Shadow's Kiss

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The halls echo with your steps. Only your silent taps on the stone floors. The figure leading you walks silently, and without the hand on your shoulder guiding you forward, you wouldn't know there was a person there. This is more or less your choice, but this place is still intimidating in its grandness. Even the entrance hall you just entered is big enough that the ceiling seems to reach the sky. The only light coming from the open door and windows high up, showing clear, moonlit sky. The stone under your worn down shoes is grey and shiny, shadows near the walls and around the columns seem to hide shadowy, dark things that are moving, stalking you. The shadows seem longer than they should be, blacker than they could be and moving in ways that no shadow should move. For a moment you think you catch sight of shadowy people before they disappear into the dark voids of corners and crevices. It should scare you but you are tired and hungry. Sick of fending for yourself so when you saw one of the dark figures, wearing a white blank mask and black clothing, you took the chance. Even after you watched the figure slay a man with no hesitation, effortlessly. It had been a no good man, a scary man, that all the streetkids knew to stay away from. It was a quick, efficient kill even when the murderer plead and claimed to be of a high born status, it did nothing to sway the blade from his neck. You should have been afraid, and maybe you were, but you felt the coldness around you, the hopelessness of your situation and spoke up. To have a chance. [[Take me with you.]]

It was a pathetic plea, almost inaudible. A whispered, desperate plea but you were heard. Your hand was taken and you were led to the edges of the city. A thought entered your head, advise from someone older that was long since gone, that you could be led to a more isolated spot, killed, hurt if you followed them. Maybe something even worse, that was not spoken of, but did it matter? The pale moon was still in the sky, the night in the city dark and lifeless in the late hours. The few people who were out and about steered clear of you and your escort. They wouldn’t even sneer at you the way they usually would during the day. Scared glances all they spared for you. So you two walked in silence, undisturbed. The late hour starts to slow down your step, and you look down, focusing on walking and not tripping on the cobbled street. The predawn grey was making the shadows lighter along the streetcorners, when finally your escort tugged at your hand and started to climb up the stairs. You gazed up and up at the imposing tall building as your feet stop at the bottom of long wide staircase leading to the wide open double doors. "We're here," the figure says and starts to pull you up the stone stairs. You follow. It's too late to turn back. You won't turn back. You walk up and up and up to the doorway to the seeming abyss and hesitate for the first time since you took the gloved hand. The figure stops and turns their white, eerie mask to you. Questioning. There are no eyes, just black holes where they should be. You swallow, collect your courage, your strenght... [[You take the step]]

You walkthrough the hall and at the end there's a table and a person sitting behind it. Waiting. You are pushed gently in front of the table as the person behind it lights a candle. A sharp light in the grey tones of the hall. When your eyes adjust you can see a book laid open on the table, though you’d need to stand on your tiptoes to see clearly what’s written on it. The figure behind the table is cloaked the same way everyone has been since you entered through the doors. The hand is steady as it dips a pen into ink and then the white mask looks at you. No markings, only the wear of time across the white paint differs from the figure that escorted you here. The eyes are gone behind the dark slits of the mask. The figure leans closer, over the table. Still, you can see nothing past the black holes where eyes should be. Maybe they are the eyes? You take an involuntary step back, people leaning over you has been a sign of danger, but a heavy hand on your shoulder stops you from running away. The escort has been kind, gentle even up to this point and the fingers don't dig into you painfully but the message is sill clear. Stay still. “Are you afraid?” The masked figure asks, voice mumbled, unrecognizably anonymous. [[Yes.]] [[No.]]

<<set $brave to $brave + 10>> "I see." The figure leans back again and the hand on your shoulder lets you go as the figure scribbles something down. You don't move the stone floor has trapped your feet into it. "How old are you child?" You shrug. You don't have a sure answer. Time has had little meaning for the last few years. [["Nine?" You hazard a guess. It sounds like a good age to be?|age]]

<<set $cautious to $cautious + 10>> "I see." The figure leans back again and the hand on your shoulder lets you go as the figure scribbles something down. You don't move the stone floor has trapped your feet into it. "How old are you child?" You shrug. You don't have a sure answer. Time has had little meaning for the last few years. [["Nine?" You hazard a guess. It sounds like a good age to be?|age]]

Your guess, that might have been closer to a lie, goes without a comment, though you feel two pairs of eyes looking at you. You know you don't look like a nine year old, too skinny, too small but with enought baby fat on your cheeks to make begging easier. Still, the figure nods again, writes something down not challenging you on it. Then looks back at you, the black eyeholes unnerving. “When you enter the halls of the Order there will be no going back. Will there be someone waiting for you outside?” The question is not asked with maliciousness. If anything they seem to not trulycare about your answers. You swallow and shake your head. [[You have never had anyone (orphan)]] [[Your father died a year ago the only relative you ever knew.]] [[Your mother died a year ago the only relative you ever knew.]]

<<set $Parent to "none">> Another scribble but no comments, no fake sympathy. “What’s your name then, child? We do not care if you were born with it but it will be the one we will use from now on so please think carefully.” You pause. Do you want to start anew or use what you have used as your name this far? Your name has brought you no joy in life, rarely has anyone ever used it, but it is yours. It’s the only thing ever given to you, not something you've had to fight, plead or bargain for. On the other hand this is a new chance, a new life away from the streets. Choosing a new name could be the start of that. [[My name is...]]

<<set $Parent to "dad">> Another scribble but no comments, no fake sympathy. “What’s your name then, child? We do not care if you were born with it but it will be the one we will use from now on so please think carefully.” You pause. Do you want to start anew or use what your father had given you? Your name has brought you no joy in life, rarely has anyone ever used it, but it is yours. It’s the only thing your parents ever gave you, or at least your father cared enough to give it to you. On the other hand this is a new chance, a new life away from the streets. Choosing a new name could be the start of that. [[My name is...]]

<<set $Parent to "mom">> Another scribble but no comments, no fake sympathy. “What’s your name then, child? We do not care if you were born with it but it will be the one we will use from now on so please think carefully.” You pause. Do you want to start anew or use what your mother had given you? Your name has brought you no joy in life, rarely has anyone ever used it, but it is yours. It’s the only thing your parents ever gave you, or at least your mother cared enough to give it to you. On the other hand this is a new chance, a new life away from the streets. Choosing a new name could be the start of that. [[My name is...]]

Enter your name: <<textbox "$name" "">> You may not have born with it but it is what you have [[chosen]].

The figure writes it down. “So, $name. A few more questions and then I think you should be escorted to go rest for a day or two. Were you born a boy or a girl?” <<link "A girl" |AGirl>> <<set $born to "girl">> <</link>> <<link "A boy" |ABoy>> <<set $born to "boy">> <</link>> <<link "I could pass for both?" |nonbin>> <<set $born to "nonbinary">> <</link>>

Now, there’s a slight hesitation before anything is written down. “And do you want to be know as such?” You’re surprised. Sure, some of the other kids and older people living on the streets sometimes wanted to be called other than what they would have perhaps otherwise in society. <<link 'Configure your gender and pronouns.'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>> <<set $pastgender to "girl">> [[You are sure.]]

Now, there’s a slight hesitation before anything is written down. “And how do you want to be perceived?” You’re surprised. Sure, some of the other kids and older people living on the streets sometimes wanted to be called other than what they would have perhaps otherwise in society. <<link 'Configure your gender and pronouns.'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>> <<set $pastgender to "child">> [[You are sure.]]

This time the slight nod seems to indicate that they had taken your answer as final and the ink fills one more line in the book. You sway a little in your spot. Your feet hurt something terrible and you’re always sore from the streets and the cold weather. The heavy hand takes a hold of your shoulder once again but this time seems steady you more than any other purpose. You could swear that it pats you gently once before stilling as a steady, warm weight on your skinny shoulder. “Think that’s enough for now, rest for ?her now. You can fill your books later,” the figure behind you says The voice is sounds lighter and more clear, younger. Still you can’t begin to guess the exact age or gender. There’s a small pause as the two adults look at each other and a conversation apparently happens though no words or visible communication is had. “I’ll make it quick.” The one with the book concedes and then looks at you directly in the eyes. You hear a sigh behind you and a second hand sets on your shoulders, pulling you slightly to lean against strong body. They seem to not care how you stiffen in anticipation, though nothing else happens. “Eyes seem to be..” <<link "Blue"|Eyecolor>> <<set $eyecolor to "blue">> <</link>> <<link "Green"|Eyecolor>> <<set $eyecolor to "green">> <</link>> <<link "Grey"|Eyecolor>> <<set $eyecolor to "grey">> <</link>> <<link "Brown"|Eyecolor>> <<set $eyecolor to "brown">> <</link>> <<link "Black"|Eyecolor>> <<set $eyecolor to "black">> <</link>> <<link "Gold"|Eyecolor>> <<set $eyecolor to "golden">> <</link>>

“Hair…” <<link "White"|Haircolor>> <<set $haircolor to "white">> <</link>> <<link "Blond"|Haircolor>> <<set $haircolor to "blond">> <</link>> <<link "Red"|Haircolor>> <<set $haircolor to "red">> <</link>> <<link "Auburn"|Haircolor>> <<set $haircolor to "auburn">> <</link>> <<link "Brown"|Haircolor>> <<set $haircolor to "brown">> <</link>> <<link "Dark Brown"|Haircolor>> <<set $haircolor to "dark brown">> <</link>> <<link "Black"|Haircolor>> <<set $haircolor to "dark brown">> <</link>>

Everything is written down as you just stand there, relaxing sligtly to the lean. A longer look, from your hair to your toes and then a gentle question: “Do you know where your parents hailed from?” You could swear that the question was asked with a slight hesitance. You nod. That's one thing that had been passed down to you, your only tie to your heritage. (Choice does not determine skin tone) [[They hailed from the far North. A land of snow and wide open fields. They are tall, strong people known for their physical strenght and survival skills.]] [[They were from the South. Jungles and heat make it inhospitable to many but the people there have vast amount hidden knowledge about the world and it's secrets.]] [[They were from the West. A sea fairing people born in the rocky land in the archipelagos and roughened up by the storm winds.]]

<<set $WIS to $WIS + 10>> <<set $STR to $STR + 10>> No matter where my parents came from my skin is.. <<link "Pale"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "pale">> <</link>> <<link "Tan"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "tan">> <</link>> <<link "Olive"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "olive">> <</link>> <<link "Gold"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "golden">> <</link>> <<link "Warm Brown"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "warm brown">> <</link>> <<link "Deep Brown"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "deep brown">> <</link>> <<link "Black"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "black">> <</link>>

<<set $WIS to $WIS + 10>> <<set $INT to $INT + 10>> No matter where my parents came from my skin is.. <<link "Pale"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "pale">> <</link>> <<link "Tan"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "tan">> <</link>> <<link "Olive"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "olive">> <</link>> <<link "Gold"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "golden">> <</link>> <<link "Warm Brown"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "warm brown">> <</link>> <<link "Deep Brown"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "deep brown">> <</link>> <<link "Black"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "black">> <</link>>

<<set $INT to $INT + 10>> <<set $STR to $STR + 10>> No matter where my parents came from my skin is.. <<link "Pale"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "pale">> <</link>> <<link "Tan"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "tan">> <</link>> <<link "Olive"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "olive">> <</link>> <<link "Gold"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "golden">> <</link>> <<link "Warm Brown"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "warm brown">> <</link>> <<link "Deep Brown"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "deep brown">> <</link>> <<link "Black"|skin>> <<set $skincolor to "black">> <</link>>

“I think that’s fine for now. Take $name to the Matron to sort out for now.” The pen and ink are put away as the hands on your shoulders starts to push you away from the table towards a door and into the shadows behind it. You stumble a bit but are held from falling. The door leads to a hallway with no light. The candlelight from the desk disappears as the door shuts behind you. Here you are completely blind, but the hands pushing you forward never let you stray or stumble. There’s no hesitation in the steps behind you as you walk forward. You start to stumble and fall in the dark once again, strong hands catching you before your knees meet the floor and lift you up. You’re tugged against a strong chest, carried on in steady arms. “Won’t be long now. You’re safe.” The mumbling in the dark is not soothing even if the words are meant to be. But they seem to be true as soon small light appears, after rounding a corner. Just a flickering light coming from underneath a door to cut through the dark. The door opens silently when pushed. It seems to be as well maintained and cared for as any you've seen here. A hunched up figure sits in a rocking chair, black robes and white mask again, the candle burning on a small table by their side. This mask is painted with dark grey lines, to resemble wrinkles, you’d guess. But the lone candle casts too little light to make anything else clearly visible. What you do see is the way their snore cuts short and their turns to look at you both. “A child this time of night? The morning bell rings in a few turns.” The voice is clearly female and old, croaky and muffled as all the others had been. You’re set back down on your feet and a yawn escapes from you. “?she can sleep for a few hours and then join for first meal,” there might a hint of amusement behind the monotone voice. “Perhaps a bath? Let the child rest for the lessons for today. As you said it’s late.” Her chair creaks as she stands up and reaches to take your hand. You take it, hesitantly. Her hand is dry, soft and all wrinkly and unlike the other two wears no gloves. The touch is also rather gentle and soothing as you are led away from the light once again. “You are too young to tell me what to do, cousin. Now shoo before you wake one of the little ones,” she makes a dismissive hand wave. You hear a dry chuckle and when you turn to look back the figure, cousin, is gone. [[“Where did they go?”]]

“Gone to bed I assume, as should you.” The old woman starts to tug you away from the door. You spot sleeping forms huddled together and wrapped in blankets along the walls. You walk further away from the only light and towards the back of the room. Even when the candles light starts to become insufficient in the massive room, her steps don’t falter. She tugs you along and you see and hear sleeping forms all around you, all of them kids you’d guess though different ages. The light is almost gone when she stops and pushes you gently forward. “There’s a spot open. Just lay down and I’ll bring you a blanket,” she looks down at your threadbare clothing, “or perhaps two.” She pats your head and goes to the wall at the end of the room, opening a chest. You look down. There’s a form snoring softly but there seems to be enough room left to sleep on the one mattress without touching if you try. On the other hand, it’s cold and cuddling while sleeping is always a sure way to keep warm. [[You keep your distance. You don’t want people that close.]] [[You sneak as close as you dare without waking the sleeping child. Warmth is warmth.]]

<<set $cautious to $cautious + 10>> A moment or two before you find a comfortable position on the mattress. It's a bit cold and you have to sleep on your side to not touch the other sleeper. It’s soft but firm, better than the streets. A dry and clean place to sleep is a step up in the world as it is. You sigh with exhaustion as you curl into a ball, a more contented sigh escapes you involuntarily as a heavy wool blanket is dropped on top of you. What surprises you is that you’re also tugged in. Warm, dry hands tug the blanket around you silently. It creates a weird tight feeling in the pit of your stomach and your throat feels hoarse. You swallow heavily. It’s been a long time since anyone showed even the most superficial kindness to you. [[“Sleep tight.” You hear and then you’re out like a candle.]]

<<set $brave to $brave + 10>> You lay down and scoot as close as you dare to the blanketed form without actually touching. You hope whoever it is won’t mind when morning comes. A moment or two before you find a comfortable position on the mattress. It’s soft but firm, better than the streets. A dry and clean place to sleep is a step up in the world as it is. You sigh with exhaustion as you curl into a ball, a more contented sigh escapes you involuntarily as a heavy wool blanket is dropped on top of you. What surprises you is that you’re also tugged in. Warm, dry hands tug the blanket around you silently. It creates a weird tight feeling in the pit of your stomach and your throat feels hoarse. You swallow heavily. It’s been a long time since anyone showed even the most superficial kindness to you. [[“Sleep tight.” You hear and then you’re out like a candle.]]

You wake up warm, dry and cosy. There’s windows showing light inside the previously dark room and you see, hear and feel people moving around you, chattering to each other. There’s also a pair of pale grey eyes looking at you from the other side of the mattress. You startle, sitting up straight. <<if $cautious gte 20>> Scooting backwards until your butt hits the cold stone floor you cast the person a suspicious look. Both of you stare, neither willing or perhaps just not sure how to react to the other. “Hi?” <<else>> You blink at the other person as they blink back at you. Both of you stare, neither willing or perhaps just unsure how to react to each other. “Hi?” You say, voice soft but audible in the noise of the morning. <</if>> [[“Hi,” the boy says back.]] [[“Hi,” the girl says back.]]

He’s about your age, skin pale and hair almost white in this light. It’s grown almost to his ears, though sticking up in every direction right now, creating almost a halo effect from the morning sun. His eyes are pale grey, and with the pale linen tunic he has on, he looks like the colours of the world have not quite reached him. [["I'm Hede. Who are you?"]] <<set $hedGender to "male">> <<set $heshe to "he">> <<set $himher to "him">> <<set $hisher to "his">> <<set $boygirl to "boy">> <<set $boysgirls to "boys">> <<set $manwoman to "man">> <<set $menwomen to "men">> <<set $guygirl to "guy">> <<set $guysgirls to "guys">> <<set $sirmaam to "sir">> <<set $HeShe to "He">>

She’s about your age, skin pale and hair almost white in this light. It’s grown just past her ears, though sticking up in every direction creating almost a halo effect from the morning sun. Her eyes are pale grey, and with the pale linen tunic she has on, she looks like the colours of the world have not quite reached her. [["I'm Hede. Who are you?"]] <<set $HeShe to "She">> <<set $charGender is "female">> <<set $heshe to "she">> <<set $himher to "her">> <<set $hisher to "hers">> <<set $boygirl to "girl">> <<set $boysgirls to "girls">> <<set $manwoman to "woman">> <<set $menwomen to "women">> <<set $guygirl to "girl">> <<set $guysgirls to "girls">> <<set $sirmaam to "ma'am">>

“I’m $name. Sorry, that you had to share,” you say gesturing to the mattress. There’s a ringing bell in the distance and $heshe waves $hisher hand not seeming to mind it the least. In fact $heshe seems more interested in the ringing bell. Hede stands up and offers you $hisher hand. “It’s allright. At least I was warm and your smell reminds of when I used to sleep in the stables,” $heshe laughs and hauls you to your feet when you place a tentative hand to $hisher. $HeShe is surprisingly strong and when you stand up, you know notice $heshe is also few inches taller than you. A bit unfair as they are skinny as a skeleton. And coming from you that's saying something “Come on then, $name. There’s breakfast and I’m dying to know where you came from!” Hede starts to lead you away from the comfort of your sleeping place, from the safety of the room. You try to hide a yawn as all the other kids cast glances at you but file neatly out in line without asking anything. “Only if you answer a few of mine,” you say, looking down at your hands, still joined. Hede doesn't seem to notice, eagerly tugging you to stand at the end of the line. [[“I asked first but sure! What do you want to know?”]]

You can't come with anything on the spot to ask, all the things burning at your mind seem too important to just ask in front of so many people. You count more children than you have fingers and toes but not by much. Hede looks at you, pale eyes taking in your worn clothes, dirty hair and skin, the way your fingers are cold and dry, thin as sticks. Opening $hisher mouth to say or ask something more but gets interrupted. “Mouths closed and feet moving,” a voice calls from the front of the row of hungry children, disturbing your thoughts and whatever Hede was about to say. A tall black robed woman, voice kind as she carries a toddler, who’s sucking a thumb tiredly, looks back at you. She’s different than the old one, Matron, from when you came in last night. “Of course, Cousin. Sorry!” Hede grins at her tucking you along once again. “Come on. There’s porridge and there’s been apple sauce for the past two days. I love apples. Do you?” $heshe chatters on, confident and smiling. There seems to be no one else walking in the corridors except the line of hungry children. You must surely look like a odd row of ducklings. [["Apples are fine."]]

You like apples. They are ripe and plentiful in the fall and sneaking a few out of the trees around the city has never been too dangerous. So it's what you've always had as the rare fresh fruit. “More than 'just all right'! Just wait until you taste the applesauce. It's the best. Just don’t steal any of mine,” Hede gives you a playful glare. “I wouldn’t steal from you,” you say, though even if it’s a lie, Hede doesn’t need to know. Your conversation stops as you walk to a hall. It lookslike a mess hall, bigger than any room you’ve ever seen outside of the Temple. The ceiling is high and the windows are up there as well, giving light to the room but not enabling anyone to see from outside directly. The room is pale stone all the way through, though there’s a huge fireplace taking much of one wall and long wooden tables and benches scattered around. You spy a few dark figures leaving hastily through another door as you enter. “Come on now, children. Wash your hands and take your seats,” you’re instructed, and then pointed towards one of the long tables. A water basin and towels are placed on the way to it. The water is warm and you manage to get most of the dirt out but it's still obvious that you haven't had a bath in long time. [[You sit at the table with the others.]]

A steaming, //huge// pot of porridge is brought to the table as well as a jar of jam to go around for you all. A wooden spoon and clay bowl as your weapons you attack into it. It tastes like the best thing ever. It’s been days, weeks since your last hot meal. The porridge isn’t thinned with water but thick enough that you are full after just one bowl. It doesn’t mean that you don’t want more. You take a look around, everyone else is still eating, taking their time, chatting. No one is afraid that their food will be taken away, no one is sneaking and hiding food for later. Though it might be because porridge and jam is disgusting if shoved into a pocket. You eye the bowl varily. Could you hide it somewhere and fetch it later? “You want more?” A voice asks behind you. You turn, vary, but the woman who lead you here sounds friendly. “Can I?” “Of course, if you want to. But there’s midday meal and if you’re not sure you can wait that long I can give you a few carrots from the kitchen.” The offer sounds sincere. Still, you’re not sure if you want to take it. <<if $cautious gte 20>> "No, thank you," you push back the bowl. You are afraid to ask for it. Maybe it's a trap? <<else>> "I can't eat more," you sigh, eyeing the empty bowl mournfully. <</if>> There's a rustle and then an apple is placed in your hands and you gaze up at a white mask. You now see that the cheeks have rosy blushy circles painted on them as well as a small smiling red mouth. [["For later then, if you get hungry."]]

“Now, I think it’s time for another nap for you and lessons for others.” You don't have to wait for long as the others finish their meal. They are not rushed angrily but it is clear that the breakfast is expected to be finished quickly. You walk outside the hall, the apple cluthed in your hands. You don't know if any of what has happened since the previous night is real. “What’s wrong?” Hede asks, a whisper. $HeShe looks at your apple and you hastily try to hide it in your pocket. It has a hole in it and the fruit will be bruised and dirty but maybe now it won't tempt anyone to try to steal it from you? “I don’t know what’s going on,” you admit as you take a different turn than when coming in. You are given a few sympathetic and curious looks from Hede and from the others near you. “There’s usually lessons after breakfast. Reading and counting things mostly. If we’re lucky a few tales from when there was a King on the throne.” One of the older girls pipes in. She’s walking in front of you with a younger boy who looks similar enought to likely be her brother. It doesn’t answer everything, and you’re little suspicious of anyone trying to teach you anything. You remember asking once from a innkeep. Had even offered to run errands for him in exchange. The answer was a full on belly laugh and mockery about your parents and their lack of brightness. Apparently you were inherently too stupid to read or count if you had no parents around. So, you just nod deciding to not ask if she was certain you'd be allowed to join in. If you don't point out that you can't read nor count maybe they won't notice and you can actually learn something? Instead you look around the always empty halls after yet another turn. [[“Why is there no one else around?”]]

“I mean adults. Shouldn’t there be lots?” You ask, as you pass more closed doors and silent, echoing corridors. Hede looks at you with a buzzled frown. “You don’t know?” You shake your head at $hisher question. Your decision to follow the figrue here, was a decision made in the middle of the night, in desperation and without much thought. $HeShe looks at you, frowning now. “Then what are you doing here?” “Food?” You answer softly, though it is more of a question even to your own ears. You’re starting to question this yourself. Was it mistake to come here? Are you going to be sacrificed to a dark demon in the basement? Or chopped up and made into dinner? Is this the worse than death fate you were warned about? “Huh. You’re kinda brave then.” Hede smiles, eyes wide. <<if $cautious gte 20>> You’re not so sure about that but let it go for now. <<else>> You don't remember anyone calling you brave before. Not like $heshe is. <</if>> “It’s because of their… oath, I guess?” Hede hesitates as $heshe tries to find an answer for you. Then $heshe shrugs a little, with a one sided small smile and doesn't continue. It didn't explain a lot. It explained nothing. You venture through a side door and into a yard as you think about this. The bright sunlight blinds you for a moment and then your breath is stolen. The garden is the most wonderful you've ever seen. Most of the citys people garden in small plots behind houses or on terraces. you even know of a graveyard that some people use to sit in during the summer heat as the fence around is low enought for even you to climb over it. There were even a few trees to provide shade. This place on the other hand: It’s green even this late into the fall, lush with plants, fruit trees and planted vegetables of all sizes. A sandy yard with few kids playing around with a ball is on the other end, all of it enclosed from the outside city by the same high, stone walls. [[“Oath?”]]

You manage to breath out as you’re dragged along towards the first big trees outside. “Yeah, you can ask for the history stuff later, but I think it’s pretty neat. They are called shadows,” Hede starts as you sit under the tree on a small bench, morning sun climbing over the walls. You'd guess is still an hour or few until it reaches its peak. “They're members of the Order of the Shadows,” the same, tall girl from before says as she comes over to you and deposits her charge on the ground with a small red ball. Instantly the toddler giggles, throwing the ball into the air and failing to catch it. Hede looks at her and scoffs. Both of them now ignoring you and the little boy in favour of what looks like a long standing argument. “But no one actually calls them that!” Then $heshe turns to you. “You’ve never heard of them?” You shake your head even when you remember whispered warnings of living shadows that steal people as there is no more king that can lay claim over them. You thought they were the same kind of tales as the murderous barber living near the night market or the flesh eating bunny behind Cando’s butcher shop. “Well they are real. We are real,” the tall girl says proudly, before shrieking and going to wrestle a worm out of her little brothers hand who has toddled his way away from you three. You turn to Hede, eyes wide. “Suvi, you still haven’t gone through the Tunnels!” $heshe yelled after her and got a dirty hand gesture in return. You two watch as the adult, whom Hede had called cousin stalked over and gave the girl a stern reprimand about her manners. The worm has disappeared into a smiling little mouth. “What are the tunnels?” You ask, not wanting to see the aftermath of a sick little boy. “They are the test to earn your mask and prove our worth,” Hede strucks a pose and looked ridiculous doing it, skinny arms not having any muscles to look anywhere near heroic. You fight a giggle and seeing your face turning into smile $heshe strucks an even worse one, cheeks puffing and face turning red. “Hede!” A voice screams from the other side of the gardens and you look up to one of the boys waving his hand, a brown leather ball in his hands. “Come play ball with us!” Hede’s face lits up as $heshe drops the act and $heshe stands up. $HeShe has already taken a few quick steps towards the ongoing game but stops and looks down at you, still sitting on the bench. “Do you want to come play with us? We’ll go easy on you,” $hisher grin is challenging, sure of $hisher skills in the ball game. You take a breath and take a look again at the other children waiting at the dirtfield. You’d be one of the youngest ones, smallest and the underdog in a game of speed and strenght. You were also instructed to take a nap after too little sleep the previous night and it might be wise to follow that kind of suggestion. [[“I’ll play too,” you nod and stand up.]] [[“I don’t feel like it,” you say, choosing to rest for now. |rest]]

<<set $DEX to $DEX + 10>> <<set $STR to $STR + 10>> Hede’s grin widens and you spot a gap between $hisher front teeth. $HeShe hauls you up, apparently impatient enough to not wait for you to come at your own pace, $himher skeleton skinny fingers strong as they drag you towards the field and the ball game. You get a few raised eyebrows, a question in the boys eyes who invited Hede over but $heshe just releases your hand snatching the ball. “This is $name . ?She will be on my team,” Hede manages to snatch the ball and tosses it to you.\ <<if $Dex gte 20>> You fumble with the ball, dropping it to the ground before picking it up hastily again, heat starting to warm your cheeks. The older boy frowns but Hede doesn’t look bothered, instead starts to run farther away. <<else>>\ You catch the ball and Hede looks exited, turning on $hisher heels and starting to run farther away. <</if>> “Toss it here! Try to keep it away from the others,” $heshe laughs and you dodge when the boy tries to grab the ball from you. A few quick running steps away and you toss the ball to Hede who makes an impressive running leap to evade a few of the laughing girls and catches the ball. You try to run to a clear spot so you can receive the ball which you manage to catch from Hede's underhanded toss behind $hisher back. There seem to be some kind of understanding that rough housing is not permitted, the ball is snatched away only if it’s held loosely or in the air. It’s messy, sweaty and the dirt sticks to your skin. But you find yourself smiling, a laugh escapes when you manage to make particularly difficult maneuver. You’re taking a small breather at the side of the field, panting, the sun warming your face when you stand under it. [[“Are you having fun?”|discuss]]

”I think we have things to discuss and questions for you to be answered.” Cousin says, you still have no other name for her, holds out a hand and expectation clear. You take it. You have never had as many people wanting to hold your hand. It’s weird and you’re still quite self-conscious, your hands are dirty and rough from the street. No one has even commented on it here or given you the sneering looks that the merchants and tavern keepers do. “Did you have a nice time? It seemed like you did,” she chatters, tone happy and while the white mask is still unnerving you could get used to seeing them all the time. You nod. Playing freely and with kids your age had been a way to pass the time and there always seemed to be bunch of free kids in the side streets to play whatever they wanted. You nod, not sure what is it that she wants from you. The other kids are still playing all around the garden. She leads you back inside, walking slowly so you don’t need to jog along her long legs, through the hallways and back to the sleeping hall. The hallways are empty. Is there anyone living here? Or do they only come out at night? You enter the room, and she stops pointing you to the chair Matron was occupying last night. A bunch of linen cloth in white and grey sit on top of it with a pair of small boots underneath it. “These are for you. The winter is coming, and you look like you could do with something little more…” She pauses looking down at you. You look down as well at yourself. The clothes wouldn’t keep you warm in the winter months. You’re barely warm enough during the days as it is. There’s holes and patches and holes on patches. The apple you got at breakfast is dirty, after falling to the ground a time or two through the holes in your pocket, and even you don’t remember what colours your pants and trousers were. “Durable.” She finishes and steps forward to pick up the first thing from the top, which turns out to be a nice-looking hooded cape. With pockets. It looks used, but in a nice shape, thick and plenty of room for you to grow into. You touch it with your fingertips, eyeing the adult with slight suspicion. Why would they give you anything this nice? “Would you willing to go take a bath at this time? It will be empty and I’ll wait behind a screen to give you privacy.” She suggests and a bath sounds nice. She picks up the rest of the clothing and hands them to you. “There will be towels and then you can change into these after. Would you mind trying the boots on now? We weren’t sure if they would fit you.“ [[The boots are big but you throw your old ones away with glee]]

You awake to a gentle shaking, blinking away the drowsiness of a mid morning nap and find the smiling face of a mask peering down at you. For a second you don’t remember where you are and jerk away from the adult. She raises her hands and steps a few steps back, stopping there. “I’m sorry for scaring you, little one. You did not wake for me calling your name.” Her tone is the same even one, and you try to calm your beating heart. A glance at the sun and you guess you’d slept not more than a few hours, the sun just reaching it’s peak. “Wasn’t scared,” you mumble and stand up, holding the blanket up to her. She takes it with a laugh, folding it neatly under her arm. [[“Of course you weren’t. I’m sorry for insinuating such.” |discuss]]

The bathhouse is a room near the kitchens, though removed enough that you walk outside stoned pathway that hugs the wall. There’s a canopy made of old, reddish wood that protects the pathway from sun and rain. This is probably the nicest and biggest place you’ve ever been. The market might be bigger but there are people there, chaos and it’s a dangerous place. “There’s a sauna once a week. Unfortunately for you it’s still not in few days.” And as she pushes open the heavy wood door you can smell the smoke and burned wood smell that has stuck to the walls. Your hand is let go as the woman steps inside pointing towards a heated wooden tub, the water steaming in the cold room. You squeeze your new clothes tighter and watch as a few bottles, brushes and a pair of scissors is placed on a wooden bench near it. “It’s for me?” You dare to ask because bathing is a luxury. Bathing in hot water something you’re ever known the richer people in tavernas ask for. She pauses and nods. You shuffle your feet not daring to make demands. Once more she seems to read your mind and points towards a low wall on the other side of the room. “That’s a movable little wall. I can move it so you can have some privacy but I’m still here if you need help with anything. Sound good?” <<if $cautious gte 20>> You nod, still unsure if this is just a trick to fool you. So you stand there while she drags the small, woodwall towards the tub, stopping so it’s between the door and the steaming, inviting tub. “This is for your skin, washcloth is already at the edge right there,” she explains while lifting one of the bottle and pointing with it, “this is for your hair. If you want, I can cut it after you’re done or we can just untangle it.” She waits for you to say something but after a beat or two of silence, she nods at you and walks to the other side of the screen. You can hear a wooden stool being pulled and then you’re out of sight. With a warm bathtub just for you. You cannot get rid of your clothes fast enough, your skin itches. <<else>> You grin and go towards the tub, pulling on your boots of as you hear her move the screen. “This is for your skin and washcloth is already at the edge right there,” she calls to you and you look back at her, hands at the helm of your shirt. She’s lifting one of the bottle and pointing with it to an another, “that is for your hair. If you want, I can cut it after you’re done or we can just untangle it.” With those instructions you watch as she disappears behind the screen and quickly you shed the last of your clothes and climb in the few steps. <</if>> [[The water is warm and you can feel it warm you through your bones]]

“I’m pleased that you seem to be in good health. Unfortunately, our only healer is away at the moment.” You hear her soft voice speak up while you’re busy scrubbing yourself, the scented soap smelling of lavender and making all the dirt almost slide of your skin. “I don’t need a healer.” You mutter looking down at your skinny limbs. “Well, if you have need, know that help is available.” You can hear her shifting and then the clicking of needles. “You must have wondered about the lack of lights and how the shadows seem to creep in even during the day?” She asks and you play with the suds. “You’re magic?” It’s not too far out of the realm of possibilities. Sure, Magic is rare these days, those who have it are usually whisked away to serve “a higher purpose” or just plain up disappear in the night. You pause. You did disappear into the night. “Will I be magic?”She laughs but it is not unkind. The steady clicking continues and it reminds you of all the mothers sitting outside in the sun, watching over their kids. <<if $Parent is "mom">>\ You remember your mother doing it. The warm socks you got when the wind started to chill your toes inside threadbare boots. <</if>> <<if $Parent is "dad">>\ You remember the next door grandmother who took pity on your father and gifted you woollen socks and hats. In exchange you remember chasing her chickens when they escaped and how he fixed her leaky roof. <</if>> <<if $Parent is "none">>\ You remember watching them with envy. You never had someone to give you something made with love. <</if>> [[Before]]

You pinch your leg a bit to focus, to not cry as she continues on talking. The clicking and the sooth, warm tones of her voice almost as warming as the bathwater. “Not yet. You still may. Our kind of magic is limited, some would call it more of a boon. You will learn more when you are older, when you have proven to the Order that you are deserving of the gifts, we can grant you." You scowl at the water. You are tired of adults speaking about proving yourself, about being worthy. You are aware that you are neither of those things. You are a street rat, quick and disposable to use and forget. There's a pause in the movements painted on the walls. "Are you okay?" "I'm not good enough," you sigh and scoot downwards in the bath. The water almost touches your nose, the bubbles tickling your skin. A noise and then a careful knock on the divider. "Why do you think that?" You shrug even when she can't see you. (Or maybe she can if she has magic.) "I'm just a street kid. Can't even count or read." "That's not what we're looking for. There are things that can be taught and things one lacks that no matter how much they get they will never have. You have proven to be courageous and resourceful even while so young." She holds a towel, a pale green one that looks soft and warm, out for you. You look down at the tub. The water has turned into greyish brownish colour even under the sudds, which have vanished almost completely at this point. “But, what we want from you for the next few years are simple. Listen to your elders, learn and be healthy and happy.” She wraps you quickly up in the towel before going back behind the screen, out of sight. “Okay,” you whisper as you dry yourself slowly, mind reeling. It sounds easy but is it really? How much is she leaving out? “We can talk later when you want. Truthfully, you’re still too young to think about it.” A laugh and you are starting to shiver from the cold. [[“Is there anything you’d want to ask?” |lore1]]

It’s a simple question and you get the answer without a hint of hesitation. “What I said. You need to learn to read and write. There’s stories about times of old, of faraway lands that will be useful as well as interesting to hear,” she lets out an amused laugh. “and I’m sure you would not be opposed to learning how to use weapons to protect yourself and others.” That gives you a pause. “Weapons?” You think that she means the wooden poles with a sharp end that most of the city guard carry. Steel and weapons are for those with money. “Not a discussion I’ll have with a ?gender your age outside of the lessons.” Her voice is stern. “But know that our orders prides itself with our skills.” [[“Did you want to ask about something else?” |lore1]]

She lets out a surprised laugh and she might be younger than you first thought. “I don’t, I promise you. We’re just good at reading people.” A pause and then more hesitantly, as if she’s telling a secret. “We can see thing quite clearly. Better than most.” “Even in the dark?” You ask. The way you were led around last night in the complete darkness makes much more sense if that’s true. [[“Might be. You’ll have to stay and learn for yourself.” |lore1]]

“Because I have not shared my name with them yet. Or they don’t know it and calling me cousin let’s me know that I’m considered family, part of the order even when we are not acquainted before.” It makes sense to you. Even when you have never used cousin in that way before. You certainly have never met your own cousins, if you even have them. “What’s your name then?” [[“My name is Nina.” |lore1]]

Her hands are gentle as they start to brush your hair. Biting into the apple disguises the noises you want to make as she pulls, combs and untangles your hair. It hurts but every time you jump Nina apologises and she sounds like she honestly means it. After a while you hear the clicks of scissors and few quick, painless snips later you’re proclaimed clean and ready. You catch a quick glance at yourself from a mirror standing in the corner near the door as you walk by in your new, warm clothes . You look tidy, like a child of a merchant. Except for the sticking bones of your cheeks and skinny arms swinging by your side. “The others are having their morning lessons. I think we could go fetch a few things, a book or two and some papers. We could have a private lesson somewhere quieter?” Nina looks down at you, opening the door to the inside. “I’m sure the sun would warm up nicely even this late into the fall.” She must spy your curious look and pulls back the cheery red cloth covering it. Inside is two books, a clay tablet and bread with a small jar of something yellow inside of it. “A little snack to make your mind sharp,” she nods a little to one side, which you’re starting to view as a form of wink. A slender hand takes a brown book out. It’s scuffed and one or two of the pages seem loose as she hands it to you. You take it carefully. The cover has a picture of a tree under a sky, the roots making up half of the space. The colours are faded but you can still appreciate the drawing, once like it having only seen by a glance through a shop window. You look up from it, feeling your cheeks heat up. “I can’t read.” You confess. Abruptly. She should know that while you like the book, it will be for nothing if you can’t make use of it. Things don’t stay if they are of no use. “Well then. Lucky for you I am a really good teacher, and we have nothing else planned. So why not start now?” She offers her hand. Not knowing what else you could, or should, do you take it. When you walk through the empty halls and to the garden you think that the shadows seem no longer so steep. [[As time went by... |missingyears1]]

[["What do you mean lessons?"]] [["Can you read my mind?"]] [[“Why do they call you Cousin?”]] [["Will you steal my face?"]] [["What now?" You ask afraid to ask too much. |whatnow]]

You ask as you emerge in your new, clean clothes, the boots and socks waiting for you by the door. She gives you an appraising look. “Put the boots on, don’t want you to lose any toes to the cold.” She walks to the bench, lifting the brush and scissors. “What do you want to do about your hair? I’d advise to cutting it all off. Then it will be a healthy and lovely $haircolor when it grows back.” You pull the socks and boots on, walking to her and sitting down hesitating. Nina wraps a new towel around your shoulders, starting to untangle the worst of the mess by hand. You spot the apple sitting next to you. “If you’re hungry eat it. Now what do you want to do with you hair?” <<link "Cut it all off."|haircut>> <<set $haircut to "shaved">> <</link>> <<link "I'd like to keep it short?"|haircut>> <<set $haircut to "short">> <</link>> <<link "Save as much as possible?"|haircut>> <<set $haircut to "shoulder">> <</link>>

“No! Why would you think that?” She sounds surprised but not in a bad way. Not in a way that would make her turn around and cuff you around the ears for not shutting up. “Because you don’t have any?” You mutter in a small voice. That gets you a laugh. “Yes, I guess it would seem like that. Can I peek around for a moment?” she asks and is nice enough to wait for you to let out a soft agreeable sound. She peeks around the side and at first you don’t see anything different. Then she taps at temple and you look up at her eyes. You have tried to avoid looking at them. The black voids terrifying and monster like. But this time the black voids are gone and you can see beneath the mask. She has dark skin with kind brown eyes as she looks at you and winks. One moment you look at the clearly human eyes and then the voids are back. “It’s just a mask. We do not take them off in front of those who have not earned the right to it. It protects us and the order,” she says and disappears back behind the temporary wall. [[“Was there something else? |lore1]]

Welcome to Shadow's Kiss! A fantasy interactive-fiction game where you joined a mysterious Order of Shadows as a child. Now years later your Orders position and old allegiances are called into question as a new king rides in. Game is rated 16+, but it handles more adult themes and is aimed for more mature audience. This is an on-going project, so things might change in the future. Please keep that in mind. [[I understand. Take me to the story.]]

[[<img src="https://i.ibb.co/p3r1wpn/quote1.png">->Take me with you.]]

<<set $WIS to $WIS + 10>> <<set $INT to $INT + 10>> “Tomorrow then!” Hede doesn’t seem to take the rejection to heart and with a wave of $himher hand to you jogs to the others and snatches the ball from the boy offering it. You look around and spot a bench with a few weather-beaten pillows, that the morning sun seems to warm invitingly. Yawning you make your way to it and curl up. Through half closed eyes you watch the ball game, Hede seeming to keep up very well in the game despite being one of the younger children playing. The sun warms you as you close your eyes enjoying the sensation, the pillows smelling of fresh air and worn fabric. You startle slightly when something warm is placed on you, covering your body. You look up and the woman, Cousin according to Hede, pats your, now blanket covered back. “Take a nap, $name. I’ll wake you up in a bit.” Again you don’t see it but you can clearly hear the fond kindness in her tone. [[You breath deep and close your eyes.]]

@@.delayed;You stare at the lines your chalk made on the small board. That is your name. Made with clean strokes, readable. You don't have to guess or hesitate while reading or writing it. You grin, wipe it away and start again.@@ @@.delayed;The cold seeps into your bones, the pile of blankets and the roaring fire not doing much to help with it. You sneeze, head full, nose running and miserable. A gentle hand pats your head, tugging a clammy strand of hair out of your eyes. A humming song tides you back to sleep as gentle, maternal hands chase the nightmares away.@@ @@.delayed;The swords clash against each other. Hede has a manic grin as you jump out of the way of the next swipe. $HeShe brandishes the sword and comes at you with a wild yell. You refuse to yelp, to back down as the weapons hit against each other with more force. You're sweating under the summer sun, but so is Hede. It doesn't stop either of you going at each other with fervour, with taunts and grins. Until a yell calls you back inside for a meal time and afternoon lessons. You allow Hede to tug you under $hisher arm as you toss the sticks back to the tree you found them under.@@ [["Tell us a story!" |lore2]]

The candle burns on the table, even with the setting sun illuminating enough of the classroom for the Matriach to read to them. It’s an old book, not terribly large but the way she carries it in reverently, makes all of you pay attention. Usually she only has books for you to read from, torn and friendly to be dropped and tossed around. She sits down on her cozy armchair looking down on the book, petting the front cover with one wrinkly finger before lifting the mask of her face to you all. You all wait quietly as she takes the time to meet all of you with the blackness of her eyes. This lesson feels different than all the others before. Usually her stories and lessons of old history are told as you settle down in your beds, soothing you down to sleep. “Tonight, I’m going to tell you a story. A piece of history you might think you know but you are young and mislead. And we know more, for we are old and have been here for as long as there have been people.” Her tone is serious as she opens the book, you spy faded handwriting filling the pages. //A king lived in a castle, the ruins you’ve seen outside of the city. Tall and wide were its walls, protecting from the outside threats. They thought they were safe. But strong walls were made to keep people out, not keep those inside safe from each other. For the king in his glory had grown creedy, careless and uncaring of the world outside his own circle. He’d asked, demanded and threatened more and more, his people giving and giving what they could. The nobles and those of the clergy not yet thrown and banished hoped he’d change, grow and become like his mother. They waited decades as the city and the country started to fall apart. As people died and suffered and pleaded all of it went unheard or uncared for. Finally, they were asked to give once more and it was no one had anything left to give . So, they had had enough and stormed the castle, led by the lesser nobles in yellows, grays and greens. Merchants and smiths and shoemakers and bakers and all of those whose houses were falling apart and children went hungry and children's children's perished in their cradles. The king did not run. Arrogant and proud to the last breath. As was his wife and sons and daughters. Together through the good times. Together burned and buried in the spit upon soil in the Weeping Willow Grove. Buried in the woods where once a magnificent garden bloomed and now creeped and grew eerily outwards year after year. Sick willows for no one was left to care for them, growing unnaturally but always taking over the grounds. Cullings of the tall, dark barked trees spewed smoke over the whole city every spring, darkening the sky for a week. Change is not always fast; change is not always what people have wanted. Or needed. Things got better, then worse and then better as things tend to do. Years, decades and centuries later and things are what they are. Stanswick has had no king in all that time, has had no need for it.// “What of the shadows? What of us?” Someone asks, a whisper of a question that pulls Matron out of her tale. “What of us? What of the Order back then? We are still here, still in the shadows and doing our work. Not for the crown, no. But for the city, for the country and for the people.” She pauses, her head turning to the windows and the sun that has almost set. The shadows growing as the light fades, painting the stone walls orange and yellow. Like a great fire in the east. A shiver runs through your spine as she turns back, turns to look at all of you. “We do what we need to do to live and to see our Order flourish. That is what you need to remember from this tale. A king is no king if he doesn’t have the people’s hearts, if he casts a shadow too dark for anything to grow and flourish.” You think about it. About the tales of old and the glory and prosperity of the city when every part of the world worked together under one crown. Some mourn for the days gone while some spit when talking about the king that once lived. You don’t know what the difference between king and a noble house holding rule over the city and the lands around are. You have never met the latter and the former no longer exists. Does it matter who calls the shots when they are not the ones falling down? You’re too young to be bitter the way the old people are, though you know far too well the life on the streets when one has nothing. Dinner bell rings and you are ushered out. Matron stays behind, you glance over your shoulder and see her look out the window. You think you should go to her, ask a question or two. There’s more to the tale but Hede distracts you and pulls you into a conversation about the food that’s waiting for you. You let the thought disappear and focus on the now. You are after all a child and the present is more important than the past. [[Time passes]]

More time passes. You grow, get new clothes and learn to read through the pages put in front of you. You have time to climb, run and play, never feeling hungry or scared for your life again. The time Hede and you scaled the outside of the protective walls not included. You learned a few skills to do while sitting still in the months after. Your broken leg healed. [[The sun is warm and the grass beneath you is soft...|Chapter 1]]

The grass beneath you is soft, green and would make an excellent mattress for a nap if you weren’t required to pay attention. Or look like you did. It did not help that the sun is still climbing up and warming the air around you. The cousin in charge of today’s lessons is already sitting under the white canopy stretched between few of the trees to give shade. You and all the others are sitting or laying around in the grass, paying attention in various degrees to the story. “The shadows will become your friend. For some they whisper but for others they’re just like an extra sense to help you see and move.” Their teacher of the day explains, and you all listen with as much of undivided attention as bunch of kids and teens can. You, being one of the oldest, have heard all of this before. So has Hede and it shows as $heshe lounges on the grass, tossing an apple idly into the air with one hand and catching it with the other. It’s effortless and to some of the younger kids it surely would seem the Hede is not even listening. It’s probably true. You on the other hand… <<link "are listening with a history book open." |ch2>> <<set $hobby to "history">> <</link>> <<link "are reading a rare book about all the far away societies and their culture." |ch2>> <<set $hobby to "politics">> <</link>> <<link "reading about long lost religions and their beliefs." |ch2>> <<set $hobby to "magic">> <</link>> <<link "the historical novel you have in front of you that you idly rifle through is barely more interesting. Reading was never your forte preferring to run and play sports." |ch2>> <<set $hobby to "muscle">> <</link>>

<<set $cautious to 0>> <<set $brave to 0>> <<set $sarcastic to 0>> <<set $genuine to 0>> <<set $stoic to 0>> <<set $shy to 0>> <<set $brazen to "false">> <<set $ticklish to "false">> <<set $hobby to "none">> <<set $money to 0>> <<set $STR to 0>> <<set $WIS to 0>> <<set $INT to 0>> <<set $DEX to 0>> <<set $CHA to 0>> <<set $Health to 100>> <<set $shade to 1>> <<set $Parent to "none">> <<set $born to "nonbinary">> <<set $pastgender to "child">> <<set $eyecolor to "blue">> <<set $haircolor to "white">> <<set $skincolor to "pale">> <<set $haircut to "shaved">> <<set $scarf to "none">> <<set $bracelet to "none">> <<set $hedGender to "male">> <<set $heshe to "he">> <<set $himher to "him">> <<set $hisher to "his">> <<set $boygirl to "boy">> <<set $boysgirls to "boys">> <<set $manwoman to "man">> <<set $menwomen to "men">> <<set $guygirl to "guy">> <<set $guysgirls to "guys">> <<set $sirmaam to "sir">> <<set $HeShe to "He">> <<set $Hede to "5">>

A cough from behind and you turn to look up at Matron making beckoning gesture at you. Surprised at the interruption but complying you stand up from the grass and go to her. Hede raises $hisher eyebrows but you shook your head slightly. You are sure you are in no trouble. The last time was with the pie, but it was weeks ago, and bygones are usually bygones inside the Order. When you reach her, the Matron takes your elbow starting to lead you away. At that, you almost dug in your heels, casting a terrified look back at Hede. Maybe you are in trouble? $HeShe starts to stand up as well, ready to come drag you out of trouble or to drag you in deeper but the Matrons hand tightens its hold on your arm. “Don’t be ridiculous you two. I just have an errand for you to run,” she turns her head, the mask she wears having a few more lines painted on it, a few more drawn wrinkles at the edges of the mouth and eyes. “And only you. You can manage a trip through the city if you are hoping to travel through the trials soon?” You dare not defy her, not that you want to. Going to the city, even to only run her errands is a refreshing change of pace for the long summer days. “Yes, Matron,” you say... <<set $money to $money + 5>> <<link "with a smirk and roll of your eyes"|ch2p3>> <<set $sarcastic to 50>> <</link>> <<link "eyes looking everywhere but her"|ch2p3>> <<set $shy to 50>> <</link>> <<link "with a gentle smile and nod"|ch2p3>> <<set $genuine to 50>> <</link>> <<link "and nod at her and get up"|ch2p3>> <<set $stoic to 50>> <</link>>

“Remember to not let them pay attention to you, $name. You’re just a servant minding your master’s business,” Matron reminds you as she opens the door to the small side door, pushing you through it. The alley behind it is empty, not even a stray animal finding it home at this time of morning. “Yes, Matron.” “Now, off with you. Use up all the coins now, be a good ?girl,” she says, patting your back before closing the door behind her. Before dashing off to the city to do the Matron’s bidding, you make sure your hair is tucked neatly under your… <<link "hood" |hood>> <<set $scarf to "none">> <</link>> [[scarf.]] <<set $STR to $STR + 10>> <<set $WIS to $WIS + 10>> <<set $INT to $INT + 10>> <<set $DEX to $INT + 10>> <<set $brave to $brave + 10>> <<set $cautious to $cautious +10>>

The city of Stanwick, the heart of the kingdom that carries its name is not so frightening to you anymore. Not during the day when you know you have a safe, warm place to return after you’re done wandering around its streets. The rising summer sun has not chased people to the shade yet, so you have to be careful and spend most of the time trying to avoid running into anyone as the streets are filled with citizens going around their day. Your clothes help you blend in, most people only see an apprentice or servant, as long as you stay out of their way everyone tend to stay out of yours. Your first run to the apothecary goes without an issue, the rarer herbs waiting for you in their little jars. The smells and sights inside the small, tucked away shop holding many familiar and unfamiliar herbs, poultices, and medicine that you are starting to come familiar with. The fabric is also no problem, a heavier bundle than expected, but you get almost giddy with the dark greys and blacks you carry, folded neatly under your arm. There are only two of you who are of age to go through the tunnels anytime soon. Who are old enough, been around the Order and been taught for long enough to be candidates for joining. Only you and Hede who would need their new robes made anytime soon. Giddy about the future, the implications, you make your way to the open summer market. Pulling your thoughts away from the future for now, there’s still few coins clinking in your pocket, waiting to be used. You could by some sweets, or some knick-knacks. You almost get to the markets, when a fallen horse-cart and the chaos that followed blocked the street. You choose a choose a side alley instead, and then the next one and the next, until you’re in front of an abandoned temple. You are certain you’ve never wandered through here. You would remember the building. The windows on the ground floor, one of them still intact others broken or boarded up, are made of coloured yellowish glass. It could be just dirt, or paint that has faded over time. The once white stone is more yellow in tone, the dark wooden doors and boards covering the broken windows the only things that look well maintained. At one point in time, it must have been one of the highest buildings around. Now, years later the surrounding structures were reaching above it, though even to your eyes the newer ones were not build with such care and skill. You, as well as all the city’s residents were used to diving out of the way from falling roof pieces. Besides, while almost all the city you know is made of dark rock, this one is built with white, pinkish rock, though dirty. The front steps as well as the walls around the door seem to have been washed recently. [[There’s someone moving inside.]]

When you got the choice a few years previous, after starting to //grow up// as Matron put it you chose to cover your hair with a scarf. Today your colour is <<cycle "$scarf" autoselect>> <<option "blue">> <<option "red">> <<option "green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "brown">> <<option "black">> <<option "white">> <<option "gray">> <</cycle>> <<link "Everything secure you are ready to get out into the city." |hood>> <</link>>

A soft humming song, lilts towards the cracked open door, held open by a stone fallen from a wall nearby. It’s a nice sound, a nice voice, though the tune is new. Nothing like the epic ballads you hear inside the Orders walls, or the tavern songs and shanties popular in the city itself. It rises and lowers both in tune, the singers voice never wavering. You glance around, but no one else is in the small square. You could see what’s happening inside or you could leave and leave others to their chores. [[You sneak towards the door. |samuil1]] [[You start to turn away. |samuil1]] <<if $brave gte 20>> [[Ghosts aren’t real, so what’s the harm finding out what’s happening?|samuil1]] <</if>>

Before you can, a person comes though the gap still humming, and you are almost hit with the splash of water as the occupant throws a bucket of soapy, dirty water out onto the dirt yard. Jumping back you try to get away from the stray. <<if $DEX gte 60>> You yelp as you manage to evade the water. <<else>> You yelp as the water hits your feet, soaking your trouser legs and boots.<</if>> “I’m so sorry! I didn’t see that you were there,” a voice calls and you look at your ‘attacker’. They don’t even seem that apologetic about it, grinning widely at you. You are about to say something, complain about their carelessness perhaps but the smile is pretty disarming. As is the yellow silky scarf wrapped around the stranger’s eyes, the ends disappearing into mousy brown hair. They are some years older than you, maybe just past their twentieth birthday, tall, sun kissed skin with freckles, and unfamiliar looking robes made with the same yellow silk that the band over their eyes is. The robes that are tied closed loosely, showing of a good portion of smooth chest, covered by a dark, spiralling tattoo of a sun’s rays on his chest. A pinkish scar lines raise the tattoo on his chest. “I personally thought it was a rather good pun,” the stranger says, pointing at the ribbon after a second too long of silence. <<link "“I got it.” It just wasn’t funny." |samuil2>> <<set $stoic to +20>> <</link>> <<link "“I got it.” You say, grinning." |samuil2>> <<set $sarcastic to +20>> <</link>> <<link "“I got it.” Stifling your smile." |samuil2>> <<set $genuine to +20>> <</link>>

“Oh, good. I’m still getting used to,” a wave around his eyes,” this. I’ll make sure to shout a warning next time and not except for it to be clear.” “Who made you clean the place up? What is this place anyway?” you ask. You might not always be the most curious of people but learning more about the city is useful. And if it turns out the information is new to the Order, all the more reason to ask a few questions. A trait that has been trilled into you after you grew more familiar with the Order, more comfortable with your place in it and the future expectations if you wished to join, to stay. The grin picks up and turns into a proud smile, and the now empty bucket is laid down. [["My name is Samuil." |samuil2/1]]

“Oh. Okay then. Feel free to come by if you change your mind,” Samuil waves at you and turns to go back inside. He smiles when he says it but you can notice that he does seem a little disappointed. The humming starts back up again as he picks the bucket and heads towards a well around the corner. Samuil’s steps seem sure on the way, not stumbling even with the unevenness of the old stonesteps. You walk away, taking note of the place, adding it to your mental map of the city. Always valuable to know what changes were happening around, even if this new worshiper of Inmar would disappear in no time. Or maybe he turns out to be an outlier, someone who can make it. [[The sounds of market lead you the rest of the way |market]]

The sounds of animals, people haggling and few songs with drunken singers make this part of the city feel more alive than the dark alleys near your home. The smells hit you as you round the corner. The afternoon sun and the long hours of busy market with the bustling collection of animals, birds and humans create an unmistakable odor that starts a few street corners before the market proper. It is not disgusting to you anymore, just distinct. You once got lost near the fishmongers' street. You were teased for days for smelling like a merperson. You reach the summer marketplace with enough time to browse around at your leisure. You might not have much money but if you spend it wisely you could spread it across few purchases. <<if $money gte 1>>[[A knife]] [[A story written on bound together papers]] [[A scarf]] <<if not hasVisited ("A small pair of woven bracelets")>>[[Small knick knacks |A small pair of woven bracelets]]<</if>>\ <</if>> <<if $money lte 1>> <<link "You have only so much sun light left and should head home as soon as possible." "aftermarket">> <</link>> <</if>>

Your eyes are drawn to a table of steel and iron. There are none that would belong to the stories of mighty swords and weapons of fables. Instead they are what people in the city need. Butchers knifes, axeheads, small and thin and for all purposes. A few bigger short swords hang behind the seller, a robust woman with strong shoulders and greying hair. She eyes you with furrowed brows but doesn't protest or shoo you away from her selection of blades. Your eyes drift to the bigger, sharper knives not meant for kitchen work. They are about as long as an adults hands, the sturdy blade few fingers width and sharp on both sides. You reach out <<if $cautious gte 30>> cautiously glancing at the seller who is watching you, mouth tight. <<else>> with eager fingers. <</if>> "They are five gold. You have that much?" the woman asks as your fingers touch the leather wrapped hilt. Your fingers stop, feeling the hard, unused blade beckon to you. <<if $money gte 5>> You have that much but it will take all of the coins you have left to spend. <<link "I'll take it." "aftermarket">> <<set $knife to "true">><</link>> [["No, thank you." |market]] <<else>> You sigh with disappointment and cast a longing look to the blade. "I don't have enough," you mutter and the woman nods. "Next time then, kid," she says, not unkindly and you go back. [[Leave the market place and head home. |aftermarket]] [[Go back to spend your last coins somewhere else. |market]] <</if>>

There's a tent with various little knick knacks on it. The seller is a kid not much older than you. $HeShe looks at you with a grin, a missing tooth at the front not making the gesture any less friendly. $HeShe beckons you closer, $hisher skin is pale and freckled and hair in a loose braid, only a few shades darker than $hisher skin. "Welcome, traveller! Have you come to inspect my wares?" $heshe makes sweeping gestures to the small selection of stuff in front of $himher. <<if $sarcastic gte 50>> "What are you? A old witch in a disguise, intend to sell me cursed items," you answer, stepping closer and looking down at the crickety table $heshe has spread the wares. $HeShe laughs. "True true. I'll curse you with my..."nimble fingers pick up a seashell tangled from as string. "wear this and hear the call of the sea until you lose your mind!" You snicker. "Sure sure. I'll just look around for something else then." <<else>> "Not as much of a traveller than you," you smile looking at the bedroll behind $hisher back. $HeShe laughs amiacably. "True true. Well then, not-a-traveller, what has caught your eye?" <</if>> You look at the things laid on a offwhite linen cloth. The things seem to have been brought from all the corners of the world. The blues and greens woven into bright white in spiraling circles are identical across the two. The pattern continues uninterrupted as you hold them side by side. "A pair for you and a friend. Blue for the endless ocean and green for spring of life," the seller explains. "Incredibly popular. All the ones for lovers are gone if that's what you were wanting?" <<link "Blush and stammer something" |bracelet1>> <<set $shy to $shy + 20>> <</link>> <<link "Laugh and shake your head" |bracelet2>> <<set $genuine to $genuine + 20>> <</link>> <<link "Grin and wink" |bracelet3>> <<set $sarcastic to $sarcastic + 20>> <</link>>

A seller for knick knacks, papers, maps, notes and inks beckons you towards them. A middle aged person smiles at you, skin dark and hair black at roots with the golden ends tied to a sloppy braid, smiles at you. "Hello young one! Looking for something special?" the merchant asks, white smile wide and eyes twinkling as they rustle some papers around. "I have stories for bedtime, for adventures, poetry from the lands up north and over the seas." The bound together stories are pointed at, displayed for your eyes. "I.." You start to say, but are interrupted by the smile turning wicked and exaggarated eyebrow waggling. "Or little something more interesting for a growing ?child like you?" <<if $brave gte 30>> You laugh and shake your head. "I'm sure you wouldn't sell something like that to someone like me," you laugh it off. "I would get my ears yelled off if I had something like that with me." <<else>> You blush and start to stammer something about inapprpriate reading material when they apparently take pity on you and laugh it off. <</if>> "Just teasing you kid. So what would you like?" They point to a few thinner booklets. "These are all two gold as are some of these empty ones for you to create your own ones. A inkpot and reedpen I can throw in for a gold. So what would you want?" You look at the selection pointed out to you. <<if $money > 1 >> <<link "A storybook of collected fables" |bookseller1>> <<set $storybook to "true">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "A brief history of the city" |bookseller1>> <<set $historybook to "true">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "Poetry book without a title" |bookseller1>> <<set $poetrybook to "true">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "Empty pages threaded into a booklet with a leather string and inkpot and a pen made of yellow reed" |bookseller1>> <<set $poetrybook to "true">> <<set $money to $money - 3>> <</link>> [[Nothing catches your eye and you wander away from the booth. |market]] <</if>> <<if $money lte 1>> <<link "You don't have enough to buy anything anymore." "aftermarket">> <</link>> <</if>>

There a dozens, hundred different colours and patterns fluttering in the breeze as you dodge a gaggle of giggling children with sticky, messy treats in their hands. The woman behind the bundles of cloth, thread and strings looks at the group with an almost a sneer. When you step closer, she eyes your hands with suspicion. "You haven't been eating anything messy, have you?" She asks, brown eyes glaring at you. You, shuffle your things and wiggle your fingers. "All clean, cousin," you say and she nods and beckons you closer. <<if $scarf isnot "none">> She eyes your scarf and her expression softens minutely. "Something new for you then, dear?" Before you can answer with anything but a slight nod, there's fabrics being pushed around and shown towards your face. "The $scarf colour is nice for you, a little bland in patterns. Were you thinking about something more bold? You are young, you should show it." <<else>> "You looking for something nice for something specific?" she asks as you're overwhelmed with choice. <</if>> "I..." You look at everything in front of you and your hand itches towards... <<if $money gte 2>> [[Something colourful |colorscarves]] [[Something bold and colourful |boldscarves]] [[Something subdued |basescarves]] [[Nothing looks good for you and you wish to see what other sellers have. |market]]<</if>> <<if $money lte 1>> <<link "You don't have enough to buy any of these." "aftermarket">> <</link>> <</if>>

Your purchases done and your errants done you start to head back home as the sun starts to set down, turning the summery yellows into oranges, the shadows starting reach forwards. Your hands are heavy with purchases but your mind, and your money purse, lighter. <<link "You should hurry home. The Matron will have your hide if you're not back before sunset." |headhome>> <<set $brazen to "true">> <</link>> <<link "You'll take your time. It's rare that you've had time to enjoy the walk home." |headhome>> <<set $brazen to "false">> <</link>>

"Excellent. What else?" <<if $money gte 2>> [[You look back at the table. |A story written on bound together papers]] [[You are done here and wish to look at other vendors. |market]] <</if>> <<if $money lte 1>> [[You take your purchases, happy at having spend all of your money. |aftermarket]] <</if>>

The colours are vibrant and the colours plentiful in front of you. They looks soft to your eyes. "The colours won't fade, made with something secret to keep it that way," she assures you. <<if $hobby is "history">> "It's goats piss isn't it," you mutter and get a laugh in return. "Can't tell you my secrets," she cackles. <</if>> You nod and look closer to the scarves. <<if $money gte 2>> <<link "sky blue" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "sky blue">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "light blue" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "light blue">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "teal" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "teal">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "dark blue" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "sky blue">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "maroon" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "maroon">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "burgundy" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "sky blue">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "rose" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "rose">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "mint" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "mint">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "forest green" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "forest green">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "olive" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "olive">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "ochre" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "ochre">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "daffodil" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "daffodil">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> [[You want more colours and patterns |boldscarves]] [[Something subdued |basescarves]] [[After a longer look around you decide to spend your money on somewhere else." |market]] <</if>> <<if $money lte 1>> [[You take your purchases, happy at having spend all of your money. |aftermarket <</if>>

The scarves that most catch your eyes are bold and beautiful both in civrant colours and patterns ranging from swirles to animals and flower petals. <<if $money gte 2>> <<link "Blue one with white and gray swirls similar to clouds" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "clouds">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "Black with red circles and strokes that look like painted with a brush" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "naruto">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "Green with leaf patterns of various shades" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "leaf">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "Red that looks like a flowerbed so full seeing an individual petal was difficult" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "flowerbed">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "Sunlight yellow, stiched with sharp black geometric lines like the rays of the Sun" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "sun">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> [[You want to look at something more colourful |colorscarves]] [[Something subdued |basescarves]] [[After a longer look around you decide to spend your money on somewhere else. |market]] <</if>> <<if $money lte 1>> [[You don't have enough left to purchase anything. |aftermarket]] <</if>>

The colour selection isn't anything new or exiting. Good, solid colours and soft but strong fabrics are nicer than most you have had access to. <<if $money gte 2>> <<link "blue" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "blue">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "red" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "red">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "green" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "green">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "yellow" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "yellow">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "brown" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "brown">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "gray" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "gray">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "black" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "black">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> <<link "white" |scarfseller1>> <<set $scarf to "gray">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>> [[You want to look at something more colourful |colorscarves]] [[You want more colours and patterns |boldscarves]] <</if>> [[After a longer look around you decide to spend your money on somewhere else. |market]] <<if $money lte 1>> <<link "You don't have enough to one." "aftermarket">> <</link>> <</if>>

<<if $money gte 2>>"That suits you nicely. Would you wish to see more?" [[Something colourful |colorscarves]] [[Something bold and colourful |boldscarves]] [[Something subdued |basescarves]] [["I have what I need. I'll just look around for something else. Thank you." |market]]<</if>> <<if $money lte 1>> [[You have spend all of your money, time to go home. |aftermarket]] <</if>>

You run through the streets, the sun setting at your heels, the shadows lengthening in the alleys, at store fronts. People are hurrying to their homes with the sun. The noblehouse holding power, Ghislan, had made the street safer when they ousted the previous house, sure. But only if you were a member of their house or associated with it, were promised safety. Others, commonborn and the poor especially were treated with disdain. Getting manhandled by the guards, or roughed up, if they did not follow orders. Or just got in the way of Ghislan’s business. You had heard talk of discontent for the last few months, in the streets, in the shops and even the members of Order were talking about an imminent unrest. It usually was a prelude to an uprising of more minor houses and violent chaos in the streets. You hoped that was not true. You don’t remember the year Ghislan rose to their position at the top, you were too young. But you remembered hiding during the night and day, how you were not allowed to play in the streets. How after a time, there was no one to tell you otherwise. Except the fear that lived in your chest and made your breath hitch when the night came. You’re almost home, a few turns and you’ll arrive at the small back door that leads into safety. Hopefully the dinner is still hot or someone, Hede propably, has thought of you and left a plate out. Wheedling food out of the kitchen is always a hassle, the disappointed looks of the cook a reason alone to avoid giving them extra work. You hear steps behind you. You glance over your shoulder but don’t see anyone. Your breath comes out in sharp breaths as you continue your brisk pace. You might be just paranoid… [[It’s nothing.]] [[Better be safe.]]

You continue on your way. It’s propably no one. Besides you are almost back behind the walls. It’s not like anyone can reach you before that. Your steps speed up almost against your rationalising the issue, quick walk becoming a jog. You don’t hear any steps behind you, though your beating heart is trying its best to drown any noises. You have forgotten what it feels to be unsafe. It takes a minute, two, five until you see the walls rise upon the rest of the city, the almost hidden door at the back not far away anymore. It’s stupid but your jog becomes a sprint and you almost make it, see the part of the wall where the door is. Then someone tackles you from above. <<if $DEX gte 40>> You turn the tackle into a throw, making your attacker fly over your head as you roll with the motion, jumping back to your feet, hands going up ready to defend yourself. Hede groans on $hisher back, laying on the street, clothes dusty and hood fallen of $hisher head. “You didn’t have to throw me!” $HeShe wheeses out, breath gone from the impact. “Shouldn’t have tried to kill me then,” you schoff dropping your hands. Hede continues to groan pathetically on the ground. “You shouldn’t have let me see you first!” $HeShe complains, a fraze used by most of the order. $HeShe doesn’t seem physically more hurt than after your usual tumbles in the training grounds. A pride thing, most likely with $himher. [[Help Hede]] [[Leave Hede to suffer the consequenses]] [[Pound Hede further into the ground]] <<else>>You yelp as Hede flips the tables on you, pinning you to the ground, tasting dirt in your mouth. “Hah! You think you could win against me with that scrawny body!” $heshe cackles in your ear as you spit dust from your mouth. Your harsh breathing making small puffs of dust rise with each gasp from the road. $HeShe has your arms trapped behind your back, bending them in an angle that makes your struggling hurt your shoulder and a futile attempt. “Let me go. You big oaf,” you wheeze and $heshe does with a condensending pat on your head. Laughing breathlessly as $heshe takes hold of your arms, hoisting you up, you can feel the smugness radiating of off $himher. Hede towers over you, having started their growth spurt earlier and looking far too pleased about the apparent that growth has given $himher. An unfair advantage in your opinion. [[“What are you doing here?”]] <</if>>

<<if $INT gt $DEX>> You loop around a building, you remember an empty building you can slip into. Propably snuck out of another window on the opposite side. That should lose whoever is following you. You make sure to keep your pace the same and only after you turn the last corner turn it into a sprint, hoping to gain a few more moments to hide. It had been a store or something at one point, now boarded up and rid of all the signs of life. Your memory is correct as you spot the building. It had been a store or something at one point, now boarded up and rid of all the signs of life. You silently congratulate yourself as you duck into the empty house through a gap in the wall. Thin layer of dust rises but settles down quickly as you crouch under the windowsill. You hold your breath and sneak a look between the loosely boarded window. You have a good vantage point to the corner you came from. Surely enough a moment later, a person with ridiculously long legs and a hood pulled low on their face, jogs into view. If you didn’t need to keep silent to make sure you’d stay hidden you’d have a few choice curses. Hede looks like an idiot, mischievous grin on $hisher face as $heshe retraces your step. Fine. If $heshe wants a surprise you’ll give them one. [[You wait until Hede passes your hiding spot]] <<else>> You spot a half fallen fence yarding in a backdoor. Quick running start and a mighty leap and your hands grab hold of the roof. You pull yourself up and onto the roof properly, settling down on your stomach and peering down. The old house you’re hiding on is only one story and not even high one but a good vantage point to stalk your stalker. You have just taken a calming breath and settled down to lie in wait as a figure jogs around the corner. A person with ridiculously long legs, hood pulled low on their face jogs into view. If you didn’t need to keep silent to make sure you’d stay hidden you’d have a few choice curses. Hede looks like an idiot, mischievous grin on $hisher face as $heshe retraces your step. Fine. If $heshe wants a surprise you’ll give $himher one. [[You wait until Hede sneaks below you]] <</if>>

You walk forward and offer your hand. $HeShe grabs it and you heave $himher to $hisher feet. Hede towers over you, having started their growth spurt earlier but the way $hisher sheepish smile and hunched shoulders look you feel like the bigger person at the moment. [[“What are you doing here?”]]

You watch as $heshe pickes $hisher bones from the ground, a bashful grin on $hisher face. $HeShe walks to you towering over you, having started their growth spurt earlier but the way $hisher sheepish smile and hunched shoulders look you feel like the bigger person at the moment. [[“What are you doing here?”]]

You walk to $himher pouncing on $himher the last second as Hede starts to get up, wrestling $himher back to the ground. <<if $STR gte 40>>After a brief struggle, lots of elbows and cursing you triumphantly pin Hede back, sitting on top of $hisher waist, pushing $hisher face to the dusty dirt road. One of Hede’s arms is pinned underneath $himher and the other you’re pushing in to an uncomfortable angle, forcing $himher to stop $hisher struggling. “Fine, fine. I yield,” Hede breathes down, a dust rising with each heavy breath from the road. There’s redness across $hisher cheeks as $heshe avoids your eyes, staring at the mouth of the alley were your home lies. “Better luck next time,” you can’t help the grin as you release $himher, “as if luck would help.” This time you let Hede stand up, $heshe does and you both spend a moment to dust yourself of, straightening your clothes to make sure you escape Matrons ire. You are done before $himher as Hede towers over you, having started their growth spurt earlier but the way $hisher sheepish smile and hunched shoulders look you feel like the bigger one. Especially after having won the scuffle. <<else>>You yelp as Hede flips the tables on you, pinning you to the ground, tasting dirt in your mouth. “Hah! You think you could win against me with that scrawny body!” $heshe cackles in your ear as you spit dust from your mouth. Your harsh breathing making small puffs of dust rise with each gasp from the road. $HeShe has your arms trapped behind your back, bending them in an angle that makes your struggling hurt your shoulder and a futile attempt. “Let me go. You big oaf,” you wheeze and $heshe does with a condensending pat on your head. Laughing breathlessly as $heshe takes hold of your arms, hoisting you up, you can feel the smugness radiating of off $himher. Hede towers over you, having started their growth spurt earlier and looking far too pleased about the apparent that growth has given $himher. An unfair advantage in your opinion.<</if>> [[“What are you doing here?”]]

You demand as Hede goes to pick up the bundle of clothing, dusting it off and holding it under one arm. You almost forgot it, having thrown it to the ground when Hede attacked you. “I got bored. Had nothing to do so came to wait for you,” Hede shrugs as if that’s the most obvious thing. In some ways it is. You dust yourself off, glaring at $himher. <<if $bracelet isnot "none">> “Fine. I brought you something. But now I don’t think I want to give it to you,” you rummage around your pocket. The woven bracelets are knotted together. You pull them out as Hede’s eyes widen. “You bought me stuff?” $HeShe looks baffled, though a bright smile is starting spread on $hisher face. You nod and $heshe steps closer, looking down at your hands and at the gift. “They are a pair. One for you and one for me,” you say, starting to hesitate/with a grin and untangling them from each other. The blues and greens woven into bright white in spiraling circles are identical across the two. The pattern continues uninterreupted as you hold them side by side. “I love it. Gimme,” Hede grins, adjusting the fabric under $hisher arm and extends $hisher other hand forwards. You untangle the bracelets and tie one around Hede’s pale wrist, leaving a bit of room to the offchance that $heshe will at somepoint get meat over $hisher bones. You tie the ends to a knot. Presumptious perhaps to make Hede cut it off if $heshe wants it gone but at least it will stay on. As soon as you tighten the knot Hede pulls $hisher hand back and looks at the bracelet closely. “It’s cute. Thank you,” Hede smiles at you. <<link "You blush."|braceletgift>> <<set $shy to $shy+10>> <</link>> [[It’s not that nice.|braceletgift]] <<else>> “You could do it next time by not knocking me to the ground,” you complain. Hede shrugs. “Should keep better eye on your surroundings,” $heshe points out but reaches for you with $hisher hand. [[Take the hand. |gohome]] [[Don’t take the hand. |gohome]]<</if>>

Hede doesn't deem to answer with anything but grabby hands as$HeShe reaches again for you, for the other bracelet. “I’ll do yours.” $heshe does, long fingers quick to tie it to your left/right hand. Hede takes hold of your hand, the bracelets hanging next together. [[“Let’s go home,” Hede smiles. |gohome]]

The Matron sighs, unimpressed by the state of your and Hede’s clothing but you get a gentle pat on the shoulder for you troubles. The dinner is awaiting for you two, hot and filling after a day of running around. You go to bed, your sleeping places still next to each other, as they have been from the first night you came. You are both restless, an itch under your skin and you're whispering and poking at each other under the blankets. Hede had sneaked in next to you so you wouldn't disturb the smaller kids too much. It worked exactly as long as Hede tickled your side. <<link "Retaliate" |tickle>> <<set $ticklish to "false">> <</link>> <<link "Become a mess" |tickle>> <<set $ticklish to "true">> <</link>>

Hede is an idiot and doesn’t think to look around $hisher surroundings which makes surprising $himher easy. You sneak out between the boards, back to the dusty street. $HeShe doesn’t notice, eyes firmly at the next corner, and your supposed route home. $HeShe does notice when you collade against $hisher back, bringing both of you down to the ground. Hede yelps but your surprise attack has given you the upper hand, bringing $himher down. Pinned to the ground, spitting roaddust from $hisher mouth, Hede grumbles something that you can’t make out so you lean in closer. “The audacity,” $heshe gasps, one pale gray eye looking at you, as you sit on $hisher back, triumphant. There’s redness across $hisher cheeks and while the position is awkward and $hisher plans foiled, $heshe is still smiling at you. “As if you wouldn’t have, //didn’t actually try to//, do the same,” you point out. Hede rolls $hisher eyes back, at least the one you can see, $hisher mirth not disappearing. “Unimportant… Will you let me up?” Hede asks and wiggles on the ground like a fish out of water. Trying to make you laugh. Matron is going to have a few choice words about the state of your clothing. You think about that. Should you let $himher suffer a bit longer or be nice so you can both get home before the sun sets? Hede answers your unaired question by suddenly bucking up, tossing you off and scampering up. You let $himher, fetching the package you’d been carrying through the day, keeping an eye on Hede. It would not be unlike $himher to start the wrestling match again after losing. You get the wrapped fabrics from where you had tossed them, wiping any loose dust away. When you glance back at Hede, $heshe has $hisher hood back up and is looking at you. “Want to race back?” Hede asks, bouncing on $hisher toes, ready to go at a moments notice. [[Don’t give one. Just start running. |gohome]] [[“I’ll beat you!”|gohome]]

Hede is an idiot and doesn’t think to look around $hisher surroundings which makes surprising them easy. You wait on your stomach, eyes tracking Hede’s hurried walk. $HeShe doesn’t look up at all, so you relax and wait for your opportunity. Hede’s hood has fallen off, the pale hair in loose ponytail hanging low. While tempting to just jump down on $himher you have been listening to the Matron and her lectures about how much roughhousing a body can take. Instead you wait until Hede has walked further away before making your move. Silently, you scoot over to hang by your hands at the edge of the roof. You drop down and luckily for you these sidestreets are dust and earth and Hede doesn’t hear your approach. $HeShe does notice when you collade against $hisher back, bringing both of you down to the ground. Hede yelps but your surprise attack has given you the upper hand, bringing $himher down. Pinned to the ground, spitting roaddust from $hisher mouth. Hede grumbles something that you can’t make out so you lean in closer. “The audacity,” $heshe gasps, one pale gray eye looking at you, as you sit on $hisher back, triumphant. There’s redness across $hisher cheeks and while the position is awkward and $hisher plans foiled, $heshe is still smiling at you. “As if you wouldn’t have, //didn’t try to//, do the same,” you point out. Hede rolls $hisher eyes back, at least the one you can see, $hisher mirth not disappearing. “Small details… Will you let me up?” You think about that. Should you let $himher suffer a bit longer or be nice so you can both get home before the sun sets? Hede answers your unaired question by suddenly bucking up, tossing you off and scampering up. You let $himher get up, fetching the package you’d been carrying through the day, keeping an eye on Hede. It would not be unlike $himher to start the wrestling match after losing at first. You get the wrapped fabrics from where you had tossed them, wiping any loose dust from it. When you glance back at Hede, $heshe has $hisher hood back up and is looking at you. “Want to race back?” Hede asks, bouncing on $hisher toes, ready to start at your go ahead. [[Don’t give one. Just start running. |gohome]] [[“I’ll beat you!” |gohome]]

<<if $ticklish is "true">> You can't help but squeak as $hisher fingers slip beneath your sleep shirt and seem to find, once again, all of your ticklish spots on your sides and stomach. You squeal and push at $himher trying to push Hede away. If that failed, maybe you could slip out of the horrible torture and make a run for it. Hede cackles, a high-pitched sound that’s loud like a warning bell in the night, and traps one of your hands in $hisher. You can imagine the glee on Hede’s face when $heshe gains easier access to torturing you. <<else>> You don’t know why Hede still thinks after all these years that trying to tickle you would lead to anything else but irritation and a scuffle. You push at $hisher hands, get them away from you, a swift push with your knee and Hede huffs out a sound, not quite a squeal not a laugh, and let’s go of the attempted torture. It’s too late, though. <</if>> The scrabbling between you two comes to an immediate stop when a figure appears next to you, clearing their ancient throat. Disappointment oozes from the Matron as she stands by you, the long hem of her skirt brushing against the floor. The candle behind her giving the white of her mask eerie shadows. [[You're in trouble]]

The scrabbling between you two comes to an immediate stop when a figure appears next to you, clearing their ancient throat. Disappointment oozes from the Matron as she hushes you to be quiet. “Sorry,” Hede whispers, meekly and you echo $himher while separating from your tangled limbs, Hede into $hisher own bed. She watches you as you hide inside blankets before turning around and walking back to her spot. It’s quiet then. The sounds of others sleeping around you, the occasional creek of Matrons chair, a faraway wind. You close your eyes and go to sleep, the itch still under your skin but lessened now. [[You try to sleep. |areyousleeping]]

“Are you sleeping?” a voice tickles your ear and a not so gentle hand pokes you in the ribs. You turn in your bedroll to look at Hede. The light from the candle by the door is enough to make $himher seem ghostlike in the dark, a soft halo of white where $hisher hair usually sticks up. You shake your head. Hede nods towards the door and you notice how the chair Matron, Nina or someone else usually sits and guards your rest is empty. “Want to sneak out?” Hede asks, and you don’t need to see the mischievous smirk on $hisher face as $heshe lures you out of the warm blankets. You tiptoe to the door, careful not to wake anyone else. The door is silent as you sneak past it, Hede at your heels. The halls are quiet, dark and a chill runs up your spine with the cool stone under your bare feet. The sun has set hours ago and you can feel it. You sneak a look over your shoulder, Hede standing right behind you, hand on your shoulder as $heshe closes the door to the sleeping dorm behind you two. “Are you ready?” $heshe asks, smiling a tight smile. $HeShe is whispering, careful not to awake the kids as the heavy door closes behind you. [["Yes."|awake1][$brave to $brave+10]] [["No."|awake1][$brave to $cautious+10]]

Hede’s hand slips from your shoulder to your hand. “Don’t worry, whatever happens. We’re in it together,” $hisher breath tickles your ear as $heshe leans closer. Your fingers lace together as $heshe tugs you along, away from the door. “Think we'd make a good pair of street performers?” you mutter. "The best ones anyone has ever seen,"Hede mutters but $hisher eyes are intent on the end of the dark hallway. Where there looms a dark opening in the wall. You stop in front of the doorway, the door open and held against the wall by a small clasp. Not ominious at all as the doorway leads to stairway going down into total darkness. You have not seen either before. In fact you are sure it has not been there before. Either the door or the opening. And this is the same hallway you’ve been walking through for years. You can see the top three steps and then nothing further. The air wafting up smells of still air and damp mold. Hede stops there, $hisher hand squeezing yours harder. “That’s new. Right? I don’t think I’m dreaming,” Hede mutters looking around. [[Punch Hede]] [[“If you are then so am I.”]] [[“That’s new.”]]

You punch $himher on the arm. Years of living with kids around your own age and rough housing makes the punch hit in exactly the right spot for it to go numb instantly. “Ow!” Hede looks at you, eyes wide and rubbing $hisher arm. You try to school your smirk. “Don’t believe you are.” “You could have just pinched me,” Hede mutters but nudges you gently instead of retaliating. [[“So…”]]

You mutter, biting your cheek lightly. It stings so you should be awake. Right? You feel Hede’s nails dig into your hand, further making sure that this seem to be real to your senses. You squeeze back. "Not dreaming then?" "Propably not." [[“So…”]]

You agree and Hede huffs a laugh. It cut offs quickly, lacking any real desire to laugh. $HeShe doesn’t sound scared. There is no fear, for now, only cautious curiosity. That might not be for the better, though. [[“So…”]]

“So, can we just go in? Walk down the creepy steps into the abyss,” Hede wonders, trying to make a joke about the situation as usual. You glance around at the shadows all around you. You had forgone the candle, trusting in each other and the safety of the halls to wander around even in the dark. The windows along the ceiling were clear but the new moon brought little to no light inside the walls. <<if $WIS gte $INT>> You stare at one especially dark shadow from the corner of your eye. It moved, just a slight shift but either it was a rat climbing on the wall or you were being watched. Rarely you had seen anyone of the Order outside of Matron and Nina. Even rarer were the times they manifested any of the powers you heard whispers of. <<elseif $INT gte 40>> There’s no way that you two woke up at the same time, with no Matron in sight and the door open to the hallway. The night after she had hinted about your time coming soon. You are most certainly being watched. Even if you don’t see anyone doesn’t mean they aren’t there. <<else>> You can’t see anyone around or hear voices coming to fetch you back to bed. Or voices of anyone coming to guide your way down. To tell you what to do. <</if>> You look at the stairs and then back at Hede. “Can we go in at the same time? Isn’t this supposed to be a trial for oneself?” $HeShe shrugs glancing around. “It is but I don’t see anyone who’d stop us. What do you want to do?” [[You walk in alone. |tunnel1/1]] [[You grab Hede’s hand. |tunnel1/2]]

“See you on the other side,” Hede’s smile was tight, looking at you close enough that your noses touch. “I’ll count down from one hundred and then follow. Just like when we play hide and seek, alright?” You nod and Hede pumps your foreheads together. Gently. You stand for a moment, collecting courage. Then you turn to the darkness. You hear Hede’s small prayer for fortune for your sake as $heshe starts counting down from a hundred. You don’t look back as you place your right/left hand against the wall and start descending the stairs. The stairs are not even, making you concentrate on each step. <<if $bracelet isnot "none">> You can still see the bracelet hanging off from your wrist. You can feel it, wrapped around your wrist and it warms you somewhat that while Hede stays back it's twin hangs from $hisher wrist. <</if>>\ @@.delayed;100 99 98 97@@ @@.delayed;The voice faints in the background as the darkness wraps around you. The stones against your hand are cool, rough and you can feel the dirt that sticks to your palm.@@ @@.delayed;95 94 93@@ @@.delayed;You stumble a little, loose pebbles on the step click clacking down to the abyss. You can feel your heartbeat in your chest. It’s faster than the countdown you hear. The light is almost all gone. Your feet are somewhere in the dark and when you go a few more steps down you won’t see anything at all.@@ @@.delayed;91 90 89@@ @@.delayed;You continue down. The little grey light from the doorway has disappeared as you resolutely keep your eyes forward. There’s small voice in the back of your head, intruding in your thoughts, how the doorway would be gone if you did.@@ @@.delayed;87 86 85@@ @@.delayed;It is dark. Completely dark. You swallow. This is fine. This is a trial; it’s supposed to be difficult. You’re supposed to embrace the darkness, the shadows, if you are wanting to rise to the Order’s ranks. The wall is starting to get damp under your palm. Or maybe it’s just sweat. You take a breath and another step.@@ [[The step is not there.]]

“Together?” You ask, Hede’s hand warm in yours and your beating heart drumming in your ears as $heshe nods. “I’ve dragged you this far, so might as well keep doing it,” Hede smiles down at you. Your lips twitch as you look into the descending darkness. <<if $brave > $cautious>>You tug Hede along, taking the first steps down. “Please, I’ve dragged you behind //me//!” you scoff and while the truth is somewhere between, now Hede doesn’t resist but allows you to take the lead. <<else>> You let Hede take the first steps down. You are right at $hisher heels, hand in hand eyes trained into nothing.<</if>> You descend slowly, carefully, hand in hand. After a few steps it seems better to walk side by side, both of you reaching outwards to brush against the stone walls. It’s dirty, dry and your steps make dust lift up and into your nose. You feel a sneeze try to fight itself out but you shouldn’t make noise. It feels inappropriate if not dangerous. [[Hold it]] [[Sneeze into your hand]] [[Hede’s shoulder is right there]]

<<if $DEX gte 40>> You throw out your hands, twisting at the last second before you cling to the edge of a cliff. [[Your feet hang over nothing]]. <<else>> [[You fall]]. <</if>>

Your feet try to find a purchase on the stone. It’s useless. <<if $brave gte 40>> You refuse to give up. Heaving with all your strength your precarious hold is just enough for you to pull yourself up. Panting out, more with left over panic than anything else, you roll onto your knees trying to calm yourself from the near death. It’s total darkness around you, even your breathing seems to be muddled in the thickness of it. With laboured breath, as if breathing through a cloth it takes a moment before you find the stairs with your left hand again, grounding you. Reaching out you try to find the wall. Instead, your fingers touch coarse fabric. “Well done,” a voice whispers, young, smug and for a terrifying moment you think it’s Hede. But it couldn't be. A hand grabs yours off of their clothes with a firm grip. You’re tangled on your knees for a moment, the disorienting feeling coursing back before you’re pushed off the ledge. [[You fall]] <<else>> You hang there, afraid to move. You can feel panic starting to rise from the back of your throat like a viscous bile. As a last-ditch effort, you try to shimmy sideways and closer to the wall. Maybe the steps are there still, and you can climb out? You start to inch to the left. It’s a slow progress, the darkness making it feel like the wall is an eternity away. Your hands hurt, you can’t hear anything from your beating heart and laboured breath. Your feet hit the edge, a wall. Relief washed over you as someone grabs your arm. For a moment you’re sure you’re safe. But instead of pulling you up, a second hand grabs you by your shirt. And pushes you further away from the safety. “Well done,” a voice whispers in the darkness as you realise will happen. The voice is young, smug and for a terrifying moment you think it’s Hede. But it couldn't be... You let go of the ledge as the hands are stronger, unyielding and there’s nowhere left for you to grab in the second before you’re pushed away. [[You fall]] <</if>>

The darkness clings to you as you flail in the air. You think you scream but you don’t hear it. You fall and it feels like a dream, a nightmare. [[You hit water.]]

It’s like hitting ground, when falling out of a tree. Your whole body hurts. Your breath is knocked out of you, escaping in harsh gasps and on your inhale your lungs fill up with cold water. Panic strikes you, harsh and dark in your mind as you desperately try to swim upwards. But are you swimming in the right direction? You can’t see anything; you only hear a muffled splashing out of your own desperate flailing and only feel the cold water around you. You don’t remember why you know but you remember hearing how dying would feel like an eternity. And surrounded by cold dark water, seeing nothing, makes you understand. Every moment between strokes towards, what you hope is the surface, feels like an eternity. You are painfully clear how much effort every move you make is, how much your body hurts. How close panic is to overwhelming you. Your lungs burn when you finally break the surface. [[You gasp in air]]

Breathing in with large gulps of air, you notice how damp underground air has never tasted as sweet. As your breathing calms down, enough for you to hear more than your beating heart in your ears, you can focus on your surroundings. You hear echoes around you, of you splashing around but you still can’t see anything. Splashing around in a circle the echoes seem to go endlessly in every direction. <<if hasVisited ("tunnels2/2")>>You look around, you listen around but you are alone. There's no sight of Hede. "Hede!" You scream and then wait. Nothing. No sign of Hede and no way to locate $himher. You swim a few times in a circle, hoping and dreading of pumping into someone. Dead or alive. Thankfully, or not, you don't. <</if>>\ [[Yell for help]] [[Float on the water and try to think of what to do]] [[Pick a direction and start swimming |startswimming]]

“Help! I’m down here,” you scream, paddling in the water. Your voice bounces around you, echoing a few times before it too dies out. No response. You wait a moment, count to a hundred, and try again. “Hede!” Nothing. Hede should have been just behind you. $HeShe should have at least heard your calls even if $heshe did not fall behind you to the water. Was there another route? You could try to yell for more help. You know that the trials are not a life-or-death situation, you would have been warned beforehand. Right? A small voice reminds you that you have not met anyone who has gone through and not come out having a mask, being part of the Order. [[No one is coming. You have to take yourself out of here.|startswimming]]

<<set $WIS to $WIS + 10>> You know that the trials are not a life-or-death situation, they would have treated it much more importance. Who would throw teenagers into situation where dying would be so easy? So, this must be a part of it. Overcoming impossible looking situations. You probably could start yelling and someone would come help you out. But would that mean giving up? Would that mean you weren’t brave enough, good enough to join the Order? [[You have no other choice but try to swim to land. |startswimming]]

It’s cold, you can feel the iciness of the water chill you to your bones, your sleeping clothes, and socks useless now that they are wet. You need to get out of the water as fast as possible. Living years in easy reach of heated tubs has made you softer. A luxury that seems weird to regret but regret it you do when the feeling disappears from your toes. In the darkness you try to listen to pick up sounds of something else as it’s the only sense left to you. Hoping to get a hint or the smallest clue to which direction to go. A stream of water, a call from an animal, anything to pinpoint you to a direction to swim. There’s nothing only you splashing in the water. You lost your orientation when you fell, nothing to give a clue which way the stairs were. Besides, how would you even know what’s the right way to go even if you knew where you came from? You fell and didn’t hit anything, so if it’s a straight wall up how would you even hope to climb it up? It's no use panicking. Trying to keep yourself level-headed you make up your mind, pick a direction and start swimming. The darkness, the silence, and the slow steady motions as you swim begins growing the dread in the pit of your stomach. None of it does anything to quench your growing paranoia. Was there something brushing against your leg? Are there whispers coming from around you? Maybe you’re not alone in here after all? Your breathing starts to speed up, you can’t feel your fingers or toes. Maybe you were wrong and this is a life or death? You don’t panic. You won’t panic! @@.delayed;Your hand hits hard rock. [[Finally! |tunnels2]] [[You offer a small prayer to anyone who could be listening|tunnels2]] [[Just in time|tunnels2]]@@

Panting, you pull yourself up. The ledge sticks out only a bit above your head so with a heave you roll on to dry land. You breath in and out, your pulse settling down and gathering what little information you can get. Small, sharp stones stick into your back, the air feels old and dusty as chill settles into your wet clothes. You don’t hear anything and see even less. Rolling onto your stomach and then up onto your knees, you carefully stand up completely. Hitting your head now to a low ceiling would be bad. Thankfully you don’t hit anything, not even when you raise your hand and jump. Small mercies. You stand, shivering, blind in a cave, tunnel, or abandoned blood sacrifice altar for all you know. [[Have a little cry]] [[Try yelling for help]] [[Start walking |Start walking]]

You fall to your knees, hands against stone before you curl into a ball. This is not what you wanted, what you dreamed of. You wanted to be something, to show everyone what you could do. That you belong to the Order and it’s ranks. Instead you’re miserable, cold and wet and utterly useless. Once again. But you did something to this feeling when you were a kid, and you can do it again. Wiping away your tears you stand up on wobbly legs and swallow down the uncertainty, the helplessness that tries to creep in and start walking. [[Start walking]]

There’s nothing else to do. With outstretched hands, you scoot forwards, away from the water’s edge. If anyone would see you, it would seem ridiculous, trying to walk without falling or hitting your head while you see absolutely nothing. Your hands flail in front of you, your face is grimacing, sure you’re going to hit something and get hurt any second. Nothing does but you are close to falling a time or two as you trip over small stones. You count your small shuffling steps, the only way to keep track of the distance you’ve walked. After a few hundred steps, your hands meet with a hard, cold stone wall. A breath of relief as you start to feel around the obstacle. The wall feels smoother than the floor, and you can find a few long, sharp cracks in it. Not enough to serve as hand holds, not without equipment to help you. Or without a light to guide you. With a highwall infront of you, you have two ways to go, [[Pick right |tunnelright]] [[Pick left |tunnelsleft]]

Deep down you know it’s useless, no one heard you when you were closer to the stairs, why would they now? You still try. “Hede! Nina! Anyone!” You yell, cry out into the darkness. Then wait. Nothing. “Please?” You try one more time. Silence. Just the water dripping from your clothes to the stone, your own laboured breathing and the occasional sniffle as water trickles from your nose. Groaning you stand on wobbly feet and waver. But what other choice you have but go forward? [[Start walking]]

You pick right, leaving your left hand to follow the grooves and turns of the stonewall. Keeping your hand firmly on the stone, not wanting to fall again into unknown abyss or even into the water again, you start walking. And walking. Slowly, you think realise the floor rises slightly, bringing you closer to the surface. Perhaps. Hopefully. Up is good. Four hundred or so steps later and you hit a wall. Your hand meets warm wood, cracks between long pieces of smooth wood. A door or a wall, whichever but something new, a possibility. [[Find the weak spot]] [[Bash a hole in it]] [[Leave it alone]]

You pick left, leaving your right hand to follow the grooves and turns of the stonewall. Keeping your hand firmly on the stone, not wanting to fall again into unknown abyss or even into the water again, you start walking. And walking. Slowly, you think realise the floor rises slightly, bringing you closer to the surface. Perhaps. Hopefully. Up is good. Four hundred or so steps later and you hit a wall. Your hand meets warm wood, cracks between long pieces of smooth wood. A door or a wall, whichever but something new, a possibility. [[Find the weak spot]] [[Bash a hole in it]] [[Leave it alone]]

It's a construct. People made it. And people are not perfect. There will be holes, or mistakes. Things you can exploit. If you find them. Your fingers trace, scratch at dust and loose splinters and you hope to catch a break finally. You want to get away from the darkness, from the wet clothes and especially from the opressing darkness of this place. [[You find nothing |tunnelsfail]]

<<set $STR to $STR+10>> You try to find a seam, a loose beam, a rotten log would be best but you find nothing. It seems solid and sturdy as if it was made this week. Not something that has been hidden in the damp darkness for however long. Still, you're going to try. You ready yourself, loosen up, get your center tight... [[And kick!]]

<<set $INT to $INT + 10>> It would not work. It feels like it is a well-built, whatever it ends up being. Why waste time and energy trying to break something that's not possible to break? You could get hurt and then where would you be? Groaning you rest your head against the wall. Something tugs at your senses and makes you turn around. You don’t hear anything, still blind to the world but you //know// that someone, something has you in their sight. You freeze, your senses reaching out trying to pinpoint what waits in the dark. There’s nothing more than a feeling. You know there’s something there, an itch along your spine, hairs standing up in your hands, a shiver in your bones. You open your eyes, you had not consciously closed. There’s a darkness around you. But it’s not the same as before. You can see something, a shapeless shade, a void in the blackness. And it’s reaching towards you. [[You freeze]]

You can feel the darkness around you, the warmth of the shadows, begging you to reach for them. To choose them, it, whatever it is. The promise of darkness and whatever all that entails tangled in your mind. An oath that waits for you to complete it. To welcome it. //yes…// Something whispers in your ears. Or was it just an errant thought as you reach forward to the darkness. And the darkness reaches back, takes hold of your hand, all encompassing. <<if $cautious gte 50>> You try to yank your hand back. It’s too late and you feel a silky, soft, and cool cloth wrap around your arm, up your elbow and all over you. <<else>> You feel a silky, soft, and cool cloth wrap around your arm, up your elbow and all over you. <</if>> When it reaches your face, you lose your hearing, lose your sense of smell and what little you saw is gone. Disoriented you don’t know what side is up and what is down and afraid to remain standing up, your knees buckle, and you fall down. Or perhaps up, as the cloth, the shadows wrap around you, embracing you from head to toe and your fall softens. You don’t hit the ground so much as softly land on a bed made of silk. Surrounding you. Your mouth opens to… yell, scream, question every choice that led you here but instead you feel cold air fill your mouth, your lungs. You can still breath, you’re not dying even if in your panic it feels like it. //don’t struggle… give… give// [[Give what?]]

Nothing. Not even a loosened board. Your leg hurts but you persist for a few more times. No use. Your lefg hurts and you have propably loosened a few toenails with nothing to show for it. Groaning you rest your head against the wall. Something tugs at your senses and makes you turn around. You don’t hear anything, still blind to the world but you //know// that someone, something has you in their sight. You freeze, your senses reaching out trying to pinpoint what waits in the dark. There’s nothing more than a feeling. You know there’s something there, an itch along your spine, hairs standing up in your hands, a shiver in your bones. You open your eyes, you had not consciously closed. There’s a darkness around you. But it’s not the same as before. You can see something, a shapeless shade, a void in the blackness. And it’s reaching towards you. [[You freeze]]

You have lost count of the times you thought you found an exploitative crack in the wood. That turned out to be as solid as everything else. Groaning you rest your head against the wall. Something tugs at your senses and makes you turn around. You don’t hear anything, still blind to the world but you //know// that someone, something has you in their sight. You freeze, your senses reaching out trying to pinpoint what waits in the dark. There’s nothing more than a feeling. You know there’s something there, an itch along your spine, hairs standing up in your hands, a shiver in your bones. You open your eyes, you had not consciously closed. There’s a darkness around you. But it’s not the same as before. You can see something, a shapeless shade, a void in the blackness. And it’s reaching towards you. [[You freeze]]

You don’t have anything to give. You don’t own anything, you’re just a kid still. //here… here…HERE// Something, the voice, tugs at something, forces something in your mind to play. <<if $Parent is "mom">>\ A soft voice sings as you play with on the floor with… something as that part of your memory has faded. You remember the safety of her skirts in your hand as you walk the busy streets. The loud voice that screamed after you when you wandered too far away. Her tight hugs and soft kisses on your hair. <</if>> <<if $Parent is "dad">>\ A low, rumbly voice that made you listen in awe at the stories being told. Strong hands, the strong smell of him as you were carried. In his arms, on his shoulders, by the back of your shirt on a few occasions. His calloused hands on your shoulders, his scratchy beard against your cheek.<</if>>\ <<if $Parent is "none">>\ You think of the kids around you growing up. First on the streets and then inside the Order’s walls. Of the camadarie even if you fought every so often. How it wasn’t family but it was as close as, to you. <</if>> You think of Hede when you were scared, confused and sure that you’d be thrown out if you spoke too much or out of place. Pale, smiling Hede haloed against the sun as $heshe tosses a ball to you or reaches for a book too high for you. You remember hushed, secret conversations under blankets after you were supposed to be sleep. Races in the city streets. //give..give…andwe-i-uswillbetogether// [[Togethertogethertogethertogethertogethertogether]]

The thing it-we-us fills your senses, your mind and pulls at your memories. It needs space, it needs something tangible space to fill. So it takes your past, your memories and your feelings for those you once held most dear and slits into the vacated space. Your memories, the people you had held closest to you. Would you even remember them? //givetakegivetakegivetake// Because of course nothing was free, you should have known that. Should have expected it. [[Yes. This is something you’ve always missed.]] [[You give them up.]] [[You give them up. It hurts.]] [[You refuse. Your memories are not extendable.]]

<<set $shade to $shade + 4>> What else is there to do? This is the price you apparently have to pay. You relax as much as you can. Do you need to agree outloud? As soon as the thought appears in your mind you can feel something take hold of it, tug at it gently and wrap it tight, filling every single thought you have. //yesyesyesyesyestogether// It feels like a sudden onset of the sickness you had a few winters ago. Your throat is raw, your mind feels slow, disconnected and you have trouble focusing as everything feels cold. Your limbs hurt, your skin tingles and the only thing you can focus is your body and the sensations around you. And then, it stops. Something soothing, cool and warm settles around you. A breath, two breaths and the feelings, the sensations settle around you. You feel again the smooth, cold stone beneath you, a few sharp stones dig to your backside. Your wet clothes stick to you, making the cool air even colder, making shivers run up your spine. You reach a hand up your face, laying it across your eyes. You haven’t ever been drunk, having only witnessed it or heard the complaints of the people the next day but to you feeling like something stuffed your head full of soft cloth, must be close. You must make a noise because you feel it at the same time a groan sounds in your ear. The sound echoes around you but you can feel it bouncing around, getting a feel of the place before bounding back to you. You water isn’t far, could propably roll over a few times before dropping back in. The way the sound echoes you can hear a small passage a bit further away. So while walking, swimming and crawling around in the dark had felt like an eternity, the tunnels were rather small after all. Wait. How do you know this? [[Your eyes snap open]]

<<set $shade to $shade + 2>> You can feel tears prickling at your eyes, as your breath hitches and you feel something give in your mind as you relent. As you give this entity your permission to make place in your memories, erasing what you had once held there. Haven’t you given up enough of the little you ever had in life? //yesyesyesyesyestogether// It feels like a sudden onset of the sickness you had a few winters ago. Your throat is raw, your mind feels slow, disconnected and you have trouble focusing as everything feels cold. Your limbs hurt, your skin tingles and the only thing you can focus is your body and the sensations around you. And then, it stops. Something soothing, cool and warm settles around you. A breath, two breaths and the feelings, the sensations settle around you. You feel again the smooth, cold stone beneath you, a few sharp stones dig to your backside. Your wet clothes stick to you, making the cool air even colder, making shivers run up your spine. You reach a hand up your face, laying it across your eyes. You haven’t ever been drunk, having only witnessed it or heard the complaints of the people the next day but to you feeling like something stuffed your head full of soft cloth, must be close. You must make a noise because you feel it at the same time a groan sounds in your ear. The sound echoes around you but you can feel it bouncing around, getting a feel of the place before bounding back to you. You water isn’t far, could propably roll over a few times before dropping back in. The way the sound echoes you can hear a small passage a bit further away. So while walking, swimming and crawling around in the dark had felt like an eternity, the tunnels were rather small after all. Everything still hurts as a whimper escapes. Wait. How do you know this? [[Your eyes snap open]]

“No! Get out of my head! They’re my thoughts!” You scream, try to yell, but you don’t hear your own voice. Instead the pressure behind your eyes, between your ears, in your mind keeps building up. As does the pain as your mind is toyed with, held hostage as a cavalcade of images is dug from your mind. The memories that you’re forced to relive are not the happy ones, some of them you have forgotten, buried deep in the past of cold, hunger and fear that were ever present during your time before joining with the Order. Along with the memories is the running, pushing sense that if you only say yes nothing like this will ever happen. That you can have powers, be better than any of the awful people that made your life miserable. An ally in your mind, in your veins, in your bones to strengthen to heighten to give you everything. You only have to agree. [[No!]] [[Yes... |You give them up. It hurts.]]

The first things your eyes focus on is the way the darkest shadows seem to move under your gaze. The lighter ones make way from your gaze, revealing old, smooth stones and runes carved all around you. The wooden obstacle is a wall, old with heavy timber and carvings etched deep into the wood. Looking back in the other direction, you can see a tunnel you must have walked from. It curves slightly down but you can see the drop, where the water awaits. The wall is solid, nailed shut with only tiny cracks to see through, revealing more of the tunnels behind. You search but there seems to be no door, no hidden hatch to let you through. Even the top of the structure that meets the ceiling seem to your newly seeing eyes sealed shut of any holes. Only a rat could sneak through it. [[You rest your head against the wall]] [[You slump back to the ground, defeated]] [[You punch the wall]]

//foolfoolfoolfoolyouwillneverbegoodenoughgoodenough// The thing screams at you as you refuse, fight against it, and finally disper it from your mind. It leaves but you are left lying, out of breath, head pounding, muscles hurting. A memory of frustration of anger, of disappointment at your refusal sits in the bottom of your stomach, making you feel nauseous. And while it feels gone for now, there’s something in the back of your mind, lurking. Like something is just pushed away, waiting for it’s opportunity. It feels like a sudden onset of the sickness you had a few winters ago. Your throat is raw, your mind feels slow, disconnected and you have trouble focusing as everything feels cold. Your limbs hurt, your skin tingles and the only thing you can focus is your body and the sensations around you. And then, it stops. Something soothing, cool and warm settles around you. A breath, two breaths and the feelings, the sensations settle around you. You feel again the smooth, cold stone beneath you, a few sharp stones dig to your backside. Your wet clothes stick to you, making the cool air even colder, making shivers run up your spine. You reach a hand up your face, laying it across your eyes. You haven’t ever been drunk, having only witnessed it or heard the complaints of the people the next day but to you feeling like something stuffed your head full of soft cloth, must be close. You must make a noise because you feel it at the same time a groan sounds in your ear. The sound echoes around you but you can feel it bouncing around, getting a feel of the place before bounding back to you. You water isn’t far, could propably roll over a few times before dropping back in. The way the sound echoes you can hear a small passage a bit further away. So while walking, swimming and crawling around in the dark had felt like an eternity, the tunnels were rather small after all. Everything still hurts as a whimper escapes. But your mind is empty except for your own thoughts. Something feels empty, missing piece as you realize that you shouldn’t know what kind of place is around... Wait. How do you know this? [[Your eyes snap open]]

<<$set $shade to $shade + 5> //yesyesyesyesyestogetherwewillbeeverythingyouhaveeverwanted// It feels like a sudden onset of the sickness you had a few winters ago. Your throat is raw, your mind feels slow, disconnected and you have trouble focusing as everything feels cold. Your limbs hurt, your skin tingles and the only thing you can focus is your body and the sensations around you. And then, it stops. Something soothing, cool and warm settles around you. A breath, two breaths and the feelings, the sensations settle around you. You feel again the smooth, cold stone beneath you, a few sharp stones dig to your backside. Your wet clothes stick to you, making the cool air even colder, making shivers run up your spine. You reach a hand up your face, laying it across your eyes. You haven’t ever been drunk, having only witnessed it or heard the complaints of the people the next day but to you feeling like something stuffed your head full of soft cloth must be close. You must make a noise because you feel it at the same time a groan sounds in your ear. The sound echoes around you but you can feel it bouncing around, getting a feel of the place. You must not be far from the water, could propably roll over a few times before dropping back in. The way the sound echoes you can hear a small passage a bit further away. So while walking, swimming and crawling around in the dark had felt like an eternity, the tunnels were rather small after all. Wait. How do you know this? [[Your eyes snap open]]

Your head still reeling, your joints hurting and your feet wobbly you let your forehead hit the wall. Now it is not so awfull. The dampness nor the coolness when moments before it felt like an affront. You feel a tug pulling you towards the wall, to the space behind it. Glancing between one of the cracks but nothing seems to have changed. Until you can see the path through. A darker shadow on this side, big enough for you to step in, darker than all the rest that stretches out to the other side. A pathway. You feel the pull, as something grabs your ankles, and your vision grows blurry. Where mere seconds ago you had images in the shades of black and grey now it the same lack of colours is making you feel nauseous as the world twists, turns and solidifies into something new. You stumble, feet hitting the ground as you fall, jump from the void you’d been pulled through. Your hands reach out for something to hold onto, your stomach turns, your eyes water and the up is down and you open your eyes but they are already open and then you fall… Fall… Strong arms catch you. [[You lose your hold of reality]]

You can't keep your legs under you and slump to the solid ground with a thump. The moisture seeps into your skin through your clothes and the cold stone. It is not pleasant but nothing has been ever since you parted way from Hede. Has this been really worth it? You feel a tug pulling you towards the wall, to the space behind it. Glancing between one of the cracks but nothing seems to have changed. Until you can see the path through. A darker shadow on this side, big enough for you to step in, darker than all the rest that stretches out to the other side. A pathway. You feel the pull, as something grabs your ankles, and your vision grows blurry. Where mere seconds ago you had images in the shades of black and grey now it the same lack of colours is making you feel nauseous as the world twists, turns and solidifies into something new. You stumble, feet hitting the ground as you fall, jump from the void you’d been pulled through. Your hands reach out for something to hold onto, your stomach turns, your eyes water and the up is down and you open your eyes but they are already open and then you fall… Fall… Strong arms catch you. [[You lose your hold of reality]]

Anger is sometimes the proper response. Even when it leaves you with hand that hurts. <<if hasVisited("And kick!")>>It goes really well with your aching foot.<</if>> As before nothing else happens. No, cracks and no voice telling you to stop breaking things. You sigh and cradle your hand while you lean against the wall. [[What now?|tunnels4/1]]

Bright. It’s bright and you’re blinded. The sun shines in your eyes as they snap open. Your groan of pain is met by chuckling from somewhere nearby as you roll over and close your eyes against the painful light that is the summer sun. The bench you’re lying on is made of stone and digs into your side as you lean over its side, but someone has at least covered the surface with a pelt. You breath out slow and deliberate, trying to make the pain behind your eyes disappear and keep the threatening nausea down. The chuckling stops and you can hear steps coming closer, someone hovering over you casting a helpful shade over you and blocking the sun. “Just breath it out. The first time is always the most difficult. You’ll get used to it,” a low male voice says from above you. His tone is still amused but the low voice does not hurt your head more than it’s pounding already. As the pain fades you can hear more noises, more people shuffling around you, whispered voices talking and a few laughs around you. You chance the risk and open your eyes slightly. It's still bright but the sun doesn’t stab you anymore, the dark tall shadow helping. You glance upwards and you see a smiling man, looking down at you. His features are a blur as he stands against the sun but you have a impression of light brown skin and dark curls before your eyes catch on his mask, hanging by his belt. It’s white, clean without any special markings. But an identical one is held by one hand, smaller than the other. “You feel like sitting up? I’m Aarne, I don’t know if you remember me, but I’ve watched you grow up ever since I carried you here.” [[“I remember walking the whole way.” |aftertunnel1]] [[“I don’t remember you.” |aftertunnel1]] [[“I remember.” |aftertunnel1]]

You feel a tug pulling you towards the wall, to the space behind it. Glancing between one of the cracks but nothing seems to have changed. Until you can see the path through. A darker shadow on this side, big enough for you to step in, darker than all the rest that stretches out to the other side. A pathway. Depending on prev choice here comes different flavour text You feel the pull, as something grabs your ankles, and your vision grows blurry. Where mere seconds ago you had images in the shades of black and grey now it the same lack of colours is making you feel nauseous as the world twists, turns and solidifies into something new. You stumble, feet hitting the ground as you fall, jump from the void you’d been pulled through. Your hands reach out for something to hold onto, your stomach turns, your eyes water and the up is down and you open your eyes but they are already open and then you fall… Fall… Strong arms catch you. [[You lose your hold of reality]]

"I'm not.. I don't have anyone like that," you stammer out and almost drop the bracelets to make a run for it. Pale hands catch yours and you look at $hisher eyes. "Easy there, kid. I meant nothing by it," the voice is calm, no longer a young traveller, no longer comparable to you. Taking a firmer hold of your hands $heshe smiles at you. It is sharp. It makes you want to run. "I think you need to have them." You stammer, try to protest but the bracelets are in your hands. <<link "2 gold, please." |market1>> <<set $bracelet to "true">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>>

"I don't have anyone like that," you say, and get a tssk back. "Too bad. I can take them then. They are meant to be worn as a pair..." The seller says and extends $hisher fingers forward. It's a reluctant move, something you've never seen a seller do before. "No, wait," slips out, "I know who I'll give the other one to." The seller stops and smiles. "You do? That's great." The smile turns up, spreads and you get a ill feeling as $hisher teeth gleam in the sun. You shiver as the seller releases the bracelets to you. <<link "2 gold, please." |market1>> <<set $bracelet to "true">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>>

You grin the widest you can and wink, exaggarating. "I'd run out of them. These will do nicely for now," you hold them up to see them closer. The seller smiles and reaches over. Cold fingers trap yours and you look up into pale eyes and a wide grin that seems to scretch farther than a humans should. "Look after them then. You and your friend," $heshe says and it sends shivers down your back. An uneasy feeling sets in as $heshe closes your fingers around the bracelets and teeth glint in the setting sunlight. <<link "2 gold, please." |market1>> <<set $bracelet to "true">> <<set $money to $money - 2>> <</link>>

You chance at sitting up taking/not taking Aarne’s offered hand. The light still hurts and you keep your eyes open only halfway, thankfully you have to only once force the nausea down before you’re sitting on the bench, glancing around. There are people milling around you. More adults than you’ve ever seen inside the halls of your home. You’re in a sunlit room, stone floor but high windows that continue up towards the ceiling, some of the roof having been replaced with clear glass as well. The room was warm, probably would be much warmer than the weather outside most of the year. There are green plants growing in pots, a small tree with small yellow fruits growing in it in the sunniest spot under one of the skylights catching your eye. <<if $bracelet isnot "none">> Your wrist itches and you scratch it, fingers getting caught up in a woven bracelet. Colours interlock, made with care, and it seems like your adventure and subsequent swim in dark waters had not frayed it but left the thing damp and dusty. You lift your eyes from it to search the room. Where is Hede? <</if>> You must have moved too quickly because the world tilts and a pain shoots behind your eyes. Strong hands catch you as you start to tilt to a side with a surprised noise. “You okay?” He asks and you, after a brief moment nod. “Yeah. Just a moment,” you say, breathing out before daring to open your eyes. The world has thankfully stopped moving. Aarne lets go of you with an awkward pat on your shoulder. “This is the unofficial bit, sorry you got stuck with me.” He grins, looking like… like someone you used to know when presented with fresh apple pie. You brush off the thought, it’s not important anymore. The mask and what that means in front of you is. [[“Is it for me?”]] [[“What do you mean stuck with you?”]]

You ask, trying to gauge the intentions of the man offering it. Aarne nods and then wiggles the mask, two dark blue silk strings falling between his fingers from the back of it. “It is. You don’t need it our promise of a future, but it is for you if you wish to take it. It…” he stops and considers his words more carefully. “This might not be the easiest job, conviction, creed to follow. But you have what it takes, the entity has given you a gift after all.” “Entity?” You ask and you remember the thing, the cold seeping into you. <<if $shade is 3>> As if summoned the shadows from under the bed shiver, tug at your bare feet where they touch the floor.<</if>>\ <<if $shade is 4>>You feel a tug at the back of your mind, a playful slap to make you look down at the shadows that extend from under the bed, curling around your bare feet.<</if>>\ <<if $shade is 0>>You look down and the shadows under your feet twitch, as if waiting for something.<</if>>\ <<if $shade is 5>>You hear something, a small whisper of a request. //noticemenoticemeiamhereheredown// You look down at your feet at the shadows climbing up your feet and legs, curling around.<</if>>\ <<if $cautious gte 40>> You pull your feet up, not wanting them to touch you so suddenly.<</if>> “You know what it is. We do not speak of it. It is what it has always been, and it is what made the Order what it is now. What gives us the power to do what we can,” Aarne says, rehearsed lines and grave tone in stark contrast against his behaviour before. Something must show on your face because he sighs and runs a hand through his hair, glancing back at the rest of the adults loitering about, though apart from small glances none seem to pay any attention to either of you. “It is your choice. But you wouldn’t have to be alone, ever again. I’m the one who brought you in and I’ve been keeping my eye on you. Not in a creepy way!” He’s quick to point out. “I just mean that you asked me to take you with me and I’d like to be your mentor from now on. In all the things you would need to know.” He crouches down, offers you the mask again. “I promise to be the best teacher possible, to look after you and our creed.” The mask has no expression, you can see Aarne’s hands through the eyeholes, the silk strings catching light from the many windows. [[You reach for the mask.]]

You ask and Aarne laughs out loud, scratching his head with one hand, the other still dangling the mask. “I don’t know if I would be someone you’d want as your mentor. I mean I brought you here, sure, but I’ve watched from the shadows since then. Quite literally,” he winks and you suppress your groan/groan/let out a laugh at the lame joke. His cheer doesn’t diminish as he lifts the white mask, presenting it to you again. “But if you accept this I promise to be the best teacher possible, to look after you and our creed. To teach you everything I know, to make sure you learn things I don’t know and to have the entity be your ally and not a foe.” “Entity?” You ask and you remember the thing, the cold seeping into you. <<if $shade is 3>> As if summoned the shadows from under the bed shiver, tug at your bare feet where they touch the floor.<</if>>\ <<if $shade is 4>>You feel a tug at the back of your mind, a playful slap to make you look down at the shadows that extend from under the bed, curling around your bare feet.<</if>>\ <<if $shade is 0>>You look down and the shadows under your feet twitch, as if waiting for something.<</if>>\ <<if $shade is 5>>You hear something, a small whisper of a request. //noticemenoticemeiamhereheredown// You look down at your feet at the shadows climbing up your feet and legs, curling around.<</if>>\ <<if $cautious gte 40>> You pull your feet up, not wanting them to touch you so suddenly.<</if>> “You know what it is. We do not speak of it. It is what it has always been, and it is what made the Order what it is now. What gives us the power to do what we can,” Aarne says, rehearsed lines and grave tone in stark contrast against his behaviour before. Something must show on your face because he sighs and runs a hand through his hair, glancing back at the rest of the adults loitering about, though apart from small glances none seem to pay any attention to either of you. “Will you take it? It is your choice. But you wouldn’t have to be alone, ever again,” Aarne continues with the same graver tone. You consider the possibilities. You have come this far. The mask has no expression, you can see Aarne’s hands through the eyeholes, the silk strings catching light from the many windows. [[You reach for the mask.]]

It fits. It fits like someone had made it just for you. It moulds into your face as soon as you press it to your face. Aarne’s hands hover around your face, you can feel them even with your eyes closed as you tug at the strings, soft between your fingers and tie it tight behind your head. You open your eyes and if you saw the shadows differently before in the dark, now they seem alive. The bright sun is no more blinding, the deepest shadows from just a moment earlier are voids belonging to plants and furniture. Even Aarne’s mask has changed. Everything is in more detail now. Previously invisible grooves line the eyes and mouth, painted and carved with the tiniest tools. You look over the space again, taking the room all in for a second time, noticing the differences. A tingle in your spine that spreads to your fingers makes you glance at your $skincolour hand. <<if $bracelet isnot "none">> Makes you glance at the beautifully together wrapped strings. Someone else has the same one? There should be someone else here as well. <<else>> A sudden thought, a memory jogs itself into the forefront of your mind and you glance around. Heart beats increasingly loudly as you see only around the place.<</if>> [[”Where’s Hede?”]]

You can see the way Aarne flinches, a clear twitch and eyes wide searching for help around him. Signs you were not used to seeing on adults, usually so guarded with their expressions, always telling you to mind yours. There were no one rushing into help him, or seemed to even register his sudden distress so the man sighs and looks at you hand hovering over your shoulder. “Was $heshe that pale friend of yours?” At your nod, ever faster beating heart climbing up your throat and making speech impossible Aarne grimaces. “I’m sorry,” he says as your worst fears wash over you, “but you were the only one who came through. Your friend failed the trials.” His hand pats your shoulder now, an attempt to comfort you. It does not help because if Hede isn’t here, where is $heshe? “Where?” You stand up, knees wobbling, and Aarne takes hold of you so that you don’t fall back to the bench. His hands are big, warm, and helping while you try to look for a way out, a clue, anything. Because Hede isn’t here and everything you’ve ever wanted has always involved $himher. Anything else and it’s not acceptable. Something must show on your face because Aarne loosens his grip on you. “They’re back in the front, with the kids. I’ll take you. It can be also the first lesson,” Aarne says, smile that looks uncertain on his face as his now free hand clips his mask on. You watch as his features disappear, his warm eyes now black voids. Hesitantly he pulls and guides you so that your back is to his front, not touching but close enough for an arm wrap around your chest. “We need to be quick, don’t want to alarm anyone. You’re supposed to be resting.” Aarne mumbles and even if you only briefly saw his face you can imagine the grin on it. “Look at the deepest, darkest shadows. The largest one that could swallow your own if you stood next to it,” he instructs and you look around. The mask, the magic, whatever it is that you now possess making the task easy. You also notice, how you didn’t have to turn around and look around. Positioned as you were right in the correct direction. “Good, now we’ll simply step through it. Pay attention around you but do not try to go anywhere.” Aarne says and pushes you forward the few steps needed until you stand, toes touching and shadows merging. “Follow my lead,” you hear and then you step forward. [[You fall |aftertunnel2]]

It’s not the same as it was before, when you first plunged into darkness and then into cold waters. This time, your feet may not move but you can feel yourself moving. You can see the walls change, a glimmer of sunlight peaking through windows but the sound is gone. You force yourself to relax, to be a leaf in a current, following along but not influencing. At first the sudden shifts of perspective is jarring, the current more like a ravine but then you feel nudges at the back of your head, making you look one way just before your eyes seem to tilt and you’re looking at the hall you’re passing from the ceiling. It’s as if you are a shadow yourself, not just moving through them. You know Aarne’s arm is around you even when if you don’t look down, but it doesn't feel like real. There’s no warmth, everything cool and dewy against your skin. Everything is too new, too fast, too odd and you are lost in a place you called home when apparently you know nothing. You feel nausea build up. You save face and do not give in to the pressure to hack up your stomach’s contests even when your journey ends suddenly and you are in front of a familiar door. It’s the infirmary, a hallway down from your sleeping quarters. Aarne lets you go and steps back. “You have a moment alone, I think.” You should thank him perhaps. An errant thought but what lies behind that door is more important than manners. [[You open the door and sneak inside]]

The room is dimly lit, heavy curtains halfway pulled to limit the sunlight sneaking in from the window overlooking the courtyard you have played in for years. Of the few beds there are only on is occupied, the person turned away from the door. Away from you. But you can recognize the pale hair spilling all over the pillow. “Hede?” You still ask and step towards the bed, the heavy door shutting behind you, giving you privacy. A moment of nothing and you realise you’re still wearing the mask when Hede turns to you. The silence stretches and you can see tear marks on Hede’s face. It hurts and you take a step forward, one hand coming up to your own face to tear away the mask and comfort your… “Get out!” The scream stops you where you are, the freezing tone making you scared to go forward. The pillow that’s thrown at you is easy to sidestep but the furious grimace Hede has on $hisher face is not. It nails you where you are and you watch as panting, fuming, Hede looks at you. <<if hasVisited ("tunnel1/1")>> “You got what you wanted! Is that why you left me behind? Because you knew I wasn’t good enough?” Hede screams at you, heartbroken and teary eyed. “I…” [[Take off the mask]] [[Scream back]] <<else>> [["Why did you let me fall!? We were supposed to do it together!"]] <</if>>

Your fingers shake as you take your mask of. As you look at Hede without the swirling shadows, without the whispered potential and power lurking everywhere. You are not sure what Hede sees on your face but it makes $himher stop with their fury for a moment. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know what would happen,” you say. Hede sneers but there seems to be less venom in the expression. You have known each other for years, lived next to each other and on top of the other the whole time. And Hede was never one to carry $hisher hatred for long. You take a step forward. [[“I didn’t know. I’m sorry. Please don’t be mad at me,” you repeat.]] [[“I don’t have to keep this,” You say and lift your mask. |maskless]]

“I… You’re an idiot!” The pillow makes a satisfactory smack against Hede’s idiotic face. It seems to shut $himher up as well. Enough for you to round up on $himher. [[“How wouldn’t you be good enough for me? You’re my first and best friend!”]] [[“You’re leaving yourself behind. I’m going to do this. With or without you!”]] [[“What happened to you?”]]

Hede sighs at you and looks down, skinny knees up against $hisher chest, hugging them and making $himherself smaller. “Not your fault. I just wasn’t good enough,” Hede mutters and this time when you walk to $himher there’s no more shouting. You take a seat next to your friend and Hede leans against you. Straw like hair tickling against your neck. “You’re plenty good. There must have been a mistake or something. I can..” “Stop it. I don’t want to go through the tunnels again,” Hede cuts you off sharply. “The matron was pretty clear with me. That’s not my place.” A silence. [[“What are we going to do?” You ask.]]

Hede laughs, a strangled sound. “I don’t know. I’ll probably find a place to make me into something. I don’t…” $HeShe stops talking and you wait. Forcing Hede to speak when it’s too soon has never resulted in anything worthwhile. It was like getting all of $hisher apples in a basket Hede was said to you. “I don’t want to stay here. I need to go out, and see the world. That’s what I’ve always wanted. To not be scooped inside these walls,” Hede says after a moment. You nod in understanding. It’s a familiar topic, a good dream for both of you. Before it was just that. Dreams and tall tales of seeing the world and having adventures. Before though, it has always been… “I thought we were supposed to go together?” “I am. You need to stay here. You’ve earned it,” Hede says, swallowing the admission, his head leaving your shoulder as he stands up. Walking towards the door $heshe stoops down and picks up the white mask that had fallen from your fingers. $HeShe offers it to you. “I need to find my own way. We’re not children anymore.” Hede says and while $hisher tone is steady $hisher grey eyes are wet and $hisher lower lip wobbles a bit. You stand up, hoping the world would swallow you and keep you. Because how could you live without Hede? It seems that it’s not up to you as Hede steps forward and pushes the mask into your hands. “I’ll be fine and you’ll do more than fine here,” Hede says and lets go of the mask. You almost let it fall to the ground. Instead you snatch the ribbons before it’s out of reach and look down on it. <<if $bracelet isnot "none">> You look at the bracelet, given only a day or so ago. Hede’s hands hang on $hisher side and you spy the identical one still tied around a slender wrist. “Will you be alright?” You ask and Hede looks down at where your eyes are. $Hisher hand twitches and then $heshe takes your hand, the bracelets touching. “When we see each other again I’ll be rich and powerful and this silly children’s memento will be the only thing that you’ll recognize me by,” Hede tries for a smirk. It’s comforting if not believable. <<else>> "Don't forget me?" You ask, wobbly and weak. Hede takes your hand. "Never. Whenever we'll see eachother again, I will recognize you," $heshe says and even the sniffle in the middle doesn't make it sound any less certain.<</if>> “I’ll see you first,” you say and… [[Sniffle]] [[Hug Hede]] [[Run]]

You can’t stop the tears, or the sniffling and something in Hede’s expression crumbles. “$Name.. I’m..”$HeShe wrangles $hisher hands. But you can’t stop the tears. Everything hits you as once. Hede is going away and you may never see $himher again. “You’re an idiot,” you manage to get out and look at Hede, who’s face gets closer until your foreheads touch, hands gripping at the other’s shoulders. Soon you’re both crying, sniffling and being pathetic messes together. Your dirty and frayed shirt sleeves make for poor tissue as you try to tap your eyes dry. Hede’s fingers are not helping matters, patting your cheeks, wiping away any moisture and mumbling reassurances. “We need to go,” a voice says from the door. Aarne. Hede lets you go and reluctantly, fingers tangling together, you do. “Never let them see you coming,” Hede smiles and you let go as Aarne steps forward and wraps an arm around you. “Never let them see your blade,” you answer and let Aarne pull you back. [[Back into the shadows]]

You wrap your arms around $hisher skinny torso, squeezing as hard as you can. Hede hugs you back as hard. There’s something moist running across your neck, droplets on your head but you don’t care. It feels like you’re hugging life out of yourself, out of Hede. It should be so, you’ve never even talked about separating. Living different lives. You don’t know if you can let go. “We need to go,” a voice says from the door. Aarne. Hede lets you go, untangles your fingers from $hisher shirt. Reluctant to do so you catch $hisher hand in yours. “I’ll be okay. Never let them see you coming,” Hede tries for a smile and you let go as Aarne steps forward and wraps an arm around you. “Never let them see your blade,” you say back and let Aarne pull you back. [[Back into the shadows]]

You can’t handle the farewell. The heartbreak and more stupid words from $hisher stupid mouth that don’t help. Nothing helps anymore. The heavy door shuts behind you and Aarne catches you in his arms. “Is everything okay, $name ?” he asks, you feel him set you back on your feet, hands on your shoulders and looking around for something. “I want to get out of here,” your voice is pathetic, small and you have to swallow any excess that tries to escape. “Are you sure? You have a moment or two still..” Aarne starts but then he must see something on your face that his opinion isn’t welcome. Or maybe he gets it from the way you turn on your heels and start towards the nearest shadowed corner. Quick feet behind you and the arm wrapping around you just before you step into the welcoming blackness feel more familiar than they should. [[Back into the shadows]]

<span style="color:red">The demo ends here. Thank you for trying this out!</span>

You’re not sure if Hede is reeling from the tunnels, the emotional outbursts, or the fact that you crossed the room in a blink of an eye but your hand catches $himher by surprise. The resulting slap that echoes in the room is not as satisfying as you’d imagined. You didn’t hit to hurt, not to leave marks but Hede still looks like you’d just gutted $himher. Maybe you did? Hede’s pale cheek shows a pinkish hue under $hisher hand, an actual physical sign of what you did. Hede’s surprise turns into a sneer. “Not much of a friend, are you?” The words hurt. Even if you know that’s what Hede wanted to do. “No, I didn’t mean to…” It’s not a race to see who can hurt the other better. Or worse. You’re not sure if you to had at each other with all you had there would be any survivors left. Hede stands up, towering, pale with fury but $heshe stays their hands. Even when you take notice of how they twitch against $hisher side. A hand settles on your shoulder, pulling you to a safer distance. “We need to go,” Aarne says and drags you away, your feet refusing to cooperate. “Better see me coming,” Hede says, the sneer starting to loosen it’s sharpness as $heshe sits back down. You search for words, in vain as an arm wraps around you and drags you to the corner. [[Back into the shadows|Back into the shadows][$Hede to 0]]

How can’t Hede know that? Not realise that $heshe was one of the best things in your life? Your anger seems to make Hede stop before $heshe smacks you with the same pillow that has become a weapon at this point. It falls from $hisher fingers to the floor and you’re close enough to touch. [[Grab Hede’s stupid face to give $himher a few choice words |hedestupid1]] [[Slap the idiot]] [[Hug |hedestupid2]]

You pushing back, no matter how insecure you might feel inside, makes Hede stop on $hisher tracks. For a moment $heshe gapes at you. “What? You wanted me to roll over and beg for forgiveness for doing what we’ve tried to do! What we’ve always wanted!” How can Hede blame you for what happened to $himher? [[You feel tears start to well up]] [[You feel anger rising]]

You ask, hoping to get Hede to start talking, to mend what ever happened. The Tunnels had not been fun, you’d gladly never go through them again. But nothing should have been enough to discourage Hede from not getting through. You had, after all. Hede still looks ready to punt something through a wall, not your head though. $HeShe sighs and shrugs $hisher shoulders. “I don’t know. I don’t want to talk about it,” $heshe tries to evade. Goes, in fact, to lie down again and face away from you. As if that’s enough, as if there are no more words left to exchange. Like that could be the end for you two. [[Let it go]] [[Grab Hede’s shoulder and force the issue]]

The skinny, adolescence face is squished between your palms. Hede looks stupid with $hisher blond hair all over the place from sleeping and whatever had happened before that. “You’re my idiot. Don’t.. I can’t..” Your words fail you and Hede looks anywhere but at you. “I didn’t want to let you down,” $heshe confesses, “What you’ll do without me?” “What you’ll do without me?” You shoot back, pushing $hisher cheeks even closer together, making $himher look as stupid as possible. That’s apparently enough and Hede peels your hands off $hisher face. $HeShe doesn’t push you away again just holds your hands in $hisher lap. “I don’t know. Would have been easier if you’d just gone when I told you to,” Hede mutters and while it might have been true it doesn’t mean that would have been the best way to say goodbye. “And missed seeing you cry?” you try to lighten the mood. By the shimmer in Hede’s eyes it does not work. It does not help the moisture that’s trying to gather behind your eyes either. “I’m going to miss everything about you.” It’s not a confession more than a heart-breaking fact. You try to figure something to say to that. It’s a rare moment that Hede doesn’t want to be cheered up, or isn’t the one doing the rising the spirits of others. Unfortunately you’re out of time. “We need to go,” a voice says from the door. Aarne. Hede pushes you away, untangles your fingers from $hisher shirt. Reluctant to do so, you catch $hisher hand in yours. “I’ll be okay. Never let them see you coming,” Hede tries for a smile and lets go as Aarne steps forward and wraps an arm around you. “Never let them see your blade,” you answer as you’re supposed to and let Aarne pull you back. [[Back into the shadows]]

You wrap your arms around $hisher skinny torso, squeezing as hard as you can. Hede hugs you back immediately as hard. There’s something moist running across your neck, droplets on your head but you don’t care. It feels like you’re hugging life out of yourself, out of Hede. It should be so, you’ve never even talked about separating. Living different lives. You don’t know if you can let go. “I’m sorry, you’re right. We’re both idiots,” Hede mutters. You would agree but suddenly there’s something lodged into your throat that doesn’t let you speak out. You squeeze harder and Hede seems to get it anyway from the way $heshe tries to squeeze the light out of you. You let $himher. You could hold each other as long as possible, would if not for the world changing around you. “We need to go,” a voice says from the door. Aarne. Hede pushes you away, untangles your fingers from $hisher shirt. Reluctant to do so, you catch $hisher hand in yours. “I’ll be okay. Never let them see you coming,” Hede tries for a smile and lets go as Aarne steps forward and wraps an arm around you. “Never let them see your blade,” you answer as you’re supposed to and let Aarne pull you back. [[Back into the shadows]]

You blink rapidly. You don’t want to cry, not now and not in front of Hede who’s being an idiot. “$Name, I’m…” Hede looks down at $hisher hands, wringing them, not looking at you anymore. You wipe at your eyes. “I got through the tunnels. I got myself here…” [[“And I’m going to be the best I can. But you are my friend, I don’t want you to hate me.”]] [[“And I’m going to be the best I can. Without you.”]]

How $heshe be so stupid? Why can’t $heshe understand? Hede stands up from the bed, fuming and meets you in the middle of the room. You have rarely if ever become physical in your disagreements, but it might change now. There’s tension when you square in the middle of the room, chests not touching but both within grabbing distance of each other. There’s angry spots of red across Hede’s cheeks, eyes pale grey and narrow as $heshe stares down at you. Not for the first time you wish that $heshe wouldn’t tower so much over you. “Yes, what we wanted. We weren’t supposed to separate.” Hede all but spits at you. “I didn’t hear you protest when I took the risk and went in first, and alone!” You snap back. A tension is building and you notice how your breath feels heavier. Hede’s lip curl, a thin line of pink over white teeth that look ready to bite. “Maybe you shouldn’t listen to me, so much then. I’m an idiot, remember?” It’s a cruel thing to say, for something that has been a joke between you for years. How much on idiot $heshe is, jumping into things without thinking about it. “So, you should have let me go first,” Hede continues harshly, a finger poking at your mask, “then maybe this would be mine.” “Are you serious? You think that has anything to do with who went first?” You ask, baffled because the logic is idiotic, simple and not true at all. You think. Your bafflement seems to only frustrate, or anger $himher more as the poking comes a shove and Hede pushes you. Stumbling you manage to keep your balance but makes you take enough steps so that there’s room between you two again. “Well, it sure does look like it did!” Hede stands back after the shove, one leg slightly back, position ready to attack or defend. Like you’re a threat. [[Scream]] [[Turn and walk away]] [[Hit that idiotic face]]

You get the words out and Hede grimaces, eyes on the floor now, a flush of red across $hisher cheeks. Embarrassment or something else, you don’t know. Does it matter? You can’t stop the tears, or the sniffling and something in Hede’s expression crumbles. “$Name.. I’m..”$HeShe wrangles $hisher hands. But you can’t stop the tears. Everything hits you as once. Hede is going away and you may never see $himher again. “You’re an idiot,” you manage to get out. Soon you’re both crying, sniffling and being pathetic messes together. Your dirty and frayed shirt sleeves make for poor tissue as you try to tap your eyes dry. Hede stays silent. “We need to go,” a voice says from the door. Aarne. He’s here too soon, everything is unsolved and Hede still looks like $heshe would prefer the ground to swallow $himher. “Never let them see you coming,” Hede whispers as Aarne wraps an arm around you. “Never let them see your blade,” you get out, a wet hiccup following as Aarne pulls you back towards the door. [[Back into the shadows]]

Your words might be harsh, they feel like it. Cutting through your lips and leaving pain behind. They hit home. As you knew they would. Hede rises to $hisher feet and stalks forward. Anger painting red splotches on $hisher face as $heshe grabs your shoulders, shaking them. [[Stand still, frozen.]] [[Fight back]] [[Slip away.]]

You have gotten physical before. Have fought and wrestled and been annoying teens together but never have you had reason to fear Hede. Fear that $heshe might accidentally hurt you. Might mean to hurt you. So you freeze and let $himher shake you, angry and shouting. “You’d be nothing if they hadn’t picked you up! If I hadn’t took you under my wing!” Hede screams and you take it. Don’t think about your childhood, the people screaming, chasing, hurting you. Stand there and it will be over soon. An arm wraps around you and pulls you against a warm chest, a dark shadow at your back, pushing Hede away and crashing against the bed. “I think that’s enough. We need to go,” Aarne says, voice calm, neutral. Familiar in the way all the voices are familiar behind the masks of the Order. Hede looks up from the heap of $hisher limbs and of the bedding as you’re pulled away from $himher. You notice $hisher watery eyes widen, mouth open to shout, say, cry out something to you. Hede’s fingers reach for you but then you’re pulled back completely. [[Back into the shadows|Back into the shadows][$Hede to 0]]

The punch to $hisher stomach makes the grip on your shoulders tighten even when Hede folds into two. The kick to $hisher shin is blocked with a well timed shove and you’re left scrambling back towards the door. Hede pants, one hand across $hisher stomach the other still towards you. As if he froze for having touched you. You right yourself after the stumbling, shaken but not down. Hede takes a step towards you, to do what, you have know idea. For the first time in years you don’t know what’s going inside $hisher head. As if you are different people, both of you. You steady your stance, not sure if you should run, fight back or fall to the floor in tears. Before you can move an arm wraps around your waist. Making you stand still, nudging you to take a step back against a solid frame. “I think that’s enough. We need to go,” Aarne says, voice calm, neutral. Familiar in the way all the voices are familiar behind the masks of the Order. Hede just stand, frozen as you’re pulled away from $himher. You notice $hisher watery eyes widen, mouth open up to shout, say, cry out something to you. Hede’s fingers reach for you but then you’re pulled back completely. As if there could have been nothing left to stay. You leave. [[Back into the shadows|Back into the shadows][$Hede to 0]]

A well-placed feint of a hit to $hisher face makes Hede loosen $hisher grip and allow you to slip under the grip. Heart pounding along with your feet you dash to the door. “$Name!” You hear Hede shout from after you but you are quicker, your goal closer and then you’re through the door, slamming it shut between you two. Aarne is there, catching you in his steady arms as you barrel into him. “Is everything okay, $Name?” he asks as he sets you back on your feet, hands on your shoulders and looking over your head to the closed door. “I want to get out of here,” your voice is pathetic, small and you have to swallow anything that tries to follow. A miracle, or a man used to reading the urgency of situation he wraps his arms around you like he did before. You step to the shadow just as the door opens and Hede bursts through. You don’t hear what $heshe has to say. You step into the void. [[Back into the shadows|Back into the shadows][$Hede to 0]]

“You’re an idiot! I got this because I gave something in return! Because I’m worth the knowledge, guess you are not!” It is a horrible thing to say but you don’t want to justify what you did. You aren’t even perfectly sure what did happen. But how could you explain that to Hede? $HeShe isn’t part of the order, now. Are you even supposed to talk about what went down in the tunnels? You shouting back at $himher had an immediate reaction. The way Hede squared $hisher shoulders and pounced towards you was expected. The dark shadow materialising between you too, was not. An arm wraps around your waist, making you stand still, nudging you to take a step back against a solid frame. The shadow traps Hede, pulls $himher to the floor, immovable and spitting curses like you’ve never heard. Not even when $heshe broke $hisher arm falling from an apple tree. “Let’s go. You’re done here,” Aarne’s voice is even, hard but not harsh as he pulls you away from Hede. Who’s calmed down and watching you with pale grey eyes, filled with something you don’t want to call hatred. The shadows in the corner are ready as Aarne steadies you and pulls you in. [[Back into the shadows|Back into the shadows][$Hede to 0]]

You can’t do this. You don’t want to do this. You can Hede call out your name as you step back, turn away and head back to the hallway. No matter how many times you’ve been told, have ingrained in your mind to not turn your back to a potential threat. Still, you can’t bring yourself to consider Hede as a real threat. Hede does not follow as the door closes behind you. “Is everything okay, $Name?” he asks as he sets you back on your feet, hands on your shoulders and looking over your head to the closed door. “I want to get out of here,” your voice is pathetic, small and you have to swallow anything that tries to follow. A miracle, or a man used to reading the urgency of situation he wraps his arms around you like he did before. You step to the shadow just as the door opens and Hede bursts through. You don’t hear what $heshe has to say. You step into the void. [[Back into the shadows|Back into the shadows][$Hede to 0]]

Your fists comes flying. <<if $DEX gte 70>> You don’t know if you’re just that much faster, or if Hede is just that surprised by you raising an actual hand against $himher that it connects. <<else>>You faint with your other, delivering the hit with your other. Hede, idiot that $heshe is, dodges the faint and your fist connects with a smack. <</if>> The hit sends Hede reeling backwards, $hisher long limbs flailing around trying to find $hisher balance. Or something to hold onto. You step away from the limbs, hand hurting, stinging. Your eyes do not sting, if you tell yourself so. “You hit me,” Hede gets out, hand on $hisher cheek, the pale skin turning red under it. $HeShe looks like $heshe doesn’t know which hurt worse: the hit or the surprise. The betrayal. Before you have a chance to regret, to say anything, to beg for forgiveness or go at $himher again there’s a hand pulling you away. “I think that’s enough. We need to go,” Aarne says, voice calm, neutral. Familiar in the way all the voices are familiar behind the masks of the Order. Hede just stand, frozen as you’re pulled away from $himher. You notice $hisher watery eyes widen, mouth open up to shout, say, cry out something to you. Hede’s fingers reach for you but then you’re pulled back completely. As if there could have been nothing left to stay. You leave. [[Back into the shadows|Back into the shadows][$Hede to 0]]

“Is this it then. Goodbye?” You ask, not wanting to push the issue. The tunnels had been not a pleasant experience, and you had succeeded in going through them and gaining what you had sought. Hede hadn’t. You could only wonder what the darkness had been like for $himher. Hede shrugs. “I guess so.” For a goodbye, for an ending to your childhood this feels unreal. It feels unreal as Hede turns away from you, as you turn your feet towards the door. For a second you think Hede calls your name but when you turn back, $heshe is back in the bed, faced away from you. The door makes a heavy thud as it closes, and Aarne is there waiting for you. “Is everything okay, $Name?” he asks as he sets you back on your feet, hands on your shoulders and looking over your head to the closed door. “I want to get out of here,” your voice is pathetic, small and you have to swallow anything that tries to follow. A miracle, or a man used to reading the urgency of situation he wraps his arms around you like he did before. You step to the shadow just as the door opens and Hede bursts through. You don’t hear what $heshe has to say. You step into the void. [[Back into the shadows|Back into the shadows][$Hede to 0]]

You take of Hede’s shoulders and turn $himher back towards you, trying to take hold of $himher and hoping to shake some sense back to $himher. Hede goes with it, $hisher hands gripping at your arms but not trying to push you away. If anything, $heshe seems to be resigned to $hisher fate at your hands. Even if the hands are shaking $himher so much that the hair that sticks up falls to $hisher eyes. “What do you mean you don’t want to talk about it? Whatever happened can’t be so horrible that…” You weasel and plead but Hede just rolls on $hisher back, like a doll. “I don’t want to talk about it. You should go. You have something to look forward to in life,” Hede mumbles, hair in $hisher mouth and poison waiting drip from yours when a pair of hands pulls you away from the bed. “Hey, $Name. I think your friend needs some time,” Aarne says and grips your elbows, takes you away from Hede. Hede who looks at you, pale grey eyes dull before turning away completely. “It’s not fair,” you try to say, to reason with Aarne, with Hede. This isn’t how friends say goodbye to each other? In the stories it’s complete, there’s hurt but also the satisfying feeling that something more will come to both of you. That there is a time when you meet again. This isn’t it. “I know. But $heshe has made their choice. You need to respect that. $HeShe will be in good hands,” Aarne says, but the voice is too calm and even. Hiding behind the mask. Still, you are pulled away from the room to a corner. [[Back into the shadows|Back into the shadows][$Hede to 0]]

You bite your cheek, stab your palm with your nails but it doesn't help and you let loose a massive sneeze. A stone skips from under your foot as you sneeze violently but Hede’s hand catches you before you flail too dangerously and fall down the stairs. “I’m willing to follow you to a lot of things, but can we please not dive blindly down a mysterious staircase.” Hede’s voice is pained, with huffy breaths and the grip $heshe has on your arms is on the point of hurting. “Thanks. But I bet you could keep up with me, wherever I’ll go,” you remind Hede, taking hold of $hisher hands and squeezing until the pressure releases and you’re left once again just holding hands. It’s dark, but you can see an outline of $hisher head, a faint aura of whiteish hair. You don’t know what $hisher face looks like, and from a sudden breath it seems that Hede had wanted to say something more before $heshe gulps and tugs at your hand. “Let’s go, I guess we still have a long way down.” [[You walk further down]]

You quickly take your free hand and just in time block most of the noise and stuff flying. A stone skips from under your foot as you sneeze violently but Hede’s hand catches you before you flail too dangerously and fall down the stairs. “I’m willing to follow you to a lot of things, but can we please not dive blindly down a mysterious staircase.” Hede’s voice is pained, with huffy breaths and the grip $heshe has on your arms is on the point of hurting. “Thanks. But I bet you could keep up with me, wherever I’ll go,” you remind Hede, taking hold of $hisher hands and squeezing until the pressure releases and you’re left once again just holding hands. It’s dark, but you can see an outline of $hisher head, a faint aura of whiteish hair. You don’t know what $hisher face looks like, and from a sudden breath it seems that Hede had wanted to say something more before $heshe gulps and tugs at your hand. “Let’s go, I guess we still have a long way down.” [[You walk further down]]

Hede’s shoulder is at the optimal height to bury your nose in the worn fabric of $hisher sleepshirt. “Hey!” Hede complains and pushes you away. It’s not a hard push, but a loose pebble under your foot skips out and you start to fall, hands flailing. One of your hands is caught, and Hede tugs at you until you reclaim your balance and are no longer in danger of breaking your neck. “I’m willing to follow you to a lot of things, but can we please not dive blindly down a mysterious staircase.” Hede’s voice is pained, with huffy breaths and the grip $heshe has on your arms is on the point of hurting. “Thanks. But I bet you could keep up with me, wherever I’ll go,” you remind Hede, taking hold of $hisher hands and squeezing until the pressure releases and you’re left once again just holding hands. It’s dark, but you can see an outline of $hisher head, a faint aura of whiteish hair. You don’t know what $hisher face looks like, and from a sudden breath it seems that Hede had wanted to say something more before $heshe gulps and tugs at your hand. “Let’s go, I guess we still have a long way down.” [[You walk further down]]

You had tried to count the steps, the curves along the walls but with the complete darkness after only a dozen more steps your focus starts to waver. You can hear Hede beside you lose count of $hisher steps and replace it with a string of fervent curses that would have Matron smacking $hisher head. <<if $brave > $cautious>> “Should we continue?” Hede asks, $hisher fingers clammy squeezing yours. Your owns are not any better, you can feel the dirt clinging to your hand brushing against the stonewalls. You step away from the wall, towards $himher and knock your shoulders together. Or as close as with your height difference is possible. “You want to go back?” Hede huffs and it’s not amused, nowhere near $hisher usual good mood. “No, can’t leave you. You’ll do something stupid,” Hede says and the banter is a weak effort to hide the waver in $hisher voice. You choose to ignore it. Everyone gets scared. <<else>> “How much further do you think it will go?” you ask as the light fades completely and you are left with only the sounds of your footsteps and tense breathing and smells of dampness and dust. The feel of Hede’s hand in yours, occasionally squeezing harder as one of you stumbles. “We can’t turn back now,” Hede says but doesn’t sound sure. It sounds tempting, continue to live like you had before. “I know. But we’re doing this together?” It comes out more of a question than you intended. <</if>> “Together.” The steps continue to go down. And something heavy settles on you like the air before a storm. Dampening, oppressive and setting goosebumps on your skin in anticipation of… something. It might be just nerves, the never ending darkness and the helplessness that brings with it. Or it might be a real warning to be on your toes. You’ve been told to trust your instincts but also think things through. Now, though? You are not sure what to trust. You just need to keep walking down. [[The next step is not there]]

<<if $DEX gte 60>> You throw yourself backwards and land on your behind. Hede slips from your grasp and you hear $hisher scream and desperate scrabble to find purchase. <<else>> you fall forwards with Hede, hands scrabbing onto anything to hold onto. Your knees hit against stone, your feet on top of nothing as you just manage to stop your fall half on top of the las step. Hede pumps into you almost making you loose your grip on the stone as $heshe tries to avoid falling below into the unknown. <</if>> Scared, panicked you throw yourself forward and take hold of Hede’s wrists and shirt, anything you can take a hold of, just as $heshe starts to fall. You manage to take hold of one hand, $hisher feet hanging over nothing, seeking friciton against unforgiving wall of stone. “Don’t let go,” Hede pleads and you can’t answer when everything in you is just trying to hang on. You can hear the desperation, the fear and feel how $heshe scratches at your arms as you both try to hold on and pull $himher up. It feels useless. The darkness around you, the lack of anything to hold onto and your lack of strength. “$name…” Hede has never sounded so scared, it inself would send chills down your back. How your hands are slick with sweat and the feel of your feet itching closer to the edge make it all seem like it’s a nightmare. But you know it’s not, not with the way your heart beats so frantically that it almost hurts, how your lungs heave and how the edge of the steps digs into your flesh. [["I won't," you promise even when you feel your hands starting to slip. |tunnels 2/2]] [["I can't. I'm sorry!" You can feel your grip loosening. |tunnels3/2]]

Despite your promise, your hold is not enough. Not with how Hede scrabbles on against the stones trying to pull up. The stones are too slick, almost polished and you see nothing but the vaguest of shapes. What you do see is the terror and the whites of $hisher eyes as your grip slips and Hede plummets down into the darkness. [[Scream! |tunnels4/2]] [[Freeze |tunnels5/2]] [[Jump |You fall]]

You have tears in your eyes as they meet Hede's panicked ones in the near darkness. You can feel how there's not enough strength in your fingers to keep the precarious hold. Especially as Hede pulls, trying to get a hold of the ledge. "You can," Hede pants, "one more time. Together." You heave together, one last effort and for a moment you think that you managed it. But then something sticks against your elbow, an edge of the drop or a loose stone and your whole hand goes numb. You loose your grip and Hede's hand slips from yours. You watch as $heshe falls back and disappears into the darkness. [[Scream! |tunnels4/2]] [[Freeze |tunnels5/2]] [[Jump |You fall]]

"Hede!!" You scream for $himher as you loose sight of $himher. You scoot closer to the edge and peer down. It's like you are blind. You see nothing and when you hold your breath the only thing you can hear is your own heartbeat. Nothing from Hede, nothing from down below. You close your eyes and take few deep breaths. What can you do? Fetch help? But if this is part of the test what does it tell about your character? Will you fail? What will happen to Hede in the time you're running back up and finding someone? No, that won't do. [[Force yourself on your feet and jump down. |You fall]] [[Roll over the edge. |You fall]]

You can't breath, you can't think and moving is impossible as you watch the empty blackness where Hede was just a moment before. Nothing is going to plan. This wasn't supposed to happen. With a hitched breath you force yourself to crawl to the edge and peer down. It's like you are blind. You see nothing and when you hold your breath the only thing you can hear is your own heartbeat. Nothing from Hede, nothing from down below. You close your eyes and take few deep breaths. What can you do? Fetch help? But if this is part of the test what does it tell about your character? Will you fail? What will happen to Hede in the time you're running back up and finding someone? No, that won't do. [[Force yourself on your feet and jump down. |You fall]] [[Roll over the edge. |You fall]]

"I'm sorry!" "Not good enough! It's because of you that I..." Hede's eyes are wet, like $heshe is close to crying but $hisher teeth are bared like $heshe is ready to bite. “You’d be nothing if they hadn’t picked you up! If I hadn’t took you under my wing! It's because of you that I failed!” Hede screams and you take it. Don’t think about your childhood, the people screaming, chasing, hurting you. Stand there and it will be over soon. [[Fight back]] [[You deserve this]]

You take $hisher yelling, even when $heshe stands up and stalks towards you. Even when angry you know that Hede would never hurt you. It does not come to blows as an arm wraps around you and pulls you against a warm chest, a dark shadow at your back, pushing Hede away from you. “I think that’s enough. We need to go,” Aarne says, voice calm, neutral. Familiar in the way all the voices are familiar behind the masks of the Order. Hede looks up from the heap of $hisher limbs and of the bedding as you’re pulled away from $himher. You notice $hisher watery eyes widen, mouth open to shout, say, cry out something to you. Hede’s fingers reach for you but then you’re pulled back completely. <<link "Back into the shadows">> <<set $Hede to 0>> <</link>>

"I’m the head priest of the new sector of the Sun Goddess, Inmar.” The smile turns down a little. “Or I will be as soon as I clean this place up.” The explanation is accompanied by a dramatic, sweeping wave of his hand towards the building. A church apparently. An unexpected new arrival then, you don’t remember anyone claiming to be a follower of Inmar in Stanwick. Sure, people had beliefs, even few places of worship were run around the town. Centuries of unrest, uncertainty and constantly shifting political powers and battles had made most people pragmatic enough to pray to any god that might lend a hand in their hardships. Even those faithful “Don’t you need other people to be a head priest?” The question slips out. Samuil laughs and shrugs, not seeming to notice your rudeness or not caring about it. “People will come, a solid roof and a willing ear to listen their worries goes a long way I’m told,” he says, confident in a way you’re pretty sure should be unwarranted in his situation. “Faith needs to be built up in trying times. The time for miracles is gone, if we do not do the work from ground up and help those around us…” He stops and thinks, head tilting towards the sun. “We would be false followers of Inmar’s teachings.” “Well. Good luck with that. I need to get going.” Best to get away from the conversation now if you still desire to spend the money on goods. Samuil seems nice enough if a bit intense. Not like the few street speakers yelling about the end of the world if you did not join what ever cult or faith was their passion. Probably. “Oh, well. I was going to ask if you would like to join me for a…” he looks upwards to the sun. “Afternoon tea? I have freshly baked honey cakes from this morning, and I wouldn’t mind speaking to someone who’s native to this city.” You ponder the offer. On the one hand food, on the other hand weird priestly person who’s trying to lure you into abandoned temple for “tea”. Maybe the probably is more likely for you end up in a weird sacrificial ritual. As the sacrifice. On the other hand, new person in the city with stories you haven’t heard of before. [["“I really need to get going. Thank you for the offer.” No way you’re wasting your afternoon with tea and talk about religions." |samuil3]] [["“No thanks.” He’s probably a creep. Better to run than to regret later." |samuil3]] ==choices not yet available “Sure.” It won’t hurt to know more about him and this new religion. “I’d love to.” He seems like a nice person and besides what could be the harm?==

You are walking away from the stall. You can't remember what happened. There's a pair of woven bracelets in your hand and your coinpurse is empty. Mind still reeling you hasten your steps. You can wonder about it later. The sun is setting and you are running out of time. [[You can still see if there's something else to buy. |market]] <<if $money == 0>> [[You take your purchases, happy at having spend all of your money. |aftermarket]] <</if>>

Hede barks a laugh at you, at your gesture, no matter how sincere it was. It’s not a familiar laugh. Too bitter, too grown up. “That’s yours. You earned it. I did not. If you toss it aside I’ll never forgive you.” Hede sneers but then all the fight seems to leave $himher and $heshe leans forward, elbows against knees, face hidden in hands. You dare to sneak forward, to sit next to $himher. Hede leans against you. Straw like hair tickling against your neck. [[“What are we going to do?” You ask.]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

<<widget "are">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>are<<case false>>is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "were">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>were<<case false>>was<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s">><<switch $plural>><<case true>><<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>>

Ajjia

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What's this? An update?

An interactive story – WIP

In progress

Don't you know what you're good at? Just kidding, stats are coming at some point.

Shadow's kiss

<<if settings.achievements>><<link "Achievements">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Achievements"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("achievements").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>><</if>> <<link "Stats">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Stats"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("stats").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Credits">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Credits"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>