out to clutch at your forearm, and in that instant, you both knew he had lost. He sheepishly returned his calloused hand and his gaze to his lap. Intermission fell into your conversation while the jeers of other tavern patrons continued, punctuated by the sharp happy notes of the bard's viol. "Is it going to be dangerous?" he said, beginning the next act, his voice suddenly losing the more drunken drawl. "Not in the slightest," you responded, crossing your arms. Wary eyes looked back to you, his thick eyebrows shadowing the heavy bags you now noticed under his eyes. "Richer than those bastards in the governor's circle?" You nodded. "How?" Breath hitched in his throat when you leaned over the table, resting your elbow on the hard wood and placing your face in your hand. "All I need," you said methodically. "-is a memory." "My mem-" he started, before narrowing his eyes with a snarl. "//Sheevra.//" You had smiled wide, showing your teeth. "Be careful, you don't want to cause a scene." "You think anyone would help you?" He had begun to stand, but you looked away, uninterested. "Do I think anyone would help a sheevra? No," you said honestly. "Do I think our friends here would help me, a quiet <<liveblock>>$pc_gender minding $pc_herhistheir<</liveblock>> own business over the loud drunkard who's been nothing but annoying all night?" Neither of you needed to answer, and he slowly lowered himself back into the seat. <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 3>> "You must think I'm an idiot, to think you'd give me some untold riches for one lousy memory." "That's fair." You leaned back then, humming to yourself and nodding. "It will have to be your most treasured memory. But after that, the gold will be easy. Have you ever heard of a sheevra not holding up their end of a bargain?" Pursed lips sat silent in thought, but he didn't respond. Your people may be clever and manipulative, but it was always the mortalis that backed themselves into a corner. A sheevra was just executing a deal. "Can you take the gold somewhere else?" "To a safer location? I suppose." "No, as in, give the gold to someone else. For my most treasured memory." Intrigue sprouted inside of you, just as you sensed regret beginning to bloom within him, and you had turned back to the man. On further investigation you noticed his factory uniform, the smudges of dirt and oil across his wrists, and despite his younger eyes the heightened lines of stress grooved into his forehead. When you had let your senses fully reach out, you realized the liquor was weak on his breath. What you had smelled before was a pool of it discreetly dumped and spilled underneath the table. "If I give you an address, can the gold appear there?" he continued asking. You clasped your palms together and placed them in front of you. "It will." Taking a nearby napkin, he drew out a pencil from his shirt pocket and wrote an address located nearby, one ring lower. He threw it across the table and slammed his fists down, white knuckles stark against his skin. He was shaking. <ul><li> <<link " \"Make your deal, sheevra.\" " `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 4>> Just like your mentor had shown you, you pulled the promise from his lips and wove it into magic, threading it through your bodies and cinching it together. You saw the tears begin to form at the edge of his eyes, and he shuddered a breath when you began pulling the memory. In it you saw a young ginger-haired woman, her hair braided over her shoulder. Another shock of ginger hair appeared at her chest, the baby swathed in pale green cloth and fast asleep in their mother's arms. A smile brightened her face when the baby yawned, her eyes swinging wildly from them to you. Sun was shining through a broken window. Another memory from years later, a daughter frantically launching herself forward to hug her father. The woman gazes gently at you, the circles under her eyes deeper in the shadows from the porch candle, but her face no less beautiful. You've been out late recently, running from the factory to other side jobs, to other schemes to try and improve your family's lot in life. It hasn't worked yet as you see another leak from the recent rains drip through the ceiling, but they never blame you. //She// never blames you. Only holds your hands and washes your face and kisses your eyes and tells you how much she loves you and wouldn't change a thing. When you were done pulling the memory, he would never remember the light of her smile, the potent image enough to create a Sentiment vial of Devotion. A memory so strong it could be bottled and used in a burst of power. You had taken the napkin in hand, leaving his blank eyes to stare at someone else. The gold was easy enough to come by, the magic pulling you to the deal's completion and a covered wagon bringing high-end goods into the upper rings. Selling it all took some time, as well as silencing the driver, and your mentor had mocked you for your lack of finesse. Still, you saw it through. When the man's wife opened the creaking door over its remaining functional hinge, she had looked warily around before noticing the lumpy sack sitting on her doorstep. Her eyes were red and her hands were dirty while she worked the top of the bag, before letting it fall open. Then she had thrust the cloth away from herself, falling back onto the ground, her chest heaving in shock. Tentatively, she crawled forward on her hands and knees, looked into the pouch, closed it again, and wept. You sometimes wondered if they ever found each other again. <<set $devotion+=1>> <<set $first_choice to "gold">> <ul> <li> [[Continue|Prologue-ChoiceMerge][$textGroup = 1]] </li></ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>>The signs of an unhappy lover were obvious, eyes turned nervously towards the more indiscreet establishments of the district you were in. You had approached $h_herhim with the confidence of an old friend, laid a tentative but caressing hand on $h_herhis shoulder, and waited for the embarrassed shock. But it didn't come. Echoes of a <<liveblock>>$pc_gender<</liveblock>> with stormy green eyes and curls of brown hair found its way into the back of your skull, and you knew this would be an easy target. "Do you want to be with <<liveblock>>$pc_herhimthem?"<</liveblock>> you asked, voice gentle in contrast to the blaring light crystals and sounds of raucous giggles. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> had nodded, immediately recognizing what you were. You remember the swollen bags under $h_herhis eyes, and the feeling of uncertainty. Of whether you had found $h_herhim, or $h_shehe had found you. <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 2>> "May I know your name?" "I'll give it, I swear." <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> voice was more determined than you were taught to take, but by swearing, $h_shehe had already granted enough permission to lock the deal in place. Just like your mentor had shown you, you pulled the promise from $h_herhis lips and wove it into magic, threading it through your bodies and cinching it together. <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> grey eyes widened for just a second, before relaxing into something more compliant. You took $h_herhis hand and led $h_herhim to another building and another room, where you could be alone to place the illusion magic of the lover $h_shehe desired into $h_herhis eyes. A night of frantic ecstasy was what you had expected, but it never became that. As soon as your hand lifted from $h_herhis eyes, tears quickly replaced it. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> collapsed at your feet, dragging you down to sit on the edge of the bed. Stories and memories fluttered from $h_herhis mouth, recalling a love that had spanned years and cities, even venturing into the Arids. Whispers of warm mornings and infectious laughter and a strange smelling plant in an inn. Lost bets against one another that often ended in a prize of tangled sheets, a bottle of wine, and a half-hearted battle over the last bite of a pastry. Pained embraces on parting, and desperate kisses on reuniting. You saw the next chapter when $h_herhis voice could not give it. The same face, but weakened, sickly, and gaunt. Disease had stolen the color from all of <<liveblock>>$pc_herhistheir<</liveblock>> features, and soon it would steal $pc_herhimthem completely. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> had traced the veins in your arm with a single finger, trailing down and taking your hands in $h_hershis. Bringing your knuckles up to $h_herhis face, $h_shehe adorned each one with a soft kiss, finally bringing both of your hands and $h_herhis gaze down. <<if $h_gender is "man">> "Evan Penner Glask." <<else>> "Evaine Penner Glask." <</if>> The words left $h_herhim like the end of a prayer. And in some aspects, it was. Magic gripped the name tight as soon as it was spoken, but you were young then, and you couldn't help but ask. "You don't want to know what happens next?" Empty eyes locked with yours, and $h_shehe shook $h_herhis head. "You can take it. You can take everything. I have nothing without <<liveblock>> $pc_herhimthem.<</liveblock>>" <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 3>> Clan Faille'Tor gained a font of energy that night, and to the High Sheevra's delight, the memories were even potent enough to create a Sentiment vial of Despair. A memory so strong it could be bottled and used in a burst of power. But what you didn't tell the others was that you couldn't untangle the memory from $h_herhis soul. It was fish-hooked into $h_herhis very being, and pull as you did, you couldn't free it. You had left the illusion magic active when you tried, and $h_herhis eyes didn't leave you as you drained $h_herhis entire essence away. There was no fear in $h_herhis face, though, only acceptance. And relief. It was better that you left before the mortalis found the body, leaving a husk collapsed on the bed. <<set $despair+=1>> <<set $first_choice to "couple">> <ul><li> [[Continue|Prologue-ChoiceMerge][$textGroup = 1]]</li></ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Sick loved ones were always some of the smoother deals to collect, and Saor's poorer districts were rife with them much like any other city. You had caught the sight of a young woman as she waited outside of a healer's hut, soot smudged across her face and plain dress. It was better to observe the state of the sickness first, before trying to ply some sort of offer. Hair as vibrant as flame bounced in a quick bow with a quicker thanks to the healer once her poultice was ready, and she bounded away down the street. You followed her through a shadowed alley and down a set of stairs to a lower ring, until eventually the two of you reached a small shambling hut. The door swung open with barely any effort on her part, slapping against the frame with a strained creak from it's hinges. A quick glance was all you were able to steal but it was enough. Inside lay an older man, gripping with sweaty palms at a crusting blanket. Before the door had sealed itself as much as it could again, you had also caught sight of a younger son, knees bent and clothes a size too small, clutching on a decaying chair nearby. //Easy enough,// you had thought. <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 2>> Waiting outside the hut, you watched for any sign of movement, and were rewarded barely an hour later when the young woman emerged again. This time, with her younger brother in tow. "Is your father sick?" you asked, immediately furrowing your brow into a mask of worry. Her dark green eyes snapped to your face, but relaxed at your disguise. It didn't seem like she would respond, but she did eventually nod, if with a growing suspicion. "And how has he fared?" Your tone dripped with honeyed, concerned words. "I've heard of a disease spreading through the lower rings, if only someone could help." She had pursed her lips together and turned to her brother. He was still staring at you until she cleared her throat, and he finally looked up to see her nod back towards the door. With a pout and a barely audible whine, he turned back towards their home. It was only then that you noticed the powdering of blue and purple over his pale skin, and a flaming red barely-healed scar just above the waist of his pants. "So what are you then?" she had asked forcefully. "Syndicate? Government? Black market?" "Someone interested in helping a family stay togethe-" "Bullshit. I'm not interested in some crackpot cure that will drain my family for nothing. Especially if it involves you selling me into some brothel, or selling my brother into some factory. Go find some other gullible cliche'd sob story." You were young then, the tables had turned, and you were desperate to seal your first exchange. Lifting yourself from the wall, you approached her with a swagger, keeping an eye out to make sure no other onlookers would witness you. When the coast was clear enough, you locked eyes with her again and let the flash of black seep out from your irises. It only took a moment for her to realize what she was confronted with, and she stumbled back with a yelp. "Sh-" You held up your finger to silence her, and she obediently stopped with eyes widened. "Ten years from your life, and I promise it won't kill you immediately. Ten years, and I'll heal your father completely. What do you say?" The stand-off between the two of you lasted for a minute or more, you couldn't remember, but you knew that she was aware the solution you offered would be more permanent than some swindling salesperson. Finally, she spoke. <ul><li> <<link "\"Can you get rid of him?\" " `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 3>> It wasn't the response you expected, and your shock made a quick push past your guard. She straightened her stance, gripping at the splintering make-shift fence to lift herself as a savage hatred took over her face. "Can you kill him?" she asked again, quieter, through gritted teeth. "I'll give you ten years, I'll give you twenty years, if it means he's gone." You paused, unsure if you should let the curiosity out. "Can't you just stop giving him the medicine?" She shook her head, despondent. "I've been hoping he would just do us all a courtesy and die, but the medicine is barely doing anything anyway, and I can't bring myself to harm him outright with my brother around." Her voice lowered further. "Even though he's suffered the most at the hands of that //monster//." The marks on the young boy clicked into place. You had added to the terms then, asking if she wanted to forfeit her memories of her father, of this place, and her brother's memories as well. She had practically jumped on the deal, and you could only hope that all mortalis would be so eager in the future. Just like your mentor had shown you, you pulled the promise from her lips and wove it into magic, threading it through your bodies and cinching it together. She had stared at you with determination through the entire process, calling for her brother to come back outside once you were complete. White knuckled hands gripped at his shoulders as you drew the tainted, vicious memories forward. When you turned to take from the woman, you found to your delight that the potency of her memories was enough to create a Sentiment vial of Fury. A memory so strong it could be bottled and used in a burst of power. It roared in your hand, the cork barely sealing even with as much force as you could muster. Her blank eyes had watched you, her brother tugging frantically at her skirt when you also drew the decade off her life. When her full consciousness finally returned, her gaze found yours with none of the hardness it had had the moment before. "Thank you," she whispered, before the last dregs of the memories left her forever. Turned out, all the father needed was a push in the right direction, and using pathos to drain his willpower was enough. He died in his sleep, which was more merciful than a sheevra's usual fare, but a natural death caused the least amount of questions. You never saw the woman and her brother again. <<set $fury +=1>> <<set $first_choice to "daughter">> <ul><li> [[Continue|Prologue-ChoiceMerge][$textGroup = 1]] </li></ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $codex_saor to true>> The success of your first deal had garnered you plenty of acclaim within the Clan, and it only continued from there. Soon, you were a regular scout to Saor and some of the outlying mortalis villages, and with more practice came easier successes. Looking back at your experiences with the mortalis, you can't help but think… <hr> <ul><li><<link "Clan Harpoc was onto something. We should be trying to work together with the mortalis. Try to save them from themselves." `passage()`>><<set $friendly+=1>><<set $curious+=1>><<set $empathetic+=1>><<set $choice = "first">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Tacita may have a point about working together with mortalis and sharing more of the world with each other, but it would be a hard transition." `passage()`>><<set $curious+=1>><<set $empathetic+=1>><<set $choice = "second">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "As much as I wish things were different, the animosity between mortalis and sheevra would be too great to overcome." `passage()`>><<set $empathetic+=1>><<set $apprehensive+=1>><<set $choice = "third">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Who knows if there might be a future involving sheevra and mortalis living together, but I can't imagine it being any time soon." `passage()`>><<set $callous+=1>><<set $apprehensive+=1>><<set $choice = "fourth">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I don't know what sort of nonsense Clan Harpoc was on about. Mortalis are beyond help, and working together could never happen." `passage()`>><<set $callous+=1>><<set $intimidating+=1>><<set $aloof+=1>><<set $choice = "fifth">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<switch $choice>> <<case "first">> When you think about your time in Saor, you can't help believe that maybe Tacita was right. That the sheevra should be trying to work with the mortalis into some sort of harmony, if only to save them from themselves. <<case "second">> You chew at your bottom lip and think about your time in the city. It would take a massive amount of work to be rid of all the hostile tension between your people and the mortalis. Not to mention some of them barely even believe in your existence. Still, wouldn't it be something worth pursuing? <<case "third">> You ease a breath out and shake your head in an attempt to fling off the thoughts. Though you've seen the good and bad in the mortalis, you can't help feeling that the differences between you are will always be too great. <<case "fourth">> You shake your head in an attempt to fling off the thoughts. Could there be a future with the mortalis and the sheevra living harmoniously? You're not sure, and to be honest, you doubt it would be within your lifetime, long as that may be. <<case "fifth">> When you think about your time in Saor, all that really comes forth is a sneer. Trying to think of the sheevra and mortalis living together is laughable, and impossible. You would all sooner kill each other than even attempt to gain help from one another. No, Clan Harpoc and Tacita are wrong. <</switch>> You find yourself sighing again as you overlook the city, another grove of goliath trees framing the opposite side of the ravine. It doesn't take long for a flicker of familiar magic to approach behind you, and you don't have to look to know who it is. "It's rude to sneak up on people, you know." "Good thing I wasn't trying to be very sneaky then." You force a quiet laugh and another sheevra comes to your side, arms crossed tightly. An unusually serious look is plastered on Oisein's face as $o_shehethey follow$o_s your stare. In the rain, $o_herhistheir rouge pink skin darkens, the light cream spots and freckles scattered across $o_herhistheir face shimmering like a field of stars. More moments pass in silence while Oisein idly flicks raindrops off his curling antlers. As the seconds tick by, you're surprised by how long he's gone without making a snarky comment at someone's expense. <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 3>> <<set $o_shehethey to "they">> <<set $o_herhistheir to "their">> <<set $o_herhimthem to "them">> <<set $o_hershistheirs to "theirs">> <<set $o_s to "">><<set $o_isare to "'re">> <<set $o_them to true>> "So, what did they want?" $o_shehethey finally ask$o_s, $o_herhistheir voice soft, but just loud enough to be heard over the rain. "Scouting mission." "Where?" "Renescen." Oppresive quiet falls on the two of you again, only interrupted by the low rumble of thunder in the distance. You can feel $o_herhistheir magic gently brushing against your own, trying to get a read on the residual feelings of the High Sheevra without you having to give up more details of the encounter yourself. "Clan Harpoc's city?" $o_shehethey continue$o_s, keeping up the pretense of a conversation while $o_shehethey gauge$o_s you. You nod in response. "Hm. That's a long ways away." "It is." "Alone?" "Seems like." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> scoff$o_s with disapproval. When you feel his magic finally back away, you turn your gaze from the city to Oisein, only to find him shuddering with a hand over his mouth. He leans his head closer to you and lowers his voice. "All I can feel is fear. It's a lot worse than they're letting on." He pauses. "It feels wrong…" <hr> <<click "View preset names:">><<toggleclass "#section1" "hidden">><</click>> <div id="section1" class="hidden"> <<if $pc_gender is "man">> <ul> <li><<link "Kaleb" `passage()`>><<set $pc_name = "Kaleb">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Mikael" `passage()`>><<set $pc_name = "Mikael">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Saelem" `passage()`>><<set $pc_name = "Saelem">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Rel" `passage()`>><<set $pc_name = "Rel">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<elseif $pc_gender is "woman">> <ul> <li><<link "Jayne" `passage()`>><<set $pc_name = "Jayne">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Isabel" `passage()`>><<set $pc_name = "Isabel">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Arabella" `passage()`>><<set $pc_name = "Arabella">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Sophie" `passage()`>><<set $pc_name = "Sophie">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<elseif $pc_gender is "person">> <ul> <li><<link "Orion" `passage()`>><<set $pc_name = "Orion">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Arden" `passage()`>><<set $pc_name = "Arden">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "River" `passage()`>><<set $pc_name = "River">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Glade" `passage()`>><<set $pc_name = "Glade">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> </div> Or enter your name here: <<textbox "$pc_name" "">> <<link "Set Name." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> <<case 4>> <<notify>> Stats Unlocked! <</notify>> <<set $show_stats to true>> "It feels wrong, $pc_name." You tense and roll your lips together, trying to ignore the shiver lancing down your spine. It's not exactly a surprise that you're hurtling into an unknown situation, and decency is not your High Sheevra's forte. Still, it'd be nice to know more about what you're walking into. Especially if it's something big enough to scare someone as powerful as them. <hr> <ul> <li><<link "\"It's necessary though, isn't it?\" I try to smile through the question." `passage()`>><<set $choice to "first">><<set $friendly+=1>><<set $genuine+=1>><<set $persuasive+=1>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Figures.\" I give a resigned sigh. \"What else can I do though?\"" `passage()`>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $sarcastic+=1>><<set $persuasive+=1>><<set $friendly+=1>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I grimace and feel anger bubbling up. \"I guess we're expendable.\" " `passage()`>><<set $choice to "third">><<set $aloof+=1>><<set $intimidating+=1>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Shaking my head, I keep quiet. No point in worrying about it now that it's set in motion." `passage()`>><<set $choice to "fourth">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $aloof+=1>><<set $genuine+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> <<switch $choice>> <<case "first">> You try to smile, but Oisein's face just pinches into more worry. "It's necessary though, isn't it? We have to protect ourselves." <<case "second">> "Figures." You give a resigned sigh, letting your shoulders sag. "What else can I do though?" Oisein snorts. "Not much, I suppose." A few more moments pass before $o_shehethey look$o_s at you directly. <<case "third">> You grimace and feel anger bubbling up towards your High Sheevra. For all the talk they do on the follies of mortalis, they don't seem much better. "I guess we're just that expendable." <<case "fourth">> Shaking your head, you decide not to say any more on the subject. No point in worrying about it now that it's set in motion. <</switch>> "I can try to //convince// them to let me go with you," $o_shehethey offer$o_s. The intonation is obvious, but the meaning is ridiculous. "I'm sorry, are you…you want to try and manipulate the High Sheevra?" It takes a whole lot of willpower to stop yourself from laughing. Oisein may be a talented pathos proficient, but $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> still no match for a literal demigod. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> know$o_s it too, puffing out $o_herhistheir cheeks and rubbing at $o_herhistheir eyes with the base of $o_herhistheir palms. You watch the rain smooth down $o_herhistheir neck before $o_shehethey lace$o_s $o_herhistheir fingers together behind it. "Alright yes, fair, not my //greatest// idea." That's the understatement of the century. With a quick knock of your knuckles against his shoulder, you shake your head. "I'll be fine," you try to convince both him and yourself. "It's just like any other day in Saor." The sound of rushing water tumbling into the ravine becomes more discernible as the rain lets up, a notable silence dragging on from Oisein. You heave a breath through your nose in mild frustration and sympathy, and - figuring you'll see him around before you leave anyway - you turn to leave the exchange at that. When you make to move, however, a sudden grip at your wrist brings your attention back to Oisein, $o_herhistheir palm hot against your rain-cooled skin. "I'm serious, $pc_name. You shouldn't be going alone." Oisein's concern is… <hr> <ul> <li><<link "Not surprising. We've always been close friends." `passage()`>><<set $choice to "first">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Not surprising. We've always been close friends, and I've always wondered if there was something more..." `passage()`>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "A little surprising. We're friends, but I wouldn't say we're very close." `passage()`>><<set $choice to "third">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Surprising. It's true we've scouted together before, but we haven't had much interaction outside of that." `passage()`>><<set $choice to "fourth">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<switch $choice>> <<case "first">> <<set $o_past_friendship to true>> <<set $o_rel_status to "The pair of you are an infamous duo in Clan Faille'Tor, Oisein having always been one of your closest friends.">> <<set $rel_oisein to true>> <<set $o_friendship to 5>> Given your history, $o_herhistheir concern is hardly surprising. You've been on plenty of scouting missions together, and you consider Oisein one of your closest friends - if sheevra are capable of having emotional bonds like that. "I'm being serious too," you say earnestly, trying to assuage $o_herhistheir fears. "I can handle myself, I'm not worried." You're still not sure about that point, but you'll figure that out later. Reluctantly, $o_shehethey drop$o_s your wrist and instead crosses $o_herhistheir arms with no small amount of skepticism. "Remember that time a child tricked you with a bag of rock candy?" Okay, low blow bringing that up. "I learned my lesson." "Mm-hm." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> roll$o_s $o_herhistheir eyes with a smile and then sigh$o_s, "You know I'm just worried about you right? If you get killed by some mortalis, I'll have to find a new person to bother, and I think you're the only one dumb enough to deal with me." "Was that supposed to insult me? Or you?" "Yes?" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> grimace$o_s and sigh$o_s as both of you chuckle quietly at the response, if not with a little strain. In the familiar quiet that follows, Oisein stretches $o_herhistheir arms behind $o_herhistheir back and groan$o_s from the movement. "I don't know, $pc_name. I haven't felt that sort of fear from them…ever?" If $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> trying to reassure you, $o_shehethey need$o_s to work a little harder. "It doesn't make sense to send just one sheevra." "Unless you don't want to risk too much." Oisein clamps his lips together. You were both thinking it, but he seemed to not think you'd voice it so suddenly. After all, if you were a High Sheevra, it'd certainly make the most sense to gather what you could at the lowest risk possible. It's exactly what Clan Moirae did, and look how that turned out. "Just be careful, alright?" $o_shehethey plead$o_s, while shooting you one more nervous - pitying - look, before bringing $o_herhistheir arms back around. <<case "second">> <<set $o_past_feelings to true>> <<set $o_friendship to 5>> <<set $o_rel_status to "Though Oisein has always been one of your closest friends in Clan Faille'Tor, your interactions lately seem to hint that the two of you want something more...">> <<set $rel_oisein to true>> With some of your more recent interactions, Oisein's concern doesn't come as a surprise at all. The only surprise that really comes is how welcome $o_herhistheir touch is, and the thought that you wouldn't mind staying like this for a little while longer, if only to memorize how it feels. You know $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> trying to read your eyes but you're looking at $o_herhistheir hand, the touch relaxing into something more gentle. When it softens, you don't even have to reach out with magic to feel the turmoil in $o_herhistheir emotions, equal parts hesitation and recklessness. You open your lips to try to form the words that won't come, to say something in response - anything at all - but can't quite find what you're looking for. Sheevra aren't supposed to be able to experience what you both have suspected might be happening, and you resign yourself to locking it away again. A flicker of despair passes over Oisein's face when he watches your thoughts trail away, and a forced, pained smile awkwardly forms on his mouth. "Sorry," $o_shehethey whisper$o_s, though you can't help feeling that $o_shehethey shouldn't be the one apologizing. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> thumb barely grazes over the soft side of your wrist before $o_shehethey drop$o_s $o_herhistheir hand reluctantly, casting lavender irises downward. "$pc_name, I just-" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> rub$o_s at $o_herhistheir eyes in frustration. "It doesn't sit right with me. Sirin sending you on some mission, with no help, into a situation they're terrified of? Maybe there's some way we can get you out of it?" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> eyes plead for the answer you both know you can't give. "I'm sure it won't be very long," you promise - or lie, more likely, since you won't know for certain until you're a thousand miles away. Oisein knows this too, but doesn't argue. Instead, he turn$o_s to look at the city that's served as a part of your home for as long as you can remember. "Just be careful, alright? I don't want-... I can't-" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> words catch in $o_herhistheir throat before $o_shehethey swallow$o_s to clear them. "...just be careful," $o_shehethey finally breathe$o_s out, not hiding the worry laced in the words. <<case "third">> <<set $o_rel_status to "You consider Oisein a friend...to an extent.">> <<set $rel_oisein to true>> Surprise changes your face, and Oisein grimaces at the reaction, taking his hand back almost immediately. While you would consider him a friend, you're not sure that you would really say that the two of you are close. Still, his concern is touching, in a way. "I'm serious too, Oisein," you say plainly, trying to put on at least the semblance of a smile as you wipe the rain from your skin. "I can handle myself, I'm not worried." Crossing $o_herhistheir own arms and fidgeting, $o_shehethey swing$o_s $o_herhistheir ankle back and forth to form a small divot in the ground. "I know you can handle yourself, but doesn't this all seem like too much for one sheevra to handle?" "So you think I can't handle it?" Oisein groans with frustration. "That's not what I'm getting at, don't try and turn the subject," $o_shehethey snap$o_s. "I mean it seems more like you…like you're-" You let $o_herhimthem find the words. "Like you're a sacrifice for information," $o_shehethey complete$o_s with a grimace. "Like Sirin is only sending one sheevra on the chance it all goes to shit." The statement hangs in the air, and deep in your chest you can hear it ring true. If you were a High Sheevra, it'd certainly make the most sense to gather what you could at the lowest risk possible. It's exactly what Clan Moirae did, and look how that turned out. "Just be careful, alright?" Oisein finally says, accepting that you won't respond. <<case "fourth">> <<set $o_rel_status to "You've scouted Saor with Oisein before, but you're not quite sure if you'd call yourself friends.">> <<set $rel_oisein to true>> Oisein clicks his tongue and drops his hand as soon as he sees your widened eyes. You may have run through Saor together before, and $o_herhistheir company isn't something you dislike, per se. But the concern still catches you off guard. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> know$o_s $o_shehethey overstepped, but it doesn't stop $o_herhimthem from leveling you with a deadly gaze. "It just doesn't seem like a normal scouting or missive mission," $o_shehethey say$o_s, keeping $o_herhistheir tone neutral. "If I wanted to learn more, I'd send more people, find out as much as possible. I'd only send one if-" You nod and scratch idly at your jaw. "-if you thought there was still too much of a risk. That way, you only lose one sheevra." Oisein doesn't move, and in fact it's $o_herhistheir stillness that's far more unnerving. "Right. Doesn't really end up well for you, though, does it?" You let the question stagnate between the two of you before Oisein just sighs, running $o_herhistheir hand through the bottom of $o_herhistheir hair and flicking the rain away from its golden strands. "Just be careful, alright?" <</switch>> <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 7>> Though the storm has passed and the thunder has become a distant growl, the clouds stay to cast shadows on the remainder of the evening. Residents of Saor have a myth about the giant blackbird that flies over the city. That it carries luck away, both good and bad, a signal of change and of a new direction. A chance for rebirth. If the mortalis knew it was the High Sheevra of the nearby Clan Faille'Tor, they might sing a different tune. You and Oisein watch as Sirin flies to the northeast, headed towards the city of Han and Clan Obsidian. They circle once around the manors of the upper ring, before beating their great wings to ride the winds of the Arids. When you step away to begin preparing for your time in Renescen, Oisein keeps $o_herhistheir eyes locked on the horizon. <ul><li> [[Chapter 1|Chapter1][$textGroup = 1]]</li></ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> The sight almost makes you laugh when you register what you're seeing, and you relax your shoulders. Lightly pulling at the earring clinging to your ear reminds and assures you of its existence, the illusion magic keeping your guise together. A tired-looking man with a disheveled uniform sits on a stool nearby, the wobbly wood beneath him squeaking pitifully as he leans towards you. "New traveler?" He holds his hand out, and it takes you a few seconds before you realize he's waiting for the papers you received at the previous station. As you give them, he unfolds each page and takes a quick glance at your face before returning to the information in front of him. More time passes than should be needed, but the awkward silence is broken when the attendent clicks his tongue in annoyance. "Someone's not letting the ink dry at Saor's Crossing. Going to assume your hair is the same as it was 10 minutes ago?" He smirks without making eye contact, overly pleased at his own joke. "So I'll just write in-" <hr> <<click "Preset Hair Colors">><<toggleclass "#hair-choice" "hidden">><</click>> <div id="hair-choice" class="hidden"> <ul> <li><<link "Black" `passage()`>><<set $pc_haircolor = "black">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Light Brown" `passage()`>><<set $pc_haircolor = "light brown">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Brown" `passage()`>><<set $pc_haircolor = "brown">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Dark Brown" `passage()`>><<set $pc_haircolor = "dark brown">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Light Blond" `passage()`>><<set $pc_haircolor = "light blond">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Blond" `passage()`>><<set $pc_haircolor = "blond">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Dark Blond" `passage()`>><<set $pc_haircolor = "dark blond">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Strawberry Blond" `passage()`>><<set $pc_haircolor = "strawberry blond">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> </div> Actually, my mortalis hair color is... //[Please enter your hair color in all lower case (Ex: pink, purple, blue)]// <<textbox "$pc_haircolor" "">> <<link "Set Hair Color" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> <<case 2>> "So I'll just write in $pc_haircolor," he says. He nods to himself before you can respond, mouth agape, and the fountain pen on the lectern next to him floats daintily upward, rolling over his knuckles into his grasp. Once done writing over the greyish smudge, he waves off the pen to tumble through the air back into its holder and lifts the paper to the glass partition, letting go when the edges of it begin to burn. Or at least, that's what it appears to be, until you recognize that the paper is being absorbed into the glass. A ring of glowing magic encloses on itself as it passes through the surface, and the last embers begin to form something else. You see a more solid image of yourself coalesce and align with your reflection, before it and the papers melt downwards into where the panel is slotted. Moments after, the glass panels follow suit, and slip down into the floor, silent and fluid. The attendant stretches his hand toward the Crossing's main lobby and smiles. <ul><li> <<link "\"Welcome to Renescen.\" " `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 3>> <<set $crossing_apprehensive to false>> <<set $crossing_indifferent to false>> Stepping through the gate, you feel an artificial breeze behind you as the glass rises again. A barrage of sounds and smells hits your senses, making you scrunch your features together at the onslaught. Once you adjust and ease yourself into the surroundings, though, it's not altogether unpleasant. There's a smattering of the city's merchants touting their wares to impatient customers in one corner, and in another, a maintenance crew rearing back at a sparking lantern, muttering about prank curses. A group of station attendants on break chatter near what you think to be abandoned ticket stands, their light laughter mixing in with the steam from strange cups. Looking between all these scenes, you feel- <hr> <ul> <li><<link "Excited. Though they're just mortalis, I've missed being able to interact with their world." `passage()`>><<set $choice to "first">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $empathetic+=1>><<set $friendly+=1>><<set $curious+=1>><<set $forward+=1>><<set $honest +=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Excited. I can't wait to trick a new batch of ignorant mortalis." `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $deceptive+= 1>> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "Apprehensive. I don't dislike the mortalis, but I'd prefer to observe them at a safe distance." `passage()`>><<set $choice to "third">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $friendly +=1>><<set $apprehensive +=1>><<set $empathetic +=1>><<set $reserved+=1>><<set $crossing_apprehensive to true>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Apprehensive. I usually avoid interacting with mortalis, though I'm not against it." `passage()`>><<set $aloof+=1>><<set $apprehensive+=1>><<set $reserved +=1>><<set $crossing_apprehensive to true>><<set $choice to "fourth">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Indifferent. A task is a task. The mortalis aren't what this is about." `passage()`>><<set $choice to "fifth">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $callous +=1>><<set $aloof+=1>><<set $genuine +=1>><<set $crossing_indifferent to true>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<switch $choice>> <<case "first">> Looking between all these scenes, you feel a bubble of excitement fluttering in your chest, remembering the thrill of interacting with mortalis. Lively conversations and shy glances play in your memories as you think back on the vibrancy of your home city. You've always relished scouting missions that take you into the mortalis areas, and love observing their world and rituals. <<case "second">> Looking between all these scenes, the feeling of excitement flutters in your chest, and a wicked grin turns your lips. Tricking mortalis has always been one of your favorite past times, and you can't wait to see what trouble you can cause in this new city. <<case "third">> You feel yourself tense, though just barely. It's not that you particularly //dislike// the mortalis, and have actually come to enjoy observing their kind over the years. But that doesn't mean you like to do it in close proximity. <<case "fourth">> You feel yourself tense. You've generally avoided their kind for years, feeding off the residual magic of other sheevra's dealings. The entire lobby screams of mortality, and you can't wait to get this mission over with. <<case "fifth">> Mortalis have never been at the forefront of your mind, and they certainly aren't now. <</switch>> Small crowds are easy enough for you to weave your way through, sunbeams from the windows glinting along your path. Avoiding the heckling calls of someone trying to catch your attention with a pack of baubles, you adjust the pack on your shoulder before pushing through the main door of the Crossing, the handle and glass emanating heat towards your body. Mountains in the distance dwarf the city, its buildings clutching the rolling hills that lead to the base of the gigantic range. In the shadow of the afternoon sun, the mansions embedded into the mountain don't glitter like the stories say, but are no less impressive. Though their beauty is easily dulled by the trees and forests that swarm behind them. Near the mansions you can see grand, sweeping, metallic structures, the affluent and guarded section of the city apparent to any tourist or native. Terracotta roofs and sand colored buildings guard the rest of the city from your point of view, the first layer behind the open space ahead. But an even more peculiar sight catches your eye, that of a series of carts full of people that fly across suspended wires and rails arcing across the skyline. Even from here you can see the spark of elemental magic that drives them, similar to the lifts of Saor that carry the mortalis between its rings. The plaza before you sprawls forward, providing a barrier between the station behind you and the first row of buildings. For the most part, the space feels frantic and cramped, despite the wide area it occupies. No matter where you look, it seems like everyone is only capable of running, all simultaneously in a hurry to some appointment they remembered too late. But the fountain bubbling at the center offers a small reprieve, surrounded by a verdant oasis. Families pull at the collars of children teetering too close to the edge of the water, and scholars compare texts together on benches with the light of discovery shining in their faces. You see couples of all ages sitting amid the grass chattering with familiarity or else testing the depths of something new. <ul><li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 5>> <<set $crossing_moirae to random(1,3)>> <<switch $crossing_moirae>> <<case 1>> <<if $crossing_apprehensive is true>> Although you're usually a bit nervous in their world, you still find your eyes pulled to observe it. A shock of white stands out among the crowd, and you see a blond woman with tawny skin brushing down her bright suit. She looks up to you and pauses before giving a small polite smile, but you quickly turn away. <<elseif $crossing_indifferent is true>> Although you're generally indifferent to mortalis and their affairs, you still sometimes find your eyes pulled to observe them. A shock of white stands out among the crowd, and you see a blond woman with tawny skin brushing down her bright suit. She looks up to you and pauses before giving a small polite smile. You turn away without reciprocating the gesture. <<else>> Thinking fondly on some of your other experiences with the mortalis, you can't help finding your eyes pulled in to observe them. A shock of white stands out among the crowd, and you see a blond woman with tawny skin brushing down her bright suit. She looks up to you and pauses before giving a small polite smile. You find yourself sending a friendly smile in return before she turns back to the man and woman seated near her. <</if>> <<case 2>> <<if $crossing_apprehensive is true>> Although you're usually a bit nervous in their world, you still find your eyes pulled to observe it. You catch the eye of a man in a finely-tailored red and black suit, its vibrant color only dulled by that of his hair. Quickly turning your head, you barely catch the confused look on his features. <<elseif $crossing_indifferent is true>> Although you're generally indifferent to mortalis and their affairs, you still sometimes find your eyes pulled to observe them. You catch the eye of a man in a finely tailored red and black suit, its vibrant color only dulled by that of his hair. Turning your head, you barely catch the confused look on his features. <<else>> Thinking fondly on some of your other experiences with the mortalis, you can't help finding your eyes pulled in to observe them. You catch the eye of a man in a fine red suit, its vibrant color only dulled by that of his hair. You look at each other for a few moments before he smiles smugly and turns away, facing the two women with him. <</if>> <<case 3>> <<if $crossing_apprehensive is true>> Although you're usually a bit nervous in their world, you still find your eyes pulled to observe it. You catch sight of a group of people talking adamantly among themselves. One of the women adjusts her sharp black blazer and the rapiers at her side as she berates a man in a similarly tailored red suit while he gives her a sheepish grin and steeples his fingers together before leaning back. You turn away before they find you staring. <<elseif $crossing_indifferent is true>> Although you're generally indifferent to mortalis and their affairs, you still sometimes find your eyes pulled to observe them. You catch sight of a group of people talking adamantly among themselves. One of the women adjusts her sharp black blazer and the rapiers at her side as she berates a man in a similarly tailored red suit while he gives her a sheepish grin and steeples his fingers together before leaning back. You turn away before they find you staring. <<else>> Thinking fondly on some of your other experiences with the mortalis, you can't help finding your eyes pulled in to observe them. You catch sight of a group of people talking adamantly among themselves. One of the women adjusts her sharp black blazer and the rapiers at her side as she berates a man in a similarly tailored red suit. He gives her a sheepish grin and steeples his fingers together before leaning back, and you find yourself smirking before turning away. <</if>> <</switch>> Lost in your thoughts, you don't notice the person hurtling towards you until they slam into your shoulder. <<switch $RO_custom_whenmeet>> <<case true>> They cry out in surprise, shooting a leg back for support and barely catching the vial that tumbles out of the bag that they're carrying. "I'm so sorry! Wasn't looking where I was going at all," you hear a voice say in a rush, and watch them grimace apologetically. Locks of black hair come loose from the bun at the back of an undercut and a couple of parcels dislodge themselves from the pack. But despite the minor chaos,<<cycle "$h_gender" autoselect>> <<option " he seems more focused " "man">> <<option " she seems more focused " "woman">> <</cycle>> on making sure you're alright. <<case false>> The $h_gender cries out in surprise, shooting a leg back for support and barely catching the vial that tumbles out of the bag $h_shehe's carrying. "I'm so sorry! Wasn't looking where I was going at all," $h_shehe says in a rush, grimacing apologetically. Locks of black hair come loose from the bun at the back of $h_herhis undercut and a couple of parcels dislodge themselves from $h_herhis pack. But despite the minor chaos, $h_shehe seems more focused on making sure you're alright. <</switch>> <<set $healer_pickup to false>> <hr> <ul> <li><<link "\"Please, it's no trouble!\" I bend down to pick up the scattered parcels." `passage()`>><<set $choice = "first">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $healer_pickup to true>><<set $friendly+=1>><<set $empathetic+=1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $h_friendship+=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Don't worry about it, accidents happen.\" I say, before helping to pick up the parcels." `passage()`>><<set $choice = "second">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $friendly+=1>><<set $h_friendship+=1>><<set $healer_pickup to true>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I shake my head nervously in an attempt to ease any guilt, but don't say much as I hesitantly help pick up the scattered parcels." `passage()`>><<set $choice = "third">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $reserved+=1>><<set $apprehensive+=1>><<set $healer_pickup to true>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Don't worry.\" I say as I avoid eye contact and keep to myself." `passage()`>><<set $choice = "fourth">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $aloof+=1>><<set $apprehensive+=1>><<set $genuine += 1>><<set $callous+=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I say nothing and stare." `passage()`>><<set $choice = "fifth">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $aloof+=1>><<set $intimidating+=1>><<set $callous+=1>><<set $genuine += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<if $h_gender is "woman">> <<set $h_shehe to "she">> <<set $h_herhis to "her">> <<set $h_herhim to "her">> <<set $h_hershis to "hers">> <<elseif $h_gender is "man">> <<set $h_shehe to "he">> <<set $h_herhis to "his">> <<set $h_herhim to "him">> <<set $h_hershis to "his">> <</if>> <<switch $choice>> <<case "first">> "No trouble at all!" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> gives you a warm smile before realizing you've already bent down to help pick up $h_herhis things. "Oh, please don't worry about this, it's my fault." Your limbs cross as the two of you gather everything up. The parcels vary in size and weight, but the distinct smell of dried herbs wafts up from almost every one. Brushing yourself off, you stand and hand the last of the parcels to $h_herhim. "You new in town?" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> nods towards the Crossing then turns $h_herhis head towards you. A thought crosses your mind as your mouth forms the response. Though you don't want to make the moment too awkward, you figure now is as good a time as any. "I am! It's nice to meet you," you start. "My name-" You give an innocent smile. "-is $pc_name." <<case "second">> "Don't worry about it, accidents happen," you say as you bend down after $h_herhim to help pick up the scattered parcels. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> sighs, but you can tell from the way $h_shehe looks at you that $h_shehe appreciates the help. The parcels vary in size and weight, but the distinct smell of dried herbs wafts up from almost every one. "Are you new in town?" $h_shehe says in an attempt to fill the silence, hoisting <<print $h_herhim>>self back up. Brushing yourself off, you stand and hand the last of the parcels to $h_herhim. "That easy to tell?" You keep your tone light and informal, but another thought crosses your mind. It's as good a time as any to figure out how the mortalis will react. "My name-" You smirk. "-is $pc_name." <<case "third">> Under $h_herhis gaze, you nervously shake your head to try and ease $h_herhis guilt, but you avoid looking at $h_herhim as you bend down to pick up the scattered parcels. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> sighs, but you can tell from the way $h_shehe hums that $h_shehe appreciates the help. The parcels vary in size and weight, but the distinct smell of dried herbs wafts up from almost every one. "Are you new in town?" $h_shehe says in an attempt to fill the silence, hoisting <<print $h_herhim>>self back up. Brushing yourself off, you stand and hand the last of the parcels to $h_herhim, nodding in affirmation. Another thought crosses your mind. Though you don't want to make the moment any more awkward, you figure now is as good a time as any. "My name-" You start nervously. "-is $pc_name." <<case "fourth">> "Don't worry," you say as you avoid eye contact and close into yourself. "Still," $h_shehe sighs and looks even more concerned at the way you back into the opposite direction, before bending over to pick up the parcels. Another thought crosses your mind. Though you don't love the idea of interacting more than you have to, you figure now is as good a time as any. "I'm new here," you say abruptly, and $h_shehe looks up at you, waiting for you to continue. "My name-" You start nervously. "-is $pc_name." <<case "fifth">> You say nothing and $h_shehe looks at you with an awkward expression. Finally, $h_shehe speaks to break the silence while gathering up the parcels. "Are you new in town?" Another thought crosses you mind. You give a quick hum in affirmation before continuing reluctantly, knowing you should at least attempt to be civil. "My name-" You start. "-is $pc_name." <</switch>> <ul> <li> [[Continue|Chapter1-Healer][$textGroup = 1]]</li></ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $h_third_quadrant to false>> The reaction is instant, the $h_gender straightening with a jolt and $h_herhis dark golden eyes widening in a flash of emotions. First dread, and then confusion, and then denial. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a couple of mortalis whisper between themselves and draw away. //Looks like I might have to be more careful than I thought.// <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> forces an unwieldy laugh - it only half works. It takes another few moments for $h_herhim to respond, busying <<print $h_herhim>>self with straightening out the slate blue cloth draped over $h_herhis shoulders and across $h_herhis chest, then another second to fidget with the tight black undershirt beneath. "Welcome to Renescen, $pc_name!" Your name comes out strangled, like $h_shehe had to scrape it harshly from $h_herhis throat. There's no attempt to introduce <<print $h_herhim>>self by name in reciprocation as $h_shehe coughs and attempts to lengthen $h_herhis posture, smoothing over the sunflower yellow sash around $h_herhis waist and the leather that cinches it. The thin black tattoos adorning $h_herhis bare biceps shift with the movement, and a set of three lines peek over each side of $h_herhis neck, the outer, longest one just whispering against $h_herhis collar. Given that <<print $h_shehe>>'s one of the taller mortalis you've seen so far, it doesn't take much for $h_herhim to seem imposing. But you can tell even with $h_herhis more muscular build, $h_shehe isn't used to intimidating others. "It's a great place, been here most of my life!" $h_shehe says warmly, trying to smother any tension from the moment before. The cheer in the statement doesn't quite make it past $h_herhis warm russet cheeks, the black lines tattooed beneath $h_herhis eyes staying noticeably still. "I'm a Healer in the first quadrant." A haphazard hand points in the general direction you assume to be $h_herhis home, fingers also adorned with the tell-tale tattoos of a Healer. "There's a nice inn called The Lucky Albatross, if you're still looking for somewhere to end <<if $healer_pickup is true>> <<set $drink_offer to true>> <<set $know_daroca to true>> up. And hey, if you do head there, tell them the Healer off Daroca sent you, and it might get you a free drink to ring in your first night in the city." <<else>> <<set $drink_offer to false>> up." <</if>> <<set $albatross_info to false>> <<set $city_info to false>> <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"The Lucky Albatross?\""` `passage()`>><<set $choice = "albatross">><<set $albatross_info to true>><<set $textGroup to 30>><</link>></li> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Can you tell me anything else about the city?\""` `passage()`>><<set $city_info to true>><<set $textGroup to 31>><</link>></li> <li><<link `$flirt_label+" \"If I do end up there, will I get to see you?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 2>><<set $h_flirt += 1>> <<set $first_flirt to true>> <<set $persuasive +=1>> <<set $h_friendship +=1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $choice to "flirt">><</link>></li> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "\"Thanks, that sounds great! I appreciate the tip.\"" `passage()`>><<set $choice = "albatross">><<set $choice to "first">><<set $textGroup to 2>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $empathetic +=1>> <<set $genuine +=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Thank you.\"" `passage()`>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $textGroup to 2>> <<set $genuine +=1>><<set $reserved += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I simply nod." `passage()`>><<set $choice to "third">><<set $textGroup to 2>> <<set $aloof +=1>> <<set $genuine +=1>><<set $reserved += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<switch $choice>> <<case "flirt">> "If I do end up there, will I get to see you?" The comment takes a second to register <<if $healer_pickup is true>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You are warm acquaintances." >> before a cheeky smile betrays itself at the corner of $h_herhis lips and $h_herhis shoulders just barely relax. "Maybe if I stop doing home deliveries," $h_shehe laments while shifting around the bag at $h_herhis side, almost catching on the round silver clasp of $h_herhis belt. "I promise not to completely body check you next time." "So there will be a next time?" The smirk that accompanies the question would make any sheevra proud. A quirked eyebrow and a laugh later, the smile finally fills $h_herhis features. Not so subtly, $h_shehe swings the bag across $h_herhis body, moving in an obvious attempt to put $h_herhis sleeveless arms on display. Mortalis may be easy to read, but you can't say you mind the view. "Who knows?" $h_shehe says, turning to continue $h_herhis errands. <<else>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You are acquaintances." >> before a clumsy smile forces its way out at the corner of $h_herhis lips and $h_herhis shoulders just barely relax. "Maybe if I stop doing home deliveries," $h_shehe laments while shifting around the bag at $h_herhis side, almost catching on the round silver clasp of $h_herhis belt. "I promise not to completely body check you next time." "So there will be a next time?" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> arches an eyebrow and chuckles, before $h_shehe turns to continue $h_herhis errands. <</if>> <<case "first">> <<set $h_rel_status to "You are warm acquaintances." >> "That sounds great, I appreciate the tip!" "Sure thing." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> nods with a warm smile while shifting around the bag at $h_herhis side, almost catching on the round silver clasp of $h_herhis belt. Eventually $h_shehe turns to continue $h_herhis errands. <<case "second">> <<set $h_rel_status to "You are acquaintances." >> "Thank you," you respond. "Sure thing." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> nods with a warm smile while shifting around the bag at $h_herhis side, almost catching on the round silver clasp of $h_herhis belt. Eventually $h_shehe turns to continue $h_herhis errands. <<case "third">> <<set $h_rel_status to "You are acquaintances." >> You nod, making a mental note of the Inn. Discomfort is evident in every way the Healer stands in front of you. Eventually, $h_shehe gives a quick wave in response while shifting around the bag at $h_herhis side, almost catching on the round silver clasp of $h_herhis belt. With another strained smile, $h_shehe turns to continue $h_herhis errands. <</switch>> Before $h_shehe fully sets off, though, you're surpised to see $h_herhim spin back around, letting out a short exhale as $h_shehe considers you again. "One other thing," $h_shehe starts, shifting $h_herhis weight <<if $h_gender is "man">> and rubbing a hand against the thick stubble along his face. <<else>> and rubbing a hand behind her neck. <</if>> "Don't know where you came from, but since you're new around here, I'd…be careful about giving someone a name so quickly. It can make people-" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> bites $h_herhis lip and points $h_herhis gaze elsewhere. "-uncomfortable. Even if it is a fake one." You stop yourself from smiling at the assumption. "Uncomfortable?" "Not that it's not a great name," $h_shehe says frantically. <<if $first_flirt is true and $healer_pickup is true>> "It can uh…be a bit intimate for someone you've just met." <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> tone and face show genuine worry, though there's an underlying cheekiness in the narrowing of $h_herhis eyes. "Might give some people the wrong idea," the Healer finishes. You place a hand on your hip while a smile slowly twists your lips. "Or the right one." The gears spin without catching until $h_shehe shakes $h_herhis head, but the hand drawn upward to cover $h_herhis mouth seems to be trying to stifle another bout of laughter. "Yeah, alright, capable $pc_gender like you? I'm sure you'll be fine." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> gives a more final wave with a devious smile before actually stepping away to leave. "Good luck, $pc_name." <<else>> "It's just a bit sudden to do that here. That's all." <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> tone and face show genuine worry, <<if $indifferent is true>> but the incredulous look you shoot $h_herhim happens before you can stop it. "I'm sure you'll be fine." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> gives a more final wave with a shake of $h_herhis head and actually steps away to leave. <<else>> and the nervous look you give only furrows $h_herhis brow more. "It is a good city. Just be careful." With an almost guilty look, $h_shehe gives a more final wave and actually steps away to leave. <</if>> "Good luck." <</if>> <ul><li> [[On to The Lucky Albatross...|Chapter1-MagesmithSage][$textGroup = 1]] </li></ul> <<case 30>> <<set $sign_mention to true>> <<set $albatross_info to true>> You arch a brow. "The Lucky Albatross?" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> nods in response. "Yeah, it's run by a couple who brew their own drinks." You see the Healer cast $h_herhis eyes to the side and smile. "Just don't ask about the sign." "The sign?" "Well-" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> scrunches up $h_herhis face. "You can ask, but I'd pay you a hundred aurins if you can get a straight story out of them about it." Part of you hopes that whatever you're able to imagine won't do the real thing justice. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li>$info_label "The Lucky Albatross?"</li> <<if $city_info is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Can you tell me anything else about the city?\""` `passage()`>><<set $city_info to true>><<set $textGroup to 31>><</link>></li> <<else>> <li>$info_label "Can you tell me anything else about the city?"</li> <</if>> <li><<link `$flirt_label+" \"If I do end up there, will I get to see you?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 2>><<set $h_flirt += 1>> <<set $first_flirt to true>> <<set $persuasive +=1>> <<set $h_friendship +=1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $choice to "flirt">><</link>></li> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "\"Thanks, that sounds great! I appreciate the tip.\"" `passage()`>><<set $choice = "first">><<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $empathetic +=1>> <<set $genuine +=1>><<set $textGroup to 2>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Thank you.\"" `passage()`>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $textGroup to 2>><<set $genuine +=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I simply nod." `passage()`>><<set $choice to "third">><<set $textGroup to 2>><<set $aloof +=1>> <<set $genuine +=1>><<set $reserved += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 31>> <<set $city_info to true>> "Can you tell me anything else about the city?" "More about Renescen? Why, have you never been in a city before?" <<if $crossing_apprehensive is true>> You grip at your pack and avoid looking at $h_herhis face. When you do finally look up again, you find $h_herhis face has softened, and $h_shehe offers a small apologetic wave. "Sorry I didn't mean it like that," $h_shehe says with a sigh before looking over the city. <<elseif $crossing_indifferent is true>> You shrug and make to leave, before the Healer holds out a hand with a self-conscious look. "Sorry I didn't mean it like that," $h_shehe says with a sigh before looking over the city. <<else>> "With a welcome like that, no wonder everyone wants to come here, " you say the statement with a smirk, and get one in return. The Healer opens $h_herhis mouth to make a quip back, but apparently decides to just chuckle before continuing. <</if>> "Well, I suppose Renescen is similar to any of the other oasis cities, which I assume you just came from? This city in particular is split into four quadrants, plus the Crossing and its Plaza." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> nods over to where $h_shehe pointed before and then towards the opposite side of the city. "First and fourth are more suburban, just take the usual caution since they border the Arids. Second's the north-most against the mountains, lots of government and scholar types 'cause of the Archival Library." There's a notable pause and a noticeably missing number. At your quietness, $h_shehe scratches at $h_herhis forearm but reluctantly continues. "You should…probably avoid the third quadrant." The Healer bites $h_herhis lip and looks past you, and you have to lean forward to catch the next words. "There have been…some incidents there recently that drove a lot of people out, and a lot of other rumors have started about the area." Curiosity pulls you closer. Mysterious incidents are just what you're looking for, and you try to hide the excitement from your eyes. "Incidents?" If the Healer wasn't uncomfortable before, $h_shehe is now. "Some...unexplained deaths, specifically. Some lucky folks have just been attacked but left alive. People don't really talk about it." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> sighs, before $h_herhis expression turns into something more bitter. "Renescen is not always great at addressing its problems." Sarcasm drips from $h_herhis voice, and when $h_shehe realizes it, $h_shehe clamps $h_herhis mouth shut and shakes $h_herhis head. <<set $h_third_quadrant to true>> <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"What are the rumors?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 32>><</link>></li> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "\"Okay, got it. Avoid the third quadrant.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 33>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 32>> "So...what are the rumors?" Gold eyes bore into you and linger on your features, before they dart away, the Healer biting into $h_herhis bottom lip ahead of an anxious sigh. "That the victims aren't just people." "What else would they be?" you ask as nonchalantly as possible. The mortalis still avoids looking at your face, instead surveying around you as if to gauge who might be listening. When $h_shehe's satisfied - or as much as $h_shehe can be - $h_shehe murmurs out the single word. "Sheevra." A breath you didn't realize you were holding escapes. Looks like you've found where to start. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li>$info_label "What are the rumors?"</li> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "\"Okay, got it. Avoid the third quadrant.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 33>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 33>> You decide to drop the rest of the topic for now and lean back, assigning some standard look of shock or apprehension you've seen the mortalis give you before. "Got it, I'll avoid the third quadrant," you lie, overexagerrating the fear in your voice. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> gives you a sad, but genuine smile. "That'd probably be for the best, yeah. But I promise the first quadrant is a much better place anyway, and I definitely still vouch for the inn." <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $albatross_info is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"The Lucky Albatross?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 30>><</link>></li> <<else>> <li>$info_label "The Lucky Albatross?"</li> <</if>> <<if $city_info is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Can you tell me anything else about the city?\""` `passage()`>><<set $city_info to true>><<set $h_third_quadrant to true>><<set $textGroup to 31>><</link>></li> <<else>> <li>$info_label "Can you tell me anything else about the city?"</li> <</if>> <li><<link `$flirt_label+" \"If I do end up there, will I get to see you?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 2>><<set $h_flirt += 1>> <<set $first_flirt to true>> <<set $persuasive +=1>> <<set $h_friendship +=1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $choice to "flirt">><</link>></li> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "\"Thanks, that sounds great! I appreciate the tip.\"" `passage()`>><<set $choice = "albatross">><<set $choice to "first">><<set $textGroup to 2>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $empathetic +=1>> <<set $genuine +=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Thank you.\"" `passage()`>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $textGroup to 2>><<set $genuine +=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I simply nod." `passage()`>><<set $choice to "third">><<set $textGroup to 2>><<set $aloof +=1>> <<set $genuine +=1>><<set $reserved += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $rel_healer to true>> <<notify>> Entwined: 'The Healer' unlocked! <</notify>> Breaking away from the crowds flowing through the plaza, you figure The Lucky Albatross is as good a place as any to set up base for your time in Renescen. Given there's no sheevra to make contact with, you'll have to make do. Past the sandy stones of the open space, the streets become narrower and the buildings hug closer together. Sunlight heats the cobblestones unhindered, save for a few sporadically placed awnings, the reflected heat reaching through the soles of your shoes. After asking a few bystanders for a general direction to the inn, you find yourself at the bottom of a smaller hill, the path splitting before you. Looking down at a crudely drawn bit of directions that someone insisted on giving, and a few turns of the paper later, you make your way up to the right. From what the fruit seller had said, the inn should be another few minutes up the street, past a Magesmith's shop and straight on towards the view of the forest. You survey the neighborhood as you go, looking for the signs of a forge and opening your senses to enchantment magic. There's more of a breeze the futher up into the city you climb, the mix of cool mountain air and dry Arids' wind brushing against your face and swimming through your clothes. As you pause to readjust from one particular gust, you realize the up-hill path has brought you to a better vantage point of the entire city. The sight makes you pause. Renescen's Crossing is easy to spot, the glass of the large windows scattering light in the full spectrum of color over the buildings and paths encroaching on it. Other parks of green can be spotted across the sections, though you can't quite see the third quadrant nestled in the lowest valley. But the furthest edge of the city is easy to discern, the teeming, thriving greenery in stark contrast to the desolation of the Arids. Renescen's border looks like an unfinished painting, its green edge forgotten in the sudden transition to lifeless cracked ground and distant sand. Small dust storms gather in the far desert past the wasteland, and you can practically feel the heat from the Arids whispering against your face even here. In the mountains shadowing the city, you see the gradual transition along the range from rich foliage and flowing water, to decaying, scorched earth - the skeletons of dead trees fading into nothing. A mixture of anger, worry, and sadness makes you press your lips together. //How did they let it become like this?// You shake away the thoughts and continue on. <<if $RO_custom_whenmeet is true>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 2>><<set $codex_arids to true>><<set $codex_renescen to true>><</link>></li></ul> <<else>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $codex_arids to true>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $codex_renescen to true>><</link>></li></ul> <</if>> <<case 2>> <<notify>> Codex: 'The Arids' & 'Renescen' unlocked!<</notify>> A few mortalis are milling about amid the stone buildings; a blond man and a sharp-featured woman chatting over what you assume to be bundles of potions. A father with tousled light brown hair chasing after a child who has judged that their afternoon would be better without shoes. A pair of teenagers chatting idly with their fingers tracing paths in the dust. Idle traces of enchantment magic buzz on the edge of your consciousness - just as mortalis eyes shoot to the side when a particularly heated argument catches their attention and yours. The two people face off from one another in what looks to be the Magesmith's shop you're looking for, the lit forge casting an orange light across scowling faces. "You //purposefully// sold them those blades, of //course// it's your fault!" One of them scolds, standing tall over their current opponent. They cross their arms over a pale yellow tunic with renditions of Renescen's mountains, the embroidered patterns emphasizing the undertones of dark umber skin. The outer robe falls elegantly across and down <<cycle "$s_gender" autoselect>> <<option "his figure" "man">> <<option "her figure" "woman">> <</cycle>>, the stiching glinting like flecks of gold held up to the sun. <ul> <li><<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 3>> <<if $s_gender is "woman">> <<set $s_shehe to "she">> <<set $s_herhis to "her">> <<set $s_herhim to "her">> <<set $s_hershis to "hers">> <<elseif $s_gender is "man">> <<set $s_shehe to "he">> <<set $s_herhis to "his">> <<set $s_herhim to "him">> <<set $s_hershis to "his">> <</if>> "I ''told'' them they would be surprised by the //unique// enhancements," the other person across the small table responds with a sneer. The headband they wear seems to play tricks with the light, your eyes not fully able to focus on the shifting magic holding back their loose auburn hair. But it's not nearly as impressive as the intricate hollowed brass forearm that gleams each time they move, metal and small jewels harmonious in their brilliance. "The blades turned into ''//fish//'', Magesmith!" Well. Good a confirmation as any. The $s_gender catches <<print $s_herhim>>self and the crackle of electricity draws your attention to $s_herhis hands, while the Magesmith rears back with laughter. You notice the energy seems to shock the $s_gender as well and after a huff, $s_shehe shakes them, trying to slough off the small bolts before placing $s_herhis hands on $s_herhis hips. Delicate rings hug $s_herhis middle fingers and pull the golden fabric of $s_herhis sleeves into a slim triangle over the tops of $s_herhis hands. "Please, //Sage,// it's not like those lugheads on the city guard even know what end of a sword to hold half the time." //A Sage?// "That's not the point!" After another scoff, the Magesmith rolls $m_herhis shoulders, a collection of scars and burns revealing themselves over $m_herhis arms and into the tight faded green shirt that reaches up to cover $m_herhis neck. Light yellow patterns are woven through the edges of $m_herhis clothes, and you just catch an elaborate rune tattooed into $m_herhis left bicep, just above where $m_herhis prosthetic connects. While you survey $m_herhim, the Magesmith starts to open <<cycle "$m_gender" autoselect>> <<option "her mouth to lob back another retort " "woman">> <<option "his mouth to lob back another retort " "man">> <</cycle>> when vibrant scarlet eyes turn and lock with yours. <ul> <li><<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 5>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 4>> <<notify>> Codex: 'The Arids' unlocked!<</notify>> A few mortalis are mulling about amid the stone buildings; a blond man and a sharp-featured woman chatting over what you assume to be bundles of potions. A father with tousled light brown hair chasing after a child who has judged that their afternoon would be better without shoes. A pair of teenagers chatting idly with their fingers tracing paths in the dust. Idle traces of enchantment magic buzz on the edge of your consciousness - just as mortalis eyes shoot to the side when a particularly heated argument catches their attention and yours. <<if $m_gender is "woman" and $s_gender is "woman">> The women <<elseif $m_gender is "woman" and $s_gender is "man">> A man and a woman <<elseif $m_gender is "man" and $s_gender is "woman">> A man and a woman <<elseif $m_gender is "man" and $s_gender is "man">> The men <</if>> face off across from one another in what looks to be the Magesmith's shop you're looking for, the lit forge casting an orange light across their scowling faces. "You //purposefully// sold them those blades, of //course// it's your fault!" One of them scolds, standing tall over $s_herhis current opponent. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> crosses $s_herhis arms over a pale yellow tunic with renditions of Renescen's mountains, the embroidered patterns emphasizing the undertones of dark umber skin. The outer robe falls elegantly across and down $s_herhis figure, the stiching glinting like flecks of gold held up to the sun. "I ''told'' them they would be surprised by the //unique// enhancements," the $m_gender across the small table responds with a sneer. The headband $m_shehe wears seems to play tricks with the sun, your eyes not fully able to focus on the shifting magic holding back $m_herhis <<if $m_gender is "man">> short <<else>> long, loosely-tied <</if>> auburn hair. But it's not nearly as impressive as the intricate hollowed brass forearm that gleams each time $m_shehe moves, metal and small jewels harmonious in their brilliance. "The blades turned into ''//fish//'', Magesmith!" Well. Good a confirmation as any. The $s_gender catches <<print $s_herhim>>self and the crackle of electricity draws your attention to $s_herhis hands, while the Magesmith rears back with laughter. You notice the energy seems to shock the $s_gender in gold as well. After a huff, $s_shehe shakes $s_herhis wrists, trying to slough off the small bolts before placing $s_herhis hands on $s_herhis hips. Delicate rings hug $s_herhis middle fingers and pull the golden fabric of $s_herhis sleeves into a slim triangle over the tops of $s_herhis hands. "Please, //Sage,// it's not like those lugheads on the city guard even know what end of a sword to hold half the time." //A Sage?// "That's not the point!" After another scoff, the Magesmith rolls $m_herhis shoulders, a collection of scars and burns revealing themselves over $m_herhis arms and into the tight faded green shirt that reaches up to cover $m_herhis neck. Light yellow patterns are woven through the edges of $m_herhis clothes, and you just catch an elaborate rune tattooed into $m_herhis left bicep, just above where $m_herhis prosthetic connects. While you survey $m_herhim, the Magesmith starts to open $m_herhis mouth to lob back another retort, when $m_herhis vibrant scarlet eyes turn and lock with yours. <ul> <li><<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 5>> <<if $m_gender is "woman">> <<set $m_shehe to "she">> <<set $m_herhis to "her">> <<set $m_herhim to "her">> <<set $m_hershis to "hers">> <<elseif $m_gender is "man">> <<set $m_shehe to "he">> <<set $m_herhis to "his">> <<set $m_herhim to "him">> <<set $m_hershis to "his">> <</if>> At the lull in response, the $s_gender in gold groans in frustration, shaking $s_herhis head and running a hand over dark braids tied loosely back with yellow ribbon, brushing against the petite, similarly golden loops piercing $s_herhis ears. But the Magesmith still looks at you. You watch $m_herhis eyes narrow and you look over your shoulder to make sure you're not mistaking yourself as the target. But there's no one there, only a wall and a curtain-covered window. You swear when you turn back to the scene that $m_herhis eyes flicker black, and you watch $m_herhis focus seem to glance over at your ear. <hr> <ul> <li><<link "Why not, I give a wave." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $choice to "third">> <<set $curious +=1>> <<set $friendly +=1>> <<set $forward +=1>> <<set $persuasive +=1 >> <<set $empathetic += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I shift in discomfort but hold the Magesmith's gaze." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $choice to "second">> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I avert my gaze and keep walking." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $choice to "first">> <<set $apprehensive +=1>> <<set $reserved +=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link `"I shoot " + $m_herhim + " a questioning look."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $callous +=1>> <<set $curious +=1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <<set $intimidating +=1>> <<set $aloof +=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I glare back." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $callous +=1>> <<set $intimidating +=1>> <<set $aloof +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<switch $choice>> <<case "first">> Under the Magesmith's scrutiny, you feel your shoulders tense and decide you've had enough of this strange encounter, turning to continue down the street. You hear the argument start up again, but are already well on your way closer to the Inn. <<case "second">> In the direct line of the Magesmith's scrutiny, you feel your shoulders tense and your arms lock in place at your side. But still, a part of you squashes down the nerves to hold $m_herhis gaze. The stare-off throws $m_herhim into uncertainty, $m_herhis eyes searching over your face for some meaning before turning back to the $s_gender in front of $m_herhim. The Sage turns and looks at you in confusion, before giving a sheepish smile once $s_shehe realizes that they've had an audience. You continue down the street as the argument starts up again. <<case "third">> Figuring it might be what a mortalis might do, you raise a hand and give a small wave at the Magesmith. The motion throws $m_herhim off, $m_herhis eyes searching over your face for some meaning before turning back to the $s_gender in front of $m_herhim. The Sage turns and looks at you in confusion, before giving a sheepish smile once $s_shehe realizes that they've had an audience. You continue down the street as the argument starts up again. <<case "fourth">> Raising an eyebrow, you shoot the Magesmith a questioning look. But all that does is confirm <<print $m_shehe>>'s looking at your earring, not at you. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> refocuses when the Sage looks to you in confusion as well, and gives a sheepish grin once $s_shehe realizes that they've had an audience. You continue down the street as the argument starts up again. <<case "fifth">> Furrowing your brow, you give the Magesmith a glare back, but $m_shehe doesn't seem to notice. Instead, $m_herhis eyes are held fast on your earring. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> refocuses when the Sage looks to you in confusion as well, and gives a sheepish grin once $s_shehe realizes that they've had an audience. You continue down the street as the argument starts up again. <</switch>> <ul><li> [[Probably better to stay out of it, anyway.|Chapter1-Albatross][$textGroup=1]] </li></ul> <</switch>>

<<notify>>Autosaving...<</notify>> <<set $o_gender to "person">> <<set $o_shehethey to "they">> <<set $o_herhistheir to "their">> <<set $o_herhimthem to "them">> <<set $o_hershistheirs to "theirs">> <<set $o_s to "">> <<set $o_isare to "'re">> Halos of sunset frame the mountains when you finally reach The Lucky Albatross, the wooden exterior stained with wear. Finally, you're able to see the placard hanging from a metal pole and it is...underwhelming. It almost seems like someone had never seen a bird, asked a child who had seen exactly one bird in their life for a description, and then started carving. Even tilting your head, you can't quite tell if the long scratches near the bottom are supposed to be the feet, or if the talons are actually to the right. Or... that could be the tail feathers. You try to follow the line of usual bird anatomy to discern the head, but all you can really find is a blobby mass with two uneven burn marks and a sad attempt at a triangle stuck on the top. The only assumption you can make is that this was meant to be the beak, but is the bird…smiling? Or is that the line of some attempt at ruffled feathery detail? Whatever the intention was, you have to think that whoever carved the sign should either immediately stop their career as a woodworker, or must have laughed their way through the entire commission. "Something you want to say?" You turn to see a short stout woman appear in the main doorway, her mahogany brown hair pulled back into a high ponytail. Light brown eyes bore holes into you, and you see her shoulders rise defensively. <<set $sign to false>> <<set $take_drink to false>> <<set $daroca_dialogue to false>> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li> <<link `$info_label + "\"Are all your rooms as...distinguishable as that?\""` "Chapter1-AlbatrossCont">><<set $textGroup to 1>><<set $sign to true>><</link>> </li> <</liveblock>> <<if $drink_offer>> <li> [["\"The Healer off Daroca told me to come here.\""|Chapter1-AlbatrossCont][$take_drink to true; $textGroup to 2; $choice to "healer";$daroca_dialogue to true]] </li> <</if>> <li> [["\"I heard good things about this place. Do you have any rooms available?\""|Chapter1-AlbatrossCont][$choice to "good";$textGroup to 2]] </li> <li> [["\"Just looking for a place to stay.\""|Chapter1-AlbatrossCont][$choice to "justlooking";$textGroup to 2]] </li> </ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $codex_oisein to true>> <<notify>>Codex: 'Oisein' unlocked!<</notify>> ''//The Third Quadrant…//'' ——— Moonlight weaves through the breaks in the skyline of Renescen, highlighting the mountains behind it. The dull murmur of night can be heard in all corners of the city, except the quiet stillness of the third quadrant. Crisp air hangs with a chill, prickling at the skin of anyone daring to venture outside. <<if $crossing_moirae is 3>> A pale woman in a crisp black suit shifts uncomfortably, hands hovering over the dual rapiers at her side. Incessant tapping sounds from next to her, her brother insisting on fidgeting with the metallic cane in his hand while they wait for their youngest sister to survey the area. Even the quiet sound of him blowing the stray bright-red hairs out of his face puts her on edge, and she methodically counts the golden bracelets on her wrist one by one to settle her unease. "If you tense up any tighter, you'll burst," he finally says. She levels him with a vicious glare, and he throws his hands up in instant defeat, going back to tapping his cane on the edge of the roof. They both look to the side when the youngest sighs. <<elseif $crossing_moirae is 2>> //Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.// "Gods ''help'' me if you don't stop that tapping-" With a huff of breath, the man pulls his cane back from tapping on the edge of the roof, straightening out his vibrant jacket while his eldest sister glares daggers into him. It doesn't take much to be a threat, with her hand on the dual rapiers at her side. He looks over to his younger sister, the young woman (or the appearance of one) concentrating with eyes closed, her brow wrinkled in worry. He fumbles instead with the golden bracelets on his wrist, a matching set between all three of them. <<elseif $crossing_moirae is 1>> Jostling the golden bracelets at her wrists, a woman with curling blond hair places her hands on her lap, legs dangling over the side of the roof. She closes her eyes and reaches out with magic, trying to find the source of her and her siblings' troubles. Pushing past their energy takes some effort, but eventually she's able to, even with the continuous tapping of her brother's cane against the deteriorating shingles. But her search doesn't yield much. <</if>> "I can't sense anything," the woman in white admits with disappointment, opening her eyes as the blackness seeps out of them. The oldest sister places a hand on her shoulder with an unreadable expression, but the younger looks up to her in thanks regardless. "The only sheevra I can sense are the ones we saw earlier." "Sirin's little blackbird?" The brother asks wearily, placing his chin in his hand as he leans perilously over the roof's edge. "And <<liveblock>>$pc_herhistheir<</liveblock>> follower?" Blond waves tumble forward as she nods. "Mhm. It's faint from here, but both are in the first quadrant for the night, it seems. But aside from that-" She trails off, not wanting to accept the emptiness she feels. "If anyone was capable of finding Tacita, it would be you. No use dwelling on it, we'll try something else," her sister states almost in an order. But she can see the gentle concern lining her eyes. "//What// exactly are we going to do?" comes a chiding voice. //"Kehs."// "What?!" he spits back at the eldest. "Even Clo can't get a read on a single Harpoc sheevra, not even Tacita, and we're going to just pretend it's-" Snapping his head to the east, his maroon eyes widen through equally red bangs. For once, it seems taunting the universe made it want to prove him wrong. <ul> <li><<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> "A mortalis is about to die," he states, stabbing his cane into the roof to support himself up. "Nearby. They're panicked. There's something else with them." "You're sure?" "Postive. Four streets northeast. Atra, you're fastest, you should probably-" Before he's finished the last words, the eldest sister leaps forward with a burst of magic, unsheathing one of the swords at her side as her black ponytail streams behind her. Kehs taps his cane against his boot and holds a hand out to help Clo stand as they watch Atra vanish. With delicate movements, she places her fingers in his and floats upward, letting the magic lift her so she can bring her legs back down. "I can carry us if you're tired," he offers. "I'd appreciate it." <ul> <li><<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> Four streets northeast, a man stumbles in a hysteric run, flailing wildly with his arms. Panting as the pain arcs through his limbs, he pushes against the wooden outer walls, his hands marking dark smears against the grain. //No, NO. ''Not like this!''// Gashes oozing with fresh blood are torn through shirt and skin alike, and he whimpers when he realizes he's reached the dead end of an alley. He backs himself against the wall in an attempt to gain even a shred more safety. It doesn't work. He can't see when his assailant encroaches on him, only feels the breath begin to draw out of him into the cool night air. Unseen hands squeeze at his wrists, and he shudders and cries, trying to throw a haymaker in vain against the strength of the invisible being. "Please please //please plea….ple-//" A moment later the life evacuates from his lungs. Atra lands as the mortalis falls limp to the ground, and freezes when she sees the specter hanging over his body. With a formless head and limbs too long, it lifts itself upward from its victim and turns, featureless, towards her. For a moment, she feels the breath seep out of her as well. Soft steps come padding behind her, only punctuated by a high-pitched gasp. The creature snaps its head to Clo, her white irises widened in fear. Though it has no eyes in the unnatural smoothness of its face, they all know where it stares. Instead of rearing on them, however, the specter disintegrates into a mist that roils over the wall and out of sight. A false tranquility muzzles any words from the siblings until Kehs breaks the silence. "Tell me that's not what I think it is," he whispers. Neither sister answers, shock grounding the three High Sheevra firmly in place. <ul> <li>[[Chapter 2 |Chapter2][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<notify>> Autosaving...<</notify>> ''//A week ago: Clan Faille'Tor's Sanctum, Outside the city of Saor//'' ------ "Scouting Renescen? Without telling the other Clans?" The feathers around the eyes of the High Sheevra rustle and flare, eyes narrowing at your question. Sirin's pitch black fingers scratch at the arms of their intricate wooden throne, the gradient on their skin of black to snowy-white reflected in their horns. Stark white bases curl up from their forehead above straight black hair, the sharp points hardly distinguishable against the dark branches surrounding them. After a few moments of tense silence, they rise from their seat, slender figure gliding down the platform as their high-necked robes drape down the stairs. Behind them, the wood throne deconstructs, unweaving and finding new paths among the dense treetop. "Do you doubt me?" they ask with a scathing tone. You straighten your back, rigid and tense, and shake your head. "No, Highest." There's not really a delicate way to express your concern... but you try, regardless. "But I want to understand why we're trespassing into Clan Harpoc territory." Unnaturally long fingers steeple together before the sheevra considers you again. "If the other Clans are to be believed-" Their hands drift to their lips as they pause, not wanting to say the next words - as if finally admitting them will make it true. "-there may not be a Clan Harpoc to trespass on." A heavy rolling weight drops in your stomach at the soundless void that follows, and you swallow while waiting for them to continue. Fully black eyes stare back at you, save for the silver circle in their right eye. They tilt their head in thought, and you see the iris fade into the left, the right becoming a pool of darkness. "We haven't heard from Clan Harpoc for almost half a cycle. Which normally wouldn't have been noticed given Tacita's usual silence and distaste for the other Clans. But there were-" They heave a sigh. "-disconcerting stories coming out of Renescen. We tried to make contact, without success." You shift uncomfortably, suddenly accutely aware of the weight of your feet pressed into the thick woven branches beneath you. The idea of an entire sheevra Clan disappearing is unsettling at best, horrific at worst. <ul> <li> [[Continue|Prologue-SaorCont][$textGroup=2]]</li> </ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Hauling your pack a little higher onto your shoulder, you look to the woman with a smirk. Of course you're going to mention it. How could you not? "Are your rooms as distinguishable as your sign?" "Keep that sharp tongue up and you won't find out," she huffs back, but you notice a hint of a smile. Figuring they have to know how ridiculous it looks, you press the subject. "So, what's the story behind it?" She lifts a flippant hand and goes towards the entrance. "Found it as driftwood on a trip to Han's river district," she says while holding open the wooden door for you to follow. That seemed…too easy. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li>$info_label "Are all your rooms as...distinguishable as that?"</li><</liveblock>> <<if $drink_offer is true>> <li><<link "\"The Healer off Daroca told me to come here.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $choice to "healer">><<set $daroca_dialogue to true>><<set $take_drink to true>><</link>></li> <</if>> <li><<link "\"I heard good things about this place. Do you have any rooms available?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $choice to "good">><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Just looking for a place to stay.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $choice to "justlooking">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<switch $choice>> <<case "good">> <<if $sign is false>> Hauling your pack a little higher onto your shoulder, you decide not to ask about the sign…for now. <</if>> "Someone told me about this place. Do you have any rooms available?" After your scrutiny, the polite question throws her off balance for a few seconds before she smiles, kindness shining in her eyes. She beckons you towards the entrance. "Sure thing, we've got some rooms free," she says while holding open the wooden door for you to follow. <<case "healer">> <<if $sign is false>> Hauling your pack a little higher onto your shoulder, you decide not to ask about the sign…for now. <</if>> "The Healer off…Daroca told me to come here?" Her face shines with familiarity, and she immediately grabs your arm and pulls you through the doorway without another consideration. "Why didn't you say so?! Bet $h_shehe told you a free drink would be in store too, didn't $h_shehe?" The question seems like one you'd expect to come across with annoyance, but all you hear is bubbly laughter as she holds the door open and motions for you to follow. <<case "justlooking">> <<if $sign is false>> Hauling your pack a little higher onto your shoulder, you decide not to ask about the sign…for now. <</if>> "Just looking for a place to stay." After your scrutiny, the direct statement throws her off balance for a few seconds before she just beckons you towards the entrance. "Sure thing, we've got some rooms free," she says while holding open the wooden door for you to follow. <</switch>> Carvings of wooden birds adorn the walls as you walk inside, though these (thankfully?) seem more realistic. There's a gentle murmuring from some of the patrons sitting around, and a tall man behind the counter lifts a few bags of grain to a younger boy, who scampers off down the cellar door. Natural light floats in through some of the windows positioned around the tavern, but on noticing the darkening room, the woman scoffs and snaps her fingers toward a row of candles. They sputter to life, and she nods before continuing to glide across the floor. <<if $sign is true and $take_drink is true>> "My darling," she calls out to the man. "Do we have a room as elegant as our establishment's namesake?" "Something as elegant as a sheevra-cursed petrified seagull gifted to us by a band of pirates? I doubt it." //Sheevra curse? We don't petrify animals, what is he-// The man brushes aside some of his scruffy brown hair, but doesn't bat an eye at the statement. In fact, he doesn't even look towards you as a sly expression creeps over the woman's face. A low snicker travels through some of the other customers and you give a quiet groan. "I suppose you'll have to make do then, won't you?" She taps at her chin a few times after the snide comment, before turning back to her partner. "<<print $pc_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> did hear about us from the Healer though, and I think we should welcome this lovely $pc_gender as only we can." The man finally looks up towards the two of you with a knowing smile. "Just because the Healer's pretty doesn't mean we can keep handing out drinks on $h_herhis behalf." Decidedly ignoring him, she brings up the ruffles of her skirt to step up behind the counter, places a quick kiss on his rosy cheek, and begins rummaging through the taps behind him. You step up to the counter and heft your pack off your shoulder and onto the floor, a small layer of dirt and dust dispersing at the contact. "Well, let's get you settled in first before you get that drink," the man says softly. He pulls out a ledger from his left. "How long will you be staying?" <<elseif $take_drink is true and $sign is false>> "My darling!" she cries out to the man. "The Healer has sent more business our way, and I think we should welcome this lovely $pc_gender as only we can." He looks up at her with a knowing smile. "Just because the Healer's pretty doesn't mean we can keep handing out drinks on $h_herhis behalf." Decidedly ignoring him, she brings up the ruffles of her skirt to step up behind the counter, places a quick kiss on his rosy cheek, and begins rummaging through the taps behind him. You step up to the counter and heft your pack off your shoulder and onto the floor, a small layer of dirt and dust dispersing at the contact. "Well, let's get you settled in first before you get that drink," the man says softly. He pulls out a ledger from his left. "How long will you be staying?" <<elseif $sign is true and $take_drink is false>> "My darling," she calls out to the man. "Do we have a room as elegant as our establishment's namesake?" "Something as elegant as a sheevra-cursed petrified seagull gifted to us by a band of pirates? I doubt it." //Sheevra curse? We don't petrify animals, what is he-// The man brushes aside some of his scruffy brown hair, but doesn't bat an eye at the statement. In fact, he doesn't even look towards you as a sly expression creeps over the woman's features. A low snicker travels through some of the other customers and you give a quiet groan. "I suppose you'll have to make do then, won't you?" She taps at her chin a few times after the snide comment, before turning back to her partner and making her way to him. You step up to the counter and heft your pack off your shoulder and onto the floor, a small layer of dirt and dust dispersing at the contact. "Well, let's get you settled in, then," the man says softly. He pulls out a ledger from his left. "How long will you be staying?" <<elseif $sign is false and $take_drink is false>> "My darling," the woman calls out to the man. "We've a guest to accomodate." She brings up the ruffles of her skirt to step up behind the counter and places a quick kiss on his rosy cheek, before rummaging through the shelves behind him. You step up to the counter and heft your pack off your shoulder and onto the floor, a small layer of dirt and dust dispersing at the contact. "Well, let's get you settled in, then," the man says softly. He pulls out a booklet from his left. "How long will you be staying?" <</if>> <hr> <ul> <li><<link "I smile. \"I'm...not sure yet. Is that alright?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>> <<set $honest +=1>> <<set $friendly +=1>> <<set $persuasive +=1>> <<set $genuine +=1>> <<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I laugh to myself for a moment. \"Wish I could tell you, but I'm not sure.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $choice to "second">> <<set $sarcastic +=1>> <<set $friendly +=1>> <<set $persuasive +=1>> <<set $honest +=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I keep my face stoic. \"Hopefully not too long, but I can't be certain.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $choice to "third">> <<set $aloof +=1>> <<set $genuine +=1>> <<set $intimidating +=1>> <<set $deceptive +=1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "I just shrug, letting my gaze wander elsewhere." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>> <<set $aloof +=1>> <<set $callous +=1>> <<set $intimidating +=1>> <<set $deceptive +=1>> <<set $genuine += 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<switch $choice>> <<case "first">> The counter's surface is surprisingly smooth as you lean over and smile. "I'm not quite sure yet," you say hesitantly. "Is that alright?" His brow furrows before his smile turns sympathetic. "Of course, it's no trouble." He makes a few marks on the ledger, worn and lithe hands scratching the pen quickly against paper. <<case "second">> The counter's surface is surprisingly smooth as you lean over and laugh quietly. "Wish I could tell you, but I'm not sure." "Ah, one of those travelers, then?" He makes a few marks on the ledger but smiles genuinely at you, worn and lithe hands scratching the pen quickly against paper. <<case "third">> The counter's surface is surprisingly smooth as you lean over and frown. "Hopefully not too long, but I can't be certain." "Well, you're welcome to stay as long as you need." His genuine tone turns your focus up to meet his eyes, and you can't read any hidden agenda as he looks back down to make a few marks on the ledger. <<case "fourth">> Shoulders already hunched, you shrug them a little higher before leaning over the surprisingly smooth counter surface. His brow furrows before his smile turns sympathetic, and he makes a few marks on the ledger, worn and lithe hands scratching the pen quickly against paper. <</switch>> "For now, we'll check in every three days and you can pay as you need. Does that sound agreeable?" You nod and reach down to unlatch the pouch carrying your aurins and hand over the amount he shows you. His pale hands sort out the varying coins before dropping them into a small box at his side. Without waiting for the woman to move, he reaches over her for a set of keys and works to pull one of them free. You catch a coy smile from her at the sudden proximity before she hums and goes to check on the tables, and he turns back to you with hand outstretched. Worn metal looks up at you as he holds out what you assume is the key to your room, but your instincts recognize wrought iron before you do. Your skin prickles with discomfort, a jittering anxiety clinging to your skull. It doesn't make any sense that this skinny mortalis and his wife would make their keys out of blood iron. Yet, unlikely as it is, the idea of touching it still feels foreboding. When you finally extend your hand to take it, you steel yourself against flinching at the weight of it hitting your hand. Predictably, it doesn't sizzle in your palm, but you quickly put it away to avoid touching it any longer than you have to. He doesn't seem to notice the strange reaction and just smiles. "Your room will be at the end of the hall on the left. If you need anything, please come find us." The next words surprise you, but he maintains his disposition. "You can call me Jac, and this is my wife, Cerise." She gives a friendly nod and wave at the mention of her name, seemingly unphased that her husband used it. <<if $take_drink is true>> "It's nice to meet you," you say, picking up your bag. "I'll be sure to let you know, and I'll take you up on that offer of a drink at some point." He laughs lightly. "Of course." <<else>> "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind," you say, picking up your bag. <</if>> Whispering the names under your breath as you turn, you reach out with your magic and try to clutch them. There's a momentary connection that sparks euphoria in your body, only to have the spell crumble as the fleeting feeling slips through your fingers. Not their //true// names, of course. But close. <ul> <li><<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> ''//Upstairs in the room at the end of the hall…//'' ——— Faded mulberry-shaded drapes hang from the small window of the room, and you pull them closed to draw yourself into shadow. Light shudders against the wall as the sun peeks through the settling cloth, the dim shuddering light of the two crystals in the room enough to outline the bed and dresser with the help of the sunlight leaking in. Another small table and a pair of rickety looking chairs sit in the corner, adorned by a bright bundle of begonias gathered in a blue vase. You lock the door and practically throw the key on the dresser, still not completely comfortable with the thought of touching wrought iron. As it thuds against the wood, you catch your image again in the mirror. //Still getting used to ''that'' looking back at me.// You sigh to yourself. At least you were able to keep some semblance of your actual eyes, keeping your irises… <hr> <<click "Preset Eye Colors">><<toggleclass "#eye-choice" "hidden">><</click>> <div id="eye-choice" class="hidden"> <ul> <li><<link "Light Brown" `passage()`>><<set $pc_eyecolor = "light brown">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Brown" `passage()`>><<set $pc_eyecolor = "brown">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Dark Brown" `passage()`>><<set $pc_eyecolor = "dark brown">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Light Blue" `passage()`>><<set $pc_eyecolor = "light blue">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Blue" `passage()`>><<set $pc_eyecolor = "blue">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Dark Blue" `passage()`>><<set $pc_eyecolor = "dark blue">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Light Green " `passage()`>><<set $pc_eyecolor = "light green">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Green" `passage()`>><<set $pc_eyecolor = "green">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Dark Green" `passage()`>><<set $pc_eyecolor = "dark green">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Light Grey" `passage()`>><<set $pc_eyecolor = "light grey">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Grey" `passage()`>><<set $pc_eyecolor = "grey">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Dark Grey" `passage()`>><<set $pc_eyecolor = "dark grey">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Hazel" `passage()`>><<set $pc_eyecolor = "hazel">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Amber" `passage()`>><<set $pc_eyecolor = "amber">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> </div> Actually, my eye color is... //[Please enter your eye color in all lower case (Ex: pink, purple, blue)]// <<textbox "$pc_eyecolor" "">> <<link "Set Eye Color" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> <<case 5>> The $pc_eyecolor eyes staring back at you aren't quite the same, but the familiar color gives you comfort. Those same eyes can't help drifting down to the earring, the urge to take it out becoming stronger after the long day of travel. The door is locked and the windows are shut, what harm could it do? Light glitters off of it as you turn and drive the thought from your mind. //Better not to risk it,// the sensible side of you says, and drags you over to your pack. The cords at the top are rough in your hands, woven together with care yesterday evening. Untangling them takes a bit of time, the knots tight to keep out any prying eyes. Eventually, your effort pays off, and the top of the pack unravels. You've traveled light, but still managed to pack essentials. A few changes of clothes, light leather bracers and scant armor, a miniature jeweled carving of a blackbird, a portable set of Sentiment vials, and a small collection of daggers. Your knees pop as you stand with the latter two, placing them gingerly on top of the dresser. When you bring up the knives, you eye them carefully. Truth be told- <<set $temp_magmig_pref to "none">> <hr> <ul> <li><<link "I've always strongly preferred magic." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $temp_magmig_pref to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I've always strongly preferred fighting physically using my strength." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $temp_magmig_pref to "second">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I've always strongly preferred dodging and being quicker than my opponents, using my agility." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $temp_magmig_pref to "third">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I've always preferred fighting physically, but I'm still relatively adept at magic." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $temp_magmig_pref to "fourth">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I've always preferred magic, but I'm still relatively adept at fighting physically." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $temp_magmig_pref to "fifth">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I've always preferred using agility in a fight, but I'm still relatively adept at magic." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $temp_magmig_pref to "sixth">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I've always preferred magic, but I'm still relatively adept at keeping agile in a fight." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $temp_magmig_pref to "seventh">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<if $temp_magmig_pref is "first">> <<set $magic to 6>> <<set $elemental to 7>> <<set $pathos to 7>> <<set $illusion to 7>> Truth be told, you've always preferred using your magic over physical strength or weapons, but the knives are a comfort to hold. <<elseif $temp_magmig_pref is "second">> <<set $might to 6>> <<set $strength to 8>> <<set $agility to 4>> Truth be told, you've always preferred fighting physically and using your strength , and any blade is certainly an augmentation to your skill. <<elseif $temp_magmig_pref is "third">> <<set $might to 6>> <<set $strength to 4>> <<set $agility to 8>> Truth be told, you've always preferred using your agility, dodging and weaving between any opponents. But you wouldn't be without your knives for the situations that turn hairy. <<elseif $temp_magmig_pref is "fourth">> <<set $might to 3>> <<set $strength to 7>> <<set $agility to 2>> <<set $pathos to 5>> <<set $elemental to 5>> <<set $illusion to 5>> Truth be told, you've always preferred fighting physically, your strength your greatest asset, and any blade is certainly an augmentation to your skill. Still, you weren't going to go untrained in magic. <<elseif $temp_magmig_pref is "fifth">> <<set $magic to 3>> <<set $strength to 4>> <<set $agility to 2>> <<set $pathos to 6>> <<set $elemental to 6>> <<set $illusion to 6>> Truth be told, you've always preferred magic, but can still hold your own in a fight, and having a blade at your side is always a comfort. <<elseif $temp_magmig_pref is "sixth">> <<set $might to 3>> <<set $strength to 2>> <<set $agility to 6>> <<set $pathos to 5>> <<set $elemental to 5>> <<set $illusion to 5>> Truth be told, you've always preferred fighting physically, using your agility to dodge and weave, and any blade is certainly an augmentation to your skill. Still, you weren't going to go untrained in magic. <<elseif $temp_magmig_pref is "seventh">> <<set $magic to 3>> <<set $strength to 2>> <<set $agility to 4>> <<set $pathos to 6>> <<set $elemental to 6>> <<set $illusion to 6>> Truth be told, you've always preferred magic, but can still hold your own in a fight, using your agility to dodge and weave against any opponent. Still, having the blades is always a comfort. <</if>> <<set $sentiments_found to true>> <<notify>> Stats: 'Sentiments' unlocked!<</notify>> Placing the knives on top of the dresser brings your eyes back to your mortalis form, and you shake your head, instead focusing on the Sentiment vials. You hum a gentle tune to distract from the compulsion guiding your hand to your ear while you work on unfolding the cloth, the crystal vials chirping together as you unravel them. Condensation beads up on the chilled sides of Despair, and you wipe it away, drying your hand against your clothes. Its sister Delight tends to do that, the dull heat radiating outward sometimes too much for the chilled concoction. You set that pair aside and work the twine twisted around Devotion and Repulsion. In your palm, Devotion thumps in slow, steady heartbeats, and it's only the absolute silence and stillness of Repulsion that draws your eyes away from the lure of the other. Finally, you lift the thick leather wrapping Fury and Fright, but decide against taking them out of their bonds. There shouldn't be any risk of the sound escaping while they're contained, but better not to draw unnecessary attention in case the movement triggers the shouting from the liquid inside. //'One of each.'// The cautionary gaze of the High Sheevra flares in your mind, their stare piercing through you as they gave you the full set. //'If you must use them, use them wisely.'// You know the volatile effects of the Sentiments, changing rapidly depending on who ingests them. But limitless power, if only for a few moments, is at your fingertips. Frenzied magic resonates out from the collection, gentle tides lapping over your thoughts, and you have to step back for a moment to stop yourself from becoming intoxicated by the magic. Bending down again, you try to maintain the fold in the clothes and the ties between the bracers as you lift them. Small blackbirds are burned into the leather, and you brush a hand over the design to feel the texture of the wings through your fingertips. Ironic, or maybe fated, that you ended up in a place named after a different kind. After placing the clothing next to the Sentiments, you unbuckle the bracers to check the vial slots hidden inside. Satisfied that everything else is in order, you take the small blackbird carving and walk to set it down on the bedside table. And still, your eyes are drawn to the mirror. And then the closed window. And then the locked door. <ul> <li><<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 7>> You bite your lip in hesitation. You've had a long day, and no one should be bothering you any time soon. What's a small refresher before you get started? And suddenly your earring is in your hand. <<link "And your magic breathes." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> <<case 8>> ''//Downstairs…//'' ——— The door of The Lucky Albatross opens and closes quietly, the tap of methodical steps on the floorboards drawing Jac's attention. He's surprised to find, when he looks up, that his wife and all the other patrons are staring as well. A lithe figure saunters across the floor, or maybe floats? Jac can't be sure. Bright amethyst buttons stacked along the hips of black high-waisted pants accentuate each movement, hypnotizing any onlookers to the point where it seems like both an instant and a year between $o_herhistheir entrance and $o_herhistheir approach. Golden blond hair drifts just barely above $o_herhistheir shoulders, strands of it beginning to loosen from the half tied back. Slender fingers trace across $o_herhistheir lips as $o_shehethey consider<<print $o_s>> the liquor on offer, and Jac just barely registers the tender elbow to his side from Cerise. When he looks to her, however, she's still transfixed on the new stranger, blush splattered over her cheeks. "Can I help you?" he says, after swallowing the lump in his throat. Vibrant lavender eyes snap to him, and Jac feels like he's forgotten how to think. The $o_gender hums and stretches $o_herhistheir arms behind $o_herhistheir back, loose cream shirt exposing more of $o_herhistheir tanned collar with earthy splotches of freckles dusted over $o_herhistheir skin. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> bring$o_s $o_herhistheir arms back around and tug$o_s at $o_herhistheir sleeves carefully, where delicate, satiny ribbons of lavender hug against $o_herhistheir forearms and swirl around $o_herhistheir wandering fingers. "I think you can," $o_shehethey say<<print $o_s>> in a voice that reverberates in $o_herhistheir chest like thunder as $o_shehethey lean$o_s over the bar top. Jac and Cerise both struggle not to be rude as the collar falls forward, the altogether useless strings cascading down and curling against the wood. "I'll have a glass of Arid's Sun, if you wouldn't mind." "Of course," comes Cerise's voice, and there's already a glass and the bottle of rum in Jac's hands. He finds himself surprisingly steady despite the nerves in his stomach, and works to pour the amber liquid into the glass tumbler, nearly overfilling it when he realizes he's being watched. He nudges it towards the mysterious customer and quickly draws his hands away once the glass is halfway across, not quite brave enough to get any closer. <ul> <li><<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 9>> Curling $o_herhistheir fingers around the glass one by one, the $o_gender brings it to $o_herhistheir lips and inhales the scent of the drink before tipping it back. The silence in the tavern is only broken by the sound of $o_herhimthem swallowing, a satisfied breath, and the clink of the glass coming back down to the wood. "May I have the rest of the bottle as well?" $o_shehethey ask<<print $o_s>>, smiling through the words. Jac shakes himself loose from his transfixed state. "Ah, it will just be an additional-" "Oh, was what I paid not enough for the bottle?" "You-" He looks to Cerise, who looks around nervously at the counter. Had they taken the payment and not realized? Both of them make eye contact, before turning back. "Did you already pay?" Cerise asks unwillingly. No one else in the tavern speaks up. None of them remember either. "I did." Predatory grin meets timid doubt, and Jac only nods. "Of course! Our mistake! Here you go." The heat builds in his face as he pushes the bottle and cork towards the $o_gender with thin, shaking fingers, staring at the path of the freckles along the newcomer's neck. "I appreciate it," comes a purr in response. Running $o_herhistheir thumb along the mouth of the bottle, the blond $o_gender takes the cork and stoppers it again, before grabbing the neck and standing upright. "I think a friend of mine just came in and asked for a room, $pc_haircolor hair, $pc_eyecolor eyes? Might have looked a little lost?" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> chuckle<<print $o_s>>. "Mind if I get another glass for $pc_herhimthem too?" How fast the glass appears in front of $o_herhimthem almost seems like magic, and $o_shehethey laugh<<print $o_s>> lightly, pinching the glasses together before lifting them. Sliding the rum along the counter, $o_shehethey step$o_s toward the stairs, letting gravity swing the bottle to $o_herhistheir side once the wood drops off. "Which room?" "End of the hall on the left," Jac croaks. Tempting eyes slowly blink once more with a nod before the $o_gender heads up the stairs, and the last thing Jac registers before the tinged pathos fog lifts from his mind is the glint of a golden earring. <ul> <li> [[Back in your room...|Chapter1-Oisein][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <</switch>>

<div class="fade-in-image"><img src="images/nameless_chap2_900.png" style="max-width:80%; display:block; margin: 0 auto;"></div> <<notify>> Autosaving...<</notify>> <<set $o_gender to "person">> <<set $o_shehethey to "they">> <<set $o_herhistheir to "their">> <<set $o_herhimthem to "them">> <<set $o_hershistheirs to "theirs">> <<set $o_s to "">> <<set $o_isare to "'re">> <<fadein 5s>> //Long grass tickles at your palm as you make your way through the field. You've always loved the wildflowers here, and they stretch upward to greet you.// //Verdant green fields stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with trees spread out to the ocean, and back to the mountain peaks. Waves of wind dance across the scene, rippling through the foliage and disrupting the mirror-like surface of the lake near you.// ''This isn't your world.'' //You kneel in adoration before the banks of the water, eyes boring through the crystal blue to watch the flickering of the small orange fish. It darts under a thick plush lilypad, and when you move it, you feel velvet under your fingertips. Tender sunlight// ''Or is it?'' //has warmed the ground around you, and you feel it cradle your body in a tight// ''Was it supposed to be like this?'' //embrace before// ''Was it ever like this?'' //you look up to the sky-// <ul> <li> <<fadein 5s>>[[WAKE UP|Chapter2-Albatross][$textGroup=1]]<</fadein>> </li></ul> <</fadein>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> //''Back in your room…''// ——— Black tendrils fill the whites of your eyes and you stretch your neck on each side. Your long fingers brush cautiously at your face in the mirror, a much more familiar sight now. With a deep breath, you inhale the magics surrounding you, the light warping across your skin. <<if $dryad is true>> Flecks of ice sparkle between your fingers, the chill magic ghosting over your wrists from the freezing core in your chest. Cold is quickly replaced with heat, brilliant fire entwining in your limbs. The magic disappates, and you look at yourself in the mirror, placing a hand on your cheek over the bark-like patterns that run over your whole body. With a flourish, you let the flora tattooed on your arm bloom into reality to greet the touch, starved from being hidden. <<elseif $unseelie is true>> Your eyes flash white for a moment before the black and $pc_eyecolor return. In the mirror you see the brush strokes soar off of your skin to cover the room like a canvas, morphing into flames that engulf the space. The fire licks at the ceiling and embraces the flowers at the table, turning them black in an instant. One moment, you see charred wood and fabric, and with a blink in the next, it all returns to normal. A sly grin snakes its way onto your lips. <<elseif $leanhaun is true>> Glowing marks shift underneath your skin, the light and shadow playing over the curves of your body and manipulating the radiance around you. You close your eyes and let your magic wander out to feel the emotions of anyone nearby. Calm resounds in most of the rooms around you, but you frown as you feel an unusual amount of equal parts confusion and…lust? And one particularly bright source of glee. You shake your head, attributing the weird signatures to the general strangeness of mortalis. <</if>> The room lightens in your transformation, your full magic submerging you in a warm glow as you take a desperate breath in. You know you'll have to put the earring back in soon, but for now, the freeing feeling of your unhindered form in a city full of mortalis is euphoric. <<set $pc_sameskin to false>> In your true form, your skin is... <hr> <ul> <li><<link "...the same as my mortalis form." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 2>><</link>></li> <li><<link "...different from my mortalis form." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 3>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<set $pc_sameskin to true>> In both your mortalis and sheevra form, your skin is <<cycle "$pc_skincolor">> <<option "tawny">> <<option "terracotta">> <<option "golden brown">> <<option "deep bronze">> <<option "onyx">> <<option "ivory">> <<option "peach">> <<option "fawn">> <<option "warm beige">> <<option "olive">> <</cycle>>, and you stretch your hands outward to admire your markings. With your focus elsewhere, you don't hear the lock of your door shake, only noticing something amiss when the door handle turns. //Wait- didn't I lock that?// ''Click.'' There's no time to try to remember, and you scramble to grab your earring again, having placed it on top of the dresser in your complacency. In the mad dash, it's knocked to the floor and you reach down, dread pooling in your stomach. As the door creaks open behind you, you hear a shuddered gasp. "What are y-…s-sheevra?" <hr> <ul> <li><<link "Damn it." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I try to laugh things off?" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I stutter out some excuse." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> In your mortalis form, your skin is <<cycle "$pc_skincolor">> <<option "tawny">> <<option "terracotta">> <<option "golden brown">> <<option "deep bronze">> <<option "onyx">> <<option "ivory">> <<option "peach">> <<option "fawn">> <<option "warm beige">> <<option "olive">> <</cycle>>, while now in your awakened sheevra form, your skin is <<cycle "$pc_sh_skincolor">> <<option "rose">> <<option "coral">> <<option "scarlet">> <<option "orange">> <<option "marigold">> <<option "mint">> <<option "emerald">> <<option "cerulean">> <<option "navy">> <<option "indigo">> <<option "lilac">> <<option "gold">> <<option "silver">> <</cycle>>. <ul> <li><<link "Actually... [Enter custom sheevra skin color]" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 35>><</link>></li> <li><<link "[Continue with current selection]" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 36>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 35>> In your mortalis form, your skin is <<cycle "$pc_skincolor">> <<option "tawny">> <<option "terracotta">> <<option "golden brown">> <<option "deep bronze">> <<option "onyx">> <<option "ivory">> <<option "peach">> <<option "fawn">> <<option "warm beige">> <<option "olive">> <</cycle>>, while now in your awakened sheevra form, your skin is... //(Please enter your sheevra skin color in all lowercase. Ex: periwinkle, violet, etc)// <<textbox "$pc_sh_skincolor" "">> <<link "Set." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> <<case 36>> You admire your markings and your true $pc_sh_skincolor skin, stretching your hands and arms out in front of you. With your focus elsewhere, you don't hear the lock of your door shake, only noticing something amiss when the door handle turns. //Wait- didn't I lock that?// ''Click.'' There's no time to try to remember, and you scramble to grab your earring again, having placed it on top of the dresser in your complacency. In the mad dash, it's knocked to the floor and you reach down, dread pooling in your stomach. As the door creaks open behind you, you hear a shuddered gasp. "What are y-…s-sheevra?" <hr> <ul> <li><<link "Damn it." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I try to laugh things off?" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I stutter out some excuse." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<if $pc_sameskin is true>> <<set $pc_sh_skincolor to $pc_skincolor>> <</if>> <<if $choice is "first">> //Damn it.// Cursing a string of expletives, you turn with the earring in hand and a growl in your throat, the mortalis' eyes widening in fear. A hundred scenarios run through your head all at once, quickly evaluating how to get rid of the $o_gender staring back at you. <<elseif $choice is "second">> //Well. Guess I'll have to figure this one out.// You turn with the earring in hand and a quiet, nervous laugh in your throat, the mortalis' eyes widening in fear. A hundred scenarios run through your head all at once, quickly evaluating how to get rid of the $o_gender staring back at you. <<elseif $choice is "third">> The panic bubbles up, and you turn with the earring in hand, the mortalis' widening eyes only dwarfed by your own. A hundred scenarios run through your head all at once, quickly evaluating how to get rid of the $o_gender staring back at you. <</if>> That is, until you see the dark golden hair, the freckles and spots that you've usually seen glittering on rouge pink skin, and finally, the shining lavender eyes. When you clench your teeth and shut your eyes in exasperation, the "mortalis" begins barking with laughter. "Oh, you should see your face! Though really, you should've done //something// else on your door." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> grin<<print $o_s>> as $o_shehethey <<switch $o_them>><<case true>>shimmy<<case false>>shimmies<</switch>> $o_herhistheir hip in your direction, the lockpicking tools jangling in the motion. "Didn't think you still made mistakes like that." "Are you out of your mind? Someone could've heard you!" Though it's nice to see him, the stress from the moment before comes across clearly in your ragged voice. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> raise<<print $o_s>> $o_herhistheir eyebrows while you put the earring back in, your magic condensing again into the mortalis disguise. "Relax, I put a mirage ward around the door before I opened it, we're fine," $o_shehethey say<<print $o_s>> in a bored tone, closing the door behind $o_herhimthem and snapping $o_herhistheir fingers. At the sound, you feel a magic you hadn't registered before start to fade. "Sure, you love getting scared shitless, right? Ah, ah-" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> back<<print $o_s>> off a little at your glare. "I come bearing gifts?" A rum bottle and two glasses gleam in $o_herhistheir hands as $o_shehethey offer<<print $o_s>> about as much of an apologetic smile as you know you're going to get. Your forehead creases as you exhale a tense breath. "Oisein-" you start, only continuing after a long, exasperated exhale through your nose. "-I'm going to //kill// you." A laugh full of delight surges out from him, but it quickly dies down when he finds himself still leveled by your stare. <<if $o_past_feelings is true>> The tension transitions into something different when you see his face break into a soft smile, hesitant eyes watching your face for a reaction. <<elseif $o_past_feelings is false and $o_friendship > 4>> He attempts to grin to break the tension between your sudden reunion, watching your face to see if it's worked. <<else>> He shrinks back the slightest bit, a hesitant and awkward grin attempting to break the tension. <</if>> <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li><<link `$flirt_label + " I relax my shoulders before feeling a warmth in my chest that spreads to my face. I...didn't realize how happy seeing " + $o_herhimthem + " makes me. \"I'm glad you're here, Oisein.\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $o_flirt += 1>> <<set $o_friendship += 2>> <<set $o_reaction_good to true>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $genuine += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link `$flirt_label + " I find myself smirking, unable to stay annoyed. \"So, is breaking into my bedroom going to become a regular thing then, or no?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $o_flirt += 1>> <<set $o_friendship += 2>> <<set $o_reaction_good to true>> <<set $forward += 1>> <<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <</liveblock>> <li><<link `"I let the smile sneak out for just a second before surprising " + $o_herhimthem + " with a warm hug."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "third">> <<set $o_friendship += 2>> <<set $o_reaction_good to true>> <<set $forward += 1>> <<set $genuine += 1>> <<set $friendly +=1 >><</link>></li> <li><<link `"I can't help but crack a smile at seeing " + $o_herhimthem +". \"I'll admit, it is nice to see a friendly face.\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $o_friendship += 1>> <<set $o_reaction_good to true>> <<set $genuine += 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>></li> <<if $o_them is true>> <li><<link `"Don't " + $o_shehethey + " know how dangerous this is? Why are " + $o_shehethey + " here?!"` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $o_reaction_good to false>> <<set $o_friendship -= 1>> <<set $aloof +=1>> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <<set $genuine += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>> <li><<link `"Doesn't " + $o_shehethey + " know how dangerous this is? Why is " + $o_shehethey + " here?!"` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $o_reaction_good to false>> <<set $o_friendship -= 1>> <<set $aloof +=1>> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <<set $genuine += 1>><</link>></li> <</if>> <li><<link "Just sigh. Hopefully I won't have to babysit while finding out more about Clan Harpoc." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "sixth">> <<set $o_reaction_good to false>> <<set $o_friendship -= 1>> <<set $aloof +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> <<if $choice is "first">> <<if $o_them is true>> <<set $o_theyword to "watch">> <<else>> <<set $o_theyword to "watches">> <</if>> At Oisein's smile, a warmth builds in your ribs and spreads upward along your collar and into your cheeks. Despite the initial shock of seeing $o_herhimthem, you can't ignore how happy it makes you to have $o_herhimthem here. "I'm glad you're here, Oisein." you admit, your voice coming across quieter and more tender than you thought it would. Internally you curse at yourself. As any mortalis would tell you, it's never good to show too many emotions around the sheevra. <<if $o_past_feelings is true>> But you imagine Oisein might be fumbling with $o_herhistheir feelings as well, when $o_shehethey just gape<<print $o_s>> for a minute, mouth moving awkwardly but not forming any sound. Finally, the smile returns and lights up his lavender eyes. "Yeah. Me too, $pc_name." <<elseif $o_friendship >= 5>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> $o_theyword you for a moment, trying to register your reaction. You don't feel any magic reaching out to read you thankfully, at least Oisein has enough tact for that. Most of the time. Fumbling over $o_herhistheir words, you see the grin return, accompanied by the start of a rosy blush. "Well, I couldn't just leave all the fun and danger to you," he says with a teasing lilt, lavender eyes creasing with the smile. <<else>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> $o_theyword you for a moment, trying to register your reaction. You don't feel any magic reaching out to read you thankfully, so at least Oisein has enough tact for that. Most of the time. The confusion on $o_herhistheir face softens into something else more hesitant, but curious. "Hopefully I can be of some help, anyway," he says quietly. "Sorry I didn't tell you before." <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "second">> A smirk finds its way onto your lips before you can stop it, and you feel something comfortable echo quietly in your chest. "So, is breaking into my bedroom going to become a regular thing then, or no?" <<if $o_past_feelings is true>> To your surprise, instead of the sultry persona you're accustomed to seeing Oisein using, $o_shehethey freeze<<print $o_s>>, mouth agape. But he regains his composure, with lukewarm grace, and a shameless smile to match yours turns his lips. <<else>> Oisein beams with delight at your quip back, clearly expecting you to chastise him more before reverting back to something more amicable. <</if>> "Is that an invitation? Or a challenge?" "Wouldn't you like to know?" Oisein chuckles, lavender eyes turning more violet as $o_herhistheir gaze wanders over you. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You let the smile turn the corner of your mouth for just a second, before stepping forward and throwing your arms around $o_herhimthem. Oisein yelps with surprise, clearly not expecting the embrace, but you can feel the chuckle through his body where the two of you connect. <<if $o_past_feelings is true>> The hard surface of the bottle and glasses presses into your back, but Oisein tries to angle it so you mostly feel the warmth of $o_herhistheir palms. When the two of you finally untangle, $o_shehethey give<<print $o_s>> your arm a small squeeze before stepping back again with a cough. <<else>> "Missed me already? What would the rest of Faille'Tor say?" he chides, but with no sincerity. You feel his forearms press into your back, trying to not drop all the glass on the floor. The two of you finally step back, laughing at the awkward movement. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> "Yeah, alright, it's good to see you," you finally admit, slightly hating the smile that won't stop spreading. "It's definitely better to see a friendly face than another mortalis." Oisein visibly relaxes, his eyes full of gratitude. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> "Why are you here?" you ask pointedly, the anger bubbling into your mouth. "Weren't you the one who warned me how dangerous this was?" Lavender eyes widen in surprise, and you see hurt creep into his face. "Well that's exactly why I had to come, isn't it?" "To just put yourself in danger too?" you accuse. "Does Sirin even know you're here?" The pain is clear in the sag of his shoulders and arms, the bottle and glasses hanging still at his sides. "I just wanted to help, $pc_name," $o_shehethey respond<<print $o_s>> softly, completely avoiding the question. "Was I supposed to just let you jump into all this on your own?" The popping of the candle and your tense breath is the only sound in the room while you consider $o_herhimthem. It's true, having some backup will surely only do you good. You accept this with a subdued sigh and turn away from $o_herhistheir gaze. <<elseif $choice is "sixth">> Watching Oisein's face for a moment longer, you let out a frustrated breath and decide to just leave it at that. When you close your eyes and turn, you don't catch the hurt in his face or the thin line that his lips become. <</if>> <<if $o_reaction_good is true>> <<set $stride_desc to "revitalized">> <<else>> <<set $stride_desc to "somber">> <</if>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> make<<print $o_s>> $o_herhistheir way over to the table with a $stride_desc stride, and plop$o_s <<print $o_herhimthem>>self down in the chair. In a fluid sequence of motion, $o_shehethey uncork$o_s the bottle of rum with $o_herhistheir teeth, pour$o_s the deep-colored liquid into one of the glasses, and hold$o_s it out to you. <hr> <ul> <li><<link "I take the glass." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"I'm fine, but thank you.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <li><<link "I shake my head no." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<if $choice is "first">> <<set $hold_glass to true>> You take the glass from $o_herhistheir hand, <<if $o_past_feelings is true and $o_flirt > 0>> your fingers barely ghosting over $o_hershistheirs, <</if>> and return to your spot leaning against the dresser. <<elseif $choice is "second">> "I'm fine, but thank you," you say, leaning against the dresser. Oisein gives an understanding nod and brings the glass to rest on his lips. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You shake your head, and Oisein nods, instead bringing the glass to rest on his lips while you lean against the dresser. <</if>> "So, Clan Harpoc's pulled a disappearing act, huh?" Hard wood digs into your back while you look up to the ceiling, observing the speckled, textured surface of the wood. "Yeah, didn't take long for that to spread, did it?" <<if $hold_glass is true>> You let the strong smell of the drink waft into your nose, watching the amber alcohol swirl with the movement of your hand before taking a sip that burns in your throat. <</if>> "Sirin couldn't have expected something as big as that to stay hush hush." You watch $o_herhimthem sip quietly at the liquid before $o_shehethey bring$o_s it down to swirl around the glass. "Far as I've heard, Clan Moirae's Highests are still reeling, and Clan Obsidian has basically told everyone to piss off until there's more information. Not that I blame them." Gently setting his drink down on the table, he bends over and rests his elbows on his knees. "Well? What do you know so far?" You bite at your lip while Oisein waits for the answer, unsure of where to even begin. Frankly, you're not sure if there's even much to go on. "Not a whole lot. Since it's been such a long time since anyone's heard from Harpoc or Tacita, Sirin didn't even know where the entrances to the Sanctum are." Recalling the meek look on the High Sheevra's face brings the worry to the forefront of your mind again. You didn't even realize they could look //meek//. <<if $h_third_quadrant is true>> "Aside from just knowing what Tacita looks like, though, it sounds like Renescen's third quadrant might hold some answers." "Third quadrant?" Oisein perks up, straightening out $o_herhistheir arms and lengthening $o_herhistheir back. You nod in response, tapping a heel against the dresser's feet. "Sounds like a lot of mortalis are avoiding the area because of some violence and other generic unpleasant business." Arms stretch behind his head while a smirk graces his face. "Well, we like unpleasant business, don't we?" <<if $friendly < $aloof>> "I'll like it better once I know it's not going to kill us too," you respond, keeping your tone serious. Oisein wipes the expression from $o_herhistheir face and presses $o_herhistheir lips together. "Fair." <<else>> "I might like it just a //little// less if the unpleasant business gets us killed in the process." You try to reflect an easy grin, both of you giving a quiet, nervous laugh. <</if>> Tension builds in Oisein's shoulders as $o_shehethey rock$o_s the chair back on its hind legs. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> look$o_s at you nervously, hand trailing to the table and drumming a finger against $o_herhistheir glass. <<elseif $h_third_quadrant is false>> <<set $o_third_quadrant to true>> "Aside from that, I…know what Tacita looks like?" When you look back to Oisein, $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> staring blankly at the ground, finger twisting in $o_herhistheir hair. Eventually $o_shehethey let$o_s out a low whistle, arches back, and rocks the chair on its hind legs. "Whole lot of nothing, that is," he finally responds. You don't have to agree out loud. "Noticed anything on your way in?" Hope fills Oisein's question, an attempt to lighten the mood. Despite your run-ins with a few different mortalis on your journey into Renescen, you didn't quite catch anything else unusual in the city. To your surprise, Oisein doesn't seem disheartened when you shake your head, and instead grins. "Lucky you have me, then," he coos, arms stretching to link behind his head. "Little bird told me there's been some murdering going on in the third quadrant." "Murder?" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> nod$o_s. "Not only that, but sounds like the city is more on edge." <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> face turns serious while $o_shehethey consider$o_s $o_herhistheir next words. "Probably because there's a rumor going around that there have been sheevra bodies dropping too." Cold cracks open in your chest and you clench your teeth. "Sounds like we have a lead then." Oisein looks at you nervously, hand trailing to the table and drumming a finger against $o_herhistheir glass. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 7>> "So…you're alright if I stay and help then?" <<if $o_reaction_good is true and $o_friendship > 4>> Warmth fills your face, and you're not sure who breathes in relief first. "Of course. If anything, I'm glad not to be doing this alone," you admit as you watch Oisein's eyes crinkle from $o_herhistheir smile. <<elseif $o_reaction_good is true and $o_friendship <= 4>> You think for a moment and look over to see Oisein's hesitant face. "Of course. If anything, I'm glad not to be doing this alone," you admit as you watch Oisein's eyes crinkle from $o_herhistheir smile. <<else>> Humming low, <<if $hold_glass is true>> your tapping on your own drink echoes the sound as you consider Oisein's hesitant face. <<else>> you consider Oisein's hesitant face. <</if>> "Yeah, I'll admit it feels better to have at least some form of backup." A breath full of relief eases out as $o_herhistheir eyes close. <</if>> "I've got something else to look into in this quadrant too," Oisein continues quietly. "Something about the edge of the city at the Arids." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> bring$o_s a freckled hand up to $o_herhistheir mouth and bite$o_s at a nail. You raise your eyebrow with a question, but $o_shehethey avoid$o_s your gaze. "That was fast," you remark, trying to draw his eyes back to yours, with little success. Oisein gives a noncommittal shrug, a clear shift in mood from just the moment before. "Nothing to get worried about yet, but, I can go find out more tomorrow." The two of you leave it at that as you cross your arms in thought. <hr> <ul> <li><<link "We should prioritize finding Harpoc's Sanctum." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1 >><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "We should go directly to the third quadrant and see what these rumors are about." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <li><<link "Ask Oisein what he thinks." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 8>> <<if $choice is "first">> <<set $pc_priority to "sanctum">> "Before we go charging in anywhere, we should try to find the Sanctum first," you suggest. "If Harpoc's sheevra are holding up anywhere, that's where we'll find them." "Yeah, makes sense. We can meet back up later tomorrow if you don't mind me doing a bit of exploring myself first." "Fine with me, I met a talkative mortalis today that I can bother for more information beforehand." Teeth flash when Oisein gives a wicked smile. "Think you can weasel some information out of them on your own? Or are you out of practice?" $o_shehethey tease$o_s, eyes creased in glee. <<if $o_friendship < 5>> You shoot $o_herhimthem a withering stare, but $o_shehethey just let$o_s the smile fester on $o_herhistheir lips. <<elseif $o_friendship >= 5 >> "How dare you, of course I can!" Mock offense comes across in your question, and Oisein's smile bursts into something brighter. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "second">> <<set $pc_priority to "quadrant">> "Why don't we go directly to the source of the rumors? It might line up with Harpoc's Sanctum as well." "Straight into the murder neighborhood." Oisein states, incredulous. And likely, fearful. "Are you sure?" "If someone's seen a sheevra body there, we need to take care of this quickly." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> hum$o_s in a reluctant agreement and sighs. "True. I'd feel better if we had a little more information to go on though. Think a little mortalis questioning might be worthwhile?" The mortalis you met today may offer something more that would help you, and you figure at least a bit more information about what you're up against would serve you best. Oisein reads your expression and lets out a breath, clearly relieved. <<elseif $choice is "third">> <<set $pc_priority to "sanctum">> <<set $o_friendship += 1>> Oisein stares at you in the silence that follows. "Well?" you ask, hand outstretched as if <<print $o_shehethey>>'ll place the answer in your palm. "Well, what?" "What do you think we should do?" "What do I- oh!" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> swing$o_s forward in shock, clearly not expecting you to ask. Humming echoes from $o_herhistheir lips around the small room. "I want to find Harpoc's Sanctum," $o_shehethey decide$o_s. "If there's some hint as to what happened to them, it's bound to be there." You drum your fingers against your collar bone. "That's true. And maybe we'll find one of them there." You give just an ounce of hope, but both of you know not to place too much faith in a happy ending. It's how you trick most of your prey, after all. "I ran into a talkative mortalis today," you continue. "Might know more about what's happening around the city." "Perfect!" Oisein claps. "You go interrogate them, and we can meet here later on." <<if $empathetic > $callous>> "We'll probably learn more if we're friendly, you know," you say with a gentle smile. Oisein waves a hand at you and scoffs. "You're far too soft on them, $pc_name. They don't deserve it." A debate for another day, perhaps. <<else>> "Hopefully <<print $h_shehe>>'ll actually have something useful." "I'm not holding my breath," Oisein sneers. "But still, they know more about Renescen than we do, so it's worth a shot." You nod half-heartedly, still not quite sure if it will be worthwhile. <</if>> <</if>> "At any rate, if you do need me tomorrow, I'll be on the west side of this quadrant near the Crossing," Oisein says, hoisting <<print $o_herhimthem>>self up by pushing $o_herhistheir hands against $o_herhistheir knees. "We can meet back here before sundown?" You straighten from your position against the dresser and nod. He gives a half-smile and makes his way toward the door after picking up the bottle <<if $hold_glass is true>> and his glass <<else>> and the glasses <</if>> from the table. "I don't know what we've gotten ourselves into, but sure, it'll be fun." Then a pensive look narrows his eyes. "Try to keep out of trouble before we meet up again?" "Wouldn't that defeat the whole purpose?" <<if $o_past_feelings is true>> Laughter trickles from $o_herhimthem again, but the smile $o_shehethey give$o_s is anxious and strained, eyes trained on you. <<else>> Laughter trickles from $o_herhimthem again and $o_herhistheir lips turn in a smirk. <</if>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> continue$o_s over, and you watch $o_herhimthem press $o_herhistheir lips together as $o_shehethey hold$o_s up $o_herhistheir glass to you. "Here's to not dying?" "To not dying," you say, eyeing $o_herhimthem with a chuckle. <<if $hold_glass is true>> A cheers later, the rum trails down, filling your nose with the strong woody vanilla scent as you both finish the drink. <<if $o_flirt > 0>> Lavender eyes stay trained on you while $o_shehethey swallow$o_s, and once you bring the alcohol down from your lips, Oisein's hand is there to relieve you of the glass. Cool fingers reach farther than needed to brush near yours, and $o_shehethey hum$o_s with a sinful grin. <<else>> Oisein takes it in stride, lifting $o_herhistheir empty drink to you one last time before relieving your hand of your glass. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> sigh$o_s out the after effects of the alcohol's burn. <</if>> <<else>> <<if $o_flirt > 0>> Lavender eyes stay trained on you while $o_shehethey swallow$o_s, and you just barely catch the strong woody vanilla scent from Oisein's glass. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> bring$o_s it down and lick$o_s $o_herhistheir lips, before giving you a wink. <<else>> <<if $o_them is true>> <<set $o_theyword to "reach">> <<else>> <<set $o_theyword to "reaches">> <</if>> Oisein takes the drink in stride, lifting $o_herhistheir empty vessel to you one last time as $o_shehethey finally $o_theyword the door, sighing out the after effects of the alcohol's burn. <</if>> <</if>> "Till tomorrow, then." <ul> <li> [[Elsewhere...|Chapter1-ClanMoirae][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> A force pushes against your body, and you can sense the shield charm encompass the $m_gender. It muffles the sound of pure triumph that comes in a shout and a whoop from the Magesmith, and $m_shehe pulls the goggles down from $m_herhis eyes to rest on $m_herhis collar, a fine line of soot outlining where they sat before. Something else flickers inside the bubble and you sense magic glimmering along $m_herhis headband again. As you take a step to turn towards the Healer's street, $m_shehe spots you almost immediately. The shield charm falls and you finally place the mortalis-styled glamor magic along the Magesmith's headband, watching piercing green eyes shift into grey. With a more determined step, you try to march away to avoid another strange stare-off. "Hey!" $m_shehe calls. Unsurprisingly. "Hey, hold on a second!" $m_shehe demands. You hear the clang of the sword as the Magesmith places it down, and swings <<print $m_herhim>>self around one of the posts to come up behind you. "You passed by here yesterday, didn't you?" <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Yes...why?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"I might have...\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"You must have me confused with someone else.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"No.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $choice is "first">> <<set $m_friendship += 2>> <<set $genuine += 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $honest += 1>> You have a feeling you might regret this, but you turn anyway. "Yes, why?" The Magesmith's surprised eyes shift to a soft brown when you respond earnestly. <<print $m_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> mouth shapes around the words $m_shehe seems to have forgotten, until they finally return and $m_shehe points a finger directly at you. "Your earring," $m_shehe states without further explanation. "I spotted it." <<elseif $choice is "second">> <<set $m_friendship += 1>> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> You turn slowly and survey the Magesmith. "I might have..." The Magesmith arches a brow, and you think you see $m_herhis eyes flash orange before settling back to grey. "Your earring," $m_shehe states without further explanation while lifting $m_herhis hand to point directly at you. "I spotted it." <<elseif $choice is "third">> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $deceptive += 1>> You only turn halfway around. "You must have me confused with someone else." The Magesmith's eyes flicker red before settling back to grey. "It doesn't matter either way," $m_shehe responds curtly. "Your earring," $m_shehe states without further explanation, lifting $m_herhis hand to point directly at you. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <<set $callous += 1>> You barely turn. "No." The Magesmith's eyes flicker red before settling back to grey. "It doesn't matter either way," $m_shehe responds curtly. "Your earring," $m_shehe states without further explanation, lifting $m_herhis hand to point directly at you. <</if>> You subconsciously reach for the $pc_earring in your ear and only stare at $m_herhim in response. "You make it? Magic's different." "Different than what?" The question slips away before you can catch it. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> taps $m_herhis brass hand against $m_herhis headband while the silence hangs ominous between the two of you, broken only by the sounds of the city waking. There's a gentle flap of cloth nearby as a young woman sets up an awning, and the light chatter of people walking to the center of the city to the tune of rolling wooden barrel wheels against stone. The loose faded-mauve pants cinched around the Magesmith's waist and ankles flutters slightly in the alley breeze, brass arm resting against $m_herhis hip. The hollowed patterns of $m_herhis arm contrast to $m_herhis bare elbow, a breeze scattering goosebumps across $m_herhis pale shoulder just above the magical glyph tattooed into $m_herhis inner bicep. The edge of the dark green top cuts across $m_herhis collar bones under the goggles, and ends again halfway up $m_herhis neck. The Magesmith seems content waiting in the tension for you to respond. When you make to leave and cut the conversation short, however, is when the patience finally breaks. "I've seen that magic before!" You freeze. <<set $m_ignore>> <hr> <ul> <li> <<link `"Find out more. If the Magesmith recognizes sheevra magic, " + $m_shehe + " might have some useful clues about Clan Harpoc."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $m_ignore to false>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $m_friendship += 1>><</link>> </li> <li> [[Keep walking. If the Magesmith has really seen sheevra magic before, it'll be dangerous to interact.|Chapter2-MagesmithIgnore][$textGroup = 1]] </li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<set $m_ignore to false>> <<set $m_shmagicdesc to false>> <<set $m_suspicious to false>> <<set $know_foci to false>> <<set $ms_numq to 0>> <<set $q_one to false>> <<set $q_two to false>> <<set $q_three to false>> <<set $q_flirt to false>> Curiosity snares you, and the Magesmith smirks when $m_shehe recognizes that $m_shehe has your attention. It's a gamble, but if the Magesmith recognizes sheevra magic, $m_shehe might have some sort of clues about Clan Harpoc. "Answer for an answer, stranger?" $m_shehe taunts as you face $m_herhim. Bold of $m_herhim to try and make deals with //you,// but you suppose a little chat can't hurt. Your fists tense for a moment before you ease them open. "Go on, then." "Where'd you get the earring?" $m_shehe asks more directly. "Saor." The Magesmith blinks slowly while digesting the simultaneously direct and vague answer, before $m_shehe hums and chuckles low. Backing up onto $m_herhis shop, $m_shehe hoists <<print $m_herhim>>self onto the edge of the low wall surrounding it. The freedom $m_herhis clothes afford $m_herhim allow $m_herhim to dangle one leg off the stone and bring the other up to $m_herhis chest, and $m_shehe adjusts $m_herhis heel on the edge, resting $m_herhis brass arm on the bended knee. "Well? Fair's fair." You pause and consider the Magesmith again, <<if $friendly > $aloof>> placing a curious finger on your chin. <<else>> crossing you arms. <</if>> <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"What's so special about the magic?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $textGroup to 101>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Where have you seen the magic before?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $textGroup to 102>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Why do you care?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $textGroup to 103>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "That's all I want to ask." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<if $empathetic > $callous>> You consider $m_herhim and watch more of the residents bustling down the street. "I think that's all." <<else>> "I think that's enough." <</if>> <<if $ms_numq is 4>> <<set $m_suspicious to true>> <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> nods and stretches $m_herhis arms over $m_herhis head. <<elseif $ms_numq is 1>> "What, really?" $m_shehe says with a scoff. <<else>> "Oh, that's it?" $m_shehe asks without hiding the disappointment. The Magesmith slides from the wall, flexing out $m_herhis brass fingers as something clicks within the intricate patterns. <</if>> <<if $ms_numq is 1>> "Well, that was a waste," $m_shehe starts, <<else>> "Thanks for indulging my curiosity anyway," $m_shehe starts, <</if>> before noticing you eyeing the spinning gears at $m_herhis elbow. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> shifts $m_herhis weight under your gaze, lifting the brass arm to hold onto the goggles around $m_herhis neck, almost challenging you to ask. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "Ask about the arm." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Don't ask about the arm." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> <<if $choice is "first">> As the motion and color within the arm lure you in, <<if $m_flirt is 0>> the Magesmith smiles like a cat that ate the canary. "You want to ask about the arm, don't you?" You purse your lips when $m_herhis lips turn further into a sneer. "Too bad, you've got no answer good enough to trade, trust me," $m_shehe mocks. //Charming.// You're about to say something else in response when a burly man comes around the Magesmith's shop. <<else>> the Magesmith begins to smirk. But gradually, something else twists $m_herhis lips into a diminishing frown. You don't have enough time to reach out to gauge $m_herhim before $m_shehe clears the thought with a shake of $m_herhis head. "Don't take this the wrong way," $m_shehe says cautiously, and with the barest tone of remorse. "But you've got no answer good enough to trade." You purse your lips at $m_herhis response, about to say something else when a burly man comes around the Magesmith's shop. <</if>> <<else>> There's the barest tinge of disappointment when you don't ask, instead just responding, <<if $ms_numq is 1>> "Don't really have much else to say." <<else>> "Sure, thanks for the information too." <</if>> <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> looks like $m_shehe's about to protest, when your interaction is cut short by a burly man coming around the corner of the Magesmith's shop. <</if>> He stares at the two of you, the bags and redness around his eyes stark on his paling face. Not taking notice yet, the Magesmith is still boring a hole into you with $m_herhis gaze as the man gathers the breath into his chest. "Oy! Magesmith!" he calls, the bangles around his forearm straining as he holds a hand to his mouth. Grinding $m_herhis teeth, the Magesmith closes $m_herhis eyes and slowly turns. "What could you possibly-" But $m_shehe pauses when $m_shehe registers his face as well, knowing there's something off. Mouth moving in an impressive imitation of a gulping fish, the Magesmith just stares for a moment, uncertain of what to do next. The decision forms on $m_herhis face and you watch $m_herhis lips press into a thin line. With a quick glance, $m_shehe surveys you one last time with a huff. "Safe travels, then, stranger." A limp wave later, $m_herhis back is to you as $m_shehe goes to meet the man face-to-face. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> "You hear about the third Weaponsmith?" the man hisses urgently. Your shoulders are already turned away down the street. "What about him?" the Magesmith asks. You take a step forward. "…found in an alley this morning," the man wheezes out. You continue on your way. <<if $m_suspicious is true>> But you don't see the Magesmith turn $m_herhis head to watch you go as the man breaks into a sob. <<else>> The Magesmith's silence and the man's quiet sobs are all you hear as you turn the corner. <</if>> <ul> <li> [[Time to find the Healer.|Chapter2-Healer][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <<case 101>> <<set $m_shmagicdesc to true>> Better to play it safe. "What's so special about the magic?" you ask, knowing full well what the difference is. But it's enough to throw off the Magesmith for at least a second as you watch $m_herhis brow knot in confusion. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> looks to the ground, kicking $m_herhis foot against the wall while clicking $m_herhis tongue in thought. "The magic I usually work with feels…grounded," $m_shehe explains. "That-" $m_shehe points at the earring. "-feels like air." "Air?" "Disconnected. Untethered? I'm not sure. Haven't ever been outside Renescen and some of the surrounding Arid villages, so guess I'm not sure what Saor's magic is like. That might be it." //But I doubt it,// is what you imagine $m_shehe wants to say. "My turn," $m_shehe states. <<if $ms_numq is 1>> <<include "Chapter2-Magesmith1">> <<elseif $ms_numq is 2>> <<include "Chapter2-Magesmith2">> <<elseif $ms_numq is 3>> <<include "Chapter2-Magesmith3">> <</if>> <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"What's so special about the magic?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $textGroup to 101>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "What's so special about the magic?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Where have you seen the magic before?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $textGroup to 102>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Where have you seen the magic before?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Why do you care?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $textGroup to 103>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Why do you care?"</li> <</if>> <<if $ms_numq >= 2>> <<if $q_flirt is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" I admit, I'm a little curious about the Magesmith. \"So...what was all that about yesterday?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_flirt to true>><<set $textGroup to 110>><</link>></li> <<else>> <li>$info_label I admit, I'm a little curious about the Magesmith. "So...what was all that about yesterday?"</li> <</if>> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "That's all I want to ask." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 102>> <<set $know_foci to true>> You bite at your lower lip while you watch $m_herhim. "Where have you seen the magic before?" Resting $m_herhis chin against $m_herhis knee, $m_shehe wraps $m_herhis arms around the leg that's propped up. A pensive look remains until you watch $m_herhis lips turn into a wolfish grin. "Mostly the second and third quadrant randomly, never in an earring-" <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> leans back again, keeping $m_herhis arms stretched out around $m_herhis leg. "-but always in a necklace. Usually some sort of metal, and thin," $m_shehe drags a finger underneath $m_herhis collar and the goggles lying there. Sounds like that's all you're going to get out of $m_herhim on that, but the description makes you realize that you may not know what the other Clans use as glamor foci. If this mortalis is to be believed, Harpoc's may have been a thin metal necklace. Before you can fully consolidate the new knowledge, the Magesmith shoots back another question. <<if $ms_numq is 1>> <<include "Chapter2-Magesmith1">> <<elseif $ms_numq is 2>> <<include "Chapter2-Magesmith2">> <<elseif $ms_numq is 3>> <<include "Chapter2-Magesmith3">> <</if>> <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"What's so special about the magic?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $textGroup to 101>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "What's so special about the magic?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Where have you seen the magic before?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $textGroup to 102>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Where have you seen the magic before?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Why do you care?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $textGroup to 103>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Why do you care?"</li> <</if>> <<if $ms_numq >= 2>> <<if $q_flirt is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" I admit, I'm a little curious about the Magesmith. \"So...what was all that about yesterday?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_flirt to true>><<set $textGroup to 110>><</link>></li> <<else>> <li>$info_label I admit, I'm a little curious about the Magesmith. "So...what was all that about yesterday?"</li> <</if>> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "That's all I want to ask." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 103>> Eyeing the Magesmith as $m_shehe idly blows at the hair in $m_herhis face, you continue. "Why do you care?" The Magesmith stops huffing $m_herhis breath into the stray hair, but keeps $m_herhis eyes upward on the saturating sky. "Used to see that magic every few days on someone random. Been a while since I've seen it now. 'Bout a half cycle. Was curious when I saw it again, is all." Well, that tracks, though you still have a gnawing feeling that the Magesmith isn't being completely forthright. You tap a foot against the avenue's stones and look away as $m_shehe mulls over what to ask. <<if $ms_numq is 1>> <<include "Chapter2-Magesmith1">> <<elseif $ms_numq is 2>> <<include "Chapter2-Magesmith2">> <<elseif $ms_numq is 3>> <<include "Chapter2-Magesmith3">> <</if>> <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"What's so special about the magic?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $textGroup to 101>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "What's so special about the magic?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Where have you seen the magic before?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $textGroup to 102>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Where have you seen the magic before?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Why do you care?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $textGroup to 103>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Why do you care?"</li> <</if>> <<if $ms_numq >= 2>> <<if $q_flirt is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" I admit, I'm a little curious about the Magesmith. \"So...what was all that about yesterday?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_flirt to true>><<set $textGroup to 110>><</link>></li> <<else>> <li>$info_label I admit, I'm a little curious about the Magesmith. "So...what was all that about yesterday?"</li> <</if>> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "That's all I want to ask." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 110>> You wouldn't usually press the subject, but the whole confrontation yesterday has piqued your interest. And didn't the Magesmith mention angering the city guards? "I'm a little curious, what was all that about yesterday?" Surprise opens up the Magesmith's face before $m_shehe lets out a short cackle. "Really?" You give a shrug <<if $friendly > $aloof>> and a smile, that the Magesmith actually seems to match back. <<else>> and keep your face stoic, while the Magesmith raises $m_herhis brow. <</if>> "Don't worry, you're not talking to a criminal or anything. Well, not officially. I just…may've sold the city guard some surprising blades." "Surprising?" "Some would say 'faulty', but that implies that they didn't do what I designed. And I was //very// upfront about their unpredictable nature." <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> pauses before lowering $m_herhis voice and whispering to <<print $m_herhim>>self. "I will have to get more details on how they morphed, though…and where they ended up." "As far as the Sage…" $m_shehe gives a stiff roll of $m_herhis shoulders. "<<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> means well, just looking out so I don't get in too much trouble. To be fair, $s_shehe does get me a lot of work…" A brief flicker of regret crosses the Magesmith's face, but it's quickly replaced with a closed-off expression. You wait for the rebuttal question, but it doesn't come. The Magesmith gives a subtle smile at your baffled expression. "Consider it a freebie. Still not sure why you want to know more about me, though." <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li> <<link `$flirt_label + " \"Is it not obvious?\" I say with a suggestive smirk"` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 111>><<set $choice to "first">> <<set $forward += 1>> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $m_flirt += 1>> <<set $m_friendship += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link `$flirt_label + " I'm...not entirely sure myself, but I find my gaze lingering over " + $m_herhim + "."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 111>><<set $choice to "second">> <<set $reserved += 1>> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $m_flirt += 1>> <<set $m_friendship += 1>><</link>></li> <</liveblock>> <li> <<link "\"It was sort of a spectacle,\" I say with a friendly laugh." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 111>><<set $choice to "third">> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <<set $m_friendship += 1>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Just curious,\" I say simply." `passage()`>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <<set $textGroup to 111>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 111>> <<if $choice is "first">> You tilt your head to the side, the Magesmith instinctively mirroring your movement as $m_shehe watches you. The suggestive smirk is already crawling onto your lips as your eyes are swept up in the waves of $m_herhis body, from the leg hanging over the wall, and coursing upward through $m_herhis chest and over $m_herhis collar and toned shoulders. "What, is it not obvious?" you say with eyebrows raised. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> seems stuck in an analytical loop, trying to discern what you mean before $m_herhis eyes widen, gaze fluttering away from you and ending decidedly off to the side. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> clears $m_herhis throat in a clearly artificial way and scratches the back of $m_herhis neck. You swear you see $m_herhis irises and cheeks begin to darken, before $m_shehe gives an exasperated curse and yanks the headband from $m_herhis forehead. The Magesmith's dark auburn locks fall forward without the fabric holding it back, and you see $m_herhis eyes begin shifting into a soft brown before $m_shehe covers them. "Right. Anyway," $m_shehe says quietly. <<elseif $choice is "second">> "I'm…" you start, but you can't think of how to finish the sentence. In fact, you're still unsure of what pressed you to ask about the $m_gender in front of you. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> holds your eyes in $m_hershis as your mouth opens, then closes in weighted silence, gazes still attached to each other. But instead of any sort of chide or sharp remark, you find the Magesmith blinking back, also unsure why $m_shehe can't seem to tear <<print $m_herhim>>self away. Eventually, $m_shehe does first, though you sense the barest hint of reluctance. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> clears $m_herhis throat in a clearly artificial way and scratches the back of $m_herhis neck. You swear you see $m_herhis irises and cheeks begin to darken, before $m_shehe gives an exasperated curse and yanks the headband from $m_herhis forehead. The Magesmith's dark auburn locks fall forward without the fabric holding it back, and you see $m_herhis eyes begin shifting into a soft brown before $m_shehe covers them. "Right. Anyway," $m_shehe says quietly. <<elseif $choice is "third">> "Can you really blame me for asking? It //was// kind of a spectacle." The Magesmith actually chuckles and runs a hand over the back of $m_herhis neck. "Yeah, that's fair. We're not usually like that," $m_shehe reminisces, but $m_shehe catches <<print $m_herhim>>self and clears $m_herhis throat before scratching the back of $m_herhis neck. You swear you see $m_herhis irises begin to flicker yellow. "Right. Anyway." $m_shehe says quietly. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> You consider your answer for a moment. "Just curiosity, really." With an incredulous look, the Magesmith just shrugs and leans back on $m_herhis leg again. "Alright, suit yourself then." <</if>> <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"What's so special about the magic?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $textGroup to 101>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "What's so special about the magic?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Where have you seen the magic before?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $textGroup to 102>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Where have you seen the magic before?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Why do you care?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $textGroup to 103>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Why do you care?"</li> <</if>> <<if $ms_numq >= 2>> <<if $q_flirt is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" I admit, I'm a little curious about the Magesmith. \"So...what was all that about yesterday?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_flirt to true>><<set $textGroup to 110>><</link>></li> <<else>> <li>$info_label I admit, I'm a little curious about the Magesmith. "So...what was all that about yesterday?"</li> <</if>> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "That's all I want to ask." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $ms_numq += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<if $m_suspicious is true and $m_flirt is 0>> <<set $m_rel_status to "You are barely familiar with each other, and $m_shehe seems to be keeping a cautious and watchful eye on you.">> <<elseif $m_flirt > 0>> <<set $m_rel_status to "You are barely familiar with each other, but $m_shehe seems to be curious about you.">> <<else>> <<set $m_rel_status to "You are barely familiar with each other, though at least managed to have a civil conversation.">> <</if>> <<set $rel_magesmith to true>> <<set $codex_magesmith to true>> <<notify>> Entwined & Codex: 'The Magesmith' unlocked!<</notify>> The path up Daroca is paved with the same sandy stone as the way you walked the day before, the fanned patterns of brick opening again and again with each stem. Once the Magesmith's home is out of sight, the street hooks sharply to the comforting view facing up towards the forest on the mountain side instead of the desolation behind you. With your eyes full of greenery and grandeur, the thought of the Arids and Clan Harpoc slips just a little further back into your mind, making the walk through Renescen slightly more bearable. Plenty of other pedestrians and passerbys flow around you, <<if $curious > $apprehensive>> and you find yourself observing each face sagging from sleep, some eyes narrowed in thought, other lips muttering to-do lists. <<else>> and you find your skin prickling in discomfort, never quite pulling into yourself enough it seems. <</if>> A sudden glare catches your eye down one of the alleyways, and through it you see the string of roofed carts hooked together that you barely caught when you first arrived at the Crossing, the mortalis filing and pushing their way into the corrals. Observing the contraption you realize the glare is coming from the glint of the blue crystals lodged securely into the top, the air around them charged with elemental magic. You don't get a chance to process the rest of it as a muffled voice calls out to the rest of the mortalis, before a man at the front of one of the carts places a hand on a pillar. A line of red energy glides up through a pattern you can only appreciate now, the color engulfing the crystals as the carts rattle and begin to move upward out of sight on a wire constricting in on itself. Being homesick is a surprising feeling to assign yourself, but even so, watching the rails carry the cart away flashes an image of Saor in your mind. A promise of purpose distracting you from the salty smell of the water lifts, a sudden drop in your stomach, and the wind kissing your cheeks as you and the other sheevra scouts were lifted toward the upper rings. Shaking your head, you carry on. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> When you first see the green roof, your first thought is that it must be an incomplete house, the wild plants on top blending in with the clearing behind it that eventually leads into the woods. But another mortalis woman you don't recognize breaks up the carpet of vegetation, her seemingly floating body adjusting your perspective to see the wooden frame supporting her. Her curly hair halos her face as she talks down at the Healer, who brushes aside some of the herbs hanging from the outer awning before crossing $h_herhis arms. You just catch the end of their conversation. "So you think it's possible?" the Healer asks. "Yeah, of course, just might take a minute to gather up the supplies and build. Gonna have to knock out part of the north side too." She looks behind her towards the side facing the mountains and makes a decisive nod. "Guess it will make it a //little// easier to collect the plants up here, though watching you fall on your ass is always guaranteed entertainment." The Healer gives an exaggerated pout while the woman laughs brightly, patting down her pants and standing at the edge of the roof. In the emerging sunlight, the two of them are both already covered with a thin sheen of sweat from the ambient heat. Without the blue cloth draping across $h_herhis chest, you can see the toned muscles apparent along $h_herhis collar and shoulders, with more <<if $h_gender is "man">> revealed on the Healer's russet-toned stomach as he pulls up the bottom fabric of the black undershirt to wipe at his neck. <<elseif $h_gender is "woman">> revealed across the Healer's russet-toned stomach as she draws a hand across her forehead, her bare skin glowing underneath her cropped black undershirt. <</if>> From what you can see, black lines like the tattoos under $h_herhis eyes outline the path of $h_herhis abdomen, jutting sharply down to angle around $h_herhis side onto the small of $h_herhis back. The marks disappear up beneath the cloth, reappearing to trace the line of $h_herhis shoulder blades. With a small sound of effort, the woman on the roof drops backwards off of it, hanging by her arms for a moment to assess the ground before dropping with a light //thud// onto stone. She dusts off her clothes and makes to say something else to the Healer before she notices you. As the Healer catches $h_herhis companion's distracted stare, $h_shehe turns to find you. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<if $h_flirt > 0 and $healer_pickup is true>> "Well, if it isn't $pc_name," the Healer says with a coy grin. "Suppose we'll see if I can keep my promise?" With an extremely arched eyebrow and widened eyes at the name, the woman looks back to the Healer before swinging again to you. <<elseif ($h_flirt > 0 and $healer_pickup is false) or ($h_flirt is 0 and $pickup is true)>> "Well, if it isn't the newcomer!" the Healer says with a smile. The woman looks back to the Healer before swinging again to you with a mild curiosity. <<else>> "Ah, the newcomer!" The Healer gives you a nod as the other person glances at $h_herhim. <</if>> She pulls a pair of gloves from her hands by her teeth and tucks them into a belt at her side before placing her hands on her hips with a smile. "Who's this then?" she asks, and the Healer breaks $h_herhis locked gaze and fumbles. "A..." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> searches for another word. "-Traveler from Saor that I about leveled yesterday." When $h_shehe recollects the encounter, <<if $h_flirt > 0 and $healer_pickup is true>> $h_shehe shoots you a cheeky smirk with face shining. After a teasing snort, the woman from the roof turns to you. "That's about usual with this one, all limbs with no sense for space. Nice to meet you, I'm an Architect from the first second border," she says as she holds out her hand with a smile, ignoring the Healer rolling $h_herhis eyes behind her. <<else>> you can see the self-conscious apology in $h_herhis eyes for the hundredth time. The woman from the roof turns to you and clicks her tongue. "That's about usual with this one, all limbs with no sense for space." The Healer gives an offended whine, but the woman continues all the same. "Nice to meet you, Traveler, I'm an Architect," she says as she holds out her hand with a smile. <</if>> <<set $arch_friendly to true>> <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "I shake her hand with a matching smile. \"It's nice to meet you too.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I shake her hand. \"Same to you.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I shake her hand, but say nothing." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $reserved += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I look awkwardly to her hand and give an apologetic smile when I don't take it." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I don't shake her hand." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $arch_friendly to false>> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<if $choice is "first">> Trying to maintain your rapport with these mortalis, you reach out to shake her hand with a friendly expression to match. "It's nice to meet you too." Satisfied, she nods and turns back to the Healer. <<elseif $choice is "second">> Trying to maintain at least some semblance of rapport with these mortalis, you reach out to shake her hand. "Same to you too." Satisfied, she nods and turns back to the Healer. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You give her a polite nod and shake her hand, and she quirks an eyebrow in response. "Quiet one, aren't ya?" Once she realizes you are in fact, going to stay quiet, the Architect shrugs while she brings her hand back and turns to the Healer. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> You look to her awkwardly, backing down from the outstretched hand with an apologetic smile when you don't take it. The Architect passes you a worried look before her eyes become gentle, and pulls her hand back and turns to the Healer. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> You look at her hand and decide to ignore it. The Architect breathes sharply from her nose and brings back the hand. "Prickly one, aren't ya?" At your stubbornly cool demeanor, she gives a quiet scoff and turns back to the Healer who looks worriedly at you. <</if>> "Anyway, like I said, should be easy enough, but I'm going to need some time. I'll go see what we've got and what I need to buy and let you know?" "Sounds perfect, thank you," the Healer responds warmly. The Architect nods and empties her pockets of a few more tools, dropping them in a bag resting on the ground before gathering up the bundle of items and hefting them onto her back. <<if $arch_friendly is true>> "Try not to run over anyone else?" she teases, sparing you a quick smirk. The Healer groans. "Yeah, two left feet, you're so original, thank you," $h_shehe says, urging the Architect on. Dazzling teeth shine past her vibrant red-stained lips as she laughs and waves to the Healer before moving around you to head back down Daroca. <<else>> "Try not to piss off anyone else?" she chides, sparing a quick, slightly judgmental look towards you with a sneer on her vibrant red-stained lips. The Healer grimaces. "//Thank you//, that's really helpful," $h_shehe says with a strain in $h_herhis voice, urging on the Architect, who gives a wave to the Healer before brushing by you back down Daroca. <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> "Sorry about that," the Healer offers. "Architect is helping me make the whole growing plants on a roof thing a little more manageable. Fun fact, wet plants and a slanted roof do not a stable surface make," $h_shehe finishes with a throaty laugh as you look up to observe what you now think might be a particularly down-trodden, possibly fallen-through path in the greenery. <<if $daroca_dialogue is true>> "By the way, Cerise told me you ended up at The Lucky Albatross?" the Healer comments, bringing your attention back. <<else>> "Did you end up at The Lucky Albatross, then?" the Healer asks, bringing your attention back. <</if>> <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> pulls down a few herbs from the overhang by the door, before $h_shehe <<if $h_friendship >= 1 or $pickup is true>> turns to you with a smile as $h_herhis deft hands work a cord around the plants. <<else>> turns to you with an inquisitive look as $h_herhis deft hands work a cord around the plants. <</if>> <<if $friendly > $aloof>> "I did, thanks again for telling me about it," you respond, watching the string wrap around dried, brittle stems. <<if $daroca_dialogue is true>> "Though I have to say, I didn't think word would spread that fast." "That's just because I'm a morning person and had some rounds to make." The Healer looks at you mischievously. "And Cerise is both that, and a complete gossip." <<else>> "I'm glad! You won't find a better place in Renescen." <</if>> <<else>> "I did," you respond, watching the string wrap around dried, brittle stems. "I'm glad! You won't find a better place in Renescen." <</if>> <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> golden eyes glimmer with genuine mirth as $h_shehe finishes the bundle, and places it in a small bin already partially layered with other plants. You recognize the ones that also grow near Saor, the red leaves of Sanctin's Grace and the thorny roots of what //you// call Arids Wrath, though you're fairly certain it has some crude sheevra-mocking name to the mortalis. Another unfamiliar minty smell wafts up from the collection when the Healer lifts the bin and rests it against $h_herhis waist. "So, what brings you here?" <hr> <ul> <<if $h_third_quadrant is true>> <li> <<link "\"Well...\" I try to breach the topic of the third quadrant carefully." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <</link>> </li> <</if>> <<if $h_third_quadrant is true>> <li> <<link "\"The third quadrant, actually.\" I say bluntly." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <</link>> </li> <</if>> <<if $o_third_quadrant is true>> <li> <<link "I try to breach the topic carefully. \"I...heard some things about the third quadrant and thought you might know more.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <</link>> </li> <</if>> <<if $o_third_quadrant is true>> <li> <<link "\"Why didn't you warn me about the third quadrant?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <</link>> </li> <</if>> <li> <<link "Maybe outside isn't the best place to talk about this. I'll ask more about it if we can talk privately." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "inside">> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<if $choice is "first">> "Well," you start, wanting to bring up the topic gently. "I actually wanted to ask you more about the third quadrant." Expression melting from worry to nerves, the Healer glances around at the straggling mortalis who may have overheard you. "Do you mind if we talk about this inside?" $h_shehe suggests, placing a wary hand on the knotted wooden door and inviting you in. <<elseif $choice is "second">> You face $h_herhim directly and sigh. "The third quadrant, actually." Expression melting from worry to fear, the Healer glances around at the straggling mortalis who may have overheard you. "Do you mind if we talk about this inside?" $h_shehe suggests, placing a wary hand on the knotted wooden door and inviting you in. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You bite your lip as you consider your next words. "I...heard some things about the third quadrant and thought you might know more." Expression melting from worry to fear, the Healer glances around at the straggling mortalis who may have overheard you. "Do you mind if we talk about this inside?" $h_shehe suggests, placing a wary hand on the knotted wooden door. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> You face $h_herhim directly with a furrowed brow. "Why didn't you warn me about the third quadrant?" "The third-" The Healer's face twists into a mix of fear and a tinge of annoyance, the first you think you've seen on $h_herhis face. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> looks like $h_shehe's about to snap something back before $h_shehe glances around at the straggling mortalis who have overheard you. "It's not something I usually bring up in casual conversation with a stranger," $h_shehe hisses back under $h_herhis breath. After a tense moment, the Healer places a wary hand on the knotted wooden door of $h_herhis home with a sigh. "Can we talk about this privately, maybe?" <<elseif $choice is "inside">> You shift from one foot to the other and look around. There aren't too many mortalis, but you probably can't be too careful even with a few stragglers. "Do you mind if we talk privately?" The Healer watches your expression with concern before nodding and placing a wary hand on the door and inviting you in. <</if>> <<if $apprehensive > $curious>> Eyes trail over the outline of the door and unknown darkness, shadows dancing against what must be a small fire lit within the home. <<if $empathetic < $callous>> You allow $h_herhim to guide you inward, hoping this will prove useful in the end. <<else>> Swallowing the lump in your throat, you allow $h_herhim to guide you inward. <</if>> <<else>> You take a quick look around you, before allowing $h_herhim to guide you inward. <</if>> <<if $m_ignore is true>> "We'll be in here for a few!" the Healer shouts up to the roof. The Architect yells something back that you don't quite catch when the Healer follows and closes the door behind $h_herhim. <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 7>> <<set $pc_reason to "">> As you walk into $h_herhis home, the pungent smells of drying herbs hit your nose like a landslide, the tang of bloodweave and mountain roots mixing into a strange concoction, topped with the sweet citrus smell of the Sanctin's Grace $h_shehe's just collected. The reflection of bubble orchids catches your eye, the flowers suspended in clear globes bobbing in a small tub of water on the table, among a collection of other apparatus and bandages strewn about. Simple wooden chairs adorn the edges of the table, the Healer placing the bin of herbs in the seat of one and rummaging through a bookshelf nearby for another jar. Behind $h_herhim a healthy fire crackles underneath a line of small cauldrons, each one simmering with a different concoction. At the other side of the living space, a line of tools and a crossbow hang near a cot and a bench with a small staircase leading to a loft that you assume is $h_herhis bedroom. You make your way over to the bench to assess it and the window before you hear the scrape of wood against the floor behind you. The Healer places a jar full of some sort of plant bulbs on the table and leans over the back of one of the chairs, hand gripping the support beams carved into it. <<if $choice is "inside">> "So, you alright?" The Healer asks with hesitation. Your jaw clenches as you consider the question. <<if $empathetic > $callous>> "I need to know more about the third quadrant," you finally respond, resolute. <<else>> "I need information about the third quadrant," you state simply. <</if>> <</if>> You watch $h_herhis knuckles whiten just slightly as $h_herhis chest expands with a slow breath, lustrous eyes like sun piercing into you. "Why do you want to know more about the third quadrant?" $h_shehe grimaces as $h_shehe asks. "There's nothing good for you there." <hr> <ul> <li> <<link `"\"I'm looking for someone,\" I say tentatively, trying to appeal to " + $h_herhis + " emotions."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $genuine += 1>> <<set $persuasive += 1>> <<set $honest += 1>> <<set $pc_reason to "looking">> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"\"Color me curious?\" I ask with a shrug, hoping " + $h_shehe + " won't ask more questions."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I don't want to be rude, but I have to be firm in not revealing anything. \"I need to know. That's all I can say.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $genuine += 1>> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"I can't say anything else.\" I say with force." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <<set $h_friendship -= 1>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 8>> <<if $choice is "first">> Tugging at your clothing, you sigh quietly. It may help to just be honest, or at least, partially honest with the Healer. "I'm...looking for someone," you begin. "Someone who should've been in Renescen, but disappeared." The Healer's tenseness eases out from $h_herhis body as $h_herhis face turns to pity. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> rolls $h_herhis lips together and contemplates you before shifting $h_herhis head to watch the liquid boiling in the hearth. "Suppose that's pretty common these days," $h_shehe comments, more to <<print $h_herhim>>self than to you. Nervous fingers weave their way through the thick black hair atop $h_herhis head, more strands coming free when $h_shehe removes $h_herhis hand. <<elseif $choice is "second">> Biting at your bottom lip, you think about how to phrase this exactly. You don't want to give too much away, but the information a mortalis in the city has could be vital. "I'm curious?" is all you can muster, and the Healer furrows $h_herhis brow. "You hear that there's people getting killed somewhere and you're curious." $h_shehe states instead of asks, clearly not impressed. Quiet taps sound from where $h_herhis thumb fidgets against the wood of the chair and you shrug with uncertainty. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> contemplates you before shifting $h_herhis head to watch the liquid boiling in the hearth. <<elseif $choice is "third">> Heaving a sigh, you consider your next words. you're not trying to be rude, but you want to keep things close to your chest. "I need to know, that's all I can say." Quiet taps sound from where $h_herhis thumb fidgets against the wood of the chair while $h_shehe thinks. The statement seems to pacify $h_herhim enough, however, and $h_shehe just shifts $h_herhis head to watch the liquid boiling in the hearth. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Nails bite into you palm as you clench your fists. "I can't say anything else," you say with force. The Healer brings the other hand around to the chair to square $h_herhis shoulders to you, jaw tight in suspicion. <<if $arch_friendly is false and $m_ignore is false>> "Really are prickly, aren't you?" <</if>> <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> contemplates you for a few more moments before shifting $h_herhis head to watch the liquid boiling in the hearth. <</if>> <<if $h_third_quadrant is true>> "I don't know what else I can tell you that I didn't already mention yesterday," $h_shehe says, finally moving to grab another tool nearby on the table. <<else>> "You've heard about the murders then," $h_shehe says, finally moving to grab another tool nearby on the table. "Don't know what else there is to say about it." <</if>> Pointed look stays locked on the jar in front of $h_herhim, bicep tensing as $h_shehe twists the lid open with a pop. You take a seat at the bench and curl your fingers into your thighs. "There's nothing else you can tell me about it? Nothing else odd?" The Healer places the handle of the small tool between $h_herhis teeth and reaches into the jar to pluck out two of the bulbs, laying them into a mortar you notice in front of $h_herhim. Quiet hangs around $h_herhim, and part of you wonders if $h_shehe actually heard you. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 9>> <<set $harmonim to false>> "What else do you need to know?" $h_shehe eventually says in a tone more scathing than you think $h_shehe intended, forcefully placing the pestle down on the table. "People are dying, and it doesn't make sense, and the governor and the city guard aren't doing anything about it." You wait to see if $h_shehe will continue, and $h_shehe does, unable to take the yawning silence. "Whoever, //whatever// is killing doesn't discriminate. It takes anyone, including children, expecting parents, the young and old- everyone looking like they just collapsed and decided to stop breathing." Furious, flaring scrutiny turns to you but $h_shehe doesn't say anything else, this time committing to the awkward quiet. The two of you stay stagnant and unmoving, cool light trickling in from the bright day and reflecting off the tools and tins in front of the Healer. <<if $empathetic > $callous>> Your eyes cast back down to your lap, thinking on what to say next. Clearly the Healer cares intensely for the city, and you can understand why if $h_herhis people are getting senselessly killed. If you could just appeal to that side more, this conversation would go easier. <<else>> You keep your eyes on $h_herhim, unwavering. No matter how this mortalis feels about what's happening in the city, you have to get more information. <</if>> In the silence before you can continue your line of thought, you eventually recognize what $h_shehe's doing…to your slight dismay. The bulbs in front of $h_herhim are harmonims, the enclosed plant offering a healing nectar used in a variety of salves. It's the same as what the sheevra use when needed, but from your vantage point it looks like $h_shehe's just going to…crush it? Do the mortalis really not know how to actually draw out the nectar? //I mean, am I really surprised?// Watching the Healer set up the mortar and pestle, still very much ignoring you, you bite your tongue. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link `"I stop the Healer from crushing it and show " + $h_herhim + " how to actually siphon the healing components."` "Chapter2-HealerHarmonim">> <<set $textGroup to 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $genuine += 1>> <<set $honest += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $harmonim to true>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"I stop the Healer from crushing it, purely because I don't want to watch " + $h_herhim + " destroy the harmonim."` "Chapter2-HealerHarmonim">> <<set $textGroup to 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $honest += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $harmonim to true>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "Just watch. It's not my business anyway." "Chapter2-HealerCrush">> <<set $textGroup to 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"Just watch. I'm not sharing any sheevra secrets with " + $h_herhim + "."` "Chapter2-HealerCrush">> <<set $textGroup to 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 10>> [[Chapter2-HealerHarmonim]] [[Chapter2-HealerCrush]] <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<notify>>Codex: 'The Healer' unlocked!<</notify>> <<set $codex_healer to true>> <<set $rails to true>> <<if $choice is "first">> Pondering the options, you realize that your curiosity swarms the forefront of your mind. "I'm good with the rails, it'll be interesting to see how they differ from the lifts in Saor," you say, turning your head to the Healer. "Ah, that's right, water powered aren't they?" $h_shehe asks with an inquisitive smile before giving a quick point of $h_herhis chin in the direction where you originally came from. You nod and begin to follow $h_herhim down the street. "Where would we be without elementalists?" <<if $friendly > $aloof>> "Probably late to everything, I'd imagine." The Healer snorts before coughing in embarrassment, but meets your easy expression with a gleam in $h_herhis eye. <<else>> "Not where we need to be, anyway," you respond, keeping your eyes forward. The Healer hums in agreement. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "second">> Whatever option gets you there the fastest is what you want most. The sooner you're finished with all this, the better. "Rails are fine," you say decisively, nodding down the street. "Lead the way." Words seem to hang on the Healer's tongue before $h_shehe gives a quick lift of $h_herhis chin in the direction you're headed, starting down the path <<print $h_herhim>>self. <<elseif $choice is "third">> Muscles tense from your shoulders, through your elbows, into your palms, and finally to your fingers as you stretch them nervously. The rails will get you wherever you're going the fastest, that's for sure, but you won't be too happy about it. But what other lead have you got? "Rails." The word is brittle and anxious, and the Healer notices. "You sure? I know some people don't like them so-" "It's fine, really." You say with the barest edge of confidence, trying to start this journey before you change your mind. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> takes a step to the side, eyes wandering over your face before $h_shehe purses $h_herhis lips. "Alright, let's head on then." As you start down the path, the Healer tries to inconspicuously double check your commitment but you keep your eyes forward. <</if>> There's a few more clouds in the sky by the time you make your way through the alley you saw on your way to the Healer's, and coming up to the station from before. This time, you're able to get a better look at the line of cars and the crowds of mortalis eager to board. A balancing act of wires and electric energy runs the carts down for boarding, the mortalis departing headed straight into the path towards you while others rush onto the wooden frames behind them. The same voice from before echoes out and from this close you can feel the magic surge out of the pair of conductors, the electricity arcing off the crystals onto the wires to constrict them as the cars are lifted upward again and lumber forward into other parts of the city. While you're watching this self-conducted symphony of mechanics, a gentle nudge helps stop you from colliding into someone else. The Healer releases the hand on your shoulder quickly, but you watch $h_herhis face threaten to break into a laugh at the irony. "Come on, we've gotta go under since we're boarding," $h_shehe says while sliding $h_herhis thumb under the bag strap to readjust it before pointing to a stone archway yawning up from the ground. <<if $sarcastic > $genuine and $curious > $apprehensive >> "And here I thought we just jumped and held on for dear life." "Is that how the lifts work in Saor? Remind me to keep that in mind if I ever visit." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> gives you a sly grin before turning into the tunnel. <<elseif $apprehensive > $curious and $friendly > $aloof>> "I don't suppose going underground can be avoided?" you ask hesitantly, the whole idea of the rails grating against the back of you skull more and more. The Healer gives you a sympathetic look and exhales through $h_herhis nose. "No, but it's only a short walk, I promise." Though your gait is still rigid, a sheer determination takes over as you follow after $h_herhim into the tunnels. <<elseif $apprehensive > $curious and $aloof > $friendly>> Your body draws to a standstill on its own, your instincts flaring. The darkness past the archway is not unlike the initial entrances to your own Sanctum, but the unfamiliarity of it still sets you on edge. A few steps ahead, the Healer turns around when $h_shehe registers the lack of footsteps behind $h_herhim. When $h_shehe reads your face, $h_shehe gives you a sympathetic look and exhales through $h_herhis nose. "It's only a short walk, I promise." You don't respond. Though your gait is still rigid, a sheer determination takes over as you follow after $h_herhim into the tunnels. <<else>> "Lead the way." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> waves a hand as you follow $h_herhim into the tunnels. <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> Past the <<if $apprehensive gte $curious+1>> imposing <<else>> impressive <</if>> archway, your eyes slowly allow the darkness in, attuning to the dim underground light. Both floors and walls alike are paved with similar sandy bricks, the ground a clear shade darker. Though from purposeful color or the wear of a thousand footfalls you're not sure. A steady stream of mortalis continue down the stairs behind you, other crowds filtering in from alcoves pierced through with sunbeams refracting in the crystals methodically embedded in the walls nearby. The ones closest to the entrances seem to be lit by both sun and magic, the glow of those further into the darkness obviously sustained by a spell. You rub fingers over the back of your other hand, goosebumps rising on your skin. There's a clear and rigid mortalis mark on the design of the area, structures purposefully built to overtake the natural stone unlike the sheevra way of adapting to the world's landscape. Guide rails funnel any would-be traveler into a dozen separate lanes that all eventually lead to sets of two thin metallic pillars, both ends buried in earth. While heavy stone barricades the space between each gate, miasmic energy ripples between the pillars until a passenger places a hand or else a few coins into the barrier. Only then does the energy break apart in a seemingly burning ring similar to what you saw at Renescen's Crossing yesterday. It lets the mortalis through before quickly rewinding the process and closing the layer of magic once more. Magic courses through the veins of this small terminal wherever you look. But there's something else that you can't quite pick up, at the edge of your peripheral no matter how quickly you react. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<set $healer_ticket to false>> It's a jarring, grating, oppressive force of magic and sound. And also silence. Equal parts safety and warning slam together inside your skull, warring for dominance. <ul> <li><<link "//Why isn't anyone else sensing this?//" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> A familiar and unfamiliar voice responds, piercing your thoughts into the core of your mind. <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> <div class="fade-in-image" style="text-align: center;"> <<fadein 2s 4s>>//Wh Y//<</fadein>><<fadein 2s 6s>> wOUld<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 8s>>THEY?//<</fadein>></div> <<else>> <div class="fade-in-image" style="text-align: center;"><section class="portfolio-experiment"><div class="experiment-title" ><<fadein 2s 4s>>//Why//<</fadein>><<fadein 2s 6s>> would<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 8s>>they?//<</fadein>></div></section></div> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <<if ($harmonim is true) and ($healer_pickup is true) and ($h_friendship > 1)>> <ul> <li><<fadein 2s 12s>><<link "\"Here, I've got it.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $healer_ticket to true>><</link>><</fadein>></li> </ul> <<else>> <ul> <li><<fadein 2s 8s>><<link "\"Do you have any aurins on you?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $healer_ticket to true>><</link>><</fadein>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 5>> The Healer's voice shakes you from your sudden stupor, $h_herhis back suddenly barring your forward movement. Unease begins to lift, the voice disappearing like a vapor - //Was there a voice?// Barely noticeable buzzing hangs behind your ears and a quiet, dull ache settles in your temples. <hr> <ul> <li><<link "\"Did you...hear that just now?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "Don't say anything." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<if $choice is "first">> You scratch at your palm, trying to ingrain the memory into your skin if it won't stick in your mind. But maybe you were just hearing things? Did it sound like your own voice in your head? Were you mistaking some idle thought of yours for someone, //something// else? "Did you hear that?" Strain and just the barest, unconscious edge of panic inches in. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> watches you with lips parted, unsure of how to address the question, but $h_shehe must be able to read the muted dread in your eyes. "Did I hear...what?" The response is muffled by the time it comes, your magic already reaching out. <<elseif $choice is "second">> You scratch at your palm, trying to ingrain the memory into your skin if it won't stick in your mind. But maybe you were just hearing things? Did it sound like your own voice in your head? Were you mistaking some idle thought of yours for someone, //something// else? When the Healer doesn't hear anything else, $h_shehe turns to find you frozen on the spot. Anything $h_shehe says again past that is muffled, your magic already reaching out. <</if>> <<if $leanhaun is true>> The emotions of the mortalis around seethe and surge, and you have to push them aside as your mind wades through the energy. There. Or... There? You scrunch your nose as the feeling slips out of your grasp. But for just a moment, you could swear you could feel despair. And another. Devotion? <<elseif $unseelie is true>> The mortalis seethe and surge around you but you push over them with your energy, trying to prod for some sort of illusion in the walls or the floor or the ceiling or- There. Or... There? You scrunch your nose as something snags in your magic against a wall to your left, but quickly escapes. Not quite an illusion, but a strange mixture of magic you haven't felt before. <<elseif $dryad is true>> The mortalis seethe and surge around you but your magic trickles down beneath their feet, trying to find old earth or roots or something that will give you a clearer view of the space around you. There. Or... There? You scrunch your nose as something almost opens up, the energy almost mapping out the stone for you, but something blocks it. You swear you almost catch the hint of another structure. A blocked tunnel? <</if>> Your companion looks at you more pointedly with a quick question of concern in $h_herhis eyes, <<if $friendly > $aloof+1>> and you give an affirming smile and as casual a shake of your head as you can gather despite the hammering of your heart. Satisfied by that, $h_shehe turns halfway back <<else>> but you don't give any sort of indication of an answer, unable to think past the hammering of your heart. But $h_shehe takes it as one anyway, turning hesitantly back <</if>> to the gate the two of you have come to. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 7>> <<if $healer_ticket is true>> "You've...got it?" you repeat, trying to convince your mind to revisit the strange disturbance later. Mood shifts quickly as the Healer beckons you over with a friendly wave. "Yeah, the rails are usually a couple aurins, but I get some perks as a Healer in the city. A couple free rides and sometimes they let me take other passengers." <<if $h_flirt > 1>> After the scarce explanation, you swear you see a quick wink as $h_shehe turns back to the barrier, <<else>> With that scarce explanation, $h_shehe turns back to the barrier, <</if>> a coin that doesn't quite look like the usual mortalis currency between $h_herhis fore and middle finger. <<else>> "Aurins?" you repeat, trying to convince your mind to revisit the strange disturbance later. "Yeah, two should do it since we're just headed over one quadrant." The Healer beckons you closer and holds up a coin of $h_herhis own, though you notice it doesn't quite look like the usual mortalis currency. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> notices your examination and gives a cheeky smile. "Ah, they let me get some free rides since I'm a Healer." <</if>> Taking a step closer, $h_shehe holds the coin so it barely submerges into the warping, mirage-like layer of magic. Instead of the burning neon red ring unfolding from the coin like the other gates you've seen, a cool blue glows around $h_herhis fingers, leaving the coin in $h_herhis possession. The magic begins to spiral open in leisurely waves until there's enough space for someone to pass through. In the void, you can just see the other side, stairways and lifts lit with the rays from outside. <<if $healer_ticket is true>> While not $h_herhis own handiwork, //technically//, the Healer still steps aside, beaming with extra confidence. "After you." <<if $sarcastic > $genuine>> "So polite," you tease, passing through the ring. <<elseif $apprehensive > $curious>> You watch the ring of light tentatively for a moment. "Suppose I'll have to," you eventually say, a quick chuckle sounding next to you. <<else>> "Don't mind if I do," you say, passing through the ring. <</if>> The Healer is on your heels and the barrier begins to constrict, until the blue light dissipates behind you and the magic is seamless again. <<else>> You rummage in the small pouch at your side and pull out two coins as the Healer surveys you. Seeing your hand, $h_shehe nods before passing through <<print $h_herhim>>self. "Hold on-" you call out. "What do I-" "Wait for the barrier to fully close, then hold the coins into it!" $h_shehe interrupts in a slight panic when $h_shehe realizes $h_shehe's explained, well, nothing. <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> last words are just barely muffled by the constricting barrier, until the blue light dissipates and the magic is seamless again. A morphing outline of black hair and vivid blue cloth remains past the barrier, the Healer intending to wait for you. <<if $curious > $apprehensive>> You hover your hand over the magic tentatively, a queue beginning to form behind you in your hesitation, before you finally press the coins into the translucent wall. <<else>> You hover your hand over the magic, waiting for a split second before pressing the coins into the translucent wall. <</if>> Despite the appearance of a circlet of embers around your finger tips, the protective spell hovers against your $pc_skincolor skin like a lukewarm static, a gentle tug at the coins enough to release them from your loose grip. Your eyes don't quite register where they go, but the magic is appeased enough to open wide, the burning gap just enough for you to step through with ease. On the other side, the Healer gives you a quick smile before nodding sharply to the lifts, the barrier beginning to constrict behind you, red light dissipating until the magic is seamless again. <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 8>> Warmth greets you as the Healer guides you up and back outside, your senses swarming with light and heat as you emerge up onto the main platform. Mortalis clamor about, many more than you could have sworn you saw underground, while a series of the carts begins to lower in front of the branched platforms. Steady lines begin to naturally form and you follow the Healer as $h_shehe picks a lane behind a gaggle of a family with two small children. Now on the entrance side of the contraption, you can see those same magic barriers as below, but this time once the incoming mortalis have left, trailing away from you, the pillars lower downward in thick hollow tubes to cut off the magic themselves, and the lines rush forward. Hectic shuffling pushes you forward in a tide of movement, though you notice the Healer trying to use the frame of $h_herhis body to give you both some semblance of space. The other travelers continue to crowd around you, sparse seats filling instantly, until you feel an urgent tug at your clothes and emerge from the flood, only to have the outer rail dig into your stomach as your hands flail for some control, wildly grasping at the rough surface and knotted wood of the frame. Your shoulder has buried into something softer, and it takes you a moment to turn and find it pressed into the Healer's arm, $h_herhis attempts to create some breathing air just barely fruitful. "Sorry, it's not always the most...comfortable," $h_shehe admits. "But it should be pretty quick at least." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> cranes $h_herhis neck and shifts $h_herhis body so that $h_shehe faces outwards like you, and gives you a sly smile. "Hold on tight now." A split second later a spark of energy lights from an attendant's hands and the carts lurch upward. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 9>> <<set $rails_nerves to false>> The same barrier magic cocoons the frame as your stomach drops and wind rushes <<if $pc_hairlength is "shaved" or $pc_hairlength is "short">> over your head. <<else>> through your hair, $pc_haircolor strands randomly streaming through your view. <</if>> What were once stark lines between the sandy stones of the street starts to blur when the ascent slows. You hear a metallic clamping sound onto the rails above, the light coursing through the crystals changing into a duller purple. With a stutter the carts begin to accelerate horizontally instead, and you steady your weight into your left foot as the momentum catches up. It's only then that you actually look at Renescen. You had thought you had a generic idea of the sprawling landscape before, but now from a new vantage you realize you only had part of the picture. Zooming past you, the buildings of the first quadrant flash by as you look to your right and forward of the cart. In the distance you can see the glistening marble of what can only be Renescen's seat of government, the mansions embedded into the mountain side now glittering with opulence in the sun. Casting your eyes farther out lets you fully appreciate the mountains hugging the city. Fields and farms expand past the outer limits, running alongside the edge of the range with tall pylons standing vigilant against the sand of the Arids. You've seen something like them at the borders of the towering forests around Saor, a mortalis invention to beat back the worst of the dust storms. Both city and greenery transitions into the forest that clings to the mountainside like a second skin, and you eye the lushness enviously. Past those, you can just barely make out the snowy peaks of the mountains deeper in. When your attention returns back to the cart, the rumbling motion registers in your gut again as you adjust your grip against the frame, tensing your legs against the cart floor. The other mortalis seem to look bored, the only other wonder you can discern in the children teetering as far as they can go against the frame and magic to push toward the outer views. It's when you're observing the other passengers that you catch the Healer staring at you <<if $h_flirt > 1>> with a slightly lopsided smile. "What?" "Huh?" $h_shehe fumbles, dark hair unraveling and whipping against $h_herhis cheeks. "You're staring." "Oh." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> scratches at the back of $h_herhis neck. "Sorry, didn't realize." You turn to look out at the scenery again, and can just hear $h_herhim laugh over the sound of the rails and wind. <<elseif $harmonim>> with a warm smile. "What?" "It's pretty, isn't it?" $h_shehe asks, dark hair unraveling and whipping against $h_herhis cheeks. You turn to look again and can just hear $h_herhim laugh over the sound of the rails and the wind. <<else>> with a nervous smile. "What?" The Healer shakes $h_herhis head with a slightly sad look in $h_herhis eyes. "Nevermind." The two of you turn to the scenery again, and you can just hear $h_herhim sigh over the sound of the rails and the wind. <</if>> <<set $rails_fail>> <<set $color_scene to true>> <<set $rails_nerves>> <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Alright, I'll admit, it's pretty incredible.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $color_scene to true>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"Guess it's alright for here. Compared to Saor? Eh.\" I give a sarcastic smile." `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $sarcastic+= 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $color_scene to true>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "Better to just compliment and stay in the Healer's good graces, regardless of what I really think of the mortalis invention. \"It really is amazing,\" I say in performance." `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I look around with stricken awe. I'm impressed, sure, but that doesn't mean my legs will stop shaking." `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $color_scene to true>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I look with disbelief at the mechanisms around me, fairly certain I'll avoid it in the future." `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $color_scene to true>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 10>> <<if $choice is "first">> Stretching out your arms from where your hands hold the rails, you breathe the crisp air in a large inhale and fill your lungs. "Alright," you start, rocking forward again as $h_shehe turns to you. "I'll admit, it's pretty incredible. Though Saor has got plenty of wonders of its own." "Oh, wouldn't dream of knocking Saor, I swear." There's still a teasing lilt to $h_herhis voice. "Though, still, want to see something else to up Renescen's wonder?" You raise a brow at $h_herhim while the smile tugs at the corner of your mouth, and $h_shehe takes it as an affirmation. <<elseif $choice is "second">> Stretching out your arms from where your hands hold the rails, you breathe the crisp air in a large inhale and fill your lungs. "Guess this neat little contraption is alright for here..." You draw out the sentence, waiting for $h_herhim to turn $h_herhis gaze back to you. "But compared to Saor? Eh." Shrugging emphatically, you lay into $h_herhim with a sarcastic smile. "Think you're so clever, huh?" $h_shehe chides back, but there's no bite to the tone and the smile betrays $h_herhim. "Well, then, may I offer something as a vain attempt to catch up to Saor's absolute majesty?" Each word is thick with snark, and the grins on your faces mirror each other. "Oh, please do." You gesture to $h_herhim with an open hand and a rather gracious bow of your head, to which $h_shehe snorts. <<elseif $choice is "third">> Steadying yourself against the railing, you pull the crisp air into your lungs. You figure it'd be better to stay on the Healer's good side, even if you couldn't really care much less either way about the contraption. "It really is amazing," you say, forcing the conviction into the words. <<if $deceptive > $honest>> <<set $color_scene to true>> It's enough to deceive $h_herhim for now, and $h_shehe lets forth a pleased smile. "I'd love to see Saor's lift some day too," $h_shehe admits. "But give me a sec, that's not all these things have to offer." <<else>> <<set $h_friendship -= 1>> <<set $color_scene to false>> <<set $rails_fail to true>> It seems $h_shehe can read the insincerity in your expression though, $h_herhis eyes shifting with disappointment before keeping to <<print $h_herhim>>self for the rest of the journey. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Despite however hard you grip at the rail, your fingers can't find much additional purchase in the solid surface. But the cart rumbles onward, oblivious and unaware of your nerves. It's a sight to behold for sure, and an impressive orchestra of machinery and magic. How much you might be stricken in awe, though, is nothing compared to the quiet tension sending tremors through your limbs. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> Despite however hard you grip at the rail, your fingers can't find much additional purchase in the solid surface. But the card rumbles onward, oblivious and unaware of your nerves. To you, the rattling chaos of mortalis machinery and magic is hardly impressive. Even with the open space between the pillars holding up the cart's roof, you still feel trapped, jostled around in this wild and foreign contraption. <</if>> <<if $color_scene is true>> <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> steals a quick, furtive look towards the front of the cart, craning $h_herhis neck to get a view of the attendent before being content that $h_shehe's not in their line of sight. Not quite precariously, but not quite safely, the Healer reaches out $h_herhis hand past the railing and shows you a mischevious smirk right before $h_herhis fingers connect with the barrier. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<elseif $rails_fail is false>> <<set $rails_nerves to true>> The Healer catches onto this eventually, though it may be the white staining your knuckles as you dig your nails into the wood. Sympathetic golden eyes watch your face for a second, before $h_shehe makes a decision internally. "Here, let me show you something." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> steals a quick, furtive look towards the front of the cart, craning $h_herhis neck to get a view of the attendent before being content that $h_shehe's not in their line of sight. Not quite precariously, but not quite safely, the Healer reaches out $h_herhis hand past the railing and shows you a mischevious smirk right before $h_herhis fingers connect with the barrier. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> <ul> <li>[[Continue.|Chapter2-RailsWalkMerge][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 11>> Bright sparks of color splash backwards towards the Healer, and $h_shehe barely dodges one particular mote of magic that seeks out $h_herhis skin. A ripple courses outward in the aftermath of $h_herhis touch and then solidifies, turning the entire side of the barrier into what look like heavy panes of stained glass, a kaleidoscope of energy and color. Looking towards the mountains and the city now, you see flecks of vibrant neon red and blue and green reflecting lights all around you. Renescen was grand enough before, but now the magical interruption applies an ethereal and abstract artistry to the scenes zooming by. "Please refrain from weakening the barrier!" a booming voice shouts angrily from the front. The Healer shimmies up a little closer as a murmur runs through the crowd. By the time you look back to said barrier, the colors and movement have begun to liquify back into the barely noticeable clear layer of magic. "It's completely harmless, they just say that to be dramatic," $h_shehe whispers to you, and you notice a mixture of delighted and judgmental looks from the other mortalis now that the Healer has gathered some attention. <<if $rails_nerves is true>> "Those barriers keep the whole thing completely safe so no one can fall or get thrown off. There's nothing to worry about, I promise." $h_shehe finishes. Despite $h_herhis attempts at reassurance, you can still feel some of your nervousness fluttering in the pit of your stomach. <</if>> "You usually skirt the rules whenever you want?" <<if $h_flirt > 1>> "Maybe I'm just trying to impress you. You'll have to let me know if it's working." Though $h_shehe's playing coy, a quick survey is enough to see $h_herhis cheeks turn a shade darker. "Might keep you guessing for a little while longer," you throw back, and $h_shehe has to stifle a quiet laugh. <<else>> "Maybe you're a bad influence," $h_shehe says through a quiet laugh. <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 12>> The remainder of the trip goes by quickly, as promised, and the cart comes to a stop above another terminal in the second quadrant. Closer now to the heart of the city, you can just begin to make out the different architecture adorning the well-kept streets of Renescen's most prolific district. Ground approaches from beneath you until the cart gives a timid bounce on the magic gently lowering it to the platform. Energy drops from in front of you and the railing lowers beneath your grip, opening up to a platform similar to the station in the first quadrant. A second before the crowd dashes forward, the Healer pulls you gently to the side to save you from being caught in the current of mortalis. Once the area has cleared, $h_shehe gives you another nod. "This way." Before the two of you lies a narrow road leading straight through the new quadrant and up into the mountains. The atmosphere is charged differently here, the average mortalis either a scholar or else an official-looking, stiffly walking person with their nose in the air. Shorter buildings with wooden awnings and stalls have all but disappeared, instead replaced with stately architecture and gates and fences of iron - which make you shudder. Thankfully, the Healer doesn't catch it. <ul> <li>[[Continue.|Chapter2-RailsWalkMerge][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $rails to false>> <<notify>>Codex: 'The Healer' unlocked!<</notify>> <<set $codex_healer to true>> <<if $choice is "first">> "Is it alright if we walk? I'd actually like to see a little bit more of Renescen." You can tell this catches the Healer off guard, but $h_shehe gives a minute half-smile as $h_shehe starts to lead you down the street. "Really? I'd think Saor is far more interesting." <<if $empathetic > $callous>> "Well, each city has its own charms, right?" The Healer gives a small, but genuine, chuckle as $h_shehe looks to you. "That's a polite way to say yes." <<else>> "It is…more unique probably." The Healer gives a snort but hides it with a hand to $h_herhis nose. "At least you're honest." <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "second">> Words build and break in your mouth as you consider the rails while gold pools of concern wander over your face before the Healer purses $h_herhis lips. "You want to walk instead?" $h_shehe offers. <<if $empathetic > $callous>> "Would that be alright?" The question is brittle, and the Healer nods with no judgment. "Of course, I know some people don't like them. Second's not too far from here anyway if we take the Falls Road." <<else>> You give a curt nod, not wanting to let any other emotion show. But the Healer seems to notice the anxious grip you unknowingly have on yourself. Releasing your arm, you set your eyes forward to avoid $h_herhim pitying stare. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "third">> Keeping your eyes forward you take another large breath, letting the city air fill in every crevice of your lungs. The thought of the bright twisting energy around the carts from before sends an accelerated jolt down your spine, and you know you'd rather not entangle too much with mortalis magic anyway. You're not quite sure if you're thankful or not when the Healer makes the decision for you, eyes evaluating the creases in your face. "Let's go ahead and walk?" You nod and follow after $h_herhim as $h_shehe starts down the path. <</if>> There's a few more clouds in the sky by the time the Healer's home is out of view, and $h_shehe turns the two of you down another alley. The buildings on either side are high enough to shade the lane, small windows here and there <<if $apprehensive > $curious>> buried through the stone. <<else>> peeking out through the stone. <</if>> Every so often an open shutter reveals a pane of glass, the sun refracting off higher on the building walls. Heady fruit and caramel smells waft out from behind one store, the dark scent of a wood oven fire willowing out from another building opposite. Ahead where this particular row of buildings ends, you can see a sharp corner to the left, bright light streaming in. Sudden movement draws your sight near again as your companion rushes over to a grey-haired man hoisting a wooden box onto another with a groan. The Healer's hands just catch it as it teeters threateningly on the edge of the container below it, and the two work to slide it over more securely. With a clap on $h_herhis back, the man gives $h_herhim a toothy grin and a thank you, before the Healer continues onward. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> "How long does it take to get to the second quadrant?" you ask as you hear the man heft another, hopefully smaller, box in a clatter behind you. "About 40 minutes on the Falls Road to get where we're going," the Healer responds without skipping a beat before realizing that means absolutely nothing to you. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> slows $h_herhis pace and looks back apologetically. "Ah right, sorry. It's the main avenue that connects all four quadrants, a straight shot between them rather than going down into the Crossing Plaza then back up." You watch $h_herhim bite at $h_herhis lower lip before giving a sigh. "Though, that hasn't really helped the fourth recently." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> quiets $h_herhis voice as the two of you pass by a pair of women shaking water off heads of lettuce. "What with the third being its neighbor," $h_shehe finishes sadly. As you approach what you can now guess is the alley's entrance to the road $h_shehe mentioned, a tremor of sound reverberates in your core and the Healer beckons you closer toward $h_herhim. "Best stay close, it can get a little...//hectic.//" <<if $apprehensive > $curious>> <<set $tempword to "overwhelming">> <<else>> <<set $tempword to "bombarding">> <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> Light flares in your vision as you emerge onto the Falls Road, a loud medley of sound and smell and the movement of a flood of mortalis $tempword your senses. The amount of merchants you saw at the Crossing yesterday pales in comparison to the shops and stalls alike that line this street. Awnings paint strokes of vibrant color across the usual palette of tans and greens that you've seen in Renescen so far, and part of you wonders if they only got so bright and alluring because some enchantments got out of hand. They seem to glimmer with even more perseverance especially with the sun beating down. Tight letters and loud banners adorn the shops - "Stranmillis Salves" flies whimsically above a particular potion stand, the glass reflecting jewel-like freckles on the sepia cheeks of a woman's face. She brushes aside the dark coppery coils that float forward while she rearranges the bottles on display, a hand snapping outward to catch a particular triangular vial that almost threatens to crash to the ground. A simple "Lettie's" on the window of a bakery that smells like that same fruit and caramel you just passed. Pastries are laid out on display to tantalize potential customers, short wooden tables and intricate chairs crowded in front of the glass window of the shop. Plenty of mortalis mill around, either sitting or standing, inside or outside, waiting for a bite of whatever smell has lured them in. A man with bright gold curls helps to retie his daughter's pastel green apron, her matching hair bouncing as she laughs at his frustration with the knot she's somehow tangled the strings in. When he's finally undone the knot he smooths his own apron over, golden lettering sparkling between his fingers while he chides the teenager and points her towards another set of customers. She doesn't see the fond and endearing smile on his face before he shakes his head and returns inside to the counter. Another tattered wooden sign proclaims its location as the "Bodies & Spirits", the front crowded by a small gathering with <<if $empathetic > $callous>> a flamboyant <<else>> an obnoxiously loud <</if>> trio of men touting the brewery's wares. They look slapdash together, an elderly man with crows feet accentuating icy blue eyes, a stout and balding black-haired coupon-holder, and a younger, tall and lanky mortalis with an affinity for jewelry as bad as <<if $o_friendship > 4>> Oisein. <<else>> a sheevra. <</if>> The oldest and youngest are clearly the stars of whatever show they're trying to put on, the bald one grumbling every time a jeweled hand or a surprisingly sprightly arm tries to pull him into the fray. "You alright?" A voice next to you asks, and you snap out of your stupor to find the Healer watching your reaction. <<set $mav_trans to true>> <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"This is incredible!\" I exclaim, the energy of the scene trilling with delight in my chest." `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"So are we making a quick stop for some bargain hunting?\" I tease." `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"This is quite the sight!\" I say with my most convincing smile and a touch more enthusiasm than I feel. Better to stay in the Healer's good graces anyway." `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I peer around again as I fill my lungs with breath, then try to exhale the nerves. \"I'll be alright, it's just...a lot.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $honest += 1>> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "Anxiety simmers in my chest and I look cautiously around. " `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $mav_trans to false>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I shrug, not really wanting to admit anything to the Healer and just wanting to press forward to get this over with." `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "sixth">> <<set $aloof += 2>> <<set $callous += 2>> <<set $forward += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<if $choice is "first">> Energy buzzes around you and you can feel the delight overflowing within your chest. The peaks and troughs of noise and sound and color vibrate around you and within you. "This is incredible!" you exclaim, almost breathless, and the Healer laughs. "Don't say that too loud, or some swindler will come over and try to sell you water as elixir." A moment passes while $h_shehe looks around furtively, as if on the prowl for any hustlers near by. "Oh here, actually hold on a second. Was wondering if I'd see these idiots around." The Healer reaches to flip open $h_herhis bag and you notice the few black lines stark against $h_herhis mahogany skin, even near $h_herhis knuckles like rings. <<elseif $choice is "second">> Watching all the merchants around you, you can't help but tease the Healer. "So are we making a quick stop for some bargain hunting?" "You in the market for getting hustled? 'Cause that's more likely than even the hint of a bargain." A moment passes while $h_shehe considers you, before giving an appreciative nod and a lazy grin. "Though, sharp tongue like yours, you might just come out on top." With a dramatic flair you place your hand over your heart with the motion of being touched by the Healer's compliment, and $h_shehe clicks $h_herhis tongue in mock annoyance at you. The creases in $h_herhis eyes are a bit of a tell, though. But before you can put that sharp tongue to use again, $h_shehe catches sight of the three men you just glanced over. "Oh here, actually hold on a second. Was wondering if I'd see these idiots around." The Healer reaches to flip open $h_herhis bag and you notice the few black lines stark against $h_herhis mahogany skin, even near $h_herhis knuckles like rings. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You go through the motion of looking around in "wonder" at the stalls and shops again, pretending to appreciate the details in each construction. "It's pretty incredible!" you say, with a bit of overt enthusiasm for good measure. <<if $deceptive >= $honest+1>> It's enough to deceive $h_herhim for now, and $h_shehe lets forth a pleased smile. "It's alright, I suppose," $h_shehe says coyly, and you can tell $h_shehe's happy to hear your praises, however false they might be. Better to keep your guide placated and happy for now. "Oh here, actually hold on a second. Was wondering if I'd see these idiots around." The Healer reaches to flip open $h_herhis bag and you notice the few black lines stark against $h_herhis mahogany skin, even near $h_herhis knuckles like rings. <<else>> It seems $h_shehe can read the insincerity in your expression though, $h_herhis eyes shifting with disappointment. "Oh, was wondering if I'd see them. ...Give me a second." The Healer reaches to flip open $h_herhis bag and you notice the few black lines stark against $h_herhis mahogany skin, even near $h_herhis knuckles like rings. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Grounding yourself through the soles of your feet, you fill you lungs with breath while the sounds and sights assail your senses. Still, you try to exhale the nerves that have threatened to spill out from your core at being surrounded by this setting. You turn back to the Healer while $h_shehe gives a hesitant, questioning smile. "I'll be alright," you finally say. "It's just…a lot." With understanding, $h_shehe nods to you. "It is." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> shifts $h_herhis weight and places a loose hand on $h_herhis waist. "If it makes you feel any better, I'm pretty sure it's a lot for most people in Renescen," $h_shehe says with a chuckle. "Unfortunately there's not a better way to the second than this, but it's only this chaotic for a short while, promise." Another inhale of the poignant air finds itself forced outward through your nose, but a look of recognition sparks in $h_herhis eyes before you get the chance to respond. "Ah- give me one second, sorry. Was wondering if I'd see these idiots around." The Healer reaches to flip open $h_herhis bag and you notice the few black lines stark against $h_herhis mahogany skin, even near $h_herhis knuckles like rings. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> Building into a crescendo of static, the anxiety simmers in your chest and you look cautiously around yourself. You may have experienced the crowds of Saor before, but that doesn't mean you enjoy it. Your skins burns against itself as you wring a hand around your fingers, letting the motion draw your attention away from the dissonance gripping you. Recognition of your discomfort is evident in $h_herhis eyes, and you turn your head in slight embarrassment. But still, you notice the Healer begin to guide the two of you closer to the edges of the street, hugging the walls where there are fewer mortalis while lifting $h_herhis head to survey the surrounds again. "Hey, give me just…one second, I'll be as quick as possible, I swear." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> gives an apologetic grimace before reaching to flip open $h_herhis bag. You notice the few black lines stark against $h_herhis mahogany skin, even near $h_herhis knuckles like rings. To you dismay, $h_shehe goes for the crowd around the brewery, give you a quick empathetic look before leaving you hugged against the beginning of an alleyway. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> has about as much success as you'd imagine trying to get through, but a middle-aged woman comes to the rescue. Skirting around the edge, she approaches from the Healer's side, your guide just noticing as the woman gives a light punch into $h_herhis arm. You watch as they exchange a quick hug and a few pleasantries, and see the noticeable grimace and roll of bright green eyes when the Healer motions towards the trio. <<elseif $choice is "sixth">> Despite the scenes around you, you still shrug, not wanting to give the Healer the satisfaction of any sort of reaction. More than anything, you just hope that all of this is over with quickly. A noticeable slump drops the Healer's shoulders, but $h_shehe doesn't say anything to confront you. "Right. Um- hang here for a second, I'll...be right back." <</if>> <<if $mav_trans is true>> To your <<if $curious > $apprenhensive>> surprise, <<else>> dismay, <</if>> $h_shehe goes for the crowd around the brewery, leaving you adrift in the flow of mortalis. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> has about as much success as you'd imagine trying to get through, but a middle-aged woman comes to the rescue. Skirting around the edge, she approaches from the Healer's side, your guide just noticing as the woman gives a light punch into $h_herhis arm. You watch as they exchange a quick hug and a few pleasantries, and see the noticeable grimace and roll of bright green eyes when the Healer motions towards the trio. <</if>> Finally, $h_shehe pulls a parcel from $h_herhis pack, and the woman's face shifts into a mixture of relief and hope, the bags under her eyes becoming more pronounced. She stares back up at the Healer with the salve in her small weathered hands, before standing on her tiptoes to give $h_herhim a kiss on the cheek. With a turn, she gives a wave and makes her way back to the Bodies & Spirits. But not without yelling at the trio to get back inside and stop baking the alcohol in the sun. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> "Sorry," the Healer breathes out as $h_shehe jogs back over to you. "Couldn't remember if they opened before evening, but brought it along anyway." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> spares a look at the dispersing crowd before continuing to walk down the Falls, and you follow along at $h_herhis side. <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> eyes flicker back and forth between random wares before $h_herhis voice rises to just be heard over the thrumming murmur of the crowds. You still have to shuffle a little closer to hear and also to avoid the oncoming foot traffic. "She's the brains behind that place to be honest, but they're all good people. Recently her daughter had a bad run-in with something near..." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> doesn't finish the thought, but $h_shehe doesn't have to. Crestfallen as the words trickle away, $h_shehe takes a deep breath before pressing forward. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> Conversation for the remainder of your journey runs slightly dry, the Healer pointing out a few stores or stretches of terraced houses but not much else. The Falls Road never really seems to stop being <<if $curious > $apprenhensive>> vivacious <<else>> abrasive <</if>> in both sound or decor, no matter how far you think you've walked. You bump into a few mortalis shoulders along the way, only some followed with an apology or half-hearted grumble. "Is it always like that?" you ask to try <<if $friendly > $aloof>> and break the silence. <<else>> to keep some semblance of conversation. <</if>> "Always like what?" <<if ($curious > $apprehensive) and ($empathetic > $callous)>> "So…lively?" you laugh the word out and the Healer joins you, their face lit with amusement. <<elseif ($curious < $apprehensive) and ($empathetic > $callous)>> "So…" You mull the word over in your mouth, equal parts fascinating and also a bit too much? "Intense?" $h_shehe offers, and when you nod, $h_shehe laughs quietly to <<print $h_herhim>>self. <<else>> "So…much?" you try the phrasing, but the Healer raises $h_herhis eyebrows to you instead. <</if>> "That's one way to describe it," $h_shehe continues as you walk alongside $h_herhim. "The Falls Road? Yeah, mainly in the first and fourth quadrant. //We've// got the best section though. The fourth has more higher end shops that you could say are more…" Molten irises drift up to the sky, then past you towards a child watering some plants that teeter on a window sill. "Eccentric? Maybe?" "The third used to be more like the first along the Falls-" Darkness falls over $h_herhis face, but you can tell that $h_shehe wants to rip it from $h_herhis features and fling it to the side. "-and the second is mainly just a large intersection, which we'll pass by. But this is the liveliest street you'll find in the city." Memory clouds $h_herhis face, the two of you narrowly missing a man who gives a loud, unnecessary scoff. The Healer doesn't notice. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 7>> "There…used to be this place in the third that could rival here, though." The edge of $h_herhis mouth twitches into a pained smile, but it falls soon after. "Lots of dancing, lots of music and Soundweavers. The owners must have spent a fortune in crystals to light the place." The two of you pass by a few more shops, but you notice the ambient noise is quieting now. You're not fully sure whether that's from the actual lack of activity or your own focus shifting to hear what the Healer has to say. "Some friends and I used to go there a lot, though they were a lot better dancers than me. I was just- I mean, //really// terrible." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> gives a quiet snort before $h_herhis head lowers to stare at the stone path as your feet carry you forward. "Always got kicked out by sundown out of formality, but the owner always let us 'sneak' back in." Quiet hovers for a few more moments. "Closed down, of course, when all //that// started. From what I hear, the owner moved to Han or Braka or somewhere. Maybe retired with their wife to some Arids village." With the end of $h_herhis reminiscing, $h_shehe snaps out of $h_herhis daydreaming and blinks a few times. "Sorry- I'm… I haven't thought about that in a while, don't know why I brought it up." <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> lips press together as $h_shehe avoids your eyes. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"That's alright, it sounds like a nice memory.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $genuine += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"Obviously because you want to go dancing again, right?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $forward += 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"I prefer to stay in...but it does sound lovely.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $reserved += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "Say nothing and continue walking. I don't feel like I have anything to say in particular that could really help here." `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 8>> <<if $choice is "first">> "That's alright," you say softly. "It sounds like a nice memory. Things are usually better with people you care about." An image trickles in your mind, of the sheevra in your Sanctum laughing over some dryads accidentally getting tangled, or some kaebi accidentally setting some spinner's cloak on fire. Or the small celebrations, of your Clan's own dancing, where the orange and yellow flames eventually blended into the color of the sunrise. The Healer smiles and does eventually turn to you, reading the understanding on your face. "Yeah. They are." <<elseif $choice is "second">> "Well…" you start pensively, and the Healer turns to you with a question in $h_herhis eyes. "It's obviously because you want to go dancing again, right?" A few seconds pass before the Healer laughs with $h_herhis entire body, the tattoos curving along $h_herhis cheeks while the tear sting the corners of $h_herhis eyes. "That's your takeaway? Really?" "You kept mentioning all the dancing, the music, what was I supposed to assume?" Your tone seems to have yanked the Healer out of $h_herhis thoughts, the life returning to $h_herhis face. "You're right, it's really all the regrets I had of never being able to actually show off. Didn't want anyone to feel bad about their own dancing." "Yeah, see, somehow I figured that." <<if ($h_flirt > 0) or ($h_friendship > 1)>> Giving a chiding, light-hearted roll of $h_herhis eyes, $h_shehe settles $h_herhis gaze back on you. "Thanks-" <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> voice quiets. "Thanks, $pc_name. You're alright." "Just alright?" Light ripples in $h_herhis eyes like sun reflecting across water, and $h_shehe just smiles. <<else>> "Giving a chiding, light-hearted roll of $h_herhis eyes, $h_shehe settles $h_herhis gaze back on the path in front of you. "Thanks," $h_shehe says quietly, before pressing down the road. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "third">> "I'll admit, I prefer to stay in," you try to give a smile as you try to lighten the mood. "But still. It does sound lovely." The Healer nods and does eventually turn to you, bittersweet emotions clear across $h_herhis face. "Yeah. It was." <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> You say nothing and continue walking, turning your head and setting it to gaze down the Falls Road. In this case, you don't feel like you have anything to say that could help, or anything that would really make much of a difference. So you err on the side of caution. Tension rises between you as the Healer exhales, but mirrors your actions as $h_shehe presses on, silently. <</if>> The transition into the second starts slowly, and you only catch it when the flashes of color are no longer limited to the awnings and decorations of the storefronts, but reflect into your eyes from the buildings themselves. Even the pavement quality of the road begins to change, and you notice less workers and smithies, or brewers and herbalists. Instead, the average mortalis starts to become either a scholar or else an official-looking, stiffly walking person with their nose in the air. Stalls and homey shops have all but disappeared, replaced instead with flowing glass embedded in metallic architecture, and gates and fences of iron - which make you shudder. Thankfully, the Healer doesn't catch it. <ul> <li>[[Continue.|Chapter2-RailsWalkMerge][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<notify>> Autosaving...<</notify>> <<set $o_gender to "person">> <<set $o_shehethey to "they">> <<set $o_herhistheir to "their">> <<set $o_herhimthem to "them">> <<set $o_hershistheirs to "theirs">> <<set $o_s to "">> <<set $o_isare to "'re">> The sun beams <<if $curious > $apprehensive>> cheerfully <<else>> harshly <</if>> down on the two of you as you emerge from the Healer's home, another clear day bathing Renescen in light. You shade your $pc_eyecolor eyes for a moment as they adjust to the vivid colors of midday. <<if $m_ignore is true>> "Be back in a bit! If you go inside, ward the door on your way out!" the Healer calls up to the Architect. "Got it!" you hear her shout back. <</if>> The Healer watches you accommodate your senses with a slight interest while $h_shehe traces over the outer frame of $h_herhis door much like you did this morning to your room, the generic lock charm clicking quietly along with the physical lock itself. "<<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>>'s in the second, the person who mentioned those...//things,//" $h_shehe says, lowering $h_herhis voice into something that can only be described as conspiratorial. <<if $reserved > $forward>> To be honest, you're glad for it. The less attention on the two of you, the better. <<else>> You're not sure if anyone would really be interested, but you suppose a little caution doesn't hurt. <</if>> "I was going to take the rails, if you're okay with that? We can also walk, it just might take a little more time." The mortalis contraption from earlier revisits from your memory, lines of carts with embedded crystals dazzling with elemental magic. <hr> <ul> <li> [[Take the rails. I'm curious about the mortalis transport of Renescen.|Chapter2-Rails][$textGroup=1; $curious+=1; $empathetic+=1; $choice="first"]] </li> <li> [[Take the rails. The faster we get this over with, the better.|Chapter2-Rails][$textGroup=1; $aloof+=1; $callous+=1; $choice="second"]] </li> <li> [[Take the rails. As nervous as I am about it, there's no faster way to find out about the Healer's contact.|Chapter2-Rails][$textGroup=1; $friendly+=1; $apprehensive+=1; $choice="third"]] </li> <li> [[Walk. I'd like to spend more time walking through the city.|Chapter2-Walk][$textGroup=1; $curious+=1; $empathetic+=1; $choice="first"]] </li> <li> [[Walk. There's no way I'm getting on some nerve-wracking mortalis transport. I avoid them in Saor, and I'll certainly avoid them now.|Chapter2-Walk][$textGroup=1; $apprehensive+=1; $choice="second"]] </li> <li> [[Walk. I don't mind the mortalis transport necessarily, but I have plenty of time before sundown anyway.|Chapter2-Walk][$textGroup=1; $aloof+=1; $curious+=1; $choice="third"]] </li> </ul>

<div class="fade-in-image"><img src="images/nameless_chap3_900.png" style="max-width:80%; display:block; margin: 0 auto;"></div> <<notify>>Autosaving...<</notify>> <<set $o_gender to "person">> <<set $o_shehethey to "they">> <<set $o_herhistheir to "their">> <<set $o_herhimthem to "them">> <<set $o_hershistheirs to "theirs">> <<set $o_s to "">> <<set $o_isare to "'re">> <<fadein 5s>> Renescen's mountains stoically rise and fall in the distance as you come up to another fence, passing another couple intersections along the way. At first, you think it's a distant continuation of the Collegium as the wrought iron coils in similar patterns around the evenly spaced bars. But in your unease with the metal, your distracted focus misses the massive structure coming into view, until the Healer stops and breathes a sigh of relief. "We're here." "Here?" You pause, finally realizing what's beyond as you feel your lips part in mild awe at the view. "The Archival Library." Silver parabolic waves of metal flare in the sun, the glass stretched between the frames like dark pools of molasses, colors glinting through the murk. Behind the front half of the building a large dome rises, embedded with four golden spires emerging from the cardinal points on the upper curves of the building. They meet and twist above it into a braided tower that tapers off before blooming into a large dish, a blink of light above it catching your eye. Trickling motes of magic materialize from the air, collecting into the basin before running downward over the structures like threads of molten gold. Then, there's the matter of the courtyard. Instead of green, manicured spaces, the entire area is flooded with shallow turquoise water save for the polished, winding path you're walking on and a larger, oddly-shaped court in the middle. You can see it connect with three other paths at odd angles, the walkways equally as twisting as the one you're on. Looking over this small landscape, there's a sense of a grander familiarity, and you realize it's just that. A landscape. <ul> <li> <<fadein 5s>>[[Continue.|Chapter3-ArcLib][$textGroup=1]]<</fadein>> </li></ul> <</fadein>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<notify>> Codex: 'Renescen' unlocked!<</notify>> You look down to the gleaming white stone and the familiarity fully hooks into your chest when you see the patterns that look like home. Bulbous trunks and branches lie in the mosaics beneath your feet, a tiled representation of the forests around Saor. Focusing your eyes up again, you realize they've laid out the world into stone and water, the Arids teeming vibrantly blue in this depiction, paths following the main rivers that course and crash into the four cities. The Healer has stopped a ways in front of you, realizing that you've halted to observe. After a few questioning blinks, $h_shehe smiles, clearly remembering that this scene is new to you. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> keeps quiet for a few more moments while you look around before speaking. "So, how'd they do with the trees?" $h_shehe nods to your feet and the interwoven tiling that eventually leads, you now see, to a small depiction of Saor's bridge. <<if $sarcastic > $genuine>> "Don't know if the scale is completely right, the trees don't tend to be as tall as the city," you say with a smirk. The Healer rolls $h_herhis eyes but the smile stays. "Yeah alright, I shouldn't have asked," $h_shehe laughs, waving again for you to follow them into the patchwork stone version of what you now know to represent The Mirror, <<else>> "They're…" You tilt your head barely to the side. "-they're pretty accurate, actually." "Oh good, then I guess I should expect the trees to be as tall as the city itself?" "Well, not exactly-" When you look up, the Healer tries to maintain a serious expression, but cracks within a couple seconds. After a short, crisp laugh, $h_shehe waves again for you to follow $h_herhim into the patchwork stone version of what you now know to represent The Mirror, <</if>> the behemoth lake said to lie at the center of the Arids where the four rivers meet. Though no one's confirmed its existence for a few centuries. Your steps are light, cautious almost, though the stone is solid beneath your feet. The water's surface dances in rhythm with the pulsing of the small fountains placed throughout, lapping up against the rail-less edge around you. When the two of you come to The Mirror's stone replica, you notice the Healer cast $h_herhis eyes down, following $h_herhis gaze to the intricate patterns laid down around you. It takes a turn of your head to follow the storyboard of images that outline the edge of the wider platform. The designs of the mosaics themselves tell a story you've heard before, and you recognize the hopeful message easily. Shame it's a lie. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> Sirin's face appears from your memory, their body and robes filling in beneath them to stride fluidly next to you in your mind's eye. //"I'll tell you what the mortalis will say, child,"// the memory says, the image reflected from when they spoke to you before your first foray into Saor. You survey the tiles again and see one figure, a villain in glinting, chaotic oranges surrounded by four figures filled in with dark forest green. The trees portrayed around them flourish, vibrant and in bloom. //"They'll tell you that the four cities fought against one sinister conquerer, the Fifth City, who had stolen divine power from the world, draining the land dry of its magic and life. It ''is'' always easier to push the guilt elsewhere, I suppose." Slender fingers adjust the cloth flowing over their wrists. // Tiles swirl into the next image, the four aligned figures from before standing triumphantly above the body of the fifth with an orb of light. //"They were ''all'' power hungry. All fighting and killing and stealing. All ''guilty''." Sirin clutches at the fabric of their robes, to the point that you're not sure how they're not already puncturing their palms. They relax when they catch your gaze, pacing their breath into an even rhythm. "After all, what mortalis would be able to resist the temptation of complete control?" // Your feet fall one in front of the other as the designs guide you around the edge, coming to the next depiction of the four heroes offering the light back into the earth. Two dimensional trees droop around them, barren and lifeless. An offering from the mortalis, an attempt to set right the sins of the Fifth by giving back the power and magic they had drained. Or so they said. //"The Sanctin, the force of the world, the 'gods'-" A sneer came alight on Sirin's face. "-it took that power back forcefully. Ripped it away and punished them for it." // The next frame is a few steps ahead, a benevolent energy surrounding the figures, while in the background another begins to emerge in the same chaotic colors as the villain before. //"And with it, it created the sheevra to repair the world. To save it."// <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> Disgust threatens to betray your thoughts as you see the next panel. The benevolent energy retreats as the mortalis look fearfully on at the newly depicted sheevra. Representing, you know, the dregs of the villain's magic. //"But the mortalis will tell you that we are the remnants of that old evil, that only after purging the sheevra completely will the world begin to return to what it was before." Air fills their chest as they turn their eyes to you, blackened save for the singular silver ring.// As you reach the zenith of the stone court and the story, you look back and realize there's another image in the center. Mirrored pairs of some generic mortalis, juxtaposed against two sheevra. One of which, you notice, is <<if $unseelie is true>>an<<else>>a<</if>> $pc_type like you. You let a barely audible snort slip by as you take in the scene, some of the mortalis walking idly and distractedly over the laid out tale. //"They hunted us, for a while." The barest hint of melancholy and regret flickers on the High Sheevra's face. "So we hid and created the Sanctums. Blended in, became myths and hearsay. Led the mortalis to believe that there were just a few of us left, if any at all, while we tried to restore the magic into the world." A heavy sigh filters past their lips.// "You coming?" Turning back to your mortalis guide, an inquisitive look sparks in $h_herhis eyes. //"You can't trust them."// Sirin's voice echoes as the Healer gives <<if ($h_friendship > 2) or ($harmonim is true)>> a relaxed smile. <<else>> a nervous smile. <</if>> //"They'll kill you if you give them the chance."// <<if $empathetic > $callous+1>> You eye the Healer for a moment longer. Surely a //healer//, of all people, would never resort to that. Right? "Coming!" <<else>> You eye the Healer cautiously for a moment longer. "Coming." <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $codex_oldwars to true>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<notify>> Codex: 'The Old Wars' unlocked!<</notify>> Shrugging off the memory of the High Sheevra's warning, you follow the Healer along the path that represents the northern river and watch $h_herhim give a few nods of greeting to silver-robed mortalis that ease by you on the path. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> makes idle observations about some of the acolytes, or about the water and the carvings around you, but much of it passes through your senses without catching. Eventually the two of you begin a trek up the steps leading to the main door of the Archival Library, an almost cavernous structure of the dark glass and metal beams that frequent in the rest of its architecture. Though there are mortalis flowing in and out of the building, the larger doors aren't moving. Instead a smaller, scaled-down set of doors lies embedded in the archway, opening and closing and throwing glints and glares across the stone between you and the entrance. As you approach, the Healer opens the door to the inner atrium and allows you to enter before $h_herhim. It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust once you're past the threshold, until the setting around you begins to coalesce. Just in front of you is a long table, more of the silver-robed acolytes who meandered around outside chatting behind it. Though you notice these ones seem to have different flecks of metallic color outlining their collar and sleeves. The group seems fairly fixed in place, but the sound of shuffling echoes throughout the Library draws your attention elsewhere. A beam of light and magic shines upward behind them, connecting the ground to the next landing where the railing opens. Grand stairways surge upward around them on either side, the same dark wood as the initial table braided into the banisters. A pale freckled woman slides her hand down one of them as her other arm hefts a tome at her waist. Her strawberry blond waves unravel forward with each click of her boots against the wooden stairs. Conversation halts among the younger acolytes as they give her a quick bob of their heads in what you imagine might be deference, if the additional markings and patterns on her tunic are anything to go by. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> The rest of what you can see of the Archival Library is also a departure from its outer architecture, the dual staircases leading to another wooden landing that splits into shelves upon shelves of books and records, before yawning upward into the dome you saw from outside. You can see through it and the upper floors, rings of railings encircling the outer edges and narrowing until about two thirds the way up the dome, where a solid ceiling crowns the archives beneath it. Energy drones out from a central, empty pillar amidst it all, and you strain to see small carts ferrying texts and scrolls to different destinations among the levels. <<if $rails is true>> The boxes look like miniature versions of the transports from before, though obviously without people inside. <<else>> The boxes look vaguely familiar, just barely reminding you of the strange larger contraptions you saw down the alley before meeting the Healer. <</if>> They float and pounce on the updrafts of magic, hovering down into the open hands of an acolyte waiting expectantly at a floor's edge. Like much of your traipse through Renescen today, the Healer is already in front of you and approaching the long table ahead. "Is the Gold Sage around?" you just catch $h_herhim ask as you come up behind $h_herhim, surveying over the small gaggle of mortalis. A young man gives a small wave and a polite smile curves his peach colored skin. You can see on his tunic that the metallic colored patterns reflect, predictably, gold. "I can take you to $s_herhim. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>>'s with the Osmium Sage, I think." He looks to another one of the acolytes who's adorned with small patterns of blueish-white thread, and they nod. With confirmation in hand, he steps from around the table and approaches the stairway to your left. "This way, please." <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> The banister's wood is mostly smooth underneath your hands as you follow after the Gold Acolyte and the Healer, musty smells approaching your nose as you come closer to the shelves lining the first landing. Proceeding into the larger dome of the library, you begin to register that the initial staircases at the Library's entrance seem to be the only ones around, and you don't recognize any contraption similar to the Archive of Saor. Still, the Gold Acolyte leads the two of you resolutely onward and the Healer seems confident enough in the direction. You peer upward into the center as you pass through it, sun pouring through the outer layer of glass. Light seems to pool against another inner layer of magic protecting the shelves, curving and entwining into a layer of brilliance that warmly envelops the atmosphere around you. Your temporary trio comes to a pillar of magic like the one at the entrance that seems to be empty save for the miasmic mercurial energy, but the Acolyte approaches regardless. No resistance meets him as he passes through the initial gleaming edge, a glimmer dancing over his dull brown hair. He lifts his wrist and extends his hand, palm downward, over the center of the pillar. A dark, steel-colored pole rises from the floor and comes to barely touch his hand and when he clutches it, you see a thin band of gold encircle the top. He unblocks its path and the pole rises until it disconnects with the floor, hovering and waiting for the next command. With another chivalrous smile, he turns to look from you to the Healer. "If you'll follow me?" As he wraps a hand around the pole now, a triangular platform materializes beneath him and spirals him a few feet upward to provide space for the next person. The Healer looks to you expectantly. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li><<link `$info_label + " I ask if there's another way upward."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup to 7>> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <</link>> </li> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "I'm curious about the energy and press forward." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup to 8>> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <</link>> </li> <li><<link "I step forward cautiously." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup to 8>> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <</link>> </li> <li><<link "I linger a while, my nerves evident, before I finally step forward." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup to 8>> <<set $apprehensive += 2>> <<set $choice to "third">> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 7>> "There doesn't happen to be another way up, maybe?" you ask, an annoyance buzzing in your mind at the slight shake in your voice. The Acolyte smiles in a practiced form, his hand folding outward to motion to the steps preparing to form below. "This is the most efficient way upwards, though there are some older, non-magic staircases towards the back wall of the library. Our magic accommodates for all patrons, and has the most up-to-date barrier charm, which is monitored and reinforced on a weekly basis." He finishes the clearly memorized lines and continues the smile. Though now, it seems to be one of the most artificially grim grins you've ever seen a mortalis muster. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li>$info_label I ask if there's another way upward.</li><</liveblock>> <li><<link "I'm curious about the energy and press forward." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup to 8>> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <</link>> </li> <li><<link "I step forward cautiously." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup to 8>> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <</link>> </li> <li><<link "I linger a while, my nerves evident, before I finally step forward." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup to 8>> <<set $apprehensive += 2>> <<set $choice to "third">> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 8>> <<if $choice is "first">> A few steps later you can feel the energy humming as you pass through, a momentary trill tickling against your ears and dripping down your arms. Fully enveloped in the barrier now, you look up to see the energy <<elseif $choice is "second">> The magic that flow through the barrier doesn't seem malicious, at least, but you rock onto your heels once before taking a furtive step forward. You can feel the energy humming as you pass through, a momentary trill piercing your ears and dripping down your arms. Fully enveloped in the barrier now, you look up to see the energy <<elseif $choice is "third">> Your fingers curl into your palm, then unfurl. Curl, then unfurl. Curl, and you feel the bite of your nails into your palms. With a a quick inhale, you finally step forward with eyes closed. The energy hums against you as you pass through without sight, a momentary trill piercing your ears and dripping down your arms. When you open your eyes, you see the energy <</if>> swimming leisurely up the column, sparks reflecting from the ambient light around you. The Gold Acolyte still hovers ahead, that placeholder smile still attached to his mouth. After a few more moments acclimating yourself you reach your hand to press a palm against the steel pole as well. When you do, there's a quick sensation of cool, icy metal, before it morphs into the feeling of your own magic rebounding on you. Panic clutches your chest for a split second, convinced that you've somehow given your true self away to this mortalis contraption. But it seems happy enough to support you, and you feel yourself lift just barely as a platform forms under your feet, levitating you up the barest amount, before gently rocking you further forward to make room for the last passenger. A quiet exhale sounds behind you as the Healer steps into the light, hand immediately searching for the anchoring center. Dim glowing energy collects beneath $h_herhim, and finally the three of you are all supported and encased. But instead of spiraling like a staircase as you imagine, the entire contraption just lifts upwards, and you watch the shelves of the first landing fall away from you. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 9>> One floor passes quickly, a blur of browns with specks of color streaking by from the books and the people. A second passes just as fast, the same rows speeding past your vision. The lift begins to slow by the time you pass the third, and in this layer of the Library, you just make out more metallic shelving full of crystals and swear you see the flicker of an image moving inside one. Finally the lift shudders to a stop as it approaches the fourth floor, slowly beginning to revolve in order to let its passengers depart. The Acolyte motions to you and the Healer, allowing you both to find solid footing on the wooden floors first. The Healer steps, or rather leaps, onto the wooden floor and only once $h_shehe's found solid ground does the platform disappear, bringing yours closer to the Acolyte. Sparing a quick glance down, your platform still solidly reflects your image back to you as it turns and levels with the floor, waiting for you to disembark. You hesitate for a moment, <<if $curious > $apprehensive+1>> moreso out of fascination for the entire invention, <<else>> steeling your nerves for the next step despite all the safeties in place, <</if>> and take the step forward. Spinning to where you just were, you see the temporary terrace blink out of existence, and the Acolyte is lowered back down to join you and the Healer. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 10>> With a spring in his step, the Acolyte guides you on across the fourth floor and around the central edge. Both metal and wood intermix on this floor, though the shelving and decor aren't alone in their variety. Plenty of tomes and scrolls adorn the shelves, but there are rows of crystals here as well. Though you pass by them quickly, this close you can see what seem to be maintained memories, the whisper of an autumn wind or the laughter of a woman barely ghosting against your ears. "Ah, there $s_shehe is!" The first thing you notice when you turn is the contraption that has lifted one of the Sages, who's dressed in a robe of vibrant blues and silvery white. A fully formed, low-backed chair supports his entire body, providing a resting area for his feet as well. But the fact that he's lifted at least 15 feet into the air is supplemented by the long metallic stakes reaching from the floor on each side of his chair and angling him forward, with a host of shorter supports straightening to the shelf itself. Unnatural motion catches your eyes as he clicks something in the stakes after removing a particular binder from the shelf in front of him, tanned skin clutching onto it. For a moment you don't quite process the movement as you watch the metallic stakes begin to… curl? They meld downward as if being poured into a new mold, bringing the shorter supports inward as they retract into themselves. Ends meet and begin to braid together their silvery streams before they merge into one a few moments later. As they spiral into wheels at his sides, he holds out the hand not full with the binder while the process completes, a glow of faint magic steadily receding from a glyph that shines through his sleeve. He nods with satisfaction at the volume in his hand, small curls bobbing away from the rest of his slicked back salt and pepper hair. Striking blue eyes put the color of his clothing to shame, and you follow them as he looks up through thin, silver-framed lenses to who you assume to be the Gold Sage. Who also happens to be the same $s_gender you saw yesterday arguing with the Magesmith. Of course it is. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 11>> Hazel pierces out towards you, the flecks of topaz within $s_herhis irises fluttering in an almost recognition when they fall on you. But the $h_gender at your side catches $s_herhis attention before it has a chance to develop. "First Healer!" $s_shehe cries, a warm, welcoming smile lighting $s_herhis face. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" "Hey! Sorry, it's been a while, hasn't it?" The Healer offers a quick, friendly hug, and the Gold Sage seems unsurprised. The other Sage laughs heartily, brushing the hair from his eyes before giving the Healer a firm handshake. "You can leave them with us, thank you for bringing them up here," the Healer's friend says gratefully to the Acolyte. "Would you mind checking in with the Platinum Sage about the data from the last eclipse? I just sent some of the alignments to the observatory, but you can take this with you as well." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> hands off a weathered scroll to the young man, who gives a respectful nod and a smile before rushing off in the direction of the lift again. Once he's left, the Gold Sage folds $s_herhis hands over each other and turns to the two of you again. "And who's your guest from Saor?" $s_shehe asks, with no additional information on you or your origins. At your slight shock, the Osmium Sage barks in laughter again, a similar grin being vainly covered by the Healer. "And…I'm sorry if I'm forgetting something, have we met before?" <<set $dec_sage to false>> <hr> <ul> <li><<link "\"Not formally, no, but I did see you yesterday,\" I say with a slightly awkward smile." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $honest += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <</link>> </li> <li><<link "I shift with discomfort. \"I...yes. I happened to pass by an argument you were involved in.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $honest += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li><<link "\"I don't think so? I might just have one of those faces.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <<set $dec_sage to true>> <</link>> </li> <li><<link "\"No, I think I'd remember that.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <<set $dec_sage to true>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 12>> <<if $choice is "first">> A slightly awkward smile creeps forward as you remember what you passed by yesterday. "Not formally, no. But…I did see you in the first quadrant yesterday." The Sage blinks a few more times before exhaling with exasperation, bringing $s_herhis hand up and rubbing $s_herhis fingers against $s_herhis eyes. "You saw the argument with the Magesmith, right?" "Guilty as charged." <<elseif $choice is "second">> You shift with discomfort, not wanting to start this interaction off on the wrong foot. "I…yes. I happened to pass by an argument you were involved in." The Sage blinks a few more times before exhaling with exasperation, bringing $s_herhis hand up and rubbing $s_herhis fingers against $s_herhis eyes. "With the Magesmith?" "I think so." <<elseif $choice is "third">> You rock your weight to the side and shrug. "I don't think so? I might just have one of those faces." The Sage blinks a few more times, studying your face before the recognition does finally hit. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> exhales with exasperation, bringing $s_herhis hand up and rubbing $s_herhis fingers against $s_herhis eyes. "You…you were in the first quadrant yesterday, right? Saw the Magesmith and I hash things out?" <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Holding your wrist against your waist, you shake your head. "No, I think I'd remember that." The Sage blinks a few more times, studying your face before the recognition does finally hit. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> exhales with exasperation, bringing $s_herhis hand up and rubbing $s_herhis fingers against $s_herhis eyes. "You…you were in the first quadrant yesterday, right? Saw the Magesmith and I hash things out?" <</if>> At the mention of the Magesmith, the Healer snaps $h_herhis head to you. But before <<if $dec_sage is true>> either of you <<else>> $h_shehe <</if>> can speak again, the Sage responds. "I'm sorry you had to see that, you certainly didn't catch me-" $s_shehe pauses for a sharp inhale. "-well. Either of us, really, at our best." While the Gold Sage looks to you apologetically, you just catch the Osmium Sage barely chuckle as he thumbs through the binder in his lap. The over nonchalance in his voice exposes a teasing cadence. "This about the guards' commission?" "Yes, //of course// it's about the guards' commission," his colleague breathes out under $s_herhis breath. As $s_shehe rubs $s_herhis eyes again, the Osmium Sage and the Healer exchange a knowing look. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 13>> "I actually ran across $m_herhim again this morning," you continue. <<if $m_ignore is true>> "Though we didn't stop for a nice chat." <<else>> "Even had a relatively civil conversation." <</if>> "You saw the Magesmith near the Albatross? Before finding me?" The Healer finally pipes up, and you nod before watching $h_herhim crack into a smile. "Glad you didn't mention running into $m_herhim to the Architect, she can't stand $m_herhim," $h_shehe snorts while the Gold Sage rolls $s_herhis eyes, despondent. At an additional snicker from the Osmium Sage, $s_shehe shoots daggers at the both of them. "Regardless!" <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> voice carries forward to stifle any further fits. "As I'm sure you've been told, I'm the Gold Sage for Renescen's Archival Library." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> turns $s_herhis attention pointedly to the other Sage, who gives a wave and a small upward nod of his head as his giggling trails away. "The Osmium Sage, also of Renescen's Archival Library, obviously. Don't let the titles fool you, we're not all that, really." He grins warmly to you. "Always nice to meet folks from the sister cities." <hr> <ul> <li><<link "\"Nice to meet you too,\" I say with a friendly smile." "Chapter3-SageChat">> <<set $textGroup to 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $forward += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $s_friendship += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li><<link "\"Likewise,\" I say, before turning to the Gold Sage with a smirk. \"Promise I wasn't trying to intentionally eavesdrop on your arguments.\"" "Chapter3-SageChat">> <<set $textGroup to 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $s_friendship += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li><<link "I give a small half smile. \"Likewise.\"" "Chapter3-SageChat">> <<set $textGroup to 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $s_friendship += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li>[[I rub a hand over my forearm and just nod.|Chapter3-SageChat][$textGroup = 1;$reserved +=1; $apprehensive+=1; $h_friendship += 1; $s_friendship+=1;$choice="fourth"]]</li> <li><<link "\"Thanks,\" I say, and leave it at that." "Chapter3-SageChat">> <<set $textGroup to 1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $callous += 1>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<if $choice is "first">> Giving as friendly a smile as you can muster, you give a slight bow of your head. "It's nice to meet you both too." <<elseif $choice is "second">> "Likewise," you say with a quick nod and smile to the Osmium Sage, before you turn to the Gold Sage again with a smirk. "Promise I wasn't trying to intentionally eavesdrop on your arguments." The Healer hardly covers a laugh with a cough as the Gold Sage gives a strained, but amused, smile back. <<elseif $choice is "third">> With a shy, half smile, you return the sentiment. "Likewise." <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Giving a nervous nod, you rub a hand over your forearm and avoid the Sage's eyes. You can feel $s_herhim search your reaction with empathy, but the Healer clears $h_herhis throat to move past the introduction. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> Keeping your face stoic, you simply say "Thanks," and leave it at that. You hear an awkward throat clearing next to you as the Healer tries to smooth over the scene. <</if>> "<<print $pc_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $pc_them is true>>were<<else>>was<</if>> actually looking for some more-" The Healer looks to you with a meaningful stare before finishing $h_herhis thought. "-generic and historical information about Renescen, and I figured who better to help $pc_herhimthem?" Brushing down $s_herhis tunic and pulling at the hem of the sleeves, the Sage straightens with no small show of appreciation for the compliment. "Of course! Is there something in particular you'd like to learn?" "Ah, before you get into that," the Osmium Sage clears his throat as a crystal embedded in the wheelchair glows and moves him forward. "Since $s_shehe's about to dive into a history lesson, Healer-" The Gold Sage gives a soft, offended scoff. "-mind coming with me for a sec? Got something for the Magesmith if you wouldn't mind taking it, might be a bit before I get over to the first in the near future." <<if $h_flirt > 1>> There's a glint of something shameless when the Healer looks to you. "Be right back?" $h_shehe half asks, half promises. You give a nod and a <<if $sarcastic > 50>>smirk<<else>>smile<</if>> before $h_shehe turns to the Gold Sage. "Don't scare $pc_herhimthem too bad." Opting for silence, $s_shehe presses $s_herhis lips together before folding $s_herhis arms over one another while the other two mortalis move away and begin chattering. <<elseif $h_friendship > 2>> There's a glint of a question in the Healer's eyes when $h_shehe looks to you, and you realize $h_shehe's trying to gauge if you'll be alright. <<if $reserved > $forward>> Though you've generally been a hesitant sort, you still nod. <<else>> You wave and give a nod of affirmation, though the gesture was nice at least. <</if>> With your approval in hand, the Healer steps up beside the Osmium Sage, the two mortalis beginning to chatter as they move away. <<else>> The Healer gives a quick look to you before nodding to the Osmium Sage, the two mortalis beginning to chatter as they move away. <</if>> When your attention is brought back to the Gold Sage, you see $s_herhim brush some of $s_herhis braids back over $s_herhis shoulder, the bright sunflower yellow lines under $s_herhis eyes crinkling with a delighted smile that lifts $s_herhis cheeks. "So, what do you want to know?" <<set $num_s_question to 0>> <<set $what_sage_do to false>> <<set $sheevra_q_asked to false>> <<set $s_arids to false>> <<set $q_one to false>> <<set $q_two to false>> <<set $q_three to false>> <<set $q_four to false>> <<set $q_flirt to false>> <<set $lib_qgroup to 1>> <<set $lib_qone to false>> <<set $lib_qtwo to false>> <<set $lib_qthree to false>> <<include "Chapter3-SageQList">> <<case 2>> "There's one other thing." After a quick quirk of $s_herhis head $s_shehe shakes it with a light-hearted scoff at <<print $s_herhim>>self. "Of course, I'm sorry, you wanted more generic information about the city, didn't you? Traveler-wise, there are wonderful taverns and inns around the first quadrant and on the Falls Road. I'm sure you've noticed the architecture of the second is certainly something to behold, and-" You take a quick inhale. "The third quadrant." The Gold Sage doesn't react at first, until you see the corners of $s_herhis mouth slowly descend into something more neutral. "I'm sorry?" $s_shehe whispers. "I'd like to know more about what's happened with the third quadrant." <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> mouth is slack-jawed as $s_shehe watches you, eyes slowly drifting toward the direction that the Healer and Osmium Sage left towards. "The Healer told you about the bank, didn't $h_shehe," $s_shehe states more than asks, regret sliding across $s_herhis face. "No wonder $h_shehe brought you to me specifically." The mountains adorning $s_herhis robes expand with $s_herhis chest as $s_shehe breathes in deeply, closing $s_herhis eyes on the exhale. //Well, that makes this easier at least.// "There were others, right?" You start, desperately luring out the information. "Like the bank?" Eyes snap open and you see far more flickers of amber than forest green. Mistrust begins to build behind the color, but you keep your eyes focused on $s_herhim, readying yourself for an impending barb or some suspicious interrogation. But it doesn't come. <<if $h_friendship > 1>> "There were." Shoulders relax as $s_shehe searches your face. "I had noticed two others and mentioned those to the Healer. I can only assume $h_shehe trusted you enough to tell you that." You watch the Sage consider you for a drawn out moment, $s_herhis face passing through several different emotions as the ambient sounds of steps and murmurs from the other floors lilt around you. Eventually $s_shehe turns $s_herhis chin and nods towards the space between some of the bookcases, beckoning discreetly for you to follow. <<else>> "There were." Shoulders stay tense as $s_shehe searches your face. "Two others, to be exact. I'm surprised the Healer told you, to be honest." You hold the Sage's gaze for a long, drawn out moment, the ambient sounds of steps and murmurs from the other floors lilting around you. Without any other indication, $s_shehe turns towards the space between some of the bookcases, likely expecting you to follow. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> Once you and the Sage are about midway down the row, $s_shehe stops with $s_herhis back still to you. You watch another deep breath spread $s_herhis shoulders while $s_herhis chin stays tilted downward. When $s_herhis frame contracts again, $s_herhis face lifts and turns to the shelf on $s_herhis right, $s_herhis silhouette outlined by the light of the windows ahead of you. "The bank was the first," $s_shehe begins, idly pulling books from the shelves, flicking through them, and replacing them. It's hard to tell whether or not $s_shehe's actually gleaning any knowledge from the text, or if it's just a dance to throw off any observers. "It had the most immediate change, as I'm sure you saw on your way here." "Next was the sundries shop in the third." The Sage's hands drift to the shelf on $s_herhis left, fingers glancing between the scrolls and the Echoes' crystal. "Grannen's. It was a small place, but the family running it had been there for ages. They were well known in the area for their peculiar little shop, and funnily enough, their singing." Clear melancholy stretches across $s_herhis face as $s_shehe bites $s_herhis lower lip and pulls at the cloth tight around $s_herhis wrist. "It wasn't overtaken by anything, but it looked like it had seen fifty years of disuse and abandonment within the course of a night." The Gold Sage turns to face you finally, though $s_herhis eyes are still aimed at the mirrored surfaces of the Echoes. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> "Last was-"<<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> face scrunches in embarrassed uncertainty, gaze arcing from the translucent fixtures to the ceiling to you. "-Night Spoils, a…//parlor// to indulge in vices, if you will, on the third fourth border. A rather different clientele than the others." Stopping for a moment, $s_shehe hums with a raised brow. "Well, they may have shared some of the same as the second bank, in all fairness. But one evening a patron found the Manager and some of their employees alive…but not." "…what does that mean?" //Sheevra,// you answer internally. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> grimaces, fingers curling around a particular memory encased in a glassy prison, a faint blue light reflected into $s_herhis palm. "Have you ever heard a description of what it's supposed to be like when a name is stolen by a sheevra?" "I think so." //Descriptions don't do it justice.// "Like that, but worse. No one stepped foot inside after that." The words hang in the air, <<if visited("Prologue-CoupleChoice")>> and you can't help but think back to your very first deal. Drained, vacant eyes staring at you from where <<if $h_gender is "man">> Evan's <<else>> Evaine's <</if>> soul once was. The stare lingers and fogs your thoughts, before you shake your head to be rid of it. <<else>> and you can't help but think on how Oisein once described a deal gone wrong. How $o_shehethey had watched the mortalis' drained, vacant eyes for long enough to burn the image into $o_herhistheir mind. The stare you imagined lingers and fogs your thoughts, before you shake your head to be rid of it. <</if>> You let a wandering hand stroke against the spine of the books, the rough texture bringing your consciousness back to the present. A bank, a sundries shop, and a pathos parlor then. //It's likely Clan Harpoc would've had multiple entrances into a Sanctum, but which one would make the most sense?// <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> Dust kicks up against your fingers as you run your hand along the metal beams between the sturdy shelves. The Sage has gone silent, watching your movements and returning to $s_herhis mock motions among the volumes. There might be something else you can ask to point you in the right direction, <<if $what_sage_do is true>> and $s_shehe did mention the Sages giving advice to the Governor and Council… <<else>> and being so close to the seat of Renescen's Council, the Sage may be the person to ask… <</if>> <hr> <ul> <li> <<link `"Risk asking the Sage if "+$s_shehe+"'s seen someone with the likeness of Clan Harpoc's High Sheevra, Tacita."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $s_reveal to true>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "It's not worth pushing for more information. Don't ask the Sage about Tacita." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 8>><<set $s_reveal to false>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> "Have you been around any of these places? Or had you just heard of what happened as well?" "I visited them personally after I heard about them," $s_shehe admits. "Though it was too late to glean anything valuable from what happened." You tap a nail against the metal of the shelves, rearranging the words in the back of your throat. "Did you happen to see a woman near any of those places?" "A woman?" Was that a hiccup in $s_herhis voice? You roll your lips together. "I'm looking for someone. An older woman, mid-50s, preferred black robes," Recollecting the other traits Sirin described of the High Sheevra's mortalis form, you continue down the list. "Likely with greying hair up in braids, but it may have been hard to tell. If I remember right, she tended to wear black veils." The reaction you receive is instinctual, deep-rooted in the Sage's entire body within an instant. Horror flashes unmistakably on the Sage's face, and $s_shehe makes no effort to hide it. Eyes hold firmly at your earring now as if trying to will it out of $s_herhis sight. The Gold Sage breathes. <ul> <li> <<link "\"You know Tacita?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 7>> The name shoots straight into your chest from $s_herhis lips, engulfing and burning down your lungs and into your gut. You can practically feel the <<if $dryad is true>> flora <<elseif $unseelie is true>> brushstroke markings <<else>> glowing patterns <</if>> churn across your skin as your emotions flare, the high-pitched whine of the glamor foci releasing a muted shriek in your ear as it struggles to bridle your magic. "How-" "Gold?" comes a faint voice from further down the stacks toward the center of the atrium. The Osmium Sage calls again a couple times, searching for the two of you. Your body is locked together, muscles petrified in the wake of the Sage's question. But the $s_gender seems to recover quicker, closing $s_herhis eyes with lips moving in a slow count. As $s_shehe begins to open them, you hear the shuffling of the other mortalis behind you and you turn back to the mouth of the bookshelf. "There you are, lecturing someone again?" The Osmium Sage teases, his attitude a complete departure from the tension of the stagnant air between you. "And if I was?" $s_shehe jokes back lightly, letting out a practiced, polished, //immaculate// laugh. Blue eyes roll above a knowing smile as the wheelchair moves backward from the bookshelves. He pivots and disappears from sight toward the direction you first met the pair, and you just catch the Healer's curious voice drifting from the balcony. The Gold Sage moves to follow after $s_herhis colleague, breezing by you with cool familiarity and not a hint of your previous conversation. "Shall we?" $s_shehe asks with the mask of a genuine smile, motioning outward from the way you came. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> brushes at $s_herhis sleeve before turning, as if the dust that had fallen against $s_herhis robe was the most important thing $s_shehe had experienced in the last five minutes. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> leaves you behind in $s_herhis aftermath. <<if ($h_friendship >= 2) or ($h_flirt > 1)>> <ul><li>[[Continue.|Chapter3-HealerPostQ][$textGroup=1]]</li></ul> <<else>> <ul><li>[[Continue.|Chapter3-HealerBail][$textGroup=1]]</li></ul> <</if>> <<case 8>> A squeal rings out as you drag a nail unceremoniously on the metal and snap your hand back. The noise jars your thoughts back to the matter at the hand, and you watch the Sage wince from the sharp, sudden interruption. <<if ($empathetic > $callous) or ($friendly > $aloof)>> "Thank you for telling me about those places." Fingers bump against subsequent shelves as your let your arm fall back to your side, distracting the Sage from the noise. "I'm trying to find someone, so I'm hoping to learn as much as I can." <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> faces twists into equal parts understanding and regret. "I hope you find them, I only wish I had more information to offer." The Sage lifts the last volume they had drawn back to its place on the shelf, closing it with a muted thud and filling the empty slot it previously left behind. "That's alright." You push the air from your lungs with a slow count. "Maybe I'll find something soon." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> places $s_herhis hands over one another with a sad smile. <<else>> "I see," you eventually say, shrouding yourself in your vagueness. Fingers bump against subsequent shelves as you let your arm fall back to your side, distracting the Sage from the noise. "Is there anything else you'd like to ask?" $s_shehe offers when you let the silence fester. You shake your head no, and $s_herhis face twists into equal parts understanding and regret, settling into a sad smile as $s_shehe looks to the floor. <</if>> "Gold?" comes a faint voice from further down the stacks toward the center of the atrium. The Osmium Sage calls again a couple times, searching for the two of you. Eventually you hear the shuffling of the other mortalis behind you and you turn back to the mouth of the bookshelf. "There you are, lecturing someone again?" The Osmium Sage teases, his attitude a complete departure from the tension of the stagnant air between you. "And if I was?" $s_shehe jokes back lightly. Blue eyes roll above a knowing smile as the wheelchair moves backward from the bookshelves. He pivots and disappears from sight toward the direction you first met the <<if ($h_friendship >= 2) or ($h_flirt > 1)>> pair, and you just catch the Healer's curious voice drifting from the balcony. <<else>> pair. <</if>> "Seems that's all the time we have, then." The Gold Sage brushes at $s_herhis sleeve before pressing forward, breezing by you to follow after $s_herhis colleague and motioning outward from the way you originally came. "Shall we?" <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> face wears the mask of a practiced and polished smile. <<if ($h_friendship >= 2) or ($h_flirt > 1)>> <ul><li>[[Continue.|Chapter3-HealerPostQ][$textGroup=1]]</li></ul> <<else>> <ul><li>[[Continue.|Chapter3-HealerBail][$textGroup=1]]</li></ul> <</if>> <<case 100>> "I have some other questions, actually." "Of course, what else?" <<include "Chapter3-SageQList">> <<case 101>> <<case 102>> "You might've guessed, but I'd like to know how you knew I wasn't from here." <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> eyes shine mischievously. "Your clothing." "My…clothing." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> taps $s_herhis neck through the shimmering fabric of $s_herhis clothes, and your eyes are drawn to the line of $s_herhis collar. "Those patterns are decidedly southern, your designs flowing and interweaving. Renescen favors its geometric motifs in almost everything we do, including our clothes." In demonstration, $s_shehe holds out $s_herhis arms, and you can finally see the full patterns of peaks and valleys mirroring Renescen's mountains. Each repeating sequence is bordered and flowing in their own way, following the natural lines of the body, even in the overlapping bottom layers of $s_herhis attire. "Just a busybody with a penchant for patterns, I suppose," $s_shehe says with a laugh. There was definitely a moment, you think, where the Sage's eyes rested on your earring. You decide to redirect $s_herhis attention elsewhere. <<include "Chapter3-SageQList">> <<case 103>> "How do you know the Magesmith?" The embarrassed frustration from before returns to twist $s_herhis brow, though the feeling isn't directed at you. "<<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>>'s a good friend, if you would believe it." You can't help but notice $s_herhis voice rise in volume as if to chide the Magesmith from a quadrant over, $s_herhis eyes cast downward. "Who refuses to take $m_herhis work seriously, who decides it's a good idea to anger the //city guard//, who-" You let the list go on for another half a minute before coughing, somewhere between quiet and obvious. Wide-eyed, the Sage looks back to you and clears $s_herhis throat, only realizing now that the echo of $s_herhis list is likely still bouncing around the library. "<<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> is an incredibly talented magesmith, as the name would imply. In fact, you've probably used some of $m_herhis handiwork already; the portals at Renescen's Crossing were reinforced with $m_herhis skill. I'd even say some of the weaponsmiths and armorers in the city are only successful because of $m_herhis enhancements." You see the Sage grimace, $s_herhis lips pressed into a thin line. But it does eventually transform into something more friendly and fond. "Don't let our argument fool you, though. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>>'s one of the best in the city." Despite the situation you found them in, you can tell the Sage genuinely believes that. <<include "Chapter3-SageQList">> <<case 104>> You fold your arms over one another and figure a scholar might be your best bet on gauging Renescen's interactions with your kind. It may be a risk to ask, but the Sage seems like someone who would treat questions as hypothetical, rather than immediately running off to the city guard. "Out of curiosity, does Renescen have its own myths about the sheevra?" You try to appear unemotional about the topic. "Besides the usual creation myth laid in the courtyard." If you hadn't already been watching for a reaction, you might have missed the way $s_herhis hands tighten, just slightly. Whatever genuine warmth was in $s_herhis posture before, you get the impression that it's become something more fragile and forced. "Ah, yes the myth was inlaid around the Archival Library at its creation, we mostly maintain it for historical purposes." A quiet pop resounds from $s_herhis hands as $s_shehe cracks the knuckle in $s_herhis thumb. "Aside from the usual? You'll find reports of sightings in every city, I should think. Some divorced couple blaming the sheevra for their infidelity, or a gambler blaming them for their debts. Mostly rumors and hearsay in those cases." <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Do you believe the myth?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 1041>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "Back to the other questions..." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 1041>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <</liveblock>> </ul> <<case 1041>> <<if $choice is "first">> "Do you believe the myth?" "About the Fifth City and the origin of the sheevra?" When you nod, the Sage lets $s_herhis eyes float among the stacks. "It's an interesting story, I'll say." $s_shehe lingers $s_herhis stare on a particular row. "Whether or not it should be lent any credence, I don't think I have the authority to decide." Ambivalence on the sheevra is not something you expected, and the next question practically falls out of your mouth. "Do you believe they still exist?" The Gold Sage's expression descends into something darker, more nervous, and $s_herhis eyes seem to lose focus though the gaze is locked on you. "I do." //Interesting.// <<elseif $choice is "second">> "Back to my other questions..." <</if>> <<include "Chapter3-SageQList">> <<case 105>> You hold $s_herhis gaze and let the smile slowly form. "Actually, I'd like to know a little more about you." The Sage looks taken aback for a moment, but not, you notice, in offense. Your suspicions are confirmed when $s_shehe responds. "About me? I'm not sure how that will help you navigate Renescen," $s_shehe answers with a coy grin. <hr> <ul> <li><<link "\"Well, always helps to learn about a city's people, doesn't it?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 1051>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <<liveblock>> <li><<link `$flirt_label+" \"I'm interested in learning more about the people...or at least a person in particular.\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 1051>><<set $s_flirt += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <</liveblock>> </ul> <<case 1051>> "Always helps to learn about a city's people, doesn't it?" "Oh, is it the people you wish to know about? If you like, I can give you statistics on our population? Maybe on our holidays? Major imports and exports? Latest fashion trends?" <<if $choice is "second">> "Well, I'd like to learn more about one person in particular," you say, tone laced with intent. "Just one person? Do you know where to find them?" $s_shehe asks playfully, a knowing glimmer in $s_herhis eyes. <</if>> At your awkward pause, the Sage's bright laughter fills the space between you, some of the braids falling forward over $s_herhis shoulders as they bounce with delight. You let the tenseness ease itself from your body. "I apologize," $s_shehe continues. "But I'm afraid there's not much to tell. I was born and raised here, and spent time at the Collegium studying magic and history before I was selected as an Archival Sage. I've only had the chance to visit the plateaus of Braka so far, though I hear Saor is a sight to behold." //It's something, alright.// "I would have told you I lived a quiet life, but playing //chaperone// to the Magesmith tends to make things a bit more hectic." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> rolls $s_herhis eyes and gives a defeated glance at a random point across the atrium. <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> hazel eyes glide back to survey you. "I won't ask you for more about yourself, <<if $s_flirt > 0>> but hope I get the chance to again soon." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> wears a deceptively innocent smile. <<else>> but maybe I'll get the chance to another time." <</if>> <<include "Chapter3-SageQList">> <</switch>>

<<notify>>Autosaving...<</notify>> <<set $o_gender to "person">> <<set $o_shehethey to "they">> <<set $o_herhistheir to "their">> <<set $o_herhimthem to "them">> <<set $o_hershistheirs to "theirs">> <<set $o_s to "">> <<set $o_isare to "'re">> <<if visited("Chapter3-HealerPostQ")>> Early afternoon sun angles through the windows as the Healer guides you back down the pillar lift. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> helps you adjust to the magic again and shows you how to summon the lift's support, before letting it float downward back to the main floor. After a quick set of goodbyes <<if $h_coy is true>> and a thoroughly suggestive wink, <<elseif $h_date is true>> and a furtive smile, <<elseif $h_backaway is true>> and a shy twinge of a smile, <</if>> the Healer gives a wave and pushes $h_herhis way outside through the dark glass. <</if>> Looking around the lobby of the Archival Library again, you take a deep breath in of the smell of books, metal, and wood, the ambient magic surging through your body. The sounds of the Library continue to fill around you, the acolytes still murmuring and gossiping amid the tinkling chimes of the carts carrying materials through the open center. You have some time before you planned to meet up with Oisein again, and you have a couple options. <<if $s_reveal is true>> There's the matter of the Gold Sage…$s_shehe made for a quick escape from your conversation, but surely you could find $s_herhim again? How could a mortalis know Tacita's name? Why was $s_shehe so afraid? You could also <<else>> You could <</if>> visit the bank again since you're nearby. The strange magic from before still prickles at the back of your neck, jittering along your bones. It might be a little dangerous for you to go alone…but you can handle yourself, right? Otherwise, you've half a mind to go find Oisein early at the edge of the first quadrant. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> mentioned being at the edge of the Arids closer to the Crossing in the first, and you could probably find them by keeping a feel out for their magic. Maybe $o_shehethey'll have other information to share by now? What will you do? <<set $ch3_sage to false>> <<set $ch3_bank to false>> <<set $ch3_oisein to false>> <<set $ch3_connected to false>> <hr> <ul> <<if $s_reveal is true>> <li>[["Stay in the Library and find the Gold Sage again. I need to know how "+$s_shehe+" could possibly know Tacita."|Chapter3-Sage][$textGroup=1;$ch3_sage=true;]]</li> <<else>> <li>Stay in the Library and find the Gold Sage again. I need to know how $s_shehe could possibly know Tacita. </li> <</if>> <li>[[Go back to the bank and try to gauge the magic again.|Chapter3-Bank][$textGroup=1;$ch3_bank=true;]]</li> <<if $ch3_oisein>> <li>Try to find Oisein early, at the edge of the first quadrant.</li> <<else>> <li>[[Try to find Oisein early, at the edge of the first quadrant.|Chapter3-Oisein][$textGroup=1;$ch3_oisein=true;]]</li> <</if>> </ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> You've learned enough between the mortalis today. Oisein mentioned meeting closer to sunset, but it's time to gather up your information before you press on <<if $pc_priority is "quadrant">> to investigate the third quadrant fully. <<else>> to investigate where Clan Harpoc's Sanctum is. <</if>> <<if $s_arids is true>> And if what the Sage said was true, there may be a lot more in store for you along the Arids' edge. <<else>> And you're curious to see what $o_shehethey might have found along the Arids' edge. <</if>> You make your way towards the door following in the Healer's footsteps, and press a hand against the handle embedded in the glass. Despite how weighty the layer of glass seems on observation, it swings open easily at your push, letting sunlight surge into your eyes. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<set $ch3_o_know_places to false>> <<set $ch3_o_know_voices to false>> <<set $guard to "pathos">> <<set $guard_away to false>> <<set $guard_atgate to false>> <<set $mc_guard to false>> ''//Back on the Falls Road...//'' --- Outside in the afternoon sun past the gates of the Archival Library, you take in a deep breath of the city air, the heavy smells of stone and metal just barely tinged with the coolness from the mountains. Your shadow leads as you wander along the road, threading yourself through the thinner mid-day crowds of mortalis. As you pass the bank, you let your eyes explore the strange foliage again. Even from this distance the grass and vines seem to beckon you forward, snaking through the iron gates behind the city guards posted where you saw them before. <<if $m_ignore is false>> To the Magesmith's credit, they do look rather out of their depth. <<if $empathetic > $callous>> Maybe it's just a bad day? <<else>> But maybe that's just all mortalis. <</if>> <<else>> What was it is the Magesmith had told the Sage? That the city guard wouldn't know what end of a sword to hold half the time? To $m_herhis credit, they do look rather out of their depth. <<if $empathetic > $callous>> Well…maybe it's just a bad day. <<else>> But maybe that's just all mortalis. <</if>> <</if>> Averting your focus back forward to avoid another close-call of clipping someone's shoulder, you continue on your journey - decidedly, and maybe stubbornly, avoiding the echo of sheevra magic and a voice you can't place. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> Your shadow lengthens down the path leading from the Falls Road and past the rail station, crowds swarming around the platforms as you maneuver around them. The shadow of the rails marks the transition from the second quadrant to the Crossing Plaza, and you see the architecture change with each step. The bank and Falls Road must nestle against the southern portion of the second quadrant, because you're closer to the Plaza than you expected. Where the Falls seemed to cut across the mid section of the first, you can already start to see the glinting windows of the Crossing itself. Soon metal melts back into light-colored stone and brick with terracotta shingles peeking over the top. Some roofs have woven wooden fences hiding their lofted gardens; others are bare, wind carrying the smallest ounce of dust and sand on a journey along the rooftops. Mortalis begin to change too, from the stuffy, stiff socialites and scholars, back to errand runners and shop-keepers. <<if $rails is false>> It's much calmer than the Falls Road, <<if $curious > $apprehensive>> if anything a small break from the chaos you experienced before. <<else>> and you're glad for the small break from the chaos you experienced before. <</if>> <</if>> Shorter than most of those around her, a middle-aged woman with fair skin and curling black hair tinkers with a watch. Other mechanical wonders are strewn around her kiosk and the makeshift desk in front of her, glinting golden sunlight on her cheeks. After a few more steps and a few more buildings, a skinny man with thick hair behind his widow's peak planes down a plank of wood. As the wood shavings fall to his side, he waves his wrist with a minuscule burst of magic to lift another tool to his hand. Another woman with the shadow of a full belly and laughter lines crinkling at her eyes rearranges a bouquet of bright red, spindly flowers. She laughs deeply and loudly alongside another younger woman, auburn hair falling forward as she giggles. Seeing these mortalis in the midst of normality, you'd barely guess there was anything sinister at all to discover. <ul> <li> <<link "You're sure that will change." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> It takes a while longer before the Crossing's window becomes larger in your view, gleaming like massive scales on a leviathan. The plaza from before fans out ahead, turquoise water bubbling in the central fountain as people mill around the small oasis. Maneuvering your way through the light crowd, you bump shoulders a couple of times with the mortalis, <<if $empathetic > $callous>> giving quick apologies usually met by a friendly wave and a smile back. <<else>> keeping your hands and arms tightly clamped to your side as you push through. <</if>> You come eventually to the line of buildings marking the edge of the first quadrant - but instead of the path the Healer had recommended yesterday, you take a street that seems to wind closely along the buildings and eventually to the border. The avenues and tall alleys provide at least some reprieve from the afternoon sun. Oisein's words from yesterday come back to you. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> casual remarks and flippant attitude were well within the usual when it comes to the leanhaun. But how could $o_shehethey already have something to investigate? Your steps slow for a moment. How long had $o_shehethey been here, and had Sirin changed their mind? But you don't have the chance to wonder and muddle through your thoughts for much longer. <<if ($o_friendship > 5) or ($o_past_feelings)>> As you round the corner of the street that will take you to Renescen's edge, something begins to hum in your ears. Soft, silky notes, the melody of a sonata that crescendos through your thoughts and waltzes through the ballroom inside your skull. A familiar, comfortable, song-like magic that slips over you like a blanket of summer sun. <ul> <li> <<link "//Oisein.//" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> As you round the corner of the street and path that will take you to Renescen's edge, you begin to reach out you magic, looking for a familiar snag. You feel the fire of a mortalis, the chaotic sparks and icy winds of others. None of whom you're looking for. Amid the dissonance, though, you finally hear the harmony. Soft, silky notes, the quiet melody of a sonata that hangs at the edge of you thoughts, waiting to be invited to waltz through the ballroom inside your skull. //Oisein.// Turning and redirecting yourself whenever the music becomes softer, you eventually follow the notes, the magical melody starting to crescendo as you draw closer to the other sheevra. It takes a few turns to be able to really pinpoint where the song is coming from, until it suddenly springs forth and a frock of golden hair almost crashes into you. Staggering back, Oisein blinks $o_herhistheir bright eyes, recognition eventually flashing across them. "I //thought// that might've been you!" $o_shehethey exclaim$o_s, brushing off and readjusting $o_herhistheir shirt. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> you in silence for a moment, arms folding over with one hand drumming fingers on the other bicep. Similar to $o_herhistheir clothing from the night before, soft ivory cloth ties loosely below $o_herhistheir tanned and freckled collar, delicate violet ribbons cinching the sleeves. Dark, high-waisted pants accentuate $o_herhistheir hips, but this time the holsters of $o_herhistheir daggers do part of the work as well. The black sheen of the thin leather is just visible against the cloth, tracing a loop around his hips and trailing down once around each thigh. Strapped diagonally to the piece connecting the belts are a pair of deceptively small blades, which you know to be wicked in his hands. "What are you doing here already?" he finally asks. "Not excited to see me?" you retort back, and Oisein rolls his eyes but smiles - just barely. "Well, either you've solved it all, or you've got a whole load of nothing. Which is it?" <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "Tell Oisein everything I know about the suddenly vacated places and the odd magic...and the voice." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 6>><<set $choice to "first">> <<set $ch3_o_know_places to true>> <<set $ch3_o_know_voices to true>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Tell Oisein about the places and the odd magic, but...maybe I'll keep the voice to myself for now." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 6>><<set $choice to "second">> <<set $ch3_o_know_places to true>> <<set $ch3_o_know_voices to false>> <</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 5>> Sure enough, as soon as you turn to where the magic rings out clearest, you see a familiar shock of golden blond and piercing lavender eyes above a lazy smile. Even in $o_herhistheir mortalis form, you have to admit that the sight is comforting. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> you in silence for a moment, arms folded over with one hand drumming fingers on the other bicep. Hair almost blends with the sandy bricks $o_shehethey lean$o_s against, a knee bent and foot resting against the wall. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> wear$o_s similar clothing as the night before - silky ivory cloth tied loosely below $o_herhistheir tanned and freckled collar, with delicate, violet ribbon cinching the sleeves. Dark, high-waisted pants accentuate his hips, but this time the holsters of his daggers do part of the work as well. The black sheen of the thin leather holster is just visible against the cloth, tracing a loop around his hips and trailing down once around each thigh. Strapped diagonally to the piece connecting the belts are a pair of deceptively small blades, which you know are wicked in his hands. "Couldn't wait to see me?" $o_shehethey eventually tease$o_s. Fingers come up to rest against $o_herhistheir collar bone as $o_shehethey toy$o_s with a loose strand of hair. "It's hard to get enough, I know." You roll your eyes, but your smile betrays you as you speak. "How'd you find me so fast?" <<if ($o_past_feelings) or ($o_flirt > 0)>> "Honestly, I'm surprised I didn't find you faster. I'd know that magic anywhere." <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> tone is soft for a moment as $o_shehethey look$o_s down to pluck at a bit of dust on $o_herhistheir cream-colored shirt. "How would I describe it…" he starts in a whisper, and you can feel something warm begin to bubble in your chest, unconsciously leaning into his voice. The silence lingers as he tips his chin back up to hold your gaze. "Noisy, incessant, hard to ignore no matter how hard I try?" $o_shehethey finally continue$o_s, a smirk spreading and taking over $o_herhistheir face. Your scoff only makes it wider. <<else>> "Oh ye of little faith. What sort of pathos-proficient friend would I be if I couldn't instantly pick your magic out of a crowd?" $o_shehethey joke$o_s. "Though it helps that your magic is, y'know, loud, incessant, hard-to-ignore no matter how hard I try?" The jab instantly spreads a grin on $o_herhistheir face, and your scoff only makes it wider. <</if>> "But either way," $o_shehethey continue$o_s, lifting <<print $o_herhimthem>>self from the wall and closing the distance to you with a sway in $o_herhistheir step. "You being here early means you've solved it all, or your luck's not keeping up today...so which is it?" <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "Tell Oisein everything I know about the suddenly vacated places and the odd magic...and the voice." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 6>><<set $choice to "first">> <<set $ch3_o_know_places to true>> <<set $ch3_o_know_voices to true>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "Tell Oisein about the places and the odd magic, but...maybe I'll keep the voice to myself for now." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 6>><<set $choice to "second">> <<set $ch3_o_know_places to true>> <<set $ch3_o_know_voices to false>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> A woman with fraying grey hair steps closer towards you from down the street, weaving under awnings. A child eyes you curiously as they tug on the hem of their father's apron as he lifts something outside their shop. <<if $sarcastic > $genuine>> "I'll have you know it's definitely somewhere in between the two." "Confidence like that, and soon all our problems'll be solved," $o_shehethey snort$o_s. You give a smirk before it falls into something more serious as you organize your thoughts from the <<if $ch3_o_know_voices>> day… and the voices. <<else>> day. <</if>> "I did find a few things from the-" You lower your voice as a pair of chattering mortalis men pass behind the two of you, and another down the street wipes a squeaky cloth against a window."-$h_gender from yesterday. Places where the workers and anyone involved just vanished into thin air, or else looked like they had their name taken - about half a cycle ago." <<else>> "There's something, alright," you start. Oisein clamps $o_herhistheir mouth shut while you organize your thoughts from the <<if $ch3_o_know_voices>> day… and the voices. <<else>> day. <</if>> "There are these...places." "Mhm, those tend to pop up when you least expect." You shoot Oisein a withering look and $o_shehethey throw$o_s $o_herhistheir hands up apologetically, but only just. "Found it out from the $h_gender from yesterday." You lower your voice as a pair of chattering mortalis men pass behind the two of you, and another down the street wipes a squeaky cloth against a window. "Places where the workers and anyone involved just vanished into thin air, or else look like they had their name taken - about half a cycle ago." <</if>> At that, the other sheevra's eyes dart to the side and $o_herhistheir fist clenches and unfurls. "Alright, yeah, too perfect to be a coincidence." "Had a little jaunt down to the city's Archival Library too - that's where $h_shehe had heard about them." You look down and kick gently at the stone path. "Turns out one of Renescen's Sages noticed it first. A bank, a shop, and a pathos parlor. Passed by the bank on the way to the Library actually, and it had the traces of…" you wave a hand between the two of you in what you hope is nonchalance, "magic, but it felt strange." You pause, expecting some sort of comment from Oisein, but only worry streaks across $o_herhistheir face. "So you had a run-in with that too, huh?" $o_shehethey say$o_s, more to <<print $o_herhimthem>>self than to you. A beat passes while Oisein chews on his lip, and you hear the sounds of the mortalis cleaner's cloth catching against liquid and glass. His lavender eyes lower before he cranes his neck to the side with a //pop.// "Let's talk somewhere else? Need to show you something anyway." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> won't meet your eyes, and that tells you all you need to know about the nerves prickling along the leanhaun's muscles. You give $o_herhimthem a simple nod before $o_shehethey smile$o_s halfheartedly, swiveling $o_herhistheir limber body and nodding down the street. "This way." <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 7>> Sandstone walls border your passage through the winding paths of the first quadrant. Canopies similar to the ones you've already seen float overhead in a myriad of colors and mortalis drift and glide around you. Oisein keeps $o_herhistheir eyes forward through it all, continuing to press $o_herhistheir teeth into $o_herhistheir lips and face furrowing into deeper lines as time ticks by. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> silence, while understandable, only makes you feel more unnerved. Eventually, mortalis trickle by you in small, infrequent groups, the afternoon heat becoming stronger as the sun streams between the buildings. It lashes against your neck and the backs of your arms, and pushes between your shoulder blades. Ahead of you, it shines down even brighter at the break in the buildings, and you shield your eyes for a moment as the new landscape comes into view. At the last line of the quadrant's homes, a small park sprawls outward to fill in the space between them and the city walls. Sharp paths mark the ground, bright white stone laid in a fan-like fashion as the patterns draw you towards the benches that measure it every few meters. Patches of land fill the empty spaces between the walkways, mostly green from the mountains with a whisper of the Arids' sand sneaking in between the flower stalks and blades of grass. Even with the underlying reminder of the vast nothingness just past the nearby walls, the bright blue and magenta blooms dampen any sort of sadness the sand usually brings with it. You catch a soft, secret smile play on Oisein's lips when $o_shehethey see$o_s the flowers, fingers waving idly at $o_herhistheir side as if $o_shehethey plan$o_s to stop in $o_herhistheir tracks and spend the evening tracing over each petal and memorizing their colors. But you see the expression melt away, knowing that particular reprieve is a luxury for another day. And maybe, another lifetime. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 8>> The park itself is mostly vacant save for the few mortalis you passed closer to the buildings, but it seems that no one wants to venture as far down as the two of you do. And certainly nowhere near the city walls and the singular gate itself. Oisein looks back to you now and pauses his step, his hair floating just above his shoulder. Golden wisps dance across the edges of his face and sweep over his freckles, eyes darkening into violet above a roguish smile. "Just one guard at the gate," $o_shehethey murmur$o_s, more out of a sense of theatre than to hide anything from the exactly zero mortalis around you. "He'll let us pass but I'd prefer if he didn't remember or hear us, yeah?" Your eyes drift over the layers of the wall and below the magic-touched pylons to see a man leaning against the curved archway. "What're you thinking?" <<if $leanhaun>> "Well...know your pathos is //almost// as good as mine, so would you like the honors? Or want to let me?" $o_shehethey ask$o_s with a flourish of $o_herhistheir hand to $o_herhistheir chest, fingers curling around the string loosely holding together the front of $o_herhistheir shirt. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li> <<link `$info_label +" I cross my arms and raise a brow. \"Almost as good as yours. Really?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>> </li> <</liveblock>> <li> <<link "\"I'll take care of it.\"" "Chapter3-GateLeanhaunMC">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"After you.\"" "Chapter3-GateOisein">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<elseif $unseelie>> <<if $o_friendship > 4>> "Well… 'know my pathos is a little better than yours… no offense," Oisein flashes another grin as you roll your eyes. "But if you'd like to do a little… painting, I wouldn't object. Otherwise I'll handle it," $o_shehethey say$o_s with a flourish of $o_herhistheir hand to $o_herhistheir chest, fingers curling around the string loosely holding together the front of $o_herhistheir ivory shirt. <<else>> "Well… I might have a little more experience with pathos…" Oisein pauses, watching your face for a reaction before continuing. "But if you'd like to try a hand at illusion-ing us or something in front of him, that'd probably work? Otherwise I'll handle it," $o_shehethey say$o_s with a flourish of $o_herhistheir hand to $o_herhistheir chest, fingers curling around the string loosely holding together the front of $o_herhistheir ivory shirt. <</if>> <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Actually, I'll take care of it.\"" "Chapter3-GateUnseelieMC">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"After you.\"" "Chapter3-GateOisein">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<elseif $dryad>> <<if $o_friendship > 4>> "Well… 'know my pathos is a little better than yours… no offense," Oisein flashes another grin as you roll your eyes. "But if you'd like to element up a little distraction, I wouldn't object. Otherwise I'll handle it," $o_shehethey say$o_s with a flourish of $o_herhistheir hand to $o_herhistheir chest, fingers curling around the string loosely holding together the front of $o_herhistheir ivory shirt. <<else>> "Well… I might have a little more experience with pathos…" Oisein pauses, watching your face for a reaction before continuing. "But if you'd like to try a hand at element-ing up a distraction, that'd probably work? Otherwise I'll handle it," $o_shehethey say$o_s with a flourish of $o_herhistheir hand to $o_herhistheir chest, fingers curling around the string loosely holding together the front of $o_herhistheir ivory shirt. <</if>> <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Actually, I'll take care of it.\"" "Chapter3-GateDryadMC">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"After you.\"" "Chapter3-GateOisein">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 9>> <<if $o_friendship > 4>> You cross your arms with a flourish to match Oisein as your weight shifts, the dramatic indignation potent on your face. "//Almost// as good as yours? Want to try ‘much better than' instead?" "Oh, $pc_name," $o_shehethey gasp$o_s. "I know I'm a chronic liar but I'd never lie to you like that!" Laughter slips out before you can help it, and Oisein gives a pleased and mischievous look toward you as $o_herhistheir eyes soften to something more fond. "But seriously, I'm fine either way." <<else>> You cross your arms as your weight shifts, brow raising with indignation. "Almost as good as yours. Really?" "No offense?" $o_shehethey offer$o_s sheepishly, hands lowering in submission. "But seriously, I'm fine either way." <</if>> <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li> $info_label I cross my arms and raise a brow. "Almost as good as yours. Really?" </li> <</liveblock>> <li> <<link "\"I'll take care of it.\"" "Chapter3-GateLeanhaunMC">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"After you.\"" "Chapter3-GateOisein">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 4389204829>> [["I'll take care of it."|Chapter3-GateLeanhaunMC][$textGroup=1]] [[\"After you.\"|Chapter3-GateOisein][$textGroup=1]] [[Chapter3-GateDryadMC]] [[Chapter3-GateUnseelieMC]] <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> What is the Sage hiding? What does $s_shehe know? It's not something you can leave unspoken, especially when a mortalis speaks the name of a High Sheevra with the familiarity of a friend. You look at the heavy, shaded glass in front of you and bite your bottom lip. Pushing on the topic could be dangerous... But you have to know. And it seems the Sage knows this too. As you turn around, you see the shock of golden patterns just visible above the banister of the balcony overlooking the chattering Acolytes. Dark braids loosen and fall forward as you see $s_herhim exhale and close $s_herhis eyes, fingers curling tightly along the banister. You both know this conversation is going to happen, whether either of you like it or not. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> ''//The Atrium of the Archival Library…//'' --- The murmurs of the other people throughout the library are suddenly shut away as the Sage slides the door closed to a more private lift at the back of the Atrium, physical glass separating your surroundings instead of the glittering beam of light from before. Barely a lift of a wrist later, the stones embedded in the floor flare and glow a deep blue, then yellow, before it begins to rise underneath you. Keeping $s_herhis eyes forward, $s_herhis chest rises and falls in slow, methodical breaths. Though the motion is natural, you can tell that each is tempered and rigid, timed and thought through. The stillness between you continues even as the floors speeding by begin to slow, the Sage breathing one last exhale as the lift stops and hums when the doors open. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> turns to you again but takes another second to evaluate you and possibly $s_herhis own decision to bring you to the upper floors. But whatever regret flashes through $s_herhis face is squashed beneath resolve. Polite mask firmly back in place, $s_shehe holds out an arm for you to disembark first. Glass and metal curve more extremely above you, and as you step forward you recognize that you must be near the top of the Library's main dome. Past the tinted panes, one of the support beams runs along the seams of the structure, golden light darting down its grooves. The buildings and veins of Renescen blur together with just the movement of the rail carts catching your eye, before your gaze is drawn out towards the Arids. This high up you're reminded again of their vastness, cruel and daunting when you can more easily see how they dwarf the city. You don't get as much time to observe as the Sage starts down the hallway without you. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> nods politely to the few older and similarly dressed mortalis who step lightly towards the lift, their robes embroidered with shades of metallic purple and silver. The shorter woman with mousey brown hair gives a small wave with all of her fingers, the other person just bending their neck in acknowledgment to the Gold Sage. Despite the conflict you had just read in your companion's face, it's almost unnerving how easily $s_shehe's able to give a convincing, cheek lifting smile, given the circumstance. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> Catching up, the walkway you've found yourself in curves as well, with glass framing you to your left, and a smooth, white wall flowing with you on your right. Your neck tightens as you crane your face upward to follow the stark wall up to the point where the glass tumbles over to meet it, the glint of sun dispersed by the layer of magic you observed below. "The planetarium," the Sage says softly in front of you when $s_shehe notices your gaze. Explanation is kept short and curt compared to how easily the words had spilled forward before, <<if $empathetic > $callous+1>> and it leaves a bitter, scratchy feeling in the back of your throat. <<else>> and you just barely suppress the sneer that threatens to show itself. <</if>> Rooms begin to line the outer layer of glass, and you're able to catch the edges of desks and shelves framed around the mortalis within them. The Sage presses on, keeping $s_herhis gaze forward while every few steps another person looks up in recognition. But while the Sage catches their initial attention, every pair of eyes eventually falls to you with uncertainty. Eventually $s_shehe halts in front of a set of double doors almost twice as tall as $s_herhim, their metallic inlays glinting silvery with reflected sun. The frame itself arcs high above you, the edge's patterns sharply outlining a motif of five mountains that gradually peak at the center. Within the doors an intricate pattern of diamonds and hexagons overlap each other, not unlike the embroidered patterns that cascade over the Sage's shoulders. The similarities become starker as $s_shehe places $s_herhis hand with a practiced, habitual motion against one side of the crescent shaped handle. <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> fingers cradled over the inner edge of the upward-turned moon, a glint of gold flashes where $s_herhis ring meets metal and there's a moment where you swear the metal is beginning to melt from $s_herhis finger to pool at the center of the doors. And truthfully, you're not far off. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> lifts $s_herhis wrist and ring away but the golden color stays stubbornly against the handle, spreading like a sunbeam racing across silver. It crashes against the middle seam of the doors and swirls within its newly found borders, waiting to be unleashed onto the rest of the intricate details within the stone. Quiet drifts heavily between you, the Sage folding $s_herhis hands over one another on $s_herhis stomach with eyes glued on the door, remaining almost unnaturally still. Finally, the color breaks through. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> There's a small exhale as the gold streams forward, filling in the other half of the crescent handle before splashing behind and filling in the lines of the door. Sharp angles fill to the brim as gold overtakes it, color rising from the bottom of the door like a tide, washing across the structure. Soon it reaches the top, centering at the keystone and crawling up the mountainous design before it triumphantly shines at the summit. Scratching and shuddering sounds begin to rumble behind the door, not leaving you much time to enjoy the sheen of gold before it gradually dulls into a weathered bronze-like color as the magic fades. Both panels of the door begin to detach from the archway and swing inward, opening into a darkness quickly being extinguished by light. A foyer is revealed as the doors reach the edge of their arc, and two mortalis stand to greet you. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> "Weren't you just in here? Already kicking me out?" the person chides with a sharp, thin smile. Shoulder-length white blond hair, almost as brilliant as the golden lines from before, flares around their pale face. Another dark-haired mortalis behind tries to keep her arms around a bundle of scrolls clearly too much for one person to carry. The flamboyant person in front strides forward and claps a hand against the Sage's arm with a hearty chuckle. "If you weren't finished, Platinum-" the Sage starts calmly. "-I'm more than happy to come back later." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> looks to you out of the corner of $s_herhis eye before continuing. "My guest and I can-" "Ahhh please, please! Wouldn't've retreated my magic if that were the case. Just got your scrolls so we've gotta go chew on some stuff anyway." They place their hands on their hips triumphantly and spin with a flourish towards the short woman still scrambling to find the best way to hold the paper. Grey-white lines glint off of the Platinum Sage's robes, fabric fluttering wide with their movement. "You've got all that, Acolyte?" "Uh- yes, Mx, I think I've got-" "Great! Alright then!" They bring their hands together and look to you with a conspiratorial narrowing of their eyes. "You're in for a treat if Goldie here is driving things, best one we've got if you ask me." Fingers splay parallel to the floor with a wiggle as they grin, and you raise a brow. "But yes, yes we'll get out of your hair!" Their voice thunders down the hall as they punctuate the sentence with another laugh, marching out past the two of you with their Acolyte scrambling by after a polite bow of her head while her hands try to stretch as far as possible. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> The Sage sighs as the others' steps start to fade, and $s_shehe progresses further into the small room you've found yourself in. Despite the awkwardness from before, <<if $sarcastic > $genuine>> you find yourself trying to stifle a small laugh. "Are they like that every time?" you mutter quietly. "//Yes,//" the Sage responds, almost instinctually, before $s_shehe straightens with embarrassment and coughs away the admission. <<else>> you find yourself stifling just the hint of a chuckle. "They're…" "…a lot, I know," the Sage says under $s_herhis breath much quicker than you expected $s_shehe would. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> straightens when $s_shehe realizes, and coughs away the admission. <</if>> With the Platinum Sage and Acolyte gone, the stone doors begin to close of their own accord again and a grinding sound fills the foyer as the light from the outer windows narrows along the floor. Your initial reaction is to turn and bolt back into the hall, until you see the golden lines reach inward right before the sun is extinguished. There's no chance for darkness despite the tight seal of the entrance as the magic races forward on predetermined tracks. You crane your neck to watch the angled rivers of gold on the curved ceiling while the Sage waits, the glow of $s_herhis own magic shining valleys and peaks along $s_herhis braids. The streams of light finally intersect as your eyes lower to the glass double doors ahead of you, the panes glowing for just a moment before your source of light plunges into the floor, searching for something else within the room ahead. Something…a column? shines like a single lamp within the void of the planetarium. Stepping in front of you, the Sage presses $s_herhis hand against the left door and holds it for you to enter. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 7>> The echoes of your steps greet you first, the massive circular room dwarfing you and the Sage as you press forward along its radius. Three rows of benches stacked behind each other are woven into the space's edges as the walls reach up, up, and further onward until they collide into each other at the apex of the dome. Though the floors are relatively barren save for the thin carpet that cuts across, your eyes are drawn to where the magic has gathered in front of you, a singular, brilliant sun in the expanse of the universe. Before you a pedestal sits patiently, geometric patterns adorning its base while magic swirls within a clear cylinder capped by more metal. It's the Sage's magic, no doubt, that illuminates the room and the particles inside with a golden glow. As it beckons you closer you finally register that the particles are //sand//, billowing like clouds in its confinement, a slow-moving, contained storm. Your fingers begin to reach for the glass when the impossibly loud sound of the latch closing from behind awakens you from your observations, bouncing against the seating and the apparatus in front of you. Magic prickles against the back of your neck and your spine though you manage to hide your initial unease, nonchalantly turning instead of spinning to see the Sage place $s_herhis hand against the patterns of the door. Another golden light resonates out from beneath $s_herhis fingers and dances away from $s_herhis palm, creating a mirror-like pool that grows and ripples outward. Viscous liquid clings to $s_herhis hand as $s_shehe pulls away, before a mercury-like substance detaches and falls sideways back into the pool of magic. It thins as it spreads, the images becoming clearer now. <<if $pc_hairlength == "shaved">> The shaved hair of your mortalis form is recognizable, <<else>> <<print $pc_haircolor.toUpperFirst()>> hair halos your reflected face while wide, curious eyes mirror the $pc_eyecolor you expect. <</if>> The Sage's robes brush against your shoulder when $s_shehe walks past you towards the center of the room, the scent of vanilla and amber gliding through the air while you keep your eyes on the reflection. Bubbles break the newly-formed surface at its center where the Sage's hand left it, and the floating pool spreads to devour the full length of the glass panels. Corners form when it reaches the edge of the frame to completely fill the side facing you. You finally turn back towards the room, gaze following the Sage's path behind you. Or at least, your reflection does. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 8>> You're staring at the back of your own head now, the figure casually sliding a hand along the tiered benches opposite of where the Sage begins to approach the pedestal. Mirror-you takes a seat with palms resting on your thighs as the Sage begins to speak, hands animating in excitement. But there's no speech or sound coming from behind you. You, //the real you,// turn to compare the false scene and find the Sage's back as $s_shehe watches where $s_herhis magic has gathered, fingers scratching a rhythm against $s_herhis arm. Back in the sheen of the illusion, it seems like you and $s_herhim are having a delightful conversation, and you know it will seem that way to any mortalis who might be able to barge into the foyer from before. A part of you wonders what that conversation could have been. The Sage steps forward and places $s_herhis fingers against the metal crown of the cylinder. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link `"I stand behind "+$s_herhim+", face softening. \"Don't want prying eyes?\""` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $persuasive += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Just an elementalist then? Or are you secretly a Chromatic?\" I ask with my arms crossed and brow raised." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $persuasive += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Probably for the best,\" I say quietly, eyes darting from the door to the Sage." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $genuine += 1>> <<set $honest += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Glad you have some sense, at least,\" I say shortly, eyeing the Sage." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 9>> <<if $choice is "first">> Face softening, you watch the Sage let $s_herhis hand drift along the glass. "Don't want prying eyes?" <<elseif $choice is "second">> With a hum and a low whistle, you cross your arms and raise your brow, turning back towards the Sage. "So illusionist along with elementalist? Didn't know Renescen was secretly hiding a Chromatic." You manage to elicit just the slightest chuckle as the Sage lets $s_herhis hand drift along the glass. "It's a very basic spell, I'm hardly some sort of //myth//." Emphasis on the last word clashes like a cymbal, and you find your eyes narrowing to watch the mortalis. <<elseif $choice is "third">> Your eyes dart from the door back to the mortalis in front of you, and you can't help feeling trapped despite knowing you could just as easily walk through the illusion and make your way out. "Probably for the best," you say quietly, to which $s_shehe hums a quick affirmation. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> "Well," you breathe out, fully facing the mortalis. "Glad you have some sense, at least." A twitch betrays the Sage's face as the professional mask slips a centimeter before being put firmly back in place. For now it seems $s_shehe doesn't take the goading bait, closing $s_herhis eyes while keeping the rest of $s_herhis face neutral. <</if>> The Sage observes the swirling miasmic glow, marking the short distance from the side of the column nearest you to its opposite, step after deliberate step while the fragments of light skip across $s_herhis rich brown cheeks. "I don't think either of us want an interruption or eavesdropper," $s_shehe begins evenly. "Or am I mistaken?" After a pause, the Sage slows $s_herhis movement and watches you. <<if $intimidating > $persuasive>> With a sigh, you straighten your spine and look to evaluate the room again, eyes tracing a path through the darkness and always being drawn back to the center. The quiet festers, and even the sand seems to still in the silence. Tension ripens until you see the Sage shift $s_herhis weight, taking a breath of the stagnant air before $s_shehe continues your conversation. "So, you're looking for Tacita." You look at the Sage's eyes more pointedly now, hazel darkening and hardening as $s_shehe evaluates you back. "That's right." <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> shoulders raise and lower as $s_herhis chin follows, and you see $s_herhim roll $s_herhis wrist before glancing at the column again. <<else>> With a sigh, you straighten your spine and look to evaluate the room again, eyes tracing a path through the darkness and always being drawn back to the center. The quiet festers, and even the sand seems to still in the silence. Might as well get straight to it. "I need to know more about Tacita," you say tentatively. Hearing your own mouth form the High Sheevra's name out loud to a mortalis feels odd somehow, but not wrong. Your weight shifts and you take a breath of the stagnant air in the room. "I need to find her." Hazel softens into something darker, but warmer, as the Sage looks at the column again, considering what you've said. <</if>> "I haven't seen her for months," $s_shehe admits. "In fact, I was rather hoping you might have more information on her whereabouts." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> lets $s_herhis eyes sink to the floor before turning back to you. "You're the first person I've shared her acquaintance with." Frustration shudders out as you exhale through your nose and the question you want to ask floats up your throat. //How much do you know about her?// //About me?// "How much do you know about her?" comes a voice, not your thought, and you look up at the Sage who takes a few other steps around the column to place <<print $s_herhim>>self openly before you, elbow and palm still resting on the top of the pedestal. At your look, $s_herhis grip eases, fingers pinching at the metal beneath them. "Maybe...if I tell you a bit of our history, you can tell me a bit about yours? What do you say?" $s_shehe ventures. <<if ($sarcastic > $genuine) and ($friendly > $aloof) and ($empathetic > $callous)>> A smirk shows itself on your face, unable to resist the wording of your response. "Sounds like a fair deal." There's a pause while the Sage looks at you with a relieved smile and the hint of a smirk of $s_herhis own, before $s_shehe looks down at the embroidered patterns of $s_herhis tunic, idly brushing them down. <<elseif ($sarcastic < $genuine) and ($friendly > $aloof) and ($empathetic > $callous)>> A genuine smile shows itself on your face, and you nod. "That sounds fair." There's a pause while the Sage looks at you with a relieved smile of $s_herhis own, before $s_shehe looks down at the embroidered patterns of $s_herhis tunic, idly brushing them down. <<elseif ($curious > $apprehensive) and ($friendly < $aloof) and ($empathetic < $callous)>> You try to read the Sage's eyes. "Alright. Go on then." There's a pause while the Sage looks at you with a slight frown, before $s_shehe looks down at the embroidered patterns of $s_herhis tunic, idly brushing them down. <<elseif ($curious < $apprehensive) and ($friendly < $aloof) and ($empathetic < $callous)>> You try to read the Sage's eyes for some ulterior motive, trying to press down your own uncertainty. "Alright...go on then." There's a pause while the Sage looks at you with a slight frown, before $s_shehe looks down at the embroidered patterns of $s_herhis tunic, idly brushing them down. <<else>> You take a deep breath. "Alright, that sounds fair." There's a pause, before $s_shehe looks down at the embroidered patterns of $s_herhis tunic, idly brushing them down. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 10>> "Tacita..." The Sage's voice wobbles for a moment and $s_shehe taps the heel of $s_herhis palm against $s_herhis hip. "I think Tacita may have actually been the one to seek me out, after finding some of my research." The tapping stops and $s_shehe looks to the side of the chamber and its benches with a pensive look on $s_herhis face. "Though I don't know exactly how she found out, I'd thought I was being fairly discreet at that point." Your head tilts, brow furrowing at the phrase. Since when had High Sheevra been so involved in the mortalis day-to-day? "And what were you researching?" you press. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> keeps $s_herhis eyes to the side and $s_herhis body stills, not meeting your gaze. "Sheevra magic, actually." <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 11>> //Ah.// You're ready to keep a stoic face, though the statement still feels like lightning bolts lancing across your ribcage. Keeping silent you wait for $s_herhim, and when $s_shehe turns back cautiously and realizes $s_shehe won't be able to glean a reaction off your expression alone, $s_shehe continues. "Though maybe that's not fully accurate," $s_shehe corrects, of course. "Sheevra-//like// magic is probably more true." "So you're researching myths?" "I'm researching the magic that may have…enhanced the myths, specifically." <<if $m_shmagicdesc is true>> <<set $s_shmagicdesc to false>> //What was it the Magesmith said? Untethered?// Thinking back that's the first time you've heard your magic described by a mortalis before. Sure, you're able to tell the difference between an actual sheevra and mortalis yourself through the difference in energy... At that thought you realize that untethered and free may be the best way to put it into words. But you let the Sage explain to keep up pretenses. <<else>> <<set $s_shmagicdesc to true>> Eyes narrowing, you try to think about what the Sage might mean but you can't recall hearing your magic described by a mortalis before. Sure, you're able to tell the difference between an actual sheevra and mortalis yourself through the difference in energy... At that thought you realize you're not fully sure how to put that into words. So you bite. <</if>> "And that's different from regular magic because...?" A chiming metallic noise sounds out as $s_shehe traces what must be patterns in the pedestal. "Most magic feels tied to the world, grounded? Like a pull from your heart towards the earth." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> makes the motion with $s_herhis forefinger around the center of $s_herhis chest. "But this magic feels like it could fly off into the cosmos at any moment. Or rather...maybe it has a choice that we don't." Your ankle swivels on the floor before transitioning to a light tap of your foot while you put your thoughts together. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"And did Tacita have some information that helped?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $persuasive += 1>> <<set $genuine =+ 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"So I'm guessing you and Tacita had some //invigorating// chats about all that.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $persuasive += 1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Alright,\" I start cautiously. \"I'll bite. What did Tacita have to do with all this?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $genuine += 1>> <<set $honest += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "I stay uncomfortably quiet, waiting for the Sage." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"I came here for information on Tacita, not on your research.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 12>> <<if $choice is "first">> "And did Tacita have some information that helped?" you ask with genuine interest. The Sage's eyes widen at the earnest response, and $s_shehe nods. "To some extent." The mortalis looks to you before looking down at $s_herhis hands, taking a moment to unravel $s_herhis memories. <<elseif $choice is "second">> You mirror the Sage's movement and lean against the edge of the nearest bench, the wooden crook of its back supporting you at the hip. "So I'm guessing you and Tacita had some…//invigorating// chats about all that." Though you phrased your response in a not-so-subtle jibe, the Sage covers a quiet laugh. "Fair, I realize that magical research is not really //everyone's// cup of tea. But yes, I'd like to think so." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> takes a moment to unravel $s_herhis memories. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You roll a shoulder while considering the Sage's words. "Alright," you start cautiously. "So what did Tacita have to do with all this?" The Sage looks to you, trying to gauge the uncertainty in your words before $s_shehe looks down at $s_herhis hands, taking a moment to unravel $s_herhis memories. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> The description of magic still turbulent in your thoughts, you keep quiet, unsure what to say. The Sage watches you for a moment, your brittle control bleeding over to $s_herhim. But $s_shehe shakes it away, looking down are $s_herhis hands to take a moment to unravel $s_herhis memories. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> <<set $s_friendship -= 1>> "Is this relevant?" you say with a slight sneer. Long-winded stories aren't going to get you any closer to Clan Harpoc, so you're hoping to get what you need from the mortalis and be on your way. Quickly. "I came here for information on Tacita, not on your research," you finally continue. "It //is// relevant, actually. I'm sure you'll see that soon." <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> response prickles with spiny edges. <</if>> "Tacita approached me after a small showcase highlighting some of the Archival Library's research. She was introduced as a guest of the Governor, if I'm remembering right." The Sage drops $s_herhis cheek into the palm of the arm atop the metal structure. "We exchanged pleasantries before she mentioned some points I hadn't brought up in my presentation, but had recently discovered." Carvings glint in the thrown light around the column's base before darkness reaches back into every crevice. You look away from the Sage as the history unfolds, feigning interest in the grain of the room's seating. "After that, she would stop by the Archival Library at least once a month, sometimes more often. She was usually fairly quiet, and if anything, I think she just preferred to be a sounding board as I did my research. But we became good friends." Legs swivel around so that $s_herhis profile is highlighted by the golden glow of magic again, and $s_herhis braids shift as $s_shehe looks to the sand. "That went on for about two years. Just... Tacita listening, providing suggestions here and there, but just watching the discoveries happen. Until I had a bit of a breakthrough a while ago." The Sage says the last bit quieter, more unsure of <<print $s_herhim>>self. You scratch your neck as $s_herhis chest rises in breath, and more moments pass until you realize the Sage is likely lost in thought, sifting through the memories you've unearthed. "... Breakthrough?" you finally call out to pierce $s_herhis trance. Your voice pulls $s_herhim out, and $s_shehe turns back to you, watching your face, evaluating each line of your expression and the spark in your $pc_eyecolor eyes. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> lands eventually, again, on your earring. But then $s_herhis smile grows more radiant than all the magic you've seen so far, as $s_shehe takes a step back and gently lifts $s_herhis wrists, then $s_herhis palms, towards the pedestal. <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> eyes train to you again. "Maybe it's better if I show you." <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-SageLightShow][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Uncertain, faded echoes of the voice and warped magic from before thrum in your veins, the rhythm becoming more and more determined and ceaseless. You have to find out more. Of course you do. You make your way towards the door following in the footsteps of the Healer, and press a hand against the handle embedded in the glass. Despite how weighty the layer of glass seems on observation it swings open easily at your push, letting sunlight surge into your eyes. <ul> <li> <<link "Outside..." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> ''//Back near the Falls Road...//'' --- Retracing your steps down across the makeshift Sanctin map from Renescen to Saor, back out the gates of the Archival Library and the Falls Road, you find yourself at the same alleyway the Healer had taken you before. The two city guards are still there, and you have to side at least partially with the Magesmith on this one. They do still look pretty out of their depth. But maybe that's just all the mortalis. You watch their eyes as you lean against the glass window of another building near by, fingers tracing innocently along the outer sill. Walking your fingers as you step forward yourself, you wait until they both turn towards something in the opposite direction down the road, before grabbing the course surface of the building's corner and richocheting yourself around and down the narrow lane. Stone on one side, fractured iron bars and overgrowth on the other. Your steps echo louder than you intend, but there doesn't seem to be anyone paying you any mind. Small pools of water collect in the paths between the cobbled stone, seeping from the building drains and grasping at the surface of wooden boxes either stored or discarded in the alley. There's a beam of light ahead from the other end of this side street, and you can see mortalis rushing by in either direction. But no wandering eyes peer down into your shadowed walkway. Air roils and burns in your lungs as you come to a stop where the Healer took you before, and you see again the vines and plants that seemed to bend to greet you. Or at least, you thought they did, but in a blink, the vines and long reeds that had reached to you before seem to curl back in on themselves past the broken border. <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> <div class="center">WHATEVER YOU DO</div> <<else>> <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="text-align:center; color:#8a8a8a"><div class="experiment-title" >WHATEVER YOU DO</div></section><</if>><</liveblock>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> Greenery continues to retreat past the iron save for a patch of lush, short grass that's now opened up in front of you. A part of you perceives it as a bottomless pool, the green just a shade too green, the plants just a hair too lush. If you let yourself, you could squeeze your body through the bars and lie in this perfect space outlined just for you. Would that be so bad? // It would. // You have to convince yourself, shaking off the alluring lullaby of magic that keeps permeating outward. Even with the tendrils still reaching for you, you don't recall the guards or the Healer being so affected. So why only sheevra? Would Oisein have felt this too? You straighten your spine and tighten your fists, staring down into the open space that wants to guide you into the thicket of overgrown plants. Weeds patchwork together, overlaying and weaving around each other in a myriad of leaves and thorns as if to get a view of you. Within the chaos a few small flowers emerge through the darkness, a shock of light purple-pinks and white petals splayed around yellow cores. But even those bursts of color do nothing to cut the menace of the layer of growth towering over you. You //have// come all this way to investigate the bank again, so you may have to take a calculated risk here. <<set $check_fail to false>> <<set $early_illusion_sense to false>> <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "Use elemental magic to start a small fire in the opening and see how this...//thing//, whatever it is, will react to the threat." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $elemental += 1>> <<set $magic += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Use illusion magic to gauge the welcome mat of plants again before I take another step." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $illusion += 1>> <<set $magic += 1>> <<set $early_illusion_sense to true>> <</link>></li> <li> can you hear me?</li> <li> <<link "Use pathos magic to try and break through the dazzling fishhook-like spell." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $pathos += 1>> <<set $magic += 1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<if $choice is "first">> Sparks alight in your palm, the embers rolling down your shoulder and skittering past your elbow to collect into a heated pool within your hand. A bead of neon yellow begins to swerve around your knuckles as you kneel and dig one of your knees into the cold, sudden pavement just before the overgrown area. Without touching the plants itself, you let the bead float on your breath as you blow it from your palm, and it wafts through the broken bars. <<if ($elemental >= 5) or ($dryad is true)>> Taking flight on invisible wings, you will the contained fire forward as it sputters and shoots out miniscule bits of flame. It barely travels any distance before you feel something else push in protest against you, a warping, churning barrier that begins to cave and bend inward to avoid the heat. You curl your fingers but keep your palm exposed while you push back, jaw clenching with the effort. Tendrils of light begin to reach out from where your magic connects with whoever, whatever your opponent is. There's a quiet, dull hum from resisting magic, as it tries to manipulate you back. Crackling, like splintering glass, reaches your ears and pierces your concentration. When you look up, you see an image to accompany the sound as the grass and the reeds begin to shatter as the fire blooms against them. Or rather, the plants don't shatter. But the illusion certainly does. Fragments begin to fall immediately in front of you like a smashed window, and through the gaps you begin to see...nothing. <<else>> <<set $check_fail to true>> But in your focus and concentration, you don't notice the movement to your left. You snap your head to the side a second too late as something else fizzles out the small ember with a crunch. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "second">> Musty water and the acrid smell of iron anchor you as you close your eyes, feeling the pool of your own energy collect in your chest and move through your limbs to reach for your surroundings. The dregs of some mortalis alley and fences shredded and blooming with peeling, rusting shavings. That's what's real. So what's not? You let the magic flow outward like transparent fingers tugging at any loose shroud that might be hiding the true nature of the scene in front of you. They pull tenderly at the fabric of reality, trying to catch some hastily thrown cover. <<if ($illusion >= 5) or ($unseelie is true)>> Quicker than you expect, your magic snags against the edge of an illusion. But something's not right. You magic continues to snag, and continues to snag, and continues to snag, and keeps catching and pulling against something. Realization hits you and you snap your magic inward again, reeling it in furiously to keep it close within the safety of your body. The entire bank and its yard are illusioned. And the illusion has been built upon and maintained for... Days? Weeks? Months? Fear begins to boil in your stomach, the bubbles rising up your chest and neck, but you stifle it down. //Find the way through the illusion, pull the curtain back.// You chant the mantra to yourself, and let the magic reach out again. It slithers through the shifting light and mirage that you now know makes the scene in front of you, trying to bustle together all of the heavy, weighted, false images. Though your magic continues to press into the seams of the illusion, you feel it make headway as the illusion finally gives. Parting like a curtain, the frame in front of you fractures straight down the middle before draping apart to the side. And as you behold the sight behind it, you being to see...nothing. <<else>> <<set $check_fail to true>> But in your focus and concentration, you don't notice that there isn't a loose piece, because the entire bank is covered in powerful, writhing blanket of magic. There's a motion to your left. But you snap your head to the side a second too late. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "third">> Quiet, white space fills your mind as you wipe your emotions clean, leaving just yourself and your energy dancing within your mind. Tenderly, gently, you open yourself to the other energies swirling around you, the ambient emotions of the city denizens waltzing at your soiree, not stepping too close to your sphere of influence but just skirting along the edge of your consciousness. The buildings behind you must hold families, children especially, their emotions unguarded and gleeful, small sparks of joy bouncing and floating amid the conforming sea of Renescen. Other sparks of light pulse through the fog. But there's another mind that siphons the color from those around it, the emotions of the mortalis clutching at air to try and drag themselves away from the gravity of this spirit. Directly in front of you. Blackened. Burned. //''Betrayed.''// <<if ($pathos >= 5) or ($leanhaun is true)>> It's no beautiful shimmer of comfort, no languid chaise of warmth. It's rage and regret. A jagged vaguely person-like outline of static and angry scribbles of energy shaking and slashing against each other, nothing like the gentle orbs of emotions you're used to. You stare into where you think its eyes might be and hold its invisible gaze. Neither of you dares to move while the other figures of happiness and sadness and joy and anger dance around you. But you don't need to move for what you want to do. //Show me the answers I want//, you manifest into a string of thoughts and you try to weave into the consciousness in front of you. The soul, the //something//, stands motionless and you begin to doubt that it is capable of hearing or reading you. You push the message forward again, trying to wedge into the crevices of its thoughts. Finally, it acquieses. At first you wager that it's decided to ignore you, settling instead for trying to pursue another font of energy from the emotions you're surrounded by as the formless head turns. But it continues turning until its back is to you, and a fragmenting, fractal-like limb reaches out to touch the towering foliage. As what you glean to be a finger just brushes against the petal of a wicked looking flower, the color begins to drain from the scene. Greens and browns and reds start to merge and meld into blackness, until the gaping chasm consumes the figure who had come to greet you, and all you see is...nothing. <<else>> <<set $check_fail to true>> You register its movement a second too late as it reaches out a clawed, jagged hand like static to swipe at you, the soft, damp ground between the stone catching your foot when you stumble. <</if>> <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> <<if $check_fail is false>> Empty blackness reaches out and expands into a space as large as a door, inviting you to step foot through the gates and into its embrace. The portal, you notice, seems just large enough for you, a quiet calmness radiating outward from it despite the ominous appearance. Feelings of home and familiarity create a massive departure from what you felt earlier, and you can't help but lean towards it while suppressing a shudder near the iron. One precarious step. A second over the fence, gratefully finding solid ground as you pass into the bank's perimeter. A third to the border of the emptiness. And a fourth past it into the darkness. <<else>> An ungodly screech rings out and you throw your hands up to clamp over your ears, but it does nothing to dampen the screaming that bounces inside your skull. Vines slither along the ground when you lurch forward, the base of your palm slamming into the street just inches away from the rusting iron. The foliage shoots at you and crochets an organic brass knuckle around your fingers, before yanking your arm towards the bank. With a yelp barely audible behind the wailing siren in your head, you hiss an inhale through your teeth as the movement bends your fingers backward to the limit of their movement. Ground greets your chin too rapidly, the grit and dirt mingling and hovering on the blood that you can feel beginning to surface. You don't save your elbow from being slammed into the iron, but you manage to get your bearings enough to just push yourself from the lowest bar of the fence before the rest of your body is wrenched against it. But its prepared for resistance. <</if>> <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> <div class="center">DONTSPEAKDONTSPEAK</div> <<else>> <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="text-align:center; color:#8a8a8a"><div class="experiment-title" >DONT SPEAK</div></section><</if>><</liveblock>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<if $check_fail is true>> You flail in the darkness, not registering any other sound or feeling or movement. Just thrashing and trying to claw your way through the miasma closing in around you, clenching at your neck and pressing against your jaw. Seeing nothing, you still feel the force of layers of...water? Of energy? Of //something// that you continue to blast through and submerge beneath. <<else>> Rushing water surges nearby, your ears tingling with the sensation of sound while your eyes and your vision are still dark. Something lush tickles the tips of your fingers and initially you draw back. But when you let your hand hang again, it reaches for you gently, no ill intent hidden beneath its touch. Foggy color begins to clarify in the distance, a mixture of pastel greens and blues. You shield your eyes as you approach, the light radiating from around the dark frame at the end of wherever you are. The light at the end of the tunnel, as it were. <</if>> And when you emerge? The verdant world from your dreams greets you. <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-VerdantWorld][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> The guards begin to revolve their hands around a central point between them, and you see twigs and dead leaves scraping on the stone, starting to stagger towards the points and drawn into the small vortex they've begun to create. Keeping one hand supporting the base of the vortex, their arms closest to the fire reach out towards the bank, and you see the flames writhe in protest before beginning to be drawn out from the building. Bit by bit, the fire-favored guards lure the destruction into their controlled space of magic, suppressing the agitated and thrashing flames within the vortex. They close off the space once they've collected enough to fill the gap joining them, and move the hand closest to the building to revolve around the sphere again as they did when forming the siphon. Together, one pair of hands on top and bottom, and the other on either side, they focus the elemental magic inward. The fire's cage begins to depressurize and you hear a high whine as the flames struggle against their bonds, convulsing and beating against the layer of air keeping it trapped while it shrinks and screams its way to starvation. As the air leaves, you see the fire continue to die out, giving a weak flicker before a single glowing ember flares and extinguishes. The suffocating space fills with smog, the final evidence of the fire's existence. The elementalists revolve their hands again, air rushing inward to fill the sphere as the smoke is ejected outward, surrounding them in a hazy aura before the wind carries it away. They repeat the process and continue to drain the fire from the burning bank and in the rhythm of the magic, the pairs of guards performing a synchronized dance for the spectators behind them. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> Though the fire continues to shrink, you notice the flames begin to glow with more of the blue and purples and green shimmering in the wreckage with an unyielding and insatiable desire to scorch the crumbling building and the earth below. Nervous energy starts to collect within the elementalists who try to reel in and assuage the now strangely colored blaze, the realization quietly dawning on their faces that they can't control it. It's been a while since you saw this much outward destruction from your kind, but you bite your tongue as you watch the sheevra-cursed flames devour the roof in a relentless hunger. <<if $ch3_sage is true>> You're not sure if the Sage notices your expression, but $s_shehe steps forward without looking to you as an uneasy rumbling starts up in the crowd. The guards near the gate have no issue pushing back any bystanders now, as they slowly remove themselves from the proximity of the danger. "Give me just one moment, please," the Sage says quietly, still not making eye contact. With the same regal grace you saw $s_herhim collect <<print $s_herhim>>self with after your initial confrontation on Tacita, $s_shehe squares $s_herhis shoulders and presses forward to the gate. <<else>> "Have you ever seen anything like this?" Oisein whispers, clearly echoing your thoughts. Despite how reckless you've known $o_herhimthem to be, even this amount of obvious demolishing would be out of character for $o_herhimthem. "Why would… one of us do this?" Uneasy rumbling starts up in the crowd, the guards near the gate having no issue pushing back any bystanders now, as they slowly remove themselves from the proximity of the danger and you find yourself getting caught in the tide as bodies brush against you. But another movement catches your eyes as it goes against the current of mortalis stepping back, and the bright spot of yellows in the $s_gender's flowing robes immediately reveals the person responsible to be the Gold Sage. <</if>> The guards initially rear up, thinking someone is trying to crash through them. But a sheepish look takes over their faces when they realize who approaches. With a reserved but commanding aura, the Sage motions to the elementalists beyond and then to <<print $s_herhim>>self, and the guards quickly clear a path to allow $s_herhim forward. The overall wave of spectators moving back halts and you just catch yourself from <<if $ch3_sage is true>> stumbling. <<else>> stumbling, Oisein muttering under $o_herhistheir breath at the mortalis. <</if>> Past the gate the Sage walks cautiously over the weathered and decaying stones, nodding to the fire-favored guards who naturally sweep their footing to the side and allow $s_herhim to take center stage. The Sage raises one hand and spreads $s_herhis fingers. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> In comparison to the dance of the guards from before, the Sage is frozen in place. But you watch the lifted wrist begin to roll, swelling on the summit of a wave before dipping gently down again and pivoting around. The guards at $s_herhis side maintain their empty vortexes, waiting for $s_herhis next move as the crowd appears transfixed in the motion. Wind swirls tenderly through the bottom layers of $s_herhis tunic before tiny tempests shoot upwards and gust up through $s_herhis braids. The yellow ribbon holding $s_herhis hair loosens slightly, and you see some of the braids flail free in the air that churns around $s_herhim. While you study the Sage and $s_herhis magic, you almost miss the fact that the fire has abated and calmed. Though it doesn't grow any smaller, it also doesn't become any larger. If the fire had a mind of its own you'd swear the Sage would be speaking to it, having a kind, considerate conversation. It leans towards $s_herhim, interested and invested in what $s_shehe has to offer as it drips away from the building. Once you've dampened your own shock, you reach out and feel the mixture of the magic that emanates from the Sage, hoping that to the other mortalis it only registers as extremely powerful magic. Because //$s_herhis// magic is equal parts mortalis and sheevra, waltzing together in tandem. In harmony. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<if $ch3_sage is false>> Oisein stares wide-eyed at the scene before swallowing the building lump in $o_herhistheir throat. <<if ($s_reveal is true) and ($ch3_oisein is true)>> "That's $s_herhim," you barely breathe out, afraid someone will hear you. "The one that mentioned Tacita." "//What?//" Oisein doesn't hold back the wild swing toward you, spluttering and fumbling on any further words. Seeing the same confusion and hesitance reflected in you, $o_shehethey straighten$o_s and watches the Sage with newly narrowed eyes. <<elseif ($s_reveal is true) and ($ch3_bank is true)>> "<<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>>…$s_shehe's not one of-…I'm not reading that wrong, am I?" "No," you barely breathe out, afraid someone will hear you. "But I talked to $s_herhim earlier and $s_shehe… may have mentioned Tacita." "//What?//" Oisein doesn't hold back the wild swing toward you, spluttering and fumbling on any further words. Seeing the same confusion and hesitance reflected in you, $o_shehethey straighten$o_s and watches the Sage with newly narrowed eyes. <<else>> "<<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>>…$s_shehe's not one of-…I'm not reading that wrong, am I?" "I… I don't think so. I'm not getting anything either." Doubt crawls and prowls around within your chest, and you barely breathe the sentence out in fear someone will hear you. <</if>> <<else>> Doubt crawls and prowls around within your chest, and you barely breathe in a shallow breath. You would've been able to instantly tell if the Sage was sheevra. Right? <</if>> With an understanding unlike any you've seen from the mortalis, the Sage coaxes the sheevra fire forward and away from the building. Still keeping most of $s_herhis body still, $s_shehe raises the hand higher to create a focal point for the flames to gather. In a sudden onslaught of movement, the fire crests and launches itself forward towards the Sage, and the guards around $s_herhim yelp and shout with alarm as they fling themselves clear of the area, the remaining dead plants bending backwards with them and the air slamming outward against the crowd. The wind slices against your jaw as you hold up a hand to try and stem some of the force. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> doesn't move as the fire plummets down and engulfs $s_herhim. It becomes a torrential pillar of flame and colors, and if it hadn't just overwhelmed a mortalis, you might call it beautiful. But unsurprisingly, the Sage is anything but overwhelmed. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> The tempo of the pillar slows as if time had begun to freeze around it, the flames orbiting the center in lazy, relaxed circles. Gaps begin forming in the fire itself, the magic within burning more fiercely, more brightly, eating through it instead. But it doesn't lash out violently like the normal fire that was drawn into the vortexes, instead readily accepting its fate. Through the widening gaps and rings of fire you see the Sage at the epicenter, sheevra fire skating around $s_herhim without a single singe appearing on $s_herhis clothes or skin. In fact, $s_shehe looks serene, peaceful, eyes closed as $s_herhis hands spin around each other with two fingers and thumbs outstretched. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> turns $s_herhis wrists to the side, softly, mercifully, and the fire gradually separates into four separate, smaller streams. Reflections of crystal-like light fragment from the fire itself onto the Sage's umber cheeks, and $s_herhis braids dance in time with the revolution. You almost mistake the unraveling yellow ribbon for a rogue flame as it slips from $s_herhis hair and sails through the air's undertow to the ground. When the fire fully partitions, the separate threads happily guide themselves into the spheres of the guards in order to be doused. The guards waver in their control of the fire, having to shake themselves from the stupor they've been caught in watching the Sage's magic, but they quickly recover. The Sage quietly lowers $s_herhis hands as the fiery cocoon dismantles and the elementalist guards take over with some effort, extinguishing the sheevra fire between themselves. With an unassuming nod, $s_shehe bends to the ground and dips $s_herhis hand forward to pick up the yellow ribbon from the stone around $s_herhis feet. Braids spill forward before the Sage straightens, and $s_shehe runs $s_herhis hands over the silky cloth a few times before lifting $s_herhis hands to tie $s_herhis hair back. Satisfied, $s_shehe turns away from the scene while the others continue to put out any dregs of the fire barely flickering, the burned, collapsing carcass of the bank now unlit and mostly still, smoke clouds floating away towards the Arids. <<if $ch3_sage is true>> <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-FireSage][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <<else>> <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-FireOisein][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <</if>> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<if $choice is "first">> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $honest += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> The Sage is working in your favor, you just know it. When that thought settles in your chest, you can't help the smile that comes forth and you let the thanks interweave into your magic, letting it trickle out. It seems $s_shehe catches it, but doesn't give much more acknowledgment other than the hint of a smile and a nod, before the Sage is on $s_herhis way. <<elseif $choice is "second">> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> Your magic inches cautiously forward against the wind. Though you try to urge the gratefulness into it, you can't help the confusion that interweaves and trickles out. It seems $s_shehe catches it, but doesn't give much more acknowledgment other than the hint of a smile and a nod, before the Sage is on $s_herhis way. <<elseif $choice is "third">> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> Your magic inches cautiously forward against the wind, and you can't help the pure confusion that interweaves and rushes forward. Why is $s_shehe helping you? How could $s_shehe have known? Is $s_shehe a threat? A friend? It seems $s_shehe catches it, but doesn't give much more acknowledgment other than the hint of a sad smile and a nod, before the Sage is on $s_herhis way. Your questions go unanswered for now. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> Your magic tentatively creeps forward, appropriate given the amount of apprehension and mistrust you feel for the Sage... and the mortalis... just... //everything// about this situation. Is there any way you could ever come to trust $s_herhim? Any of them? It seems $s_shehe catches it, but doesn't give much more acknowledgment other than the barest, sad frown and a knitted brow, before the Sage is on $s_herhis way. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> <<set $callous += 2>> <<set $aloof += 2>> <<set $s_friendship -= 1>> Callousness surges forward, and you steady yourself against the hard stone against your feet. //Don't come after us.// you will into the magic. //Don't seek us, don't mention us, don't breathe a word of us.// It seems $s_shehe catches it, but doesn't give much more acknowledgment other than the barest frown and a grimace, before the Sage is on $s_herhis way. <</if>> "Right, let's go," you finally say after watching the Sage step towards the iron gates and the watery map of a courtyard. Oisein nods, lips pressed together, before $o_shehethey spin$o_s down the Falls Road, earring glinting in the afternoon sun. <ul> <li>[[Far to the east...|Chapter3-ObsidianHan][$textGroup=2]]</li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Eyes flickering open with a start, you gingerly touch your face trying to feel the warmth of a light that your memory attempts to hold. The aftermath of the dream is interrupted, however, when you realize you're floating above the bed. With a groan, you roll over and brush the sleep from your eyes, willing the- Gods forsaken- if you could just grab the headboard- get a hold on your magic- //Thwump.// Earthy smells assail your nose as you plummet the short distance onto your bed, face smushing against soft, feathery fluff. Ambient magic reels itself into a more focused point in your body as you stretch upward on your arms, your spine popping slightly between your shoulder blades. The heady smell of the bedsheets reminds you of the groves near Saor, and you let your head fall back down for a few seconds more. When you do make your way out of bed, you stretch your limbs above you and feel the muscles lengthen. On remembering that you have a full day ahead of you trying to find a lost Clan, you tense again and pull your arms down. You suppose it's time to get some answers. Sliding the soft fabric across yourself, you pull your clothes over your shoulders and adjust it to suit. <<if $unseelie is true>> You trace a finger against the brush-like markings painted on your skin, the stark lines of the mountains from your dream towering in your sight for a moment, and gone in the next. <<elseif $dryad is true>> You brush a finger against the foliage and blooms marked across your skin, the feeling of the soft grass from your dream almost bursting forward through your mind. <<elseif $leanhaun is true>> You brush a finger against the flowing radiant lines that curve around your body, and the bright sun from your dream creates blind spots in your thoughts for a brief moment. <</if>> Shaking away the déjà vu, you reach out for the earring on the dresser. The earring you usually wear as part of your disguise is… <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "A plain stud. No need to make things complicated." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $pc_earring to "stud">><<set $choice to "stud">> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "A small loop. Simple, but elegant." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "loop">><<set $pc_earring to "loop">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "A simple teardrop shape. Something eye catching, but not overtly noticeable." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "teardrop">><<set $pc_earring to "teardrop">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "A longer, more intricate piece." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "intricate">><<set $pc_earring to "intricate piece">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $choice is "stud">> The earring you usually wear as part of your disguise is a plain stud. Thinking back, the tiny forge spirit sheevra had fluttered around you asking did you want more? Did you want jewels? Perhaps multiple studs? But the simplicity suited you just fine. <<elseif $choice is "loop">> The earring you usually wear as part of your disguise is a small loop, the shining metal gleaming in your palm. You remember the tiny forge spirit sheevra twisting it delicately into a circle, making even that simple shape into something beautiful. <<elseif $choice is "teardrop">> The earring you usually wear is an eye catching teardrop shape. You remember the tiny forge spirit sheevra twittering around excitedly, pulling the material between themselves into the unique shape before matching it to the fastener. <<elseif $choice is "intricate">> The earring you usually wear is a longer, more intricate piece. You remember the tiny forge spirit sheevra had clamored all over each other, assembling the delicate pieces together with care and fluttering around you for compliments when the work was complete. You had offered them gladly. <</if>> With your approval of the earring's design, <<if $unseelie is true>> another unseelie <<else>> an unseelie <</if>> well-versed in glamor magic had manipulated the spells around it. Symbols and writing circled in the air, flattening into a beam of light before being absorbed inward to create the focus. The first time you had seen yourself after wearing the earring had been jarring, to say the least. After securing it now, you crane your neck while the magic washes over you and your body takes on its mortalis form. Black retreats from your $pc_eyecolor eyes, markings slowly fading. Your hair morphs <<cycle "$pc_hairlength">> <<option "into long strands that go well past my shoulders." "long">> <<option "to just meet my shoulders, some of my hair barely falling past it." "medium">> <<option "and barely reaches my chin." "short">> <<option "and keeps close to my head." "short">> <<option "away, keeping my head shaved." "shaved">> <</cycle>> And it is usually <<cycle "$pc_hairstyle">> <<option "straight." "straight">> <<option "wavy." "wavy">> <<option "in an up-do." "in an up-do">> <<option "in loose curls." "in loose curls">> <<option "curly." "curly">> <<option "in tight coils." "in tight coils">> <<option "afro-textured." "afro-textured">> <<option "in twists." "in twists">> <<option "in braids." "in braids">> <<option "locked." "locked">> <</cycle>> When the transformation is complete, you brush a hand over your head and let the feeling ground you to this form. It's time to get to work. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<set $pc_customize_complete to true>> <<notify>>Stats Updated!<</notify>> With a wave of your hand, you dispel the protection ward around your door and move through it. The iron key is still one of your least favorite parts of the journey so far, but you lock the door firmly nonetheless. You mark the corners of it with your index and middle finger and feel the mirage ward pop into existence. No nosy unwanted guests will find anything of note now. You drop the key into the smaller pouch at your side and look down the hall towards the steps. The other rooms around you are quiet and still, their tenants either already out in the city, or else decidedly staying put for a while longer. An aura of soft blue and orange pushes through the window at the end of the hall in shy beams, the sky not yet the strong cerulean of late morning. A few creaking steps later, you find yourself down in the tavern with tables predictably empty save for one or two other guests. Jac and Cerise are already bustling around, Cerise fretting about the bar and tabletops and tending to their guests. Jac wears a serene look on his face as you see him organize the kitchen. You begin to set off before thinking again about your plans for the day. <<if $pc_priority is "sanctum">> Finding Clan Harpoc's Sanctum <<elseif $pc_priority is "quadrant">> Investigating the rumors surrounding the third quadrant <</if>> is your highest priority, and talking to the Healer from yesterday may help you find what you're looking for as quickly as possible, <<if $curious > $apprehensive>> and learning more about $h_herhim can only help. <<else>> Even though the thought of the mortalis still puts you on edge. <</if>> Turning towards the counter again, you give a small wave to Cerise to grab her attention. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<if $drink_offer is true and $daroca_dialogue is true>> "This might seem odd, but I mentioned the Healer off Daroca yesterday, can you point me to where that is?" "Going to see $h_herhim?" Cerise remarks casually, with a small twinkle in her eyes. "Potentially," you respond, hoping they don't ask you more questions about it. Cerise just nods, and before she continues, Jac calls out from the kitchen. "The Healer? Good $h_gender. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> watched over Cerise a few years back, went above and beyond to help her recover from a cough." You see him wipe his hands on a blue-striped towel and give you a smile. "As you can imagine, <<print $h_shehe>>'s earned as many drinks as $h_herhis heart desires." "Though I'm glad to hear <<print $h_shehe>>'s still singing our praises," Cerise adds, her eyes wandering to Jac in a loving look. <<elseif $drink_offer is true and $daroca_dialogue is false>> "This might seem odd, but I met someone yesterday who mentioned living off Daroca. A Healer I think $h_shehe said?" <<if $h_gender is "man">> Jac smiles as you see Cerise's eyes light up. She begins to move her mouth but he beats her to it. "Sculpted shoulders and arms that could lift you effortlessly?" he calls through the kitchen window. She huffs in annoyance and sends a pout his way. <<else>> Cerise grins and waggles her eyebrows at Jac as he gives a knowing smile. "Sculpted shoulders and arms that could lift you effortlessly?" she croons, giving a dreamy look. <</if>> <<if $friendly > $aloof>> You can't help snorting, a wide smirk forming at the description. "Yeah, something like that." <<else>> You cock an eyebrow at the description and look to the side, glancing over their smattering of utensils and glasses. <<if $h_flirt is 0>> "I suppose?" <<else>> "I suppose you could say that," you admit <</if>> <</if>> "Well why didn't you mention meeting the Healer?" Cerise questions, though it feels more teasing. "Though I'm glad to hear <<print $h_shehe>>'s still singing our praises." You offer a polite shrug, and she seems to accept it. "Do you know where I might find $h_herhim?" <<elseif $drink_offer is false>> "This might seem odd, but I met someone yesterday who told me about The Lucky Albatross, might've been a Healer?" <<if $h_gender is "man">> Jac smiles as he watches Cerise's eyes light up. She begins to move her mouth but he beats her to it. "Sculpted shoulders and arms that could lift you effortlessly?" he calls through the kitchen window. She huffs in annoyance and sends a pout his way. <<else>> Cerise grins and waggles her eyebrows at Jac as he gives a knowing smile. "Sculpted shoulders and arms that could lift you effortlessly?" she croons, giving a dreamy look. <</if>> <<if $friendly > $aloof>> You can't help snorting, a wide smirk forming at the description. "Yeah, something like that." <<else>> You cock an eyebrow at the description and look to the side, glancing over their smattering of utensils and glasses. <<if $h_flirt is 0>> "I suppose?" <<else>> "I suppose you could say that," you admit. <</if>> <</if>> "Sounds like the Healer off of Daroca, then," she chirps, clapping her hands together. "And I'm glad to hear <<print $h_shehe>>'s still singing our praises." "Do you know where I might find $h_herhim?" <</if>> Cerise lifts her arms and reties her hair back as she thinks about how to describe the way. "It's a straight shot down the street until you reach a smithing shop, then you hang right and go until you see a building with a roof covered in plants." "Smithing shop?" you ask, remembering the confrontation you witnessed. Cerise hums an affirmation. "Mhm, avoid the Magesmith if you see $m_herhim, though. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> can be a little…frosty?" Cerise adds nervously. Given the way the Magesmith glared at you yesterday, the description lines up with your impression. Once you receive directions from Cerise to where the Healer's clinic is, she hands you a small baked bun fragrant with savory herbs, placing it in your hands before you can reject it. You look at her questioningly. "On the house." She doesn't offer anything else beside the simple statement before returning to her work, and you decide to head on. As you open the outer door of The Lucky Albatross, you stare at the soft roll in your hand. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "I eat it. It was kind of Cerise to give this to me." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I eat it. Sheevra don't need as much food as the mortalis do, but I might as well." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I take a bite, but otherwise look for a place to throw it away." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I'm not eating mortalis food. I throw it away as fast as possible." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 5>> <<if $choice is "first">> <<set $empathetic +=1>> <<set $friendly +=1>> <<set $curious +=1>> At first you're not sure what to make of the gesture, taking a quick sniff and finding your senses filled with butter and rosemary. Happy enough to make a snack out of this as you continue on your way, you take bite after bite with each step. You're not sure what you did to earn free food, but Cerise seemed fine giving it. <<elseif $choice is "second">> <<set $curious += 1>> <<set $empathetic +=1>> At first you're not sure what to make of the gesture, taking a quick sniff and finding your senses filled with butter and rosemary. Hesitantly at first, you take a bite to find the taste of the savory bun at least mildy pleasing. Sheevra don't need food to survive as much as mortalis do, but you find yourself holding onto it and nibbling as you go. <<elseif $choice is "third">> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $curious +=1>> You take a quick bite, your senses filling with butter and rosemary. The taste isn't horrible, but something about the whole gesture still puts you off. You pass by a man sweeping trash into a bag outside his storefront and toss it into the bag when he's not looking. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> <<set $callous +=1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> You consider eating the roll for barely a moment before you sneer. Without even smelling the thing, you throw it away from yourself as soon as you can without any regard. A mortalis man sweeping outside gives a reproachful scoff, and he sweeps the wasted bread into the rest of his piles. <</if>> Finally taking in the morning air, the chill breeze rolling down from the mountains is a definite change from the humidity of Saor. Instead of hanging in your chest like molasses, you can feel the coolness not only on your skin, but racing through your lungs and limbs. Walking further from the Lucky Albatross, it doesn't take long for the the path to come to the Magesmith's shop again. To your surprise, you see $m_herhim already outside, bent over a blade with a piece of paper nearby. You watch from afar before approaching too close and see the brass arm lit in a firework of color, the light reflected in the goggles covering $m_herhis eyes and against $m_herhis cool beige skin. When you focus your own gaze on the sword in front of $m_herhim, you notice a set of three floating glyphs all hovering and reflected in the steel. The Magesmith taps the middle one with a metal finger, the gears whirring near $m_herhis elbow as $m_shehe scoffs with impatience. Dragging a hand across $m_herhis cheek, you imagine $m_shehe thinks that <<print $m_shehe>>'s cleared some of the oil staining $m_herhis face, when in reality <<print $m_shehe>>'s smeared it further across $m_herhis nose. After a click of $m_herhis tongue, you see a proud smirk curl $m_herhis lips and a quick succession of taps, two to the left, and a turn of the wrist on the right. Through the simple wooden struts holding up the roof of the outer shop, you see circles switch places in one of the glyphs, the outer ring of the other rotating to mirror $m_herhis movement. Your ears pop as something aligns, and the Magesmith draws a thread through the glyphs, leading them down onto the blade itself. White-hot heat flashes against the metal of $m_herhis arm, and you see the symbols flare white, then orange, then red, and then dulling into black lines carved into the sword. Standing victoriously, the Magesmith takes the hilt in $m_herhis right hand, and in a sudden movement slams the newly enchanted blade against the stone wall of $m_herhis home. <ul> <li> [[Continue|Chapter2-Magesmith][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<if $choice is "first">> Your shoulders droop with a sigh."Well it's a good thing we have each other's backs then." "Oh I'm leaving you as soon as things get hairy- I'm kidding, I'm kidding!" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> throw$o_s $o_herhistheir hands up at your pout and widened eyes. "//Sanctin//, why didn't you just throw that face at Sirin? Would've gotten you out of this for sure." "Now I know what to use on you at least," you start with a satisfied look on your face. Oisein gives a half-hearted glare before just shaking $o_herhistheir head with a faint smile. <<elseif $choice is "second">> Your shoulders droop with a sigh. "Hey, we're off to a great start, so surely it can't get worse?" "You //had// to say it out loud, didn't you?" Oisein huffs with a hand on $o_herhistheir hip and the other pinching the bridge of $o_herhistheir nose. "When this all goes to //extra// shit, I'm blaming you." "Yeah, that's fair," you laugh despite the situation, pushing the maddening gap in your memory to the side of your thoughts. The other sheevra watches your face as you digest the magic, looking to side before continuing. <<elseif $choice is "third">> Your shoulders droop with a miserable sigh. "Look, only one of us gets to start panicking, and I've already called it." "Oh no, you're the one Sirin picked to lead this whole debacle, so I get sole panicking rights," Oisein huffs with a hand to $o_herhistheir chest. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> your face run through a myriad of emotions before grimacing. "Or we could just…panic together, and hope we fly under the radar of everything before we make our merry way back to Saor?" Features scrunching, you stare at Oisein with doubt. "Don't think that's going to get us out of this one." Neither of you needs to confirm it, of course, and Oisein groans while pinching the bridge of $o_herhistheir nose. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Your shoulders tense and you set your jaw with determination. "Pull it together, we have to focus, or else we definitely won't survive." Oisein raises a brow at you and groans. "Oh, yeah, we're definitely not surviving if you're going to keep that up." You shoot $o_herhimthem a glare to which $o_shehethey wave$o_s a nonchalant hand. "Relax, relax, I'm not //trying// get us killed. I'm here to help, remember?" At your continued stare, Oisein just sighs. <</if>> <<if $ch3_o_know_voices>> <</if>> "Well <<if $ch3_o_know_voices>> then, unsettling pathos aside…" <<else>> then," <</if>> Oisein starts, looking back up towards the gate that you passed through. "I only got a feel for things earlier, but wouldn't mind a second set of eyes and magic to make sure I'm not crazy." <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> eyes drift out to the desert again as $o_herhistheir foot shifts against the dusty ground. Even in the time you've been speaking, the sandstorm in the distance seems to have traveled closer, the sand-sailing ships beginning to course towards the villages and city for safe harbor. <<set $o_elbow to false>> <<set $mc_elbow to false>> <<if (($o_friendship > 4) or ($o_flirt > 0)) and ($aloof_choice is false)>> "Should be quick, and promise I‘ll take you to nicer places another time," $o_shehethey continue$o_s, turning back to you with a quick wink... <<else>> "Promise it'll be quick," $o_shehethey continue$o_s, turning back to you with a wistful <<if ($ch3_o_know_voices) and ($aloof_choice)>> smile. <<else>> smile… <</if>> <</if>> <<if $aloof_choice is false>> <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li> <<link `$flirt_label+" ...and offering an elbow that I take with slightly heated cheeks."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $o_elbow to true>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link `$flirt_label+" ...at which point I offer my elbow for "+$o_herhimthem+" to take with a knowing smile of my own."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $mc_elbow to true>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link `$flirt_label+" ...and motioning with "+$o_herhistheir+" hand for us to continue forward. I do, with a smirk. \"Promises, promises, Oisein.\""` `passage()`>><<set $choice to "third">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> <</liveblock>> <li> <<link " ... and offering an elbow which I take with a cheeky grin." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><<set $o_elbow to true>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link `" ...at which point I offer my elbow with a flourish for "+$o_herhimthem+" to take."` `passage()`>><<set $choice to "fifth">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"... and motioning with "+$o_herhistheir+" hand for us to continue forward into the Arids."` `passage()`>><<set $choice to "sixth">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<else>> You nod as he motions outward for the two of you to press forward to the overlap between Renescen and the Arids. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 3>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 2>> <<if $choice is "first">> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> look$o_s to you with an elbow outstretched, $o_herhistheir expression familiar and comfortable. You eye the gesture hesitantly before taking a step forward onto the mixture of grass that fades into pliant sand and fractured, magic-drained earth. Another step and you're at Oisein's side, but you can't seem to meet $o_herhistheir eyes as your hand slips through to loop around $o_herhistheir elbow, the warmth of $o_herhistheir skin radiating past the silky fabric soft against your fingers. In your peripheral, you expect to see some sort of grin or suggestive smirk, but when your eyes flicker up, all you see is the gentle tilt of $o_herhistheir lips and tender lavender watching your reaction. None of which helps to dampen the heat collecting in your cheeks. The smile builds on $o_herhistheir face and tugs at your cheeks too. You can hear the chuckle in $o_herhistheir chest, but are focused on the feeling of it. The tiny vibrations that shimmer past $o_herhistheir ribs and down $o_herhistheir arm to meet you. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> give$o_s a quick squeeze of your hand with $o_herhistheir arm as $o_herhistheir chin lifts. "Well then, shall we?" <<elseif $choice is "second">> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> look$o_s to you with mild shock, but the widened eyes quickly narrow above $o_herhistheir growing, toothy grin. "So chivalrous!" $o_shehethey exclaim$o_s, immediately stepping to your side and raising $o_herhistheir hand to meet you. "No wonder you got so much information from the mortalis with charm like that. Going to give me a run for my money." The challenge is in $o_herhistheir voice and the lilting smile, but the hand that traces down from your shoulder tells a different story. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> take$o_s a second too long to let $o_herhistheir fingers drift down, the loose fabric draped from $o_herhistheir wrists leaving a soft trail behind. Finally, $o_herhistheir fingers wrap round. "Oh, I don't know if that's possible," you finally reply back with a raised brow. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> settle$o_s $o_herhistheir hand in the crook of your arm and bring$o_s $o_herhistheir other palm to rest on your forearm. "Stranger things have happened," $o_shehethey murmur$o_s, and with $o_herhistheir body this close to yours, you can feel the words as well as hear them. Heat builds behind your ears as you smile. "Well then, shall we?" "Let's." <<elseif $choice is "third">> As $o_shehethey motion$o_s for the two of you to continue forward, you can't help but smirk as you take your first step onto the pliant sand and fractured, magic-drained earth. You step closer to Oisein than $o_shehethey expect$o_s, if the widened eyes are any indication. "Promises, promises, Oisein," you whisper near $o_herhistheir face before taking a step backward, body still framed towards $o_herhimthem. Those widened lavender pupils watch you for a few more seconds before $o_herhistheir lips split into an indecent smile. "Well aren't you //cheeky// today." "Learn from the best, don't I?" You shoot back. "And compliments too? You really are spoiling me," $o_shehethey quip$o_s with a loose wrist pushing back the golden hair above $o_herhistheir shoulder. It's a hollow motion given that the wind has already pushed most of $o_herhistheir hair away from $o_herhistheir face. But you know it's an excuse to stretch the neckline of $o_herhistheir shirt to expose more of $o_herhistheir collar. "Well, then, shall we?" You nod towards the Arids nonchalantly, not giving any indication that you may be following the trail of $o_herhistheir freckles like $o_shehethey intend$o_s you to. The smirk stays on $o_herhistheir face at your response as $o_shehethey saunter$o_s forward. "Let's." <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> look$o_s to you with an elbow outstretched, $o_herhistheir expression familiar and friendly. "Oh, you're being so chivalrous today," you quip as you take a step up to $o_herhimthem and loop your hand into the crook of $o_herhistheir arm with a cheeky grin. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> practically cackles and you can feel the vibrations of the laughter running through $o_herhistheir chest down $o_herhistheir arm to meet you. "I //was// a bit of an ass yesterday with that scare I gave you in the Inn, so consider this a little bit of making up for it?" "I'm sorry, did you say you were apologizing? Oisein." You bring a hand to your chest as your eyes widen emphatically. "The Oisein. Apologizing." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> give$o_s an //ugh// and rolls $o_herhistheir eyes. But the continuous smile betrays $o_herhimthem. "Nevermind, I take it all back." "No, it's already out there. I'm telling everyone in Saor when we get back." There's an exaggerated glare from the other sheevra before easy laughter passes between the two of you. Eventually when it dies down, $o_shehethey beam$o_s at you with rosy cheeks. "Alright then, shall we?" "Let's." <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> As you offer your elbow with a flourish to match Oisein's dramatics, $o_shehethey equally <<if $o_them>>match<<else>>matches<</if>> your theatrical motion with a hand pressed to $o_herhistheir heart. "My, how chivalrous! You shouldn't have," $o_shehethey say$o_s as $o_shehethey immediately take$o_s advantage of your outstretched arm. Finger wrap lightly around your bicep before settling into the crook of your elbow. "Something tells me you're not so mad that I did," you quip back with a raised brow. <<if $o_past_feelings>> There's a slight color that tinges $o_herhistheir cheeks as $o_shehethey takes one more step closer. "How could you tell? Besides, wouldn't want to leave you just awkwardly standing there and have you embarrassing yourself. <<else>> "Who am I to deny you? Wouldn't be much of a friend if I did, and wouldn't want you embarrassing yourself." <</if>> "Embarrassing myself in front of all the people wanting to explore the edge of the Arids with us?" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> wave$o_s a hand in the air as you laugh. "Technicalities." Lavender eyes give you a glare with no bite, the slight squeeze of your arm and light smile betraying $o_herhimthem. "Well then, shall we?" You nod. "Let's." <<elseif $choice is "sixth">> As $o_shehethey motions forward, your eyes drift upward to watch the distance colors and swirling wind. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> follow$o_s your eyes, determination set in $o_herhistheir face. "I won't lie, it does make me miss Saor," $o_shehethey comment$o_s absentmindedly, eyes still glued to the horizon. "Can't imagine living this close to the Arids and seeing it just… there. Every day." "Never known you to be the sentimental type," you say softly, your gaze now turned to $o_herhimthem. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> gives a soft laugh, no bite or snark hidden in the light notes that tumble from $o_herhistheir lips. "What can I say, I'm full of surprises." A smile eases onto your face as $o_shehethey meet$o_s your gaze. "Well then, shall we?" You nod. "Let's." <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> It seems counterintuitive to be headed further into the Arids with the building storm in the distance, but still the two of you press on. At least for the moment. The last surviving grass reaches up around your ankles, the final barrier you have before only vast, empty ground greets each step. <<if $o_elbow>> You hit a particularly soft pocket and almost stumble, but Oisein is there to react and catches you by the hand at $o_herhistheir elbow, providing the support you need to straighten yourself. <<elseif $mc_elbow>> Oisein hits a particular soft pocket and almost stumbles, but you're there to react and catch $o_herhimthem by the hand at your elbow, providing the support $o_shehethey need$o_s to straighten <<print $o_herhimthem>>self. <<else>> You hit a particularly soft pocket of the mixture of green and orange and almost stumble, but Oisein is quickly there to provide a forearm and shoulder for you to support yourself against enough to straighten. <</if>> The change is more sudden up close compared to far away in the hills of the first quadrant. Vegetation swiftly surrenders to desolation, and your feet adjust to the ground that churns and shifts with each step, the skeletal remains of life yawning around you. Eventually you pause where the last bit of green struggles to break the surface, overwhelmed by the wasteland successfully drowning it. <<if $o_elbow>> But there's a small tug as Oisein continues forward, the pull of your hand making $o_herhimthem realize you've stopped. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> turn$o_s with a sheepish grin. <<elseif $mc_elbow>> But there's a small tug as Oisein continues forward, the pull of your elbow on $o_herhistheir hand making $o_herhimthem realize that you've stopped. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> turn$o_s with a sheepish grin as $o_shehethey give$o_s your arm a quick squeeze. <<else>> But Oisein continues forward for a few more feet before turning back to you. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> give$o_s a sheepish grin. <</if>> "Not quite there, actually." "What?" you ask, looking down at the lack of life around you. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> sigh$o_s, though less at you and more at the situation. "Trust me." <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> You feel as if you're at the peak of madness as you follow Oisein further. A few more steps and you can't help turning back over your shoulder to check on the guard. Looking back, <<if $o_guard or $leanhaun or $guard_at_gate>> you see the faint figure of the uniformed man from before at the gate, still nodding his head back and forth without a care in the world. Another mortalis couple passes by him, but thankfully keeps inside the perimeter and doesn't do more than give him a polite nod. Still, the faster the two of you get this over with, the faster you can get back and keep suspicions away. Though the couple does catch sight of you, by the way they just shake their heads and continue on their way you imagine they've just assumed you're a couple of troublemakers who are no real threat. <<else>> you see the pylons still <<if $unseelie>> swarmed by your illusion. This far away, you might be able to catch the slight mirage-like shimmer, but you imagine the guard is still distraught and distracted. <<else>> swarmed by lightning. This far away, it almost looks like the pylon is just being activated, the flickering light dancing and coursing its way over the stone. But you imagine the guard is still distraught and distracted. <</if>> <</if>> Which is really only half true. <<if $o_elbow>> With your eyes back towards the gate, Oisein places $o_herhistheir hand over yours to halt both of your steps, and looks toward the ground. <<elseif $mc_elbow>> With your eyes back towards the gate, Oisein squeezes your forearm with $o_herhistheir hand, pulling you in closer by the elbow to halt both of your steps before looking toward the ground. <<else>> With your eyes back towards the gate but your feet still moving, you almost thud into Oisein's back, catching yourself right as $o_shehethey stop$o_s. <</if>> Turning your focus to $o_herhimthem, you let the sound of the wind spin around the two of you, waiting for $o_herhimthem to continue the conversation and explain why you've had to step so far out. The line of the Crossing and the trade gate from before are still further into the sand than the two of you, but only just. Oisein's shoulders heave and <<if $o_elbow>> you feel $o_herhistheir entire body drop in the exhale. <<elseif $mc_elbow>> you feel $o_herhistheir hand tense in the exhale. <<else>> $o_shehethey put$o_s $o_herhistheir hands on $o_herhistheir hips. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> <<if $dryad>> "You'll probably get a better pulse on this than I could since you're an elementalist," $o_shehethey start$o_s, eyes cast downward at the orange sand that the two of you start to sink into. Pulling $o_herhistheir feet every so often to readjust, $o_shehethey look$o_s to you. "Go on, try sensing magic here." <<elseif $unseelie>> "Since neither of us are elementalists it'll be a bit weaker, but it should still do." <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> eyes cast downward at the orange ground, and $o_shehethey pull$o_s $o_herhistheir feet up every so often to readjust, looking to you. "Go on, try sensing magic here." <<else>> "Know we're both pathos proficients so it'll be a bit weaker, but it should still do. I was able to sense it earlier by getting a bead on the mortalis magic." <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> eyes cast downward at the orange sand that the two of you start to sink into. Pulling $o_herhistheir feet up every so often to readjust, $o_shehethey look$o_s to you. "Go on, try sensing magic here." <</if>> You stare skeptically at the ground, then back to Oisein, then back to bare, lifeless earth. <<if $s_arids>> Even though the Sage had mentioned this too, you can't see any evidence that Renescen's border has begun to extend. <</if>> Peering again at the edge of green you passed by a few minutes ago, you turn a look of disbelief towards the other sheevra. "You realize we passed Renescen's edge back there, right?" "Yeah, I know." Oisein <<if $o_elbow>> gently slides your hand from $o_herhistheir <<if $o_past_feelings or ($o_flirt > 1)>> elbow, shifting to let your fingers trace down $o_herhistheir arm and over $o_herhistheir hand. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> step$o_s back with a nod and a weak smile, and take$o_s an even breath. "Just try it." <<else>> elbow and steps back to give you some room. With a nod and a weak smile, $o_shehethey take$o_s an even breath. "Just try it." <</if>> <<elseif $mc_elbow>> gently slips $o_herhistheir hand from your <<if $o_past_feelings or ($o_flirt > 1)>> elbow, shifting to let $o_herhistheir fingers trace down your arm and over your hand. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> step$o_s back with a nod and a weak smile, and take$o_s and even breath. "Just try it." <<else>> elbow and steps back to give you some room. With a nod and a weak smile $o_shehethey take$o_s and even breath. "Just try it." <</if>> <<else>> Steps back to give you some room and crosses $o_herhistheir arms with a weak smile. "Just try it." <</if>> Eyes locking with each other, Oisein gives another insistent nod while watching your reaction. Finally, you let your eyes drift close. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> Fingers extend and stretch the skin of your palm as the magic builds inside your chest. It flickers faintly before igniting again, following the paths laid out in your bloodstream. Shifting your focus, you let the magic run a course down into your gut, past your hips and through your thighs. It plunges into your calves and through your heels as it reaches into what you expect to be lifeless ground around you. But something shimmers just barely out of reach. It twirls maddeningly on the edge of your magic, waiting for you to grasp it. <<if $dryad>> And you do easily, the //something// shining in your mind's eye and welcoming the embrace of your energy. Then you feel it. Roots. An entire network, spanning behind you and around you and ahead of you. Organic limbs and fingers that grip the plants you passed and weave past your feet, ready to bud to life but not quite ready. Nourished, and full of life and sweet, bubbling magic, but not able to flourish just yet. You keep reaching but you can't feel an end, as the web buried beneath the sand surges ahead. But that doesn't make sense. <<else>> Your first attempt misses, the energy flirting with your fingertips and dancing away. Your second attempt misses as well. But on your third, light bursts in your mind's eye. And unfortunately, it's a familiar feeling. <</if>> "You've got it?" Oisein whispers to return you from your reverie. Your eyes flutter open as your magic retreats, adjusting again to the afternoon sun. "The whole flickering energy thing? <<if $dryad>> "It's roots," you say, catching him by surprise. "They stretch from Renescen out towards the villages." You raise your head as Oisein bites down on his lip. "That's not...usually how the borders are, right?" He rocks forward nervously, toes sinking an inch into the earth. "Have you heard of anything like that with Renescen?" "No, not with any of the cities." Furrowing your brow, you try to think through what you've felt before at the edge of the forests surrounding Saor, or what you've heard about Han or Braka. "It usually feels-" you tumble over how to describe it, "-like you're standing at the edge of a cliff and the magic and life just falls off, if that makes sense. But here it's like something's built it out further, though it still feels fragile." "Did you feel the sheevra and mortalis magic too?" Oisein presses, the slightest tinge of fear and uncertainty starting to creep into his eyes. You shake your head. "I was focused on the organic side of things but…" Remnants of the energy embedded in the roots rise up in your chest to meet you. With your magic trained on the feeling instead, you're barely able to get a read on how exactly the magic is intertwined. But unfortunately, it's a familiar feeling. Sheevra. Then mortalis. <<else>> You tense in the silence with your eyes still closed, trying to get a read on how exactly the magic is intertwined. Sheevra. Then mortalis. "At first I thought it felt like the usual. Mortalis magic but given back and handled by the sheevra." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> rock$o_s forward nervously, toes sinking an inch into the sand. "But-" "-it's not," you finish $o_herhistheir thought and hear the irritated intake of air through $o_herhistheir teeth. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 7>> <<if $dryad>> But that's all you're able to surmise, even as you tilt your head to try to anchor your magic further. Oisein watches you strain and holds up his hand to stop you from trying again. "It's both right? But it doesn't quite feel like how the border back in Saor does." He steps closer to you and pulls at the cloth draped over his wrist. "From what I've sensed before, there's always a trace of mortalis magic since that's the source. But there's a clear mark of being handled and manipulated separately by a sheevra." As you narrow your eyes, Oisein reads the doubt in your face clearly and nods in agreement. "Yeah, doesn't feel like that here." "What do //you// sense?" You ask when they descend into silence. At your question, $o_shehethey bring$o_s $o_herhistheir hands up to $o_herhistheir face and drag$o_s them down, fingers tracing over the inner part of $o_herhistheir eyes and down the sides of $o_herhistheir nose. "It's…" $o_shehethey groan$o_s. "It's going to sound insane." <<if $sarcastic > $genuine>> "I mean, that would be in line with everything else." "No, but this is- I don't think I've ever felt something like this." <</if>> You wait for $o_herhimthem to continue, concern laced into your features. "It doesn't feel like two separate signatures. It feels like one person did this, who's //both// sheevra and mortalis." <<else>> "Yeah." At your response, $o_shehethey bring$o_s $o_herhistheir hands up to $o_herhistheir face and drag$o_s them down, fingers tracing over the inner part of $o_herhistheir eyes and down the sides of $o_herhistheir nose. "It's…" $o_shehethey groan$o_s. "It sounds insane." When $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> look like $o_shehethey'll continue, you continue for $o_herhimthem again. "It feels like a single person did this." "Which it //shouldn't// right?" $o_shehethey exclaim$o_s. "It should feel like mortalis magic handled separately by a sheevra. Or else just one or the other." "But…" An unsettling fear and uncertainty starts to take root along your spine as you speak the thought into being. "It doesn't feel like two separate signatures. It feels like one person who's //both// mortalis and sheevra." <</if>> A hush falls between you while the words hang in the air. Deep rumbling echoes in the distance from both the storm and sandsailers coming closer, the Arid villages already starting to cast enchantments to protect against the impending onslaught. "Sirin-" Oisein begins with a barely noticeable shiver, goosebumps bounding across his forearms, "-didn't warn you about anything like this?" <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"No,\" I say sadly, wondering if the High Sheevra really knows what's going on. Surely they would have told me something as important as this, right?" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $honest += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"You know, I'm beginning to think that they're hiding something on purpose.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Maybe they didn't know? That's definitely a possibility, right?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $honest += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Of course not,\" I snap angrily, frustrated with the High Sheevra. \"Why would they tell me anything?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 8>> <<if $choice is "first">> Blinking a few times, you shift your shoulders back and feel your spine pop as you look up to the sky. "No, they didn't. I'd like to think they would have told me something as important as this, though…" With a shake of $o_herhistheir head, Oisein scratches at $o_herhistheir collar. "You'd think. Feels like the High Sheevra always know what's going on, so for Sirin to not tell you this?" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> voice quiets and $o_herhistheir eyes cast to the side. "Don't know what's worse though. Them not telling you if they knew, or them not knowing at all." <<elseif $choice is "second">> Blinking a few times, you shift your shoulders back and feel your spine pop as you look up to the sky. "You know, I'm beginning to think that they're hiding something on purpose," you eventually say with a bitter laugh. Lavender eyes cast to the side, and $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> take the chance to poke fun at the High Sheevra, uncharacteristically. "Feels like they always know what's going on, so for Sirin to not tell you this?" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> voice quiets. "Don't know what's worse though. Them not telling you if they knew, or them not knowing at all." <<elseif $choice is "third">> Blinking a few times, you shift your shoulders back and feel your spine pop as you look up to the sky. "Maybe they didn't know?" you offer. "That's definitely a possibility, right?" "Suppose so." Oisein scratches at $o_herhistheir collar idly and casts $o_herhistheir eyes to the side. "Don't know what's worse though, them not telling you if they knew, or them not knowing at all." <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> You shift your shoulder back and feel your spine pop as your fists clench. "Of course not," you snap, jaw tensing. "Why would they tell me anything?" "Suppose there might be a reason?" Oisein offers with an uncharastically timid voice, eyes casting to the side. "Don't know what's worse though, them not telling you if they knew, or them not knowing at all." <</if>> Tension grips your body and Oisein's, more sand dusting up across your legs and inching over the greenery closer to the city. "If Sirin doesn't know, and Tacita is out of the picture, then I'd hate to see what we're actually up against." "We're just barely getting started," he interrupts, clearly not wanting the train of thought to continue too far. "We've probably just read things wrong. We don't really know yet." Another awkward pause as the two of you stand there, Oisein kicking into a small pile of sand and immediately regretting it as it swirls up closer to his waist. He spits the bits of dust out that fly near his face, before using a quick burst of elemental magic to keep it away. The spirals churn between your legs before they settle back against the shifting ground, small trails hovering and skating on the wind just above it. "We're really out of our depth here, aren't we, $pc_name?" You avoid $o_herhistheir eyes, your teeth set tightly against each other. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 9>> Oisein turns $o_herhistheir back to the Arids then, looking to the city gates. "I've shown you mine, want to show me yours?" $o_shehethey ask$o_s with a forced, strained lightness and teasing to $o_herhistheir voice. The sun still shines brightly on $o_herhistheir face even as it approaches the crest of the mountains behind Renescen, and $o_shehethey lift$o_s a hand to shade $o_herhistheir eyes. "The bank?" you clarify. "Yeah, might help for both of us to get the whole picture?" You have a feeling that's not the entire story, since Oisein is prone to looking for distractions, trying to avoid diving into any deeper conversation. But figuring it could help clear your own mind, you give a tentative nod. "Think we have plenty of time to walk back and take a look before the crystals light for dusk," you speculate, Oisein picking at the dust from $o_herhistheir sleeve beside you. "And probably should save checking out the potential Sanctum entrances for tomorrow after we get some rest and collect ourselves." You look at your own dagger-less hips. "Could also do with grabbing my weapons and a Sentiment or two." "Exactly, can't go without those," $o_shehethey note$o_s pointedly, while the relief relaxes $o_herhistheir face and the nervous movements of $o_herhistheir ankles. Even the natural light seems to shimmer brighter against the strands of $o_herhistheir honeyed hair. "Afterwards, we can collect ourselves and think on things back at the inn," you offer, surrendering to $o_herhistheir suggestion for now. "But let's head out?" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> hum$o_s a noncommittal note as $o_shehethey pivot$o_s, creating a shallow arc in the sand that moves beneath $o_herhistheir feet. After a quick glance at you, $o_shehethey begin$o_s to make $o_herhistheir way back to the border of Renescen and you follow. In the distance behind you, the imminent storm encroaches. <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-OiseinReturnCity][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Casting a quick look past your shoulder, you watch $s_herhis gaze trace over the four corners of the inner door's frame, ensuring that the illusion is still soundly intact. With a satisfied look, $s_shehe nods and focuses back on $s_herhis task at hand. The sand that once traveled in lazy clouds begins to swirl, leisurely at first without an ounce of urgency. But as you count the moments, they begin to race across the glass with maddening speed, creating clear orbits around the vacant center. Vivid horizons are drawn across the hazel of the Sage's eyes, and $s_shehe slides $s_herhis left hand downward and to $s_herhis side while a scraping whine sounds from the top of the sand's canister. Rings of carved metal begin to rotate and lure you forward to see what's happening, and the barest grin turns the Sage's mouth when $s_shehe sees you step closer. A flood of light spills out first as the rings open, a hastened, artificial sunrise bursting through the darkness. And then the sand //explodes//, surging and barreling towards the ceiling, climbing and climbing and clawing for the peak. Though a surprised yelp escapes you at the onslaught of motion, the Sage softly, almost casually, lifts $s_herhis wrists skyward. Fingers float with ease as the wind picks up around you and throws the hanging pieces of $s_herhis tunics in wide, blooming arcs around $s_herhis legs. And then- <ul> <li> <<link "-fireworks." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> The first one happens the moment the sand slams into the ceiling, streams of blazing particles separating and shattering outward in deceptively chaotic patterns. In a cascade after, each individual path bursts and pops, spreading the luminous magic thinner and thinner across the outer layer of the room. With each subsequent split the process becomes calmer, less the violent explosion of sand and more like petals unfurling from each new epicenter. Darkness almost returns with how spread the glowing bits of sand are now, a recreation of the waning light of dusk. Shining fractals etch their paths through the air, the fine layer along the walls drifting towards you from all directions. You half expect needing to find some cover or seeking the Sage to make sure the two of you won't be overwhelmed, but when your attention pulls back to $s_herhim, $s_shehe just smiles. <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> hands lower to $s_herhis chest with palms now turned upward as if to invite the gleaming motes of magic to a moment's rest against $s_herhis skin. A few accept, glittering along the embroidery of $s_herhis tunic before pouncing downward and springing on to their final positions. The painted golden lines beneath the Sage's eyes shine even brighter, curving along $s_herhis cheeks now lined with the same luminescence bathing the room. Hands settle with $s_herhis elbows at $s_herhis waist while $s_shehe gives one last look at $s_herhis work, each individual pinpoint of light now hovering in a predetermined place. Some solitary, some crowded with others. All glittering like bits of treasure. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> turns to you, and waits for you to see it. Of course. //Stars.// A field of them, you and the Sage no longer distant onlookers, but floating like witnesses to the inner workings of the universe. With renewed wonder you look at the now empty pedestal before raising your eyes to see the room again, finally registering the sky you would have seen on recent nights. Your neck cranes as to your left, the constellation Aja rises, tumultuous and unrelenting waters thrashing around the sails of a ship. To your right the highest peaks of Taern, the mighty boughs of its trees outlined with light and reaching for the southern horizon. Other smaller constellations wink with familiarity, the edges of nebulae and galaxies glancing down at your form. The Sage stands still and patient, and when your eyes drift down to $s_herhim again, you find the same sincere smile. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li> <<link `$flirt_label+" \"You know, if you were trying to impress me, consider it done,\" I say playfully, refocusing on "+$s_herhis+" face."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $s_flirt += 1>> <<set $s_friendship += 1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link `$flirt_label+" I watch the stars collect in constellations around the Sage, but find my eyes drawn more to "+$s_herhim+" than the glowing lights around us."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $s_flirt += 1>> <<set $s_friendship += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <</link>></li> <</liveblock>> <li> <<link "\"I'd heard about Renescen's Library before but this...\" I look around and up with awe. \"This is something else entirely.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $honest += 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Though I say nothing, It's hard to be fearful in the face of the scene." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "I try to hide any outward reaction, focusing on the Sage as stars shimmer around us." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<if $choice is "first">> The playful grin lifts your cheeks, your expression mirrored by the Sage. "You know, if you were trying to impress me-" Your hand waves through a cloud of starlight that places speckles in your vision "-consider it done." The Sage chuckles almost soundlessly, but there's something in the way that $s_herhis shoulders shudder and the pleased look $s_shehe gives you that speaks more than any laughter. "This is hardly the most impressive thing I can do, I promise." When you raise a brow, a flicker of teasing magic emanates from $s_herhim, a tender, summery breeze that whispers past your cheeks as $s_shehe holds your gaze. Goosebumps race in waves from your shoulders down your arms trying to chase after the caress. The charged warmth hovers and weaves through the stars nearby before $s_shehe closes $s_herhis eyes and exhales. In the remnants of the retreating magic, the air turns crisp and your fingers curl to stifle the shiver. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> turns $s_herhis head to your surroundings again, shoulders easing and eyes alight above $s_herhis smile. "Though I //would// say it's one of the most beautiful." <<elseif $choice is "second">> Your hand waves through a cloud of starlight that places speckles in your vision, mouth parted just barely as the awe runs through your body. A smile catches before you can stop it, floating sand hovering near the Sage and highlighting the soft curve of $s_herhis cheeks. To which you find your eyes drawn, more and more, despite the swirl of magic around you. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> notices eventually as $s_herhis hazel eyes settle to meet your own, and that same smile from before turns to something else. Gentle, calm, and inviting. Your heart stutters as a flicker of magic emanates from $s_herhim, a tender, summery breeze that whispers past your cheeks as $s_shehe holds your gaze. Goosebumps race in waves from your shoulders down your arms trying to chase after the caress. The charged warmth hovers and weaves through the stars nearby before $s_shehe closes $s_herhis eyes and exhales. In the remnants of the retreating magic, the air turns crisp and your fingers curl to stifle the shiver. <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> head motions to your surroundings again, shoulders easing and eyes alight above $s_herhis smile. "It's one of my favorite things to do," $s_shehe whispers. "I hope it's easy to see why." "It is," you say quickly, surprising even yourself while you watch the smile widen on $s_herhis face. <<elseif $choice is "third">> Your hand waves through a cloud of starlight that places speckles in your vision, mouth parted just barely as the awe runs through your body and a smile catching before you can stop it. "I'd heard about Renescen's Library before but this…" Your fingers drift down as you place more of the constellations in the sky, the hovering sand highlighting the curve of the Sage's cheeks. "This is something else entirely." A gentle, inviting laugh floats on the airy magic, a summery breeze that whispers around you as the Sage turns $s_herhis head to your surroundings again, shoulders easing and eyes alight above $s_herhis smile. "It's one of my favorite things to do," $s_shehe whispers. "I hope it's easy to see why." "It is," you say quickly, surprising even yourself while you watch the smile widen on $s_herhis face. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> A gentle and calm energy floats on the airy magic, a summery breeze that whispers around you. Your hand waves through a cloud of starlight that places speckles in your vision, mouth parted just barely as the awe runs through your body. <<if $apprehensive > $curious>> Your nerves are usually what come first in situations like this, mortalis magic setting the goosebumps alight down your arms. But for now, you manage to bask in the speckles of sandy cosmos and the faint glow highlighting the curve of the Sage's cheeks. <<else>> You'd almost expect yourself to be nervous when surrounded by mortalis magic like this. But for now, you manage to bask in the speckles of sandy cosmos and the faint glow highlighting the curve of the Sage's cheeks. <</if>> A laugh floats to you as the Sage turns $s_herhis head to your surroundings again, shoulders easing and eyes alight above $s_herhis smile. "It's one of my favorite things to do," $s_shehe whispers. "I hope it's easy to see why." //It is//, you think to yourself while you watch the smile widen on $s_herhis face. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> A gentle and calm energy floats on the airy magic, a summery breeze that whispers around you. Your hand waves through a cloud of starlight that places speckles in your vision, mouth parted just barely. You'd expect yourself to be unimpressed when surrounded by mortalis magic like this. But for now, you manage to bask in the speckles of sandy cosmos and the faint glow highlighting the curve of the Sage's cheeks. A laugh floats to you as the Sage turns $s_herhis head to your surroundings again, shoulders easing and eyes alight above $s_herhis smile. "It's one of my favorite things to do," $s_shehe whispers. "I hope it's easy to see why." //It is//, you think, surprising yourself, while you watch the smile widen on $s_herhis face. <</if>> <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> keeps one hand raised amid the sky around you, $s_herhis magic ambient and constant throughout the room now. With the other $s_shehe carefully trails a finger around the now open circle at the top of the pedestal and you hear it squeak shut. Fingers pressing against the edge, the inner rings flip over within the frame to reveal a set of interlocking ciphers with carved symbols you can't quite make out. Clicks echo as the Sage rotates the center, then the middle, only shifting the outer-most ring once before $s_herhis wrist holds above the circles, ready to press against it. A pause, and $s_shehe looks up to you. "Now then, about that breakthrough." <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> As soon as the Sage's fingers press downward into the metal, something deep and guttural echoes low in the world that's opened up around you, parts of the sand drawing together in one form and rippling like torrential tidal waves. The other bits of light begin to shift into constellations you don't recognize, but have the semblance of the familiar same sky. Then, with a flare, the rivers of sand that now run between you and the Sage morph and bend, shifting into brighter colors. The same colors, you know with aching familiarity, as the auroras that light the sky twice a year. "The Equinox," you whisper. The Sage hums a pleased affimation. "Here," $s_shehe says as $s_herhis hand blocks a cloud of stars. "This is a particular Equinox near the end of the Old Wars. The aurora looks similar to ours, right?" Blinking, you open your eyes wide and let them adjust to the more luminous streams of swirling colors, emerald and turquoise fire dampening the brilliance of the stardust. You forget yourself for an instant, trying to think of the last time you saw this through the shadowed branches of tall trees, other Faille'Tor sheevra pausing to stare upwards as the beauty of the night sky was overcome with beacons of light. "Yeah, I…" you say quietly. "I guess so." The image of your Clan still lingers, but the Sage doesn't notice your quiet reverie. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> "It's a standing theory that something about the Equinox and the aurora brings physical form to magical energy, and that what we're seeing is a manifestation of our magic in the green, and-" You see the Sage bob $s_herhis head to the side, face constricted and eyes looking to the ceiling. "-the world's inherent magic in the blue. Some would say it's //Sanctin's// magic in this band." From $s_herhis curtness, you can tell $s_shehe doesn't quite like the wording. "And the aurora is used as 'evidence'..." the Sage emphatically air quotes the word, voice dripping with disapproval. "...that the sheevra were or are a threat, because of this." Nodding to you in warning of another shift, $s_shehe clicks the rings again with a slow turn of $s_herhis wrist. Just a few more of the starry bits of sand begin to rush to new positions in the scene $s_shehe orchestrates, the river rolling in large, slow-moving waves and inching closer and closer, forcing you to take a couple steps back to still be able to see the entire scene. The familiar colors flicker like a waning crystal for a moment, before dawning into a new spectrum. When they settle, you wonder if the Sage has changed the planetarium into a day-time scene full of fragmenting rainbows, before realizing you're still looking at the night sky. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> It's the aurora, but not like anything you've ever seen. It's emerald and turquoise like before, but with new life. Bursts of fuchsia, of lilac, of burgundy, of silver, of gold. Just naming the colors don't seem to do them justice, and you have a feeling that this makeshift sky isn't able to do it either. The Sage pauses to observe the colors with you. Though you imagine this isn't the first time $s_shehe's seen this, the awe in $s_herhis eyes is telling. "In truth, this particular model is pulled from old records," $s_shehe begins, a tinge of reverence in $s_herhis voice. "Extremely old, before any mention of the sheevra. You can see why it might be easy to believe some terrible thing happened that drained the magic of the world, reducing the aurora to just two colors. But there's a few problems with that." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> lifts the hand from the pedestal and steps toward you while keeping the other palm and $s_herhis eyes upward. Your mind still shifts quickly between the changing lights, trying to place the names of each hue before it shimmers away into something equally mesmerizing. "The first problem, is that there are conflicting records about how and when the auroras started changing to just the greens and blues we see today. Given we only see them at Equinox, some say it all disappeared in the course of a year, others say it took as long as a decade or more." Trails of the auroras come down in swirls, coiling around the Sage and bathing $s_herhim in luminescent colors before rejoining the stream. "The second problem, is that those first records of the colors beginning to disappear? Far too early for the end of the Old Wars." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> stops for a moment while $s_herhis fingers shift and reach for parts of the sky. "Some will tell you, 'Oh, it's because the sheevra were gathering and being created before we realized'." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> scoffs and waves $s_herhis hand around with more sarcasm than you've seen so far. "Superstitious hearsay, and not looking at the greater picture." The aurora reaches for you next, and you find that despite the fact that you know this to just be a replica, it still feels comforting. Like something natural that you're meant to be a part of. Like home. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 7>> "The third problem is that the sheevra myth assumes that the magic was consumed by them - drained away by them. And because their magic is supposed to be untethered to this world, it isn't represented in the aurora." The Sage draws another step closer to you, boots thudding to a stop at your side. "But the size of the aurora never changes. The movement, the patterns? They all stay the same. That same amount of magic is constant despite the fact that the sheevra supposedly burst into existence and consumed enough magic to prolong the Arids indefinitely." Information unloading through your mind, you flicker between the mock sky and the Sage, who watches you expectantly. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "I search the Sage's face for understanding. \"So what does that mean?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Fireworks in the sky going to debunk everything known about the sheevra, then?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link `"\"How...what can that even tell you?\" I stare in confusion, avoiding "+$s_herhis+" eyes."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Okay, get to the point.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 8>> <<if $choice is "first">> You know the Sage is trying to tell you something important. Something vital enough that it might be related to why Tacita disappeared. But you search $s_herhis face for understanding, needing a small push to whatever conclusion or hypothesis $s_shehe's made. "So…what does that mean?" you ask, suddenly feeling the chill of your earring's metal more fully now. <<elseif $choice is "second">> You know the Sage is trying to tell you something important. Something vital enough that it might be related to why Tacita disappeared. But you search $s_herhis face for understanding, pressing your lips together with a throaty hum. "Fireworks in the sky going to debunk everything known about the sheevra, then?" you ask, suddenly feeling the chill of your earring's metal more fully now. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You know the Sage is trying to tell you something important. Something vital enough that it might be related to why Tacita disappeared. But you search $s_herhis face before turning back to the sky, avoiding $s_herhis eyes while you try to piece together the puzzle from the colors performing in front of you. "How…so what can that even tell you?" you ask, suddenly feeling the chill of your earring's metal more fully now. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> You know the Sage is trying to tell you something important. Something vital enough that it might be related to why Tacita disappeared. You tap your foot in impatience, however, wanting to receive the reveal as soon as possible. "Okay, get to the point. What does it mean?" The Sage looks sadly to you with a sigh before pointing again to the cloth. <</if>> "Well, so the question of what happened to the aurora remains, but we need to better understand what sort of magic those bands were instead of making the assumption that there was some great worldy magic that the sheevra stole." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> takes a measured inhale through $s_herhis lips. "If what I'm thinking is correct...it means the sheevra? They've always been here." The Sage exhales and wrings $s_herhis free hand in the golden sash at $s_herhis waist before $s_shehe paces through the background of sky. "In some capacity, anyway. They're not some curse resulting from the Old Wars, or some punishment for our folly. I think the aurora is supposed to represent ours and //sheevra// magic. Their magic, their //existence//, is as old as ours, and they're still a massive presence in the world." <ul><li>[[Continue.|Chapter3-SageSheevra][$textGroup=1]]</li></ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> ''//Back at the bank…//'' ——- You're not sure how much time passes. But you are //very// sure of the smell of smoke and fire crawling towards you. Groaning, your fingers curl inward into charred dirt and dead plants, the pain from your legs starting to sing louder into your consciousness. Burnt wood is scattered all around <<if $ch3_connected is false>> you from your sudden burst through the bank's wall, a few short flames trying to survive on the broken bits, but thankfully none of them roaring to life. <<else>> you, a few short flames trying to survive on the broken bits, but thankfully none of them roaring to life. <</if>> Your head beats with the rhythm of the fire crackling behind you, and you squint your eyes and turn. Ablaze is the simplest term to describe what you see, but the word doesn't quite do it justice. Fire shrieks upward over the frame of the building, radiant destruction devouring the structure in a manic frenzy. The exact opposite of what you saw the plants doing before, their overtaking more like a slow digestion. Plants that no longer exist. Right. Illusion. //Great.// The bareness of the landscape around you brings your thoughts to a halt, but thankfully you're still on the side of the building facing the alleyway, positioned right where you had entered before and mercifully without a mortalis in sight. Fragments of the illusion float towards the sky on the crest of the heat pursuing you, any of the lush, dense, overwhelming flora from before all but disappeared. Luckily, the burning rubble collapsing around your body hides you from the front courtyard, you think. But it could also be your coffin if you don't //move.// <ul> <li> <<link "MOVE." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> Forcing sharp breaths out through your nose, you will your bones to carry you away from the encroaching inferno. Arms react first, pushing against the dusty earth beneath you, grit and sediment like sandpaper against your skin and anchoring your senses. Your spine lengthens and pops as you arch upward and reach a hand ahead of you, digging your fingertips into the ground to find some sort of support. Knees come next, your thighs aching as they pull forward. Though whether from just the general situation of <<if $ch3_connected is false>> crashing through a burning wall <<else>> being surrounded by a collapsing building <</if>> or from some injury you've yet to notice, you're not sure. A problem for later. Heat prowls ever closer and you can feel it just skate against the bottoms of your shoes when you yank the bottom half of your legs forward. Fingers push from the ground, feet find purchase, and finally you're standing, stumbling, hands reaching forward for the gap in the iron gates. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 3>> Rough metal greets your palm as you grip the bent bars, the unsettling feeling of iron dampened by the adrenaline and if anything, a welcome stability. You take a quick moment to even your breathing as something crashes and cracks and falls apart behind you, sputtering sparks just on the edge of your vision. The sound urges you forward, and you worm your body through the opening. Just stepping from the cursed patch of land onto the dingy city street gives you enough relief and hope to ease some of the panic that threatens to overtake your mind, and you take a few more steps until your palms meet the bricks of the alley's buildings. Burnt nostrils heave another inhale, trying to clear the smoke from your lungs and desperately seeking out the smell of sewage and trash from before. When some of the city's smell finally pierces through, you find you've never been so thankful to smell rotting fruit as you are now, the taste of the alley practically sweet on your tongue. Only then do you chance another look back at the wreckage you just came from. The metal of the fence is a stark black shadow at the forefront of the fire, a cage-like facade against the glow. Wood falling from the roof and scattered from the length of the bank's side is the only kindling it has to thrive on, the rest of the courtyard now exposed for the wasteland it really is. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 4>> The heat is comfortable enough from this distance now, a lullaby that cradles your body in warmth. Eyes drift close, then open. Then close. Then open again, the interval lengthening each time. Colors as raging and vibrant as sunset reflect in your half-lidded $pc_eyecolor eyes, aching soreness sliding over your limbs as the adrenaline starts to fade. Stone scrapes at your back as you slide down, watching the scene as the exhaustion begins to suffocate you. If you could just… rest… … for a moment… you're… … so… <ul> <li> <<link "... tired." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 5>> <<set $page_break to false>> Something pierces your thoughts, and dread flares and spreads again. But your mind quiets, instead feeling some sort of magic reaching out to you, searching desperately. It feels…no, it //sounds// like a song growing louder and louder, caged in your skull. The notes of the minor melody are jagged, chaotic, nervous, //familiar//- <ul> <li> <<link `"\""+$pc_name + "?\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 6>> Your head rolls along the wall to the side, the sound of your name drawing your attention towards the bright entrance into the passage. Someone runs toward you, their silhouette outlined by the light until their blurry form comes closer. Honey blond hair floats around Oisein's face as $o_shehethey kneel$o_s before you, and you watch $o_herhistheir mouth whisper something panicked, but the specific words are lost in translation. There's a hand at your shoulder, and your arm, at the other arm, the other shoulder, lithe fingers trying to smooth away something that you can't understand. Notes of the magic's melody transform from nervous to discordant fear, and you realize $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> afraid for ''//you.//'' The only reason you notice $o_herhistheir next movement through your exhaustion is because you see the lavender eclipsed by $o_herhistheir eyelids, hair falling forward and hands rising. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> holds $o_herhistheir palms out towards you, and you can just make out $o_herhistheir brow twisting in concentration as $o_herhistheir fingers curl. Elbows rise to $o_herhistheir sides as the hands turn inwards, wrists stacking on top of each other while the pathos magic sweeps forward and dances along your collar. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> hands move to connect with each of yours, gently lifting them and pressing $o_herhistheir thumb to nest in the center of your palms while $o_herhistheir fingers support your knuckles. A fervent stream of words slip out… <<set $o_hand_hold to false>> <<set $o_hug to false>> <hr> <ul> <li> <<link `"...as Oisein brings your hands to "+$o_herhistheir+" lips."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "...as Oisein's muttering becomes quicker." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 7>> <<if $choice is "first">> As the magic builds, Oisein brings your hands up, wrists grazing softly against $o_herhistheir lips. They move against your skin, the words muffled by the downward turn of $o_herhistheir face but somehow echoing out to you as the pathos seeps into your bones. //"Please…"// You hear the desperate plea like a distant echo alongside the faraway sensation of $o_herhistheir hands gripping tighter. <<if ($o_past_feelings) or ($o_flirt > 0)>> //"Please…Sanctin, anyone else, but not $pc_herhimthem."// <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "second">> As the magic builds, you hear $o_herhimthem mutter something, the words muffled by the downward turn of $o_herhistheir face but echoing out to you as the pathos seeps into your bones. //"Please…"// You hear $o_herhistheir voice like a distant echo alongside the faraway sensation of $o_herhistheir hands gripping tighter. <<if ($o_past_feelings) or ($o_flirt > 0)>> //"Please…Sanctin, anyone else, but not $pc_herhimthem."// <</if>> <</if>> Oisein's song swells inside your chest now, and you can feel each chord, each cadence, the motifs clear in $o_herhistheir music. It rings into your mind and almost sings in your throat as you feel it uplift your senses and soothe any pain and fatigue away. You blink as your vision becomes clearer and your body mutes the aches, magic invigorating a second wind of energy into your core. Vitality sparks in your gut, urges the breath into your lungs and pushes aside the dread and doubts and uncertainty, and you feel like you could run the length of Renescen. The <<if $leanhaun>>other <</if>>leanhaun lowers your interconnected hands to watch your reaction as the rampant song starts to quiet, residual magic still thrumming in your ears. <ul> <li> <<link "\"Oisein?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 8>> <<if ($o_past_feelings) or (($o_friendship > 4) and ($o_flirt > 0))>> Just $o_herhistheir name on your lips is enough to illuminate $o_herhistheir face, blinking eyes softening and creasing with the relieved smile. With your senses returning, you feel an extra warmth gliding up your arm from your hand, and realize the gentle grasp at your wrist is where one of Oisein's hands have stayed. "//Sanctin,// $pc_name," $o_shehethey whisper$o_s anxiously, some of the tension leaving $o_herhistheir body when $o_shehethey close$o_s $o_herhistheir eyes on an exhale, chin dropping to $o_herhistheir chest. "I thought-…ugh, think my heart stopped there for a stretch. Trailing after you //can't// be good for me." As $o_herhistheir eyes open and $o_shehethey turn$o_s up to you again with a smirk, Oisein realizes where $o_herhistheir hand is. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> look$o_s down before turning away and lifting $o_hershistheirs from yours. "I'm glad you're alright," $o_shehethey say$o_s, a thinly veiled attempt at smoothing over the moment that's passed. Though when $o_shehethey take$o_s a chance to give you a once over, $o_shehethey <<if $ch3_connected or $ch3_push_fail>> winces at the scrapes and cuts you've gathered, looking at you questioningly before shaking $o_herhistheir head. "Lucky thing I was around, huh?" <<else>> winces at some of the singes and bruises you've gathered. "Lucky thing I was around, huh?" <</if>> <<elseif $o_friendship > 4>> Hearing $o_herhistheir name coming from you releases a sigh from Oisein, as $o_shehethey let$o_s go and sit$o_s back to rest$o_s $o_herhistheir arms on $o_herhistheir bent knees, a smile playing at the corner of $o_herhistheir mouth. "//Sanctin,// $pc_name," $o_shehethey groan$o_s emphatically. "You //trying// to scare me half to death? Feels like following you can only be harmful to my heatlh." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them>>push<<else>>pushes<</if>> back $o_herhistheir bangs, revealing the slight glimmer of sweat across $o_herhistheir forehead. Despite the light-heartedness of $o_herhistheir words, $o_shehethey look$o_s relieved. Though when $o_shehethey take$o_s a moment to give you a once over, $o_shehethey <<if $ch3_connected or $ch3_push_fail>> winces at the scrapes and cuts you've gathered, looking at you questioningly before shaking $o_herhistheir head. "Lucky thing I was around, huh?" <<else>> winces at some of the singes and bruises you've gathered. "Lucky thing I was around, huh?" <</if>> <<else>> Oisein sighs and pushes $o_herhistheir bangs back, revealing the slight glimmer of sweat across $o_herhistheir forehead. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> gives you a once over <<if $ch3_connected or $ch3_push_fail>> and winces at the scrapes and cuts you've gathered, looking at you questioningly before shifting onto $o_herhistheir knees and shaking $o_herhistheir head. "Lucky thing I was around, huh?" <<else>> and winces at some of the singes and bruises you've gathered, while some of the tension releases from $o_herhistheir shoulders. With a quick shift onto $o_herhistheir knees, $o_shehethey shake$o_s $o_herhistheir head. "Lucky thing I was around, huh?" <</if>> <</if>> <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if ($o_past_feelings) or (($o_friendship > 4) and ($o_flirt > 0))>> <li> <<link `$flirt_label +" I move my hand to take "+ $o_hershistheirs+ " back. \"Thank you.\""` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $o_flirt += 1>> <<set $o_friendship += 1>> <<set $o_hand_hold to true>> <<set $page_break to true>> <</link>></li> <<else>> <li> <<link `$flirt_label +" I reach my hand out to take "+ $o_hershistheirs+ " again. \"Thank you.\""` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $o_flirt += 1>> <<set $o_friendship += 1>> <<set $o_hand_hold to true>> <<set $page_break to true>> <</link>></li> <</if>> <li> <<link `$flirt_label +" I reach out and hug "+ $o_herhimthem+ ", grounding myself through " + $o_herhistheir + " embrace."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $o_flirt += 1>> <<set $o_friendship += 1>> <<set $o_hug to true>> <<set $page_break to true>> <</link>></li> <</liveblock>> <li> <<link `"I push myself forward to hug "+ $o_herhimthem+ " and laugh. \"It really was.\""` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $o_friendship += 1>> <<set $o_hug to true>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link `"I place a hand at "+ $o_herhistheir + " arm and smile."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $o_friendship += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"...Thanks,\" I say quietly." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "sixth">> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 9>> <<if $choice is "first">> Hiding within you is an ache that blooms at the departure of $o_herhistheir warm fingers, some instinct that urges you to be closer. Your hand reaches ahead of your mind and within an instant, you find your fingers entangled. Convincing yourself you imagined the sharp intake of breath from the sheevra in front of you, you glance up to lock eyes with $o_herhistheir now widened lavender. The song of $o_herhistheir magic spills over unintentionally again and you feel hopeful notes whisper in your ear. "It was," you murmur out. "Thank you." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> still stare$o_s, before $o_herhistheir lips part with hesitation and the melody turns to something more frayed but buoyant, longing an underlying strain. There's the tiniest, fraction of a lean forward toward you, before $o_shehethey correct$o_s <<print $o_herhimthem>>self and look$o_s to the side to distract from the color creeping over $o_herhistheir freckles. Still, $o_shehethey smile$o_s, fingers squeezing over yours. "Of course, I've got you." <<elseif $choice is "second">> Hiding within you is an ache that blooms to feel $o_herhistheir warm fingers, some instinct that urges you to be closer. Your hand reaches ahead of your mind and within an instant, you find your fingers entangled. Convincing yourself you imagined the sharp intake of breath from the sheevra in front of you, you glance up to lock eyes with $o_herhistheir now widened lavender. The song of $o_herhistheir magic spills over unintentionally again and you feel hesitant, but warm notes whisper in your ear. "It was," you murmur out. "Thank you." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> still stare$o_s, before $o_herhistheir lips part loosely and the melody turns into something even more comforting, more welcoming. There's the tiniest, fraction of a lean forward toward you, before $o_shehethey correct$o_s <<print $o_herhimthem>>self and looks to the side to distract from the color creeping over $o_herhistheir freckles. A cheeky smile lights $o_herhistheir face as you feel $o_herhistheir fingers squeeze over yours. "Of course, I've got you." <<elseif $choice is "third">> Fingers push you forward and you rock your body towards $o_herhimthem without another thought. Arms wrap around $o_herhistheir neck, face landing in honeyed hair as your fingers reach to meet you, burying themselves in the soft strands. Sharp juniper and the warmth of sun-kissed skin meet your senses, and you feel a tentative hand reach to your side. "Hey-!" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> palm settles against your back, and $o_herhistheir head turns toward you, chin against your ear. "You alright?" You don't respond, instead letting the way you sink further into $o_herhimthem speak for you. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> hand is firmer now as it holds you against $o_herhimthem, other hand cradling the back of your neck while $o_herhistheir legs frame your body. "Hey-…$pc_name." <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> voice softens and you feel the steadying presence of $o_herhistheir arms pressing against your body, the sound of your name a lifeboat through the chaos a short distance away. "I've got you," $o_shehethey say$o_s. "I've got you," $o_shehethey repeat$o_s, again and again like a beacon to guide you to shore. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Fingers push you forward and you rock your body towards $o_herhimthem without another thought. Arms wrap around $o_herhistheir neck, face landing in honeyed hair as your fingers reach to meet you, burying themselves in the soft strands. Sharp juniper and the warmth of sun-kissed skin meet your senses, and you feel a tentative hand reach to your side. "Hey-!" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> palm settles against your back, and $o_herhistheir head turns toward you, chin against your ear. "You alright?" "Yeah…yeah I'll be fine. Just-" You let out a breath as the pathos continues to flow through your veins. "It really was lucky you were here." Leaning backwards, you let yourself rest on your calves and hold onto $o_herhistheir shoulders as $o_herhistheir hand slides from your back over your arm. The two of you catch each other's eyes for a moment, a blond eyebrow arched to try and read your face. Something bubbles in the back of your throat, and before you can stop yourself, laughter starts to spill over your lips. "Okay…" Oisein starts hesitantly. "Okay, good, you've lost your mind now then too?" $o_shehethey chide$o_s, but with no real bite. The laughter overtakes the crackling of the fire and the nerves that have been buzzing around your chest, and you find some relief in the sound of yourself and the sight of Oisein in front of you. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> eventually cracks into an almost bewildered smile, before joining you with a muted chuckle. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> Watching Oisein, solace and ease start to collect at the base of your neck, flowing downwards through your limbs. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> waits for you to respond, apprehensive eyes clinging to some sort of reaction. When you do finally give $o_herhimthem the answer with a smile and a hand raising at your side, $o_shehethey looks to you with uncertainty, until you place it on $o_herhistheir arm with a squeeze. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> smile$o_s then, lavender meeting your $pc_eyecolor. "You alright?" "Yeah…I will be." <<elseif $choice is "sixth">> Watching Oisein, a solace and ease start to collect at the base of your neck, if only out of familiarity from $o_herhistheir presence, flowing downwards through your limbs. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> wait$o_s for you to respond, apprehensive eyes clinging to some sort of reaction. You close your eyes and let your rigid limbs soften as you breath out. "…Thanks," you eventually say quietly, $pc_eyecolor eyes opening to meet lavender. "Yeah," $o_shehethey start$o_s with a tone matched to yours. "…of course." <</if>> <<if $page_break is false>> <<if $o_hug>> With $o_herhistheir help, you eventually stand together as Oisein supports you by your arms, hands steadying your rise. Even when you're stable enough, $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> you carefully, your own eyes trailing up before tracing over the vibrant outline of the fire behind $o_herhimthem. Catching your gaze, $o_shehethey turn$o_s as well, hands falling from your elbows with a quick squeeze. The two of you stare at the bank as it crumbles in prismatic destruction. <<elseif $o_hand_hold>> With $o_herhistheir help, you eventually stand together as Oisein supports you, hand still intertwined with yours and steadying your rise. Even when you're stable enough, $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> you carefully, your own eyes trailing up before tracing over the vibrant outline of the fire behind $o_herhimthem. Catching your gaze, $o_shehethey turn$o_s as well, an uncharacteristically timid thumb ghosting over your wrist and drawing a path down your palm and middle finger, before $o_herhistheir hand falls away without another word. The two of you stare at the bank as it continues to crumble in prismatic destruction. <<else>> Eventually, you stand, dusting off your clothes with a sigh and looking back to Oisein. Even when you're stable enough, $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> you carefully, your own eyes trailing up before tracing over the vibrant outline of the fire behind $o_herhimthem. Catching your gaze, $o_shehethey turn$o_s as well. The two of you stare at the bank as it continues to crumble in prismatic destruction. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<else>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 91>><</link>> </li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 91>> <<if $o_hug>> With $o_herhistheir help, you eventually stand together as Oisein supports you by your arms, hands steadying your rise. Even when you're stable enough, $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> you carefully, your own eyes trailing up before tracing over the vibrant outline of the fire behind $o_herhimthem. Catching your gaze, $o_shehethey turn$o_s as well, hands falling from your elbows with a quick squeeze. The two of you stare at the bank as it crumbles in prismatic destruction. <<elseif $o_hand_hold>> With $o_herhistheir help, you eventually stand together as Oisein supports you, hand still intertwined with yours and steadying your rise. Even when you're stable enough, $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> you carefully, your own eyes trailing up before tracing over the vibrant outline of the fire behind $o_herhimthem. Catching your gaze, $o_shehethey turn$o_s as well, an uncharacteristically timid thumb ghosting over your wrist and drawing a path down your palm and middle finger, before $o_herhistheir hand falls away without another word. The two of you stare at the bank as it continues to crumble in prismatic destruction. <<else>> Eventually, you stand, dusting off your clothes with a sigh and looking back to Oisein. Even when you're stable enough, $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> you carefully, your own eyes trailing up before tracing over the vibrant outline of the fire behind $o_herhimthem. Catching your gaze, $o_shehethey turn$o_s as well. The two of you stare at the bank as it continues to crumble in prismatic destruction. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 10>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 10>> Oisein spares another quick look to the state of your injuries, before exhaling with an anxious round of $o_herhistheir hands running through $o_herhistheir hair, clearly stopping <<print $o_herhimthem>>self from asking any further questions. "My magic can keep you goin' for a bit, but we need to get somewhere so you can rest and get patched up. But..." <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> lips purse. "... tell me... you didn't just come out of there." <<if $sarcastic > $genuine+1>> "You're right. I've just been sitting in the alley practicing fire magic and suddenly this happened." <<if $ch3_connected>> The revelation of Tacita's appearance can wait…for now. <<else>> The revelation of this…self-proclaimed "Reviver" can wait until you're out of danger. <</if>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> shoot$o_s you a withered, but amused look, before both of your attentions are drawn down the alley toward the direction Oisein originally came. Hands clench at your side and you feel your brow crease. <<else>> Lips pressed together, you instead look down the alley toward the direction Oisein originally came. "I did. And there was someone-something-" The blond tilts $o_herhistheir head at your correction. "-that was also there." <<if $ch3_connected>> The revelation of Tacita's appearance can wait…for now. <<else>> The revelation of this…self-proclaimed "Reviver" can wait until you're out of danger. <</if>> Oisein's attention is drawn the way you're looking, brow creasing. <</if>> You don't need to speak to know the both of you feel barrier magic beginning to <<if $rails>> form, not unlike the other barriers you've encountered throughout the city. <<else>> form. <</if>> Though the city guards are busy warding other mortalis away, they haven't noticed you yet. Oisein scoffs under $o_herhistheir breath beside you, before looking at the direction of the Falls Road and the second quadrant that you've seen. No blockade has been set at that entrance, and a few other mortalis trickle out in fright from the buildings along the alley near it, far too focused on the impending fire to register the two of you. "Trust me, I can't wait to hear about what happened," $o_shehethey say$o_s as $o_shehethey step$o_s in the direction of the Library. "But yeah, let's get away from certain death first?" You nod and follow after $o_herhimthem as $o_shehethey take$o_s off, your steps quieted when the flames roar again. <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-FrontofBank][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $m_ignore to true>> <<set $m_rel_status to "You're barely acquaintances, and have possibly started things on the wrong foot.">> <<set $rel_magesmith to true>> <<notify>> Entwined: 'The Magesmith' unlocked!<</notify>> Although the curiosity almost snares you, you set your shoulders and continue the resolute pace towards the Healer. If the Magesmith has really seen sheevra magic before, nothing good can come of this. "Tch. Suit yourself," you hear $m_herhim mutter behind you. There's a flare of some annoyed magic that sparks and flickers against your back, but you continue to ignore it and press on. The path up Daroca is paved with the same sandy stone as the way you walked the day before, the fanned patterns of brick opening again and again with each stem. Once the Magesmith's home is out of sight, the street hooks sharply to the comforting view facing up towards the forest on the mountain side instead of the desolation behind you. With your eyes full of greenery and grandeur, the thought of the Arids and Clan Harpoc slips just a little further back into your mind, making the walk through Renescen slightly more bearable. Plenty of other pedestrians and passerbys flow around you, <<if $curious > $apprehensive>> and you find yourself observing each face sagging from sleep, some eyes narrowed in thought, other lips muttering to-do lists. <<else>> and you find your skin prickling in discomfort, never quite pulling into yourself enough it seems. <</if>> A sudden glare catches your eye down one of the alleyways, and through it you see the string of roofed carts hooked together that you barely caught when you first arrived at the Crossing, the mortalis filing and pushing their way into the corrals. Observing the contraption you realize the glare is coming from the glint of the blue crystals lodged securely into the top, the air around them charged with elemental magic. You don't get a chance to process the rest of it as a muffled voice calls out to the rest of the mortalis, before a man at the front of one of the carts places a hand on a pillar. A line of red energy glides up through a pattern you can only appreciate now, the color engulfing the crystals as the carts rattle and begin to move upward out of sight on a wire constricting in on itself. Being homesick is a surprising feeling to assign yourself, but even so, watching the rails carry the cart away flashes an image of Saor in your mind. A promise of purpose distracting you from the salty smell of the water lifts, a sudden drop in your stomach, and the wind kissing your cheeks as you and the other sheevra scouts were lifted toward the upper rings. Shaking your head, you carry on. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<set $alley to false>> <<set $confront to false>> Something prickles at the back of your neck as the crowds thin out and you make your way up the street. You turn once, surveying the gaggle of people ebbing around you, then turn straight ahead again. Another quick glance back, fewer people, but one woman in particular seems to be following you. With a snap, you face forward, biding some time until the sound of her footsteps are the only ones remaining aside from your own. The staccato of footsteps echoing behind you continues, even as you press on further and further down the street. There are fewer mortalis wandering about, and yet the woman is persistent and unyielding. //Does she know?// <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "I'll turn down a random alley and wait for her to pass." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $alley to true>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <<set $apprehensive += 1>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "Maybe I'll just turn around and ask if she's following me." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $forward += 1>> <<set $persuasive += 1>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I stop and confront her." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $confront to true>> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<if $choice is "first">> Not wanting to deal with some random mortalis right now, the best way to figure out what's going on is to take a sudden change in direction. Your eyes search for the nearest alley, before you pause, feigning a sudden misdirection, before heading into what you hope to be your escape. Your heart thuds in your chest when you hear the footsteps approach, and a halo of curly brown hair appears, bright red-stained lips parted in surprise as the woman does, in fact, look at you down the alley. "S…Sorry, did I scare you?" she asks, her eyes apologetic. Sifting for a response, you stare at her. "It's just that I noticed we happened to be going the same direction and I think I gave you a bit of a fright. You don't happen to be headed towards the Healer's place?" <<elseif $choice is "second">> Not wanting to be aggressive, but needing to know, you come to a pause and slowly turn around. Curly brown hair halos her face and bright red-stained lips part in surprise as you stand in front of her. You inhale deeply in preparation for a potential confrontation. "Are you following me?" you ask with more curiosity than accusation. "What?" She looks at your with a raised eyebrow. "Are you following me," you repeat, slower. Frozen with the shock of the sudden conversation, her face finally melts into a soft chuckle. "You don't happen to be headed towards the Healer's place, are you? Think we just happened to be going in the same direction." <<elseif $choice is "third">> This sort of nonsense needs to stop now, and you need to know if you're going to have to add dealing-with-a-mortalis-spy to your plans for the day. You come to a sudden halt and rear on the woman. Curly brown hair halos her face and bright red-stained lips part in surprise as you stand in front of her. You take a deep inhale and straighten your back. "Are you following me?" you say with a glare. "What?" She looks at your with a knotted brow, matching your intensity. "Are. You. Following. Me?" you repeat, slower. Frozen with the shock of the sudden conversation, her face finally twists into a scoff. "Think we've just got a coincidence, stranger. You headed towards the Healer's place?" <</if>> //Oh.// <<set $arch_friendly to true>> <<if $alley is true>> You take a hesitant step from your spot and join her back in the beams of morning sun. <</if>> <<if $friendly > $aloof>> With a slightly embarrassed half-smile, you sigh and give a quiet laugh. "That would explain it." <<else>> With a slightly embarrassed cough, you sigh. "That would explain it." <</if>> Sparkling laughter escapes her as she reevaluates you. "Well, let's just forget that bit of awkwardness then, yeah? Nice to meet you, I'm an Architect from the first second border," she says as she holds out her hand with a smile. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "I shake her hand with a matching smile. \"It's nice to meet you too.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I shake her hand. \"Same to you.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I shake her hand, but say nothing." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $reserved += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I look awkwardly to her hand and give an apologetic smile when I don't take it." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I don't shake her hand." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $arch_friendly to false>> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<if $choice is "first">> You reach out to shake her hand with a friendly expression to match. "It's nice to meet you too." Satisfied, she nods. <<elseif $choice is "second">> Trying to maintain some rapport of normality with the mortalis, you reach out to shake her hand. "Same to you too." Satisfied, she nods. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You give her a polite nod and shake her hand, and she quirks an eyebrow in response. "Quiet one, aren't ya?" Once she realizes you are in fact, going to stay quiet, the Architect shrugs while she brings her hand back. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> You look to her awkwardly, backing down from the outstretched hand with an apologetic smile when you don't take it. The Architect passes you a worried look before her eyes become gentle, and pulls her hand back. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> You look at her hand and decide to ignore it. The Architect breathes sharply from her nose and brings back the hand. "Prickly one, aren't ya?" At your stubbornly cool demeanor, she gives another quick exhale. <</if>> <<if $arch_friendly is true>> "Come on then, we're almost there," she says as she continues on to lead the way. <<else>> "Alright then, suppose we'll just continue on in silence?" Without acknowledging her, you turn to continue on to your destination. <</if>> When you see the green roof, your first thought is that it must be an incomplete house, the wild plants on top blending in with the clearing behind it that eventually leads into the woods. But the Healer stands at the edge and breaks up the carpet of vegetation, $h_herhis seemingly floating body adjusting your perspective to see the wooden frame supporting $h_herhim. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> pats down $h_herhis pants, and in the emerging sunlight, you notice $h_herhim already covered in a thin sheen of sweat from the ambient heat. Without the blue cloth draping across $h_herhis chest, you can see the toned muscles apparent along $h_herhis collar and shoulders, with more <<if $h_gender is "man">> revealed on the Healer's russet-toned stomach as he pulls up the bottom fabric of the black undershirt to wipe at his neck. <<elseif $h_gender is "woman">> revealed across the Healer's russet-tone stomach as she draws a hand across her forehead, her bare skin glowing underneath her cropped black undershirt. <</if>> From what you can see, black lines like the tattoos under $h_herhis eyes outline the path of $h_herhis abdomen, jutting sharply down to angle around $h_herhis side onto the small of $h_herhis back. When the Healer notices the two of you coming up the path, $h_shehe gives a quick smile and wave, turning around to drop off the awning with little effort. The black markings from before disappear underneath the cloth and reappear to trace the line of $h_herhis shoulder blades. At your side, the Architect gives a sharp whistle while the Healer heads toward you, the tattooed $h_gender rolling $h_herhis eyes. Only then does $h_shehe fully register your presence too. <<if $h_flirt > 0 and $healer_pickup is true>> "Well, if it isn't $pc_name," the Healer says with a coy grin. "Suppose we'll see if I can keep my promise?" With an extremely arched eyebrow and widened eyes at the name, the woman at your side looks to you before swinging to the Healer. <<elseif ($h_flirt gt 0 and $healer_pickup is false) or ($h_flirt eq 0 and $healer_pickup is true)>> "Well, if it isn't the newcomer!" the Healer says with a smile. The woman at your side looks to you again before swinging to the Healer with mild curiosity. <<elseif $h_flirt is 0 and $healer_pickup is false>> "Ah, the newcomer!" The Healer gives you a nod as the woman at your side glances at you again. <</if>> "Oh, Architect, this is a…" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> searches for another word. "-Traveler from Saor that I about leveled yesterday." When $h_shehe recollects the encounter, <<if $h_flirt > 0 and $healer_pickup is true>> $h_shehe shoots you a cheeky smirk with face shining. The Architect gives a teasing snort. "That's about usual with this one, all limbs with no sense for space." Before the Healer can protest, she continues, blind to $h_herhis reaction. <<else>> you can see the self-conscious apology in $h_herhis eyes for the hundredth time. The Architect clicks her tongue. "That's about usual with this one, all limbs with no sense for space." The Healer gives an offended whine, but the woman continues all the same. <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> "Wanted me to look at what we talked about before then?" The Healer chews $h_herhis bottom lip. "Yeah, maybe a landing or something to connect to the upper loft? Not sure what's the best way to go about it." "What, tired of falling on your ass?" "Yes," the Healer says with exasperation, picking up a wooden palette box nearby to serve as a stepping stool for the Architect and placing it directly in front of her with emphasis. "Obviously." "Shame, it's always hilarious." "Thank you, you're a bucket full of laughs yourself," the Healer snaps back while the Architect laughs, hoisting herself up on the roof after she's pulled out some gloves and a small bag of tools and measuring tape. She gives a quick wave to the Healer before making her way further up to survey the building. You watch the Healer roll $h_herhis shoulders before turning back to you. <ul> <li> [[Continue|Chapter2-Healer][$textGroup = 5]] </li> </ul> <</switch>>

"Where are you from?" You raise an eyebrow at $m_herhim. <<if $sarcastic > $genuine>> "Sure you want to waste a perfectly good question like that?" <<else>> "That seems obvious doesn't it?" <</if>> The Magesmith keeps $m_herhis eyes locked on yours. You sigh a breath out before answering, "Saor." <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> watches your face as you answer, narrowing $m_herhis eyes and idly turning something in $m_herhis brass arm. After another survey of your features, $m_shehe nods. "Alright. Next?"

"How long you been here?" "In Renescen?" you clarify, though you're not sure why. The Magesmith nods. "Not even a full day." "Huh," is all $m_shehe says, before beckoning your next question with $m_herhis hand.

"So. Why're you here?" $m_shehe lowers $m_herhis face into $m_herhis palm, elbow resting against $m_herhis thigh. It's clear $m_shehe's sizing you up, and you have a sinking feeling that $m_shehe's just waiting to judge how convincing your lie might be. <<if $persuasive > 0>> "Visiting some friends of the family," you say, repeating some common phrase you've heard in your excursions into Saor. "You know how it is, some auntie and uncle guilt trip the rest of us for not visiting, 'Oh, but Crossing rarely makes you sick anymore!'" Your high pitched wail is a pretty convincing rendition, you think. From the look on $m_herhis face, it seems like the Magesmith thinks so too, the palm easing up to cover what you can see is a quiet snicker as $m_herhis shoulders shake. "Yeah, alright, alright. What else've you got?" <<elseif $intimidating > 0>> "Visiting some friends of the family," you say, drawing your back straighter from the point at the bottom of your spine to the base of your skull. You take a deep breath in and stare down the Magesmith, leaving the statement at that. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> brings $m_herhis hands up in a mock surrender, seeking a truce in your eyes. "Yeah, alright, alright. What else've you got?" <<else>> <<set $m_suspicious to true>> "I…ah-" What were you going to say? Your mind feels like a blank canvas that you could've sworn was filled with an image just a moment before. Despite your internal search, you can't seem to grasp whatever used to be your excuse to be in Renescen. You suppose you should find something else to say soon, but $m_herhis expression has already morphed into something like a sneer. "Well then. What else've you got? <</if>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Instead of stopping $h_herhim, you decide to watch to see what happens. <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> hands are still planted firmly against the table's surface, elbows rigid and strained. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> lowers $h_herhis chin to $h_herhis chest as $h_shehe takes a deep breath in, then lifts $h_herhis head again to meet your eyes. "I'm sorry, you didn't deserve that," $h_shehe slides a hand to a miniature vial of liquid on the table and unscrews the lid from the container. "It's not been great in Renescen recently." <<if $empathetic > $callous>> You feel your teeth clench with slight nerves, trying to be as delicate as possible. "Is it...just the third quadrant? Or something else?" <<else>> You feel your teeth clench, wanting more answers. "Just because of the murders? That happens in any city, doesn't it?" <</if>> A sharp clink sounds as the vial meets stone and the Healer tips the contents into the mortar, pouring the mercurial liquid over the harmonims. <<if $empathetic > $callous>> Another sigh <<else>> A scoff <</if>> escapes $h_herhim as $h_shehe taps out the remaining dregs that slip out from inside. "It's something else," $h_shehe continues, disquiet creasing $h_herhis features. "And not even just the strangeness of the murders themselves." With a steady hand, $h_shehe places the vial back where it came from and readies the pestle. "I'm not sure how to explain it though." <<if $empathetic > $callous + 1>> You wait a few moments before trying to ease out another answer. "Can you try?" The Healer pauses, trying to find the answer in the mixture in front of $h_herhim. <<else>> "Try." The Healer looks at you with no small amount of disdain at the attempt at conversation before trying to find the answer in the mixture in front of $h_herhim. <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> "Almost like…something's out of balance?" //"…there was a massive shift in the magic surrounding the city."// Sirin's words flood your mind again as you continue to listen. "There's this feeling I can't shake," $h_shehe continues, unaware of your thoughts. "Like I'm missing- or maybe it's better to say like I'm forgetting something." //So even the mortalis can sense it.// The Healer holds $h_herhis body tight for a few moments more before releasing the strain, shoulders floating downwards with $h_herhis breath. <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> eyes keep forward when $h_shehe opens them again. "At least I'm not like one of the people spouting bullshit about the end of times and us bringing this down on ourselves." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> grabs the pestle forcefully and shakes $h_herhis head. "Couldn't believe that the first time I heard it." <<set $h_bitter to false>> <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li><<link `$info_label + " \"What do you mean?\""` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup to 3>> <</link>></li> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "\"That does sound odd.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>> <<set $choice to "first">> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Can't let the crazies get to you.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $choice to "second">> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"...What if there's truth to that?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $choice to "third">><<set $h_bitter to true>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Doesn't sound that far-fetched to me.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $choice to "fourth">><<set $h_bitter to true>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> You have a feeling you know what's coming, but you ask regardless. "What do you mean?" Before you finish the question, the Healer rolls $h_herhis eyes, but not particularly at you. Still, it seems that $h_shehe may be going for the record of how little $h_shehe can look at someone while having a conversation. But $h_shehe does eventually meet your eyes again. "There's an...//organized group//," $h_shehe gives a sneer before continuing. "Who think we're responsible for the state of the Arids, instead of the sheevra." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> flicks a hand upward. "As if we haven't been trying for a thousand years to fix it." The story is the same as you've heard in Saor, always framed around a mortalis' warning. It's the same irresponsibility as usual, a tale spun about how the sheevra weren't just sent to punish the mortalis, but to keep draining and deteriorating the world. Plucky of them to blame the beings actually trying to save it. <<if $empathetic > $callous+1>> //Then again, what if…// Halting the thought in its tracks, you squeeze your fingers against each other. <<else>> Especially since no matter what you do to fix their mistakes, it never seems to be enough to counteract their destruction. <</if>> But either way, it's the first you've heard of the mortalis…believing what you do? <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li>$info_label "What do you mean?" </li> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "\"That does sound odd.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Can't let the crazies get to you.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"...What if there's truth to that?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $choice to "third">><<set $h_bitter to true>><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Doesn't sound that far-fetched to me.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><<set $choice to "fourth">><<set $h_bitter to true>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<if $choice is "first">> With a hum you run a palm down your thigh and look back to the Healer. "That does sound odd." "Right?" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> gives an emphatic gesture before realigning to the mortar and pestle. "And really, don't bad things happen to good people in any city?" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> looks unconvinced of $h_herhis own words as $h_herhis voice trails off, but you don't press it further. <<elseif $choice is "second">> Shrugging as casually as you can, you lean forward and let a smug smirk fall on your face. "Can't let the crazies get to you, right?" The Healer lets outs a deep laugh that reverberates into your chest. "True enough. And really, don't bad things happen to good people in any city?" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> looks unconvinced of $h_herhis own words as $h_herhis voice trails off, but you don't press it further. <<elseif $choice is "third">> //I'm going to regret this.// "What if there's some truth to that?" As expected, the Healer looks to you in shock. "That we're responsible? That, what, we're purposefully killing our own world?" <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> voice echoes just a hair louder around $h_herhis home. With a grimace you hold up your hands and try to practice some precision in finding your next words. "Do we really know it's not the-…not our fault?" Offense is the first emotion that flares in $h_herhis face, but it quickly morphs into a half mixture of confusion when it's the Healer's turn to try and find some sort of response. Unnerved, $h_shehe turns away. "I don't know," $h_shehe finally rasps out. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Cauldrons continue to pop and bubble across from you as you give a shrug. "Doesn't sound that far-fetched to me." About as expected, the Healer looks to you in heated shock. "You think we're purposefully killing our own world? How can you believe that?" $h_shehe snaps, voice filling $h_herhis home. You dismiss $h_herhis anger with a nonchalant wave. "Is there really any way to know the real cause? Can you say with complete confidence why the Arids still exist?" Offense is the first emotion that flares in $h_herhis face, but it quickly morphs into a half mixture of confusion when the Healer tries, unsuccessfully, to find some sort of response. Unnerved, $h_shehe turns away. "I guess I can't," $h_shehe finally rasps out. <</if>> <<if $h_bitter is true>> There's a second where you're not sure if the Healer will snap at you again. But instead, with a new rigor, $h_shehe <<else>> The Healer <</if>> finally goes to crush the harmonims, and you hear the sound of the disfigured leaves crackling before mixing with the nectar inside. After swirling around the now pulpy mixture, $h_shehe gives a couple more strokes of stone on stone before moving it into another dish to the side. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> scrapes the compound out easily, using a small flexible spatula to remove the more stubborn layers. In the clearer dish, you can see the greenish paste with the flecks of white and pink you know to be the harmonim's petals. <ul> <li>[[Continue|Chapter2-HealerHarmonim][$textGroup = 4]]</li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> You can't watch this happen. "W-What…what are you doing?" you practically shout out. The tone you use catches $h_herhis attention, hand hovering just above the stone bowl. "Uh, I'm-" $h_shehe collects the words into $h_herhis mouth, glad for the distraction from the previous topic. "I'm crushing a cloi bulb to add to a salve for someone in the second. Need to get on with some more rounds once we're done here." "Just…" you respond, unconvinced. "You just crush it?" "What else would I do?" the Healer says back with a slight annoyance, clearly not expecting to be questioned like this, especially by someone $h_shehe barely knows. "You have to crush it or cut it since they don't open naturally. It's the only way to get and release the liquid inside." "You don't //sing// to it?" you say, as if the answer didn't need stating. The Healer watches you with a sudden raised brow, trying to decide whether or not you're just trying to make a fool of $h_herhim. "//Sorry//. Say again?" You shake your head and sigh in exasperation. "You all will brute force your way through anything, won't you?" you whisper low so $h_shehe doesn't hear you. Standing from the bench, you move around the chairs to the other side of the table and motion for the bowl. Moments pass where the Healer keeps trying to read some hidden motive in your face, but not finding it, $h_shehe lifts the bowl to you. <<set $h_hold to false>> <hr> <ul> <li> <<link `"I place my hand under " + $h_herhis + " forearm to bring the bowl closer to my face."` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $forward += 1>><<set $h_hold to true>><</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"I take the bowl into my hands as " + $h_shehe + " releases " + $h_herhis + " hold on it."` `passage()`>><<set $reserved += 1>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $h_hold is true>> You place your hand underneath $h_herhis forearm to bring the bowl closer to your face. <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> skin is warmer than you were expecting, $h_herhis eyes exploring the plants as if they were suddenly a foreign, brand new discovery. <<else>> You take the bowl into your hands as $h_shehe releases $h_herhis hold on it, $h_herhis eyes exploring the plants as if they were suddenly a foreign, brand new discovery. <</if>> "We call-" you pause. "In Saor, we call them harmonims. Each layer reacts to a different pitch." <<if $o_friendship gte 5>> Oisein was always slightly better at finding them, but you don't mention that out loud. <</if>> <<if $h_hold is true>> Clutching a little tighter at the Healer's arm, <<else>> Clutching your hands a little tighter against the rough stone, <</if>> you start to hum a deep note. When nothing happens, you change it slightly, trying to grasp at the perfect tone. To the Healer's amazement, $h_herhis face opening in shock, the top of the bulbs begin to murmur and unravel themselves, the grey-green outer leaves drifting down in a spiral to reveal a white layer underneath. <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> eyes light up in excitement as you start again at a mid-range note. In the string of your humming, a soft tune begins to emerge. The melody cascades around the two of you, the natural energy flowing and ebbing in the air. The Healer's jaw slackens open as $h_shehe watches each layer peel back when you repeat the process. First white, as bright as the snow-capped peaks of Renescen's mountains. Then fuchsia petals spiral downward, revealing a gradient into the center through dark orange as saturated as sunset. They fold and rest themselves along the sides of the small bowl and spill over to touch <<if $h_hold is true>> $h_herhis fingertips. <<else>> your fingertips. <</if>> The last enclosure finally opens when you hum a delicate high note, layered around in a purple-red as dark as wine but as soft as dusk. As the petals glide away from the center, clear liquid is revealed round the stamens with no regard for gravity. Echoes of your voice and the natural magic of the flower reverberate around you, and a hush falls between each crackle of the fire. With a satisfied smile, your eyes lock with the Healer's and… <hr> <<if $h_hold is true>> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li> <<link `$flirt_label + " ...my touch lingers on " + $h_herhis + " arm, heat building behind my ears."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "hold_first">> <<set $h_flirt += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link `$flirt_label + " ...my fingers trace warm paths along " + $h_herhis + " arm as I let my touch fall away."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "hold_second">> <<set $h_flirt += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <</link>> </li> <</liveblock>> <li> <<link "...I let my hold drop and give the Healer a smile." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "hold_third">> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "...I nervously bring my hands back, avoiding the Healer's look." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "hold_fourth">> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "...I nod decisively as I release my hold on the Healer." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "hold_fifth">> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<else>> <ul> <li> <<link `$flirt_label + "...I linger until I hold out the bowl with pressed lips, heat building behind my ears."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "sep_first">> <<set $h_flirt += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link `$flirt_label + " ...a sly grin lights up my face. \"Impressed?\""` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "sep_second">> <<set $h_flirt += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"...I hold the bowl back for " + $h_herhim + " to take, giving a warm smile."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "sep_third">> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"...I hesitantly hold the bowl out, trying to avoid touching " + $h_herhim + " as " + $h_shehe + " takes it back."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "sep_fourth">> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "...I nod decisively as I hand the bowl back to the Healer." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "sep_fifth">> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 3>> <<if $choice is "hold_first">> As you hold the pools of shimmering amber and gold in your own $pc_eyecolor, your touch lingers on $h_herhis arm, and the heat builds behind your ears. An echo of cool, unfamiliar magic strokes your skin while the Healer looks up and contemplates your features, $h_herhis throat bobbing as $h_shehe tries to swallow the lump that's formed in it. Electricity builds and buzzes in the space between you, an orchestra of storms. The magic rears back as the Healer snaps $h_herhis attention down to the bowl with a cough and an astonished look. "You'll have to hurry," you say quietly. "I think there's about five minutes before the healing bit evaporates." The statement grounds the Healer again. <<elseif $choice is "hold_second">> As you hold the pools of shimmering amber and gold in your own $pc_eyecolor, your fingers trace suggestively up $h_herhis arm before you let your touch fall away, a smirk resting lazily on your face. The Healer marks paths over your features with $h_herhis eyes, a building buoyancy in $h_herhis spirits turning $h_herhis lips. "That should make it easier to extract, not to mention more potent," you start, letting the words drift between you. "Better hurry though, you've only got about five minutes to collect it before the healing bit evaporates." An echo of cool, unfamiliar magic strokes your skin and seeps into the space around you, rearing back as the Healer snaps $h_herhis attention down to the bowl with an astonished look and something between a laugh and a cough. <<elseif $choice is "hold_third">> You let your hold drop and give the Healer a smile as $h_shehe stares at you, down at the bowl, and then back up. "That should make it easier to extract, not to mention more potent. You'll have to hurry though, you've only got about five minutes to collect it before the healing bit evaporates." "R-right," the Healer says, the statement grounding $h_herhim just slightly, though the astonishment is still apparent on $h_herhis face. <<elseif $choice is "hold_fourth">> Watching $h_herhis reaction, you almost snap your hands back, avoiding the Healer's temporary shocked look at the sudden disconnect. "You'll have to hurry," you say quietly. "I think there's about five minutes before the healing bit evaporates." The statement grounds the Healer again, and $h_shehe gathers $h_herhim attention down to the bowl, though the astonishment is still apparent on $h_herhis face. <<elseif $choice is "hold_fifth">> You give a decisive nod as you release your hold on the Healer. When $h_shehe says nothing back, you give $h_herhim a pointed look and motion to the mortar. "That should make it easier to extract," you state. "Not to mention more potent. You need to hurry, it's only about five minutes before the healing bit evaporates." <<elseif $choice is "sep_first">> As you hold the pools of shimmering amber and gold in your own $pc_eyecolor, you can barely register your hands when they hold the bowl out for the Healer to take again. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> does, not looking in astonishment at the flowers, however, but at you as the heat builds behind your ears. An echo of cool, unfamiliar magic barely flickers against your skin while $h_herhis eyes drink you in. Electricity builds and buzzes in the space between you, an orchestra of storms. "You'll have to hurry," you say quietly, shying away reluctantly. "I think there's about five minutes before the healing bit evaporates." The statement grounds the Healer again, and $h_shehe gathers $h_herhim attention down to the bowl. <<elseif $choice is "sep_second">> As you hold the pools of shimmering amber and gold in your own $pc_eyecolor, a building electricity sizzles between you, and a sly grin lights your face. "Impressed?" you ask, holding the bowl out for $h_herhim to take back. A matching half-smile turns $h_herhis lips as $h_shehe gathers the mortar into $h_herhis hands, and, you notice, $h_shehe brushes against your fingers purposefully along the way. "Do you need me to say it out loud?" "I mean, I wouldn't mind." At the sound of the chuckle bubbling in your throat, an echo of cool, unfamiliar magic flirts against your skin while $h_herhis eyes drink you in. "That should make it easier to extract," you continue, breaking $h_herhis reverie and letting the words drift between you. "Not to mention, more potent. Better hurry though, you've only got about five minutes to collect it before the healing bit evaporates." The statement grounds the Healer, the magic rearing back as $h_shehe snaps $h_herhis attention down to the bowl with something between a laugh and a cough. <<elseif $choice is "sep_third">> You hand the bowl back into $h_herhis grasp and give the Healer a smile while $h_shehe stares at you, down at the bowl, and then back up. "That should make it easier to extract, not to mention more potent. You'll have to hurry though, you've only got about five minutes to collect it before the healing bit evaporates." "R-right," the Healer says, the statement grounding $h_herhim just slightly, though the astonishment is still apparent on $h_herhis face. <<elseif $choice is "sep_fourth">> Watching $h_herhis reaction, you hesitantly hold the bowl out, trying to avoid touching $h_herhim as $h_shehe takes it back. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> notices, but tries to move around your finger to make sure $h_shehe doesn't encroach on your space. "You'll have to hurry," you say quietly. "I think there's about five minutes before the healing bit evaporates." The statement grounds the Healer again, and $h_shehe gathers $h_herhim attention down to the bowl, though the astonishment is still apparent on $h_herhis face. <<elseif $choice is "sep_fifth">> You give a decisive nod as you stiffly hand the bowl back to the Healer. When $h_shehe says nothing back, you give $h_herhim a pointed look and motion to the mortar. "That should make it easier to extract," you state. "Not to mention more potent. You need to hurry, it's only about five minutes before the healing bit evaporates." "R-right," the Healer says, the statement grounding $h_herhim just slightly, though the astonishment is still apparent on $h_herhis face. <</if>> Even though the process is clearly done and $h_shehe's on a timer, $h_shehe takes a few more moments to look at the blooming flowers in the bowl and register what just happened. It's only when you give $h_herhim a questioning look that $h_shehe nods and grabs a different set of tools to draw out the liquid. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> fumbles with what to use exactly, switching between several syringes before settling on a small tong-like tool to encapsulate all of the nectar. You watch, <<if $empathetic > $callous+1>> impressed, <<else>> skeptical, <</if>> as $h_shehe tenderly coaxes it free, the flower relinquishing its core willingly. The same mesmerizing interest stays $h_herhis hand before $h_shehe shakes $h_herhis head to clear the fog, and drops the liquid into another small dish at the side. Once $h_shehe's ensured the gravity-defying effects won't come into play, $h_shehe performs the gentle maneuver again and you have to admit, $h_shehe makes it look easy. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> Intense focus floods $h_herhis face as $h_shehe deftly selects the remaining ingredients needed from the shelf, pulling a bundle of the herbs from the freshly plucked collection as well. <<if $harmonim is true>> The mortar and pestle are quickly relieved of the remains of the harmonim, though you notice $h_shehe uses a cautious hand to relocate them on the table, likely for later study. <</if>> After mixing what looks like some form of dyed salt, a peach-colored paste, and the minty herb from before, the Healer takes a single step back before hovering $h_herhis hands over the materials, one over the <<if $harmonim is true>> liquid <<else>> crushed harmonim <</if>> and one over the powder-like substance $h_shehe's just created. Experienced hands conduct the components together, golden eyes fluttering into a half-lidded concentration. The <<if $harmonim is true>> harmonim nectar lengthens from the dish, <<else>> mixture of harmonim nectar and mangled petals <</if>> braiding with the powder floating upward from the mortar and pestle. Thrumming energy beats outward, swathing the room in warmth while the Healer crosses $h_herhis arms over one another. The braid of salve begins to resonate into a wave, circling in on itself with a dull glow while the Healer borders the light above and below with $h_herhis palms. Closing in on the newly formed mixture, the radiance collapses in on itself, eventually flattening into a creamy blend that $h_shehe guides into a jar nearby. The floating blend coils inside like a snake, the last bit flicking its tail before settling inside the glass. The complete task releases $h_herhis undivided attention, and in turn $h_shehe lets go of the strain in $h_herhis upper back and lets $h_herhis arms fall to $h_herhis side. Craning $h_herhis neck, you watch $h_herhim shake the residual magic loose from $h_herhis muscles before securing the small jar with a lid. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> <<if $harmonim is true>> With a relaxed breath, the Healer looks at you and smiles. "That was incredible, I've never seen- I mean-…I was taught that those- How- //Why// has Saor been keeping that knowledge-" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> laughs brilliantly, brightly, before it tapers into something else when $h_herhis eyes are brought to the fire. <<else>> With a hoarse breath, the Healer looks at you with a tired gaze, $h_herhis thumb tracing anxious trails across the edge of the container's lid. <</if>> Heavy stillness weighs on you when $h_shehe shifts $h_herhis eyes back to the table as $h_shehe considers what to do. "There is something else," $h_shehe says abruptly. It takes a moment before your train of thought realigns to the topic before. "In the third quadrant?" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> nods, rolling the little jar between $h_herhis hands before moving over to the same pack of $h_hershis you saw yesterday. After it teeters over $h_herhis fingers a few more times, $h_shehe lifts the flap and gingerly places the jar in a slot within the bag, among other newly wrapped parcels. "Several places shut down suddenly right when it started getting worse." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> closes the bag and moves to a rack fastened to the wall with what looks to be the same draping blue cloth you saw $h_herhim wearing yesterday. The markings on $h_herhis back flow with the movement of $h_herhis muscled torso when $h_shehe pulls it over <<print $h_herhim>>self. "Not just closing down out of fear. More like-" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> reaches for the words as $h_shehe pulls the fabric down to $h_herhis waist. "Everyone who worked in the places…almost every one of them disappeared." //Clan Harpoc.// The Healer waves a hand over the fire, placing <<if $dryad is true>> what you recognize as a fire ward <<else>> an unfamiliar ward <</if>> over the still simmering cauldrons. Tapping $h_herhis forefinger and drawing a luminescent line over the hearth, $h_shehe hums before turning to lift $h_herhis bag over $h_herhis shoulder. "Do you have a little time? The person who first told me about it would have more details if you really want to know." <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"I know you don't have to do this, but thank you.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $genuine += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"This person also going to try and ram into me?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I shift nervously but nod, knowing I have to go find out more if I can." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $reserved += 1>> <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "\"Sure.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $genuine += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "//Finally, something useful.// But I'll keep that thought to myself for now." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <<set $callous += 1>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<if $choice is "first">> <<if $harmonim is true>> You nod and shift around the chair you were previously standing behind. <<else>> You stand and give a quick nod. <</if>> "I know you don't have to do this, but thank you." <<if $harmonim is true>> "After what you just showed me?" The Healer gives you a smile that lights $h_herhis eyes. "Don't worry about it. <<if $h_flirt > 1>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You've grown on $h_herhim quickly, and $h_shehe seems fairly intrigued...">> Besides," <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> eyes spark with mischief as the expression on $h_herhis lips turns to something less innocent, a careless hand tracing down the side of $h_herhis neck. "-means I get to spend more time with you, doesn't it?" Before you can say anything else, the Healer turns with the smile barely hidden. <<else>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You've grown on $h_herhim quickly, and $h_shehe seems friendly towards you.">> Besides, it's on the way, so I'm happy to," $h_shehe insists, $h_herhis countenance at ease. <</if>> <<else>> <<if $h_bitter is true>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You are acquaintances, and $h_shehe doesn't know what to make of you.">> "You're right." But from the look of shock on $h_herhis face, you can tell $h_shehe seems to regret the slip immediately. "But it's on the way anyway, so don't worry about it." <<else>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You are acquaintances, though $h_shehe still isn't quite sure what to make of you.">> "It's alright." The Healer lets out an even breath. "It's on the way anyway, so don't worry about it." <</if>> <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "second">> <<if $harmonim is true>> You nod and shift around the chair you were previously standing behind, <<else>> You stand and give a quick nod, <</if>> letting just the slightest grin sit at the corner of your mouth. "This person also going to try and ram into me?" <<if $harmonim is true>> <<if $healer_pickup is true and $h_flirt > 1>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You've grown on $h_herhim quickly, and $h_shehe seems fairly intrigued...">> "Oh ho," the Healer shoots you a matching smile. "Watch out or it might just be me again. Lucky for you, you're starting to grow on me." "Sounds to me like you're just looking for an excuse to do it again," you quip back. <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> eyes alight with mischief as the expression on $h_herhis lips turns to something less innocent, a careless hand tracing down the side of $h_herhis neck. "Who's to say?" <<elseif $healer_pickup is true>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You've grown on $h_herhim quickly, and $h_shehe seems friendly towards you.">> "Oh, think you're a funny one, don't you?" But the Healer shoots you a matching smile. <<if $sarcastic > $genuine>> "I've been known to be, sometimes," you quip back, motioning to yourself with a loose gesture. "Only sometimes?" The Healer shoots you an exaggerated look of disbelief. "And here I thought you were just always full of smiles." The Healer laughs at the look on your face, $h_herhis countenance at ease. <<else>> "Only on special occasions," you quip back, motioning idly in the air with a loose gesture. "Aw," the Healer places a hand against $h_herhis heart, eyes opening wider with an exaggerated fondness. "Am I special then? Here I thought you were just always full of smiles." The Healer laughs at the look on your face, $h_herhis countenance at ease. <</if>> <<else>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You've grown on $h_herhim, and $h_shehe seems friendly towards you so far.">> "Who's to say? Maybe I started a new Renescen greeting?" You give an exaggerated grimace, lips parting to show your clenched teeth and eyes shifting to the side under raised brows. "Let's...hope not?" The Healer laughs at the look on your face, $h_herhis countenance at ease. <</if>> <<else>> <<if $h_bitter is true>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You are acquaintances, and $h_shehe doesn't know what to make of you.">> The Healer barely tries to smile back, before sighing, weariness wearing paths in the creases of $h_herhis face and the slouch of $h_herhis body. "No, no, here's hoping not." <<else>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You are acquaintances, though $h_shehe still isn't quite sure what to make of you.">> The Healer gives a weary, but authentic smile, tired paths creasing on $h_herhis face and pulling down on $h_herhis shoulders. "Here's hoping not." <</if>> <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "third">> <<if $harmonim is true>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You've grown on $h_herhim, and $h_shehe seems friendly towards you so far.">> You nod and shift around the chair you were previously standing behind, <<else>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You are acquaintances, though $h_shehe still isn't quite sure what to make of you.">> You stand and give a quick nod, <</if>> shifting your weight nervously. The Healer recognizes this and is about to speak before you cut $h_herhim off. "That sounds good," you say with more commitment than you think you mean, but $h_shehe seems to take the statement at face value. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> <<if $harmonim is true>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You've grown on $h_herhim to some degree, and $h_shehe seems friendly towards you so far.">> You nod and shift around the chair you were previously standing behind. <<else>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You are acquaintances, though $h_shehe still isn't quite sure what to make of you.">> You stand and give a quick nod. <</if>> "Sure." The Healer takes the quick affirmation and turns toward the door. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> <<if $harmonim is true>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You've grown on $h_herhim to some degree, and $h_shehe seems friendly towards you so far.">> You nod and shift around the chair you were previously standing behind, <<else>> <<set $h_rel_status to "You are acquaintances, though $h_shehe still isn't quite sure what to make of you.">> You stand and give a quick nod, <</if>> the unrest still like static in your bones. //Finally, something useful,// you think sardonically, but keep it to yourself. The Healer takes the quick affirmation and turns toward the door. <</if>> <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> checks the contents of $h_herhis pack one last time, moving the strap to cross over $h_herhis chest and placing a hand on the weathered door handle. "Well then, shall we?" <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter2-Presplit][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Further into the new quadrant, the differences between here and what else you've seen of Renescen so far become increasingly apparent. Any sort of stone is smoother, not from being battered down by the elements but from the careful carving of someone valuing appearance over function. <<if $rails is true>> You follow the Healer further up hill, the taller buildings looming over your passage. Ahead, you can just make out the open space of an intersection that seems to be far busier with foot traffic on the wider road running perpindicular to you. Closer to it, you spot a carved sign nailed against a building that looks like a branching waterfall at first, before you realize it's a map of the surrounding area with the larger road as its focus. The Healer catches your gaze and stops beside you. "The Falls Road," $h_shehe answers without prompt. "It's the main avenue that connects all four quadrants, a straight shot between them rather than going down into the Crossing Plaza then back up. If you ever want to avoid the rails, you can walk that through the entire city." You watch $h_herhim study the sign intently before $h_shehe sighs. "Either way, the fourth's been a little harder to get to lately, though." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> continues to charge ahead and you follow after, emerging into the intersection while casting your eyes at what must be Renescen's seat of government in the distance. The mansions embedded into the mountain side glitter with opulence, the sun still ahead of the stony peaks compared to the light of when you first arrived, but high enough with the midday that the buildings have begun to cast shadows on themselves. Continuing to evaluate your surroundings with a glance to the left, you chance a look through some of the fences of iron, and realize the intersection hugs against Renescen's Collegium. <<else>> You take a chance to glance through some of the fences of iron and realize you're passing by Renescen's Collegium. <</if>> A half circle of overbearing buildings and archways surround a brass statue and its cult of benches, the figure depicted an old and haggard person that you don't recognize from this distance. Someone important enough to be immortalized in metal, anyway, every fold and crease of their robes detailed with care. Other scholars, dressed in robes of muted blues and greys, meander about the greenery and small paths while keeping their focus within the fenced area. Their voices join the general thrumming murmur and chatter around you, punctuated by the tolling of a bell as the top of an hour passes. The iron bars around the school finally break in an archway and you see what must be the crest of Renescen envisioned in iron, lording over anyone who enters. "Word of advice," comes the Healer's voice as you <<if $rails is true>> look <<else>> move <</if>> past the entryway. "Don't insult the statue in front of that crowd." When you give $h_herhim an inquisitive look, $h_shehe shakes $h_herhis head with a smirk. "Not unless you want to get lectured at for two hours, anyway." You look inward into the Collegium's park again with the itch of some feeling in your mind. "Do you know who that is?" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> bites at $h_herhis lower lip with embarassment. "The founder maybe? You'd think I would've paid attention when I had to come here a few times." Absentmindedly cracking $h_herhis wrists, $h_shehe narrows $h_herhis eyes while digging through $h_herhis memory. "Definitely someone from the Old Wars, if it's anything like Han. Their Collegium has a statue of a couple soldiers." At the mention of Clan Obsidian's city you turn back to $h_herhim, and $h_shehe easily reads the question with a reminiscent smile and a roll of the shoulder supporting $h_herhis bag. "Yeah, from there originally, but don't really have much more to tell than that. I moved to Renescen when I was barely a teenager." A haze hangs in $h_herhis eyes as the sentence trails off, before $h_shehe clears $h_herhis throat and moves on, clearly not interested in answering anymore about the subject. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $rails is false>> Perpendicular stones crash into the Falls Roads' design once you pass the Collegium, and you look to your right towards the direction of the plaza to see another rail station like the one you recently avoided. But to your left up towards the mountains, you see the glistening marble of what can only be Renescen's seat of government. The mansions embedded into the mountain side glitter with opulence, the sun still ahead of the stony peaks compared to the light of when you first arrived, but high enough with the midday that the buildings have begun to cast shadows on themselves. You <<else>> The Healer takes a sharp turn to the left, and you <</if>> weave and bob your way through the crowds, your guide's height easy to spot at least. Pairs of more scholars, or else mortalis with arms full of papers, or a pamphlet, or something else equally mundane, rush around you while you maintain pace with the Healer. For a good five more minutes $h_shehe seems to have a fervor to find where $h_herhis friend is, pinpointed and focused on pushing ahead. Until $h_shehe stops, and you can feel the chill of $h_herhis emotions even in the swarm of others trickling around you. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> waits for you to step closer before speaking. "You…might be interested in this," the Healer says quietly, stepping to the side of the road but halting before the darkened, lopsided fence that frames $h_herhis body. You come up behind $h_herhim, though not too close to the iron, and look where $h_herhis eyes lead. A pair of city guards are stationed at the gates of the fence themselves, chatting quietly to each other. The words "waste of time" seem to pop up more than once, and from the grumbling on the one furthest from you, that seems to track. "Come on, down this way," $h_shehe whispers, stepping into an alley that runs alongside the iron bars and a row of stone buildings to your right. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> leads you further down the alley, your only friends the pungent smell of sewage and what must be a rotting basket of apples. Not so prim and proper of a quadrant, as it turns out. Eventually the Healer stops at a small break in the fence that looks to be broken…or eroded through? But it at least offers you a better view of what $h_shehe's trying to show, and you feel yourself lurching forward. "What-...what is this?" You can barely see the building's skeleton past the foliage and vines that have devoured it. A mosaic inlaid into the front face floats atop a sea of plants that grows smaller as it washes up near the plot's edge and your feet. Roof gasping above the overgrowth, you can just see it sagging into the structure beneath. "This bank was one of the places I told you about," your companion says, looking nervously around as other mortalis notice you hunkering in the darkness. "Everyone just disappeared one day, caused a huge ruckus for all the second quadrant types. And then nature just sort of..." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> motions vaguely towards the plants. "...took over. Quickly." Cautiously, you take a step closer and hear a sharp breath behind you from the Healer. A primal part of you feels drawn into the area, and you have a feeling you know why. <<if $rails is false>> Your suspicions are immediately confirmed, not needing to reach to feel the strength of the magic roiling through the veins of the gates and the building wherever you look. Undoubtedly sheevra, and unfortunately faint. And then…mortalis magic? It switches between the two, and you pinch the bridge of your nose to try and find some focus. But there's something else that you can't quite pick up, at the edge of your peripheral no matter how quickly you react. It's a cacophony of magic and sound, and also silence. Equal parts safety and warning slam together inside your skull, warring for dominance. <ul> <li><<link "//Why isn't $h_shehe sensing this?//" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> Your suspicions are immediately confirmed, not needing to reach to feel the strength of the magic roiling through the veins of the gates and the building wherever you look. Undoubtedly sheevra, and unfortunately faint. And then…mortalis magic? It switches between the two, and you pinch the bridge of your nose to try and find some focus, finding an unsettling echo and connection to what you felt underground. //And something else...// The //something// bubbles in your throat, a vile concoction of the strange feelings that permeated into your being while you were underground. You swallow it back down with no small effort, but find yourself still drawn inward. To kneel and touch the ground. To lay yourself into its warm and loving embrace. <ul> <li><<link "To make peace with the world and let this magic carry you somewhere safer." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 7>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 4>> A familiar and unfamiliar voice responds, piercing your thoughts into the core of your mind. <<liveblock>> <<if $h_gender is "man">> <<if $disableglitch is true>> <div class="fade-in-image" style="text-align: center;"> <<fadein 2s 4s>>//Wh Y//<</fadein>><<fadein 2s 6s>> wOUld <</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 8s>>HE?//<</fadein>></div> <<else>> <div class="fade-in-image" style="text-align: center;"><section class="portfolio-experiment"><div class="experiment-title" ><<fadein 2s 4s>>//Why//<</fadein>><<fadein 2s 6s>> would <</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 8s>>he?//<</fadein>></div></section></div> <</if>> <<else>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> <div class="fade-in-image" style="text-align: center;"> <<fadein 2s 4s>>//Wh Y//<</fadein>><<fadein 2s 6s>> wOUld <</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 8s>>SHE?//<</fadein>></div> <<else>> <div class="fade-in-image" style="text-align: center;"><section class="portfolio-experiment"><div class="experiment-title" ><<fadein 2s 4s>>//Why//<</fadein>><<fadein 2s 6s>> would<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 8s>>she?//<</fadein>></div></section></div> <</if>> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <ul> <li><<fadein 2s 12s>><<link "\"You okay?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $healer_ticket to true>><</link>><</fadein>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> The Healer's voice shakes you from your sudden stupor, a firm grip on your bicep to pull you back from the thread of leaves that want to embrace you. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> lets go once you're a safer distance away. Unease begins to dissolve, the voice disappearing like a vapor - //Was there a voice?// Barely noticeable buzzing hangs behind your ears and a quiet, dull ache settles in your temples. <hr> <ul> <li><<link "\"Did you... hear that?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <</link>> </li> <li><<link "Don't say anything." `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<if $choice is "first">> You scratch at your palm, trying to ingrain the memory into your skin if it won't stick in your mind. But maybe you were just hearing things? Did it sound like your own voice in your head? Were you mistaking some idle thought of yours for someone, //something// else? "Did you hear that?" Strain and just the barest, unconscious edge of panic inches in. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> watches you with lips parted, unsure of how to address the question, but $h_shehe must be able to read the muted dread in your eyes. "Did I hear...what?" The response is muffled by the time it comes, your magic already reaching out. <<else>> You scratch at your palm, trying to ingrain the memory into your skin if it won't stick in your mind. But maybe you were just hearing things? Did it sound like your own voice in your head? Were you mistaking some idle thought of yours for someone, //something// else? When the Healer doesn't receive a response, $h_shehe begins to say something else. But anything $h_shehe says past that is muffled, your magic already reaching out. <</if>> <<if $leanhaun is true>> The emotions of the mortalis around seethe and surge, and you have to push them aside as your mind wades through the energy. There. Or... There? You scrunch your nose as the feeling slips out of your grasp. But for just a moment, you could swear you could feel despair buried in the dense, dark green. And another. Devotion? <<elseif $unseelie is true>> You push through the archway with your energy, trying to prod for some sort of illusion in the dense, dark green. In the flowers staring at you, in the towering- There. Or... There? You scrunch your nose as something snags in your magic against an overtaken tree to your left, but quickly escapes. Not quite an illusion, but a strange mixture of magic you haven't felt before. <<elseif $dryad is true>> Your magic trickles down beneath your feet, trying to find old earth or roots or something that will give you a clearer view of the space around you. There. Or... There? You scrunch your nose as something almost opens up, the energy wanting to map out before you, but something blocks it. You swear you almost catch the hint of another structure. A blocked tunnel? <</if>> "We should get out of here," you hear the Healer whisper, and you know this isn't the first time $h_shehe's spoken while you were consumed with the magic. You press your lips together. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "Tell the Healer about the odd magic." `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $honest += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $textGroup to 8>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"I don't tell the Healer anything because I don't want to worry "+$h_herhim+"."` `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $textGroup to 8>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"I don't tell the Healer anything because I don't trust mortalis."` `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $textGroup to 8>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 7>> "''Hey!'' What are you doing?!" The Healer's shout shakes you from your sudden stupor, a firm grip on your bicep to pull you back from the thread of leaves that want to caress you, welcome you. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> lets go once you're a safer distance away. "We should get out of here," you hear the Healer whisper, and you get the feeling the most recent exclamation wasn't the first while you were consumed with the magic. You press your lips together. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "Tell the Healer about the odd magic." `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $honest += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link `"I don't tell the Healer anything because I don't want to worry "+$h_herhim+"."` `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I don't tell the Healer anything because I don't trust mortalis." `passage()`>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <<set $callous += 1>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 8>> <<if $choice is "first">> "Did you… feel that?" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> watches you with growing apprehension, hands clench and unclench before $h_shehe gives a sigh. "Something's off here, right?" $h_shehe admits, barely audible with another cursory glance at the strangers giving the two of you a wide berth. <<if $empathetic > $callous>> Despite how the others are acting, at least it's nice to have confirmation that you're not going crazy. <<else>> Despite how the other mortalis are acting, at least the Healer's able to sense that much. <</if>> <<if $rails is true>> "That's not the first time today I've felt that," you continue. This new information catches $h_herhim off guard and you swear you see $h_herhim stumble. "What?" "Felt it underground at the rail station too." "You-" The Healer gapes at you for a moment, unsure how to take the information. Panic rises into a hitched breath before $h_shehe closes $h_herhis eyes in defiance. <<else>> "That's…an understatement." Inviting green draws your attention back to the reclaimed building, but you know better than to let your consciousness slip into its grasp again. The Healer follows your gaze for only an instant before $h_shehe closes $h_herhis eyes in defiance. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "second">> Rolling your pressed lips, you nod. The Healer has been quite the guide today, though regardless, maybe this is something you'd better keep to yourself. "I agree," you say, before inviting green draws your attention back to the reclaimed building. But this time, you know better than to let your consciousness slip into its grasp. <<elseif $choice is "third">> Rolling your pressed lips, you stare at the Healer and know that you should keep these observations to yourself. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> may have been a help so far, but who knows what $h_shehe might do or deduce given the right information? "I agree," you say sharply, while the inviting green draws your attention back to the reclaimed building. But this time, you know better than to let your consciousness slip into its grasp. <</if>> "C'mon, we can get you more information elsewhere." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> doesn't wait for an answer, already moving away with shoulders hunched and hands playing nervously at both cloth and the leather strap over $h_herhis shoulder. You look back once at the jungle of weeds before following behind. The more distance you put between yourselves and the unearthly magic, the more you see the Healer relax, and the more you feel your own body slowly release the anxious pressure gripping your bones. <ul><li>[[Chapter 3|Chapter3][$textGroup=1;$codex_renescen=true]] </li></ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $elseGroup>> <<case 1>> Several hours pass before the Armorer is awake again, and only a few more minutes pass before he realizes why he's in the Magesmith's home. Ginger curls bounce and shoulders shake through the sobs with calloused, large hands clutched over the man's face. He sits up on the worn couch opposite the windows looking out onto the forge, as the Magesmith closes each shutter. Numb, automatic motions of bringing the two panes together then spinning the dowel to tilt the blinds. //Click,// and //shhhk.// //Click,// and //shhhk.// //Click,// and - <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> pauses before fully darkening the room, grey eyes watching the current of people outside. A teenaged boy laughs raucously as he brags about some feat to a gaggle of others. A woman nearly loses all of the fruit bundled in her arms but nimbly catches the apple that tries to escape, her daughter giggling brightly. An older man stands with his shoulders hunched, fingers locked together as his crinkled eyes squint up at the sky and he mutters about a storm. Had any of them lost someone to the third quadrant? Though the crystals in $m_herhis home start to flicker hesitantly to the dimming light, the Magesmith keeps the last set of blinds slightly open. A little light in all this darkness couldn't hurt. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> breathes and lets $m_herhis left hand knock against the wooden frames, the rivers of sunlight glinting off the metal and stones embedded in $m_herhis arm. The Armorer doesn't notice when his friend comes to kneel in front of him, doesn't register past the tears when $m_shehe calls his title. A small huff from the Magesmith self corrects into a sad sigh. "...Anten," the Magesmith says quietly, more softness in $m_herhis voice as $m_shehe repeats the false name. "Anten - hey -" Reddened, swollen eyes are finally revealed as the hands lower, the Magesmith taking the chance to place $m_herhis right hand over one of them to keep it from shrouding Anten's face again. But $m_herhis intentions are interrupted as a low baritone note rings near $m_herhis door, the signal of someone crossing the shop's threshold. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-MagesmithElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> //Sandstorms and sheev-// Auburn hair floats around $m_herhis face as eyes dart from the door, to the man, to the door. "Be right back, gonna tell them to come back later." The man doesn't really respond, just holds the Magesmith's eyes with a vacant, deadened stare before blinking and turning to the side, more tears bubbling over his cheeks. Grimacing, the Magesmith turns, trying to dampen the annoyance building in $m_herhis chest. As $m_shehe shuts the door behind $m_herhim, $m_shehe knows $m_herhis eyes probably still have a tinge of red. "I'm closed for the rest-" Luckily $m_shehe recognizes the woman who greets $m_herhim, black hair pulled into a ponytail tightly above her pale face and severe expression a constant. "Ah, right. Huntress." "Magesmith." "Just finished today," the Magesmith says idly, reaching behind a stack of wood by the still flickering forge to pull out the wrapped saber, the entwined sheets hiding its elaborate blade. Taking the sword with both hands, the Huntress pulls at the rough threads binding its coverings together. Peeling back the cloth around the hilt, she inspects the symbols magically burned into the metal, rolling the blade dangerously close to her hands. "Flood it with pathos or block a particularly strong hit, and the shield will pop up temporarily. Tried it myself today." The Magesmith crosses $m_herhis arms. "It'll drain you if you try to hold on for too long, but it'll last a good twenty seconds before you start to feel it." She nods, face set in as much satisfaction as she'll let through the stoic mask. Flicking the cloth back over, she reaches to her side to swing the bag of money over to the Magesmith, who catches it and inspects the contents. "All good then," the Magesmith turns before receiving a response, and before even really counting the payment. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> assumes that's enough until a voice speaks behind $m_herhim. "Your friend is...suffering?" Hand hovering above the door handle, the Magesmith freezes for a few moments, before the hand lowers and something crackles at $m_herhis elbow. "...Thank you for your business." The Huntress remains silent at the dismissal, before giving an apologetic bow of her head that goes unseen, the Magesmith's back still resolutely facing her. "Thank you for your assistance," she says stiffly, before rejoining the waves of mortalis floating past. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-MagesmithElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 3>> Even after the Huntress has left, the Magesmith finds <<print $m_herhim>>self unable to enter $m_herhis own home. Though $m_shehe wasn't as close to the third Weaponsmith, $m_shehe still recognizes the suffering. Remembers that suffering. A desperate, drained, cracked moan echoes through the door. Splinters bite into $m_herhis shoulder as $m_shehe turns and leans against the frame, $m_herhis now cobalt eyes drifting to the dirtied and bent tools hanging from the walls. Failed glyphs mock $m_herhim with jagged outlines among the burnt, soot-stained stone, tongs haphazardly arranged near the anvil and vice wheels draped with random items. Grey, hazy thoughts try to push everything aside to the fringes of $m_herhis mind, placing them in boxes to be forgotten and focusing instead on how $m_shehe might organize the hammers, //not the man inside// -or maybe rebuild the workbench, hadn't things seemed a little misaligned recently? //not the news of death he brought// And to be honest, the anvil could probably use some repair and restoration itself, it wouldn't do to have it- //not the reminders of fresh peppermint, jeweled eyes, no no NO// <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> doesn't notice as a sound //booms// in the distance from the second quadrant. <ul> <li> <<link "And then the magic hits." "Chapter3-MagesmithElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 4>> The Magesmith doesn't distinguish it at first, thinking the ache in $m_herhis chest to be the memories flooding in. Reads the pressure in $m_herhis stomach as the regret, the lights blossoming behind $m_herhis eyelids as twisted hopes. Until it feels like someone's reached in for a fistful of $m_herhis lungs, dropped a hot coal into $m_herhis stomach, flooded $m_herhis skull with burning sun. <<print $m_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> shoulder //aches// as $m_shehe yelps from the pain, doubled over and almost sending $m_herhis entire collection of tools flying as $m_herhis hand seeks out support. Teeth grind together as $m_shehe wills it away, pushing outward wildly with everything in $m_herhis core, $m_herhis magic flaring and roaring against it. The impulse to grab an iron to try to burn the presence out of $m_herhis body becomes greater and greater until- <ul> <li> <<link "-it ends." "Chapter3-MagesmithElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 5>> As quickly as it began, it subsides, leaving the Magesmith with the vague echoes of pain that pulse quietly through $m_herhis body. Then a faint glow greets $m_herhim from $m_herhis ribs. //No.// A mirage-like shimmer shakily threads through $m_herhis core and clenches around $m_herhis left arm, those damned iridescent strings taunting $m_herhim for the first time in years. Metal and flesh fingers alike try to rip them away in vain, passing through without finding any purchase as a chasm of hatred opens up in $m_herhis chest. <<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> yells in frustration, the phantom pain tightening and tensing $m_herhis muscles to the point that a small spark jumps from the glyph at $m_herhis bicep. Creaking and scratching echos in $m_herhis ears, and $m_shehe's unsure if the source is $m_herhis arm or $m_herhis spine. Binding lines finally flicker away, releasing $m_herhim from their imagined grip. <ul> <li> <<link "At least for now." "Chapter3-MagesmithElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 6>> Anten jumps in shock as the Magesmith forcefully barges through the door and slams it behind $m_herhim. Fists clench and there's the shriek of metal against metal while $m_shehe storms over to the window and snaps the last blinds closed. The dark of the room is nothing in comparison to the black filling $m_herhis eyes. <ul> <<if visited("Chapter3-Sage")>> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-SageBoom">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> <</if>> <<if visited("Chapter3-Bank")>> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-BankBoom">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> <</if>> <<if visited("Chapter3-Oisein")>> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-OiseinPostBoom">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> <</if>> </ul> <</switch>>

<<set $o_gender to "person">> <<set $o_shehethey to "they">> <<set $o_herhistheir to "their">> <<set $o_herhimthem to "them">> <<set $o_hershistheirs to "theirs">> <<set $o_s to "">> <<set $o_isare to "'re">> <<if $ch3_bank is false>> //''The Overgrown(?) Bank, Second Quadrant ''// —— <</if>> A swell of mortalis have gathered around the front of the bank, the illusion crumbling on top of itself and the eaves ablaze with fire that shudders into blue and purple among a more familiar palette of reds and oranges. You keep an eye out for the colors, <<if $ch3_bank is true>> knowing full well what this strange fire may be. <<else>> some sort of evidence of what you have a growing suspicion this might be. <</if>> Any leftover, //actual// plants that had conquered the small space shrivel and curl inward, blackened, before disintegrating like motes of dust in the afternoon sunlight. In the currents of hot air, they float and evaporate away to reveal nothing but a barren stone courtyard and the glowing wreckage of the bank. <<if $ch3_sage is false>> Oisein gapes with you at the scene with $o_herhistheir eyes wide in your peripheral, <<else>> You find yourself gaping at the scene as the Sage grips $s_herhis fists together in your peripheral, <</if>> the dissonance of a hundred voices clashing together around you as the building crackles and breaks, embers and frames alike making their journey to the ground. The mortalis guards from before are pushing back at the scholars and officials and acolytes who are craning their necks at the sight, seemingly not cognizant of the danger. Among the shouts of "Get back!" you hear from the two guards at the bank's gate, there's a smattering of sentences wondering about the illusion magic, if someone triggered the reaction, where the Governor or Guard Captain is, //what's happening?// Clattering footsteps sound behind you, and you see a group of eight similarly dressed guards that have banners of red splashed across their chests. As they approach, you can feel the unreeling elemental magic seeping forward into the crowd, who reluctantly begin to part as the new group push their way through. Once past the majority of the civilian mortalis, they rush forward into the courtyard past their two colleagues who still struggle to stem the tide of the onlookers. Sectioning into pairs, they take a firm stance in preparation to release their magic. <ul> <li>[[Continue.|Chapter3-Fire][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul>

<<switch $elseGroup>> <<case 1>> "All I'm saying is that you should visit more often than when you're delivering my joint medicine. Honestly-" the older woman huffs indignantly as she stands in the doorway, silvery strands of grey floating around her face as it shifts into a smile, the lines of her skin creasing in familiar paths. The Healer matches the expression, looking up to $h_herhis former Mentor from her front steps alongside the bright green plants that border the path of her small garden. "I deliver it //every week.// Also, I already feel bad about taking up so much of you and your wife's time." "Hah! Nonsense." She waves off the thought like a nuisance, and the Healer rolls $h_herhis eyes knowingly. "Besides, we're only half a quadrant away and Sanctin knows we always make too much food. You should bring the Magesmith sometime so I can kick $m_herhis butt at a round of Fifths again." A hand presses against the Healer's neck, tattooed fingers rubbing some of the tight muscles in a show of hesitation. "I don't know if $m_shehe'll even play after last time…" "Oh, just tell $m_herhim you bet $m_shehe's too scared to face me again-" A sharp glint shines in the woman's faded brown eyes, circular tattoos tracing a narrow path over her temples. "-and I'm sure $m_shehe'll come running." "You took $m_herhis entire week's earnings!" "<<print $m_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> has a lot to learn about gambling," the Healer's Mentor says matter-of-factly, arms crossing over the patterns of her embroidered maroon tunic as she gives a prudent nod. "And let's hope $m_shehe doesn't learn for a long time." The two Healers stare at each other for a moment, before the older one cackles amid another affectionate sigh from the younger. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-HealerElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> "Anyway, I better head on," the Healer says, picking up the strap of the satchel easily now, the cloth folding over it's mostly empty contents. <<if ($h_date is true) or ($h_coy is true)>> "Need to get these done and head over to the Albatross." "What, haven't had enough free drinks from Jac & Cerise?" The Mentor places her hands on her hips, but the $h_gender in question lets golden eyes drift casually along the door frame. "Not going for Jac & Cerise. Or the Magesmith." The elder of the two pauses, placing a finger along the circle tattooed down her chin before her mouth splits into a grin. "...Ohhh- You sly thing!" she jeers. "Anyone I know?" Easy laughter floods out at the question. "Not at all, but it is someone…" the Healer pauses, biting $h_herhis bottom lip. "-interesting. Don't know if anything will come of it, but I'd definitely like to get to know $pc_herhimthem better- //don't.//" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> points an accusatory finger at the woman, who immediately stops the growing smirk and pretends at innocence, waving her hand in the air. There's a silence only punctuated by distant conversations and the magic hum of the rails nearby as the Healer considers $h_herhis next words. "By the way, did you know you could sing to cloi bulbs to open them?" Brow furrows in confusion as she watches the Healer. "Sing to them?" "Yeah there's...a way to get the nectar without crushing it and...well I haven't tried it myself technically but-" "Where'd you hear this?" "Actually I-" "Eila, let the poor $h_gender go!" comes a faint voice from inside. As the Healer's eyes widen slightly at the false name, the woman just smiles softly. "Oh don't worry, we're too old and too reckless. Though I guess she has a point," she looks pensive for a moment at what's just been spoken, fingers tapping on her thigh. "I'll...ask around, but I've never heard of that before. Tell me more another time?" After another pause and a slightly hesitant nod from the Healer, Eila holds her arms wide. "And don't think you're out of the woods, we'll get you to come over for dinner yet." Breaking the tension from before, a quiet laugh shakes the Healer's shoulders as $h_shehe leans upward, practically the same height as the woman even one step down. The Mentor gives $h_herhim a squeeze, thin fingers against the plush cloth at $h_herhis back, before she backs away and rests her hands firmly on the Healer's shoulders. <<else>> "Think I just have a few more deliveries left before I can relax for the day," the Healer says as $h_shehe takes another look at the few parcels left in $h_herhis bag. "That'll be all for the week though, so I can't complain." "Really oughta find someone to help you, y'know," $h_herhis Mentor says with a slight touch of disapproval as well as pity. "I'd give them all the deliveries to your house. Just never show up here ever again." "You would //never//!" she protests back to the arched brow of the Healer, and easy laughter floods out between them. "Eila, let the poor $h_gender go!" comes a faint voice from inside, and as the Healer's eyes widen slightly at the false name, the woman chuckles. "Oh don't worry, we're too old and too reckless. Though I guess she has a point," she pouts before holding her arms wide. "Don't think you're out of the woods, we'll get you to come over for dinner yet." A hearty laugh shakes the Healer's shoulders as $h_shehe leans upward, practically the same height as the woman even one step down. The Mentor gives $h_herhim a squeeze, thin fingers against the plush cloth at $h_herhis back, before she backs away and rests her hands firmly on the Healer's shoulders. <</if>> "I mean it," she says gravely. "I really want more of the Magesmith's money." "How did I //not// turn out worse?" "An act of Sanctin, really," she says while nodding sagely, giving $h_herhis arm one last pat. They break apart- -as a sound drums viciously through the city streets with a loud ''//boom.//'' <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-HealerElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 3>> It feels like a dream. Blue skies with sparse clouds, the sun shining down, the smell of mint and rosemary wafting up from the garden. But the feeling of dread crawling toward them is hard to ignore, the dream a thin visage worn by a nightmare. Fearful brown and golden eyes look out, and then back to each other. "Did you-" <ul> <li> <<link "And then the magic hits." "Chapter3-HealerElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 4>> Eila topples with a cry, her hands seeking out some way to support her body as she drops. In the same instant, the Healer reaches out to try to catch her, only to fall victim as well to the force of the magic that hits $h_herhim. Screaming, screeching voices echo in $h_herhis head. //Liar.// Bright amber eyes buried in dark sandy skin, worn and dulled, closing finally and not expected to open again. //liarliarliarliar// A hand in $h_hershis, fingers resting permanently against the underside of a wrist. Trying to catch a weakening pulse, afraid to disconnect in case it tries to float away. ''//LIAR.//'' Tears and cries and words miraculously given. ''//liarliarliarliarliarliarliar//'' Blood and irreparable wounds and empty brown eyes below auburn hair. <ul> <li> <<link "LIARLIARLIARLIAR" "Chapter3-HealerElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 5>> <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> doesn't register $h_herhis knees hitting stone through the guilt that swarms forward from where it was buried. An unwelcome visitor $h_shehe's managed to stave off, locked the door, shut the curtains against, only to have it screaming and beating against the window panes of $h_herhis fragile sanctuary. Lines begin to form around $h_herhis fingers, light gathering like a swarm of fireflies and blotting out the black of $h_herhis tattoos. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> shuts $h_herhis eyes tight against them, willing them away, making some false promise just to have them not be in $h_herhis sight when $h_herhis eyes open again. The Healer looks. And $h_herhis regrets are there to meet $h_herhim. Voices nearby exchange worried words, the steps of Eila's wife thudding in the far-off distance, muted and an entire world away. There's some vague, hazy phrases, the Alchemist kneeling and asking //what's wrong?// and Eila taking the tawny face of her love in her hands and shaking as she checks every feature, every hair, every spot of exposed skin and asking //are you alright did you feel anything are you okay?// before looking down with fear at her chest, though at //what// no one else would be able to say. But the Healer is too busy looking at $h_herhis own heart to notice, thin thread-like whispers laced carefully through $h_herhis chest and strung tight to wrap around every finger. Binding them. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> sits dumbstruck, empty, $h_herhis palms facing upward and resting on each knee, head tilting to the sky in simultaneous prayer and cowardice. //liar// "What happened?" the Alchemist asks in a panic, her voice becoming clearer as the magic begins to disappear. The Healer chances a look down again, only finding $h_herhis tanned hands and tattooed fingers, familiar and unfamiliar. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> shivers, wrapping $h_herhis arms around <<print $h_herhim>>self as $h_shehe bends over with uneven breath. "You didn't-" Eila gasps out. "-you didn't feel anything?" "No, I was just in the conservatory and then I heard you both yell and ran out here and-" Her voice rises and she clamps her mouth as she rubs a hand along Eila's back. "Are you alright?" A roll of a shoulder and a groan. "I will be." Her student catches her eyes then, $h_herhis form slowly unraveling from where it cocooned itself, eyes still focused on $h_herhis hands, then to $h_herhis chest, then back. "No…" At the pained whisper, the Healer turns slowly to see Eila's devastated face, one hand gripping white-knuckled over the Alchemist's, whose head pivots steadily between the two. Eila's other hand reaches for the Healer, tender fingers placed on $h_herhis forearm. Though she means for it to be a source of comfort, her palms are clammy and drained of warmth. "...you too?" <ul> <<if visited("Chapter3-Sage")>> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-SageBoom">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> <</if>> <<if visited("Chapter3-Bank")>> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-BankBoom">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> <</if>> <<if visited("Chapter3-Oisein")>> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-OiseinPostBoom">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> <</if>> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $elseGroup>> <<case 1>> Thoughts of the strange $pc_gender from before consume the Sage as $s_shehe rubs a thumb over $s_herhis knuckles, lips rolling and tired eyes reflected back in the window. Even the space of $s_herhis office feels oddly cold and unfamiliar. The gentle chime of the apparatus that rotates on the edge of $s_herhis desk sings a dirge instead, the shadows at the ends of the bookshelves leering and looming in the cobwebbed corners. Eyes close gently against $s_herhis cheeks, bright orange of the sun still visible through $s_herhis eyelids while Tacita's voice rings clear in $s_herhis memory. //"What troubles you?" she asks, veil fluttering with her breath as she sits straight-backed at the chair across the desk.// //"Something-" the Sage reaches for the words but they sift through $s_herhis fingers like sand. "-something unsettling in the city. Surely ''you've'' felt it?" Hazel searches desperately over the black translucent cloth, and though the face is slightly shadowed, $s_shehe can sense the hesitation lingering in the room. A breath passes.// //Gradually, like a flower unfurling for light, Tacita stands. Her arm supports her weary body as she lifts upward, and she folds her hands over each other before stepping to the Sage's side. Renescen's vibrant sunset shines through the silence that hovers in the air before the Sage looks outward through the window again.// //"I was afraid-" The Sage keeps $s_herhis eyes forward as Tacita speaks, a crackling whisper in $s_herhis ear. "I didn't want to acknowledge the truth."// //A wrist floats upward, a fragile hand worn with time placed against golden fabric as the Sage finds $s_herhis gaze drifting over again. // //Her voice is forlorn, bittersweet, hope a sputtering, dying ember.// //"But things will be better. I know it."// //The lie is obvious enough that neither addresses it.// <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-SageElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> If $s_shehe had known it would be the last time $s_shehe would see Tacita, had //figured it out// somehow…maybe $s_shehe could have predicted the third quadrant? All the needless death? The disappearance of a friend? Frustration boils from the Sage's core and simmers in $s_herhis throat while $s_shehe breathes and opens $s_herhis eyes again. //I have to take the chance, don't I?// <<if $s_flirt > 0>> And then the vision of that strange Traveler comes to mind once again. Secretive $pc_eyecolor eyes peering up, the movement of <<liveblock>>$pc_herhistheir<</liveblock>> lips forming around words as the glint of that earring lured the Sage forward. //Could <<liveblock>>$pc_shehethey<</liveblock>> be the answer…?// <</if>> But the mortalis has barely another second to $s_herhis thoughts before a dark, deep, ''guttural'' sound resonates in the distance. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-SageElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 3>> Glass shudders and harmonizes, and the Sage lifts $s_herhis hand hesitantly, hazel eyes widening. <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> fingers hover close to the surface, the view of Renescen blurred as $s_herhis breath quickens. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> tries to count and even each inhale and exhale as $s_shehe presses the pads of $s_herhis fingertips against the window. Vibrations arc through each knuckle into $s_herhis palm, piercing through $s_herhis wrist and slamming down $s_herhis forearm. With a gasp, $s_shehe pulls back and grabs $s_herhis arm, checking for any signs of extra injury as the city comes into focus again. <ul> <li> <<link "And then the magic hits." "Chapter3-SageElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 4>> Thoughts. Memories? Muddled, hazy, chaotic. Not all $s_hershis. //Wrong.// A cry sounds out in $s_herhis office as $s_shehe stumbles to the side and into a dark bookshelf, tiny sphere-shaped trinkets tumbling and thudding onto the floor and skimming over $s_herhis shoulder. Fabric crumples in $s_herhis hands as $s_shehe clings to $s_herhis chest and focuses on gathering $s_herhis magic. A sandstorm. The Mirror. Desperation. Pathos roils around the elemental magic that comes more naturally, and $s_herhis hand shakily draws away from $s_herhis body, willing the energy outward and ignoring the shimmering threads that fight for their existence. Air begins to pull through $s_herhis hair in small torrents and whorls, some braids coming loose from where the ribbon holds them back. Eyes shut tight and pressing harshly into $s_herhis cheeks, the hand finally releases the force, a wall of wind interlaced with $s_herhis will. <ul> <li> <<link "The relief is instant." "Chapter3-SageElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 5>> Blissful, sweet breath comes easier now, and the Sage straightens $s_herhis spine slowly behind the barrier $s_shehe's formed. A hand drifts up to $s_herhis forehead as $s_shehe takes a cautious step towards the window to try and find the source of the assailing power, eyes squinting against the sun. <ul> <li> <<link "\"Sage!\"" "Chapter3-SageElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 6>> The Gold Acolyte breathes quickly in the frame of the office door, having just careened his way into the room. "It's the bank, the bank at the edge of the second. Something's happened-" <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> turns with confusion. Talented or no, the Acolyte doesn't show any signs of being as affected by the magic from just a moment before. //How did he not feel it?// "What is it?" $s_shehe urges, a barrage of footsteps echoing in the halls stampeding over any other thoughts for now. <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> Acolyte takes a moment to catch his breath, chest heaving from his apparent sprint to the Sage's door. "Powerful…illusion magic? And-" The Acolyte looks out towards the city with a haze over his eyes. "The bank is…it's on fire but…the fire, it's-" The Sage moves around $s_herhis desk fluidly, stepping with the confidence the Acolyte needs and placing a hand on his shoulder. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> grips him tight, trying to focus his eyes and his sentences. "I'll go now. Go find the Archivists, and tell them, alright?" His eyes lock on to the hazel in front of him, chewing at his lips before nodding and sprinting off. The Sage straightens and stays facing the hallway for a few quick moments before turning back to the view, green and light and life painting a deceptive oasis of a city. //Seems the sheevra have something to say about that.// <ul> <<if visited("Chapter3-Bank")>> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-BankBoom">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> <</if>> <<if visited("Chapter3-Oisein")>> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-OiseinPostBoom">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> <</if>> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $elseGroup>> <<case 1>> //The Arids have always had a strange sense about them, //Oisein thinks as $o_shehethey look$o_s at the shock of green bursting through the sand. Not necessarily your usual, run-of-the-mill-this-is-a-little-weird sort of sense. But something else. //Welcoming?// //Hm. // //That sounds dire.// A sigh heaves through $o_herhistheir chest as the warm air embraces $o_herhistheir skin, a dusting of sand dancing around $o_herhistheir knees and floating up to ghost over $o_herhistheir exposed forearms. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them is true>>brush<<else>>brushes<</if>> it away almost immediately, groaning as hands lower to try and clear the speckled grit away from the black fabric of $o_herhistheir pants. When <<print $o_shehethey>>$o_isare satisfied (or as much as $o_shehethey can be) and all that's left in the sand's wake is the heat of the sun, $o_shehethey turn$o_s back towards Renescen proper. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-OiseinElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> Ambient magic hums and vibrates through the air from the towering pylons as Oisein passes through the city gates, waiting until $o_shehethey breach<<o_es>> the first line of buildings before waving a hand nonchalantly to the pathos magic manipulating the guard leaned against the gate's frame. The guard in question stares blankly ahead into the nothingness of wasteland, and only stirs at the final dregs of magic being pulled away. The withdrawal is gentle and deliberate, a lover's tender caress, leaving the guard with the vaguest memory of an all-consuming song that filled his mind with syrupy chords, and a maddening desire for honeyed hair haloed around freckled cheeks. But no matter how he reaches, the memory fades. A daydream at best that the guard chides himself for as he gathers up his armor and straightens in embarrassment. Oisein smirks as $o_shehethey leave$o_s him to his desperate confusion. But the leanhaun barely takes another step before a harsh //boom// resonates in the distance. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-OiseinElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 3>> Instinct takes over as $o_shehethey whirl$o_s around, hand dragging along the rough edge of a building. No other mortalis seems affected, and in fact if anything, the eyes that catch on lavender look to $o_herhimthem with more fright than anything else. A woman shields her child against the sight, another person stepping emphatically to the other side of the street as Oisein twists $o_herhistheir hand into the fabric clinging to $o_herhistheir stomach. Leather straps along $o_herhistheir waist and thighs strain as $o_herhistheir muscles tense, and $o_herhistheir hands twitches down to the twin daggers they hold, ready to grasp the hilt of the wicked blades. Too quickly, the sound settles. <ul> <li> <<link "And then the magic hits." "Chapter3-OiseinElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 4>> Daggers or no, any weapon is useless against the assault that slams into Oisein next. It feels like someone has grasped $o_herhistheir ribcage and screamed into the cavity of $o_herhistheir body, rattling and throwing apart $o_herhistheir bones in a desperate panic. Eyes clenched, Oisein cries out, stumbling shoulder first into an alleyway and gasping for air. Ivory fabric catches against the surface and is just enough to yank $o_herhimthem back into reality, grounding $o_herhistheir body through the pain that connects $o_herhistheir skin to the stone. There's a harsh, but intoxicating power within the force. But it's too much. <ul> <li> <<link "TOO MUCH TOO MUCH" "Chapter3-OiseinElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 5>> Knees hit pavement as Oisein's muscles falter, $o_herhistheir legs decidedly giving up for the moment. Blood blisters along the edge of $o_herhistheir palm from the scrape downward and dirt cakes itself under $o_herhistheir nails. Teeth clatter against each other as $o_herhistheir forehead kisses the ground, body doubled over and twisted in a vain attempt to stave off the pain. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them is true>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> register the fact that $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> the only one affected, as mortalis avert their eyes from the strange $o_gender collapsed and convulsing in the alley. It feels like… <ul> <li> <<link "''NAMES''" "Chapter3-OiseinElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 6>> A million, //billion //names all surging straight into $o_herhistheir bloodstream, riding and overtaking $o_herhistheir pulse. But despite the potential power, Oisein finds <<print $o_herhimthem>>self wanting to throw it off, slamming and hammering a fist against the alley's stone ground to try and beat the chaos away from $o_herhistheir body. Wordless whimpers build in $o_herhistheir throat as $o_shehethey beg$o_s to be released. And then finally- <ul> <li> <<link "-relief." "Chapter3-OiseinElse">><<set $elseGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 7>> Blissfully, blessedly, the pain begins to ebb, leaving an echo of the pressure pushing against $o_herhistheir skull. Cautiously, Oisein untightens $o_herhistheir jaw, the undone tension soothing out the nerves in $o_herhistheir body. Still full of distrust for the sudden silence, $o_shehethey attempt$o_s to open $o_herhistheir eyes upward towards the blue of Renescen's sky, picturesque clouds tinged with the barest orange. Realizing $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> holding $o_herhistheir breath, a welcome exhale finally comes as $o_shehethey pivots $o_herhistheir body around, lower back thudding against the alley wall as $o_shehethey sit$o_s against it. The golden crown of $o_herhistheir head drifts back slowly and $o_herhistheir chest rises, then falls. Rises. Then falls. Rises. Then a realization. <<if ($o_past_feelings is true) or ($o_flirt > 0)>> //$pc_name.// Hesitation disappears, and ribs ignite before $o_shehethey even stand$o_s. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> pick$o_s up the trail of residual magic and a second later, feet begin to pound against the cracked pavement, one stumble that almost rolls $o_herhistheir ankle. But it's ignored as a vision of $pc_eyecolor eyes looking to $o_herhimthem permeates through $o_herhistheir thoughts. //$pc_name.// <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> limbs are a flurry, hands scraping on buildings to fling $o_herhistheir body around sharp corners. The image of <<if $friendly > $aloof+1>> softened <</if>> $pc_eyecolor eyes shifts to lips forming around soundless words, <<liveblock>>$pc_herhistheir<</liveblock>> $pc_sh_skincolor hand, <<if $unseelie is true>> painted with patterns, <<elseif $leanhaun is true>> as bright as the sun, <<elseif $dryad is true>> budding with leaves, <</if>> rising to cover <<liveblock>>$pc_herhistheir<</liveblock>> mouth. Oisein casts aside the pain that bursts into $o_herhistheir lungs from $o_herhistheir sprinting, jaw locked and teeth clenched tight. ''//$pc_name.//'' <<else>> //Shit, $pc_name.// <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> pick$o_s up the trail of residual magic and a second later, feet begin to pound against the cracked pavement, one stumble that almost rolls $o_herhistheir ankle. Oisein casts aside the pain that bursts into $o_herhistheir lungs from $o_herhistheir sprinting, jaw locked and teeth clenched tight. //Let $pc_name be alright. ''Please.''// <</if>> <ul> <<if visited("Chapter3-Sage")>> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-SageBoom">><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> <</if>> <<if visited("Chapter3-Bank")>> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-BankBoom">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </li> <</if>> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Sharp pricks of pain blossom in your palms, your nails digging into them as you stand firm and keep quiet. Tacita tilts her head and looks around at your surroundings. //''I see you dream of it too.''// she //thinks// at you again, and you turn from her to assess the crisp clear image of the world around you. The colors seem just a hair duller, the vibrancy beginning to drain from the tips of the mountains and dripping into the fields around you. Your narrowed eyes continue to swivel around, and as your quiet lingers, the scene seems to blur, crispness fading into obscurity. ''//Are you alright?//'' she asks tenderly, gently, a delicate hand reaching out toward you in an attempt to make a connection. You recoil and step back out of nagging, subconscious disgust. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> With an unceremonious huff, Tacita throws her hand to her side. Her fingers dance in a tense drumming motion, the movement reminding you of the agitated, flexing claw of some beast. ''//Well, fine.//'' The words are impatient, frustrated. And then Tacita is gone. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<link "//Where did she-//" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> <<case 4>> <div class="center"> <<link "She's right in front of you." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </div> <<case 5>> Something slams into your throat. First comes the pain that slashes across your shoulder blades as Tacita slams you into the floor. //The floor?// Second comes the voice again, except this time it doesn't sound like a singular, matronly croon. But a thousand voices glitching into the words. <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> //''I'll be honest, I misjudged how much the other Clans would care about Harpoc and Tacita.''// <<else>> //''I'll be honest, I misjudged how much the other Clans would care about Harpoc and''// <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">Tacita.</div></section> <</if>> <</liveblock>> Light spots flare and bubble in your eyesight as the hand around your neck tightens. You barely register the grass and water beginning to disintegrate around you like floating ash, the same happening to Tacita's veil and robes, now distinguishable illusion magic sloughing off in spades. ''//Though I suppose they're really just trying to save their own skin. //'' Things begin to blur and blacken at the edge of your vision, and not because the illusion is falling. Your hands claw desperately at an arm, trying to pull it away from you as a thumb presses harder into your pulse and the hand drives down and up into your jaw. There's a heavy weight on your legs and try as you might to flail, all your attempts are in vain. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<set $first_attack_illusion to false>> <<set $ch3_push_fail to false>> A wheeze. Strangled. Suffocating. It's //your// weak, wordless cry that echoes in the empty, crumbling shambles of the bank's lobby. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 7>> ''//Such a shame, I was hoping to have a bit of fun this time. But I suppose you'll do as a warning to Sirin now that I've covered the siblings.//'' The thing killing you has apparently decided on a singular voice now. Maybe to comfort you in your last moments before your untimely demise. They hold their arm steady as your body shakes. You only have a few more seconds to act. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "Muster up as much elemental power as I possibly can and slam it into them." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "elemental">> <<set $elemental += 1>> <<set $magic += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Scratch at where I think this thing's eyes are and distract it enough to make an illusion of me escaping." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "illusion">> <<set $illusion += 1>> <<set $magic += 1>> <<set $first_attack_illusion to true>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Force them to experience what I'm feeling, focus on pushing my emotions forward." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "pathos">> <<set $pathos += 1>> <<set $magic += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Gather up your strength for one more attempt to rip their arm off of you." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "strength">> <<set $strength += 1>> <<set $might += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Strike them quickly with my knee, a shot at the ribcage when they least expect it." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "agility">> <<set $agility += 1>> <<set $might += 1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 8>> Choking, stifling, //dying.// <<if $choice is "elemental">> <<if ($magic > $might) or ($dryad is true)>> No, you refuse to. And definitely not without a fight. You let that thought fuel the magic inside of you, unbridled energy beginning to form in your desperation. Anger and survival scream together inside your ribs and bursts through your heart, heat building and growing and raging down your veins. Fire. Brilliant, luminous fire. They believe you to be giving up as your hand falls to your side. Which means they see it a second too late as you use what may be the last bit of your energy to swing your hand upward teeming with an inferno, ready to connect and burn the //depths// out of your assailant. You //slam// your palm into the underside of their face, the contact solid and firm. Their chin snaps to the side and soreness immediately bursts in your wrist. But it's nothing compared to the satisfaction of hearing the shocked grunt that slips from your opponent. Fingers dig into whatever you can feel, though they move their face easily back against you. The dread and fear inches into your stomach as blackness continues to edge across your vision, gloved hands digging into your skin. Until you hear the melodious sound of a shriek as the fire begins to singe their skin and sears their hood. It's enough that you feel their grip loosen, blissfully, on your neck. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> <<set $ch3_push_fail to true>> No. No it can't end like this. Can it? Your magic starts to glow in your chest, flickering like a crystal that won't quite light. Still you focus on that feeling, on your desperation, to try to reverse it onto them. Gritting your teeth, you anchor yourself to the feel of your nails in their flesh as you try to survive. It creeps, your magic, no force to be reckoned with. But you can see, can feel it begin to seep from your fingers into their bones, the sputtering embers trying to ignite inside your wrists. You feel the slight shiver in their forearm as the elemental magic lurks across their fingers until- //Pop!// ''//Agghh! What-//'' A tiny firework of magic erupts and dances up their forearm as you try to beat it back. It's just enough that you feel their grip loosen, barely, blissfully, on your neck. A quick inhale and you slam a fist into their elbow, catching them off guard enough to make them stumble back with a shocked grunt. Hot, white fire seems to burn against your neck a moment later amid the fluttering of their cloak and the hiss under their breath, and you can feel the burns of where their hand drags magic across your throat. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 10>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "illusion">> <<if ($magic > $might) or ($unseelie is true)>> No, you refuse to. And definitely not without a fight. You let that thought fuel the magic inside of you, unbridled energy beginning to form in your desperation. Anger and survival scream together inside your ribs and bursts through your heart, a shadowy wall that snarls and is ready to pounce. Though you've shifted back into your mortalis form, you can feel the marks of paint writhing and swarming, ready to be released. They believe you to be giving up as your hand falls to your side. Which means they see it a second too late as you use what may be the last bit of your energy to swing your fist upward, muscles tensing, hand engulfed in shadow and clawing out for where their eyes should be. You thrash. Once, twice, thinking you've found some purchase. They let out a shocked grunt as you manage to get a hold of their cloak and will it to shred as your unleash your illusion magic against them. They pause for a moment as they finally free your grasp, but by then it's too late. You can feel the coils of miasmic illusions clouding their vision, interrupting their senses and creating an image of you wriggling free. A fist slams near your face into the soft wood as they hiss, the sharp and sudden movement glancing by your ear. They look to the side and lunge. Hands grabbing for an illusion but coming up empty. If you weren't in such a dire situation, you might have found yourself laughing. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> <<set $ch3_push_fail to true>> No, no it can't end like this. Can it? Your magic starts to glow in your chest, flickering like a crystal that won't quite light. Still you focus on that feeling, on the desperation and urge to //live//. Gritting your teeth, you anchor yourself to the feel of your nails in their flesh as you try to survive. It creeps, your magic, no force to be reckoned with. But you can see, can feel it begin to seep from your fingers into their bones. You feel the slight shiver in their forearm as the illusion lurks along their skin and twists their vision just barely. It's just enough that you feel their grip loosen, barely, blissfully, on your neck. A quick inhale and you slam a fist into their elbow, catching them off guard enough to make them stumble back with a shocked grunt. Hot, white fire seems to burn against your neck a moment later amid the fluttering of their cloak and the hiss under their breath, and you can feel the burns of where their hand drags magic across your throat. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 10>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "pathos">> <<if ($magic > $might) or ($leanhaun is true)>> No, you refuse to. And definitely not without a fight. Your magic glows in your chest, gathering like a small star, lashing out and flaring against death. You focus all of that feeling, your desperation, into that point. Gritting your teeth, you anchor yourself to the feel of your nails in their flesh as you try to survive. And then the sun blasts forward in a supernova. You see the being shudder as it strikes their core, latching on and pulling itself into their veins and their lungs and their spine. They retch, but that matters less than the fact that the hand around your neck has blissfully been removed. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> <<set $ch3_push_fail to true>> No, no it can't end like this. Can it? Your magic starts to glow in your chest, flickering like a crystal that won't quite light. Still you focus on that feeling, on your desperation, to try to reverse it onto them. Gritting your teeth, you anchor yourself to the feel of your nails in their flesh as you try to survive. It creeps, your magic, no force to be reckoned with. But you can see, can feel it begin to seep from your fingers into their bones. You feel the slight shiver in their forearm as the pathos lurks along their skin. It's just enough that you feel their grip loosen, barely, blissfully, on your neck. A quick inhale and you slam a fist into their elbow, catching them off guard enough to make them stumble back with a shocked grunt. Hot, white fire seems to burn against your neck a moment later amid the fluttering of their cloak and the hiss under their breath, and you can feel the burns of where their hand drags magic across your throat. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 10>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "strength">> <<if ($magic < $might) or ($strength > 3)>> No, you refuse to. And definitely not without a fight. Your resolve flares in your chest, battling against the suffocation and this thing's attempt to prematurely snuff out your life. Hands fly upward with the last dregs of your energy, gripping at where their forearm meets their elbow. Your chin tucks as much as it can as you //pull//, elbows straining as the darkness continues to creep into your vision. Thumbs dig in as hard as you can at the soft spot of their skin, and your hands shake and shudder against them. They seem unfazed, before you can feel them fighting back with an almost bewildered sound of alarm. You know you're winning when you take a full inhale, their hands not able to find as much purchase as their attention is drawn to your hands on their arms. Opportunity presents itself at the sliver of an instant they take to readjust their grip, intent on descending on you again. But releasing you from their grip. Which is when your forehead slams upward. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> <<set $ch3_push_fail to true>> No, not it can't end like this. Can it? Your resolve starts to glow in your chest, flickering like a crystal that won't quite light. Still, you focus on that feeling, on your desperation, to urge yourself to //fight//. ''Fight!'' Gritting your teeth, you anchor yourself to the feel of your nails in their flesh as you try to survive. Your strength creeps upward, no force to be reckoned with. But you can see, can feel the slight shudder of their forearm as they struggle to keep you down. You will your hands to grip, //pull//, tear them away from you. It's just enough that you feel it loosen, barely, blissfully, on your neck. A quick inhale and you slam a fist into their elbow, catching them off guard enough to make them stumble back with a shocked grunt. Hot, white fire seems to burn against your neck a moment later amid the fluttering of their cloak and the hiss under their breath, and you can feel the burns of where their hand drags magic across your throat. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 10>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "agility">> <<if ($magic < $might) or ($agility > 3)>> No, you refuse to. And definitely not without a fight. Drawing all your focus into a singular point, you beg your consciousness to hold on for just a little longer as you relax your body with the illusion of surrender. Their grip doesn't relent until a few seconds later, and you can barely make out the blurry image of their hood tilting down at you with…disappointment? But that's not your main concern, as you feel their legs shift off of you. So you strike. You tense your legs up, left first to feint, which they react predictably to, swinging to their right. Which is when your other knee slams into their ribcage. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> <<set $ch3_push_fail to true>> No, no it can't end like this. Can it? Your resolve starts to glow in your chest, flickering like a crystal that won't quite light. Still, you focus on that feeling, on your desperation, to urge yourself to //fight//. ''Fight!'' Gritting your teeth, you anchor yourself to the feel of your nails in their flesh as you try to survive. Your resolve creeps upward, no force to be reckoned with. But you can see, can feel the slight shudder of their forearms as they struggle to keep you down. You will your hands to grip, //pull//, tear them away from you. It's just enough that you feel their hold loosen, barely, blissfully, on your neck. A quick inhale and you slam a fist into their elbow, catching them off guard enough to make them stumble back with a shocked grunt. Hot, white fire seems to burn against your neck a moment later amid the fluttering of their cloak and the hiss under their breath, and you can feel the burns of where their hand drags magic across your throat. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 10>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <</if>> <<case 9>> <<if $choice is "elemental">> Palms push and move, //move//, ''move'' you backward, the shadows of the empty building casting darkness over your body as your limbs struggle to coordinate together, the orange light of the elemental fire singing holes into what you can begin to see is their cloak. In front of you, your attacker motions wildly to put out the fire. They fall backwards at the whim of their panicked legs, waving and thrashing against the air. Sanctin, it feels good to get the upper hand. You look around the bank to try and find some way out, some way to escape this thing's clutches. Amid the beams of sunlight that peek their way through the corroded ceiling, you see a bright spot of blue on the wall to your left, an opening offering freedom. Which would be comforting if you didn't just feel the murderous intent from the now quiet assailant to your right. <<elseif $choice is "illusion">> Palms push and move, //move//, ''move'' you backward, the shadows of the empty building casting darkness over your body as your limbs struggle to coordinate together. In front of you, the dark energy of the illusion magic still consumes them and they motion wildly to strike. Then they reach for their eyes. They fall backwards at the whim of their panicked legs, waving wildly and thrashing against the air. Sanctin, it feels good to get the upper hand. You look around the bank to try and find some way out, some way to escape this thing's clutches. Amid the beams of sunlight that peek their way through the corroded ceiling, you see a bright spot of blue on the wall to your left, an opening offering freedom. Which would be comforting if you didn't just feel the murderous intent from the now quiet figure to your right. <<elseif $choice is "pathos">> Palms push and move, //move//, ''move'' you backward, the shadows of the empty building casting darkness over your body as your limbs struggle to coordinate together. You look around the bank to try and find some way out, some way to escape this thing's clutches. Amid the beams of sunlight that peek their way through the corroded ceiling, you see a bright spot of blue on the wall to your left, an opening offering freedom. In front of you, your attacker motions wildly to peel an invisible hand from their throat. They fall backwards at the whim of their panicked legs, waving wildly and thrashing against the air. Until the pathos magic begins to fade. Their breath still comes unsteady, but their hands still. A few more moments and their exhales calm, and you can practically feel the murderous intent emanating towards you. <<elseif $choice is "strength">> Stars burst in your vision when your skulls crack together, a simultaneous cry of disgust and pain echoing around you as they topple backwards, hissing and groaning with hands coming up to clutch at the top edge of their hood. They roll onto their side, knees knocking against the creaking floor as they fold over themselves to cover from your attack. Palms push and move, //move//, ''move'' you backward, the shadows of the empty building casting darkness over your body as your limbs struggle to coordinate. You look around the bank to try and find some way out, some way to escape this thing's clutches. Amid the beams of sunlight that peek their way through the corroded ceiling, you see a bright spot of blue on the wall to your left, an opening offering freedom. Which would be comforting if you didn't just feel the murderous intent from the now quiet figure in front of you. <<elseif $choice is "agility">> With a simultaneous jab of your fists into their elbows, you're able to throw them off, a simultaneous cry of pain echoing as they topple to the side and you roll in the opposite direction. Hissing and groaning sounds to your side while they clutch at where you struck them, keeled over with fist ramming into the floor. Palms push and move, //move//, ''move'' you backward, the shadows of the empty building casting darkness over your body as your limbs struggle to coordinate. You look around the bank to try and find some way out, some way to escape this thing's clutches. Amid the beams of sunlight that peek their way through the corroded ceiling, you see a bright spot of blue on the wall to your left, an opening offering freedom. Which would be comforting if you didn't just feel the murderous intent from the now quiet figure in front of you. <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 10>> You ignore the sensation for now, willing and begging your focus to getting as far away from them as possible. Your legs and lower back scrape against the murky tiles, hands searching for purchase on rotten, greying wood. Everywhere you touch is slimy and slick with overgrowth and mold, the adrenaline pumping from your heart to your skull keeping the worst of the smell at bay while you try to <<if $ch3_push_fail is true>> ignore the pain lancing down your neck and collar. You look around the bank to try and find some way out, some way to escape this thing's clutches. Amid the beams of sunlight that peek their way through the corroded ceiling, you see a bright spot of blue on the wall to your left, an opening offering freedom. Which would be comforting if you didn't just feel the murderous intent from your now quiet assailant as you began to clamber back up onto your feet. <<else>> keep your wits about you and your eyes on them. A tiny victory comes as you're able to clamber back up onto your feet, glancing nervously to the robed figure. As they stand. <</if>> <ul> <li>[[Continue.|Chapter3-BankReviverFight][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $ch3_connected to true>> <<if $first_call is true>> Warring feelings strike against each other in the core of your chest, but still you lift your hand. "Tacita?" you call, meek and quiet, your voice reining and fighting itself. "Tacita!" you shout again, more confident, pushing aside the unease in favor of grabbing the attention of the High Sheevra. She turns fully this time, and through the thin film of cloth you can see the wrinkles across her skin and the warm, motherly smile. ''//Child. My darling little blackbird.//'' <<else>> "Tacita?" you call, meek and quiet, your voice reining and fighting itself. "Tacita!" you shout again, more confident, pushing aside the unease. <</if>> She steps towards you now, and you can almost feel the welcoming aura radiating from her. As she approaches, she takes a second here and there to survey your surroundings. You're not sure if it's you or your subconscious, but even if you had wanted to step away, you find that you can't. After another few steps, she gracefully lifts the hem of her black robes to step over a small pile of uneven dirt and rocks to come to your side. She lets the fabric fall once she's settled, and you can more clearly see the outline of her face under the veil, a content, comforting smile that creases the age through her features. //''I see you dream of it too,''// she //thinks// at you again, and you turn from her to assess the crisp clear image of the world around you. The colors seem even more vibrant and full of soul than before. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> "Not every night…but every so often," you say quietly. A numbing feeling reaches into the back of your skull and lingers atop your spine. You're fairly certain that if you just thought a response back that Tacita would be able to hear it. But you still choose to speak aloud. "Where are you? What happened to your Clan?" ''//And what do you think this world is?//'' she continues, ignoring your last questions. <<print $pc_eyecolor.toUpperFirst()>> eyes drift back to the High Sheevra, and you contemplate her. <hr> <ul> <li><<link "\"Our world from the past.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"The afterlife.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Our world in the future.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "third">><</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Some sort of paradise? It's doesn't really matter to me, it's just a dream.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "fourth">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<if $choice is "first">> The stories of the world before the Old Wars are fragmented at best, but the verdant grandeur that currently envelops you seems to do it justice. "It looks…" your voice seems to echo despite the open field. "It looks like the old stories. About Sanctin from the past." ''//The world before the sheevra, then?//'' Tacita cocks her head towards you, hands folded demurely over her stomach. <<if $empathetic > $callous+2>> You pause, your mouth trying to form the words. "Before us, yes." <<else>> You pause. "Before the mortalis reaped what they sowed, yes." <</if>> The woman next to you hums at your response, and you can feel the pity in her motions. <<elseif $choice is "second">> You're not sure if this quite how you imagined the world before the Old Wars, or if this is how things should be in Sanctin in the future. Was it even something you could comprehend? Should comprehend? "I don't know…" you start, uncertainty laced through a voice that echoes despite the open field. "A place like this?" You look around and find that a sense of peace, beauty, and //transcendence// overwhelms you. "Maybe this is the afterlife. Whatever comes next for us." ''//Us?//'' Tacita cocks her head towards you, hands folded demurely over her stomach. ''//Sheevra? Mortalis? Or both?//'' At first, you find your mouth forming the word <<if $empathetic > $callous+2>> 'both', <<else>> 'sheevra', <</if>> but something about the statement feels odd. The woman next to you hums at your hesitation, and you can feel the pity in her motions. <<elseif $choice is "third">> Is this how the mortalis had seen the world before? The stories of Sanctin before the Old Wars are fragmented at best, but the verdant grandeur that currently envelops you doesn't seem to do it justice. "Maybe…" your voice seems to echo despite the open field. "Maybe this is what our world is supposed to be in the future?" ''//And does that future include the sheevra? The mortalis? Or both?//'' Tacita cocks her head towards you, hands folded demurely over her stomach. At first, you find your mouth forming the word <<if $empathetic > $callous+2>> 'both', <<else>> 'sheevra', <</if>> but something about the statement feels odd. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> With a shrug, you sigh before inhaling the cool air again. "I don't know. Some sort of paradise? What does it matter?" Something darker hovers near the edge of the space around you. "It's just a dream." ''//If only it were that simple.//'' Tacita shifts next to you. <</if>> ''//We've fought so hard to bring life back into the world. //'' Her arm arcs out to the environment, velvety cloth gravitating towards it in an echo of her gesture. //''To what it could have been. What it should have been.''// The black veil flutters with her breath. //''Do you think we've done enough? That what we're doing is right?''// You feel your body become rigid, muscles locking into place as Tacita revolves just her face back to you. "What do you mean? What else could we have done?" <<if $empathetic > $callous+2>> Worry <<else>> Anger <</if>> flares in your lungs. <<if $s_arids>> The words from the Sage come back to you as your emotions roil. There was something happening to the Arids, wasn't there? Life restored? "We are doing enough," you insist. "The Arids are starting to grow again, it's only a matter of time-" //''Ah, did the mortalis tell you that?''// Tacita adopts a forlorn, dreamy look as she watches the grass bend around the two of you in the gentle wind. ''//The Sage?//'' <<else>> "We are doing enough," you insist. "We have to be." ''//Ah, did Sirin tell you that?//'' <</if>> Teeth clack against one another inside your mouth as your jaw clenches to match the tenseness of the rest of your body. <ul> <li><<link "This isn't why you're here." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<set $q_one to false>> <<set $q_two to false>> <<set $q_three to false>> <<set $convo_counter to 0>> Shaking your head to clear it of the conversation and the doubt, you stand steadfast to the High Sheevra, chest raised in as much confidence as you can muster. "This isn't why I called out. Where are you? Where's Clan Harpoc?" Instead of avoiding the question this time, Tacita remains quiet. Silent. The thought-like speech finally comes. ''//I'm not sure I can give you the answer.//'' Cloth around her shoulders moves as she shifts, the veils draped around her body coursing like the surface of a river. You pause as she slowly rotates back to you, her movements measured and methodic. "Can't?" you start, a tremor in your voice. "Or //won't//?" Her face lifts, gaze drawn to the horizon over the carpet of green and patterns of flowers. ''//One and the same, I think, in this case.//'' Your brow creases as you look to her in confusion, but she gradually brings up a hand. ''//Perhaps another time. But for now, you must go.//'' <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> Though you begin to protest, the hand Tacita had lifted reaches out, her fingers unfurling while skin crackles like paper. Her forefinger and thumb press together, knuckles hinging when she makes the motion of pulling thread from the air. You let the last words of your objections die on your tongue while you narrow your eyes, trying to make out exactly what she's pulling. As it happens, what she's pulling //from// becomes more apparent. A dark line appears above the mountain peaks, though it only takes your mind a second more to register that it's not so far away, instead hovering in mid-air directly in front of you like some sort of trespassing interruption in the picturesque scene. The High Sheevra brings her other wrist upward, languidly raising it before circling it around to bring her palm upward, fingers bent back. The hand controlling the thread moves from the motion of pulling, to a revolution of her palms around each other, spooling the magic inward. The seconds tick by and the lines become a rectangle, more of the invisible thread wound around Tacita's wrists as she pulls open some fragmented space. The rectangle becomes a square, and soon the square becomes a window, and with a final taut pull that brings both her arms back and her hands over her shoulders, the void drops to the ground, beckoning you like it did at the entrance to this strange world within a world. Hands touch lightly to her shoulders before they fall along her side, palms raised but angled down. You //swear// you can see something golden cascading downward, absorbed into the plants below as they grow and glimmer. ''//Go. It is no longer safe here.//'' Something rumbles in the distance and you feel the cool breeze start to warm. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"No longer safe?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><<set $textGroup to 101>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "No longer safe?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Why don't you come with me?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $textGroup to 102>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Why don't you come with me?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+"\"Where will you go?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $textGroup to 103>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Where will you go?"</li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "Step towards the portal and leave this place." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 6>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 101>> Crashing echoes all around you as clouds of debris form around the far mountains, collapsing and crumbling, the bones of the earth ground to dust. "Why is it no longer safe?" you ask, beseeching her for some more satisfactory answer. ''//This space was not meant to last much longer.//'' She folds her hands over each other before motioning to the void with a small nod. "This space?" ''//Please. Go.//'' <<if $convo_counter is 2>> <ul> <li><<link "Step towards the portal and leave this place." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 6>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> You spare a glance down and watch a bundle of vibrant purple flowers wilt and crumble, returning into the earth. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"No longer safe?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><<set $textGroup to 101>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "No longer safe?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Why don't you come with me?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $textGroup to 102>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Why don't you come with me?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+"\"Where will you go?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $textGroup to 103>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Where will you go?"</li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "Step towards the portal and leave this place." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 6>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 102>> You ignore the unsettling feeling of the wind starting to grow more chaotic, the butterflies from before caught in its merciless onslaught. Most are swept away while you watch the gusts slice wings from others, their fragile bodies plummeting to the ground. "Why don't you come with me?" you urge, trying to offer her the first step through. But as expected, she declines, shaking her head in deliberate, gentle motions in contrast to the frenzy around her. ''//I cannot. But we will meet again, I swear it.//'' <<if $convo_counter is 2>> <ul> <li><<link "Step towards the portal and leave this place." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 6>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> You spare a glance down and watch a bundle of vibrant purple flowers wilt and crumble, returning into the earth. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"No longer safe?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><<set $textGroup to 101>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "No longer safe?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Why don't you come with me?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $textGroup to 102>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Why don't you come with me?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+"\"Where will you go?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $textGroup to 103>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Where will you go?"</li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "Step towards the portal and leave this place." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 6>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 103>> Water rushes violently near you, the current of the river becoming thunderous and wild as it beats against its banks. "Where will you go?" you nearly shout, trying to be heard over the uproar around you. Her head lifts toward the sky. ''//Back to them.//'' "Back to who?" you demand. ''//Back,//'' she repeats. <<if $convo_counter is 2>> <ul> <li><<link "Step towards the portal and leave this place." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 6>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> You spare a glance down and watch a bundle of vibrant purple flowers wilt and crumble, returning into the earth. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"No longer safe?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><<set $textGroup to 101>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "No longer safe?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Why don't you come with me?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $textGroup to 102>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Why don't you come with me?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+"\"Where will you go?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $textGroup to 103>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Where will you go?"</li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "Step towards the portal and leave this place." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 6>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 6>> <<print $pc_eyecolor.toUpperFirst()>> eyes bore into her as you roll your lips together, your sight only drawn away as you see the once teeming paradise begin to collapse in the distance. Where there were mountains before, you see only darkness and sand. Dunes form in their stead before plunging off of some cliff edge that you can't see. A flood of drained life surging towards you as the green and violet and pink turns to brown, then black, then- Nothing. The sky blackens, just a shade darker than the robes that tumble and fall over Tacita's body, the cloth still, you notice, impossibly stagnant. Anxiety and dread collects in your stomach. ''//Go.//'' Her shoulders hunch and she grows, body lengthening and spreading unnaturally, filling up the space of your vision. ''//GO!//'' You take one last look before you finally step to the portal, feet dragging on once welcome, lush ground that now feels hot and baked and //ready to drag you into it.// Another frantic step, the adrenaline pushing you forward. You enter and become a part of the dark portal as both the verdant world and High Sheevra shatter. <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-BankTacitaAurora][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Sun alights on your skin as you continue after the Sage, down the mock-river from Renescen and hurtling towards the courtyard Mirror. Even the fountains inlaid in the "Arids" seem disturbed, the water bursting forth in odd staccato rhythms instead of flowing smoothly. The Sage presses forward, jogging lightly every few steps. You follow over the mosaics of the mortalis and sheevra, a $pc_type staring gloomily up at you from the stony facade as you step through their face. You avert your eyes from the lies that trace across the Mirror's edges, a slightly easier task this time. Just as you hurry past the southern point of the courtyard on your way down to "Saor," you look up past the iron gates of the Archival Library and see the smoke billowing to your right. Small breaches of light appear as it rises, but the tar like cloud quickly overtakes them. Thinking of the area you saw before, you can't imagine that entire jungle of plants aflame. But what had the Acolyte said? Powerful //illusion// magic? Was any of that even real? <ul> <li><<link "Static creeps into your ears." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> You shake your head, trying to release yourself from the residual effects of whatever sheevra magic crashed into you in the Sage's office. //Sheevra magic. It was definitely sheevra magic, right?// Sputtering water draws your attention. The fountain to your left stops flowing, then starts. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> The static clings to your eardrums, worming its way in again. You wish you could scratch the inside of your ear, could you do it if you tried? <ul> <li><<link "The fountain stops." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> Frozen. Water hanging in midair. <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> <<link "//clAN FaILle'TOR, then?//" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> <<else>> <section class="portfolio-experiment"><div class="experiment-title" ><<link "//Clan Faille'Tor, then?//" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></div></section> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <<case 5>> The voice again. Speaking in your thoughts. You whirl around to look for the source, and hard as you try to pinpoint it, you can't. You lift a hand to shield your eyes from the sun- <<if $pc_sameskin is true>> <<if $unseelie is true>> Your //painted, marked// hand. <<elseif $leanhaun is true>> Your //glowing, marked// hand. <<elseif $dryad is true>> Your //flora-marked// hand. <</if>> <<else>> Your //$pc_sh_skincolor//, <<if $unseelie is true>> //painted// hand. <<elseif $leanhaun is true>> //glowing// hand. <<elseif $dryad is true>> //flora-marked// hand. <</if>> <</if>> You throw both your hands up to try and feel your… <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "...earring, ensuring that it's still there." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $pc_horns to false>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "...antlers" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $pc_horns to true>> <<set $pc_horns_desc to "antlers">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "...horns that rise straight up from the top of my head." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $pc_horns to true>> <<set $pc_horns_desc to "point">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "...horns that rise from the top of my head and curve back along my skull." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $pc_horns to true>> <<set $pc_horns_desc to "mav">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "...horns that spiral upward." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $pc_horns to true>> <<set $pc_horns_desc to "spiral">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "...horns that curl and twist from the side of my head like a ram's." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "sixth">> <<set $pc_horns to true>> <<set $pc_horns_desc to "ram">> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<if $choice is "first">> A visceral panic takes hold as you throw your hand upward to clutch at your earring. <<elseif $choice is "second">> You throw both of your hands up to feel your antlers, and sure enough, the rough but familiar branches of your sheevra form are there to meet you. A visceral panic grips you next as you lower a shaky hand to your ear. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You throw both of your hands up to feel your horns, and sure enough, the rough but familiar surfaces that accompany your sheevra form are there to meet you. A visceral panic grips you next as you lower a shaky hand to your ear. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> You throw both of your hands up to feel your horns, and sure enough, the rough but familiar surfaces that accompany your sheevra form are there to meet you, your hands smoothing trails back over the curving surface and dropping down to the crown of your head. A visceral panic grips you next as you lower a shaky hand to your ear. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> You throw both of your hands up to feel your horns, and sure enough, the rough but familiar surfaces that accompany your sheevra form are there to meet you, your hands smoothing trails up the swirling, spiral surfaces. A visceral panic grips you next as you lower a shaky hand to your ear. <<elseif $choice is "sixth">> You throw both of your hands up to feel your horns, and sure enough, the rough but familiar surfaces that accompany your sheevra form are there to meet you, your hands smoothing trails over the curving paths traced from your skull. A visceral panic grips you next as you lower a shaky hand to your ear. <</if>> The glamor foci is still there. Confusion clenches at your throat and twists in your spine as you survey around you, trying to come to terms with when you could have possibly morphed and how ''//you're exposed and in danger.//'' But you realize something else. Everyone else is gone. Sound goes lifeless, and the air stills. You see leaves blown from one of the trees around the Library's main door frozen in their descent. Looking up even the clouds seem inert, though you still feel the warmth from the sun kiss your cheeks and plummet onto the abandoned, empty courtyard that you now stand in. Powerful illusion magic. Was this really just illusion magic? <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> //''I'll be honest, I misjudged how much the other Clans would care about Harpoc and Tacita.''// <<else>> //''I'll be honest, I misjudged how much the other Clans would care about Harpoc and''// <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">Tacita.</div></section> <</if>> <</liveblock>> A thousand voices glitch into the words until whoever, //whatever//, seems to settle on one. //''Ah well. Live and learn, I suppose.''// Another turn and you see them. How could you not see them before? <ul> <li><<link "THERE" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 7>> <<set $convo_counter to 0>> <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> <div class="center">Run. RUN. Don't SPEAK.</div> <<else>> <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="text-align:center; color:#8a8a8a"><div class="experiment-title" >Run. RUN. Don't SPEAK.</div></section> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <div class="center"><<link "The person." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </div> <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> <div class="center">don't fight it. why not speak to them? let them know what you're thinking? confide in them?</div> <<else>> <div class="center"> don't fight it. why not speak to them? let them know what you're thinking? <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline; align: center;color:#8a8a8a"><div class="experiment-title" >confide in them?</div></section></div> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <<case 8>> They sit lazily on one of the benches that line the pathways on the side facing water, one leg bent along where they're seated and the other hanging loosely over the edge. At first you think their cloak is made of the same dark fabric as the rest of their clothes, blacks and greys that soak into their loose shirt, trousers, gloves, and boots. Until you see them roll a shoulder and watch as the colors shift and flicker into turquoise and pinks and pearls. Dark, opalescent, evolving magic hovers across the cloth and around the hood haloing their face. And there's a face there, you know there is. But you can't make it out. The hood is up but you're standing in bright daylight. There wouldn't, //shouldn't//, be any shadows strong enough to blot out all the features of someone's face. Your mind rebels again and again, trying to compensate for the blind spot it can't resolve, disconcerting and infuriating. Powerful illusion magic. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"What are you?\" I ask softly." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $persuasive += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Well, good, glad to put a face to the voices in my head. Sort of.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Who are you?!\" I demand angrily." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Stay quiet out of fear." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Something feels wrong about trying to speak with them. I stay quiet and observe, determined not to let them catch me by surprise." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 9>> <<if $choice is "first">> You steady your breathing. "//What// are you?" you ask softly, out loud. Where the face should be turns directly to you. ''//A bit rude, asking 'What' and not 'Who.'//'' "I'm not sure if I'm in the mood for niceties," you say, unease clambering around in your stomach. "And most people I have a conversation with don't speak directly into my //head.//" ''//Well I'm not most people, am I?//'' <<elseif $choice is "second">> Though you hate to admit it, it takes you a couple seconds to steady your breathing. "Well, this is good! Glad to put a face to the voices in my head. Sort of. Shame I can't actually see your face." ''//Maybe you're just not trying hard enough.//'' They muse to you, shoulders shrugging and teetering near the edge of the maddening blur. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You quickly press pass the moment it takes for you to steady yourself, the anger quickly sparking in your blood. "Who are you?!" you demand, letting the fervor lash out. The hood turns to you, though the face is still unreadable. ''//Quite a question, but not the right question.//'' They respond cooly, calmly, unimpressed. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Tremors begin to vibrate out from the epicenter in your chest, and you clench your fists in an attempt to steady yourself. Lips press //hard// against each other as you stare at the figure in front of you. They motion a hand at themself. ''//Not one for conversation?//'' You say nothing. ''//Well, that's fine. Though it will really make this easier if you actually speak. At least a little less awkward.//'' <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> You quiet the nerves that threaten to blossom and steady your breathing. Nothing will be gained if you panic now, so you stay quiet and observe, determined not to let them catch you by surprise. The hooded, maddeningly hidden face tilts slightly and hands prop up onto their legs as they survey you. ''//Well aren't you unshakable. That's likely to change, however. //'' <</if>> Magic approaches you, but you instinctively step back. Usually when you feel the residual energy of another sheevra or mortalis' magic, it's a feeling. Invisible, but existing. But //their// magic reaches out to you with tendrils you can almost see. Inky, revolting molasses you can almost touch. It's //wrong,// this magic. One moment sheevra, the next mortalis. Then decidedly sheevra. Then only mortalis. The unfaced person, thing, //being//, swings their leg over the bench and takes a deep breath(?) before standing. Or at least you assume they breathe by the way their chest heaves. Their cloak glides over the white stone and follows their step as they take one towards you and you take a matching step back, repulsed. They stop moving forward and lengthen their spine, their height taller than average. ''//Oh, I'd love to know what's going through your head right now.//'' <<set $second_call to true>> <<set $asked_harpoc to false>> <<set $thing_resp to false>> <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"I don't care what you are, what did you do with Clan Harpoc? With Tacita?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $asked_harpoc to true>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Sheevra..?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Mortalis...?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <</link>></li> <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch>> <li> stoptalking''stoptalking''runrunrunrunrunrunrunrunr </li> <<else>> <li> <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="color:#8a8a8a"><div class="experiment-title" >stoptalking''stoptalking''runrunrunrunrunrunrunrunr</div></section> </li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li> <<link "\"...I don't know.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Keep quiet. I don't like the idea of opening up my thoughts or words to this...existence." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $second_call to false>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 10>> <<if $choice is "first">> An angry glower consumes your face. "I don't care what or who you are. What did you do with Clan Harpoc?" you fume. "With Tacita? Where are the sheevra of this city?" <<elseif $choice is "second">> You falter. "Your magic is more sheevra…I think?" <<elseif $choice is "third">> You hesitate. "Your magic is…it's more mortalis… I think." <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Your heart stutters. "… I don't know what your magic is." <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> <<if $convo_counter is 0>> You continue to hold your tongue, not wanting to reach out to this strange entity, and keeping your thoughts to yourself. <<else>> You decide to keep quiet this time, not wanting to continue reaching out to this strange, entity and keeping your thoughts to yourself. <</if>> <</if>> <<if ($second_call is true) and ($asked_harpoc is false)>> They don't respond, remaining still as they digest your answer. ''//Well, that is something, at least…//'' <<elseif $asked_harpoc is true>> They don't respond, remaining still as they digest your accusations. ''//Does it matter?//'' they ask. ''//You have no idea what you're dealing with, but here you are, blindly following orders. Are you sure you even want to find out?//'' Something about the way they pose the question sparks unease and an inkling of fear that trickles down your throat. <<else>> They don't respond for a moment either, digesting your lack of answer. A low grumble that you realize is a laugh sounds out from their indistinguishable mouth. ''//Wiser than you realize.//'' <</if>> They take another step forward, considering you and crossing their arms in front of them. ''//But what shall I do with you then? I've already gotten rid of one scout, do I get rid of another?//'' You hear a hum. ''//How about that blond one instead? If you like, I'll take $o_herhimthem, give you a chance to run away while I still get to send a message. A win-win, as they say.//'' <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Don't you //dare// touch Oisein,\" I growl." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"I'd like to see you try to get rid of me.\" I'm not 100% confident I could take them, but I'll be damned if I go down without a fight." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Your magic, powerful or not, can only get you so far,\" I say, hoping I'm right in my hunch that they can't keep up the illusion forever." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "That's enough of listening to this thing's gibberish, I won't let it get inside my head. I turn away and try to keep walking, there has to be an end to the illusion somewhere, right?" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $thing_resp to true>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 11>> <<if $choice is "first">> Snarling, you bare your teeth and inject as much malice as you can into the threat. "Don't you //dare// touch Oisein." ''//Oh, attached to that one, are you?//'' You prepare for the additional threat, shoulder bristling, but what comes next is unexpected. ''//…Poor thing.//'' They place their hands on their hips and observe you for a moment before, before splaying one hand and its fingers on their chest. ''//But don't worry, I'm going to get rid of you now, and then you won't have to worry anymore about $o_herhimthem, or anything, really.//'' <<elseif $choice is "second">> Lifting your shoulders as high as you can muster, you stand up against them. Insanely powerful magic user, true, but you'll be damned if you go down without a fight. "I'd like to see you try to get rid of me." ''//It would barely take me a thought, you cheeky child.//'' They say back, bored. ''//But alright. If you insist.//'' <<elseif $choice is "third">> Mulling over the words, you think through each one and sift through the sentence to make sure it makes sense. "Your magic," you decide to press. "-powerful or not, it can only get you so far. And I'd say you're about to hit your limit." There aren't any eyes for you to watch, but you can almost feel them thinking, carefully considering their rebuttal. But they don't. ''//Well deduced, little one,//'' they admit. A small swell of pride lifts in your ribs. ''//But getting rid of you should be quick enough.//'' The swell crashes down. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> <<if $convo_counter is 0>> You haven't been trying to strike up a conversation, and you're definitely not going to start now. <<else>> No, that's enough of listening to this thing's gibberish. <</if>> You're tired of staring into their confounding 'face', and you're tired of playing these games. <<if visited("Chapter2-Rails")>> This person is the one responsible for the magic underground and for the odd alluring magic at the bank, you're sure of it. <<else>> This person is the one responsible for the odd alluring magic at the bank, you're sure of it. <</if>> And you'd bet they're responsible for the current state of the bank as well. But this isn't how this confrontation needs to go. Not on their terms. Not in their domain. You pivot on your heel to head towards the iron gates again. ''//Leaving so soon?//'' they call to your back. You hear the click of steps approaching behind you that halt just as soon as they start. In the corner of your eye, a movement at the edge of the water draws your attention. Flickering color and the outlines of people start to form in the reflection, hovering near and around you while unaware of your presence. //So. There's a limit to your magic too.// They don't hear that thought but by the way they huff you feel they may as well have. Defiantly, you glare at them but keep your lips tight and your guard up. ''//Ugh, alright then.//'' You turn in time to see them place their hands on their hips with exasperation, before throwing them dramatically in the air. ''//Suppose it's time to get rid of you.//'' <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 12>> They start to move toward you again, steps charged with purpose and cloak floating in waves behind them. You see the muscles of their arm tense against the tight black cloth, and they reach their hand towards you with curled fingers ready to dig into your flesh. Monstrous, unending magic overwhelms and buzzes static in your mind, like being cooked alive in the middle of the Arids' with no life in sight. Terrible, powerful… …name-charged magic? As your mind restarts, the fear plummets into your stomach and shoots down your legs. You step backward, once, twice, ready to turn into a sprint as they close in on you, but not wanting to take your eyes off them. //Is this it?// Lungs shudder and darkness clings to your mind. //Is this how I die?// <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 13>> And then a colossal wave of water crashes into the path. <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-SageWrapUp][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Your instincts act first, magic flaring through your bones <<if $dryad>> and bursting with elemental force. Rings of swirling ice create orbits around your body, shielding you from whatever they were going to do next as you hear a hiss and watch them jump backward. With a breath outwards, the orbits collect into a shining scythe , ready to charge forward. Your arms reach up, fingers lacing together, before swinging down your intertwined fists with all your might. The scythe tears through the air in front of you. Beside you, Oisein pivots $o_herhistheir wrist and palm, aiming $o_herhistheir pathos magic straight for their heart. Dark, low notes ready to plummet into their mind. But they're ready for it. <<elseif $unseelie>> and seething around you, trying to constrict around their neck and disorient their pursuit of you. Illusory threads create orbits around your body, shuddering your image in front of them and creating mimics of your form. It's on the edge of enough, shielding you from whatever they were going to do next as you hear a hiss and watch them take a few steps backwards, arms raising. Beside you, Oisein pivots $o_herhistheir wrist and palm, aiming $o_herhistheir pathos magic straight for their heart. Dark, low notes ready to plummet into their mind. But they're ready for it. <<elseif $leanhaun>> and illuminating around you, trying to inject the fear you feel into their thoughts instead. Bright shards swirl an orbit around your body before shooting forward, bolstering yourself and trying to pierce their mind. It's on the edge of enough, shielding you from whatever they were going to do next as you hear a hiss and watch them take a few steps backwards, arms raising. Beside you, Oisein pivots $o_herhistheir wrist and palm, aiming $o_herhistheir own pathos magic straight for their heart. Dark, low notes ready to plummet into their mind alongside yours. But they're ready for it. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $dryad>> Or so they think. Gloved hands wave an arc ahead of them, pushing back with razor sharp sickles of their own, ice against ice clashing in front of them and bursting in flurries that blow back their cloak. But there's a slight stumble as the pathos rushes like a wave over them. Their movements drag into an undertow for a second. And then they straighten. Oisein lowers $o_herhistheir body as $o_shehethey continue$o_s to push the pathos forward in a torrent, fighting to overwhelm the stranger. But $o_herhistheir eyes flicker to you. Palms outward, you force fire through your veins, blazing flames raging down the alley. Your opponent just barely manages to dance the flames around them, crossing their forearms and swinging them to their sides to burst through the initial wave. The flames form a vibrant shadow as it circles and cradles them like a throne. You yell out as your fingers beckon the wind to rush forward, stance widening, feet scuffing the floor, feeling the air slice along your shoulders and surge ahead. It douses most of the flames as they lean forward and hold their hands as if in prayer, wedging though the gust that throws their cloak near horizontal behind them before it floats gently down. Just as Oisein brandishes the knife in front of their face. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><</link>></li> </ul> <<elseif $unseelie>> Or so they think. The combination of illusion and pathos together makes them shudder and shake their head, trying to slough off at least one of the two. Gloved hands wave an arc ahead of them, pushing back with a razor sharp wind that charges forward, slicing clean through some of the threads of your illusion, and narrowly missing you. But it doesn't manage to catch everything. Oisein lowers $o_herhistheir body as $o_shehethey continue$o_s to push the pathos forward in a torrent, fighting to overwhelm the stranger. But $o_herhistheir eyes flicker to you. Palms outward, you force your markings forward again, paint strokes racing out from where your feet meet the floor and clamoring in the shadows around them. They take a step back, arms still raised, and the shadows crawl up to consume. But instead of their form, all you see is the outline of an egg-like sphere that's eventually punctured with beams of light, tearing like thin cloth to fire and your magic bursting away from them as they lower their hands to their sides. Just as Oisein brandishes the knife in front of their face. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 4>><</link>></li> </ul> <<elseif $leanhaun>> Or so they think. The dual pathos magics weave together, swelling and hurtling through their chest. Gloved hands wave an arc around them, pushing back with a razor sharp wind that tears through the globes of light and magic that swarms around them, bursting through and dispersing them like fireflies against fire. But you notice, with a sense of smug victory, that they can't disperse all of them. You roll your palms inward, then outward, trying to gauge something, //anything//, that you can amplify or dampen with your pathos as they stand still and watch the two of you, battling and resisting against your magic. How about doubt? Oisein lowers $o_herhistheir body as $o_shehethey continue$o_s to push the pathos forward in a torrent, fighting to overwhelm the stranger. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> eyes flicker to you. Fingers spread out as you lower your hand, trying to subtly inch into their mind while you prepare for the rebuttal. They mirror your movements, lifting their hands with palms downward and ready. Arm swings forward as you throw shards of ice as a distraction, and they blockade themselves with their own elemental magic back, ice against ice clashing and bursting in flurries through their cloak. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 3>> As it clouds their focus, your palm turns up and you beckon their doubt to submit to your control as Oisein augments your magic. Swirling music bolsters your mind and intensifies the energy you push ahead. Magic snags, and you take it, turning and clenching your fist to hold the invisible rope that's tied you to their emotion. You pull, //pull//, dragging it upward and flaring it loudly in their consciousness as your magic screeches against the connection to this unknown thing. //sheevramortalissheevramortailssheevramortalissheevramortalisshee// It works. For a moment. They shudder and stumble, one foot in front of them to catch their moment of imbalance. Then their arm shoots out as they understand your intent, fingers wrapping around the magic and tugging against the connection. The magic whines, high-pitched, head-splitting, incessant, as the two of you stand as opposite forces. What you imagine to be their chin lowers and you can more clearly feel all of their emotions using the path you've laid. Devotion and madness //and doubt and anger.// It careens toward you and you try to push back, barricading yourself with a quick, slapdash pathos ward. Their magic screams against it and a moment before their pathos overwhelms you, you break the connection and shiver violently, falling back, almost slipping against the deteriorating environment. Slowly, they straighten, hands gently falling to their sides. Just as Oisein branches the knife in front of their face. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> There's a satisfying yelp as they barely dodge the first swipe, a flurry of glowing, golden speckles and mauve blurring in your vision. Another cry, this time from Oisein, and at first you fear the worst. But you realize it's a cry of triumph as the edge of $o_herhistheir blade becomes coated with red, and you see the stranger bring a hand to their face. You see it pass through the illusion hiding their identity, and just //barely//, you think you see a glimpse of light-colored hair, a curl that falls against their forehead. It disappears as quickly as it appears. ''//YOU LITTLE SHIT.//'' The stranger roars and their fingers curve into menacing claws, their broiling magic writhing around them. A sinking feeling of a vast, unending expanse opens up in front of you as their magic builds. Oisein takes a step back but keeps the knife up, ready for another strike as $o_herhistheir shoulders roll forward. The magic grows. ''//How about I give you another scar, hm? To match the one Sirin gave you?//'' The sentence brings you to a halt, and you look to Oisein. With the realization that $o_shehethey<<if $o_them>>'ve<<else>>'s<</if>> kept the left side of $o_herhistheir face away from you while in $o_herhistheir sheevra form, you now see it. The thin, but ragged and red wound that runs from the corner of $o_herhistheir eye down over $o_herhistheir cheek and trickles over $o_herhistheir jaw. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them>>catch<<else>>catches<</if>> your eyes and <<if $o_them>>twitch<<else>>twitches<</if>> $o_herhistheir head forward just enough to bring some of $o_herhistheir hair forward, covering the mark in shame. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> ''//You think you don't know Sirin? You barely know your own companion!//'' Another poisonous laugh. "Not now," $o_shehethey insist$o_s. "Promise I'll tell you later," Oisein adds timidly, glancing at you and nodding towards the stranger who's currently distracted. Impending death, it turns out, is a good motivator and you nod back. Though not without a firm look at $o_herhimthem before you realign your focus. You plant your feet and- <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "-whip the dagger around with elemental air magic, boomeranging it around the cloaked figure. " `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $elemental += 1>> <<set $magic += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link " -create an illusion of myself rushing forward to give Oisein another opening." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $illusion += 1>> <<set $magic += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "-instill a terror over their injury and the twin daggers, causing them to hesitate." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $pathos += 1>> <<set $magic += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "-keep the knife at my side but ready my stance to overpower them and charge forward." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $strength += 1>> <<set $might += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "-leap forward, confident that I can be quick enough to avoid their magic and any strikes aimed at me." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $agility += 1>> <<set $might += 1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<if $choice is "first">> The ball of your foot grinds against the sediment beneath it as you quickly summon the energy, focusing on the wild, unrelenting wind. You frame your hands and drop the knife to let it hover between them while whirlwinds start to spin the blade and hilt around each other. <<if $dryad>> Your marks shift and bud and bloom when your magic swells. <</if>> A disk of silver forms from the speed as you switch the direction in an instant, shooting it forward. Just barely recovered from their laughter, the stranger catches the glint of the blade as it hurtles toward them, easily stepping out of the way. As planned. Wind slices past their shoulder and Oisein takes the new opportunity to drive $o_herhistheir knife into the fray. The cloaked figure shouts with dismay as they step backward, trying to land punches against Oisein. They manage to clip the sheevra's chin once, but adrenaline keeps $o_herhimthem limber and light on $o_herhistheir feet. One palm outward, and the other wrist bending down, you change the course of the winds again. They hear the gently repeating //fwip// too late as the knife boomerangs back on your magic. With a turn of their head, the knife slices against their cheek and they screech. You catch the blade in another aura of elemental magic, letting the rotation slow and flinging the blood from the blade as you grab the hilt. <<elseif $choice is "second">> The ball of your foot grinds against the sediment beneath it as you bounce once on your legs, brandish the knife, and collect the illusions along your wrist. <<if $unseelie>> In your true form now, you can see the markings shifting and painting over every inch of your skin, ready to cascade onto the environment around you. And you let them. <<else>> Though not your usual magic, your markings still shift over you, adjusting and ready to cascade around you. And you let them. <</if>> You will the illusion forward, the shift in magic ending the stranger's laughter. Without the magic focused into them, they don't notice how the alley warps like a mirage. How your illusioned self steps differently and raises the knife haphazardly. How Oisein disappears from sight. They only read when the blade plunges downward behind them. Oisein catches more cloth than flesh, but it's enough to make the stranger shriek as they rear back and throw a wild haymaker in the sheevra's direction. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>><<print $o_isare>> able to dodge mostly, though the fist clips $o_herhistheir chin. A second of recovery later, adrenaline urges another swipe of the knife forward. You manipulate the illusion in small ways, removing obstacles from their sight that they stumble into with a grunt. Adding boxes where there aren't to make them swerve and trip, as Oisein continues to approach with $o_herhistheir glinting blade. <<elseif $choice is "third">> The ball of your foot grinds against the sediment beneath it as you bounce once on your legs, brandish the knife, and collect the pathos into your wrist. With a flash of your gaze to Oisein, the two of you circle your palms above the ground and encroach. Magic floats down over your feet, <<if $leanhaun>> shining lights visible in this form as it morphs on your skin. The markings shift like the swirling sand from earlier, but this time, it's aimed at the stranger. <<else>> shifting like the swirling sand from earlier. But this time, it's aimed at the stranger. <</if>> You sink terror and dread into the motes of starlight as the stranger's laughter dies down. Oisein throws $o_herhistheir hands forward at the same time you do and the magic erupts. The glow clutches at the shrouded body and sinks into their skin past the cloak as your ally strikes with the dagger again. You grip the pathos entrusted to you, weaving your magic and threading it with fright. //Terror//, you will into the magic. //Panic.// Fingers spread and you push the magic forward. Oisein swings but the stranger dodges. But they don't strike back. They almost trip backwards, though you can tell they're fighting against the pathos wracking their body. Their hands shake and they try to maintain control as Oisein lunges again. Fruit and paper spill forward as they throw a crate down in $o_herhistheir path, backing up against the wall. Their head snaps to you and they clap their hands together, one laced with fire and one with water streaming from their fingers. As they connect, a burst of steam and fog erupts around them, shrouding their movements. Oisein halts and jumps back, trying to use some of their weaker elemental magic to disperse the cloud. You try to keep a hold of the pathos, but its strength begins to slip without being able to focus on your target. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> The ball of your foot grinds against the sediment beneath it as you bounce once on your legs, brandish the knife, and- You rush forward and //crash// into their body. There a low grunt as you collide into them, knocking them swiftly to the ground and angling your knees against their arms. The back of their head bounces against the stone and you raise the knife above you to strike, but one of their arms writhes free. Just as Oisein comes over to help, a sudden burst of wind pushes into your chest. A sphere of elemental magic widens and bursts, knocking Oisein back a few steps, and lifting your entire body to hover for a moment above them. A moment is all they need as they roll to the side from under you. Pain in your side is the next thing you register as they kick with a heel into your ribs, throwing you past Oisein and into the opposite wall. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> The ball of your foot grinds against the sediment beneath it as you bounce once on your legs, brandish the knife, and- You //leap// forward, long, wide strides that bring you up close. Quickly. The stranger realizes at the last second, dodging your attack as you try to slice across their arms. You take another quick swing, clipping the edge of black fabric and feeling the knife just catch on the cloth. There's a low grunt as they dodge again and try to aim manifested icicles to strike. You feel the chill a second before they're released, and move your neck away from the space they immediately pierce through. Oisein lunges forward in a pincer, almost grabbing more flesh if the stranger hadn't seen $o_herhimthem coming. They twirl away, the cloak following after them with its shifting colors, and back themselves closer to the end of the alley. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 7>> <<if $choice is "first">> A hand shoots up to their face, and as they draw your attention, <<elseif $choice is "second">> Each shocked realization builds in angry yells as the stranger stumbles around. Finally, <<elseif $choice is "third">> Right as the air begins to clear, <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Scrambling to crawl back to your feet, <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> Pouncing backward, <</if>> you see them pull lightning from the air and start to aim it towards Oisein. But your reaction beats them. You throw the knife between the two, the metal luring the lightning to sear across its surface instead. As it buries into the bricks of the building nearby, the vibrant magic lances and curves to the side, arcing safely away from the <<if $leanhaun>> other leanhaun. <<else>> leanhaun. <</if>> Pulsing purple and blue flash across their faces, and a frustrated growl explodes from the stranger's hidden mouth. ''//FINE.//'' The miasmic magic shifts again. ''//Didn't want to have to use more of these. But I suppose you both have earned a little more seriousness on my part. //'' They curl their fingers in and threads begin to appear around their knuckles. <<set $elseGroup to 1>> <<set $elseScene to 0>> <ul> <li> <<link "NAMESNAMESNAMESNAMESNAMES" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 8>> Something pulses again and you stumble back from the energy, an instant reminder of the pain from before. You blink and they're in front of Oisein, grabbing $o_herhimthem by the throat. There's only a second to register the fear, the gasp, the hands around dark cloth. And then $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> //tossed// like a loose doll into a pile of boxes nearby. "Oisein!" Your cry is muted by the CRASH of wood and the dust that surrounds the other sheevra. Though you instinctually take a half step in the direction, the building magic in front of you demands your attention. Their cloak is billowing behind them in waves despite the stagnant air surrounding you. Between their hands an orb grows, and you find yourself morbidly mesmerized as time itself seems to freeze. It's as if they'd trapped the night sky and the universe into the space in front of them. And you feel- no. You know that it could kill you. //Is this how we die?// <<if $o_friendship > 5>> <ul> <li> <<link "\"NO!\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 11>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> <ul> <li> <<link "\"NO!\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 101>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 11>> Clattering wood. Another shout ahead of you and a surge of magic. Scrambling steps. And Oisein's body directly in front of you right before the spell hits. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 12>> <<if visited("Chapter2-MagesmithIgnore")>> <<set $elseScene to 1>> <<else>> <<set $elseScene to random(1, 3)>> <</if>> <<link "............" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> <<case 13>> ''//Earlier…//'' —— <<if $elseScene is 1>> <<include "Chapter3-MagesmithElse">> <<elseif $elseScene is 2>> <<include "Chapter3-SageElse">> <<elseif $elseScene is 3>> <<include "Chapter3-HealerElse">> <</if>> <<case 101>> Clattering wood. Another shout ahead of you and a surge of magic. Scrambling steps and hands fumbling. And a wall of energy that slams into your chest. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 102>> <<if visited("Chapter2-MagesmithIgnore")>> <<set $elseScene to 1>> <<else>> <<set $elseScene to random(1, 3)>> <</if>> <div class="center"> <<link "............" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></div> <<case 103>> ''//Earlier…//'' —— <<if $elseScene is 1>> <<include "Chapter3-MagesmithElse">> <<elseif $elseScene is 2>> <<include "Chapter3-SageElse">> <<elseif $elseScene is 3>> <<include "Chapter3-HealerElse">> <</if>> <<case 4839204829>> [[Chapter3-OiseinPostBoom]] <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $o_guard to true>> Your hand waves ahead of you as if to guide Oisein to $o_herhistheir destination and victim. "After you; he's all yours." A ravenous smile full of teeth slides onto $o_herhistheir lips, and a purr of satisfaction rumbles in $o_herhistheir throat. "Perfect." You follow behind $o_herhimthem for a few more steps, checking over your shoulder for any mortalis that may have wandered closer while you were speaking. None of the mortalis seem to want to get too close to the wall that's now stacked high above you, large red-brown stones baking in the sunlight in neat, precise rows. Directly in line with the gate you see one of the towering, tapered stone pylons built atop the walls. The hum of it and its siblings are a quiet melody below the wind of the Arids and the muted bustle of Renescen. "Watch this," $o_shehethey whisper$o_s with a wink, drawing your attention back to the halo of blond and the confident sway of $o_herhistheir body. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> Hanging back, you watch as Oisein walks further down the path that hugs the wall, the unsuspecting guard shuffling in his light leather armor, greaves sporting a heavier layer of the light-orange sand than the rest of his garb. A deep red cloth is draped across his chest and tied at his hip, golden thread detailing jagged geometric patterns that you expect may be mountains. The guard nods lazily to Oisein as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>approach<<else>>approaches<</if>>, mumbling a polite "Afternoon," while the sheevra circles for blood. For a few seconds, he doesn't register that Oisein has stopped in front of him, scratching at the dark stubble lining his jaw while he looks up, shoulders tensing with the movement. You know - though the guard does not - that once he falls into the pools of lavender, he's already lost. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> Pearl-like cloth flutters over the sheevra's torso in the wind running through the open gate. Oisein lets his nimble fingers smooth lines over his shoulder as he maintains eye contact with the unprepared man. The guard's mouth just opens, and you see grey eyes twitch down to Oisein's lips as sweet, enticing words lure the mortalis to his downfall. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> fumble$o_s with the strings at the front of $o_herhistheir shirt again, which must have "conveniently" loosened before $o_herhistheir confrontation with the now dazed guard. Freckles are easier to see with more of $o_herhistheir skin laid bare, tumbling across $o_herhistheir cheeks down $o_herhistheir neck and nestling warmly along $o_herhistheir collarbones. Unsuspecting and defenses down, the guard's shoulders lower again and you watch the haze creep and slink over his pupils. Oisein's words never stop flowing, $o_herhistheir arms crossed and fingers now moving against $o_herhistheir bicep to cast the pathos magic forward and sink into the mortalis' chest. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> smile grows razor sharp over $o_herhistheir freckled cheeks, and the man's head bobs to the side as his expression shifts to a true neutral. Finally, Oisein's mouth stops moving and $o_herhistheir weight shifts back to admire $o_herhistheir handiwork. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> eye$o_s the guard for any sudden movements, before $o_herhistheir hand swings in front of $o_herhimthem, hidden from any onlookers. Fingers wave and whirl over a loose wrist, a puppet master setting the scene, and the guard nods and leans back casually against the wall. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> Pride lights Oisein's face as $o_shehethey turn$o_s towards you, the guard mimicking the movement a second behind $o_herhimthem. You start your way towards them again, Oisein still transitioning out of $o_herhistheir more sultry mannerisms. "Piece of piss," Oisein sneers, lifting some of $o_herhistheir hair back over $o_herhistheir ears. "Don't think I've had as easy a time as that in a while." <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Hopefully he'll be alright...\" I start to say, feeling a little sorry for the guard." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Oh I think I've seen you do better,\" I tease, smiling at Oisein." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $o_friendship += 1>> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Do you think anyone saw that?\" I ask nervously, biting at my lip while turning towards the city again." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Is that all you're going to do? Seems pretty tame,\" I say with a sharp grin." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <<set $callous += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Alright you've had your fun,\" I scold Oisein." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <<set $o_friendship -= 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> <<if $choice is "first">> You glance over sympathetically to the guard, who nods serenely with a silent melody only audible to his addled ears. "Hopefully he'll be alright though…" you start to say. "He just won't remember this part right? Nothing else will be erased?" Oisein stares at you with widened eyes, $o_herhistheir jaw set firmly as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>process<<else>>processes<</if>> your questions. "I mean...yeah that's the idea so he doesn't raise any alarms," $o_shehethey eventually say$o_s. "But you won't catch me cryin' if we scramble up one mortalis' brain." Shooting him a pained look only causes another bewildered stare, until Oisein sighs and shakes his head, spinning on his heel. "C'mon then, softie, let's head on. Promise I'll go easy on the nice man on the way out." A light whistle lilts from the guard then, and with the thought that he seems blissful enough, you follow Oisein into the outer ring of Renescen. <<elseif $choice is "second">> You glance over to the guard, who nods serenely to a silent melody only audible to his addled ears. "Eh, I think I've seen you do better," you tease with a smirk at the other sheevra. "You actually had to put a little effort into this one." "You take that back," Oisein snaps playfully before letting a scoff slip. "What did that take me, all of a single minute? Can't think of anyone who might be able to do it quicker." "I mean. Me. Don't forget me." <<if $leanhaun>> Oisein's face beams with amusement. "Pity we can't verify that since you let me go ahead." You shrug as you step past Oisein closer to the open gate. "Only to not embarrass you." A guffaw from Oisein and a light, carefree whistle lilting from the guard carries you through the archway and into the outer ring of Renescen. <<else>> Oisein's face beams with amusement. "Your <<if $unseelie>> illusion <<else>> elemental <</if>> magic might be powerful, but it's no match for a quick dose of pathos in these situations. That's why you let me go ahead, isn't it?" You shrug as your step past Oisein and push closer to the open gate. "Not really, mostly because I didn't want to embarrass you." A guffaw from Oisein and a light whistle lilting from the guard carries you through the archway and into the outer ring of Renescen. <</if>> <<elseif $choice is "third">> You glance over nervously to the guard, who nods serenely with a silent melody only audible to his addled ears. Though he seems to be acting as natural as you'd expect with Oisein's skill, you still can't help the feeling of being watched, your anxiety turning your head back to the city. "$pc_name," Oisein starts, trying to ground your nerves in a calming voice. <<if $leanhaun>> "We're fine, really. You and I'd be able to sense if there were any heightened emotions nearby." <<else>> "We're fine, really. I'd be able to sense if there were any heightened emotions nearby." <</if>> "You're sure? You don't think anyone saw that?" Teeth dig into your bottom lip out of habit and Oisein looks at you with a vague sense of understanding, shaking $o_herhistheir head. "No, no one's even looking, see for yourself," $o_shehethey say$o_s with a quick lift of $o_herhistheir chin to the park now behind you. Without making too much of a movement or fuss, you look back towards the city and sure enough you can't sense a single pair of eyes on you. Any stragglers in the park seem to be doing their best to avoid acknowledging the Arids, or the wall, or anything to do with the entire state of the world, really. "Probably just think we're a couple of idiot troublemakers going out on a dare or something-" Oisein says with a shrug. "And if not, well- we'll deal with them." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> wave$o_s a hand and begin$o_s to walk forward, and you let the guard's vacant, carefree whistle carry you through the archway and into the outer ring of Renescen. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> You glance over to the guard, who nods serenely to a silent melody only audible to his addled ears. "Is that all you're going to do? Seems pretty tame for you," You grin sharply to your partner in crime and raise your brow. "What would you suggest?" Oisein asks with a smirk to match your own. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> put$o_s a finger to $o_herhistheir lip thoughtfully while looking past you. "Though we are a bit exposed at the moment." Turning your head back to the city, you don't //think// there'd be any other mortalis who would notice the two of you if you decided to take it further. Buuut… you suppose better to play it safe for now. You give a sigh of dismay. "Fair." "I know, I'm disappointed too." <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> shoulders drop dramatically before $o_herhistheir eyes narrow and glance to you. "Scramble a mortalis together later?" "Swear?" "On my honor." "That doesn't really buy me much…" you muse. A guffaw from Oisein and a light whistle lilting from the guard carries you through the archway and into the outer ring of Renescen. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> You roll your eyes and start to step toward and past Oisein, ignoring $o_herhistheir apparent flaunt and the swell of $o_herhistheir chest. "Alright, you've had your fun." Oisein huffs near you and immediately deflates, a sneer slicing across $o_herhistheir face. "Is it you or the Arids sucking all the joy out of everything?" You wave off the insult as $o_shehethey groan$o_s behind you, letting the guard's vacant, carefree whistle carry you through the archway and into the outer ring of Renescen. <</if>> <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-OiseinThroughGate][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $lib_qgroup>> <<case 1>> You consider the Sage in front of you, <<if $num_s_question is 1>> figuring you should start with something simple and unassuming before getting to the information you want to know. <<else>> figuring you should ask something simple and unassuming. <</if>> "Can you tell me more about the Archival Library? Or well, Renescen's Archival Library," you quickly finish. <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> eyes alight with pride and $s_shehe sweeps an arm towards the atrium and up towards the ceiling, which you can now see is carved with sharp motifs styled like the mountains on the Sages robes and in the distance behind the city. "Renescen in particular is known for our observatory, and we keep the original records for most of the celestial movements in the skies, and send copies to the other Archives." "Otherwise our function is similar to the other Archival Libraries. We host literary works, as the name suggests, and our Archivist Sage leads the acolytes who keep the day-to-day records of the city, with some of the more important events encased as Echoes." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> motions to the shelf lined with crystals similar to the ones you saw on your way up the lift. Now without a rush to a different destination, you can register the movement within them, a soft sky blue reflected onto the wood above each row from the ambient magic. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $lib_qone is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"What do the Sages do?\""` `passage()`>><<set $lib_qone to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 11>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "What do the Sages do?"</li> <</if>> <<if $lib_qtwo is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Find anything interesting in the heavens, then?\""` `passage()`>><<set $lib_qtwo to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 12>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Find anything interesting in the heavens, then?"</li> <</if>> <<if $lib_qthree is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+"\"Do you have any information on the Arids?\""` `passage()`>><<set $lib_qthree to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 13>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Do you have any information on the Arids?"</li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "That's all about the Library." "Chapter3-SageChat">><<set $textGroup to 100>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 11>> <<set $what_sage_do to true>> Choosing your words carefully, you press for more information. "Are the Sages the same here as the other Libraries?" It seems that's enough to placate any suspicion on your knowledge of the mortalis libraries, and the Sage nods excitedly. "That's correct, really the main difference is in our names. Renescen names the Sages after some of the metals found in the mountains, but otherwise we do the same as the other libraries." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> tugs at the open edges of $s_herhis robe over $s_herhis chest as $s_herhis expression turns slightly shy. "Serving as experts in the magics and history of our respective cities, which sometimes extends to providing advice to the Governor and their Council. My specific field of expertise is with elemental magic." <<if $dryad is true>> The Sage's expression changes when $s_shehe sees your face illuminate. You know the mortalis Sages' skill is nothing to laugh at, and finding the one with your same proficiency seems to be stroke of luck. Though whether good or bad, you've yet to decide. "Any particular favorite?" you ask with obvious interest. <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> teeth flash in a smile before $s_shehe chews on $s_herhis lip in thought. "While I provide advice on all types…" $s_shehe gives a conspiratorial look to you and lowers $s_herhis voice to a whisper. "Controlling the chaos of elements is always a thrill, but I have to say I prefer the winds." As $s_herhis smile turns into something more relaxed, you can almost feel a breeze of potent magic spinning towards you. <<set $dryad_fave to "fire">> <hr> <ul> <li><<link " \"Fire and lightning.\"" `passage()`>><<set $dryad_fave to "fire">><<set $lib_qgroup to 111>><</link>></li> <li><<link " \"Water and ice.\"" `passage()`>><<set $dryad_fave to "water">><<set $lib_qgroup to 111>><</link>></li> <li><<link " \"Air and wind as well.\"" `passage()`>><<set $dryad_fave to "air">><<set $lib_qgroup to 111>><</link>></li> <li><<link " \"Earth and flora.\"" `passage()`>><<set $dryad_fave to "earth">><<set $lib_qgroup to 111>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> Though it's not your particularly strongest skill, you bob your head in acknowledgment. The mortalis Sages' skill is nothing to laugh at, so you at least have to respect that. "Elemental magic isn't my strongest, <<if $unseelie is true>> <<if $friendly > $aloof>> I'm much better with illusion magic," you say with a smile. <<elseif $sarcastic > $genuine>> though if there's anything you want illusioned, I'm your $pc_gender," you say with a chuckle. <<else>> though I can hold my own with illusion magic." <</if>> "Ah, illusioner then?" $s_shehe asks, hazel eyes brightening. "I'm alright at the basics thanks to the Rhodium Sage, and actually the Healer as well. But I never could make a long-lasting, convincing illusion." With a look up to the ceiling, $s_shehe gives a resigned smile. "Which made sneaking out as an acolyte a lot more difficult for me." You arch a brow at the statement, but the Sage gives a low laugh and shrugs with $s_herhis lips tightly pressed together. Maybe you'll be able to get that story another time, but for now… <<else>> <<if $friendly > $aloof>> I'm much better with pathos magic," you say with a smile. <<elseif $sarcastic > $genuine>> though if there's someone you've been hoping to use pathos magic on, I'm your $pc_gender," you say with a chuckle. <<else>> though I can hold my own with pathos magic." <</if>> "Ah, pathos proficient then?" $s_shehe asks, hazel eyes brightening. "I'm alright at the basics thanks to the Palladium Sage, but I never could quite latch onto another's emotions, or influence them." With a look up to the ceiling, $s_shehe gives a resigned smile. "Which made it that much more difficult, when I was still training, to convince the older acolytes that it definitely wasn't me sneaking out in the middle of the night." You arch a brow at the statement, but the Sage gives a low laugh and shrugs with $s_herhis lips tightly pressed together. Maybe you'll be able to get that story another time, but for now… <</if>> "What is the Osmium Sage an expert in?" "Smithing and Enchantment, I actually met the first Magesmith through him," Emerald and amber flashes deep within $s_herhis eyes. "Truthfully, they could practically share the mantle, and the Osmium Sage just about petitioned for it. But the Magesmith didn't want all this…how did $m_shehe put it?" The Gold Sage sighs and gives a few sardonic blinks. "'Uppity, huffy, puffy preening'? I think?" Though the words just came from $s_herhis own mouth, $s_shehe gives a groan. "Doesn't stop $m_herhim from still using the Library though," you just hear $s_herhim mutter. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $lib_qone is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"What do the Sages do?\""` `passage()`>><<set $lib_qone to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 11>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "What do the Sages do?"</li> <</if>> <<if $lib_qtwo is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Find anything interesting in the heavens, then?\""` `passage()`>><<set $lib_qtwo to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 12>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Find anything interesting in the heavens, then?"</li> <</if>> <<if $lib_qthree is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+"\"Do you have any information on the Arids?\""` `passage()`>><<set $lib_qthree to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 13>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Do you have any information on the Arids?"</li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "That's all about the Library." "Chapter3-SageChat">><<set $textGroup to 100>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 111>> <<if $dryad_fave is "fire">> "Fire and lightning," you say, feeling the prickling memory of the thunder storms looming near Saor, the charge hanging and whirling in the air. "Ah, wild and chaotic then?" $s_shehe teases. You chuckle low in response. "Something like that." //<<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> has no idea.// You clear your throat quietly before continuing. <<elseif $dryad_fave is "water">> "Water and ice," you say, the memory of the waterfalls around Saor rushing like rapids through your skull. "Ah, adaptive and overwhelming then?" $s_shehe teases. "Something like that." You chuckle quietly in response before continuing. <<elseif $dryad_fave is "air">> "Air and wind as well," you say, thinking back to the felidae moths at the Sanctum jumping across gusts of wind as easily as solid branches. The Sage visibly brightens at your response. "A kindred free spirit then?" $s_shehe teases. //'Kindred' is one way of putting it…// You chuckle quietly in response before continuing. <<elseif $dryad_fave is "earth">> "Earth and flora," you say, the memory of the great trees around Saor and your Clan's Sanctum reaching its roots to you even here. "Ah, steadfast and grounded then?" $s_shehe teases. "Something like that." You chuckle quietly in response before continuing. <</if>> "What is the Osmium Sage an expert in?" "Smithing and Enchantment, I actually met the first Magesmith through him," Emerald and amber flashes deep within $s_herhis eyes. "Truthfully, they could practically share the mantle, and the Osmium Sage just about petitioned for it. But the Magesmith didn't want all this…how did $m_shehe put it?" The Gold Sage sighs and gives a few sardonic blinks. "'Uppity, huffy, puffy preening'? I think?" Though the words just came from $s_herhis own mouth, $s_shehe gives a groan. "Doesn't stop $m_herhim from still using the Library though," you just hear $s_herhim mutter. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $lib_qone is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"What do the Sages do?\""` `passage()`>><<set $lib_qone to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 11>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "What do the Sages do?"</li> <</if>> <<if $lib_qtwo is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Find anything interesting in the heavens, then?\""` `passage()`>><<set $lib_qtwo to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 12>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Find anything interesting in the heavens, then?"</li> <</if>> <<if $lib_qthree is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+"\"Do you have any information on the Arids?\""` `passage()`>><<set $lib_qthree to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 13>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Do you have any information on the Arids?"</li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "That's all about the Library." "Chapter3-SageChat">><<set $textGroup to 100>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 12>> <<print $pc_eyecolor.toUpperFirst()>> irises drift upward to the ceiling as you imagine the observatory. "Find anything <<if $sarcastic > $genuine + 1>> fun <<else>> interesting <</if>> in the heavens, then?" <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> eyes alight and $s_shehe looks as though $s_shehe's about to speak the day away. But something stops $s_herhim. Not embarassment, but uncertainty. Likely, about you. Eyes follow yours upward to the motifs carved into the base of the observatory's floor as $s_shehe meters $s_herhis words. "Nothing…//brand// new, though there's still many wondrous things to observe in the night sky." The Sage's expression melts into something dreamy, almost nostalgic. "Though if you're still here for the next Equinox, I'd suggest stopping by. Watching the aurora through our observatory is a sight to behold, and Renescen's best kept secret, if you ask me." You have a feeling that's not the only secret the city, or the Sage, is keeping. "I'll keep that in mind," you say, <<if $curious > $apprehensive+1>> with half a mind to actually stay just to see it. <<else>> hoping you'll be long gone to the safety of Faille'Tor's Sanctum by then, regardless. <</if>> <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $lib_qone is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"What do the Sages do?\""` `passage()`>><<set $lib_qone to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 11>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "What do the Sages do?"</li> <</if>> <<if $lib_qtwo is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Find anything interesting in the heavens, then?\""` `passage()`>><<set $lib_qtwo to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 12>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Find anything interesting in the heavens, then?"</li> <</if>> <<if $lib_qthree is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+"\"Do you have any information on the Arids?\""` `passage()`>><<set $lib_qthree to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 13>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Do you have any information on the Arids?"</li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "That's all about the Library." "Chapter3-SageChat">><<set $textGroup to 100>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 13>> <<set $s_arids to true>> Thinking about what Oisein mentioned the night before, you tap the ball of your foot against the wood of the floor. "Do you have any information on the Arids? Any changes recently near Renescen?" That seems to catch $s_herhis attention, and there's an unexpected light of hope in $s_herhis eyes. "Has Saor experienced it as well?" "I'd actually just heard rumors around the city on my way here," you say, watching the hope dim, but not extinguish. "What exactly is 'it'?" <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> next words come out on the crest of a breath. "Life. We're still…we're still investigating it but-" $s_shehe looks to the Echoes around you and out to the atrium, letting $s_herhis ankle swivel as $s_shehe speaks. Rocking $s_herhis weight to one side, you can tell the Sage wants to let the wish $s_shehe's not speaking out like a torrent. "Renescen's border has become - just barely - greener. Small, fragile plants to be fair, but we believe it's pushing further into the Arids than we've seen before." With an exhale $s_shehe looks back to you. "Ah, but I'm getting ahead of myself. We haven't confirmed anything just yet-" Words float by your ear as the Sage speaks for a sentence more while you register the information. Is it working? Has all that the sheevra have done finally beginning to pay off? Uneasy quiet brings your focus back to the Sage in front of you, $s_herhis eyes clearing after being glazed in thought. Reading your expressions as a similar feeling to $s_herhis own instead of what it really is, $s_shehe smiles. "It's a lot to take in, I know. But having a bit of hope is harmless, don't you think?" You press your lips together to bite back any sort of response, and the Sage quiets. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $lib_qone is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"What do the Sages do?\""` `passage()`>><<set $lib_qone to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 11>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "What do the Sages do?"</li> <</if>> <<if $lib_qtwo is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Find anything interesting in the heavens, then?\""` `passage()`>><<set $lib_qtwo to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 12>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Find anything interesting in the heavens, then?"</li> <</if>> <<if $lib_qthree is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+"\"Do you have any information on the Arids?\""` `passage()`>><<set $lib_qthree to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 13>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Do you have any information on the Arids?"</li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "That's all about the Library." "Chapter3-SageChat">><<set $textGroup to 100>><</link>></li> </ul> <</switch>>

<hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"Can you tell me more about the Archival Library?\""` "Chapter3-LibraryQuestions">><<set $q_one to true>><<set $lib_qgroup to 1>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "Can you tell me more about the Archival Library?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"How did you know I wasn't from here?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $textGroup to 102>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "How did you know I wasn't from here?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+"\"How do you know the Magesmith?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $textGroup to 103>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "How do you know the Magesmith?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_four is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" It's risky, but, \"What do you know about sheevra?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_four to true>><<set $textGroup to 104>><<set $num_s_question += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label It's risky, but, "What do you know about sheevra?"</li> <</if>> <<if $num_s_question > 2>> <<if $q_flirt is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+"\"Actually, I'd like to know a little more about you.\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_flirt to true>><<set $textGroup to 105>><</link>></li> <<else>> <li>$info_label "Actually, I'd like to know a little more about you."</li> <</if>> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "I ask about the third quadrant." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 2>><</link>></li> </ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Both the Osmium Sage and the Healer wait near the edge of the atrium's balcony, and you can spot the extra set of scrolls peeking from the Healer's bag as the Osmium Sage explains something to $h_herhim, arms animating in excitement. "Tell $m_herhim I'll send a message later, but I'm curious what $m_shehe thinks of the central glyph," you hear him say. The Healer looks at him sheepishly, eyes darting to the scrolls and then back. "Right, central glyph, and... Antri's Theorem?" A breath escapes the Healer when the Osmium Sage nods vigorously, $h_herhis relief only enhanced once $h_shehe sees you come forward with the Gold Sage. "Hey!" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> adjusts the outer flap of the bag to cover the scrolls and pushes off the railing with the hand that had been supporting $h_herhim. "Did you…learn what you needed?" <<if $s_reveal is true>> Heavy uncertainty grows at the bottom of your ribs amid the casual scene in front of you. An urge to look over to the Sage grips at your neck, but you resist. "I did," you say simply, hoping the Healer won't ask any other questions. The Sage picks up on your thread and nods with unnatural cheerfulness. You suppose it seems authentic to the others. <<if $num_s_question > 3>> "Though I hope I didn't bombard $pc_herhimthem with too much information," <<else>> "Though I hope it was enough," <</if>> $s_shehe continues your thought warmly, concealing the gravity of the conversation before. You notice $s_herhim give an accompanying pointed look at the Healer, who avoids $s_herhis scrutiny. <<else>> <<if $num_s_question > 3>> "I did," you turn to give a polite smile to the Sage, which $s_shehe returns. "Though I don't know if $s_shehe was prepared to be bombarded with so many questions." "Oh I never mind!" The Gold Sage says warmly, concealing the gravity of the conversation before. You notice $s_herhim give an accompanying pointed look at the Healer. "I just hope it was enough." The Healer bites inward on $h_herhis bottom lip and methodically avoids the Sage's scrutiny. <<else>> "I did," you turn to give a polite smile to the Sage, which $s_shehe returns. "I think I've gotten enough." The Gold Sage nods warmly, and you notice, with an accompanying pointed look at the Healer, who avoids $s_herhis scrutiny. <</if>> <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> "Well, I'm glad," the Healer presses on. "And thanks for the help," $h_shehe gives an unspoken apology to the Gold Sage, who just sighs and drifts by you to stand closer to the others. With a nod to the Osmium Sage, $s_shehe looks to you again. "It was nice to meet you either way," $s_shehe says with regal grace, dipping $s_herhis head barely in acknowledgment. "The Library is open to all if you'd like to stay and learn more about the city through the volumes <<if $s_reveal is true>> here." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> says the words, but you find them hard to believe given the exchange you just had. "Though it may not be able to replace experiencing the city for yourself." //There it is.// "And please let someone know if you're interested in the Echoes. They can be overwhelming if not handled properly," $s_shehe finishes formally, civility reflected in $s_herhis eyes but not in the tight lipped smile. "I'll keep that in mind." <<else>> here, but please let someone know if you're interested in the Echoes. They can be overwhelming if not handled properly." Reflecting from the small jagged crystals, you've slightly adjusted to the spurious, infrequent movement that keeps jumping into your vision. "I'll keep that in mind." <</if>> Batting some of his hair from his spectacles, the Osmium Sage looks over you again. "If you've got some time, I'd love to pick your brain on Saor and the architecture. We get academic documents from the Library there, but not as many visits since the Crossings are a little rarer and-" "Perhaps another time," your informant interrupts with a taut and strained laugh, the string of its notes close to snapping. It's obvious now to the Healer and the Osmium Sage that something is bothering $s_herhim, and they both glance to observe their friend. But the Gold Sage remains obstinate and determined to maintain the facade. "Right. Well," the Osmium Sage mouths something to the Healer that you don't catch before he turns to you. "Another time maybe. Hope you enjoy Renescen, at least." "Yes, hope you enjoy," the Gold Sage says quickly, a touch too curtly, before beginning to step away with the Osmium Sage sighing and going after $s_herhim. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $codex_sage to true>><<set $rel_sage to true>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<if $s_reveal>> <<if ($num_s_question > 3) and ($s_flirt > 0)>> <<set $s_rel_status to "You find yourself drawn in by $s_herhis charm, though you're not sure what would explain how the Sage knows Tacita...">> <<elseif ($num_s_question > 3) and ($s_flirt is 0)>> <<set $s_rel_status to "You find yourself at ease with $s_herhis friendly demeanor, though you're not sure what would explain how the Sage knows Tacita...">> <<else>> <<set $s_rel_status to "Though you avoided speaking too much, you have a feeling you'll need to find out how the Sage knows Tacita...">> <</if>> <<else>> <<if ($num_s_question > 3) and ($s_flirt > 0)>> <<set $s_rel_status to "You find yourself drawn in by $s_herhis charm.">> <<elseif ($num_s_question > 3) and ($s_flirt is 0)>> <<set $s_rel_status to "You find yourself at ease with $s_herhis friendly demeanor.">> <<else>> <<set $s_rel_status to "Though you avoided speaking too much, $s_shehe seems to be extremely knowledgeable about magic and the city.">> <</if>> <</if>> <<notify>> Codex and Entwined:'The Sage' unlocked!<</notify>> The Healer whistles low as the two Sages leave before turning back to you. "Don't think I've ever seen $s_herhim so unsettled. How bad did you grill $s_herhim on the…places?" <<if ($sarcastic > $genuine) and ($friendly>$aloof)>> "What? Don't look at me like that," you throw back as the Healer raises an eyebrow. "I was on my best behavior, I swear." "Uh-huh." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> crosses $h_herhis arms looking decidedly unconvinced. "A likely story." "Don't you have more bystanders to slam into?" "Wow!" The Healer brings a hand to the gut like they've just been punched clean through. "At least warn me before you twist the knife." Despite yourself, you can't help the laughter that cascades from your mouth, and it trickles from the Healer as well. <<elseif ($friendly > $aloof) or ($empathetic > $callous)>> "Not that bad, I didn't think…" Your hesitation and clenched teeth turns the Healer's face to worry, but $h_shehe sighs, shakes $h_herhis head, and holds up a hand as if to assuage your fears. "It's a heavy topic no matter who's discussing it, I'm guessing. I'll talk to $s_herhim later, don't worry, I can smooth things over." You give an appreciative nod as the Healer draws a breath. <<else>> "Not that bad, I didn't think…" you state, turning towards the Sages as well. "Maybe something else is on $s_herhis mind?" "It's a heavy topic no matter who's discussing it, I guess," the Healer trails their eyes along the floor and sighs. "I'm sure I'll hear more about it, later, don't worry." <</if>> "I do have to head out and continue on some of these deliveries, and I don't want to keep you from... <<if $pc_reason is "looking">> whoever it is you need to find." <<else>> whatever it is you need to do." <</if>> The Healer straightens and rolls $h_herhis shoulders back with a quiet pop. <<set $h_friendship += 1>> <<set $h_coy to false>> <<set $h_date to false>> <<set $h_meanstoanend to false>> <<set $h_backaway to false>> <<if $h_flirt is 2>> "But maybe I'll see you tonight at the Albatross?" It takes you a second to realizes what $h_shehe's doing, but only just. <<print $h_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> body is confident and posed, shoulders broadening as an almost imperceptible smirk starts to turn on $h_herhis face while molten gold searches for a reaction. Loose strands of black hair soften the lines of $h_herhis cheeks, and the Healer frames $h_herhis jaw upward, lengthening the line that sweeps from below $h_herhis ear down the exposed skin of $h_herhis neck. The tattoos along $h_herhis collar tease outward from beneath $h_herhis clothes, inviting you to follow their paths. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <li> <<link `$flirt_label+ " I approach the Healer. " + $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()+ " may be growing on me, but I don't intend to be outplayed. \"Maybe, if you're lucky.\""` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $h_coy to true>> <<set $h_flirt += 1>> <<set $forward += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link `$flirt_label+ " I can't help but smile, the warmth in my ribs dampening the warring feeling in my skull. \"I'd like that, actually.\""` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $reserved += 1>> <<set $h_date to true>> <<set $h_flirt += 1>> <<set $honest += 1>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link `$flirt_label+ " I'm not really interested, but I plan to keep up this pretense to get what I need from the Healer."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $forward += 1>> <<set $h_coy to true>> <<set $h_flirt += 1>> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <<set $h_meanstoanend to true>> <</link>> </li> <li> <<link "I was only teasing the Healer to gain more information from the mortalis...but it feels wrong now." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup +=1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $h_friendshp += 1>> <<set $honest += 2>> <<set $h_backaway to true>> <</link>> </li> <</liveblock>> </ul> <<else>> "But I'm sure I'll see you around sometime?" You give $h_herhim a small grin and a nod. "Yeah, I think <<if $daroca_dialogue is true>> so. And I'm sure if not you'll probably hear gossip on whatever I'm doing from Cerise." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> barks with laughter, the black markings under $h_herhis eyes raising with the delight that lifts $h_herhis cheeks. "Sounds like you've caught on quick to Cerise's hobbies, but I promise to try and direct our conversations elsewhere." "Just try?" You raise your eyebrows at $h_herhim. "You assume a lot if you think I can fully control where conversations with Cerise go." <<else>> so. And I'm sure I'll hear about whatever you might be doing from Jac and Cerise, the way they spoke about you." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> gives an embarrassed grin, the black markings under $h_herhis eyes raising with the delight that lifts $h_herhis cheeks. "Sometimes I wish they'd stop, I didn't really do that much to earn their praises." "Just sometimes?" You raise your eyebrows at $h_herhim "Well, who doesn't like a little ego boost every now and then?" <</if>> You let out a short laugh, which the Healer reflects with an easy smirk. When you've let the chuckles fully roll away, the Healer steps around you closer to the lift that brought you up here. "C'mon, I'll walk you to the atrium." <ul><li>[[Continue.|Chapter3-Choice][$textGroup=1]] </li></ul> <</if>> <<case 4>> <<if $choice is "first">> With a saunter that raises the Healer's brow, you take a step forward. <<if ($pc_hairlength is "shaved") or ($pc_hairlength is "short")>> <<print $pc_eyecolor.toUpperFirst()>> eyes casually examine everything around the Healer without giving $h_herhim the satisfaction of being the focus of your gaze. <<else>> You tuck a loose strand of $pc_haircolor hair past your ears as you casually examine everything around the Healer, without giving $h_herhim the satisfaction of being the focus of your gaze. <</if>> "Maybe, if you're so lucky." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> mirrors your movement, the smirk on full display now as $h_shehe closes the space between you. "And how do you think my luck will hold up?" You let the small distance from your body to $h_hershis crackle with the anticipation, before $h_shehe steps forward again... And to your side. "Let me walk you to the atrium?" $h_shehe asks innocently, casually, facing you while slowly backing towards the lift that brought you here. You roll your lips together in a teasing annoyance and narrow your eyes, but $h_shehe only laughs, a demure smile returning to $h_herhis face after. "I do hope to see you later, though, make no mistake." "I don't know, may have ruined your chances just then," you say with an over-the-top sigh and a shrug. "Mmhm, we'll see." Skepticism and a dash of arrogance ooze out from the sentence, and $h_shehe chuckles. "That cocky, are we?" you chide. "//Confident//, I'd call it." You let $h_herhis laughter lure you forward. <<elseif $choice is "second">> When you give a demure, genuine smile, the Healer's face transforms from sly confidence to something more vulnerable. <<if ($pc_hairlength is "shaved") or ($pc_hairlength is "short")>> <<print $pc_eyecolor.toUpperFirst()>> eyes casually examine everything around the Healer without letting $h_herhim become the focus of your gaze. <<else>> You tuck a loose strand of $pc_haircolor hair past your ears as you casually examine everything around the Healer, without letting $h_herhim become the focus of your gaze.<</if>> "I'd like that, actually." The admission comes out more easily than you expect, and you quiet the internal disbelief at your growing attachment to a mortalis. <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> steps forward when you let that honest answer slip, mouth trying to form some response but failing spectacularly. "Great!" $h_shehe finally musters out in all $h_herhis grand eloquence. "Yeah, I'll... I'll probably be able to stop by later in the evening, if you're around." Thoughts of the plans you've already made threaten to cloud your answer, but surely you have enough time for a little indulgence, right? "I'll probably be there, then." Lopsided smile stretches across $h_herhis lips, the black tattoos below $h_herhis eyes floating on $h_herhis cheeks. Eventually $h_shehe clears $h_herhis throat and moves to the side towards the lift that brought you up. "Let me walk you to the atrium?" $h_shehe asks cautiously, voice gently holding the fragile tension between you. With a nod, you let $h_herhis warmth lure you forward. <<elseif $choice is "third">> With a saunter that raises the Healer's brow, you take a step forward. <<if ($pc_hairlength is "shaved") or ($pc_hairlength is "short")>> <<print $pc_eyecolor.toUpperFirst()>> eyes casually examine everything around the Healer without giving $h_herhim the satisfaction of being the focus of your gaze. <<else>> You tuck a loose strand of $pc_haircolor hair past your ears as you casually examine everything around the Healer, without giving $h_herhim the satisfaction of being the focus of your gaze. <</if>> "Are you asking?" <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> mirrors your movement, the smirk on full display now as $h_shehe closes the space between you, "If you can't figure that out, you're not as sharp as I thought." "Maybe I need you to make it a bit more obvious." <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> laughs, the notes trickling against your shoulder. "//More// obvious?" You let the small distance from your body to $h_hershis crackle with the anticipation, before $h_shehe steps forward again... And to your side. "Let me walk you to the atrium?" $h_shehe asks innocently, facing you while slowly backing towards the lift that brought you here. You roll your lips together in a teasing annoyance and narrow your eyes, but $h_shehe only laughs, a demure smile returning to $h_herhis face after. "I do hope to see you later, though, make no mistake." "I don't know, may have ruined your chances just then," you say with an over-the-top sigh and a shrug. "Mmhm, we'll see." Skepticism and a dash of arrogance ooze out from the sentence, and $h_shehe chuckles. "That cocky, are we?" "//Confident//, I'd call it." You let $h_herhis laughter lure you forward. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Discomfort prickles on your arms as the Healer watches you with anticipation. But $h_herhis face shifts into a more furrowed concern when $h_shehe catches the awkwardness in your stance. "Ah, sorry, I made an assumption," <<print $h_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> gives a slightly forced laugh, <<if $h_gender is "man">> scratching at the stubble below his jaw. <<else>> tucking a loose hair behind her ear. <</if>> You resist the urge to reach out a hand while the words boil over. "It's not that, there's more to it and-" The Healer holds $h_herhis hands up, but you sense less to be rude, and more to save you the trouble. "It's fine, really. And I can't complain about meeting someone interesting from a city I've never seen! But I do still hope to see you around." With a genuine smile, $h_shehe steps past you, keeping the slightly expectant look on $h_herhis face. "Let me walk you to the atrium, at least?" Moments hang in the air as you watch $h_herhis eyes for any other sign of regret or embarrassment, but $h_shehe seems to have respected your honesty. Giving a quick, sharp nod, you follow after $h_herhim. <</if>> <ul><li>[[Continue.|Chapter3-Choice][$textGroup=1]] </li></ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Alone, the Osmium Sage waits near the edge of the atrium's balcony, his eyes searching over a scroll as he pulls another tome from a bag slung over his chair on his left. As you approach, he looks up. "The Healer mentioned needing to continue on $h_herhis way, but said that $h_shehe might see you around? That may have been my fault, I was excited for $h_herhim to deliver some new schematics to the first Magesmith," he looks to you in what you imagine is his form of apologetic, but the buzzing enthusiasm seems to betray him. "Were you able to find what you needed, though?" <<if $s_reveal is true>> Heavy uncertainty grows at the bottom of your ribs amid the casual scene around you. An urge to look over to the Sage grips at your neck, but you resist. "I did," you say simply, hoping he won't ask any other questions. The Sage picks up on your thread and nods with unnatural cheerfulness. You suppose it seems authentic to the other Sage. <<if $num_s_question > 3>> "Though I hope I didn't bombard $pc_herhimthem with too much information," <<else>> "Though I hope it was enough," <</if>> $s_shehe continues your thought warmly, concealing the gravity of the conversation before. <<else>> <<if $num_s_question > 3>> "I did," you turn to give a polite smile to the Sage, which $s_shehe returns. "Though I don't know if $s_shehe was prepared to be bombarded with so many questions." "Oh I never mind!" The Gold Sage says warmly, concealing the gravity of the conversation before. "I just hope it was enough." <<else>> "I did," you turn to give a polite smile to the Sage, which $s_shehe returns. "I think I've gotten enough." The Gold Sage nods warmly, "Though I hope it was enough." <</if>> <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><<set $codex_sage to true>><<set $rel_sage to true>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $s_reveal>> <<if ($num_s_question > 3) and ($s_flirt > 0)>> <<set $s_rel_status to "You find yourself drawn in by $s_herhis charm, though you're not sure what would explain how the Sage knows Tacita...">> <<elseif ($num_s_question > 3) and ($s_flirt is 0)>> <<set $s_rel_status to "You find yourself at ease with $s_herhis friendly demeanor, though you're not sure what would explain how the Sage knows Tacita...">> <<else>> <<set $s_rel_status to "Though you avoided speaking too much, you have a feeling you'll need to find out how the Sage knows Tacita...">> <</if>> <<else>> <<if ($num_s_question > 3) and ($s_flirt > 0)>> <<set $s_rel_status to "You find yourself drawn in by $s_herhis charm.">> <<elseif ($num_s_question > 3) and ($s_flirt is 0)>> <<set $s_rel_status to "You find yourself at ease with $s_herhis friendly demeanor.">> <<else>> <<set $s_rel_status to "Though you avoided speaking too much, $s_shehe seems to be extremely knowledgeable about magic and the city.">> <</if>> <</if>> <<notify>> Codex and Entwined:'The Sage' unlocked!<</notify>> "It was nice to meet you either way," $s_shehe says with regal grace, dipping $s_herhis head barely in acknowledgment. "The Library is open to all if you'd like to stay and learn more about the city through the volumes <<if $s_reveal is true>> here." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> says the words, but you find them hard to believe given the exchange you just had. "Though it may not be able to replace experiencing the city for yourself." //There it is.// "And please let someone know if you're interested in the Echoes. They can be overwhelming if not handled properly," $s_shehe finishes formally, civility reflected in $s_herhis eyes but not in the tight lipped smile. "I'll keep that in mind." <<else>> here, but please let someone know if you're interested in the Echoes. They can be overwhelming if not handled properly." Reflecting from the small jagged crystals, you've slightly adjusted to the spurious, infrequent movement that keeps jumping into your vision. "I'll keep that in mind." <</if>> Batting some of his hair from his spectacles, the Osmium Sage looks over you again. "If you've got some time, I'd love to pick your brain on Saor and the architecture. We get academic documents from the Library there, but not as many visits since the Crossings are a little rarer and-" "Perhaps another time," your informant interrupts with a taut and strained laugh, the string of its notes close to snapping. It's obvious now to the Osmium Sage that something is bothering $s_herhim, and he glances over to observe his friend. But the Gold Sage remains obstinate and determined to maintain the facade. "Right. Well," the Osmium Sage mouths something you don't quite catch to the other, before he turns to you. "Another time maybe. Hope you enjoy Renescen, at least." "Yes, hope you enjoy," the Gold Sage says quickly, a touch too curtly, before beginning to step away with the Osmium Sage sighing and going after $s_herhim. Left in their wake and undecided in your next steps, you set off towards the Library's lift from before to make your way back to the main doors. <ul><li>[[Continue.|Chapter3-Choice][$textGroup=1]] </li></ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> There's an awe that hovers over the crowd, though no one speaks it. The guards at the bank's gate nod respectfully to the Sage, who waves it off with a small, tired smile as other orders are shouted behind $s_herhim, the mortalis continuing to clean up the residual damage. Though $s_shehe asked you to wait, $s_shehe doesn't seem to be making any sort of effort to make eye contact with you again, preferring instead to smile and nod to another set of guards that you hadn't noticed before. They lift their chin in acknowledgment but keep their face stoic, immediately looking away afterwards. A middle aged mortalis man, stuffed to the brim with formalities and pleasantries, comes up and pats the Sage on the shoulder with a hearty exclamation. A younger woman in the long robes of an acolyte shyly says something while scratching at her throat and brushing her hair back, and the Sage gives a soft smile again. Through the throng of mortalis praising the Sage, you do notice that $s_shehe's slowly making $s_herhis way back over to you. Still keeping $s_herhis eyes pointed elsewhere, $s_shehe comes closer to your side and nods politely toward more mortalis. "I'm going to block our voices to others temporarily. Don't look at me after what I say next," you hear the Sage murmur. The air around you builds in pressure as it collides into your ears, until you hear a faint pop. Despite the sudden change in your atmosphere, the brush of the responsible magic feels delicate, undemanding, a breath of fresh air. At your reaction to $s_herhis magic the Sage tilts $s_herhis head, and you can tell $s_shehe's attempting to control $s_herhis sphere of influence. Successfully. None of the mortalis around you seem any wiser to the fact that $s_shehe's created a vacuum of sound. "There are Intuits here. Elite pathos-proficient guards. There's a pair of them surveying the crowd to your left near the edge of the bank's fence." You chance a look at the pair of mortalis that the Sage had just been nodding too, unassuming at first by their garb. The uniform matches the two monitoring the entrance of the bank before, save for what you think is a thin black band that runs down the left side of their chest. <<if $leanhaun is true>> Only when you focus hard can you narrowly make out the fluttering pathos magic, the weakness of it to even you worrying in itself. It weaves into the emotions of the crowd with a stealth that you haven't seen before, and the sensation feels like a dagger of ice has been pressed along the length of your back and spine. <<else>> Though you can't sense their pathos magic at all, which is worrying in itself, the way they scan the crowd with practically unmoving poise and precision displays a skill you'd rather not test. <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> "When I go back to them, slowly head the opposite direction towards the first quadrant, and you should be in the clear." Something heavy and burning rolls in your chest just below your ribs, and you almost look to the Sage. "Why are you doing this?" you mutter, keeping your eyes trained on the shifting shoulder blades of the young scholar crammed directly in front of you who's trying in vain to get a better view. The Sage sighs. <ul> <li><<link "\"Because they'll sense sheevra magic in an instant if you get too close.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> The urge to look at the Sage is overwhelming now, and you feel your breath quicken erratically while a roaring storm lashes around within your mind. //''How?'' How could $s_shehe-// "We don't have time to resolve that, unfortunately, " $s_shehe whispers, apparently reading your thoughts while turning $s_herhis head down the street in your direction, as if to survey some other part of the crowd.<<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> irises flicker down to yours for only a moment before straightening upward to where $s_herhis head is turned. "Good luck." Your ears pop again and the Sage surges forward into the crowd towards the Intuits. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> The dread twisting in your stomach and spreading into your blood yanks you forward, and you find yourself moving before you actually consciously register it. When you come back to your own mind and body, you're trying to inch your way out through the crowd, robes and haughty uniforms with unnecessary embellishments continuing to stop your progress. You edge out a couple of terse, impatient calls of "//Excuse me//", glancing back once to see the Sage navigate closer and closer to $s_herhis targets. Anxiety oozes in your veins even as you reach the outer, less dense area of the mortalis who are starting to drift away from the crowd. How do you know that the Sage isn't going to give you away? Have you been tricked? Have you been reckless? Why did you ever mention Tacita? //Stupid. Stupid!// Something pierces your thoughts before you can berate yourself any more, and initially the dread flares and spreads again. But your mind quiets, instead feeling some sort of magic reaching out to you, searching desperately. It feels…no, it sounds like a song growing louder and louder, caged in your skull. The notes of the minor melody are jagged, chaotic, nervous, //familiar//- "Fuck's sake, //there// you are!" comes a frightful whisper, and Oisein emerges through the curtain of mortalis, pushing $o_herhistheir way to you. <<if $o_past_feelings is true>> Shuddering breaths flutter past $o_herhistheir lips as Oisein begins to reach out $o_herhistheir hand, only to drop it clenched to $o_herhistheir side. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> still give$o_s you a once-over and sighs in relief, watching your eyes before turning to the scene in front of the bank. The refrain of $o_herhistheir magic changes into a major key, reassurance and hope lacing between the chords before $o_shehethey rein$o_s it back with an embarrassed cough. <<elseif ($o_friendship > 4) and ($o_flirt > 0)>> Oisein gives you a once-over and sighs in relief, watching you before turning to the scene in front of the bank. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> rein$o_s in $o_herhistheir magic, but not before you feel the refrain change into a major key, reassurance and hope lacing between the chords. <<elseif ($o_friendship > 4) and ($o_flirt is 0)>> Oisein gives you a once-over and sighs in relief, watching you before turning to the scene in front of the bank. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> rein$o_s in $o_herhistheir magic now that $o_shehethey<<if $o_them is true>>'ve<<else>>'s<</if>> found you, and turns towards the scene in front of the bank. <<else>> Oisein gives you a once-over and a nod once $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> satisfied you're not injured, turning to the scene in front of the bank without much of an explanation of what $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> doing here. <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $s_rel_status to "How does $s_shehe know? Do you trust $s_herhim?">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> <<notify>>Entwined Updated<</notify>> "What's happened?" $o_shehethey ask$o_s in a hurry. "Don't have time to explain, we need to get out of here. There are Intuits that might be able to sense us." //"What?"// Even though you've just told $o_herhimthem of impending danger, $o_herhistheir eyes still stay transfixed on the scene, before you see the goosebumps raise along $o_herhistheir forearm. "Shit, I can barely sense it, the Intuits in Saor aren't nearly as powerful." "Yes, exactly, which is why we need to //go,//" you urge again. Brow furrowing, Oisein keeps looking past you, and you turn in exasperation to see the Intuits nod to the Sage before turning away, apparently set on some information $s_shehe's fed them. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> turns on the spot as well, making $s_herhis way back towards the Archival Library and the path you took out. Once $s_shehe passes most of the crowd, $s_shehe looks again to you. "That... a friend of yours?" The other sheevra asks. The line of sight between you surges with energy, but not in anything offensive. The brush of the responsible magic feels delicate, undemanding, as gentle as the wind that danced with the fire. "Good question." You realize the Sage is trying to convey something to you, something open and inviting. Something protective, knowing. //Comforting.// Is it comforting because the Sage wants to tell you that they're on your side? Or a siren call to draw you in like the flames from before? You reach out with your magic, conveying… <hr> <ul> <li>[[... some sort of thanks.|Chapter3-End][$textGroup=1;$choice="first"]]</li> <li>[[... confusion, but gratefulness.|Chapter3-End][$textGroup=1;$choice="second"]]</li> <li>[[... pure confusion.|Chapter3-End][$textGroup=1;$choice="third"]]</li> <li>[[... apprehension and mistrust.|Chapter3-End][$textGroup=1;$choice="fourth"]]</li> <li>[[... a warning.|Chapter3-End][$textGroup=1;$choice="fifth"]]</li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> There's an awe that hovers over the crowd, though no one speaks it. The guards at the bank's gate nod respectfully to the Sage, who waves it off with a small, tired smile as other orders are shouted behind $s_herhim, the mortalis continuing to clean up the residual damage. A middle aged mortalis man, stuffed to the brim with formalities and pleasantries, comes up and pats the Sage on the shoulder with a hearty exclamation. A younger woman in the long robes of an acolyte shyly says something while scratching at her throat and brushing her hair back, and the Sage gives a soft smile again. Through the throng of mortalis praising the Sage, you see $s_herhis eyes find yours and the wind around you stagnates. Flecks of gold hold the connection for a brief moment, before $s_shehe turns slowly to watch a set of guards that you hadn't noticed before. They keep their faces stoic, keeping back from the main crowd and…searching for something. Next to you, Oisein blinks a few times before following your gaze to where the Sage looks to the pair of mortalis, unassuming at first by their garb which matches the same uniform you saw on the two monitoring the entrance of the bank before. <<if $leanhaun is true>> Only when you focus, hard, can you narrowly make out the fluttering pathos magic, the weakness of it to you worrying in itself. It weaves into the emotions of the crowd with a creeping stealth that you haven't felt before, and the sensation feels like a dagger of ice has been pressed along the length of your back and spine. "Fuck," Oisein hisses, already taking a step in the opposite direction. "Intuits. Those elite pathos-proficient guards the mortalis have crawling around. I heard Renescen's were well-trained, but I just barely caught their magic." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them is true>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> ask if you sensed the same thing, already reading your answer across your face. "They shouldn't be that hard to read. Saor's aren't nearly as subtle as that." <<else>> "Fuck," Oisein hisses, already taking a step in the opposite direction. "Intuits. Those elite pathos-proficient guards the mortalis have crawling around. I heard Renescen's were well-trained, but I just barely caught their magic. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> bring$o_s a tanned hand to $o_herhistheir face as if trying to hide, but clearly in vain. "They shouldn't be that hard to read. Saor's aren't nearly as subtle as that." Though you can't sense their pathos magic at all, which is worrying in itself, the way they scan the crowd with practically unmoving poise and precision displays a skill you'd rather not test. <</if>> "They…they can't sense the difference in //our// magic, right?" "I don't know." You can hear the panic threatening to tumble in Oisein's voice. "But I really don't want to find out surrounded by this crowd and your insanely powerful //friend.//" Something heavy and burning rolls in your chest just below your ribs as you see the Sage maintain eye contact with you before beginning to step towards the elite guards you specifically want to avoid. "Yeah, alright, we've got to go," you whisper urgently, stepping towards Oisein while continuing to watch the Sage. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>>$o_isare already moving away, muttering "You don't have to tell me twice." <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> The two of you try to inch your way out through the crowd, robes and haughty uniforms with unnecessary embellishments continuing to stop your progress. Oisein calls out a terse, impatient, "//Excuse us//" more often than not as the bodies of the mortalis stand in your way. In the thick of the crowd you watch the Sage navigate closer and closer to $s_herhis targets, trying to push through the blockades as well. Anxiety bleeds over from Oisein to you as you keep pressing onward, eventually reaching the outer, thinner layer of the mortalis that have trickled in to see what's happened with the bank. The metal and stone of the second quadrant's buildings look more threatening now than some adorning aesthetic, and you feel as if the gates and fences at the edge of the Collegium lean to aim their pointed tips at you. Oisein urges you on as you chance one last look back, expecting to see the Sage pointing at the two of you, somehow betraying your true selves to the mercy of the guard. But $s_shehe's not pointing at you. The Sage instead points in the exact opposite direction, anywhere aside from where you are really, luring the Intuits attention away down the eastern route of the Falls Road. Is $s_shehe... helping you? "There a reason you want to get caught?" Oisein says quietly near your ear, wrapping a hand around your bicep. "$pc_name, //please//. Let's //go//." You turn to see the urgency lacing in Oisein's eyes, dark golden hair shadowing $o_herhistheir face. But you feel something pull you to the spot. "The Sage, $s_shehe's…I think $s_shehe's distracting the guards for us." Brow furrowing, Oisein looks to the Gold Sage and at that same moment, the Intuits nod to $s_herhim before turning away, apparently set on some information the Sage has fed them. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> turns on the spot as well, making $s_herhis way towards the Archival Library. Only when $s_shehe passes most of the crowd and you have a clear view of $s_herhim does $s_shehe look again to you. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $s_rel_status to "Does $s_shehe know? Do you trust $s_herhim?">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<notify>>Entwined Updated<</notify>> The line of sight between you surges with energy, but not in anything offensive. The brush of the responsible magic feels delicate, undemanding, a breath of fresh air, as gentle as the wind that danced with the fire. You realize the Sage is trying to convey something to you, something friendly and open. Something protective, and knowing. "C'mon, let's go, we can resolve this later," Oisein repeats, quieter this time as $o_shehethey feel$o_s the comforting magic as well. Is it comforting because the Sage wants to tell you that they're on your side? Or a siren call to draw you in like the flames from before? You reach out with your magic, conveying… <hr> <ul> <li>[[... some sort of thanks.|Chapter3-End][$textGroup=1;$choice="first"]]</li> <li>[[... confusion, but gratefulness.|Chapter3-End][$textGroup=1;$choice="second"]]</li> <li>[[... pure confusion.|Chapter3-End][$textGroup=1;$choice="third"]]</li> <li>[[... apprehension and mistrust.|Chapter3-End][$textGroup=1;$choice="fourth"]]</li> <li>[[... a warning.|Chapter3-End][$textGroup=1;$choice="fifth"]]</li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> You blink. And you blink again, drawing focus to the sensation of your eyelids pressing down. So, one problem at a time. <<if $empathetic > $callous>> First, could this be even remotely correct? Hadn't Sirin always told the sheevra some version of the myth? Weren't the High Sheevra some of the first after the Old Wars? <<else>> First, there's no way this could be even remotely correct. The High Sheevra were some of the first after the Old Wars, right? What reason would they have for lying? <</if>> Intense history lessons were not something integral to your mission as a sheevra, and you realize now that's left you ill-prepared for this conversation in particular. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> Secondly, the Sage knows the sheevra aren't dying out and is trying to prove it - but to what end? You feel goosebumps rise along the back of your arms, prickling along your shoulders. The Sage watches for a reaction before coughing sheepishly. "Or at least, that's my hypothesis, but I'm still searching for more evidence. You can imagine a lot of people are not exactly happy with either of those theories. Especially when I say that something they thought was divine is in fact mortal and something most fear." "And you...told Tacita this?" you venture, still fitting your thoughts around each other. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> nods sadly this time, excitement draining from $s_herhis face at the mention of the High Sheevra. "I did. And she seemed animated, curious about it as well. But after that visit..." The Sage gives an even exhale, parts of the artificial aurora dispersing around $s_herhis breath. "Nothing." <<set $q_one to false>> <<set $q_two to false>> <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li> <<link `$info_label+" \"So the sheevra aren't actually as scarce as... we think they are. What else have you been able to find out?\""` `passage()`>> <<set $q_one to true>> <<set $textGroup to 101>> <</link>> </li> <<else>><li>$info_label "So the sheevra aren't actually as scarce as... we think they are. What else have you been able to find out?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li> <<link `$info_label+" \"What do you intend to do with all that information? Convince everyone to take up arms and the hunt for sheevra again?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $textGroup to 102>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "What do you intend to do with all that information? Convince everyone to take up arms and the hunt for sheevra again?"</li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "\"Before she left, what did Tacita say?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 3>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> "Did Tacita say anything the last time you saw her?" You wave a hand upward. "After you showed her all this?" "Aside from her usual comments and excitement about any new findings, no." Though you watch $s_herhis expression for some sort of tell, your search is in vain and you let the sentence hover in the air. It seems the Sage is earnest in $s_herhis worry and knowledge. Combining that with $s_herhis intentions and research, you're not really sure what to make of it all. Before you get a chance to voice this, the Sage speaks again. "Well, I think I've told you almost all there is to tell about Tacita and I to warrant a fair exchange." The Sage observes you for a moment before stepping away, giving one last wistful caress to the aurora and the stars as $s_shehe makes $s_herhis way back to the pedestal. As if it knows that its time in the air is coming to an end, you can almost feel the agitation in the sandy sky when $s_shehe does make it back to the container and raises both of $s_herhis palms up again. The aurora, temporary in its beauty, begins to shudder and split apart like a reflection ruined by ripples on water, the particles of light reversing in movement as it slinks back towards the wall in dim, fading pulses. Compared to the explosions that brought it forth, the retreat is meek and sullen, crawling up the walls to collect at the peak of the room again, before lazily drifting down in a slow funnel of glowing sand. The mortalis in front of you keeps a concentrated stare as $s_shehe guides the sand back down, rolling $s_herhis wrist once to catch a particularly rebellious strand that threatens to break free. Flecks of gold and topaz flutter in the dark hazel of $s_herhis eyes. "So, tell me about yourself and Tacita." <<if $s_flirt > 0>> Your brow raises "Didn't realize your chance to find out more about me would come so soon," you retort back, mouth pulled into a slightly coy grin. It takes the Sage a moment to remember your flirtations from before, until $s_shehe laughs. "True, maybe this was all a pretense." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> gives a playful smirk and looks to you as the sand continues to collect. "But unfortunately I //would// like to know more about you and Tacita for solely academic purposes." The smile morphs into a bright grin. "For now." <</if>> Tell the Sage... <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "Some form of the truth. That I know she's been missing for half a cycle and was sent specifically to find her." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup to 4>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $honest += 1>> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $s_friendship += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link `"A half truth. I can tell "+$s_herhim+" that I hadn't heard from Tacita in a while and am just looking to find out what happened."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup to 4>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $honest += 1>> <<set $s_friendship += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "I won't tell the Sage more about my mission to find Tacita, and just focus more on myself." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup to 6>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Make up a lie about how I know Tacita." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup to 6>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $deceptive += 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<if $choice is "first">> "Well…" you start, intent on telling the Sage what you can. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>>'s been upfront with you so far, so $s_shehe deserves to hear the truth. Or as much of it as possible. "I was sent here specifically to find Tacita by an old friend of hers." //Not ''not'' true.// <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> bites tentatively on $s_herhis bottom lip and gathers <<print $s_herhim>>self. "An old friend?" Eyes trace over the last bits of sand approaching the space before $s_herhim as $s_shehe digests the idea like it's new and unusual. "Does this friend of hers also happen to have an interest in sheevra magic?" <<elseif $choice is "second">> "Well…" you start, plucking the truths you want to tell, but hiding the details. "My family knows Tacita and we hadn't heard from her for quite a while. I volunteered to go searching for her and came to Renescen." //'Volunteered' is one way to put it.// <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> bites tentatively on $s_herhis bottom lip and gathers <<print $s_herhim>>self. "She must be close to your family, for you to go so far as to Cross into a city far from your own." Eyes trace over the last bits of sand approaching the space before $s_herhim as $s_shehe digests the idea, like it's new and unusual. "Does any of your…family also happen to have an interest in sheevra magic?" <</if>> Though $s_shehe doesn't make eye contact with you, you can still feel the question drilling through your core. "You could say that." Metal rings scrape together as they flip over and close, the room darkening for a moment before the sand returns to its previous, impatient movements within the jar. It shines as a singular lantern in the room again with it's cloud-like form scattering light across the small golden earrings the Sage wears. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> steps between you and it to cast $s_herhis body in a silhouette, halting all other movement save for playing with the golden ring around $s_herhis middle finger that connects to the cloth of $s_herhis sleeve. You watch $s_herhim lay $s_herhis thoughts out on an imaginary shelf, taking a moment to organize $s_herhis mind. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> "This may be a bit of a stretch," $s_shehe starts, looking to you. "Would they come to Renescen eventually then? To help look for Tacita?" The image of Sirin and the Gold Sage on the hunt for Tacita together, or speaking about magical research over a cup of tea are some of the more laughable ideas you've ever had, though you restrict your reaction. "It's possible," you lie. "But I doubt they'll come until I find more information. They're depending more on me, for the moment." //'Depending' may be a strong word, but-// "Oh, yes of course! I didn't mean to imply you wouldn't be able to find Tacita." The Sage lifts a hand and waves it, looking regretfully at you. "I apologize, that was poorly worded." You raise a hand in return. "No need, I know this whole situation is a little strange." A chuckle passes $s_herhis lips as $s_shehe surveys you. "That's certainly true. Though…thank you. I appreciate you being as honest as you can be, with me." From the way $s_shehe smiles, warm, open, and earnestly, you can tell $s_shehe means every word. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> begins to move towards you, motioning for the door in what you assume to be a gesture for $s_herhim to walk you out to the lobby of the Library. And it seems like $s_shehe's about to confirm that with $s_herhis words- <ul> <li><<link "- when something //booms// outside." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 7>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<if $choice is "third">> "I don't know much about Tacita, just want to find her," you start, trying to cut off any further questions on the topic from the Sage. "Though this is the first time I've been to Renescen." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> bites tentatively on $s_herhis bottom lip and gathers <<print $s_herhim>>self. "You don't know much about her but you want to find her? Did someone send you?" "In a way." You shrug with the comment and the Sage frowns. "You…won't tell me anything else then?" "I don't have anything else to tell." <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> "To be honest," you start, not intending to be honest at all. "I don't know anything about Tacita. I was just paid to find her, and I can't really tell you much about my employer." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> bites tentatively on $s_herhis bottom lip and gathers <<print $s_herhim>>self, though $s_shehe looks disappointed. "Ah, that's…unfortunate." You shrug with the comment. "Sorry about that, though. Your research does sound interesting." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> hums in response, not paying full attention. <</if>> Eyes trace over the last bits of sand approaching the space before $s_herhim as $s_shehe digests your words, an odd sort of understanding on $s_herhis features. Metal rings scrape together as they flip over and close, the room darkening for a moment before the sand returns to its previous, impatient movements within the jar. It shines as a singular lantern in the room again with it's cloud-like form reflecting light across the small golden earrings the Sage wears, before $s_shehe steps between you and it to cast $s_herhis body in a silhouette. Save for playing with the ring around $s_herhis middle finger that connects to the cloth of $s_herhis golden sleeve, the Sage doesn't move. You watch $s_herhim lay $s_herhis thoughts out on an imaginary shelf, taking a moment to organize $s_herhis mind. "Well-" $s_shehe finally says, stirring from $s_herhis contemplation. "Then I suppose that's…all we have to speak on." "I suppose so." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> looks at you, regret and sadness apparent, and shakes $s_herhis head. A protest seems to begin to form as $s_shehe opens $s_herhis mouth- <ul> <li><<link "- when something //booms// outside." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 7>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 7>> A dark, deep, ''guttural'' sound resonates in the distance, and for a moment you think maybe the Sage has activated the planetarium again without you knowing. The floor shakes and singular benches sway precariously, threatening to collide or tumble to the floor. It catches the Sage's eye as well, and $s_shehe spins towards the door and the illusion. Too quickly, the sound settles as it passes through the building. Then the magic slams into you. <ul><li>[[Continue.|Chapter3-SageBoom][$textGroup=1]] </li></ul> <<case 101>> Keeping your voice even, you let your question out word by word. "So the sheevra aren't actually as scarce as we think they are. What else have you been able to find out?" The Sage hums and considers your question. "That's my most recent breakthrough, and I've been trying to do other research on sheevra magic and how it relates to the Arids." The gold and pinks hover on $s_herhis cheeks, shifting through to outline $s_herhis face in neon green. A resigned smile lights $s_herhis face and creases $s_herhis eyes as $s_shehe looks to you. "Though you can imagine that's a bit hard to do without actually speaking with a sheevra." You wonder if you've ever felt so focused and aware of your own body, timing your blinks and measuring the speed of your breath. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"So the sheevra aren't actually as scarce as... we think they are. What else have you been able to find out?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $textGroup to 101>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "So the sheevra aren't actually as scarce as... we think they are. What else have you been able to find out?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"What do you intend to do with all that information? Convince everyone to take up arms and the hunt for sheevra again?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $textGroup to 102>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "What do you intend to do with all that information? Convince everyone to take up arms and the hunt for sheevra again?"</li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "\"Before she left, what did Tacita say?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 3>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 102>> <<if $empathetic > $callous>> Nails scratch lightly across the base of your thumb, and your voice betrays more turmoil than you mean it to. <<else>> Nails grip lightly at the skin between your forefinger and thumb, and your voice betrays more agitation than you mean it to. <</if>> "What do you intend to do with all that information? Convince everyone to take up arms and the hunt for sheevra again?" "//What?//" Offense and indignation are heavy in $s_herhis response. "No, //absolutely// not. If anything..." $s_shehe looks past you to what you assume to be the shifting illusion magic behind you. <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> voice lowers. "If anything, I want to convince others that we should be //seeking// the sheevra. There must be something we're missing about healing the Arids, and I think we'll only be able to do it if we work together." You stare at the Sage, trying to register what $s_shehe's said, the words not quite dropping. "You want to...work with the sheevra?" "Yes -" There's a pause that goes for slightly too long as $s_shehe watches you. "-if they'd let me." <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> doesn't expand any more on that and you feel an uncomfortable amount of transparency. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"So the sheevra aren't actually as scarce as... we think they are. What else have you been able to find out?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $textGroup to 101>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "So the sheevra aren't actually as scarce as... we think they are. What else have you been able to find out?"</li> <</if>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" \"What do you intend to do with all that information? Convince everyone to take up arms and the hunt for sheevra again?\""` `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $textGroup to 102>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label "What do you intend to do with all that information? Convince everyone to take up arms and the hunt for sheevra again?"</li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "\"Before she left, what did Tacita say?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 3>><</link>></li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Knees buckle and your hand shoots out in reaction as you topple to the floor. You grab the nearby bench first, thankfully, though it still doesn't quite pad the sudden stop your knee experiences slamming downward. "Are you alright?" the Sage turns and calls in alarm, though it sounds muffled past the throbbing of your temples. And then $s_shehe feels it too, teetering backward with $s_herhis hand over $s_herhis chest. Sheevra magic. //Powerful// sheevra magic. A feeling culminates inside your chest, like someone reached from underneath your ribcage and tried to tear your heart from between your lungs. Invasive. Threatening. //Painful.// Eyes clenching, you will it away, trying to push the feeling outward. Thankfully, blissfully, it retreats with minimal effort and within a short time (minutes? seconds? You're not sure) it begins to ebb. There's a dull ringing in your ears and a numb feeling glowing behind the bridge of your nose as you try to straighten. When you catch sight of the Sage again you see $s_herhis eyes flutter, no doubt the remnants of $s_herhis own battle with the external force. There's apprehension and fear laced through $s_herhis face and in the furrowing of $s_herhis brow and you see $s_herhis fingers reach up as if pulling something from $s_herhis chest. Like threads. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> //Wait, has $s_shehe-?// Through the illusion magic there's a frantic knocking at the door, and you spin your head (a little too quickly) to see each knock send a ripple through the mercurial liquid that disappears past the edges. The Sage surges forward past you, stumbling just once with a grimace, and hovering $s_herhis hands above the magic. The image in the reflection changes, your polite conversation interrupted as the mirrored-Sage calmly looks up and approaches the door. The real Sage strains, beads of sweat beginning to form on $s_herhis temples. From either nerves or effort, you're not sure. As the false version of <<print $s_herhim>>self reaches for the handle, the liquid crashes inward, waves of illusion magic coiling back into $s_herhis as $s_shehe prepares to turn the handle. Just as $s_shehe opens the door, the liquid trickles through $s_herhis fingers and floats away without a trace. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<set $elseGroup to 1>> <<set $elseScene to 0>> "Sage!" The Gold Acolyte from before breathes quickly in the frame of the door, the outer heavy stone from before clearly already open, a barrage of footsteps echoing in the halls. You catch his eyes for just a moment before he shakes his head and looks back up. "It's the bank, the bank at the edge of the second. Something's happened-" "What happened?" $s_shehe urges. <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> Acolyte takes a moment to catch his breath, chest heaving from his apparent sprint to the planetarium's door. "Powerful…illusion magic? And-" The Acolyte looks between the two of you again with a hint of confusion. Though his breathing is quick, you realize he…doesn't seem to have been hit by whatever you just experienced. "The bank is…it's on fire but…the fire, it's-" The Sage places a hand on his shoulder and grips him tight, trying to focus his eyes and his sentences. "I'll go now. Go find the Archivists, and tell them, alright?" His eyes lock onto the hazel in front of him, chewing at his lips before nodding and sprinting off. The Sage straightens and stays facing the hallway for a few quick breaths before turning. Golden light shudders from the pillar behind you and you watch the lines of the door illuminate as energy streams along the paths and collects at the Sage's feet. It haloes $s_herhis body as $s_shehe inhales and then looks to you. Something inside you shrieks that $s_shehe knows. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> must //know//. But you quiet the paranoia to hold $s_herhis gaze. "Come with me," $s_shehe simply states, before careening out the door. <<if visited("Chapter2-MagesmithIgnore")>> <<set $elseScene to 1>> <<else>> <<set $elseScene to random(1, 3)>> <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 4>> ''//Earlier…//'' —— <<if $elseScene is 1>> <<include "Chapter3-MagesmithElse">> <<elseif $elseScene is 2>> <<include "Chapter3-OiseinElse">> <<elseif $elseScene is 3>> <<include "Chapter3-HealerElse">> <</if>> <<case 5>> //''Back in the Atrium of the Archival Library…''// —— Though not thrown into complete chaos, there's still an audible and noticeable jitter among all the Sages and Acolytes and patrons of the Archival Library as the two of you run past the dome. With the small carriages of books halting their travels through the center of the open space, and the lifts dormant and unlit, the entire area is cast in a strange stagnation. You think your steps echo loudly, but they're indistinguishable from the dozens of others that echo between the glass. Banisters slide quickly under your palm and you can feel a layer of heat from the friction start to build just as you release it to keep up with the Sage. Even as some of the other Sages and Acolytes are making their way for the door, they part when they realize the Gold Sage is trying to make $s_herhis way out. Being so close to $s_herhim, you're caught in the space $s_shehe creates before it fills in with the others trying to find out what happened. When the Sage pushes the door, more air rushes past your cheek than just the warm summer breeze from outside, and you see the small currents that whirl away from $s_herhis hand. <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-SageReviverIntro][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Your assailant yelps and throws themself backward, heel almost catching on their cloak in a moment of surprise and clumsiness. There's a hiss behind the flickering illusion magic on their face as they stabilize their posture, the water recollecting from the pools and building up to tower above them. But for some reason, there's a perfect sphere of calm around you, as if the water is… protecting you? Mouth dropping open, you watch the stream of water slam down as they once again try to close the distance between the two of you. They're ready this time though, crossing their arms in front of their face and yelling a wordless cry as they uncross them and swing them down to the sides of their thighs, air elemental magic piercing through the tide. Their shoulders heave as you gape, now looking around to see the wind whipping around them and the waters of the fountains around the path churning and crashing against the white marble like a storm on the sea. Still, nothing disturbs you, the only evidence of the scuffle in front of you the barest bits of mist that float down on your eyelashes. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $convo_counter is 3>> <<set $ch3_connected to true>> <</if>> ''//Made yourself-//'' They step towards you and immediately slam a fist surrounded by air through a wall of water again, the liquid soaking into their pants and cloak. It recollects quickly, barring their passage while more tendrils lift from the water ready to replace any vanquished streams. ''//-some powerful friends pretty quickly, didn't you?//'' A frustrated roar rips from their mouth as the wind takes a turn against them. The space around you stays completely stagnant, but you see their cloak whip in violent movements behind them, their hands gripping firmly at the top of their hood to hold it in place and their knees bent to try and keep their stance. It dies down to a mild gale, cloak still flying to their side near horizontal and the water starting to stream upward and form a cage around them. There's a //tsk// as they step back, watching the elements ready to unleash their fury. ''//To be honest, I've always wanted to fight a Sage…//'' They take a step back and the water rears threateningly, ready to defend you. ''//…but maybe another time.//'' <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 3>> With a swift pivot they turn away from you, cloak spiraling in their wake and glinting colors off the wet stone. Looking down at your own hands again, you start to see the markings <<if $pc_sameskin is true>> flicker. <<else>> flicker and your $pc_sh_skincolor skin start gradually morphing to the $pc_skincolor of your mortalis disguise. <</if>> You look up again. <<if $asked_harpoc is true>> "What did you do with them?!" you demand again as they begin to leave. <<else>> "What did you do with Clan Harpoc?" you demand as they begin to leave. <</if>> <<if $thing_resp is false>> <<if visited("Chapter2-Rails")>> This person is the one responsible for the magic underground and for the odd alluring magic at the bank, you're sure of it. <<else>> This person is the one responsible for the odd alluring magic at the bank, you're sure of it. <</if>> And you'd bet they're responsible for the current state of the bank as well. <</if>> They stop for a beat. ''//I'm going to do what the sheevra and mortalis have failed to do for millennia.//'' The illusion is still floating above their face when they turn, but you can feel their eyes piercing into you. ''//I'm going to revive this world. Remember that.//'' Before you get a chance to respond, they disintegrate into dust as the bodies form around you, any evidence of their presence lifted away on the wind that was stagnant around you just moments ago. The Sage's face is right in front of yours, eyes closed and lips pressed together in concentration. <ul> <<if $ch3_connected is true>> <li> <<link "What have you done?" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> <<else>> <li> <<link "Time starts again." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> <</if>> </ul> <<case 4>> <<set $s_thankful to true>> You blink. And blink again, eyes darting to the side to see the rush of mortalis that are headed through the courtyard. Right. The bank. The Sage sits unaware that you're back with $s_herhim, hands lifted and fingers hardly an inch from your temples with warm magic gently flowing to your skin. <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Sage?...Sage. I'm alright...I think?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $friendly += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Alright so...any chance you know what that was?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $curious += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link `"I wait for "+$s_herhim+ " to come to."` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $reserved += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "I jump backward. \"What are you doing?!\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $s_thankful to false>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> <<if $choice is "first">> You let yourself take an even breath to meter out the uneasiness still coursing in your blood before taking stock of yourself. Looking down, you see your <<if $pc_sameskin is true>> thankfully unmarked skin, <<else>> $pc_skincolor skin, <</if>> and a wave of relief washes over you. "Sage?" you start tentatively, not wanting to shock $s_herhim out of whatever trance $s_shehe may have entered on your account. "Sage. I'm alright... I think?" The Sage's eyes start to flutter at the sound of your voice, before a few more blinks pass and $s_shehe looks up to you. "Traveler?" You nod. "Thank Sanctin. You... you just stopped moving and-" As $s_shehe says that, you realize you are in fact, standing squarely in the middle of the path. The two of you pause and start to shift slightly to the side to let other pass. <<elseif $choice is "second">> You let yourself take an even breath to meter out the uneasiness still coursing in your blood before taking stock of yourself. Looking down, you see your <<if $pc_sameskin is true>> thankfully unmarked skin, <<else>> $pc_skincolor skin, <</if>> and a wave of relief washes over you. "Alright so…" The Sage's eyes start to flutter at the sound of your voice. "…any chance you know what that was?" A few more blinks and the Sage looks up to you, tentatively lowering $s_herhis hands. "Traveler?" You nod. "Thank Sanctin. You... you just stopped moving and-" As $s_shehe says that and lowers $s_herhis hands, you realize you are in fact, standing squarely in the middle of the path. The two of you pause and start to shift slightly to the side to let other pass. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You let yourself take an even breath to meter out the uneasiness still coursing your blood, waiting for the $s_gender in front of you to come through as $s_herhis braids fall foward with a shiver. Taking stock of yourself, you look down and see your <<if $pc_sameskin is true>> thankfully unmarked skin, <<else>> $pc_skincolor skin, <</if>> and a wave of relief washes over you. Eventually after a minute or so, the Sage's eyes flutter open in slow blinks and $s_shehe looks up to see your cognizant face. "Traveler?" You nod. It looks like a similar wave of relief overwhelms $s_herhim as well when $s_shehe exhales with a drop of $s_herhis hands. "Thank Sanctin. You…you just stopped moving and-" As $s_shehe says that, you realize you are in fact, standing squarely in the middle of the path. The two of you pause and start to shift slightly to the side to let other pass. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Practically swinging the hands away from you, you jump backward in shock at the proximity, uneasiness still pumping through your blood. The Sage opens $s_herhis eyes with shock as soon as you move and drops $s_herhis hands. "What are you doing?!" you snap. "You- you just stopped moving and-" "Did you do that to me?" "No!" The Sage stands straighter, and your argument draws a few more glances. <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> looks sheepishly to the side and waves off some of the Acolytes, who mutter something you can't hear. With onlookers as taken care of as they will be, $s_shehe gazes back at you with saddened eyes. Taking advantage of the small pause you look down and see your <<if $pc_sameskin is true>> thankfully unmarked skin, <<else>> $pc_skincolor skin, <</if>> and a wave of relief washes over you. You turn your eyes back to the Sage and wait for $s_herhim to break the silence. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<if $s_thankful>> "What…happened to me?" you ask quietly, your hand pushing into your chest and letting the pressure convince you that this is real. "Did you see anyone?" <</if>> "I noticed that you were trailing behind and walked back and-" <<print $s_shehe.toUpperFirst()>> looks over your body and cranes $s_herhis neck around as if to make sure there aren't any other hidden injuries. "You had just…stopped. But your eyes were unfocused and…shaking." "…shaking?" "As if you were in a vivid nightmare," $s_shehe trails off. <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> forefinger and thumb twist the ring on $s_herhis other hand. "I didn't see anyone, but that magic-" Lips parted, $s_shehe looks to you in thought again. "That's some of the most-" A whisper of fear crosses $s_herhis face and $s_herhis voice lowers. "-wild and powerful magic I've ever felt. It was a cross of illusion and pathos, and I assume it completely overtook your senses?" You don't have to confirm it, and $s_shehe just stares with pity at your twisted features as you remember the figure who, all in all, seemed very real and tangible. //But they weren't?// "I'm not entirely sure what was going on but I tried to infuse a different elemental spell into it, basically throwing unexpected magic in to interrupt the illusion and-" $s_shehe halts the explanation and just sighs. "I hope it helped." "It did," you say quietly, remembering the protective water and the wind fighting for you. With an uncertain exchange, the two of you make eye contact again and hold each other's gaze, and you can tell there's a million other questions brimming within $s_herhis mind. But $s_shehe must decide against asking anything else as $s_shehe gives a tense, but relieved smile and turns towards the iron gates. "I'm sorry, I…I know there's so much we need to-" $s_shehe turns $s_herhis face to you again but watches the other mortalis running by and the gentle trickle of the fountain water. "But I have to go help, now. I may be the only one who can. And then maybe later we can-" Something strikes you as $s_shehe says that, the dread returning. <ul> <li> <<link "\"What did //you// see?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 7>> The Sage freezes. "…did you see anything yourself?" you repeat, your magic prickling in your lungs. "When you were…" "No," $s_shehe says decidedly, still not looking at you. "It was more of a feeling." <<print $s_herhis.toUpperFirst()>> head turns slowly back down the path and towards the Falls Road, and $s_shehe takes one hesitant step forward, before charging away. That doesn't answer the question you really want to ask though. //Do you know what I am?// <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-FrontofBank][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $oh_boy to 0>> <<set $q_one to false>> <<set $q_two to false>> <<set $q_three to false>> <<set $q_four to false>> <<set $spoop_sel to "">> <<set $first_call to false>> <<set $convo_counter to 0>> Where's Renescen? The bank? //Are you dreaming?// Where are you? <ul> <li> <<link "Did you forget yourself?" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 3>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<case 3>> <<if $check_fail>> You push yourself warily against the soft grass, but it seems friendlier, more accepting, aligned with your magic. When you do ease yourself up, the markings finally register. <</if>> <<if $pc_sameskin is true>> At first nothing seems different, your $pc_skincolor skin stark against the lush emerald of the blades of grass that clasp around your fingers. <<if $leanhaun>> But then the glowing, shifting patterns register next, beaming up at you with a delight to be seen. <<elseif $unseelie>> But then the strokes like ink shudder on your skin, writhing over your wrists. <<elseif $dryad>> But then the flora painted on you threatens to flourish from the flutter of nerves echoing in your chest. <</if>> <<else>> You notice almost immediately, your $pc_sh_skincolor in stark contrast against your glamored $pc_skincolor, and you curl your fingers. <<if $leanhaun>> The glowing, shifting patterns register next, beaming up at you with a delight to be seen. <<elseif $unseelie>> The strokes like ink shudder on your skin, writhing over your wrists. <<elseif $dryad>> The flora painted on you threatens to flourish from the flutter of nerves echoing in your chest. <</if>> <</if>> Feeling the rest of your body and taking stock of your true form, you scramble amid the plants whispering against your calves, and reach for your… <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "...earring, ensuring that it's still there." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $pc_horns to false>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "...antlers" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $pc_horns to true>> <<set $pc_horns_desc to "antlers">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "...horns that rise straight up from the top of my head." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $pc_horns to true>> <<set $pc_horns_desc to "point">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "...horns that rise from the top of my head and curve back along my skull." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $pc_horns to true>> <<set $pc_horns_desc to "mav">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "...horns that spiral upward." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $pc_horns to true>> <<set $pc_horns_desc to "spiral">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "...horns that curl and twist from the side of my head like a ram's." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "sixth">> <<set $pc_horns to true>> <<set $pc_horns_desc to "ram">> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<if $choice is "first">> A visceral panic takes hold as you throw your hand upward to clutch at your earring. <<elseif $choice is "second">> You throw both of your hands up to feel your antlers, and sure enough, the rough but familiar branches of your sheevra form are there to meet you. A visceral panic grips you next as you lower a shaky hand to your ear. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You throw both of your hands up to feel your horns, and sure enough, the rough but familiar surfaces that accompany your sheevra form are there to meet you. A visceral panic grips you next as you lower a shaky hand to your ear. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> You throw both of your hands up to feel your horns, and sure enough, the rough but familiar surfaces that accompany your sheevra form are there to meet you, your hands smoothing trails back over the curving surface and dropping down to the crown of your head. A visceral panic grips you next as you lower a shaky hand to your ear. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> You throw both of your hands up to feel your horns, and sure enough, the rough but familiar surfaces that accompany your sheevra form are there to meet you, your hands smoothing trails up the swirling, spiral surfaces. A visceral panic grips you next as you lower a shaky hand to your ear. <<elseif $choice is "sixth">> You throw both of your hands up to feel your horns, and sure enough, the rough but familiar surfaces that accompany your sheevra form are there to meet you, your hands smoothing trails over the curving paths traced from your skull. A visceral panic grips you next as you lower a shaky hand to your ear. <</if>> The glamor foci is still there. Confusion grips at your throat and twists in your spine as you survey around you. <<include "Chapter3-SpoopMenu">> <<case 5>> <<if $spoop_sel is "mountains">> <<include "Chapter3-MountainSpoop">> <<elseif $spoop_sel is "flowers">> <<include "Chapter3-FlowerSpoop">> <<elseif $spoop_sel is "river">> <<include "Chapter3-RiverSpoop">> <<elseif $spoop_sel is "butterflies">> <<include "Chapter3-ButterflySpoop">> <</if>> <<include "Chapter3-SpoopMenu">> <<case 6>> <<if $spoop_sel is "mountains">> <<include "Chapter3-MountainSpoop">> <<elseif $spoop_sel is "flowers">> <<include "Chapter3-FlowerSpoop">> <<elseif $spoop_sel is "river">> <<include "Chapter3-RiverSpoop">> <<elseif $spoop_sel is "butterflies">> <<include "Chapter3-ButterflySpoop">> <</if>> <<include "Chapter3-SpoopMenu">> <<case 7>> <<if $spoop_sel is "mountains">> <<include "Chapter3-MountainSpoop">> <<elseif $spoop_sel is "flowers">> <<include "Chapter3-FlowerSpoop">> <<elseif $spoop_sel is "river">> <<include "Chapter3-RiverSpoop">> <<elseif $spoop_sel is "butterflies">> <<include "Chapter3-ButterflySpoop">> <</if>> <<include "Chapter3-SpoopMenu">> <<case 8>> <<if $spoop_sel is "mountains">> <<include "Chapter3-MountainSpoop">> <<elseif $spoop_sel is "flowers">> <<include "Chapter3-FlowerSpoop">> <<elseif $spoop_sel is "river">> <<include "Chapter3-RiverSpoop">> <<elseif $spoop_sel is "butterflies">> <<include "Chapter3-ButterflySpoop">> <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "NOW CAN YOU SEE" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 9>> <div class="center"><<link "The person." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></div> <<case 10>> How did you not see them before? Or rather, how did you not see //her//. Your voice catches in your throat as you see Tacita stand before you, plain as day as if she'd been there since you came, just a few arm's lengths away. From the frame of the shoulders and the way her robes lie, you can tell that her back is towards you. Inky black fabric falls over her shoulders and down her body, cinched by an intricately woven belt, its patterns barely visible in the sunlight as the black strands blend into the cloth behind it. Following her spine, you look up to see the tell-tale veil of her mortalis form, the bottom weighted to pull the translucent black gossamer flush against each rolling braid hiding beneath it. The brightest patch shimmers at the nape of her neck, pale flesh highlighted underneath. Grass swirls and dances around her in the breeze that's been running through the valley, the same wind <<if ($pc_hairlength is "short") or ($pc_hairlength is "shaved")>> caressing the skin beneath your chin. <<else>> caressing the skin behind your ears and floating along your collar through your hair. <</if>> She turns her head toward the left, but her body stays turned away from you. The fabric adorning her face creates a silhouette of her forehead and drips over her nose, hanging looser as it falls across her lips. It's only then that you perceive the last piece of the unsettling puzzle. Despite the growing turmoil of the air around the two of you, the veil remains still, no ripples to be seen. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 11>> You don't know how you know, or how you could see, but you //feel// her face change. She smiles. don't <div class="center">donttalkdontspeakdontcalldont</div> DON'T SPEAK DON'T SPEAK NEVER SPEAK <ul> <li>[["Tacita?" I call out to her.|Chapter3-BankTacita][$textGroup=1;$first_call=true]] </li> <li><<link "Wait to see if she'll turn around." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> SPEAK //SPEAK //''SPEAK'' <div class="center">//please//</div> <<case 12>> Warring feelings strike against each other in the core of your chest and you still your hand. Something's not right. You can feel your mind ease when you don't say anything, while another feeling eggs you on to connect and grab the attention of the High Sheevra. She turns fully now, and through the thin film of cloth, you can see the wrinkles across her skin and the warm, motherly smile. ''//Child. Little blackbird.//'' The voice sweeps out from her in waves, though you don't quite feel it connect to you, and you never see her lips move. She still sounds… Distant. Untethered. You unfurl your fingers and curl them back in as the goosebumps raise along your forearm and up into the crook of your shoulder. <hr> <ul> <li>[[I clench my fist and stay quiet, leaving the two of us disconnected.|Chapter3-BankReviver][$textGroup=1]] </li> <li>[[I can't let this opportunity pass to connect with Tacita, and roll my lips together before finally speaking.|Chapter3-BankTacita][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <div class="center">don't speak don't speak don't speak</div> <</switch>>

<<switch $oh_boy>> <<case 1 2>> Not unlike the scene you've just come from, the mountains in the distance frame the wild field you've found yourself in, a cadence of peaks and valleys. Though the first layer sits tall against the lush greenery, you can see that it's only the beginning of this range, eternal and unyielding. Every so often between the first mountains you see, a goliath of a peak rises behind. Your eyes drift from the snow covered crowns down the sides to follow the gradient from stony gray to evergreen, and you look in awe as this same picturesque coloring is the same as far as the eye can see. No transition to desolation in sight. <<case 3>> Not unlike the scene you've just come from, the mountains in the distance frame the wild field you've found yourself in, a cadence of peaks and valleys. Though the first layer sits tall against the lush greenery, you can see that it's only the beginning of this range, eternal and unyielding. Every so often between the first mountains you see, a goliath of a peak rises <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> bEHIND. <<else>> <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">behind.</div></section> <</if>> <</liveblock>> Your eyes drift from the snow covered crowns down the sides that gradient from stony gray to evergreen, and you look in awe as this same picturesque coloring is the same as far as the eye can see. No transition to <<liveblock>><<if $disableglitch is true>> DESOLATION <<else>> <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">desolation</div></section><</if>> in sight. <</liveblock>> <<case 4>> Not unlike the scene you've just come from, the mountains in the distance frame the wild field you've found yourself in, a cadence of peaks and valleys. Though the first layer sits tall against the lush greenery, you can see that it's only the beginning of this range, eternal and <<liveblock>><<if $disableglitch is true>> unYIELDing <<else>> <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">unyielding.</div></section><</if>> <</liveblock>> Every so often between the first mountains you see, a goliath of a peak rises <<liveblock>><<if $disableglitch is true>> bEHIND. <<else>> <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">behind.</div></section> <</if>> <</liveblock>> Your eyes drift from the snow covered crowns down the sides that gradient from stony gray to evergreen, and you look in awe as this same picturesque coloring is the same as far as the eye can see. No transition to <<liveblock>><<if $disableglitch is true>> DESOLATION <<else>> <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">desolation</div></section><</if>> in sight.<</liveblock>> <</switch>>

<<switch $oh_boy>> <<case 1 2>> Though the vibrant green overtakes and overwhelms your sight, the constant breeze parts the grass around you to put a few colorful blooms on display before quickly hiding them again. Purple and reds and yellows blink in and out one by one, the shy flowers peeking out for just a few moments at a time to see you. You reach for a bright white daisy near you, its petals embracing your fingers as you brush the back of your hand against it to confirm the feel of its soft flesh. Looking over the rest of the area, you see the shock of colors periodically entwined in the grass all the way to the mountains and bending over the river. <<case 3>> Though the vibrant green overtakes and overwhelms your sight, the constant breeze parts the grass around you to put a few colorful blooms on display before quickly hiding them again. Purple and reds and yellows blink in and out one by one, the shy flowers peeking out for just a few moments at a time to see you. You reach for a bright white daisy near you, its petals embracing your fingers as you brush the back of your hand against it to confirm the feel of its soft <<liveblock>><<if $disableglitch is true>> fLESH. <<else>><section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">flesh.</div></section><</if>> <</liveblock>> Looking over the rest of the area, you see the shock of colors periodically entwined in the grass all the way to the <<liveblock>><<if $disableglitch is true>> mOUNTAINS <<else>><section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">mountains</div></section><</if>><</liveblock>> and bending over the river. <<case 4>> Though the vibrant green overtakes and overwhelms your sight, the constant breeze parts the grass around you to put a few colorful blooms on display before quickly hiding them again. Purple and reds and yellows blink in and out one by one, the shy flowers peeking out for just a few moments at a time to see <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> yOU. <<else>><section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">you.</div></section><</if>><</liveblock>> You reach for a bright white daisy near you, its petals embracing your fingers as you brush the back of your hand against it to confirm the feel of its soft flesh. Looking over the rest of the area, you see the shock of colors periodically entwined in the grass all the way to the <<liveblock>><<if $disableglitch is true>> mOUNTAINS <<else>><section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">mountains</div></section><</if>><</liveblock>> and bending over the river. <</switch>>

<<switch $oh_boy>> <<case 0 1>> <hr> <ul> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link "The mountains." `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $spoop_sel to "mountains">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $oh_boy +=1 >><</link>></li> <<else>> <li>The mountains.</li> <</if>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li><<link "The flowers." `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $spoop_sel to "flowers">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $oh_boy +=1 >><</link>></li> <<else>><li>The flowers.</li> <</if>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li><<link "The river." `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $spoop_sel to "river">><<set $oh_boy +=1 >><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>The river.</li> <</if>> <<if $q_four is false>> <li><<link "The butterflies." `passage()`>><<set $q_four to true>><<set $spoop_sel to "butterflies">><<set $oh_boy +=1 >><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>The butterflies.</li> <</if>> </ul> <<case 2>> <hr> <ul> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link "The MoUntaiNS." `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $spoop_sel to "mountains">><<set $oh_boy +=1 >><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>The MoUntaiNS.</li> <</if>> <li>ANSWERME</li> <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li><<link "the floWeRS" `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $spoop_sel to "flowers">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $oh_boy +=1 >><</link>></li> <<else>><li>the floWeRS</li> <</if>> <<else>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li><section class="portfolio-experiment"><div class="experiment-title" ><<link "The flowers." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $oh_boy +=1 >><<set $spoop_sel to "flowers">><</link>></div></section></li> <<else>><li><section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;color:#8a8a8a;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">The flowers.</div></section> </li> <</if>> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li><<link "the river the river the river" `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $spoop_sel to "river">><<set $oh_boy +=1 >><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>the river the river the river</li> <</if>> <<if $q_four is false>> <li><<link "THE bu tterfliES." `passage()`>><<set $q_four to true>><<set $spoop_sel to "butterflies">><<set $oh_boy +=1 >><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>THE bu tterfliES.</li> <</if>> </ul> <<case 3>> <hr> <ul> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link "The mOUN TAINS MOUNTAINS" `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $spoop_sel to "mountains">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $oh_boy +=1 >><</link>></li> <<else>> <li>The mOUN TAINS MOUNTAINS</li> <</if>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li><<link "the floWeRS" `passage()`>><<set $q_two to true>><<set $spoop_sel to "flowers">><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $oh_boy +=1 >><</link>></li> <<else>><li>the floWeRS</li> <</if>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li><<link "the river the river the river the river the river" `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $spoop_sel to "river">><<set $oh_boy +=1 >><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>the river the river the river the river the river</li> <</if>> <<if $q_four is false>> <li><<link "THE BUTTERFLIES" `passage()`>><<set $q_four to true>><<set $spoop_sel to "butterflies">><<set $oh_boy +=1 >><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>THE BUTTERFLIES</li> <</if>> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $oh_boy>> <<case 1 2>> The source of the rushing sound reveals itself past the thicket of reeds, the water clear and roiling on itself like morphing glass. Though no lilypads make an appearance here, you still dip your hand in the current, the gentle force comforting as it laces the cool river between your fingers. You look to your right and left as the movement of the water reflects sunshine into your eyes, a deluge of diamond-like glints streaming past you. The sound is comforting, lulling, reminding you of the waterfalls along the canyon of Saor. Although this river is calmer, lighter, more tender. Pulling your fingers from the water, you give your hand a hearty shake and feel the droplets fly from your nails, either rejoining their source or clinging and sliding down the plants around you. <<case 3>> The source of the rushing sound reveals itself past the thicket of reeds, the water clear and roiling on itself like morphing glass. Though no lilypads make an appearance here, you still dip your hand in the current, the gentle force comforting as it laces the cool river between your fingers. You look to your right and left as the movement of the water reflects sunshine into your eyes, a deluge of diamond-like glints streaming past you. The sound is comforting, lulling, reminding you of the waterfalls along the canyon of Saor. Although this river is calmer, lighter, more <<liveblock>><<if $disableglitch is true>> tendertendertendertender.<<else>><section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">tender.</div></section><</if>><</liveblock>> Pulling your fingers from the water, you give your hand a hearty shake and feel the droplets fly from your nails, either rejoining their source or clinging and sliding down the plants around you. <<case 4>> The source of the rushing sound reveals itself past the thicket of reeds, the water clear and roiling on itself like morphing glass. Though no lilypads make an appearance here, you still dip your hand in the current, the gentle force comforting as it laces the cool river between your <<liveblock>><<if $disableglitch is true>> FiNgERS <<else>><section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">fingers.</div></section><</if>><</liveblock>> You look to your right and left as the movement of the water reflects sunshine into your eyes, a deluge of diamond-like glints streaming past you. The sound is comforting, <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> luLLING, <<else>><section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">lulling,</div></section><</if>><</liveblock>> reminding you of the waterfalls along the canyon of Saor. Although this river is calmer, lighter, more tender. Pulling your fingers from the water, you give your hand a hearty shake and feel the droplets fly from your nails, either rejoining their source or clinging and sliding down the plants around you. <</switch>>

<<switch $oh_boy>> <<case 1 2>> In your disorientation you don't notice the butterflies at first, until you turn to continue your survey and disturb a particular dense patch of dandelions around you. A rush of sapphire and amethyst and gold burst from your feet, the butterflies lifting themselves upward and gliding along the wind that takes them. A particular starkly patterned black and white butterfly flutters and sways around you, ghosting just barely over your arms and following the path of the markings against your skin. It flits behind your back and around your shoulder, flirts its wing against your nose before sailing off to join the others. <<case 3>> In your disorientation you don't notice the butterflies at first, until you turn to continue your survey and disturb a particular dense patch of dandelions around you. A rush of sapphire and amethyst and gold burst from your feet, the butterflies lifting themselves upward and gliding along the wind that takes them. A particular starkly patterned black and white butterfly flutters and sways around you, ghosting just barely over your arms and following the path of the markings against your skin. It flits behind your back and around your shoulder, flirts its wing against your nose before sailing off to join the <<liveblock>><<if $disableglitch is true>> oTHE R S. <<else>> <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">others.</div></section><</if>><</liveblock>> <<case 4>> In your disorientation you don't notice the butterflies at first, until you turn to continue your survey and disturb a particular dense patch of dandelions around you. A rush of sapphire and amethyst and gold burst from your feet, the butterflies lifting themselves upward and gliding along the wind that takes them. A particular starkly patterned black and white butterfly flutters and sways around you, <<liveblock>><<if $disableglitch is true>> ghoS T I N G <<else>><section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">ghosting</div></section><</if>><</liveblock>> just barely over your arms and following the path of the markings against your <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> sKIN. <<else>><section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">skin.</div></section><</if>><</liveblock>> It flits behind your back and around your shoulder, flirts its wing against your nose before sailing off to join the others. <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> //''Back… somewhere??''// ——— Miasmic darkness surrounds you while you take one tentative step after another toward what you assume to be your way out. Hopefully. Your hands reach out in a pantomime of pushing through the layers of whatever this pocket of space is, blackness behind you and blackness ahead, the only light seeming to shine on your skin from a source you can't see. <<if $pc_sameskin>> A part of you thinks, or maybe hopes, that you're moving in the right direction, as the <<if $unseelie>> brush-like marks <<elseif $leanhaun>> lit patterns <<elseif $dryad>> weaving organic marks <</if>> along your skin start to flicker, then fade. <<else>> A part of you thinks, or maybe hopes, that you're moving in the right direction, as your $pc_sh_skincolor begins to flicker gradients over your knuckles and your forearm. <<print $pc_skincolor.toUpperFirst()>> starts to peer through, the <<if $unseelie>> brush-like marks <<elseif $leanhaun>> lit patterns <<elseif $dryad>> weaving organic marks <</if>> of your sheevra form fading as well. <</if>> Tension and a sigh release as you feel the earring's charm take hold again. Flexing your fingers, you continue, determination guiding your step. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> Footfalls continue to echo against some sort of surface, the same impenetrable darkness calling you forward. And then a light, tiny and miniscule. A sparkle in the distance, blinking at you. You blink back once to try to clear it from your vision, rubbing at your eyes, only to have more dots of light invade the darkness. You blink again and it multiples. Another blink and it overflows. One final one and you halt in your tracks. It's… //Stars.// <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 3>> //…What?// The heavens open up and observe you as you look to them, blinking with apathy at your current situation. Aside from the pinpoints of light, you think you may see other celestial bodies in the distance but can't fully place them from this far away. "Okay…" you say out loud this time. <<if $sarcastic > $genuine+2>> "I don't suppose any of you know where I am." There's no reply. "Figures." <<else>> "This is… new…" Well, that's the understatement of a lifetime. <</if>> You sigh and take another step the same time you have the realization that there might not be anything to hold your foot in the vastness of space. But thankfully, you meet something solid and chance a look down. More stars. As if you've been plucked from the ground and placed like an ornament in the night sky. But there's a faint glow from where you've taken the step, hovering around your toes before inching forward and painting a path ahead. Your eyes follow it up as it skitters away, to the outline of some sort of... Iron fence. Specifically, the fence you made your way through earlier along the outer perimeter of the bank, you're sure of it. Only a portion of it stands in front of you, a shadowy mimic of the form from before that tapers off into nothingness to the right and to the left. The space between the bars beckons you, invites you to step through, some sort of magic swirling between the facade. <<set $wobbly to false>> <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "Charge forward." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>> </li> <li> <<link "My knees are wobbly from the vertigo, but I slowly make my way down the path." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><<set $wobbly to true>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<if $choice is "first">> //Alright, enough of this.// You steel yourself and charge forward, still being cautious to make sure that the cloudy glow will support each subsequent step. Still air parts for you. Hands dry, skin taut over each knuckle as you march. Stomach twisting against the neverending void but easing with conscious thoughts. <<elseif $choice is "second">> The vertigo teases around your mind, reaching up behind your eyes and dropping down your throat and into your gut. You shut your eyes next, fists curling at your side while you take account of all that you feel. The air is still around you. Hands dry, skin taut over each knuckle. Stomach twisted but easing with conscious thoughts. Legs shuddering against the neverending void. Feet firmly planted, the surface hard against your heels. Alright. You have to move. <</if>> After the first wave of your thoughts subsides, you notice that despite being almost fully shifted back into your mortalis form, you still feel light, free, not weighed down as you usually do. <<if $wobbly>> Your feet press softly, hesitantly, into the glow, <<else>> Your feet press softly into the glow, <</if>> the feeling a mixture of the comfort of your natural form, and something else within your disguise. Closer, and closer, one determined movement at a time. <<set $q_one to false>> <<set $q_three to false>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 5>> As you approach what you hope to be your escape, the smell of overgrown grass and weeds starts to waft towards you. The space between the bars is still maddeningly blank, but every time you look away, there's a flicker of greens and browns that tease your eyes. This close, you start to see tiny trails of colors spilling out, some gathered together and braided over one another, other streaming into opposite directions. Lifting a hand toward them, a few are distracted by your fingers and curve to meet them, curling around your joints and wrist. Seeing them dance in waving patterns over your skin, you can't help think of the auroras you've seen at the Equinox with aching familiarity. You forget yourself for an instant, trying to think of the last time you saw them through the shadowed branches of tall trees, other Faille'Tor sheevra pausing to stare upwards as the beauty of the night sky was overcome with shifting beacons of light. The image of your clan lingers for another moment as you feel a gentle tug from the strings of color. Muscles tensing, you start to rear back in an initial reaction, but you can sense that the pull is benign. Compassionate, sympathetic even. You're not sure why you know this, but you do. Eventually you step back and the colors gladly fall away, returning to their previous paths. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" Investigate the fence first."` `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><<set $textGroup to 101>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label Investigate the fence first.</li> <</if>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" I look around one more time before I pass through."` `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $textGroup to 103>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label I look around one more time before I pass through.</li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "Step through the opening in the fence." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 6>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 101>> Though its allure is almost maddening you shake your head and scratch absentmindedly at your forearms. Instead of stepping through immediately, you stand amid the darkness, the stars annoyingly still not providing any advice, and take one step to the left… then to the right, craning your neck to see if you can make out anything beyond. But there's nothing. You feel something warm at your back, the heat beginning to rise, and you spin to confront it to find more... Nothing. Just the faint glow of your makeshift path and the emptiness of the cosmos. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" Investigate the fence first."` `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><<set $textGroup to 101>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label Investigate the fence first.</li> <</if>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" I look around one more time before I pass through."` `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $textGroup to 103>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label I look around one more time before I pass through.</li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "Step through the opening in the fence." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 6>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 103>> You avoid looking down too quickly, instead tapping the ball of your foot against whatever surface has supported you so far to test its reliability. Satisfied that it'll hold you for at least a little bit longer, you turn your face up to the heavens again. The colors leaking out from the fence have started to float into what looks like the faintest imitation of a true aurora now, the emeralds and turquoises you know filtering into the dark spaces between the stars. But other colors catch your eyes. Gold, fuschia, silver, lilac...had you ever seen colors like this before? Is this still the aurora you know? As you expect, the glimmering constellations still provide no answer, and the other spheres you think you can see in the distance give a similarly indifferent response. <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" Investigate the fence first."` `passage()`>><<set $q_one to true>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><<set $textGroup to 101>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label Investigate the fence first.</li> <</if>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li><<link `$info_label+" I look around one more time before I pass through."` `passage()`>><<set $q_three to true>><<set $textGroup to 103>><<set $convo_counter += 1>><</link>></li> <<else>><li>$info_label I look around one more time before I pass through.</li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li><<link "Step through the opening in the fence." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 6>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> Steeling your nerves, your shoulders rise with your breath, arms clamped and rigid at your sides, elbows turned into your waist. Your next exhale releases them all as your body drops and relaxes as much as it can, eyes still glued to the emptiness in front of you. Looking past the fence one last time, you bid the celestial ocean farewell and step towards the fence. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 7>> Apprehension bubbles in your throat as you hold out a hand and press it forward, the gentle lights of the aurora coming to greet you again. They twirl around your other hand as you lift it as well, and circle towards your waist to embrace you as you take another step forward. Black vapors pour after the cascading colors when your fingers push through the space in the fence, and you feel, rather than see, the heat of sunlight. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 8>> Your body breaks through after, the warmth dawning from the crown of your head, past your heart and down your back, nesting behind your knees and floating along your shins. But still around you, darkness. <ul> <li> <<link "Until..." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 9>> ... <ul> <li> <<link "...light." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 10>> It floods your eyes and forces you to squint as the sun welcomes you. Lifting your hand to shade your face, you think yourself back in some part of the revived paradise from before. But the feel of the tall fronds invading your space is much more real this time, as are the light scratches they mark against the back of your hands. The transition is stark compared to the vast emptiness you've just arrived from. Where your senses craved for more, they now rebel against the onslaught of vibrancy. Plants swarm against your body in a sea of green, leaning in and blocking your path. But over their highest reaching stems, you see the buildings of Renescen greet you, the pointed top edge of the iron fence separating the overgrowth around you and the sandy bricks ahead. The sun still glares, though not as harshly, as it begins to inch behind the mountains' peaks to signal the waning afternoon. //Wait. Late afternoon? How long was I gone?// As the thought crosses your mind, you push forward. And your fingers pass, with a slight resistance, straight through the plants in front of you. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 11>> Snapping your hand back, you look at your fingers and around you again. You //are// in Renescen, right? <<if $early_illusion_sense>> But then you remember the feeling from before. The weighted, sinking realization of the powerful illusion surrounding the bank. <<else>> //An illusion?// Your mind tries to reach for the edge of it. Maybe it's just clouding your own senses? But no matter how far your magic reaches into the thick of the reeds, it only finds more, and more, and more. Stretching around the entire perimeter. //A ''powerful'' illusion.// <</if>> Which you're now standing in the middle of. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 12>> <<set $elseGroup to 1>> <<set $elseScene to 0>> <div class="center"><<link "But you don't have too much time to worry." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></div> <<case 13>> <div class="center"><<link "The last thing you register is the sudden force at your back." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></div> <<case 14>> <<if visited("Chapter2-MagesmithIgnore")>> <<set $elseScene to 1>> <<else>> <<set $elseScene to random(0, 3)>> <</if>> <div class="center"><<link "And the deafening explosion of magic behind you." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></div> <<case 15>> ''//Earlier…//'' —— <<if $elseScene is 0>> <<include "Chapter3-SageElse">> <<elseif $elseScene is 1>> <<include "Chapter3-MagesmithElse">> <<elseif $elseScene is 2>> <<include "Chapter3-OiseinElse">> <<elseif $elseScene is 3>> <<include "Chapter3-HealerElse">> <</if>> <<case 134291083>> [[Chapter3-BankBoom]] <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $asked_harpoc to false>> <<set $no_selfpreservation to false>> <<set $thattherething to false>> They roll their shoulders and limbs, an almost unnatural motion, as if needing to realign each joint in their body sequentially out of habit. Your vision returning, you can just make out the disintegrating frame of what must have once been the bank's entrance outlined behind them. Once grand frames and double doors collapsed amid a pile of rubble. Your eyes glance again at the opening in the wall, now registering the overturned benches and podiums that sink into the floor. //''Cheeky little shit, aren't you.''// You don't hear them, but you see them. The next instant, appearing like a vapor between you and your sweet escape. They don't move towards you even as you halt, their stance threatening enough to send goosebumps along your arms and down into your clenching fists. At first you think their cloak is made of the same dark fabric as the rest of their clothes, blacks and greys that soak into their loose shirt, trousers, gloves, and boots. Until you see them lift an arm to crack their wrist and watch as the colors shift and flicker into turquoise and pinks and pearls. Dark, opalescent, evolving magic hovers across the cloth and around the hood haloing their face. And there's a face there, you know there is. But you can't see it. The hood is up but there wouldn't, //shouldn't//, be any shadows strong enough to blot out all the features of someone's face like this does. Your mind rebels again and again, trying to compensate for the uncanny darkness, a blind spot it can't resolve, staticky and infuriating. Step. They pace a step to the right, hood still staring at you. Step. Another to the right, evaluating their prey with unseeable eyes. Your throat runs dry and you try to fill in the wells of your magic again while you catch your breath, preparing for the worst. Step. ''//How resourceful.//'' You grimace. ''//I'd call it clever, but I think I'd liken it more to just plain cute.//'' Chiming laughter as they swivel around to the left to keep their body between you and your goal. ''//Alright then. So what's your play?//'' <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"What are you?\" I ask softly." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $persuasive += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Well, good, glad to put a face to the voices in my head. Sort of.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Who are you?!\" I demand angrily." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Stay quiet out of fear." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Something feels wrong about trying to speak with them. I stay quiet and observe, determined not to let them catch me by surprise." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $choice is "first">> You steady your breathing. "//What// are you?" you ask softly, out loud. Where the face should be stares directly to you. ''//A bit rude, asking 'What' and not 'Who.'//'' "I'm not sure if I'm in the mood for niceties," you say, unease clambering around in your stomach. "And most people I have a conversation with don't speak directly into my //head.//" ''//Well I'm not most people, am I?//'' <<elseif $choice is "second">> Though you hate to admit it, it takes you a couple seconds to steady your breathing. "Well, this is good! Glad to put a face to the voices in my head. Sort of. Shame I can't actually see your face." ''//Maybe you're just not trying hard enough.//'' They muse to you, shoulders shrugging and teetering near the edge of the maddening blur. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You quickly press pass the moment it takes for you to steady yourself, the anger quickly sparking in your blood. "Who are you?!" you demand, letting the fervor lash out. The hood stares at you, though the face is still unreadable. ''//Quite a question, but not the right question.//'' They respond cooly, calmly, unimpressed. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Tremors begin to vibrate out from the epicenter in your chest, and you bring your attention to the rigid tension in your arms in an attempt to steady yourself. Lips press //hard// against each other as you stare at the figure in front of you. They motion a hand at themself. ''//Not one for conversation?//'' You say nothing. ''//Well, that's fine. Though it will really make this easier if you actually speak. At least a little less awkward.//'' <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> You quiet the nerves that threaten to blossom and steady your breathing. Nothing will be gained if you panic now, so you stay quiet and observe, determined not to let them catch you by surprise. The hooded, maddeningly hidden face tilts slightly and hands prop up on their hips mockingly as they survey you. ''//Well aren't you unshakable. That's likely to change, however. //'' <</if>> Magic approaches you, but you instinctively step back. Usually when you feel the residual energy of another sheevra or mortalis' magic, it's a feeling. Invisible, but existing. But //their// magic reaches out to you with tendrils you can almost see. Inky, revolting molasses you can almost touch. It's //wrong,// this magic. One moment sheevra, the next mortalis. Then decidedly sheevra. Then only mortalis. The unfaced person, thing, //being//, stops their even steps and takes a deep breath(?). Or at least you assume they breathe the same when their chest heaves. Their cloak glides over their calves and follows their step as they take one towards you and you take a matching step back, repulsed. They lengthen their spine, their height taller than average. You wait for them to leap. <ul> <li><<link "And leap they do." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> You're ready this time, but no amount of anticipation could prepare you for their speed. <ul> <li><<link "Pain explodes in your side." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> …well, //sides.// On your left from where their shin connects with your torso and //launches// you to the side. On your right from where you slam through the wood of a decaying bench with a ''CRASH!'' Dust settles quickly as you scramble to get your bearings, and you find the invasion into your lungs with a sharp cough. Splinters fracture and claw at your hands, your ribs flaring and protesting any movement. A hiss escapes at the bruise no doubt blooming over your skin as you lift yourself onto your elbows, then hands, legs tangled in cracked planks. Blood begins to bead along the scratches. You breathe heavily, and their magic reaches out again. It's different this time. //Names.// You snap your head up. More power than you've ever felt in your entire existence. And a frigid awareness descends soon after. <ul> <li><<link "They could kill you in a heartbeat." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> But they stand, neutral, waiting for you to get up. You can't see their face, but you have a feeling they're grinning. ''//Oh, I'd love to know what's going through your head right now.//'' <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"I don't care what you are, what did you do with Clan Harpoc? With Tacita?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $asked_harpoc to true>> <</link>></li> <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch>> <li> stoptalking''stoptalking''runrunrunrunrunrunrunrunr </li> <<else>> <li> <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="color:#8a8a8a"><div class="experiment-title" >stoptalking''stoptalking''runrunrunrunrunrunrunrunr</div></section> </li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li> <<link "\"Is that all you've got?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $no_selfpreservation to true>> <<set $sarcatic += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Keep quiet. I don't like the idea of opening up my thoughts or words to this...existence." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<if $choice is "first">> An angry glower consumes your face. You pivot, foot planting down, hand on your knee hoisting yourself up much to the chagrin of every cell in your body. "I don't care what or who you are. What did you do with Clan Harpoc?" you fume. "With Tacita? Where are the sheevra of this city?" They don't respond, remaining still as they digest your accusations. ''//Does it matter?//'' they ask. ''//You have no idea what you're meddling with, but you do regardless. Adorable, but foolish.//'' <<elseif $choice is "second">> A defiant glower consumes your face. You pivot, foot planting down, hand on your knee hoisting yourself up much to the chagrin of every cell in your body. Grinning up at them, you manage to laugh. "Is that all you've got?" Their head tilts as you speak, before they laugh outwardly, a hand at their stomach and shoulders shaking. ''//Oh, I'll admit, you're growing on me.//'' <<elseif $choice is "third">> <<if $convo_counter is 0>> You continue to hold your tongue, not wanting to reach out to this strange entity, and keeping your thoughts to yourself. <<else>> You decide to keep quiet this time, not wanting to continue reaching out to this strange, entity and keeping your thoughts to yourself.<</if>> But an angry glower consumes your face. You pivot, foot planting down, hand on your knee hoisting yourself up much to the chagrin of every cell in your body. They don't respond for a moment either, digesting your lack of answer. A low grumble that you realize is a laugh sounds out from their indistinguishable mouth. ''//Wiser than you realize.//'' <</if>> They pace again, your eye flickering to the open space in the wall. ''//I mean really though, do I have to beg? Can't we help each other out? //'' You try your hardest to stave off the screaming ache below your ribs. ''// You get to stop worrying about all this, //'' They wave their hands at...everything. ''//...and I get an upper hand on Sirin.//'' You snarl. They <<if $no_selfpreservation is true>> laugh again. <<else>> laugh. <</if>> ''//How about that blond one instead? If you like, I'll take $o_herhimthem, give you a chance to run away while I still get to send a message. A win-win, as they say.//'' <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Don't you //dare// touch Oisein,\" I growl." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"I'd like to see you try to get rid of me.\" I'm not 100% confident I could take them, but I'll be damned if I go down without a fight." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Your magic, powerful or not, can only get you so far,\" I say, hoping I'm right in my hunch that they can't keep up this surge of potent magic forever." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "That's enough of listening to this thing's gibberish, I won't let it get inside my head. I'm going to get away even if it kills me." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $thattherething to true>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 7>> <<if $choice is "first">> You bare your teeth and inject as much malice as you can into the threat. "Don't you //dare// touch Oisein." ''//Oh, attached to that one, are you?//'' You prepare for the additional threat, shoulders bristling, but what comes next is unexpected. ''//... Poor thing.//'' They cross their arms and observe you for a moment before splaying one hand and its fingers on their chest. ''//Alright, alright, I'll stop playing around.//'' <<elseif $choice is "second">> Lifting your shoulders as high as you can muster, you stand up against them. Insanely powerful magic user, true, but you'll be damned if you go down without a fight. "I'd like to see you try to get rid of me." ''//It would barely take me a thought, you insignificant child.//'' They say back, bored. ''//But alright. If you insist.//'' <<elseif $choice is "third">> Mulling over the words, you think through each one and sift through the sentence to make sure it makes sense. "Your magic," you decide to press. "-potent or not, is going to overpower you. And I'd say you're about to hit your limit." There aren't any eyes for you to watch, but you can almost feel them thinking, carefully considering their rebuttal. But they don't. ''//Well deduced, little one,//'' they admit. A small swell of pride lifts in your ribs. ''//Suppose I should stop playing around then.//'' The swell crashes down. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> <<if $convo_counter is 0>> You haven't been trying to strike up a conversation, and you're definitely not going to start now. <<else>> No, that's enough of listening to this thing's gibberish. <</if>> You're tired of staring into their confounding 'face', and you're tired of playing these games. <<if visited("Chapter2-Rails")>> This person is the one responsible for the magic underground and for the odd alluring magic at the bank, you're sure of it. <<else>> This person is the one responsible for the odd alluring magic at the bank, you're sure of it. <</if>> And you'd bet they're responsible for the current state of the bank as well. But this isn't how this confrontation needs to go. Not on their terms. You cough, feigning (mostly) another scoff at the pain in your side as an excuse to look for a path to the opening in the all again. But they still catch it. ''//Leaving so soon?//'' they jeer, another cackle quickly following. Emboldened, you straighten with some effort, and look obviously at the escape, then back at them. You lower your stance, fists balling, readying your magic to make a path through them if you have to. They place their hands on their hips with exasperation, before throwing them dramatically in the air. ''//Ugh, alright then. Suppose it's time to get rid of you.//'' <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "They disappear again." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 8>> Body bracing for impact, you expect the pain this time. But all you hear is the clamor of falling stone and wood as they collapse the wall around the opening. Daylight extinguishes and fine particles from the destruction burst and cloud around them, as they brush their palms against each other with a //pat, pat, pat.// //''There we go, that ought to do it,''// they say with the same nonchalance of completing a chore. They turn to you again and you frame your fists and arms around your body. <ul> <li><<link "Too slow." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 9>> <div class="center"><<link "The maddening hood is inches from your face." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></div> <<case 10>> Your instincts act first, magic flaring through your bones <<if $dryad>> and bursting with elemental force. Rings of swirling ice create orbits around your body, shielding you from whatever they were going to do next as you hear a //tsk// and watch them jump backward. Your hands shake as you're reminded of the kick from before, but still you raise them. With a breath outwards, the orbits collect into a shining scythe , ready to charge forward. Your arms reach up, fingers lacing together, before swinging down your intertwined fists with all your might. The scythe tears through the air in front of you. But they're ready for it. <<elseif $unseelie>> and seething around you, trying to constrict around their neck and disorient their pursuit of you. Illusory threads create orbits around your body, shuddering your image in front of them and creating mimics of your form. It's on the edge of enough, shielding you from whatever they were going to do next as you hear a //tsk// and watch them take a few steps backwards, arms raising. Gloved hands wave an arc ahead of them, pushing back with a razor sharp wind that charges forward, slicing clean through the threads of your illusions and narrowly missing you. Palms outward, you force your markings forward again, paint strokes racing out from where your feet meet the floor and clamoring in the shadows around them. They take a step back, arms still raised, and the shadows crawl up to consume. <<elseif $leanhaun>> and illuminating around you, trying to inject the fear you feel into their thoughts instead. Bright shards swirl an orbit around your body before shooting forward, bolstering yourself and trying to pierce their mind. It's on the edge of enough, shielding you from whatever they were going to do next as you hear a //tsk// and watch them take a few steps backwards, arms raising. Gloved hands wave an arc around them, pushing back with a razor sharp wind that tears through the globes of light and magic that swarms around them, bursting through and dispersing them like fireflies against fire. You roll your palms inward, then outward, trying to gauge something, //anything//, that you can amplify or dampen with your pathos as they stand still and watch you. They'll guess at fear, so how about doubt? Fingers spread out as you lower your other hand trying to subtly inch into their mind while you prepare for the rebuttal. They mirror your movements, lifting their hands with palms downward and ready. Arm swings forward as you throw shards of ice as a distraction, and they blockade themselves with their own elemental magic back, ice against ice clashing and bursting in flurries through their cloak. As it clouds their focus, your palm turns up and you beckon their doubt to submit to your control. <</if>> <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 11>> <<if $dryad>> Gloved hands wave an arc ahead of them, pushing back with razor sharp sickles of their own, ice against ice clashing in front of them and bursting in flurries that blow back their cloak. Palms outward, you force fire through your veins, blazing flames raging across the space between you. Flames that betray you as your opponent dances it around them, crossing their forearms and swinging them to their sides to burst through the initial wave. The flames form a vibrant shadow as it circles and cradles them like a throne. You yell out as your fingers beckon the wind to rush forward, stance widening, feet scuffing the floor, feeling the air slice along your shoulders and surge ahead. It douses most of the flames as they lean forward and hold their hands as if in prayer, wedging though the gust that throws their cloak near horizontal behind them before it floats gently down. Their hands separate and they straighten. <<elseif $unseelie>> But instead of their form, all you see is the outline of an egg-like sphere that's eventually punctured with beams of light, tearing like thin cloth to fire and your magic bursting away from them as they lower their hands to their sides. The remnants of your magic slink back to you while you hold your arm steady and raised, trying to will a secondary attack that's managed to sneak by, hiding in the cracks between the floorboards. With a sharp lift of your wrist, it lunges for their face, and they don't catch it quick enough to stop the marks that clutch around their neck and claw at what you hope are their eyes. But you can feel the resistance of whatever they've cast around their <<if $first_attack_illusion>> hood this time, <<else>> hood, <</if>> your illusion ramming into a barrier as it tries to overwhelm them. Though it distracts them for a few moments, they drag it away like an inconvenience. Their hands ease down to their sides as they roll their shoulders. <<elseif $leanhaun>> Magic snags, and you take it, turning and clenching your fist to hold the invisible rope that's tied you to their emotion. You pull, //pull//, dragging it upward and flaring it loudly in their consciousness as your magic screeches against the connection to this unknown thing. //sheevramortalissheevramortailssheevramortalissheevramortalisshee// It works. For a moment. They shudder and stumble, one foot in front of them to catch their moment of imbalance. Then their arm shoots out as they understand your intent, fingers wrapping around the magic and tugging against the connection. The magic whines, high-pitched, head-splitting, incessant, as the two of you stand as opposite forces. What you imagine to be their chin lowers and you can more clearly feel all of their emotions using the path you've laid. Devotion and madness and doubt and anger. It careens toward you and you try to push back, barricading yourself with a quick, slapdash pathos ward. Their magic screams against it and a moment before their pathos overwhelms you, you break the connection and shiver violently, falling back, almost slipping against the deteriorating environment. Slowly, they straighten, hands gently falling to their sides. <</if>> And still, they seem unfazed. <ul> <li> [[Untouched.|Chapter3-BankReviverFinale][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Your labored breathing echoes in your ears, the sting of the fight and the magic threading exhaustion through your limbs and around your lungs. That sickening, //grating// laughter sounds again, the elemental magic around them growing but shifting in energy. They're still just //playing//. ''//Oh! Feisty!//'' Fingers bent like monstrous claws, they surround the space directly in front of them. A droplet of sun forms from nothing and creates a single, brilliant pearl, and the hood looks to you, face still shrouded. ''//But I think I've had enough fun. I'll let nature do the honors. //'' <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 2>> Their hands pulse and the pearl expands into the size of a golden apple. Another pulse and it balloons into a white-hot replica of the sun the width of their torso. Hard wood runs into your lower back as you try to retreat. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 3>> ''//It's too bad you won't get to see it.//'' Crisp, stark lines trace their dark shadow against the wall behind them, the blinding light spreading around their form and cloak to create the image of a monstrous specter. ''// I'm going to do what the sheevra and mortalis have failed to do for millennia.//'' You have to shut and shield your eyes, the brightness unbearable. Still, you hear their last words. ''// I'm going to revive this world. //'' <ul> <li> <<link "The magic explodes in front of you." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<set $elseGroup to 1>> <<set $elseScene to 0>> <div class="center"> <<link "''...''" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </div> <<case 5>> <div class="center"> ... <<link "Heat registers first through the numbness." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </div> <<case 6>> The inferno engulfs all your senses once you've eased back into the present. Fire and heat surround you, the smoke already searing black marks across the decay of the building. Flames of red and blue and green jeer at your struggle, the pungent and acrid smell burning the inside of your nose. Somehow you've cornered yourself into a space that isn't consumed and alight, though you do stamp out some of the embers that start to bite towards you. Covering the bottom half of your face with your hand, you search frantically for some weakness, some opening where you can get through. The place was already falling apart before the illusion fell, surely there's some fallen wall? Panic blurs your vision as you pan around, feet stepping and spinning over the sparks and cracks as the environment turns into molten pools around you. <ul> <li> <<link "//There.//" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 7>> Survival drives you forward, trying to maneuver you without thought past the crumbling beams to a sliver of daylight that provides a stark blue light against the red. It's survival as well that hears the fizzling, crumbling noise a moment before you register it. And it's survival again that makes you leap backward as tiles cascade like a waterfall where you stood. Ceramic fractures and explodes against the ground, shrapnel launching to just shoot by your ankles. You yelp and swing your arms to maintain your balance, giving the dark, obscuring smoke a chance to swirl into your lungs. A vicious cycle starts as it invades, the dry, heaving coughs shaking your lungs until you cover your mouth to try to block it out, only to desperately gulp for air and be greeted again with the taste of tar and rot. Slamming your eyes shut for a moment of reprieve, you quiet the worst of the terror while the heat encroaches ever closer and the flames flicker higher. When you open your eyes narrowly again, you realize that the integrity of your path to freedom seems to be intact, though the steps will lead you through some of the flaming debris. <ul> <li> <<link "It's now or never." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 8>> Surging forward, you barely register the pinprick burns of the debris against your feet, the fire trying to grasp at your shins and drag you down to join the rubble. Red and orange glow around the blackened wreckage, overpowering your sight. Something crumbles and crashes behind you, but you keep your eyes forward on that light in the imposing darkness. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 9>> A step that sinks a little lower into the rotted wooden floors. Another step more solid as you stumble in a panic. <ul> <li> <<link "Almost..." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 10>> <<if visited("Chapter2-MagesmithIgnore")>> <<set $elseScene to 1>> <<else>> <<set $elseScene to random(0, 3)>> <</if>> You angle your shoulder and- <ul> <li> <<link "//CRASH!//" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </li> </ul> <<case 11>> ''//Earlier…//'' —— <<if $elseScene is 0>> <<include "Chapter3-SageElse">> <<elseif $elseScene is 1>> <<include "Chapter3-MagesmithElse">> <<elseif $elseScene is 2>> <<include "Chapter3-OiseinElse">> <<elseif $elseScene is 3>> <<include "Chapter3-HealerElse">> <</if>> <<case 13>> [[Chapter3-BankBoom]] <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 2>> //''The Arids, East Continent''// ——- Down the river coursing out from Renescen, past the Arid storms and The Mirror, and far to the east, a large blackbird beats its wings. Under them the river eventually splits, beginning to sprawl in a web of torrents and eddies that slowly bring a green gradient of life from the dull orange sand. Further at the web's core a series of stone walls line the land around groups of stilted buildings, their legs buried in the water. Bobbing along one of the wider rivers that eventually trails into the ocean, a young merchant woman rows her long gondola filled with wares in a criss-cross across the channel. An older woman reaches a hook down with a basket full of aurins, which the merchant woman gingerly takes and trades for a bundle of vegetables. Wrinkled skin folds up from the smile the woman gives the merchant, a hand spotted with age giving a small wave. The merchant continues her rounds, trading another bundle of vegetables to a young boy who runs them back to his father. She bargains with a shopkeep replenishing their own supplies, and lifts a tied bundle of flowers up to a man with a blush painted on his cheeks. When the usual visits are complete, the merchant lets the boat drift a little farther out past her usual route into the larger basin that connects the neighborhoods. With a sigh, she removes the wide brimmed hat, the frame and circlet that rested on her head carefully loosening her hair. She doesn't notice when the water begins to swirl unnaturally near the starboard side, bubbles barely preceding the clawed hand that comes to grip at the carved wooden panels keeping her afloat. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> The merchant flips the hat in her hand, letting the current of air blow back her straggling hair before she looks to the side and shrieks. But she quickly stifles it, one hand plastered to her mouth and the other against her chest, in an attempt to smother the quick pace of her heart. She closes her eyes and eventually frees the hand at her face, evening out her breathing as much as possible while stealing a glance back at the row of stilted store fronts behind her. Trying to avoid rocking her boat more than she already as, the merchant eases to the edge with the pale, mint-green hand and peers over to look the sheevra in the eye. "You really need to knock, or something!" she exclaims quietly. "And not slamming into the boat like last time! Gently!" The merchant glares at what she knows is laughter when the sheevra brings his head below the water and short, detached bursts of bubbles escape near his lips. His dark emerald eyes barely differentiate from black as he looks back up to her, his other hand materializing from the darkening water with palm up. Fingers unfurl one by one as he reveals a small bundle of pearls. "Well?" asks the gurgling voice. The merchant watches him warily, remembering the last time he tried to pull her over for a laugh, but she reaches out anyway. Thankfully, the sheevra doesn't prank her, this time at least, though she still watches the glint in his eye suspiciously. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> Once she secures the pearls in her personal bag, she opens another compartment filled with a special enchanted cloth that she received from her sheevra partner in crime at the beginning of their rendezvous. Taking the bright, silky cloth forth, she wraps some of the vegetables inside, adding in a few small baubles, to the sheevra's delight, giggling as he pats his hands on the side of the boat. When the bindings of the package are done, she lifts it towards the sheevra, scooping up a particularly bright shell she found the day before to seal the deal. The sheevra reaches out, when the unnervingly loud caw of a blackbird echoes across the sky. Looking up past the black hair sweeping across her face, the merchant lets out a scoff. "Again? What is that thing?" A resounding splash sounds beside her and she snaps her head back to find the sheevra abruptly gone, disappeared below the surface with the bundle in tow. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> Below the water, past the point where the darkness barricades the lower reaches and against the rocky formations, a circle of small doors open and close to allow entrance into Clan Obsidian's Sanctum. Swimming furiously with the enchanted waterproofed bundle in hand, the sheevra just makes it back from his encounter with the merchant, sliding into a closing vault as the crystals embedded around them flare in a cycle of yellows. Each of the other doors seal shut as Sirin plunges into the water above, a curtain of white froth and bubbles guiding them before floating away. Inside the Sanctum beyond the waterlock, the aquatic sheevra shakes away the leftover moisture clinging to his skin, clutching the bundle close to his stuttering heart as he wanders further into the open air of the cavern. Looking through the dark mirrored windows into the blackness, he almost runs straight into two others before realizing what he's just barely avoided and giving a low bow. Tlali waves a gentle and understanding hand towards him with a warm smile. After excusing him, the High Sheevra turns back to watch the other's intense gaze into the murkiness surrounding their Sanctum. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup+=1>><<set $codex_sheevraclans to true>><<set $codex_clokehsatra to true>> <<set $codex_itzaltlali to true>> <<set $codex_tacita to true>><<set $codex_han to true>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> <<notify>> Codex: Multiple entries updated!<</notify>> "Sirin again?" she asks, barely louder than the echoes of dripping water. All other sounds past the walls of stone and water around them are dulled and distant. Itzal heaves a breath into her chest, dark galaxy-like eyes just visible under the skull carved of black glass adorning the circlet around her head. She crosses her toned arms, the deep navy full of galaxies in striking contrast to the bold orange and white wing-like patterns painted across her back. "I wish they'd leave it be," she says sharply into the silence, all the other Obsidian sheevra hiding in the caverns past them. "Should we reconsider meeting, perhaps?" Tlali feigns nonchalance by adjusting the lush glittering fabric floating above her shoulder, her tawny hand idly following the cloth cascading down her body into the dark universe of her skirt. Although her stark white eyes have no other color, when she speaks again something still darkens, her brow furrowed with concern and whisper tinged with pain. "We all share the blame, don't we?" The other High Sheevra gives a barbed //tsk//, and turns her head down. "We don't know that." But they do. <ul><li>[[Chapter 4|Chapter4][$textGroup=1]]</li></ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $mc_guard to true>> <<set $guard_river_mention to false>> <<set $convo_counter to 0>> <<set $q_one to false>> <<set $q_two to false>> <<set $q_three to false>> "Actually," The ambient noise around you begins to soften. "I'll take care of it." "Oh?" Oisein wears something of a challenging smile, eager to see what happens next. "Well, then, please." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> hold$o_s a hand up in a motion to let you pass first, eyes alight with anticipation. Though you're in your glamoured form, you can feel the glittering lights of your sheevra skin aching to burst through. Oisein notices you roll your shoulders and raises a brow, smile easing into a smirk. "This should be good," $o_shehethey whisper$o_s. You give Oisein one more look before you walk by $o_herhimthem, markings humming and pulsing as you draw nearer to the guard, who doesn't immediately register you approaching. You quickly check over your shoulder for any mortalis that may have wandered closer while you were speaking. But still, none of them seem to want to get too close to the wall that's now stacked high above you, large red-brown stones baking in the sunlight in neat, precise rows. Directly in line with the gate you see one of the towering, tapered stone pylons built atop the walls as well, the hum of it and its siblings every hundred feet a quiet melody below the wind of the Arids and the muted bustle of Renescen. Ahead of you, the guard shuffles in his light leather armor, greaves sporting a heavier layer of the light-orange sand than the rest of his garb. A deep red cloth is draped across his chest and tied at his hip, golden thread detailing jagged geometric patterns that you expect may be mountains. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> Eventually, the guard does look up and something icy drops in your lungs. But that's all the interaction he looks to want to give, muttering a polite and tired "Afternoon," while he goes back to kicking at the wall with his heel. "Afternoon," you say back gently, placing your hands behind your back, fingers wrapped around another wrist. His head slowly moves up once he realizes you don't intend to move from in front of him, straightening in his uniform. "Can I...help you?" Falling into your strategy is natural now, your pathos reaching out tentative tendrils to glean the emotions most prevalent around him. His innate magic bristles and cracks like dried leaves, a sense of fragility and tentativeness at your appearance. The youth and tiredness you can easily see in his face, amplified in the steady layers of energy around him. But the frustration and doubt is something that you pluck from the platter that the pathos provides. <<include "Chapter3-LeanhaunConvo">> <<case 21>> You whistle low and look around, Oisein snickering from where $o_shehethey lean$o_s on the wall. "Stuck on the crap shift here, then?" You say sympathetically, mouth pressing into a thin, deceptively worried line. "Seems a bit cruel." Hesitation flickers in the strands of your magic pulling from him as he considers and studies you while narrowing his eyes. But a quick, silent nudge assuages his fears, distracting his mistrust with the sweet bait of camaraderie. His shoulders slump slightly as he sighs. "Ah, yeah. New in the first quadrant and...in general." The guard scuffs the ball of his foot against the stone path, sun glinting in the metal clasps around his calves. "It's easy enough, really just a way to pass the time. Wish they brought Soundweavers or musicians or something to this park like the fourth quadrant does," he mutters, a bit of child-like pouting in his lip. "Least it'd help the time pass quicker." "Honestly, it //could// really use a bit of a livening it up, couldn't it?" You laugh lightly, airily, while you look at the bare half of the park in front of the two of you. As you look back he chuckles and nods. <<if $convo_counter < 3>> <<if $convo_counter is 1>> Your magic pulls tighter onto his just the barest amount, inching closer along the top of his skin to circle beneath the armor and reach for the base of his skull. <<else>> A slight tilt of your head follows as the pathos slowly consumes and overtakes the guard's magic, snaking around his neck to split into his heart and mind. <</if>> <<include "Chapter3-LeanhaunConvo">> <<else>> It's all your magic needs, really, just a couple questions and an unsuspecting mortalis. When you bring your hand forward, fingers splayed and wrist loose, he almost realizes what happens. But it's already too late. A cakewalk, all things considered. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 3>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 22>> You laugh nervously (a perfect execution) and he watches you with curiosity as you scratch at your neck. "This is going to seem strange, but I'm actually new to the city and happened over here in the...first quadrant you said?" You remark with a finger that drags along your chin, foot tapping on the path. "You're...probably the most approachable guard I've seen so far so I thought I might ask. Is there anything you think I should see or look into? I've wandered around to the second quadrant a little while visiting some friends-" Technically, semi-true. "-but I'd love a second opinion," you finish, beaming a shy smile. His curiosity flares and the doubt in his emotions turns stronger and into something else that glows around him. //Unsure if he wants to be here, a desire to go to another city, some other place to to call his own.// "New? What city are you from?" "Oh! Saor!" "Really?" His eyes glint with newfound excitement. "Does it really hang from the bridge like the stories say? How does it even stay like that?" Covering your mouth with amusement, you give him a grin that forces its way up to your eyes. "I suppose it does mostly, and from what I hear it's a dash of good architecture and a heaping serving of magic." Thinking about your home city, the twinge of wanting to be back in the Sanctum can't help but barge through as your voice quiets. "The waterfalls of the canyon are a sight to see though." Awe illuminates his cheeks before he shakes himself from his thoughts. "Sorry, yeah, Renescen doesn't have anything like that, but the fourth quadrant does have some pretty spectacular parks and museums and stuff if you're into that sort of thing. It's where the Mirrored River runs into the city too so they've got a lot more green than here." He looks down sadly at the vegetation along the wall that looks to be angry, spiky, and very much the opposite of lush. "The grass here does look a little aggressive," you comment in an overly serious tone. He laughs. <<if $convo_counter < 3>> <<if $convo_counter is 1>> Your magic pulls tighter onto his just the barest amount, inching closer along the top of his skin to circle beneath the armor and reach for the base of his skull. <<else>> A slight tilt of your head follows as the pathos slowly consumes and overtakes the guard's magic, snaking around his neck to split into his heart and mind. <</if>> <<include "Chapter3-LeanhaunConvo">> <<else>> It's all your magic needs, really, just a couple questions and an unsuspecting mortalis. When you bring your hand forward, fingers splayed and wrist loose, he almost realizes what happens. But it's already too late. A cakewalk, all things considered. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 3>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 23>> Your face softens into pity. "Does anyone even stop by or you always so...alone here?" "Oh it's-" He second guesses the want to speak with you so candidly, but your magic urges him forward off the precipice of his own barriers as you corral and siphon off his uncertainty. "-it's really not too bad, I'd almost rather be here than have to deal with the people in the second quadrant or something." "That bad, huh?" You say with a demure delight. "Well not all of them-" he backtracks in a panic, realizing he's likely bad-mouthing some of the higher ranking mortalis of the city to a stranger. "Just not really my thing. Guess it could be worse though...could be the third quadrant." Given what you've learned recently, you're not sure if it's a display or not when you feel your brow furrow into concern. "I stand corrected, maybe it is better to be alone out here." You say with a show of fumbling, nervous hands. He scratches at the back of his head with a light-hearted smile. <<if $convo_counter < 3>> <<if $convo_counter is 1>> Your magic pulls tighter onto his just the barest amount, inching closer along the top of his skin to circle beneath the armor and reach for the base of his skull. <<else>> A slight tilt of your head follows as the pathos slowly consumes and overtakes the guard's magic, snaking around his neck to split into his heart and mind. <</if>> <<include "Chapter3-LeanhaunConvo">> <<else>> It's all your magic needs, really, just a couple questions and an unsuspecting mortalis. When you bring your hand forward, fingers splayed and wrist loose, he almost realizes what happens. But it's already too late. A cakewalk, all things considered. <ul> <li><<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 3>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 3>> Your focus finally snares as you watch his eyes begin to cloud over, his jaw a bit more slackened as the gaze wanders over your face without being able to really take in any of its features. Dancing through the air, your fingers crochet a fanciful story through his thoughts, a puppet master setting the stage. "My friend and I are going to go into the outer ring," you state while easing out of your coy mannerisms. He hums vacantly. "You won't disturb us, and this will just be a daydream. Something you made up to pass the time." He nods obediently. "What a good boy," comes a chiming voice that approaches quickly along with a slow //clap, clap, clap//. Oisein looks up to the quadrant's edge again to check for any unwanted observers before smirking back at you. "Pity the mortalis banned marionetting, it's such a useful skill." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> observe$o_s the guard again with a once-over and <<if $o_them>>cross<<else>>crosses<</if>> $o_herhistheir arms. From the way $o_shehethey shift$o_s, you can't tell if $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> two seconds away from pinching the man's cheeks or robbing him blind. The guard's head lolls to the side with a careless, giddy whistle and Oisein just laughs instead. "Did a number on this one, didn't you?" "Mm." You narrow your eyes in thought as you watch the guard. "Didn't really need a whole lot, to be honest." "That's the case with most of ‘em, isn't it" Oisein gives a last sneer to the man in question before making to step around you with a wave of $o_herhistheir hand. "Mortalis," $o_shehethey croon$o_s out. "So cute, and so disappointing." <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Hopefully he'll be alright...\" I start to say, feeling a little sorry for the guard." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $empathetic += 1>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "I give a dramatic sigh. \"Did you time me? Really think I could've done it quicker.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $o_friendship += 1>> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Do you think anyone saw that?\" I ask nervously, biting at my lip while turning towards the city again." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $reserved += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Right, let's head on.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <<set $o_friendship -= 1>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> <<if $choice is "first">> You glance over sympathetically to the guard, who nods serenely with a silent melody only audible to his addled ears. "Hopefully he'll be alright though…" you start to say. "I know we have to do it so no one gets suspicious but...wish there was a different way to go about this." Oisein stares at you with widened eyes, $o_herhistheir jaw set firmly as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>process<<else>>processes<</if>> your statement. "I mean...we really need him to //not// raise any alarms, so we would have to get rid of him somehow," $o_shehethey eventually say$o_s. "But you won't catch me cryin' if we scramble up one mortalis' brain." Shooting $o_herhimthem a pained look only causes another bewildered stare, until Oisein sighs and shakes $o_herhistheir head with an almost sympathetic smile. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> spin$o_s on $o_herhistheir heel. "C'mon then, softie, let's head on. Promise we'll try to be nice to the man on our way out." <<elseif $choice is "second">> As your shoulders sag with a dramatic sigh, Oisein looks at you with a cocked brow and body tense, unsure if something really is bothering you. "Did you time me?" you say with a defeated huff. "Really think I could've done it quicker, probably not my best work. Feel free to unload the scathing criticism." Beside you Oisein snorts, $o_herhistheir face creased with glee. "I keep telling you to just amplify lust instead of having to do this complicated soul-searching lullaby," $o_shehethey shuffle$o_s $o_herhistheir shoulders back with pomp and wags a finger. "Bet if you did you could cut it by //at least// 12 seconds." "But I like a challenge, not the easy way out," you pout as the indignation takes over the other leanhaun. Your bottom lip juts out a little further in an attempt to keep away the laughter threatening to open itself on your face as Oisein places a hand on $o_herhistheir hip. "Easy?! You think it's easy being the object of desire for anyone I come across?" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> chest swells and $o_shehethey look$o_s to you with a stubborn sense of pride. "I mean, that's only because you're pathosing them to-" "Ach!" Oisein shoves you playfully in the shoulder and strides past, the guard nearby all but forgotten. "Come on, before you break apart my dignity even more, //Gods,//" $o_shehethey whine$o_s, but you can hear the smile. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You glance over nervously to the guard, who nods serenely with a silent melody only audible to his addled ears. Though he seems to be acting as natural as you'd expect with Oisein's skill, you still can't help the feeling of being watched, your anxiety turning your head back to the city. "$pc_name," Oisein starts, trying to ground your nerves in a calming voice. "We're fine, really. We of all people'd be able to sense if there were any heightened emotions nearby." "You're sure? You don't think anyone saw that?" Teeth dig into your bottom lip out of habit and Oisein looks at you with a vague sense of understanding, shaking $o_herhistheir head. "No. No ones' even looking, see for yourself," $o_shehethey say$o_s with a quick lift of $o_herhistheir chin to the park now behind you. Without making too much of a movement or fuss, you look back towards the city and sure enough you can't sense a single pair of eyes on you. Any stragglers in the park seem to be doing their best to avoid acknowledging the Arids, or the wall, or anything to do with the entire state of the world, really. "Probably just think we're a couple of idiot troublemakers going out on a dare or something-" Oisein says with a shrug as $o_shehethey turn$o_s. "And if not, well- We'll deal with them, yeah?" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> wait$o_s for you to turn towards them again and gives a reassuring smile. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> You ignore the statement and start to move ahead of Oisein, ignoring $o_herhistheir digs in favor of getting this over with. "Right, let's head on." Oisein huffs near you and immediately deflates, a sneer slicing across $o_herhistheir face. "Is it you or the Arids sucking all the joy out of everything?" You wave off the insult as $o_shehethey groan$o_s behind you, letting the guard's vacant, carefree whistle carry you through the archway and into the outer ring of Renescen. <</if>> Pearl-like cloth flutters over the sheevra's torso in the wind running through the open gate, and you let the idle tune from the guard carry you through the archway into the outer ring of Renescen. <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-OiseinThroughGate][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $mc_guard to true>> "Actually," The ambient noise around you begins to soften. "I'll take care of it." "Oh?" Oisein wears something of a challenging smile, eager to see what happens next. "Well, then, please." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> hold$o_s a hand up in a motion to let you pass first, eyes alight with anticipation. Though you're in your glamoured form, you can feel the shuffling streams of the paint adorning your sheevra skin. The markings hum and run circles over your wrists and shoulders, and you start to lean nonchalantly against the wall. Oisein raises a brow, smile easing into a smirk as $o_shehethey look$o_s over $o_herhistheir shoulder and along the wall to the guard. "This should be good," $o_shehethey whisper$o_s. Quickly, you check over your shoulder for any mortalis that may have wandered closer while you were speaking. But still, none of them seem to want to get too close to the wall that's now stacked high above you, large red-brown stones baking in the sunlight in neat, precise rows. Directly in line with the gate you see one of the towering, tapered stone pylons built atop the walls as well, the hum of it and its siblings every hundred feet a quiet melody below the wind of the Arids and the muted bustle of Renescen. You eye the guard again as he shuffles in his light leather armor, greaves sporting a heavier layer of the light-orange sand than the rest of his garb. A deep red cloth is draped across his chest and tied at his hip, golden thread detailing jagged geometric patterns that you expect may be mountains. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> Heat from the wall sears across your fingertips as you lean backward, hands turned to embrace the brick. Not burning but not comfortable, you control your expression as you let the palm lower and meet the surface, with your back following soon after. Oisein watches you, lavender eyes lit with curiosity and bright against the shadow that covers $o_herhistheir face. "Need some help? Should I keep up the conversation with myself?" $o_shehethey ask$o_s with a sardonic grin that clearly translates to giving you as difficult a time as possible. <<if $o_friendship > 5>> "You usually just do that without needing my permission, don't you?" you say back with a mask of indifference, stifling a laugh at $o_herhistheir pout and the showy flick of hair wafting on $o_herhistheir shoulder. <<else>> "Oh hush," you say back, stifling a reaction at $o_herhistheir pout and the showy flick of hair wafting on $o_herhistheir shoulder. <</if>> Letting the crown of your head roll along the wall, you look casually to the guard, who has yet to acknowledge the two of you. He brushes off a sudden gust of sand that dances around his waist, bits of it attempting to nestle into the sash. When a few fingers and unsuccessful shakes don't loosen the offending bits, he flips and waves the entire thing with a frustrated grunt before he catches your eye. Youth and exhaustion are evenly placed on his face as he smiles with embarrassment, giving what he must hope is an official nod to the two of you before clearing his throat and turning back to the view of the first quadrant. He tries to straighten and subtly adjust his garb back to normal…with mixed success. You weigh your options and decide… <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "...I'll create a distraction in the distance that drives the guard away." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 11>><<set $guard_away to true>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "...I'll use my illusion magic to cloud the guard's senses, keeping him where we can see him." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 101>><<set $guard_atgate to true>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 11>> Underneath your glamor, your markings paint new paths over your joints in agitation, skittering over your elbows and wrapping around your knees to plunge over your shins. You eye the pylon above you and to your right, recalling when you saw one along Saor's Arids border animate with trouble after being struck by a storm. Elemental lightning had reached for the sky and the tops of the trees nearby as the mortalis scrambled to rein it in, the memory loud with shouting and elementalists whipping the energy around in the thrashing onslaught of rain. The darkness and empty spaces in the forest had hidden you as you watched the scene unfold. A shudder from that wet, cold night races over your skin while streaks of paint splatter and streak along the path of magic from your heart down your arm, begging to burst against the other illusion magic whining in your ear. But you keep them at bay while you formulate the image in your mind. Chaos. Worry. Lightning. Fear. You tense as the markings freeze, a tickling sensation quickly following as they twist and turn, racing up your spine and over your chest and collar, plummeting across your shoulder to pour into the monolith of color stacking along your arm. It thrums with energy despite your unassuming mortalis garb, ready to be freed to manipulate and create and raging against the barrier at your palm. Ivory cloth ripples across from you as Oisein watches, eyes drawn to your right when you finally turn to $o_herhimthem. "The one that draws him closer to us?" $o_shehethey whisper$o_s with a tinge of doubt, eyes darting up to where you were just looking. You smile. "Trust me." Something in your voice lowers $o_herhistheir defenses, and $o_shehethey just quirk$o_s a brow above a slightly skeptical smirk. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 12>> Finally, you free them, and they crash forward down your limb and out along the wall, barreling up and over the waves of the stone bricks. To anyone observing, it might seem like a trick of the eye, a fluttering haze like a mirage in summer's heat. But to you, there's a torrent of your markings growing monstrous and unyielding, devouring the surfaces they track along until they reach upward to grasp like claws at the pylon, overwhelming its structure and flickering in the air to design a new reality. Funneling your memories into the connection between you and the pylon, another image takes shape. Not quite the same havoc but enough to create a distraction, sound starts rumbling from the pylon in small beats, and sparks flicker in its aura. All an illusion, of course. But real enough. <<if ($o_friendship > 5) or ($o_past_feelings)>> Oisein sees all this clearly too, knowing you and your magic, and gives a low whistle as $o_shehethey observe$o_s the spectacle and the fresh picture of pandemonium. "You're not messin' around are you?" $o_shehethey ask$o_s, more to <<print $o_herhimthem>>self with a low chuckle. Though $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> readily admit it, you can tell from the spark in $o_herhistheir eyes that $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> impressed. <<else>> Despite being from the same clan, Oisein isn't quite attuned to your magic. But still, $o_shehethey sense$o_s the energy escaping and running outward, the illusion magic catching $o_herhistheir eye once it paints a picture of pandemonium. Though $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> readily admit it, you can tell from the spark in $o_herhistheir eyes and the low whistle that $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> impressed. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 13>> Predictably, the mortalis from before starts running towards you with a flustered "What //now//?!" under his breath, and the two of you look at the pylon alight with mischievous bolts before you look back to his approach with a practiced look of shock. To complete the facade, you grab Oisein by the arm to pull $o_herhimthem aside as the guard mumbles a quick, apologetic "Excuse me." Oisein puts on $o_herhistheir best worried face as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> the guard pass, and you see him off with a sympathetic wave of your hand as you get out of his way. The metal bits of his uniform throw around a fading, clattering echo as he rushes on, completely and utterly uninterested in you. When you're convinced you have plenty of space for some chaos of your own, Oisein nods $o_herhistheir head to the side towards the gate with a waggle of $o_herhistheir eyebrows, mouth threatening to crease into a fit of giggles. <<if $reserved > $forward>> You laugh quietly and nod, the comfortable understanding between the two of you settling in the warmth on Oisein's face before $o_shehethey set$o_s off ahead of you down the path to the wall's portal. <<else>> You motion with your hand towards the gate and the guard, the comfortable understanding alight between you. "After you, please," you offer. Warmth lights Oisein's face and $o_shehethey dance$o_s $o_herhistheir fingers together, palm to palm, before $o_shehethey set$o_s off ahead down the path to the wall's portal. <</if>> A quick look back and a wink punctuates the lightness of $o_herhistheir steps. <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-OiseinThroughGate][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul> <<case 101>> Underneath your glamor, your markings paint new paths over your joints in agitation, skittering over your elbows and wrapping around your knees to plunge over your shins. The guard stands unassumingly by, likely just thinking of the two of you as passerbys, random citizens to which he feels beholden to. You think of some of the younger city guards of Saor, bright-eyed and looking to make a name for themselves. Proud to be protectors, relishing the desire to be needed. Images formulate into your mind. Safety. Peace. Duty. You tense as the markings freeze, a tickling sensation quickly following as they twist and turn, racing up your spine and over your chest and collar, plummeting across your shoulder to pour into the monolith of color stacking along your arm. It thrums with energy despite your unassuming mortalis garb, ready to be freed to manipulate and create and raging against the barrier at your palm. Ivory cloth ripples across from you as Oisein watches, eyes drawn to your right when you finally turn to $o_herhimthem. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 102>> "Well, what do you think?" you ask, one hand motioning in front of you as if to beckon $o_herhistheir answer. But $o_shehethey quickly <<if $o_them>>catch<<else>>catches<</if>> on that it's just a guise to finally free the torrent of illusion magic corralled around your other forearm. It crashes forward down your limb and out along the wall, barreling up and over the waves of the stone bricks. To anyone observing, it might seem like a trick of the eye, a fluttering haze like a mirage in summer's heat. But to you, your markings grow monstrous and unyielding, devouring the surfaces they track along until they reach downward, unfolding dripping claws to grip tightly around the guard's neck. "Oh, I always think it's simple to just addle their minds. They're always their own worst enemy," Oisein says while keeping $o_herhistheir eyes on you. "But I'll admit, I think this might come close to putting me to shame." Chest expanding with a steady breath, you funnel the image you see in front of you through the connection you now have to the paint swarming the man's face, his visage clouded over with your magic. You paint delicious whispers of accolades, of a glittering city and its thankful citizens. A woman smiles in the distance as she chats with a man, nodding gratefully to the guard. Another older couple sitting at a bench give a little nod and a cheeky smile to the guard each. You even paint in Oisein and yourself having a lovely conversation to the side and causing exactly no trouble at all. All an illusion, of course. But real enough. You see the faintest smile float on the guard's lips, and Oisein whistles low as $o_shehethey observe$o_s. "You're not messing around, huh?" $o_shehethey say$o_s quietly with a proud smirk. With another exhale and a quick beat to close your eyes, you command the magic to continue surrounding the guard before pushing against the wall to lift yourself. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 103>> When you open your eyes again, Oisein nods $o_herhistheir head to the side towards the gate with a waggle of $o_herhistheir eyebrows, mouth threatening to crease into a fit of giggles. <<if $reserved > $forward>> You laugh quietly and nod, the comfortable understanding between the two of you settling in the warmth on Oisein's face before $o_shehethey set$o_s off ahead of you down the path to the wall's portal. <<else>> You motion with your hand towards the gate and the guard, the comfortable understanding alight between you. "After you, please," you offer. Warmth lights Oisein's face and $o_shehethey dance$o_s $o_herhistheir fingers together, palm to palm, before $o_shehethey set$o_s off ahead down the path to the wall's portal. <</if>> A quick look back and a wink punctuates the lightness of $o_herhistheir steps. The young man doesn't notice you at all as you approach, still lost in the pleasant daydream you've concocted for him and that same tranquil smile remaining plastered underneath your magic roiling across his senses. Oisein's shoulders shake as $o_shehethey hold$o_s back the mockery you know $o_shehethey want$o_s to unleash, hand twitching with the desire to wave ridiculously in front of the mortalis' face. <<if $sarcastic > $genuine>> "If I don't get to, you definitely don't," you hiss with laughter brimming in your throat. "You're no fun," $o_shehethey murmur$o_s back with no harshness and all rumbling joy. <<else>> "//Oisein//." <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> hand drops the short distance it had already began to travel and $o_shehethey sigh$o_s dramatically. "You're no fun," $o_shehethey murmur$o_s back with no harshness and all rumbling joy. <</if>> <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-OiseinThroughGate][$textGroup=1]] </li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $mc_guard to true>> "Actually," The ambient noise around you begins to soften. "I'll take care of it." "Oh?" Oisein wears something of a challenging smile, eager to see what happens next. "Well, then, please." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> hold$o_s a hand up in a motion to let you pass first, eyes alight with anticipation. Though you're in your glamoured form, you can feel the soft brush of the plants adorning your sheevra skin. The flora hum and twist across your shoulder blades, and you roll each one slowly as you let your back meet brick. Oisein raises a brow, smile easing into a smirk as $o_shehethey look$o_s over $o_herhistheir shoulder and along the wall to the guard. "This should be good," $o_shehethey whisper$o_s. Quickly, you check for any mortalis that may have wandered closer while you were speaking. But still, none of them seem to want to get too close to the wall that's now stacked high above you, large red-brown stones baking in the sunlight in neat, precise rows. Directly in line with the gate you see one of the towering, tapered stone pylons built atop the walls as well, the hum of it and its siblings every hundred feet a quiet melody below the wind of the Arids and the muted bustle of Renescen. You eye the guard again as he shuffles in his light leather armor, greaves sporting a heavier layer of the light-orange sand than the rest of his garb. A deep red cloth is draped across his chest and tied at his hip, golden thread detailing jagged geometric patterns that you expect may be mountains. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> Oisein watches you, lavender eyes lit with curiosity and bright against the shadow that covers $o_herhistheir face. "Need some help? Should I keep up the conversation with myself?" $o_shehethey ask$o_s with a sardonic grin that clearly translates to giving you as difficult a time as possible. <<if $o_friendship > 4>> "You usually just do that without needing my permission, don't you?" you say back with a mask of indifference, stifling a laugh at $o_herhistheir pout and the showy flick of hair wafting on $o_herhistheir shoulder. <<else>> "Oh hush," you say back, stifling a reaction at $o_herhistheir pout and the showy flick of hair wafting on $o_herhistheir shoulder. <</if>> Letting the crown of your head roll along the wall, you look casually to the guard, who has yet to acknowledge the two of you. He brushes off a sudden gust of sand that dances around his waist, bits of it attempting to nestle into the sash. When a few fingers and unsuccessful shakes don't loosen the offending bits, he flips and waves the entire thing with a frustrated grunt before he catches your eye. Youth and exhaustion are evenly placed on his face as he smiles with embarrassment, giving what he must hope is an official nod to the two of you before clearing his throat and turning back to the view of the first quadrant. He tries to straighten and subtly adjust his garb back to normal…with mixed success. You weigh your options and decide… <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "...I'll distract the guard with the wind and sand so he doesn't pay much attention to us as we pass, but keep him where we can see him." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 11>><<set $guard_away to true>><</link>></li> <li> <<link "...I'll create a distraction in the distance to drive the guard away." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 101>><<set $guard_atgate to true>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 11>> It drifts past your cheeks first, the magically charged wind giving a quick kiss of greeting before collecting in the palm at your side and spilling between your fingers, only for the currents to float up across your wrists and repeat the motion again. Just enough to be a bit of a nuisance, but not enough to seem unnatural. Vines and leaves sprout under your glamor along the path of magic from your heart down your arm, the images begging to bloom as the illusion magic whines in your ear. But you keep them at bay and continue weaving the wind together, creating a miniature gust sure to reinforce the guard's frustration from the Arids winds. Ivory cloth ripples across from you as Oisein watches, and you finally turn to $o_herhimthem. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 12>> "Well, what do you think?" you ask, your hand motioning in front of you as if to beckon $o_herhistheir answer. But $o_shehethey quickly <<if $o_them>>catch<<else>>catches<</if>> on that it's just a guise to finally free the tiny whirlwinds corralled around your forearm. Magic leaps forward and downward in excitement, skirting along the path and snatching up the drifting sand to come along for the ride as it barrels toward the mortalis. "Oh, I always think it's simple to just addle their minds. They're always their own worst enemy," Oisein says while keeping $o_herhistheir eyes on you until you hear the guard yelp again. A smile cracks on both of your faces and $o_shehethey chance$o_s a glance over to the gate without moving $o_herhistheir face. "But I'll admit, this way is a little funnier." Unwieldy hands try to pat away the sand again as the incessant wind flusters the guard, and you hear him spit raspberries against the new gust and the sand flailing against his face. The sash lulls him into a false sense of security and settles against his ribs, until it smashes upward against his chin and he gives an annoyed huff along with the clatter of his armor pieces shaking against each other. Oisein nods $o_herhistheir head to the side towards the gate with a waggle of $o_herhistheir eyebrows, mouth threatening to crease into a fit of giggles. <<if $reserved > $forward>> You laugh quietly and nod, the comfortable understanding between the two of you settling in the warmth on Oisein's face before $o_shehethey set$o_s off ahead of you down the path to the wall's portal. <<else>> You motion with your hand towards the gate and the guard, the comfortable understanding alight between you. "After you, please," you offer. Warmth lights Oisein's face and $o_shehethey dance$o_s $o_herhistheir fingers together, palm to palm, before $o_shehethey set$o_s off ahead down the path to the wall's portal. <</if>> A quick look back and a wink punctuates the lightness of $o_herhistheir steps. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 13>> The young mortalis barely notices the two of you pass by, until he feels what you've gathered to be your best questioning, slightly judgmental stares. At least, you can only speak for yourself. You're sure Oisein is laying the judgment a hundred layers thick. And it works. If anything, it seems he's more conscious of the fact that you've caught him uncomposed than the fact that you're venturing out onto the city's outer walkways. Your fingers curl at the side opposite to him to draw the wind back as you continue by, and he takes the reprieve to try and gather himself up. Mortification run deep in his eyes, and he avoids looking at you at all as you pass easily by. Oisein's shoulders shake as $o_shehethey hold$o_s back the mockery you know $o_shehethey want$o_s to unleash. <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-OiseinThroughGate][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul> <<case 101>> It drifts past your cheeks first, the magically charged electricity giving a sparked kiss of greeting before collecting in the palm at your side and spilling between your fingers, only for the lancing energy to dart across your wrists and repeat the motion again. You eye the pylon above you and to your right, recalling when you saw one along Saor's Arids border animate with trouble after being struck by a storm. Elemental lightning had reached for the sky and the tops of the trees nearby as the mortalis scrambled to rein it in, the memory loud with shouting and elementalists whipping the energy around in the thrashing onslaught of rain. The darkness and empty spaces in the forest had hidden you as you watched the scene unfold. A shudder from that wet, cold night races over your skin while vines and leaves sprout under your glamor along the path of magic from your heart down your arm, the images begging to bloom against the illusion magic whining in your ear. But you keep them at bay while you continue weaving the bolts together, creating a miniature storm of your own sure to recreate at least the semblance of a fault in their seemingly unbreachable wall. Ivory cloth ripples across from you as Oisein watches, and you finally turn to $o_herhimthem. "The one that draws him closer to us?" $o_shehethey whisper$o_s with a tinge of doubt, eyes darting up to where you were just looking. You smile. "Trust me." Something in your voice lowers $o_herhistheir defenses, and $o_shehethey just quirks a brow above a slightly skeptical smirk. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 102>> Heat sears your fingertips when you let them drift against the brick wall. Not hot enough to hurt, but enough to make you flinch. "Well, what do you think?" you ask, your other hand motioning in front of you as if to beckon $o_herhistheir answer. But $o_shehethey quickly <<if $o_them>>catch<<else>>catches<</if>> on that it's just a guise and distraction to allow you to finally free the tiny flashes corralled around your forearm. Magic leaps forward and downward in excitement, skirting along the path too fast for the naked eye to catch as it barrels onward below the next pylon and shoots up to dance around its base. Any onlooker would dismiss them as tricks of the afternoon sun, but you and Oisein share a knowing look. "Oh, I always think it's simple to just addle their minds. They're always their own worst enemy," Oisein says while keeping $o_herhistheir eyes on you until you hear something fritz and fizzle in the distance. A smile cracks both of your lips as you hear the guard gasp and look completely past you. "Though I'll admit, this is fun to watch too." Predictably, the mortalis in question starts running towards you with a flustered "What //now//?!" under his breath, and the two of you look at the pylon alight with mischievous bolts before you look back to his approach with a practiced look of shock. To complete the facade, you grab Oisein by the arm to pull $o_herhimthem aside as the guard mumbles a quick, apologetic "Excuse me." Oisein puts on $o_herhistheir best worried face as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> the guard pass, and you see him off with a sympathetic wave of your hand as you get out of his way. The metal bits of his uniform throw around a fading, clattering echo as he rushes on, completely and utterly uninterested in you. When you're convinced you have plenty of space for some chaos of your own, Oisein nods $o_herhistheir head to the side towards the gate with a waggle of $o_herhistheir eyebrows, mouth threatening to crease into a fit of giggles. <<if $reserved > $forward>> You laugh quietly and nod, the comfortable understanding between the two of you settling in the warmth on Oisein's face before $o_shehethey set$o_s off ahead of you down the path to the wall's portal. <<else>> You motion with your hand towards the gate and the guard, the comfortable understanding alight between you. "After you, please," you offer. Warmth lights Oisein's face and $o_shehethey dance$o_s $o_herhistheir fingers together, palm to palm, before $o_shehethey set$o_s off ahead down the path to the wall's portal. <</if>> A quick look back and a wink punctuates the lightness of $o_herhistheir steps. <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-OiseinThroughGate][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> Metal streaks through the stone of the pylon above, shining reflections into your eyes as you pass through the shadow of the wall to the area that borders the city. The outer path is wide enough for a few people before it gives way to the natural slope of the land, the white stones coursing between the drop-off and the outer layer of Renescen's wall. Your eyes are drawn to the east along the walkway to see where the city meets the Mirrored River. It glides and cuts a dark blue line across the landscape, an aura of green surrounding it. Oisein steps lightly ahead, standing at the edge to look where you're staring as his hair sways across his ear. Part of you can't blame the mortalis for not wanting to come too close to the city's edge. In Saor at least, there's an entire forest between the city, the Sanctum, and the edge of the Arids. Thundering waterfalls and the rhythm of the canyon's river make it easy to forget the dire state of the world. But here? Your eyes trail along the ground as if shame had dragged it downward, following the cascading, rolling patches of green in front of you, before it all becomes… <ul> <li> <<link "Nothing." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<set $extra_shit to false>> <<set $aloof_choice to false>> You look up. Bare, dry, cracked earth claws and thrashes its way to overtake green ahead of you, an unnatural stop to the lushness that spills over from Renescen's mountains. Tans and oranges stretch onward as far as the eye can see, interrupted only by the smattering of village buildings and the crescent shaped vessels of sand-sailing thrill seekers careening over far off dunes. Brilliant light catches your eyes and draws them sweeping across the cracked ground back to where the Mirrored River approaches Renescen. From this distance, you expect the large and lofty structures that tower over the river's edges to be pylons as well, though why they would begin churning the water of the river in the middle of the afternoon, you're not sure. But the sudden appearance of a ship's bow in what was just emptiness helps to fill in the gaps of your knowledge. The peaks of the trade portal's stacked frames gleam like the sun before starting to pour molten light through a series of indistinguishable glyphs. At first, you see just the bow parting the water, then the tell-tale, vividly colored sails of Braka soaring above its sepia hull, followed by a tapered stern with intricate embellishments and curves noticeable even from where you are. The motion of its crew is only visible thanks to their own colorful garb in comparison to the drab wooden crates that fill almost every part of the deck. In the space the boat has passed through you swear you see the image of the colossal mesas of the western part of the continent, before it shimmers and fades like a mirage the same time the light extinguishes from the portal's open enclosure. The ship merrily continues along its way, beginning to slow as it approaches the lower levels of the Crossing, a massive gate rumbling as it lifts to greet them. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> While the ship distracts you for a few moments, the dark, threatening cloud of sand emerging on the horizon yanks your attention to the side once more. Oisein clicks $o_herhistheir tongue beside you. "Dust storm tonight, they'll trigger the pylons in a few hours." You nod, mouth dry in the Arids' air. "Forgot what it's like up close. You?" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> stay$o_s quiet, unusually somber while $o_herhistheir breathing steadies and $o_herhistheir lips roll together. In $o_herhistheir silence, you scratch the back of your hand and $o_shehethey finally give$o_s a slow shake of $o_herhistheir head. "At any rate," he continues softly, almost reverently, looking away from the Arids to focus on you. "That's not why we're here." He beckons you forward as he hesistates on the edge of the stone path, taking a cautious step onto the last stretch of grass before the desolation. "Want to tell me about the places first? Where are they in the city, do you know?" Rocking once on his heels to disperse some of the dirt, he turns back to you with sand and grass alike drifting over his ankles. "Bank's in the second, near the governor's circle. Shop's in the third, and pathos parlor's on the third-fourth border." With a quick stretch of your neck to the side, you cross your arms and shift your weight to one leg to kick at the dusted stones. Oisein hums thoughtfully. "Yeah, that tracks. Centered around everyone's favorite death quadrant, and one of them near the seat of power." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> the small whirlwinds that play along your feet. "Think they could be Sanctum entrances?" "Have to be, right?" "Could be one they used more than the others, though we'll have to do some digging of our own to find out more. 'Cause if one of them's a main entrance then-" "Traps?" "Mhm." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> grimace$o_s and you scratch at an itch along your shoulder. <<if $sarcastic > $genuine + 1>> "What, you don't think they left out the welcome wagon before mysteriously getting offed?" "That'd be a //dream//, wouldn it?" the other sheevra comments with a smirk. "Who knows, maybe there'll be a feast all made up and they'll all jump out and yell 'Surprise!'" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> waves $o_herhistheir fingers in the air with widened eyes before $o_herhistheir hands and shoulders drop. "And then we'll all have a laugh and part ways as steadfast friends." You whistle. "I'd say it's too early to be drinking, but you sound like you've already gotten started." Oisein cackles with $o_herhistheir whole chest and looks back to you. "That might be on tomorrow's plans from the sounds of things." <<if $s_reveal>> You laugh in return before another image boards your train of thought and halts your voice in its tracks. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> You laugh in return before continuing. <ul> <li> <<link "\"Then about that... strange magic...\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 7>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<else>> "Surely nothing the two of us can't handle?" The other sheevra looks to you with pity in $o_herhistheir eyes. "I love your optimism, I promise, but-" Oisein shrugs up at you and then nods $o_herhistheir head to the city. "If what I've heard about Tacita and this whole Clan of secrets is true, then-" The freckles on $o_herhistheir face squeeze together as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>scrunch<<else>>scrunches<</if>> up $o_herhistheir nose and eyes. "We're not in for a treat if the Sanctum's armed." <<if $s_reveal>> You give a sigh before another image boards your train of thought and halts your voice in its tracks. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> You give a sigh before continuing. <ul> <li> <<link "\"Then about that... strange magic...\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 7>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <</if>> <<case 4>> Equal parts shock and fear. A perfect mask until its imperfections began to crack through. The hurried escape with the Osmium Sage. Oisein should know a mortalis made contact with a High Sheevra. //The// High Sheevra in question, as it were. "May want to sit down for this next bit though." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> scoff$o_s and wave$o_s a hand dismissively, another warm gust from the desert bending the grass along the edge of the path. "What, disappearing Clans not shocking enough?" Well, you warned $o_herhimthem. "The Sage also knew Tacita. By name." <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> Expression frozen, $o_shehethey stare$o_s at you. As the seconds tick by, $o_herhistheir mouth gradually drops open. "...Sorry?" <ul> <li> <<link `"\""+$s_shehe.toUpperFirst() +" knew Taci-\""` `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> "Why would-" Oisein interrupts, a spark of confusion darkening $o_herhistheir eyes. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> movements lag behind $o_herhistheir mind, and $o_shehethey begin$o_s to pace a small circle a few moments later. "The Sage… wasn't one of us?" Thinking back, there didn't seem to be any outward traces of distinguishing magic, though the doubt creeps in. Still, you shake your head and cross your arms. "No. Definitely not." Stopping and running a hand through $o_herhistheir hair, Oisein blinks a few more times, intently watching where $o_herhistheir boots meet the ground. "Well we…don't know what Tacita was playing at." "True…" You're not sure what that buys you aside from sweeping the issue under the rug. "But have you ever heard of Sirin becoming friends with a mortalis?" <<if $o_friendship > 5>> There's an almost indistinguishable flicker of another expression that whispers across Oisein's face. But $o_shehethey school$o_s $o_herhistheir features before you can place it. <</if>> A loud snort sounds out. "No, never. I think they'd burst into flames." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> shake$o_s $o_herhistheir head, trying to fling the thoughts from $o_herhistheir temples, or maybe to straighten the facts rattling in $o_herhistheir skull. "But I can't begin to guess what a High Sheevra thinks. So…maybe it's just a coincidence?" Watching $o_herhimthem with skepticism, you let your eyes drift on the paths of swirling sand in the distance. "All I did was describe her. The Sage instantly recognized her by that alone, and called her out by name." "A really, really, coincidental coincidence?" Oisein offers again. <<if $o_friendship < 5>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> wear$o_s an embarrassed and awkward smile as you stare $o_herhimthem down, before deflating under your scrutiny. <<else>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> wear$o_s an embarrassed and awkward smile as you watch $o_herhimthem with an equally uncertain grimace, before you both deflate. <</if>> Another warm breeze dances through Oisein's hair as he looks out to the Arids. "Well, we know exactly where to //avoid// at least." <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "A hum passes my lips. \"Shouldn't we find out more?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">><</link>></li> <li> <<link "I agree. \"Yeah, best not to get involved in that.\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "second">><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 7>> <<if $choice is "first">> "Shouldn't we find out more?" you press. The other sheevra pauses and looks to you with suddenly determined, but saddened eyes. "Shouldn't we also try to survive? You think a powerful mortalis Sage would help us? They're all chummy with the powers that be, aren't they?" You keep your gaze on $o_herhistheir face before letting it float down to the grass. There's a sigh in front of you and you just see Oisein's hand come to rub at $o_herhistheir own neck. "Dunno, $pc_name. We're already outnumbered here. I mean-" $o_shehethey shudder$o_s and $o_herhistheir features twist, "-//really// outnumbered, if Harpoc's gone. Don't know if I wanna draw the attention of a Sage." Part of you thinks it might be too late for that, but you don't voice it and instead just nod away the subject for now. "We might have something else to worry about anyway," you start. "That strange magic…" <<elseif $choice is "second">> You nod to yourself. "Yeah, best not to get involved in that." The other sheevra returns the nod of agreement. "Better chances of survival, anyway." "Plus, we've already got enough on our plate," you start. "That strange magic…" <</if>> Oisein perks up, lips barely parting as if $o_shehethey want$o_s to say something, but then deciding to let you continue. Your fingers curl inward to pinch at your palms before you stretch them out again, trying to summon the strangeness back to you. As you explain the flip-flopping, indecisive energy you felt before, Oisein's eyes narrow further and further over a spark of familiarity. Clattering, clanking sounds echo across the desolate plains as the Crossing's trade gate falls closed. The wave from the disturbance rolls across the river's surface outward toward the Mirror before it collapses in on itself. In front of you, the leanhaun gives a groan, sliding $o_herhistheir hand across $o_herhistheir face. "Ran into that too, don't know if I've ever felt anything like it." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> look$o_s out towards the Arids where the green finally transitions to faded orange and browns a few hundred feet away from you. With a decisive nod, $o_shehethey look$o_s to you. "Unless there's anything else, I can show you what I mean." <<if $ch3_o_know_voices>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "Maybe...maybe I should tell Oisein about the voices." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><<set $choice to "first">> <<set $honest += 1>> <<set $o_friendship += 1>> <<set $ch3_o_know_voices to true>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "No, I think I'll...keep the whole \"hearing voices\" thing to myself for now." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 71>><<set $choice to "second">> <<set $deceptive += 2>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 71>> "No, just that," you lie. <<if $s_reveal>> Oisein makes the sigh of relief apparent. "Guess I wouldn't mind a little more information, but also not sure if I'd want the accompanying trouble that seems to follow you." The teasing remark lightens the mood slightly as $o_shehethey pivots $o_herhistheir head to give you a weak smile. <<else>> "More productive morning than I had, at least," Oisein laughs lightly in response. <</if>> It'd be easy enough for $o_herhimthem to reach to you and magic out that you're not telling the truth, but thankfully $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>>. <<if $o_friendship > 5>> //Probably because $o_shehethey trust$o_s me.// Maybe there'll be a chance to talk more about it later, but you want to know more first. <<else>> //Suppose we aren't close enough for $o_herhimthem to read me.// Maybe there'll be a chance to talk more about it later, but for now it seems the distance you've kept between the two of you has worked in your favor. <</if>> <ul> <li> [[Continue.|Chapter3-OiseinArids][$textGroup=1;$choice="none"]]</li> </ul> <<case 8>> You try to temper your reaction, your eyes wandering over the lines of the set brick along the wall. "Not sure if I learned more, so much as I think you should know about something else." The somberness in your voice strikes Oisein, and $o_shehethey turn$o_s to you in apprehension as honeyed hair whips across $o_herhistheir tanned skin. "I think…there was a voice. <<if $rails>> Heard it underground in one of the mortalis rail stations, those carts that run between the quadrants. It felt the same as what I felt at the bank. With that sort of..." Your hands reach for your throat and you press into the sides of your neck. "...mix of sheevra and mortalis magic." <<else>> I heard it around the bank, one of those odd places I mentioned before. It had the same feel as the overall magic, with that sort of..." Your hands reach for your throat and you press into the sides of your neck. "...mix of sheevra and mortalis magic." <</if>> Oisein blinks at you, $o_herhistheir face blank for a few seconds. There's a full, unwavering belief in $o_herhistheir eyes though, and you feel at least a little comfort from that. "Don't love that you started with 'I think'," $o_shehethey give$o_s a strained chuckle. "What did it say?" The question floats fearfully on the air between you. Your own face tenses as you try to clear up your thoughts, trying to form the words that had injected themselves directly into your mind barely a few hours ago. … <ul> <li> <<link "But you can't." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 9>> Not because you're forgetful or because you weren't paying attention. An impenetrable wall slams down in your memory, blocking you from remembering the words, remembering the voice, only registering the feelings. The other sheevra watches knowingly as you fumble and juggle the thoughts, staring as you try to sift through the fragments and piece them together. Your mind finally surrenders to the blockade you've been trying to break your way through, throwing one last, defiant urge against it before you settle into the fact that you won't - //can't// - remember. <<if $s_reveal>> "You //did// have a busy morning, huh?" Oisein exhales out, an elbow lifting as $o_shehethey grip$o_s at $o_herhistheir shoulder. Nails dig into $o_herhistheir own skin and $o_shehethey give$o_s a forceful hiss. There's a faint, whispered //'fuck'// as $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>try<<else>>tries<</if>> to organize $o_herhistheir thoughts. <<if $leanhaun>> "Don't have to tell you that scrambling memories is <<else>> "Scrambling memories is <</if>> powerful pathos, $pc_name," $o_shehethey continue$o_s. "And on top of a mortalis knowing Tacita, and a weird cocktail of magic?" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them>>scratch<<else>>scratches<</if>> at $o_herhistheir scalp. "Already didn't like this before, but I'd say it's getting closer to hate now." <<else>> "You //did// have a busy morning, huh?" Oisein exhales out, an elbow lifting as $o_shehethey grips at $o_herhistheir shoulder. Nails dig into $o_herhistheir own skin and $o_shehethey give$o_s a worried huff. "Can't lie, $pc_name, scrambling memories is powerful <<if $leanhaun>> pathos. Though I'm sure I don't have to tell you that." <<else>> pathos." <</if>> <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $o_them>>scratch<<else>>scratches<</if>> at $o_herhistheir scalp. "Already didn't like this before, but that on top of some weird magic...it's not looking good." <</if>> <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"Well, it's a good thing we have each other's backs then.\"" "Chapter3-OiseinArids">> <<set $textGroup to 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $friendly += 1>> <<set $o_friendship += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Hey, we're off to a great start, so surely it can't get worse?\"" "Chapter3-OiseinArids">> <<set $textGroup to 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <<set $extra_shit to true>> <<set $friendly += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Look, only one of us gets to start panicking, and I've already called it.\"" "Chapter3-OiseinArids">> <<set $textGroup to 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $apprehensive += 1>> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Pull it together, we need to focus.\"" "Chapter3-OiseinArids">> <<set $textGroup to 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $aloof_choice to true>> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <<set $o_friendship -= 2>> <</link>></li> </ul> <</switch>>

<hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $q_one is false>> <li> <<link `$info_label+" \"Stuck on the crap shift here, then?\""` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup to 21>> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $q_one to true>> <</link>></li> <<else>> <li> $info_label "Stuck on the crap shift here then?" </li> <</if>> <<if $q_two is false>> <li> <<link `$info_label+" \"I'm actually new to the city, just wandering around. Any recommendations from the // city guard?//\""` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup to 22 >> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $q_two to true>> <</link>></li> <<else>> <li> $info_label "I'm actually new to the city, just wandering around. Any recommendations from the // city guard?//" </li> <</if>> <<if $q_three is false>> <li> <<link `$info_label+" \"Does anyone even stop by or are you always so...alone here?\""` `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup to 23 >> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $q_three to true>> <</link>></li> <<else>> <li> $info_label "I'm actually new to the city, just wandering around. Any recommendations from the // city guard?//" </li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> </ul>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> A quick shuffle over sand takes you both back into the transition to green, and closer to the path along the outer walls. The solid stone of the walkway is a welcome relief to your feet and your balance as you lift yourself onto it. <<if $o_guard or ($mc_guard and $guard_atgate)>> <<if $o_guard or $leanhaun>> The guard stands unaware at the gate as you pass through again, pathos still clinging to his mind and clouding his thoughts. <<if $o_guard>> There's a moment where Oisein considers messing with the young mortalis some more, but as you clear your throat, $o_shehethey give$o_s a small hum and stay$o_s $o_herhistheir hand. After a few more steps there's a subtle flick of $o_herhistheir wrist to call back the luminescent magic, and you can feel shimmering, gleeful notes of energy dancing their way back to $o_herhimthem. <<else>> You give it another few steps before giving a subtle flick of your wrist to call back the luminescent magic, feeling it glitter and dance its way back over your skin. A small sigh sounds beside you as Oisein smirks. <</if>> "Don't fancy just a little bit more fun?" $o_shehethey murmur$o_s. "We are trying to lay //low//." "Spoilsport." The other sheevra quickens $o_herhistheir pace to match your lively steps as you try to make your way unnoticed up through the park. Though, the snicker $o_shehethey let$o_s slip doesn't help. <<elseif $dryad>> The guard watches you two with a similar embarrassment as before, straightening his back and adjusting his uniform while you walk by. You can tell Oisein is doing $o_herhistheir best to give an awkward, incredulous glance at the guard to take advantage of his consciousness, and it works. Instead of focusing on any details about you, he's far more concerned with how he's carrying himself instead. The other sheevra quickens $o_herhistheir pace to match your lively steps as you try to make your way unnoticed up through the park. Though, the snicker $o_shehethey let$o_s slip doesn't help. <<elseif $unseelie>> The guard still stands unaware at the gate as you pass through again, the illusion still holding firmly in place. You give it another few steps before giving a subtle flick of your wrist to call back the elusive magic, feeling the strokes slowly release their grip over his senses and crawl along the ground back to you. Oisein quickens $o_herhistheir pace to match your lively steps as you try to make your way unnoticed up through the park. Though, the snicker $o_shehethey let$o_s slip doesn't help. <</if>> <<elseif $guard_away>> As you pass through the gate again, you see <<if $unseelie>> illusions <<else>> arcs of lightning <</if>> still swarm around the pylons, more guards clamoring together in the distance. Oisein quickens $o_herhistheir pace to match your lively steps, trying to make your way unnoticed up through the park as other mortalis are enraptured by the spectacle. You give it another few steps as you approach the initial line of the first quadrants buildings, before giving a subtle flick of your wrist to the side to dissipate the magic. The leanhaun snickers besides you as you hear cries of shock from the wall, but the two of you don't wait to find out the full reactions of the guards. <</if>> Your journey back up towards the second quadrant is uneventful enough — <<if $o_friendship > 3>> conversation easy and light when it does happen. With a sea of mortalis around you, $o_shehethey keep$o_s to <<else>> though the atmosphere is slightly more strained. Still, even with your more unfamiliar bond, the conversation is light when it does happen. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> keep$o_s any talk on frivolous, shallow observations. General <</if>> comments on the mortalis wares or, more often than not, the mortalis themselves. Comments that are predictably not all too flattering. <<set $ch3_sirin_wary to false>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> You weave between alleys and buildings, past the emptying Crossing, and head towards the uphill path to the Falls Road and the second quadrant. The sun is wedged behind the closest mountain peaks now, the barest tinge of the oncoming twilight starting to bleed out from where it sits. A blanket of shadow slowly descends over the spires of the Governor's Circle, inching towards the Collegium and the Archival Library. After a spell of silence, Oisein turns the conversation elsewhere. "Do you think that's all Sirin's not telling us?" Strain tightens your shoulders at the High Sheevra's name before you realize that it would sound like any other false one to an eavesdropper. You turn your head as you walk and narrowly avoid a woman dressed in muted greys. "What do you mean?" you ask quietly. Oisein shrugs, steps falling heavier than the lightness they usually have. His neckline stretches with his arms as he lengthens them above his head. "Dunno. They're usually blunt besides being pretty stoic and all. But this…" "You don't trust them?" <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> eyes lock with yours, the doubt clear in his face. "You do?" <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"I do.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Well, ‘trust' might be a //strong// word for it.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"I want to trust them, but…\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $ch3_sirin_wary to true>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"I didn't trust them much before, and after this? Definitely not.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $ch3_sirin_wary to true>> <<set $aloof += 1>> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> <<if $choice is "first">> You roll your lips together, knowing Oisein isn't going to like this answer. "I do." <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> reaction is as flabbergasted as you expect and $o_shehethey almost run$o_s into a family and their cart of vegetables rumbling down the stone road. Swinging $o_herhistheir body around at the last moment, the shock still comes to greet you even as one of the parents tugs their child closer to just miss careening into the other sheevra. It takes a few more feet before the sheevra voices $o_herhistheir distaste. "Really, that's it? Just… trust them? Even with all this?" "I don't think they know." You sigh and look forward up into the shadowed buildings miles ahead of you, nestled into the mountains. "Have you ever known them to be cruel enough to just sacrifice some of our own?" <<elseif $choice is "second">> "Well, ‘trust' might be a //strong// word for it." Oisein snorts and nearly runs into a family and their cart of vegetables rumbling down the stone road, swinging $o_herhistheir body around at the last moment. One of the parents tugs their child closer to just miss careening into the other sheevra, while another boy sitting in the cart gives the two of you a toothy grin, which Oisein reciprocates. After a few more exchanges of ridiculous faces with the child, tongues out and all, the young boy laughs brightly and settles back into the seat surrounded by cabbages. Smug satisfaction sits on $o_herhistheir tanned cheeks before $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> you again. "But you still do to some extent?" "I guess?" You sigh and look forward up into the shadowed buildings miles ahead of you, nestled into the mountains. "Maybe a part of me just wants to believe they couldn't know what's going on here. Have you ever known them to be cruel enough to just sacrifice some of our own?" <<elseif $choice is "third">> "I want to trust them, but…" Oisein looks ahead and steps a little closer to you to avoid running into a family and their cart of vegetables rumbling down the stone road. One of the parents tugs their child closer to just miss careening into the other sheevra, while another sitting in the cart gives the two of you a toothy grin, which Oisein reciprocates. After a few more exchanges of ridiculous faces with the child, tongues out and all, the young boy laughs brightly and settles back into the seat surrounded by cabbages. Warm satisfaction sits on $o_herhistheir tanned cheeks before $o_shehethey <<if $o_them>>watch<<else>>watches<</if>> you again. "A bit hard now, isn't it?" "Yeah." You sigh and look forward up into the shadowed buildings miles ahead of you, nestled into the mountains. "It's hard to think they wouldn't know what's going on. But… it's also hard to think they'd do this on purpose. Have you ever known them to be cruel enough to just sacrifice some of our own?" <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> You almost have to stop yourself from the bitter laugh that wants to burst outward. "I didn't trust them much before, and after this? Definitely not." Oisein looks ahead and steps a little closer to you to avoid running into a family and their cart of vegetables rumbling down the stone road. One of the parents tugs their child closer to just miss careening into the other sheevra, who scoffs at the whole ordeal and straightens $o_herhistheir shirt. "Healthy amount of distrust's not a bad thing, I'd say," $o_shehethey mutter$o_s as $o_shehethey look$o_s toward the sky. "It's a little bit of a surprise I guess," you continue somberly, looking forward up into the shadowed buildings miles ahead and nestled into the mountains. "Didn't think they'd be cruel enough to just sacrifice some of our own." <</if>> The path is almost clear for another block as the stream of mortalis start to gather towards their homes. But Oisein noticeably stumbles and slows. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> turn$o_s $o_herhistheir head away from you and disregard$o_s the question for a few seconds. "Don't think it's a far reach," you finally hear, the whisper laced with pain. It makes you pause, and you tilt your head. "Oisein?" Another few moments pass before $o_shehethey just shift$o_s $o_herhistheir eyes forward. <<if $o_past_feelings or ($o_flirt and ($o_friendship > 5))>> "To be fair… I really hope they don't know everything." The odd wording of the statement catches your attention and you stare for a moment, waiting for $o_herhimthem to continue. And it may be the heat of the summer, but you swear there's a slight color dusted over $o_herhistheir cheeks. Just as you're about to open your mouth to ask what $o_shehethey mean$o_s, $o_shehethey rub$o_s at $o_herhistheir nose and flick$o_s $o_herhistheir hair back over $o_herhistheir shoulder as if to brush away the statement. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> "Right, we close to this place?" $o_shehethey practically exclaim$o_s with $o_herhistheir voice louder, and possibly a few pitches higher, than it was before. You try to awkwardly wave off the stares and pitched brows of a few mortalis who hear the call. As the buildings begin shifting again to the more intricate designs of the second quadrant, the sight of overgrowth and green through an alley catches your eye. Another tight channel between the buildings reveals the bank as you expect, overwhelmed by the sea of plants. "Let's cut through here," you say with a nod toward the alley. Oisein swivels on $o_herhistheir heel and registers the dense jungle behind the fence ahead, out of place among the elegant curves and patterns of metal and stone. You let $o_herhimthem lead into the dim, shadowed corridor, stepping lightly over puddles and the discarded boxes from the shops and houses of the street. Worn stone and slim windows arc around <<if visited("Chapter2-Walk")>> you as they did earlier in your journey alongside the Healer. Though <<else>> you, though <</if>> they seem less welcoming and homely compared to their counterparts facing the bright, sunny avenue. Paired with the sour smell from the alley, disquiet nestles itself into the base of your skull. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> Pace slowing, Oisein twists $o_herhistheir features, observing the scene ahead. A funnel of bricks leading into a teeming paradise. Or at least the appearance of one. "You weren't kidding. Even this far you can tell that's a nasty concoction of magic." "We won't be bothered coming up on its side like this at least," you comment. "Lets us avoid the two guards out at the front." "Really?" Light shimmers from $o_herhistheir earring as $o_shehethey turn$o_s to you. "And they're just leaving it be?" "Seems like it." You follow the worried lines of $o_herhistheir face as $o_herhistheir eyes shift over to a wall. "I know, doesn't really follow their usual play." "Yeah, they always jump at any odd magic," Oisein scoffs before turning back. "Can't believe this place isn't crawling with more protection." Sunlight catches again against $o_herhistheir earring, the tiny rivulets of water that run between the bricks of the path reflecting and glinting into your eyes. "Does that magic…" Oisein squints and tilts $o_herhistheir head, stopping in $o_herhistheir tracks. "Is that…an illusion?" You stop as well. "What?" The radiant rivers glow through your feet and weave near Oisein's boots, slowly easing toward the bank. <ul> <li> <<link "But..." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> <div class="center"> <<link "When you came into the alley, there wasn't really any light, was there?" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>> </div> <<case 7>> Oisein realizes it at the same time, your eyes following the streams up to the bank where something glows at the peak of the pitched roof. Your mind justifies that it must be some old metal adornment reflecting sunlight, desperately trying to shine through the entangled, reaching weeds. But a buried part of you knows that's just to placate the panic. Widened eyes hesitantly turn to you, and there's only fear in Oisein's voice when he whispers your name. "… $pc_name?" <ul> <li> <<link "Something //booms.//" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 8>> <div class="center"> A deep, //''guttural''// sound crashes into your chest first and pounds against your ears. The light flares. <<link "And then the magic hits." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>> </div> <<case 9>> Gut reaction takes over, trying to push you away from the wave of magic as you whirl around and slam your shoulder into the rough edge of a building. A distant cry of pain from Oisein hardly makes it past the ache that overwhelms you. No sound, no sight, no smell reaches you as you crumple to the ground, knees slamming into the pavement. For a second you worry that someone has ripped apart your bones, abandoned them like the rotten fruit discarded on the alley floor to be rifled through at their leisure. Clenching your eyes and your teeth and your fists, you shake and shudder, willing the pain away as your forehead kisses the ground. //Please stop please stop please stop please STOP.// There's a harsh, but intoxicating power within the force that worms into your blood. But it's too much. <div class="right"> TOO MUCH </div> <ul> <li> <<link "TOO MANY." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 10>> <div class="center"> <<link "//Too many?//" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>> </div> <<case 11>> NAMES <div class="right"> NAMES </div> <div class="center"> NAMES <<link "NAMES" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>> </div> <div class="right"> NAMES </div> NAMES <div class="center"> NAMES </div> <<case 12>> A million, //billion// names all surging straight into your muscles, igniting and roaring and raging in the reservoir of magic inside you. But despite the potential of limitless power, you slam your fist into the ground to try to beat the chaos away from your body. Just managing to open one of your eyes, you see Oisein gripping at $o_herhistheir stomach, silken fabric twisting in $o_herhistheir fingers and already stained with dirt. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> double$o_s over in agony and hold$o_s $o_herhistheir other hand out, nails curling against stone with a groan. And then finally- <ul> <li> <<link "-relief." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 13>> Blissfully, blessedly, the pain begins to ebb, leaving an echo of the pressure that almost burst through you. You open both of your eyes then, staring down at your fists still shaking from the assault of energy. Breathing comes roughly and uneven at first, and you close your mouth to force the breath through your nose. Joints aching and back stiff, you slowly unfurl and sit back on your calves, legs still pressed into the ground. Looking back over to Oisein, you find $o_herhimthem slumped against the opposite alley wall. The crown of $o_herhistheir head rests against the bricks, chest heaving in ragged breaths with $o_herhistheir hand still tangled in the cloth and strings of $o_herhistheir shirt. <<print $o_herhistheir.toUpperFirst()>> eyes flutter open and squinting lavender meets you. "Did you- you sense-" "Yeah," you confirm breathlessly. "Ours, wasn't it?" Oisein gives a weak nod and lifts $o_herhistheir head from the wall. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> start$o_s to crawl onto $o_herhistheir knees, gradually attempting to rise. <ul> <li> <<link "Static creeps into your ears." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 14>> You shake your head, trying to release yourself from the residual effects of whatever crashed into you. //Sheevra magic. It was definitely sheevra magic, right?// A couple slow, staggered steps, and Oisein holds out a hand for you to take. A fluttering scrap of paper draws your attention. It billows out and seems to freeze before waving downward again. A trick of your eyes, you think. You take his hand and feel the cold sweat still lingering on his skin as he helps you up. The static clings to your eardrums, injecting itself deeper. You wish you could scratch the inside of your ear, could you do it if you tried? <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> <<link "//clAN FaILle'TOR, then?//" "Chapter3-OiseinReviverIntro">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> <<else>> <section class="portfolio-experiment"><div class="experiment-title" ><<link "//Clan Faille'Tor, then?//" "Chapter3-OiseinReviverIntro">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></div></section> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <<case 2023021>> [[Chapter3-OiseinReviverIntro]] <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<set $thing_resp to false>> <<set $unsheathe to true>> The voice again. Speaking in your thoughts. But this time you have Oisein as well, and from the terrified look in $o_herhistheir eyes and the swinging of $o_herhistheir face, $o_shehethey heard it too. //Wait-// The terrified look in $o_herhistheir //blackened //eyes, irises glowing lavender, just below the antlers sprouting up from $o_herhistheir head. But you can see the glamor foci still clinging to $o_herhistheir now pointed ear, clear as day. "Oisein- your-" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> turn$o_s and <<if $o_them>>go<<else>>goes<</if>> pale. "$pc_name-" But $o_shehethey realize$o_s what you must have been about to say and <<if $o_them>>reach<<else>>reaches<</if>> up to feel the points of $o_herhistheir antlers. Mimicking the way your eyes moved, $o_shehethey lower$o_s $o_herhistheir hand to confirm the earring is still in place. Mauve blooms beneath the tanned freckles, the shining markings glittering along the leanhaun's skin before $o_shehethey bring$o_s $o_herhistheir palm to cover the left side of $o_herhistheir face with extra nervousness. You look down to your hands as well. <<if $pc_sameskin is true>> <<if $unseelie is true>> Your //painted, marked// hand. <<elseif $leanhaun is true>> Your //glowing, marked// hand. <<elseif $dryad is true>> Your //flora-marked// hand. <</if>> <<else>> Your //$pc_sh_skincolor//, <<if $unseelie is true>> //painted// hand. <<elseif $leanhaun is true>> //glowing// hand. <<elseif $dryad is true>> //flora-marked// hand. <</if>> <</if>> You throw both your hands up to try and feel your… <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "...earring, ensuring that it's still there." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $pc_horns to false>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "...antlers" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $pc_horns to true>> <<set $pc_horns_desc to "antlers">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "...horns that rise straight up from the top of my head." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $pc_horns to true>> <<set $pc_horns_desc to "point">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "...horns that rise from the top of my head and curve back along my skull." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $pc_horns to true>> <<set $pc_horns_desc to "mav">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "...horns that spiral upward." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $pc_horns to true>> <<set $pc_horns_desc to "spiral">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "...horns that curl and twist from the side of my head like a ram's." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "sixth">> <<set $pc_horns to true>> <<set $pc_horns_desc to "ram">> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $choice is "first">> A visceral panic takes hold as you throw your hand upward to clutch at your earring along with Oisein. <<elseif $choice is "second">> You throw both of your hands up to feel your antlers, and sure enough, the rough but familiar branches of your sheevra form are there to meet you. A visceral panic grips you next as you lower a shaky hand to your ear. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You throw both of your hands up to feel your horns, and sure enough, the rough but familiar surfaces that accompany your sheevra form are there to meet you. A visceral panic grips you next as you lower a shaky hand to your ear. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> You throw both of your hands up to feel your horns, and sure enough, the rough but familiar surfaces that accompany your sheevra form are there to meet you, your hands smoothing trails back over the curving surface and dropping down to the crown of your head. A visceral panic grips you next as you lower a shaky hand to your ear. <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> You throw both of your hands up to feel your horns, and sure enough, the rough but familiar surfaces that accompany your sheevra form are there to meet you, your hands smoothing trails up the swirling, spiral surfaces. A visceral panic grips you next as you lower a shaky hand to your ear. <<elseif $choice is "sixth">> You throw both of your hands up to feel your horns, and sure enough, the rough but familiar surfaces that accompany your sheevra form are there to meet you, your hands smoothing trails over the curving paths traced from your skull. A visceral panic grips you next as you lower a shaky hand to your ear. <</if>> The glamor foci is, of course, still there. Confusion grips at your throat and twists in your spine as you survey around you, trying to come to terms with when you could have possibly morphed and how now //you're exposed and in danger.// But you realize something else. <ul> <li> <<link "Sound goes lifeless, and the air stills." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> The paper from before hovers just above a stone embedded in the footpath. You look up to the bank. The light is still there, mid-flare. Unchanging. You look behind you and immediately tense at the mortalis running past the alley's entrance. Until you realize they're floating. Mid-stride. <ul> <li> <<link "Frozen." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 4>> Oisein inhales anxiously next to you, and in the corner of your eyes you see his glowing freckles begin to flicker and tremble before the light snuffs out. <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> //''I'll be honest, I misjudged how much the other Clans would care about Harpoc and Tacita.''// <<else>> //''I'll be honest, I misjudged how much the other Clans would care about Harpoc and''// <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline;"><div class="experiment-title" style="display:inline;">Tacita.</div></section> <</if>> <</liveblock>> A thousand voices glitch into the words until whoever, //whatever//, seems to settle on one. //''Ah well. Live and learn, I suppose.''// Another turn and you see them. How could you not see them before? <ul> <li><<link "THERE" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li></ul> <<case 5>> <<set $convo_counter to 0>> <<set $second_call to true>> <<set $asked_harpoc to false>> <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> <div class="center">Run. RUN. Don't SPEAK.</div> <<else>> <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="text-align:center; color:#8a8a8a"><div class="experiment-title" >Run. RUN. Don't SPEAK.</div></section> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <div class="center"><<link "The person." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> </div> <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch is true>> <div class="center">don't fight it. why not speak to them? let them know what you're thinking? confide in them?</div> <<else>> <div class="center"> don't fight it. why not speak to them? let them know what you're thinking? <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="display:inline; align: center;color:#8a8a8a"><div class="experiment-title" >confide in them?</div></section></div> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <<case 6>> They lean against a box nearby, fingers idly sorting through some of the exposed fruit and carelessly knocking down any they find lacking. At first you think their cloak is made of the same dark fabric as the rest of their clothes, blacks and greys that soak into their loose shirt, trousers, gloves, and boots. Until you see them roll a shoulder and watch as the colors shift and flicker into turquoise and pinks and pearls. Dark, opalescent, evolving magic hovers across the cloth and around the hood haloing their face. And there's a face there, you know there is. But you can't make it out. The hood is up but there wouldn't - //shouldn't// - be any shadows strong enough to blot out all the features of someone's face. Your mind rebels again and again, trying to compensate for the blind spot it can't resolve, staticky and //infuriating. // ''//Lucky me. Two little birdies with one stone, as they say.//'' <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"What are you?\" I ask softly." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $persuasive += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Oh, good, glad to put a face to the voices in my head. Sort of.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $sarcastic += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Who are you?!\" I demand angrily." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Stay quiet out of fear." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $intimidating += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Something feels wrong about trying to speak with them. I stay quiet and observe, determined not to let them catch me by surprise." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "I look to Oisein, hoping that $o_shehethey'll say something in my stead." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "sixth">> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 7>> <<if $choice is "first">> You steady your breathing. "//What// are you?" you ask softly, out loud. Where the face should be turns directly to the two of you. ''//A bit rude, asking 'What' and not 'Who.'//'' "I'm not sure if I'm in the mood for niceties," you say, unease clambering around in your stomach as Oisein shifts uncomfortably next to you. "And most people I have a conversation with don't speak directly into my //head.//" ''//Well I'm not most people, am I?//'' <<elseif $choice is "second">> Though you hate to admit it, it takes you a couple seconds to steady your breathing. "Well, this is good! Glad to put a face to the voices in my head. Sort of. Shame I can't actually see your face." "Really?" Oisein whispers next to you. "I'm all for confidence, but-" ''//Maybe you're just not trying hard enough.//'' They muse to you, shoulders shrugging and teetering near the edge of the maddening blur. <<elseif $choice is "third">> You quickly press pass the moment it takes for you to steady yourself, the anger quickly sparking in your blood. "Who are you?!" you demand, letting the fervor lash out. Oisein steps close behind you, and the hood turns to you both, though the face is still unreadable. ''//Quite a question, but not the right question.//'' They respond coolly, calmly, unimpressed. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Tremors begin to vibrate out from the epicenter in your chest, and you clench your fists in an attempt to steady yourself. Lips press //hard// against each other as you stare at the figure in front of you. Oisein steps close behind you, and the hood turns to you both, though the face is still unreadable. ''//Not one for conversation?//'' They motion a hand at themself. You say nothing. ''//Well, that's fine. Though it will really make this easier if you actually speak. At least a little less awkward.//'' <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> You quiet the nerves that threaten to blossom and steady your breathing. Nothing will be gained if you panic now, so you stay quiet and observe, determined not to let them catch you by surprise. Oisein steps close behind you, and the hood turns and tilts toward you both, though the face is still unreadable. ''//Well aren't you unshakable. That's likely to change, however. //'' <<elseif $choice is "sixth">> You quiet the nerves that threaten to blossom and try with some success to steady your breathing. Looking to Oisein, you hope to find some sign that $o_shehethey'll have something to say instead. But the blond just shakes $o_herhistheir head and swallows hard, the goosebumps easily visible and jittering across their neck. The hooded, maddeningly hidden face tilts slightly and hands prop up onto their legs as they survey you. ''//Well aren't you unshakable. That's likely to change, however. //'' <</if>> They kick away from the box as their magic approaches you, but you instinctively step back. Usually when you feel the residual energy of another sheevra or mortalis' magic, it's a feeling. Invisible, but existing. But //their// magic reaches out to you with tendrils you can almost see. Inky, revolting molasses you can almost touch. It's //wrong,// this magic. One moment sheevra, the next mortalis. Then decidedly sheevra. Then only mortalis. Their cloak glides over the dirty stone and follows their step as they take one towards you and you take a matching step back, repulsed. Oisein steps back as well, sensing the same strange magic as you. The cloaked stranger stops moving forward and lengthens their spine, their height taller than average. ''//Oh, I'd love to know what's going through your head right now.//'' <hr> <ul> <li> <<link "\"I don't care what you are, what did you do with Clan Harpoc? With Tacita?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $asked_harpoc to true>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Sheevra..?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Mortalis...?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <</link>></li> <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch>> <li> stoptalking''stoptalking''runrunrunrunrunrunrunrunr </li> <<else>> <li> <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="color:#8a8a8a"><div class="experiment-title" >stoptalking''stoptalking''runrunrunrunrunrunrunrunr</div></section> </li> <</if>> <</liveblock>> <li> <<link "\"...I don't know.\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "Keep quiet. I don't like the idea of opening up my thoughts or words to this...existence." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fifth">> <<set $second_call to false>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 8>> <<if $choice is "first">> An angry glower consumes your face. "I don't care what or who you are. What did you do with Clan Harpoc?" you fume. "With Tacita? Where are the sheevra of this city?" <<elseif $choice is "second">> You falter. "Your magic is more sheevra…I think?" <<elseif $choice is "third">> You hesitate. "Your magic is…it's more mortalis…I think," <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> Your heart stutters. "…I don't know what your magic is." <<elseif $choice is "fifth">> <<if $convo_counter is 0>> You continue to hold your tongue, not wanting to reach out to this strange entity, and keeping your thoughts to yourself. <<else>> You decide to keep quiet this time, not wanting to continue reaching out to this strange, entity and keeping your thoughts to yourself.<</if>> <</if>> <<if $second_call and ($asked_harpoc is false)>> They don't respond, remaining still as they digest your answer. ''//Well, that is something, at least…//'' <<elseif $asked_harpoc>> They don't respond, remaining still as they digest your accusations. ''//Does it matter?//'' they ask. ''//You have no idea what you're dealing with, but here you are, blindly following orders. Are you sure you even want to find out?//'' Something about the way they pose the question sparks unease and an inkling of fear that trickles down your throat. <<else>> They don't respond for a moment either, digesting your lack of answer. A low grumble that you realize is a laugh sounds out from their indistinguishable mouth. ''//Wiser than you realize.//'' <</if>> They take another step forward, considering you and crossing their arms in front of them. //''But what shall I do with you then? I've already gotten rid of one scout, do I get rid of a few more?''// You hear a hum. //''A two for one deal, really. Sirin wouldn't be able to ignore me then! Or else if you'd like, I'll take $o_herhimthem,''// They point to Oisein. //''and give you a chance to run to make things a bit more interesting.''// <<if $o_friendship > 5>> The sheevra in question snarls and steps forward ahead of you, a metallic clinking sounding from his side. The buckles around one of his daggers falls loose against his thigh and he hands you the blade, determination set in the lines of his face. Your fingers wrap around the cool metal of the hilt and the rough leather. The stranger's head tilts back and they laugh, ugly and dissonant. ''//Oh, little fawn. Do you really think your fangs are sharp enough for me?//'' "Fuck off," $o_shehethey bark$o_s back. "You won't have either of us today, and especially not $pc_herhimthem." The //shing// of metal echoes between you as $o_shehethey unsheathe$o_s $o_herhistheir other dagger. Enraged, defiant notes of magic start to glide outward as the pathos builds in $o_herhistheir limbs. <<else>> The sheevra in question steps beside you, a metallic clinking sounding from his side. The buckles around one of his daggers falls loose against his thigh and he hands you the blade, nervous determination set in the lines of his face. Your fingers wrap around the cool metal of the hilt and the rough leather. The stranger's head tilts back and they laugh, ugly and dissonant. ''//Oh, little fawn. Do you really think your fangs are sharp enough for me?//'' Oisein says nothing, the slow //shing// of metal echoing between you as $o_shehethey unsheathe$o_s $o_herhistheir other dagger. Jagged, nervous notes of magic start to glide outward as the pathos gathers in $o_herhistheir limbs. <</if>> <hr> <ul> <<liveblock>> <<if $disableglitch>> <li> //GOGOGOGO''GOGOGOGO''// </li> <<else>> <li> <section class="portfolio-experiment" style="color:#8a8a8a"><div class="experiment-title" >//GOGOGOGO''GOGOGOGO''//</div></section> </li> <</if>><</liveblock>> <li> <<link "\"You're the one, aren't you? The one responsible for the change in the Arids. So why are you doing this?\"" `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "first">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <<set $unsheathe to false>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"I'd like to see you try to get rid of us.\" I'm not completely confident we can take them, but I'll be damned if we go down without a fight." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "second">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "\"Your magic, powerful or not, can only get you so far,\" I say, hoping I'm right in my hunch that they can't keep up this space forever." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "third">> <<set $convo_counter += 1>> <</link>></li> <li> <<link "That's enough of listening to this thing's gibberish, I won't let it get inside my head. I unsheathe Oisein's dagger and ready for an attack." `passage()`>> <<set $textGroup += 1>> <<set $choice to "fourth">> <<set $thing_resp to true>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<case 9>> <<if $choice is "first">> "You're the one, aren't you?" you start quietly. "The one responsible for the change in the Arids." You pause, and Oisein brings $o_herhistheir dagger up higher, grip tightening around the hilt. Another breath. "Why are you doing this?" You can almost feel them thinking, carefully considering their rebuttal. ''//Poor things.//'' They finally say. There aren't any eyes or an expression for you to read, but you could swear you hear genuine pity in the voice. ''//But you won't have to worry about anything for too much longer.//'' <<elseif $choice is "second">> Lifting your shoulders as high as you can muster, you stand up against them. Insanely powerful magic user, true, but you'll be damned if you go down without a fight. "I'd like to see you try to get rid of us," you say, a matching sound to Oisein's chiming in the alley as you take out the dagger. ''//It would barely take me a thought, you cheeky child.//'' They say back, bored. ''//But alright. If you insist.//'' <<elseif $choice is "third">> Mulling over the words, you think through each one and sift through the sentence to make sure it makes sense. "Your magic," you decide to press, "powerful or not, it can only get you so far. And I'd say you'll hit your limit sooner than you expect." There aren't any eyes for you to watch, but you can almost feel them thinking, carefully considering their rebuttal. But they don't. ''//Well deduced, little one,//'' they admit. A small swell of pride lifts in your ribs. ''//But getting rid of you should be quick enough.//'' The swell crashes down and your hands quickly fumble for the dagger, a sound to match Oisein's chiming in the alley as you take it from its case. <<elseif $choice is "fourth">> <<if $convo_counter is 0>> You haven't been trying to strike up a conversation, and you're definitely not going to start now. <<else>> No, that's enough of listening to this thing's gibberish. <</if>> You're tired of staring into their confounding 'face', and you're tired of playing these games. <<if $rails>> This person is the one responsible for the magic underground, at the bank, and in the Arids. <<else>> This person is the one responsible for the odd alluring magic at the bank, and in the Arids. <</if>> You're sure of it. But this isn't how this confrontation needs to go. Not on their terms. Not in their domain. A sound to match Oisein chiming in the alley as you take out the dagger and ready your own magic for rebuttal. <</if>> They readjust their shoulders and limbs, an almost unnatural motion, as if needing to realign each joint in their body sequentially out of habit. Oisein's boot scratches softly against stone as $o_shehethey widen$o_s $o_herhistheir stance. <<if $unsheathe is false>> A sound to match Oisein's blade chimes in the alley as you take out the dagger and ready your own magic for rebuttal. <</if>> You lift your hands in front of your chest, starting to thread your magic into your free arm. The stillness seeps into all three of you. <ul> <li> <<link "And then they disappear." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 10>> Your eyes dart around and Oisein <<if $o_friendship > 5>> steps closer to you, flaring <<else>> flares <</if>> $o_herhistheir magic, ready to unleash it. //Where did they-// ... <ul> <li> <<link "..too slow." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 11>> <div class="center"> <<link "The maddening hood is inches from your face." "Chapter3-OiseinReviverFight">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>> </div> <<case 823902>> [[Chapter3-OiseinReviverFight]] <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup +=1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</switch>>

<<switch $textGroup>> <<case 1>> <<if $o_friendship > 5>> <<set $o_ch3_hurt to true>> //''Back in the alley…''// ——- Something heavy lays across your stomach. <<else>> <<set $o_ch3_hurt to false>> //''Back in the alley…''// ——- Something is shaking you. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 2>> <<if $o_friendship > 5>> Blond hair falls over closed eyes and a half shattered antler. <<else>> Blond hair haloes a worried face, and two lavender lights glow like a beacon. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 3>> <div class="center"> <<if $o_friendship > 5>> <<link "//Are we dead?//" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> <<else>> <<link "//Am I dead?//" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>> <</if>> </div> <<case 4>> A high-pitched whine rings in your ears as your vision begins to settle. <<if $o_friendship > 5>> The first thing you feel is the weight of Oisein's body against you. Limp. You think you say $o_herhistheir name but it comes out strangled on your dry throat. You try again, with more force, hearing the barest squeak from your mouth as you move a scratched arm to try and shake $o_herhimthem. "O-Oisein?" <<else>> The first thing you see is Oisein's worried face and nervous, rapid tones chiming in the magic that courses through you. But there's something else. A darkness inside you that grows and threatens to consume. Your sight starts to blacken again with the faintest edges of color. Like the swirling auroras of the Equinox… You feel your head loll back as the inky void opens its arms to embrace you- "Hey. Hey $pc_name! C'mon, please!" Comes the muffled, desperate voice. "Fight it, c'mon!" Oisein's magic courses into your veins and you begin to hear the music more clearly. Its melodies and chords shine brightly against the dusk that wants to set in your mind, instead urging your consciousness to rise. It builds and builds into a symphony that refuses to release you, until finally, you surrender to it instead. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 5>> <<if $o_friendship > 5>> There's a vibration where $o_shehethey<<print $o_isare>> pressed against you, and you're fairly sure you've never heard a sweeter sound than the pained groan of your living, breathing friend. Shimmying out from underneath $o_herhimthem, and easing $o_herhistheir body off of yours, you roll $o_herhimthem over along the ground. You glance once down at $o_herhistheir closed eyes, and then up. At destruction. <<else>> Gasping, your eyes fly open again and you shoot a hand out, gripping at the fabric at Oisein's shoulder. Their relieved smile registers first, the hardness of their knees at your back second. Your head rolls to the side along their thigh out towards the alley's exit. The third thing that registers is destruction. <</if>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 6>> The figure from before is keeled over, hand pressed against a wall as a fire rages behind them. Flickering oranges and reds, as well as blues and green devour the bank amid the once green courtyard. Timber alights and crackles as the bank begins to convulse and collapse on itself. Cloak pressed over their body, the stranger rises. Grips their neck. Stumbles into the wall again. And you know, as well as they do, that the illusion on their face has dropped. Shattered in the outpouring of magic that's currently overwhelming their body. But they maintain their facade and keep their head low before they turn, back facing you as they stagger towards the bank. <<if $o_friendship < 6>> You feel Oisein's hand twitch beside you. <</if>> The stranger crashes a shoulder against the bricks, before their face turns to speak over their shoulder. "I'm going to do what the sheevra and mortalis have failed to do for millennia," they say //out loud//, voice syrupy despite the strain evident in their posture. You can barely see them as fire crackles in front of you, but you can feel the raw determination in their words. "I'm going to revive this world. Remember that." They disappear, whether into the fire or just around the corner, you can't be sure. <<if $o_friendship > 5>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 11>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup to 101>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 11>> Hidden tension still clings to your shoulders for a few more seconds, convinced the person will careen back around the corner to finish you off. But you're able to exhale out the air when you're convinced that they won't return for now. Looking down at your hands, you realize your markings <<if $pc_sameskin>> have disintegrated into your mortalis form again. <<else>> have disintegrated into your mortalis form again, and your $pc_sh_skincolor skin has morphed to $pc_skincolor.<</if>> Which just leaves the fire. And your semi-conscious fellow sheevra. You look back to where you entered the alley. And an entrance blocked with debris and boxes. Okay. <ul> <li> <<link "One thing at a time." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 12>> "Oisein. Oisein?" You call $o_herhistheir name again and again, trying to guide $o_herhistheir consciousness home. Slivers of lavender begin to shudder at your voice, and $o_herhistheir lips start to move around words. "Dark… and… -roras?" "Oisein. Oisein, you're in Renescen. Come on, it's me, $pc_name." Hovering your hand near $o_herhistheir chest, <<if $leanhaun>> you urge what pathos you have left to come forward, begging it to help you now. <<else>> you try to manipulate the pathos within you, begging it to come forward despite your usual preferences.<</if>> It doesn't quite gather with the force you want, but you can still feel it beat in time with your heart as it readies to trickle out. Your pulse carries it down your arm, before syncing to the faint, weak beat of Oisein's heart and the rhythm of $o_herhistheir lungs. And then a gasp as $o_herhistheir eyes widen, pupils darting to your face. <ul> <li> <<link "\"$pc_name?\"" `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 13>> "Yeah," you practically laugh out. "It's me." <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> start$o_s to lean upward with your help, rubbing fingers at $o_herhistheir eyelids past a groan. "Thanks for the boost," $o_shehethey whisper$o_s with a wince. Clenching your jaw, you sigh out and begin to stand, offering your hand to help $o_herhimthem up. "Sorry, know you've only gotten a little bit of energy," you watch the fire paint colors across the ground and $o_herhistheir face, "but we need to move." "Suppose it'd be a bit of a loss dying to a measly fire after surviving that, huh?" $o_shehethey give$o_s a pained //oof// before lifting <<print $o_herhimthem>>self up on your hand. "Why-" you pause and watch the reflection of the climbing flames in the alley puddles. "Why would you do that?" Anger and worry start leaking into your questions. "What's //wrong// with you?" "Don't know if there's enough time in the world to unpack that one," $o_shehethey chuckle$o_s while dusting off $o_herhistheir pants, trying to clean up $o_herhistheir shirt as much as possible. "Especially not now, huh?" The scar flashes in your mind again, but you stay your tongue. While you straighten, the two of you take a moment to stare at the bank as it crumbles in prismatic destruction. "We should go," $o_shehethey whisper$o_s. "… Right." You keep close to the walls as you navigate your way out and down the alley you came down with the Healer before, following the crowds of mortalis circling around the spectacle towards the Falls Road. Flickering fragments of illusion magic begin to disintegrate, and the collapsing building howls a dying lament in the flames. <<if $convo_counter >= 3>> <<set $ch3_connected to true>> <ul> <li> [[What have you done?|Chapter3-FrontofBank][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul> <<else>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-FrontofBank">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <<case 101>> Pain still lances through your chest as you turn back to Oisein, who helps you sit up. <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> gingerly place$o_s a hand at your upper back. "Well, we managed to survive that one, at least," $o_shehethey breathe$o_s out, and you can just feel $o_herhistheir palm raise. Foggy thoughts start to gain some clarity, and you realize that it's $o_herhistheir tanned hand that rises above and flickers with some of the last dregs of $o_herhistheir pathos. Oisein's song swells inside your chest now, and you can feel each chord, each cadence, the motifs clear in $o_herhistheir music. It rings into your mind and almost sings in your throat as you feel it uplift your senses and soothe any pain and fatigue away. You blink as your vision becomes clearer and your body mutes the aches, magic invigorating a second wind of energy into your core. Vitality sparks in your gut, urges the breath into your lungs and pushes aside the dread and doubts and uncertainty, and you feel like you could run the length of Renescen. "O-Oisein?" <<print $o_shehethey.toUpperFirst()>> sigh$o_s out the tension clinging to $o_herhistheir shoulders with a tired smile and looks up. <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." `passage()`>><<set $textGroup += 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <<case 102>> "Know you've just got some of your wits about you, and my magic will only help you for so long," $o_shehethey casts $o_herhistheir eyes back to you apologetically, "but we've got to move." "… glamour…?" "Yeah, kicked back in when that space collapsed, but the way we came's blocked. Can you stand? We'll have to work our way past all… that." A half-hearted hum of affirmation later, you begin to stand on shaking legs. Oisein supports you as best $o_shehethey can, and watches you warily as you steady. While you straighten, the two of you take a moment to stare at the bank as it crumbles in prismatic destruction. "We should go," $o_shehethey whisper$o_s. "… Right." You keep close to the walls as you navigate your way out and down the alley you came down with the Healer before, following the crowds of mortalis circling around the spectacle towards the Falls Road. Flickering fragments of illusion magic begin to disintegrate, and the collapsing building howls a dying lament in the flames. <<if $convo_counter >= 3>> <<set $ch3_connected to true>> <ul> <li> [[What have you done?|Chapter3-FrontofBank][$textGroup=1]]</li> </ul> <<else>> <ul> <li> <<link "Continue." "Chapter3-FrontofBank">><<set $textGroup to 1>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>> <</switch>>

Double-click this passage to edit it.