Villain's Promise

Browser lacks capabilities required to play.

Upgrade or switch to another browser.

Loading…

,,,,,,,,

<<set $Y_lover to false>> <<set $C_lover to false>> <<set $YC_lover to false>> <<set $M_lover to false>> <<set $E_lover to false>> <<set $CE_lover to false>> <<set $Z_lover to false>> <<set $CZ_lover to false>> <<set $L_lover to false>> <<set $CL_lover to false>> <<set $ZL_lover to false>> <<set $notes to false>> <<set $stats to false>> <<set $name to "">> <<set $skin to "">> <<set $eye to "">> <<set $height to "">> <<set $HairLength to "">> <<set $HairColor to "">> <<set $gender to "">> <<set $nn_p to "">> <<set $they to "">> <<set $them to "">> <<set $their to "">> <<set $theirs to "">> <<set $themself to "">> <<set $royalty to "">> <<set $Royalty to "">> <<set $Yo to "">> <<set $Inima to "">> <<set $Raz to "">> <<set $Z to "">> <<set $Mari to "">> <<set $L to "">> <<set $dad_L to "">> <<set $Dad_L to "">> <<set $romance_Yo = 0>> <<set $romance_Inima = 0>> <<set $romance_Raz = 0>> <<set $romance_Z = 0>> <<set $romance_Mari = 0>> <<set $romance_L = 0>> <<set $trust_Yo = 5>> <<set $trust_Inima = 5>> <<set $trust_Raz = 25>> <<set $trust_Z = 0>> <<set $trust_Mari = 0>> <<set $trust_L = 20>> <<set $Adam = 20>> <<set $Thena = 0>> <<set $Thena_good = 10>> <<set $fam_dagger to true>> <<set $tortured to false>> <<set $trial_reaction to "">> <<set $response to "">> <<set $dea_answer to "">> <<set $trans to "">> <<set $top to "">> <<set $bottoms to "">> <<set $dress to "">> <<set $shirt to false>> <<set $dagger_placement to "">> <<set $habit to false>> <<set $nervous_habit to "">> <<set $self_hate to false>> <<set $touch_averse to false>> <<set $relationships to false>> <<set $ceasominfo to false>> <<set $cadeainfo to false>> <<set $return to "">> <<set $magic = 0>> <<set $estoc = 5>> <<set $zweihander = 0>> <<set $brawler = 2>> <<set $alchemy = 0>> <<set $ranged = 0>> <<set $intelligence = 0>> <<set $perception = 2>> <<set $dexterity = 3>> <<set $charm = 0>> <<set $religion = 0>> <<set $stealth = 5>> <<set $morals = 4>> <<set $sanity = 4>> <<set $bold = 5>> <<set $money = 147>> <<set $touch_aversion = 0>> <<set $onism to false>> <<set $default_onism to false>> <<set $Lila to false>> <<set $ap_1 = 5>>

<<set $return to "cc">><<set $cast_select =1>>How tall are you? <<listbox "$height" autoselect>> <<option "very tall">> <<option "tall">> <<option "average">> <<option "short">> <<option "very short">> <</listbox>> What is your skin color? <<listbox "$skin" autoselect>> <<option "ivory">> <<option "rosy">> <<option "beige">> <<option "copper">> <<option "sienna">> <<option "umber">> <<option "ebony">> <<option "onyx">> <</listbox>> What is your eye color? <<listbox "$eye" autoselect>> <<option "blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "hazel">> <<option "brown">> <<option "grey">> <<option "black">> <</listbox>> Select your hair length. <<listbox "$HairLength" autoselect>> <<option "shaved">> <<option "short">> <<option "shoulder length">> <<option "long">> <</listbox>> Select your hair color: <<listbox "$HairColor" autoselect>> <<option "black">> <<option "deep chestnut">> <<option "walnut">> <<option "mahogany">> <<option "brown">> <<option "mousy brown">> <<option "light brown">> <<option "caramel">> <<option "copper">> <<option "dark blonde">> <<option "blonde">> <<option "light blonde">> <<option "golden blonde">> <<option "platinum">> <</listbox>> <<link "Start your journey by choosing the cast." "Cast Select">><</link>> <<link "Set cast to default." "Check">><<set $They_Y to "They">><<set $they_Y to "they">><<set $plural_Y to true>><<set $Yo to "Yoru">><<set $them_Y to "them">><<set $themselves_Y to "themself">><<set $their_Y to "their">><<set $theirs_Y to "theirs">><<set $he_C to "she">><<set $Inima to "Catherine">><<set $He_C to "She">><<set $him_C to "her">><<set $his_C to "her">><<set $hers_C to "hers">><<set $himself_C to "herself">><<set $he_E to "he">><<set $Raz to "Erasmus">><<set $He_E to "He">><<set $him_E to "him">><<set $his_E to "his">><<set $hers_E to "his">><<set $himself_L to "himself">><<set $They_Z to "They">><<set $they_Z to "they">><<set $plural_Z to true>><<set $Z to "Zen">><<set $them_Z to "them">><<set $themselves_Z to "themself">><<set $their_Z to "their">><<set $theirs_Z to "theirs">><<set $he_M to "she">><<set $Mari to "Marilena">><<set $He_M to "She">><<set $him_M to "her">><<set $his_M to "her">><<set $hers_M to "hers">><<set $himself_M to "herself">><<set $he_L to "he">><<set $L to "Lucian">><<set $He_L to "He">><<set $him_L to "him">><<set $his_L to "his">><<set $hers_L to "his">><<set $himself_L to "himself">><<set $dad_L to "dad">><<set $Dad_L to "Dad">><<set $royalty to "princess">><<set $Royalty to "Princess">><</link>> <<link "Set cast to all male." "Check">><<set $They_Y to "He">><<set $they_Y to "he">><<set $plural_Y to false>><<set $Yo to "Yoshiaki">><<set $them_Y to "him">><<set $themselves_Y to "himself">><<set $their_Y to "his">><<set $theirs_Y to "his">><<set $he_C to "he">><<set $Inima to "Caspian">><<set $He_C to "He">><<set $him_C to "him">><<set $his_C to "his">><<set $hers_C to "his">><<set $himself_C to "himself">><<set $he_E to "he">><<set $Raz to "Erasmus">><<set $He_E to "He">><<set $him_E to "him">><<set $his_E to "his">><<set $hers_E to "his">><<set $himself_L to "himself">><<set $They_Z to "He">><<set $they_Z to "he">><<set $plural_Z to false>><<set $Z to "Zenon">><<set $them_Z to "him">><<set $themselves_Z to "himself">><<set $their_Z to "his">><<set $theirs_Z to "his">><<set $he_M to "he">><<set $Mari to "Marian">><<set $He_M to "He">><<set $him_M to "him">><<set $his_M to "his">><<set $hers_M to "his">><<set $himself_M to "himself">><<set $he_L to "he">><<set $L to "Lucian">><<set $He_L to "He">><<set $him_L to "him">><<set $his_L to "his">><<set $hers_L to "his">><<set $himself_L to "himself">><<set $dad_L to "dad">><<set $Dad_L to "Dad">><<set $royalty to "prince">><<set $Royalty to "Prince">><</link>> <<link "Set cast to all female." "Check">><<set $They_Y to "She">><<set $they_Y to "she">><<set $plural_Y to false>><<set $Yo to "Yoshiko">><<set $them_Y to "her">><<set $themselves_Y to "herself">><<set $their_Y to "her">><<set $theirs_Y to "hers">><<set $he_C to "she">><<set $Inima to "Catherine">><<set $He_C to "She">><<set $him_C to "her">><<set $his_C to "her">><<set $hers_C to "hers">><<set $himself_C to "herself">><<set $he_E to "she">><<set $Raz to "Erasma">><<set $He_E to "She">><<set $him_E to "her">><<set $his_E to "her">><<set $hers_E to "hers">><<set $himself_E to "herself">><<set $They_Z to "She">><<set $they_Z to "she">><<set $plural_Z to false>><<set $Z to "Zenona">><<set $them_Z to "her">><<set $themselves_Z to "herself">><<set $their_Z to "her">><<set $theirs_Z to "hers">><<set $he_M to "she">><<set $Mari to "Marilena">><<set $He_M to "She">><<set $him_M to "her">><<set $his_M to "her">><<set $hers_M to "hers">><<set $himself_M to "herself">><<set $he_L to "she">><<set $L to "Laine">><<set $He_L to "She">><<set $him_L to "her">><<set $his_L to "her">><<set $hers_L to "hers">><<set $himself_L to "herself">><<set $dad_L to "mom">><<set $Dad_L to "Mom">><<set $royalty to "princess">><<set $Royalty to "Princess">><</link>>

<<if $relationships is false>> Nothing to see here! <<else>> <<link "$Yo" "Sorcerer">><</link>> <<if $Yo is "Yoshiko">><img src="Images/Yoshiko.jpg"><<elseif $Yo is "Yoshiaki">><img src="Images/Yoshiaki.jpg"><<else>><img src="Images/Yoru.jpg"><</if>> <<link "$Inima" "Heir">><</link>> <<if $Inima is "Catherine">><img src="Images/Catherine.jpg"><<else>><img src="Images/Caspian.jpg"><</if>> <<link "$Raz" "Sage">><</link>> <<if $Raz is "Erasma">><img src="Images/Erasma.jpg"><<else>><img src="Images/Erasmus.jpg"><</if>> <<link "$Mari" "Knight">><</link>> <<link "$Z" "Rival">><</link>> <<if $Z is "Zenon">><img src="Images/Zenon.jpg"><<elseif $Z is "Zenona">><img src="Images/Zenona.jpg"><<else>><img src="Images/Zen.jpg"><</if>> <<link "$L" "Partner">><</link>> <<if $L is "Laine">><img src="Images/Laine.png"><<else>><img src="Images/Lucian.png"><</if>> <</if>> <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

Just to check in with you, does this look right for the experience you want to have during this game? Your name: $name You're $gender whose pronouns are $they/$them/$their/$theirs/$themself Your stature: $height Your skin color: $skin Your eye color: $eye Your hair length: $HairLength Your hair color: $HairColor The cast of main characters: $Yo $Inima $Raz $Z $Mari $L If everything looks right then let's start at the <<link "prologue." "0.00">><<set $stats to true>><</link>> <<if $onism is true>> Or perhaps we should start a little <<link "earlier" "i">><</link>>? <</if>>

<<set $return to "Intro">>Welcome to Villain's Promise! To those of you who played the original version, welcome back! I'm sorry for the wait, but I'm thankful for all of your patience. You may notice some changes that are for a more interactive experience. I am open to listening to any criticism for these changes and I am willing to explain the changes I've made as well. To new players: Villain's Promise is an interactive fiction game with optional romances and decisions that affect your environment. Special thanks to my dear friend Emma for the wonderful ideas that reshaped the plot for Villain's Promise. I adore you, buddy. This game is rated ''18+'' for the contents within. For those of you who may need it, here is a <<link "list of content warnings applicable to the game." "CW">><</link>> With that, let's specify //who// you are. What is your name? <<textbox "$name" $name>> And your gender is... <<link "male?" "Character Creation">><<set $gender to "male">><<set $nn_p to "boy">><<set $they to "he", $them to "him", $their to "his", $theirs to "his", $themself to "himself">><<set $plural to false>><</link>> <<link "female?" "Character Creation">><<set $gender to "female">><<set $nn_p to "girl">><<set $they to "she", $them to "her", $their to "her", $theirs to "hers", $themself to "herself">><<set $plural to false>><</link>> <<link "nonbinary?" "Character Creation">><<set $gender to "nonbinary">><<set $nn_p to "child">><<set $they to "they", $them to "them", $their to "their", $theirs to "theirs", $themself to "themself">><<set $plural to true>><</link>> <<link "I would like to define my gender and pronouns." "special pronouns">><</link>>

<<set $return to "0.01">>Sometimes it's easy to forget how much breathing helps in these high stakes moments. It’s too easy to hold your breath when really, you need to make sure your breathing is even to keep quiet. As you listen to the bustling noises of the knights rushing to follow the orders it becomes more and more clear how trapped you really are. Maybe it would have been smarter to follow $L and leave, but… You also knew that staying behind gave $L a better chance of escape. Though, when you had said it you were being slightly naive. This wasn’t just a regular job where a staggered escape would work. This was the castle, where the greatest minds and bodies resided. Already you had the greatest knight in the same room. All they needed to do was alert the court sorcerer and you’d be outed before you could get out of the library. If you were going to make it out of here, it would need to be quick and messy. If you had to give your escape a probability score, it was probably 10%. Shifting on the balls of your feet, you snake around the edges of the room, keeping your steps light. You come to stop when you have a straight line for the door with only one knight in your way. //At least it’s not $Mari.// Your mind supplies helpfully. Anyone else would seem like a cakewalk in comparison. You inhale. //One, two, three, four.// You hold the air, analyzing your target with flitting eyes. //One, two, three, four.// Opening your mouth slightly, you exhale softly, your legs tensing up ready for flight. //One, two, three, four.// You hold yourself there, at the precipice of exhale and inhale until you could feel your heart steady. //One, two, three...// And you were off. Maybe it was the shock of the scene, but the knight reacted slower than they should’ve-- an unfortunate mistake that cost them dearly. Before they could draw their sword, your dagger found home in the soft place of their exposed neck. The young knight makes a wet choking sound, eyes wide with panic and pain, their hands grasping desperately at your arms. As you rip your dagger out, you find yourself thankful for the mask though not for its original purpose, it does well to keep the blood of others from getting into your mouth. You only flinch when a drop of the knight’s blood gets unnervingly close to splattering into your eyes, roughly shoving them away. Pushing past the library doors, you can hear another cry out the name of their fallen comrade. Your legs ache from exertion as you rip through the halls, your surroundings blurring as they pass by. You turn sharp corners, avoiding the sounds of footfalls. It was probably luck that you managed to find yourself in the opposite side of the castle from the barracks. That being said, luck or the gods were also probably laughing at how very lost you were. //How hard can it be to find an exit to this place?// Apparently, quite difficult. Especially when thrown into a wall by a burst of magic. //Guess $Yo was alerted then.// You groan as your vision flickers, bones protesting the abuse. “What have we here? You know, perhaps if you planned on committing regicide, you could’ve planned out your escape a bit better. Really. What shoddy work for a mercenary-turned-assassin.” “Oh so you remember me? I’m honored.” You reply dryly, coughing as you struggle to push yourself up. “Tsk-tsk. Don’t you know when to give up, $name? When I was warned about you, I figured you’d propose a bigger threat.” Tendrils of purple smoke slithered up your legs, wrapping around midsection and- You couldn’t see. Actually, you could //only// hear. “Though, I suppose I can give credit where it’s due. How did you get the best of Rautinte? Sneak up on him whilst he read? Maybe your little friend distracted him while you came up from behind?” $Yo suggested idly. You freeze. “My… friend?” “Oh, how cute. You thought $he_L got away, did you? By now, $he_L is probably in a cell awaiting official interrogation. Speaking of, I should probably get you to join $him_L.” The tone of $their_Y voice a stark contrast from $their_Y playful words. It felt like ice invading your veins when $they_Y spoke, and you knew whatever awaited you during this “official interrogation”, it would not end pretty. <<link "Close your eyes and give in to the pain." "0.02">><</link>>

What gender do you identify as? <<textbox "$gender" $gender>> What would you have been addressed as a child? Ex: "Sweet child" or "Insolent boy" <<textbox "$nn_p" $nn_p>> What subject pronoun are you most comfortable with? For example: ''He'' is my good friend. <<textbox "$they" $they>> What object pronoun are you most comfortable with? For example: This book belongs to ''them''. <<textbox "$them" $them>> What possessive adjective are you most comfortable with? For example: This is ''her'' painting. <<textbox "$their" $their>> What possessive pronoun are you most comfortable with? For example: The ring is ''theirs''. <<textbox "$theirs" $theirs>> What reflexive pronouns are you most comfortable with? For example: Don't mind him. He's talking to ''himself''. <<textbox "$themself" $themself>> For grammar structure, would is or are be more appropriate? <<link "Singular" "Character Creation">><<set $plural to false>><</link>> <<link "Plural" "Character Creation">><<set $plural to true>><</link>>

<<set $return to "0.00">>"$L, where was the drop off?" You ask softly, voice muffled by the mask covering the bottom half of your face. "It's in the library. Should be the first double door on the right. Keep an eye out, $name." $L answered from just behind you. Despite nearly a decade worth of training, your footsteps echoed down the cavernous halls, but as you've learned, no one blinks an eye at the noise since it's not unusual. After all, in a castle, servants never sleep. You can still feel the frustration boiling beneath your skin from the discussion you had with your boss before taking this job. You can still remember the threatening sneer on his face as you had tried to turn it down. //This isn't an offer, $name. This is an order.// He had growled, hand coming down to rest on the hilt of his sword. Feeling trapped was something quite unpleasant. You remembered walking out of the office and turning to complain to $L, but $he_L simply shrugged stoically. "Not much we can do now, $name. Running is no longer an option. Not when we made this guild what it is." By that of course, $he_L meant that you two made the guild influential past reason. The guild had become a monopoly of sorts, eating up any pop-up guilds, becoming an entity that even the official knights of Norocos had to begrudgingly acknowledge. By building this empire for your boss, Anton Petridis, you had unknowingly put a leash around you and $L then handed the other end over to Anton's greedy hands. You should've known when the jobs being handed to you were getting dirtier and unnecessarily dangerous that eventually it would lead you here. Maybe not the castle, specifically, but somewhere like this. "$name? Still here with me?" $L asks, voice rough with frustration. Over the past few years, $his_L interactions with you had lost the underlying concern that came with complaints and $L's overall attitude towards you had gradually become that of someone stuck with you rather than someone who had chosen to be by your side. Sometimes quietly pulling away hurt more than yelling. "Hm? Yeah, 'course I'm still here. We're //professionals//, $L." You reply flippantly, getting back to searching your surroundings. "Right... So want to tell me if you're such a professional, what's your expert reason on why you just passed the library?" $L asked in a flat tone. You turn to see $L patiently waiting at the double doors you were supposed to be looking for. “If I said I was testing you, would you believe me?” It was the ghost of the playful conversations you two held during missions years ago. Only the ghost because, whereas years ago $L would’ve replied in dry sarcasm, now $L replied with- “Do you take me for a dumbass? Let’s just get this over with, $name.” And once again, you could feel the ghost of what you had slip between your fingers. “Right.” You mumble, quickly moving into position. $L nods, grabbing out a dagger from the sheath hidden inside their boot, so you open the door cautiously, the screaming of the hinges grating against your ears. The sight that met you wasn’t right and for a second, your mind drew up blanks. Nothing connected inside your head because what you saw… Was impossible. However, the quick curses falling from $L’s lips proved what you saw to be real. The king of Norocos was dead. Murdered. In the dimly lit room, King Rautinte’s royal blood spilled out on the pristine floors like ink pooling around his staged body. He was sat up against a shelf, hands placed politely in his lap, his head propped up so he faced the sky, his head chain tangled into a bow. It was too familiar, too cruelly familiar. It had only been a few years since you had returned home to find your mom in the same position. //Then the same person who murdered her… has now committed regicide.// “$name, we have to… we have to go.” $L’s voice sounded far away, as though it came from another room rather than just beside you because your eyes landed on the murder weapon. A dagger, the hilt made from obsidian accented with gold, the silver blade stained red from the kingdom’s head, but despite that, you knew what was under the blood. After all, it would be weird not to know what’s engraved into your own blade. The dagger is a family heirloom, one you carried close to you until it was stolen just a few weeks prior. “$L, you need to go.” You hear yourself saying, finally deigning your partner with a reply. “I… I don’t think I’m making it out of this mess. Not this time.” “The hell do you mean, $name? We’re both leaving. Now get your ass moving before I carry you out.” “$L-” You’re cut off by heavy footsteps echoing down the hall. You’re out of time. “This would be a great time for us to leave, $name!” $L’s hissed, latching onto your arm and pulling you desperately towards the door. “$L, we’ve been set up. This whole thing has been pinned on me. So for once in your life… Stop trying to clean up after me. Get out of here.” You reply stiffly, yanking your arm out of $his_L grasp. $L frowns, as if about to argue further but at the last moment $he_L murmurs a ‘fuck it’ before rocketing out of the room. //Good. Maybe $he_L will make it out. Maybe slam Anton’s nose into his big fucking head while $he_L’s at it.// Anton finally found someone who was worth more than his two biggest mercs. “Must be nice to be indispensable.” You bitterly mumble, working your way through the maze of shelves. You may be fucked, but that didn’t mean you would go down without a fight. You crouch in the darkest corner, taking a dagger out from its sheath. Notably, it wasn’t actually your dagger. //Because Anton fucking sold me out and probably handed mine over to the assassin for a few extra bucks.// The doors to the library slammed open, accented with an outraged cry from (assumingly) alerted knights. “Get backup! There’s been an assassination-- alert the Crown!” Ah, and of course. Who else could take charge like that but $Mari, Head Knight and the right hand of the heir to the throne. //Double fucked.// You amended in your mind. You had fought next to $him_M before and knew firsthand how many ways from Sunday $he_M could fuck you up. <<link "Take a few deep breaths." "0.01">><</link>>

<<set $return to "0.02">>The night… Unsurprisingly, it wasn't pleasant. You awoke to being thrown into your cell. Your body winges, the previous injuries you received from $Yo protested the treatment. You more than likely had a broken rib or at least a heavily bruised one. Suppose it didn't matter at this point. You couldn't imagine getting out of this as a resident king-killer. Looking around the cell brought new disappointment. No cot, just a kind of there pile of hay, one barrel of water and a cup, and a pot. There was a chamber pot. Not even a toilet. This really must've been made for the worst of the worst, you thought idly. Norocos was usually known for it's amazing rehabilitating prisons, because at the behest of $Inima, Rautinte's only heir, the system went through a major reformation in the past few years, focusing on the release of former criminals rather than the punishment of them. Maybe they kept these cells around for those who wouldn't be getting out. No need for comfort if they would never see the light of day again. "$name?" Your gaze snaps to the side, eyes fighting against the darkness to see who you knew was speaking. Shuffling closer to the bars, infuriated green eyes met yours. "$L? How did… How did they get you?" You wheeze, grasping your side to appease the pain. "I ran into their little magician. Forgot how powerful magic is when handled right." $L answered, bitter respect coloring $his_L voice. "Did Popescu get you too?" "Yeah… Yeah, I think I was got pretty damn good too." You push yourself back so you were sitting with your back against the bars to $L's cell. You could hear rustling before feeling $L settle back against you, mirroring the position. There was silence for a moment, the only thing filling it being the soft murmuring of discussion in the next room. Probably the knights figuring out who to question first. $L breaks the silence between you two. "These bastards knew we were coming. They knew exactly who was coming too, $name." You rest your head back, a soft clang sounding when your head met metal. You didn't even acknowledge the pain. "I know, $L. They used my dagger. If you sell me out, tell 'em I went rogue or something… Maybe they'll let you off easier. You're carrying the contract, right?" " 'Course I am, but… I don't know if I can leave you behind again. Look at how well it turned out before anyways." $L joked, $his_L venomous laugh filling the cells. "$L, one of us should get to live. I think it's pretty obvious that they pinned everything on me assuming you would blindly follow me into death." You reply, shaking your head in dark amusement. Apparently, no one but you had noticed the distance between the golden duo. "You sell me out and leave, $L. Skip town. Skip countries. Whatever you need to do, just live, okay?" A moment of silence. "$name… Do you trust me? Despite how the past few years have gone-" //So $he_L was aware of our declining relationship.// "-could you trust me?" “$L…” “Just answer. Please.” Could you trust $him_L? After everything… Maybe $he_L wasn’t fretting after every little bruise you had gotten in the past few years, but $he_L hadn’t left you. $L had been there for you in a way perhaps no one else had ever been-- $he_L had kept you alive no matter what. Logically, you knew you could trust $L with your life and you told $him_L as much. “Then trust me here, okay?” $L insisted. You don’t know how you ended up here, but you felt $L’s hand rest upon yours. You knew, when it came time, $he_L wouldn’t be able to stop your fate, but… To feel the ghost of your past relationship and not have it slip away immediately… You have just been so damn lonely. “Okay.” You whisper, not trusting your voice to stay even, turning your hand so you could squeeze $hers_L. “Well, isn’t this so sweet? If you hadn’t just killed the head of our nation I might even feel a bit guilty about all this.” A cold voice enters as the door to the room opens, the white light of witchlights burning momentarily. You couldn’t place the voice and their face was shroud in shadows despite how hard you may squint. “And Thomas.” Another spoke quietly. You recognized the voice as the one who screamed earlier for the knight you had killed. Thomas, huh? “A knight is a knight, but our //king// is another matter, ser.” They snapped at the forlorn guard, moving closer to the cells. A few more voices entered the fray, but they held mumbled orders-- ones that resulted in the emotional knight taking leave. Someone cleared their throat. “I know this is a… stressful time, politically, but could you be any more heartless, Thena?” //Ah, $Mari, of course.// Of course the Head Knight would take care of $his_M own. “Mari, my dearest, Thena merely takes after their master. What else can you expect of lapdogs?” $Yo’s bored voice entered next. “Great, the whole gang’s here.” “$name, shut up.” $L scolded, squeezing your hand in warning this time. “Don’t think for a second I’ll forget your comment, little Popescu. You may be close to $Inima, but I doubt you hold so much influence that it saves you from my “master” and her wrath.” Thena threatens $Yo, their voice sharp as they turn to face the other two. Eyebrows raising, you take their appearance in. They looked… Plain. Sort of like $Inima, though their appearance was pretty common for the area. Ivory skin, a sharp nose, fair straw-colored hair, though the heart of the kingdom definitely wouldn’t have been as scarred as Thena. “Consider me shaking with fear, pup.” $Yo shrugged. The court sorcerer was exactly as the rumors suggested: cold and aloof. It's always been quite fun to see it pointed at someone else. If only you weren’t in a dank cell, face-to-face with certain execution. Thena sneered, stepping towards $Yo, but $Mari steps between them. “Alright, that’s enough. Shall we proceed with our //job//, you two? Or do you two want to keep our ‘guests’ waiting whilst you two duke it out like some kids?” “Oh, please, don’t mind us.” You hiss as $L elbows your injured ribs between the bars. “Guess not. Please listen to Ser $Mari.” $L groans, moving away from you. “Right.” Thena clears their throat, ripping their gaze from $Yo to settle the heavy gaze back onto you. “Who shall we interrogate first? Hm…” They pretend to think, cupping their chin in contemplation. “Is this even up to debate? I told you that the dagger belongs to $name. Question $them first.” $Mari demanded, shifting a disbelieving face to Thena as though personally affronted. Thena giggled, turning icy eyes back to $Mari. “Did or did you not hand this over to me to handle?” “I- I did, but-” “Then, listen here, //bou//. You either let me do my job my way or I make your life hell and I do it my way. Either way, you’re wasting my time now.” $Mari scoffs, but backs away. “Whatever. You have until midday when their trial starts to get answers out of them. Come on, $Yo.” Then the duo are gone, leaving you and $L to Thena. <<link "How bad could it be?" "0.03">><</link>>

<<set $return to "0.03">>Thena took $L about… 3 hours previous and it's only been an hour since you fell quiet. An hour since the shouts started. It probably would've made sense for you to cry out more hearing $L's voice echo from the room over, but… Honestly, it horrified you to think about what it was that had broken $him_L. This definitely wasn't your first hostage situation with $L and you knew $he_L wasn't one to cry out. $L said $he_L would never give their captors the satisfaction. You had seen $L go through beatings, magical burns, and systematic slicing-- all without a noise. Just what was Thena putting $him_L through? Pulling your knees up to your chest, you feared the worst as you stared at the door. Silent as you waited. You lost track of time that way, but you guessed it was probably a good few hours, but everything became a bit fuzzy when the screaming stopped. Eventually, the door swung open and Thena entered once more, a body slung over their shoulders. Not just any body, you thought as you forced yourself onto your feet. "This one gave out quicker than I expected. How unfortunate." Thena tutted, roughly dropping $L back into the cell. You allowed yourself a quick glance, but it was a mistake. You may not have inherited your mother's skill as an apothecary, but you didn't need to be to see the fractures. Unnaturally bent fingers, an arm swollen and bruised-- shattered, you suspected with a twisting stomach-- and you had to rip your gaze away before you physically got sick. "You're… Disgusting." You bite out, hands shaking. You couldn't tell if it was fear or anger causing the involuntary trembling, but Thena caught the movement and smirked. "Don't tell me you're afraid, $name? Don't worry, I believe I got too excited with our dear $L, but I've learned from it. Your incentive will be… Much less physical." Thena's smile could freeze a burning forest, you decided as you stepped back. "I… I don't think $Inima would approve of this, even if we were the people who killed the king." You tried, keeping your voice even. It only proved to make them laugh. "How cute of you to think //I// care. $Inima is not my $royalty, $he_C means nothing to me. And $his_C orders? Even less." "You know, that's considered treason. Maybe soon enough you'll be in a cell like mine. We could be twinning." //Now is the time I should shut up. $L would definitely tell me to shut up.// "I think you'll be much more fun to break." Thena decided, opening up the cell. Before you could even attempt to rush them, they crushed something in their hand and you dropped into a heap on the ground. "I'll have to thank $Yo for that handy essence rock. It really was an ingenious invention." Right. Magic imbued into an item (mostly rocks) that when crushed it releases the spell trapped within it. Thena leaned down picking you up as though you were a mere sack of flour rather than a fully developed human. <<link "Wait for them to set you back down." "0.04">><</link>>

<<set $return to "0.04">>They didn't simply set you down, though you weren't terribly surprised by this, but then Thena tied you down to the chair, which really… "What's the point of paralyzing me //and// tying me up? Seems kind of pointless." You pointed out, against your better judgement. Thena's hit barely registers before they're speaking. "You're going to learn very quickly, my dear, that scum like you should stay quiet." "Compared to scum like you, who gets to speak-- and quite a lot, if we’re being honest." "I really should just cut your tongue out now. It'll have to wait until after your confession." Thena shakes their head, walking over to a table where a book is laid. A pit of dread raised inside of you as you read the spine of the book. It was in the ancient language Tuluoic, the language of the gods. You weren't fluent in the language, but you could recognize a few words and "Ydba" which stood out in the title did not bode well for you. That was dark elemental magic, which was impossibly hard to perfect. "I didn't take you as a highly accomplished sorcerer." You comment lightly though your skin was crawling. "Oh, I'm not. I just learned the important stuff." Thena's glacial smile made a return, crushing any hope that their spells would be weak. "Now, I'm sure you know, but this entire exchange will be recorded and presented at your trial. Is it too naive to believe that you would confess here and now?" <<link "Deny them. You've done nothing wrong and no matter what they do that fact will not change. Explicit scene will follow." "0.05">><<set $tortured to true>><</link>> <<link "Deny them, but let yourself fade away, hoping this will be quick. This will skip over the explicit scene." "0.05">><</link>>

<<set $return to "0.05">><<if $tortured is true>> “Now where’s the honor in giving a false confession?” You sigh, shaking your head in a last act of defiance. You could very well be terrified out of your mind of the dark magic waiting to be used on you, but Thena didn’t need the satisfaction of your compliance. Not yet. You would get through this for $L. Thena wasn’t going to make that easy for you however. “Right, then let’s move on to what I’m //really// excited for, shall we?” They didn’t wait for your answer (not that you would’ve had one they’d like anyways), flipping the spellbook open to a marked page. They spoke in low tones, the Tuluoic words carrying the weight of oppressive magic that filled the room. You cough, unable to help yourself as breathing like taking oil into your lungs. It definitely was the crude work of an inexperienced sorcerer using Ydba without the necessary training, though unlike most inexperienced Ydba users, Thena still managed to draw on the required power for the spell. It was evident in the way that your veins were suddenly //burning//. Biting your lip, you manage to catch the screams rising in your throat as you threw a panicked look down at your arms. But that was a mistake, of course. Your veins bulged from below your skin and your flesh… your $skin skin seemed to //literally// crawl as though something was moving within you. Like there were bugs there. Your eyes pricked with tears at the pain and panic mixing in alarmingly heightened ways. “What are you doing?” You grit out, unable to look away from your moving flesh. Thena moves closer, shutting their book as they kneel before you. “Something wrong, my dear? Maybe… Is it this?” They question, cruelly crushing a section of the bug-like creatures which only made your veins burn hotter. You gasp, wishing desperately to move your arm from their grip as the rest of the bugs move towards their grip, your flesh being ripped from the inside at the pressure. You slam your eyes shut, scrunching your face tightly as if it would alleviate the horror going on beyond the lids. “Is it already too much for you, //suflet//? A confession would suffice.” Thena’s whispered words were spoken directly into your ear, their lips brushing against the lobe. You turn your head so that your cheek rests against theirs, your lips quirking into a menacing smile as you whisper back into their ear. “Fuck. Off.” “Very well, maybe you’ll respond better to-” They were cut off as the door swung open, your own eyes flinging open in surprise. It was a startled knight with two trays of food in their hands, their eyes flickering between you and Thena. “What is it you need, Ser Knight?” The knight flinches at Thena’s biting words. “The $Royalty sent for the prisoners to be fed before their trial and to retrieve you for a quick word.” They answer unswervingly, shaking off their initial fear. “$Inima wishes to speak to me, huh? Hear that, $name? You’ve just been given a reprieve by the Crown $Royalty. Better thank $him_C at your trial later.” With that, Thena was sweeping out of the room, the spell dropping. You let a gust of air out, glancing apprehensively down at your arms. They were fine. A bruise was definitely forming where they had grabbed, but… It was fine. “What did I walk into?” The knight asks carefully, staring down at you. “Torture, Ser Knight. I’m sure you’ve heard of it.” You reply hoarsely, blinking away the tears that had formed before. “Torture..? Have they been torturing you like that since your capture?” They ask immediately, stepping closer, eyes inspecting you for further injury. //Stupid, noble knights.// “No. They just started on me. They worked on my partner the rest of the time.” Your neck cracked painfully, as you swerve your head to turn your full attention of the knight. “You need to check on $L, $he_L’s innocent of this crime. My partner had no idea this was going to happen. $L doesn’t deserve to be executed with me, but Thena… You need to check on $him_L, please.” The knight, noble indeed, nodded and entered the cell room. And almost immediately came rushing out of not only the cell room, but also the interrogation room. All before you could open your mouth to ask about $L. Your heart pounded in your throat as you looked between the two doorways. Just what had the knight seen? You weren’t naive enough to believe $L somehow managed to break out, but… The other option was simply impossible to consider. Soon enough, the knight came rushing back in with $Mari and $Yo on their heels, but they just passed right by you. Your throat worked against the lump rising there, as your eyes blankly rest on the door to the cellroom. The knight and $Mari emerge first, carrying out $L’s limp body. “Hey, what’s going on? Will $he_L be okay?” You asked in a slightly strangled tone. They simply ignore you, walking $L out of the room. $Yo, of course takes this as a cue to emerge from the cellroom, a faraway look in $their_Y eyes, a hand placed over $their_Y mouth. “$Yo, please. Will $L be okay? They had nothing to do with this. It was supposed to be a simple pick up.” $Yo turns to you, violet eyes scraping over your form critically, the vague look of horror fading quickly. Eventually a sigh escapes $Yo and you receive your answer. “$L is dead. I think they’ve been dead for a while now. What happened here, $name?” “I- $L is dead?” With that knowledge, the last sliver of hope you held fled you as though it was purged. It’s a terrible feeling, knowing that the last person in the world who cared for you (and you cared for) was gone. It was as though the ocean had risen and swallowed you whole, ripping you away with its relentless current. //I’m sorry, I’m so so sorry.// Your mind repeated, the edges of your vision darkening as waves of exhaustion suddenly claimed you. Your head snapped to the right, cheek flaring with pain. “Listen here, $name. We’ve no time for you to grieve. I’m sorry about $L, but I need to know how $he_L died. Did Thena and your partner fight? Did $L try to escape?” You glance at $Yo in disbelief only to be met with a wall of disbelief mirroring your own. $Yo didn’t believe that to be the case then. It almost looked like $they_Y <<were_Y>> sure it wasn't, in fact. “Thena has been torturing $L since you left us. I don’t know what they specifically did to $him_L, but…” Once the words started coming out, it was like a flood you were unable to stop, eyes watering as you spoke. “Even when the screaming stopped, Thena didn’t bring $L back in for a while. They said they had learned from $L and wouldn’t be so physical this time. $Yo… They’re using Ydba on me.” $Yo’s face flashed with confusion, brows furrowing deeply. “Thena can use Ydba? I can believe the physical torture, but… Thena isn’t skilled in magical practice. They shouldn’t be able to do anything higher than a few water spells…” “But they can! And they are. They’ve got an Ydba book…” You trail off as your eyes failed to the spot the book. //That bastard. They brought it with them.// “$Yo, please.” You try one last time, knowing how pathetic it was. “What a pleasant surprise. $Yo, to what do I owe the honor of a visit during an interrogation?” Thena asked as they stepped back inside, eyes flicking between you and the Court Sorcerer. “We came to retrieve $L’s body. You wouldn’t happen to know why we found one of our key prisoners and witnesses, dead and suffering serious bodily harm?” $Yo asked, turning to face them with a bored expression. Thena waved a dismissive hand, fanning the flames of rage within you once more. “Oh, that. The prisoner attempted to fight a way out. I simply did what I had to.” “Did what you had to, hm? I don’t see the practical reason for shattering every bone in an arm or breaking every finger on a prisoner during a fight to escape. Perhaps it is because I am not a knight; although, $Mari seemed just as surprised by the injuries.” “I punished $him_L for the misconduct. If $he_L didn’t survive the consequences, perhaps $he_L should’ve thought more before acting?” “That is //not// how we operate in Norocos, Thena. Surely you understand you must face consequences of your own now?” $Yo casually moved closer to them whilst also obscuring Thena’s gaze that had resolutely rested on you. As though you needed to be reminded of what they wished to return to. “Must I? I do not answer to the same master as you, little Popescu.” You could hear the smile in Thena’s voice. “$Inima may be blind to it now, but eventually even your master will have to answer for the crimes committed today. No one is completely exempt from the hands of justice, Thena.” “Yes, but we all know that justice is blind, $Yo. Don’t act naive.” At that the room fell silent. You could almost hear $Yo’s internal conflict. Foolishly, you hoped that $Yo would pick the side of justice no matter the circumstance, but $Yo simply stepped away. “Get the confession without killing $them.” The Court Sorcerer commanded clearly before leaving. There it was then. Implicit permission from the imperial court for Thena to use force to gather a confession. Today, justice would turn away. “Right, no promises.” Thena slipped the book of spells out of the inner pockets within their baby blue guard coat. “Do you have a confession for me now?” “Lying would make the gods angry.” You spit out, the sarcasm masking the brimming rage within you. If you didn’t feel angry, then you would be empty. Emptiness was useless. You could die with dignity. Dignity that $L should’ve been afforded. They flip their book open, laughing as their eyes skim the pages of the second marked entry. “I’m so happy you don’t give in so easily. I get to test out so many fun things now. Now, tell me, have you ever drowned?” They don’t wait, calling out an incantation. “They say it can be peaceful or it can be the worst pain anyone can experience. You’ll let me know which it is, won’t you? Good $nn_p.” Your whole body suddenly felt burdened with an invisible weight and for a moment you thought, //Drowning feels a lot like getting sat on.// But that thought was a bit premature because in the next moment as you inhale your sinuses flared with indescribable agony, your lungs growing heavy with water, contracting painfully at the intrusion. Flinging your head back, you open your mouth, desperate to either get air in or get the water //out//, but it only seemed to fill you further. Logically and maybe distantly, you knew that this was just the work of Ydba, altering your perception of what happening, but knowing that meant nothing when you’re still //experiencing// it. Once upon a time, another mercenary had told you and $L that if you ever succumb to a sorcerer wielding Ydba, you simply had to continue as though nothing was happening. How the hell were you supposed to ignore the sensation of drowning? It was as though you could feel your mind separate from your body, losing awareness in each limb slowly. First, you lost your feet, then it was your arms to the elbows, then it was everything below your waist, until it was just your mind and your respiratory system. Even as you began to lose consciousness, you could feel the fire in your lungs and the twitching contractions of your esophagus. Eventually everything seemed to blur together. Feeling your body burn away, bleeding out, dislocations, and broken bones only to find that nothing at all had happened and the torment took place only in your mind. Thena never got their confession. At least, you were pretty sure they didn’t. It’s really hard to remember exactly what had been said in those few hours between dawn and noon. <<else>> “Now where’s the honor in giving a false confession?” You sigh, shaking your head in a last act of defiance. You could very well be terrified out of your mind of the dark magic waiting to be used on you, but Thena didn’t need the satisfaction of your compliance. Not yet. You would get through this for $L. And when the pain starts, you let your mind flutter away, a technique you’d learned years ago. In those hours between dawn and noon, you had only been conscious briefly. Just barely long enough to discover that $Yo, $Mari, and a knight had to take away $L’s corpse. It was the only pain to actually reach you within those hours. <</if>> Thena threw down their spellbook in frustration when a knight came in to inform them it was time to transport you to the throne room for your trial. They stalked towards the poor boy, grabbing him by the front of his uniform. “Is the $royalty in the throne room already or can $he_C be found elsewhere?” The knight gulps, shying away from their ire. “The council awaits for the prisoner to be transported in the council room. That’s where $Royalty $Inima can be found.” “Good boy. Now get on with your job, I must meet with the $royalty.” <<link "Accept the knight's help to get to the throne room for your trial." "0.06">><</link>>

CONTENT WARNINGS FOR ''VILLAIN'S PROMISE'': ''//Prologue Warnings://'' description of torture ''-'' drowning, burning, (minor?) body horror description of bodily harm ''-''broken bones and stab wounds ''//Chapter One Warnings//'' mentions of scenes from the triggering prologue scenes allusions to PTSD implied ableism <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<<set $return to "0.06">>The knight is surprisingly gentle with you, especially in comparison to Thena, but even without them setting a precedent, he really shouldn’t be handling the king-killer with this gentleness. “Why..?” You breathe out, glancing at the knight. He looks back, confused by the question. “Why… so nice?” He seems to understand the sparse enquiry, answering simply. “I’m following orders.” And who would order a knight to be kind to an assassin? You don’t get the chance to ask him this as you reach two grand oak doors, a knight stationed at either side. They stand at attention upon noticing you, stepping forward to open the doors. Beyond them revealed the throne room, aisles lined with disgusted faces of higher houses, their eyes mixed with rage and hunger as they turned to stare at you. The announcer stepped forward, clearing her throat. “Prisoner $name, accused of regicide, enters the room of judgement.” The room is filled with contemptuous whispers as you move down the pearl-esque aisle, weighed down from the exhaustion of Thena’s interrogation methods. Once you were in the designated spot for judgement, the knight who escorted you took a step back. Though they were still plenty close to cut you down at any sign of hostility, you noted with a brief flash of disappointment and an overall weariness. You could no longer remember what would be taken as an act of hostility in a court of proper and prim nobles. It’s not like mercenary work requires court etiquette. //If $L was here, $he_L would scoff at the way the nobles seem to get off on this.// And though the thought was true, it only served to further dishearten you. $L should be alive. $L did not deserve to die at Thena’s hands and from what you saw, $he_L wouldn’t be avenged. The curtain behind the quartz throne fluttered open as the royal council filed inside, finding their official spots. Finally, the inner circle entered last- $Yo took a spot at the the three seated table and immediately flipped open a book to read as though this was the most boring event of the year, then $Inima entered with $Mari trailing behind $him_C. The $Royalty Regent looked… ragged. Hair disheveled, head chain placed haphazardly upon the mess, eyes dark with bags, and mouth drawn tight. The sight of someone who was grieving and had been handed the weight of the world to carry simultaneously. The room falls silent as $Inima breaks protocol, moving past the judgement table to stand on the steps directly before you. You could almost feel $Mari’s exasperation as $he_M followed. “As you all know, last night my father, King Rautinte, was found murdered.” $Inima projects clearly, years of practice not going to waste even at a time like this. “$name was found at the scene after killing a knight in an attempt to flee. The weapon found next to my father’s body was a dagger known to belong to $name. Though we have all of this evidence directing us to believe it to be the work of the mercenary before us, $name has refused to make an official confession.” The enraged whispers returned seven-fold and you could almost feel all the eyes glaring a hole into the back of your head. $Inima paces briefly along the step, before pausing to stare you down. “What do you say to these accusations, $name?” "They're false! I would never- I have never-" You stuttered, trying desperately to find words that would convince everyone, but your tongue was heavy and your mind was sluggish. Maybe this was Thena’s true intention. If they couldn’t make you confess, they could ensure you wouldn’t have the mental capacities to refute the accusations. You could feel the weight of each glare like pin pricks across your body. You knew in that moment nothing you said would ever change how they saw you, even if you had the energy and words that would be perfect for this situation. You had already lost. "Ser, please." “Begging cannot and //will// not help you during your judgement.” $Yo spoke out, causing different councilors to jump or flinch. Apparently, everyone had forgotten $Yo as soon as the $royalty began to speak. $Inima frowned, but assented to the comment. “I cannot absolve your accusations with only your pleads as evidence. If you have no evidence to prove your innocence…” “I just need more time, $Royalty!” Asserting this, you step forward desperately. Immediately, you found yourself slammed down painfully onto your knees, the sounds of blades shedding their sheaths echoed from different corners of the court. //Right. An act of hostility.// “My liege, time can prove $them innocent or it could provide $them excuses and a way to escape justice.” $Mari spoke up next, golden eyes glued to you. “You may be right, $Mari.” $Inima sighed, pacing once more. <<link "Bite out a scathing remark. You were tired, so very tired of all this posturing and bullshit. If you were to die, you could be spared the faux consideration." "0.071">><</link>> <<link "Tearfully plead. There had to be some way for you to live. For both you and your partner." "0.072">><</link>> <<link "Remain quiet. Whether or not you speak changes nothing. The court will decide what it will because as Thena said… Justice was blind." "0.073">><</link>>

<<set $return to "0.071">>“Okay, I get it. We all know how this ends, right? The great //Inima// of Norocos, the leader of the people, backed into the corner like any other coward. You know this court is full of liars and greedy rats and yet you cannot risk displeasing them. It’s okay, my cowardly $royalty, I understand. Just condemn me already. I’m getting rather tired.” You rasp out, vocal cords protesting the strain. This caused more discontent voices rising above whispers among the gathered audience. “Will you allow for such insolence, $Royalty Regent?” A voice shouted, outraged. Must be one of the rats you had mentioned. $Inima raised a hand, silencing the court. The $royalty looked distinctly guilty as $he_C looked down at you. “Your words are careless, but you are right about one thing. There is only one course of action I can take here. $name, I find you guilty of regicide, the highest degree of treason. For this crime, the punishment is clear. If you will, Ser Theo.” The knight behind you levels his sword, the blade grazing the back of your neck. “Right. Let your men do the dirty work. Kill me yourself, $Inima. I want my blood on your hands. A lesson for you, $Royalty: Anyone you condemn to death from here on, guilty or innocent, their blood will weigh on your conscience. To please the nobles of this kingdom, you should get used to this.” $Inima’s face looked stricken by the words, but the $royalty settles into acceptance as $he_C took the last few steps down the stairs. “$Mari?” Wordlessly, $Mari steps down next to $Inima and pulls $his_M sword from its sheath, handing it to the $royalty. This was it then. This was your final moment. Maybe you would be able to meet your mom and $L in the afterlife… If it was real. Whether it was or not… You could only hope that they both had forgiven you. “May Cadea welcome you into Nesfarsit with forgiveness. Farewell, $name.” And with one solid swing of the sword, your world came to an end. <<link "Continue" "0.09">><</link>>

<<set $return to "0.08">>"$response"<<if $response is "Fuck off.">> "Well, now that's rather rude, but the court acknowledges your last words. May Death welcome you into Nesfarsit." $Yo announces in a tone that is all too formal, bringing $their_Y hands together. <<link "Your world faded away to the sound of $Yo's incantation." "0.09">><</link>><<elseif $response is "Fuck you.">> "Well, now that's rather rude, but the court acknowledges your last words. May Death welcome you into Nesfarsit." $Yo announces in a tone that is all too formal, bringing $their_Y hands together. <<link "Your world faded away to the sound of $Yo's incantation." "0.09">><</link>><<elseif $response is "...">> "The court acknowledges and respects your silence. May Cadea welcome you into Nesfarsit with open arms." $Yo sighs, rubbing $their_Y hands together. <<link "Your world faded away to the sound of $Yo's incantation." "0.09">><</link>><<elseif $response is "This is kind of hot, you know?">> $Yo chokes briefly on nothing. "You are... Weird. Um. Nevertheless, the court will acknowledge your last words... However concerning they are. May Nesfarsit welcome you." <<link "Your world faded away to the sound of $Yo's incantation." "0.09">><</link>><<elseif $response is "No. Let's get this over with.">> $Yo pauses, lips turning down as $they_Y considered you. "I am... Sorry it came to this, $name. That you will not believe me here, I have no doubt, but I will take care of- of him and I do regret..." The court grumbles in uneasy worry at the Court Sorcerer whispering for only you to hear. $Yo composes $themselves_Y, speaking once more but for everyone to hear. "The court acknowledges your last words. May you find peace in Nesfarsit, $name." <<link "Your world faded away to the sound of $Yo's incantation." "0.09">><</link>><<elseif $response is "I hope you find the real murderer. I truly do.">> $Yo freezes, casting a quick gaze around the room. None of the court seemed to believe nor care about your words, but $Yo appeared worried by them. Kneeling so $they_Y could be eye-to-eye with you, $Yo whispered so only you could hear. "I hope so as well, $name. I'm sorry this has fallen on you, but they've trapped us in a corner. I wish I could do more for you. I do." The knight behind you clears his throat and though you couldn't see his expression, you knew he must've been confused by the exchange. $Yo stands, speaking to the crowd once more. "The court acknowledges your last words. May Nesfarsit treat you well." <<link "Your world faded away to the sound of $Yo's incantation." "0.09">><</link>><<elseif $response is "Cao ni zu zong shi ba dai.">> $Yo lifts a careful eyebrow at the apparent scathing remark. "I'm sure reading what you have said after translation will be hurtful, but for now all I, and the court, can do is acknowledge your final words. May Nesfarsit welcome you." <<link "Your world faded away to the sound of $Yo's incantation." "0.09">><</link>><<elseif $response is "Mortem non timeo.">> $Yo appears to almost relax at the statement, nodding slowly. "It is a truly brave soul who doesn't fear the end. The court acknowledges your last words. I also deeply admire the sentiment. May Nesfarsit greet you with Death's gentle embrace, $name." <<link "Your world faded away to the sound of $Yo's incantation." "0.09">><</link>><<elseif $response is "Death to all kings.">><<if $Inima is "Caspian">> $Yo scoffs, an incredulous look on $their_Y face. Maybe $they_Y didn't expect the vitriol and maybe $they_Y <<were_Y>> a //fucking fool//. "Perhaps this truly was the best outcome. May you get the afterlife you deserve, $name."<<else>> $Yo grins, looking down at you with a dark glare, the purple in $their_Y eyes catching the light in a dangerous way. "Well, I suppose it's a good thing we will have a reigning //queen// then, hm?" "$Yo." Ser $Mari speaks from just behind $them_Y, making a barely there gesture towards the crowd anxiously awaiting your execution. $Yo sighs, $their_Y jaw working to give out the customary departing phrase. "May Nesfarsit treat you as you deserve, $name."<</if>> <<link "Your world faded away to the sound of $Yo's incantation." "0.09">><</link>><<elseif $response is "Your mother must be very proud.">> There's a subtle twitch of annoyance displayed on $Yo's face before it settles back into a calm mask as $they_Y stare<<s_Y>> down at you. "My mother, hm? Well, I can only imagine how //yours// must feel." $They_Y cover<<s_Y>> $their_Y mouth, feigning shock at $their_Y own words. "Terribly sorry, $name." "$Yo." Ser $Mari nudges $them_Y discreetly, urging $them_Y to end this faster. You shifted, the urge to hit $Yo almost immeasurable at the mention of your deceased mother, but the knight behind you shifted with you, the tip of their blade biting your spine. "Fine, sorry, Ser $Mari." $Yo sighs, eyes narrowed at you. "May Nesfarsit treat you as you deserve, $name." <<link "Your world faded away to the sound of $Yo's incantation." "0.09">><</link>><<else>> "The court recognizes your final words. May Cadea welcome you into Nesfarsit kindly." $Yo speaks out, rubbing $their_Y hands together. <<link "Your world faded away to the sound of $Yo's incantation." "0.09">><</link>> <</if>>

<<set $return to "0.09">>“-mean to say you want this one?” A feminine voice pulls at your consciousness which is… Weird. Were you not dead? “Indeed, Dea. I want to return $them to the living.” A distinctly deep voice spoke in a feminine manner, their tone relaxed as though their words were well practiced and not at all out of place. “You cannot expect me to return this soul to $their body, Ceasom. The world believes $them to be dead.” What seems to be a gentle hand brushes against your forehead, but you still cannot summon the strength to open your eyes. “Not if you return $them to a time before $they died.” “A time before… But why would you-” “Shh, Dea, let us discuss the… details elsewhere. We’re disturbing the dead.” <<link "The voices faded away and so did your consciousness." "1.00">><<set $noted to true>><</link>>

<<set $return to "0.072">>Maybe the toll of torture finally caught up to you, because before you knew it, tears spilled from your eyes just as damning as your words had been. There was nothing you could do to stop the sobs ripped from you, but you could make it so no one could fully see this moment of vulnerability. You drop your head, chin resting upon your chest as you shook with the full weight of reality. You were going to die here. This is where your story ended. It wouldn’t end with you reaping vengeance for your mother’s death, it wouldn’t end with you greying into the late years of retirement. It wouldn’t be a happy ending. It was a sudden and abrupt cut off, the discontinuation of your story. Staying strong during Thena’s torment meant nothing because it all ended the same way. In the end, you didn't say a word. You couldn't. “There can be only one course of action. On accounts of regicide, I find $name guilty of the highest form of treason. The punishment is clear in the law for this crime. I entrust $Yo, my Court Sorcerer, to see to the punishment.” $Inima paused, but you couldn’t look up. Eventually, $his_C footsteps retreated back the way they came. “I shall take my leave.” For a few moments, the only sound in the room was your own cries until $Yo stepped down, ready to do $their_Y job. “Any last words, $name?” <<textbox "$response" $response>> <<link "Special last words." "Last Words">><</link>> <<link "This was how you decided to respond." "0.08">><</link>>

<<set $return to "0.073">>Sometimes silence spoke louder than words and it was obvious in the way that $Inima stopped pacing and glanced at you in confusion that your quietness held weight. $Royalty $Inima shifted uncomfortably and cleared $his_C throat. “Well… I think the course of action here is clear.” $Inima tripped over $his_C words momentarily before regaining composure. //Good. Nice to see I can shake them.// “$name, I find you guilty of the highest form of treason: regicide. The law demands death for this crime and I leave the execution in $Yo’s capable hands. If… If the court will excuse me.” And so the kingdom’s heart exited the room, leaving you to face $Yo and your end. With a huff, $Yo set $their_Y book down, moving to stand before you, ready to finish the job. “Any last words, $name?” <<textbox "$response" $response>> <<link "Special last words." "Last Words">><</link>> <<link "This was how you decided to respond." "0.08">><</link>>

<<set $return to "">><<set $return to "1.00">><<set $ch_one to true>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Notes available!<</notify>><</if>><h3> Chapter One- Day in the Life of a Difficult Bastard </h3> Feeling your soul shoved back into your body was not the fun experience you might think it to be. It felt a lot like getting spun in circles then trying to stand on your own. This time when your consciousness pulled at you again, you managed to open your eyes. But Nesfarsit wasn't what greeted you. //It would be a little weird if the afterlife looked like my childhood bedroom, at least.// You thought, sitting up and closing your eyes as the room spins in response. Gulping down the unsteadiness, you start to take in your surroundings. They were all too familiar- or they were familiar to a time long past. It’s been //years// since you had last slept here. It’s been years since you even had a reason to visit this place. “Welcome back to the land of the living, $name.” That voice. You remember it vaguely from before; it was the voice you heard when you were briefly conscious. The woman that was addressed as “Dea.” You swivel your head around, wondering how you had missed the presence of another, but there was no one. “What the…” Hesitating at the sound of your rasping voice, you slowly moved to get out of bed. “Oh, I don’t know if you should do that, dear.” Her voice was much closer this time, startling you. “You may be a little weak right now. Your body is just as injured as your soul.” “Where the hell are you?” You grit out, confusion and frustration swirling together in a dizzying way. “Oh. Right, how rude of me.” And there she was, her face directly in front of your own. You fall back, heart thudding against your throat. She was… Beautiful, you suppose, but in the way that a tiger is beautiful before it pounces. She was unnervingly pale with eyes so sunken and dark, they looked bruised in comparison. Maybe what was most unnerving about her were those eyes. Not the darkness surrounding them, but rather the glowing gold that filled them. “Something wrong, $name?” “What- Who-” You stuttered, eyebrows drawing in. “My name is Cadea, though I’ve heard you mortals tend to simply call me Death. I’d much prefer you to call me Cadea.” She answers, standing from where she had kneeled before. Shoulders slumping, your widening eyes followed Cadea’s form. “Death..? What kind of joke-” Her golden eyes almost stung when focused solely on you. “Joking with you would be a waste of my time. Do I look like someone who wastes time?” You shook your head slowly, if only to appease her. “Then you aren’t as foolish as you seem. This is no joke. I’m Cadea, the Euan in charge of Nesfarsit and the souls of the lost. Souls such as yours. You’ve been granted life once more, do not squander it.” You really wish you could’ve just stayed dead. What did it mean to have your soul returned by the goddess of death herself? You clear your throat, managing to relax ever so-slightly. “Even if I //did// believe- which I’m not sure I do- why would you grant me life? There’s been no account of this ever happening before, so why..?” Cadea waved her hand dismissively, moving about slowly-- and wasn’t that a sight? A self-proclaimed goddess casually pacing in your room. “If you’d like the answer to that, you’ll need to ask a different deity. The Euan who requested you to have your soul returned is the one who has shifted the entire world to readily accept your return.” “There is someone, no, there is an //Euan// who has done all that for me to return?” “Not just you. After all, turning back time undoes a lot of death. Though, not all remember their death, unlike you. The others may experience a bout of deja vu once in a while, but you remember it all.” She suddenly sits on the chair beside your bed, returning the full weight of her attention on you. It was oppressive. “Do you know who your sponsor is, $name?” <<link "You know the answer, after all, you were rather faithful before you had died." "1.01">><<set $religion +=5>><<set $dea_answer to "knows">><<set $cadeainfo to true>><</link>> <<link "From your studies, you knew the answer immediately and you answer without hesitation" "1.01">><<set $intelligence +=5>><<set $dea_answer to "knows">><<set $cadeainfo to true>><</link>> <<link "You may not have been all that faithful or studious, but you picked up on the conversation clues." "1.01">><<set $perception +=5>><<set $dea_answer to "knows">><<set $cadeainfo to true>><</link>> <<link "Seeing as though religion rarely had any practical use, you couldn’t say you knew." "1.01">><<set $perception +=5>><<set $cadeainfo to true>><</link>> <<link "Though you’ve read texts on many different topics, you couldn’t say you knew the answer off the top of your head." "1.01">><<set $intelligence +=5>><<set $cadeainfo to true>><</link>>

<<set $return to "1.01">><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Autosaved<</notify>><</if>><<set $mom_response =0>><<if $dea_answer is "knows">>"My 'sponsor' must be the Timekeeper. The one you referred to as "Ceasom" before, right?" "Very good, $name. So there is hope for us after all. Cea might've chosen well after all." You could feel yourself warm at the praise from the goddess.<<set $ceasominfo to true>><<else>>"I... Will admit I'm unsure of who this 'sponsor' could be." Cadea pauses, frowning slightly. "I do wonder if they were alright when they chose you specifically. Your sponsor is Ceasom, the Timekeeper." Unsurprisingly, it kind of hurt when a goddess implied you were dim.<<set $ceasominfo to true>><</if>> "If that's true... Isn't this very out of character for them? The Timekeeper isn't known for their involvement with us mortals." You ponder aloud. "Not just among you mortals. Ceasom isn't known for interacting with even the Euan. Even I leave Nesfarsit more than they leave their own realm." Cadea answers, expression betraying how troubled even she felt by this. “Which is why your case is even more extraordinary.” You could barely hold back the exasperated sigh fighting its way up. “Why?” Cadea cocks her head to the side, her eyebrows pulling together. “Why… what?” “I’m guessing there’s a reason for me being here. There’s never give without there being something taken. Since Ceasom convinced you to help, I suppose there’s something you’ll want from me?” “From you?” Cadea barks out a laugh. “No. I want nothing from you. Ceasom has just promised me something in return for my help.” The viscous anger on the goddess’ face made you instinctually shrink back. “Alright… So you don’t know why Ceasom wanted me to live?” “It’s really quite simple. They need you to-” “$name?” A sweet voice called from beyond the door. An all too familiar voice. “How cliche." She tuts, disappointed by the interruption. "Come visit us, $name.” Cadea disappeared from your sight without so much as a pause for you to reply. Between one moment and the next, you are once again flat on your back, staring at the ceiling. A dream, then? The things the subconscious could come up with is incredible at times. The door creaks open and you let your head lull to the side, eyes landing on the figure who steps inside. There stands a lady with $HairColor hair <<if $HairLength is "long">> shorter than your own. <<elseif $HairLength is "shoulder length">> around the same length as your own. <<else>> longer than your own. <</if>> You find yourself scrambling to stand despite the stabbing pains in your abdomen. “Oh, sweet $nn_p, you shouldn’t be standing. You’ll aggravate all of your injuries!” She hurried over, moving to push you back down.<<if $height is "very short">> She stood just a bit taller than you, but you also knew she wouldn’t have the strength to move you despite the difference.<<elseif $height is "short">> You stood at around eye level to one another and even if she could, you knew she wouldn’t have the strength to move you.<<else>> You stood taller than her and while it was amusing to see her try, you knew she wouldn’t be able to move you.<</if>> You acquiesced in her inferred command. You were far too busy just… watching her. “Darling, why does it look like you’ve seen a ghost?” //Because I have.// You thought with a shudder, the sight behind your eyes that of a terror that had plagued you years before you were executed. The reason you were shaken by the scene of Rautinte’s assissination. On the eve of your 24th birthday, you had returned home, worried when a few townspeople had stopped you to tell you that she hadn't been answering to anyone for the past day. You didn't even pause when you managed to open your door, but you didn't make it far inside before you slipped on the slick floor. Shaking, you had realized the floor was slick with //blood//. Holding back the lunch that threatened to make a reappearance, you drag yourself around the corner where the blood led to... Her body. Sat up against the wall, a ribbon placed on her head. A present for you. Later, you were found by a group of passing neighbors holding their body in your arms staring at nothing. They had to pry you away from the body. Was that real? It //felt// real. Her death, $L's death,<<if $torture is true>> Thena's magical abuse, <</if>> and your execution. Years upon years of memories and pain... Could it all be fake? “Mom?” Your voice comes out thick with emotions, your hand moving instinctually towards her. She moves in, taking your hand without hesitation, but she frowns with concern. “Yes, $name?” She asks softly, sitting next to you. “I- It’s just-” <<link "I’ve missed you, mom. It’s so good to see you." "1.02">><<set $mom_response +=1>><</link>> <<link "I’m just a little confused. What happened?" "1.02">><<set $mom_response +=2>><</link>> <<link "You’re alive." "1.02">><<set $mom_response +=3>><</link>> <<link "It's nothing." "1.02">><<set $mom_response +=4>><</link>>

<<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>>s<<case false>><</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "es">><<switch $plural>><<case true>><<case false>>es<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "re">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>re<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "ve">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>ve<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "are_Z">><<switch $plural_Z>><<case true>>are<<case false>>is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "were_Z">><<switch $plural_Z>><<case true>>were<<case false>>was<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s_Z">><<switch $plural_Z>><<case true>><<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "es_Z">><<switch $plural_Z>><<case true>><<case false>>es<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "re_Z">><<switch $plural_Z>><<case true>>re<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "ve_Z">><<switch $plural_Z>><<case true>>ve<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "are_Y">><<switch $plural_Y>><<case true>>are<<case false>>is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "were_Y">><<switch $plural_Y>><<case true>>were<<case false>>was<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s_Y">><<switch $plural_Y>><<case true>><<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "es_Y">><<switch $plural_Y>><<case true>><<case false>>es<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "re_Y">><<switch $plural_Y>><<case true>>re<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "ve_Y">><<switch $plural_Y>><<case true>>ve<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>>

<span class="title">Villain's Promise</span> <span class="author">by <a href="https://villains-promise.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Felix</a></span>

<<nobr>> <li>[[Stats]]</li> <li>[[Notes]]</li> <li>[[Warnings|CW]]</li> <li>[[Inventory]]</li> <</nobr>>

Skymother: Goddess who controls the weather, the queen of the Euan. Timekeeper: Deity of time and fate. Extra info discovered: <<if $ceasominfo is false>> You have learned nothing more about them. <<else>> Their name is Ceasom. <</if>> Leacul: Goddess of medicine and health. Death: Goddess of Nesfarsit and the keeper of souls. Extra info discovered: <<if $cadeainfo is false>> You have learned nothing more about her. <<else>> She prefers being called by her name, Cadea. <</if>> Milenec and Agoste: Gods of love and family. Raspoame and Sarbatos: Gods of harvest and prosperity. Mare: Deity of the seas. Fisshea: Goddess of the arts. <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

Character Genders: <<set $They_Y to "They">><<set $plural_Y to true>><<set $Yo to "Yoru">>\ *<<link "Yoshiko- she/her">><<set $They_Y to "She">><<set $they_Y to "she">><<set $plural_Y to false>><<set $Yo to "Yoshiko">><<set $them_Y to "her">><<set $themselves_Y to "herself">><<set $their_Y to "her">><<set $theirs_Y to "hers">><<update>><</link>> *<<link "Yoshiaki- he/him">><<set $They_Y to "He">><<set $they_Y to "he">><<set $plural_Y to false>><<set $Yo to "Yoshiaki">><<set $them_Y to "him">><<set $themselves_Y to "himself">><<set $their_Y to "his">><<set $theirs_Y to "his">><<update>><</link>> *<<link "Yoru- they/them">><<set $They_Y to "They">><<set $they_Y to "they">><<set $plural_Y to true>><<set $Yo to "Yoru">><<set $them_Y to "them">><<set $themselves_Y to "themself">><<set $their_Y to "their">><<set $theirs_Y to "theirs">><<update>><</link>> <<set $He_C to "She">><<set $Inima to "Catherine">>\ *<<link "Catherine- she/her">><<set $he_C to "she">><<set $Inima to "Catherine">><<set $He_C to "She">><<set $him_C to "her">><<set $his_C to "her">><<set $hers_C to "hers">><<set $himself_C to "herself">><<set $royalty to "princess">><<set $Royalty to "Princess">><<<<update>><</link>> *<<link "Caspian- he/him">><<set $he_C to "he">><<set $Inima to "Caspian">><<set $He_C to "He">><<set $him_C to "him">><<set $his_C to "his">><<set $hers_C to "his">><<set $himself_C to "himself">><<set $royalty to "prince">><<set $Royalty to "Prince">><<update>><</link>> <<set $He_E to "He">><<set $Raz to "Erasmus">>\ *<<link "Erasma- she/her">><<set $he_E to "she">><<set $Raz to "Erasma">><<set $He_E to "She">><<set $him_E to "her">><<set $his_E to "her">><<set $hers_E to "hers">><<set $himself_E to "herself">><<<<update>><</link>> *<<link "Erasmus- he/him">><<set $he_E to "he">><<set $Raz to "Erasmus">><<set $He_E to "He">><<set $him_E to "him">><<set $his_E to "his">><<set $hers_E to "his">><<set $himself_L to "himself">><<update>><</link>> <<set $They_Z to "They">><<set $plural_Z to true>><<set $Z to "Zen">>\ *<<link "Zenona- she/her">><<set $They_Z to "She">><<set $they_Z to "she">><<set $plural_Z to false>><<set $Z to "Zenona">><<set $them_Z to "her">><<set $themselves_Z to "herself">><<set $their_Z to "her">><<set $theirs_Z to "hers">><<update>><</link>> *<<link "Zenon- he/him">><<set $They_Z to "He">><<set $they_Z to "he">><<set $plural_Z to false>><<set $Z to "Zenon">><<set $them_Z to "him">><<set $themselves_Z to "himself">><<set $their_Z to "his">><<set $theirs_Z to "his">><<update>><</link>> *<<link "Zen- they/them">><<set $They_Z to "They">><<set $they_Z to "they">><<set $plural_Z to true>><<set $Z to "Zen">><<set $them_Z to "them">><<set $themselves_Z to "themself">><<set $their_Z to "their">><<set $theirs_Z to "theirs">><<update>><</link>> <<set $He_M to "She">><<set $he_M to "she">><<set $Mari to "Marilena">>\ *<<link "Marilena- she/her">><<set $he_M to "she">><<set $Mari to "Marilena">><<set $He_M to "She">><<set $him_M to "her">><<set $his_M to "her">><<set $hers_M to "hers">><<set $himself_M to "herself">><<<<update>><</link>> *<<link "Marian- he/him">><<set $he_M to "he">><<set $Mari to "Marian">><<set $He_M to "He">><<set $him_M to "him">><<set $his_M to "his">><<set $hers_M to "his">><<set $himself_M to "himself">><<update>><</link>> <<set $He_L to "He">><<set $L to "Lucian">>\ *<<link "Laine- she/her">><<set $he_L to "she">><<set $L to "Laine">><<set $He_L to "She">><<set $him_L to "her">><<set $his_L to "her">><<set $hers_L to "hers">><<set $himself_L to "herself">><<set $dad_L to "mom">><<set $Dad_L to "Mom">><<<<update>><</link>> *<<link "Lucian- he/him">><<set $he_L to "he">><<set $L to "Lucian">><<set $He_L to "He">><<set $him_L to "him">><<set $his_L to "his">><<set $hers_L to "his">><<set $himself_L to "himself">><<set $dad_L to "dad">><<set $Dad_L to "Dad">><<update>><</link>> <<link "Continue" "Check">><</link>>

<<set $return to "Notes">><<if $noted is false>> You haven't taken any notes yet. <<else>> <<link "Guide" "Guides">><</link>> <<link "Events from the Past." "Past">><</link>> <<link "Deities" "Deities">><</link>> <<link "Character Drabbles (May contain spoilers)" "Drabbles">><</link>> <</if>> <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

''Things I know'' 1. I died. At least, I'm pretty sure I did. 2. Someone killed Rautinte and framed me. 3. There's a good chance //that// <<if $onism is true>><<link "mission" "Onism">><</link>><<else>>//mission// (content upcoming)<</if>> is pertinent to what happened. ''Things I need to know'' 1. //What should I do?// 2. //Who can I trust?// <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<<set $return to "1.02">><<if $mom_response ==1>> You offer a watery smile, <<cyclinglink "bringing her hand up to your lips and placing a small kiss to her weathered knuckles." "squeezing her hand gently, before letting go." "before leaning your head against her.">> “I’ve missed you, mom. It’s really good to see you.” You can feel rather than hear her laugh. “You’ve only been away for a week, dear.” She points out not unkindly. “Though, from the looks of it, it’s been a rough one for you. I’m glad you came back to me.” You could feel something urgent bubbling in your chest, but whether it was a laugh or a sob- you didn’t want to find out. “Oh, you have no idea.” “I don’t actually. $L just told me that $he_L found you bleeding out near the courtyard. What happened, $name?” <<elseif $mom_response ==2>> You take a few moments to collect yourself, <<cyclinglink "squeezing her hand before continuing." "letting go of her hand before continuing.">> “Sorry, I’m just a little confused. What happened?” She frowned, “$L said $he_L found you bleeding out near the courtyard. I didn’t get the full story, I was a bit preoccupied trying to dress your wounds. Did that help at all? Can you recall how you ended up like that?” <<elseif $mom_response ==3>> You swallow around the lump in your throat, taking a moment to collect yourself. //Now wasn’t the time.// “It’s nothing, Mom.” She frowns, her worry almost tangible as she squeezes your hand, but she knew better than to push when it wasn’t concerning your physical health. <<cyclinglink "Before continuing, you squeezed her hand back gently." "Before continuing, you slowly removed your hand from hers.">> “What exactly are my injuries?” Irina purses her lips as if to recall a list. “A minor concussion, multiple cuts and lacerations- concentrated around your abdomen, bruised ribs, and of course, bruises just about everywhere else.” She ticked off each with her fingers, her shoulders tensing more as she spoke. “What exactly happened? $L said $he_L found you near the courtyard, but how’d you end up like this? Who hurt you?” <</if>> Vaguely, you could remember this instance. It stood out as a turning point in your career. Though you trained with $L for years before this event, you didn’t start running missions with $him_L until after it. “A few of Catina’s men were a bit mad that I picked up a contract that they wanted.” You answer slowly, the reality of the situation settling in. According to your memories, that all happened seven years ago when you were 21. You could almost feel your brain throb from the strain. Your mom’s hand came up to cover her mouth, eyebrows furrowing tightly. “Don’t tell me that one kid was involved. The one you’re always talking about?” You fight back a smile, the pain behind your eyes reducing ever so slightly at her assumption. “No, it wasn’t $Z- not really $their_Z style. I think $they_Z ha<<ve_Z>> a tendency for poison.” Irina sighs, unimpressed. “Your horrid timing for humor is definitely your father’s fault.” She shifts in her spot beside me. “So… Can you remember who it was?” Try as you might, you couldn’t recall their names. You hadn’t seen or even really thought about them since it all occurred. You decided a small white lie wouldn’t be too bad here. “No, I didn’t really know them. I could point them out if I saw them again.” “Absolutely not. You’re not doing anything unnecessary until you’re fully recovered. I’ve already contacted the nearest temple to send a healer for your worst injuries.” Her tone made it final- not that you wanted to argue. Truly, there was no point to that. “I’ll speak to Catina about this and get you compensated somehow.” “Mom-” You protest immediately, but she simply raises a hand slightly to cut off your complaints. “She’ll either find the bastards who did this and cut them off or she’ll pay for the damages. Whatever the case may be, she’s going to take responsibility for this.” Irina stands up, smoothing out her dress. She pinches the bridge of her nose for a moment, stock still as she mumbles to herself. You allow her the moment, knowing if you interrupt her train of thought she’ll simply fuss over you until she can remember. Finally, she lets her hand drop and turns to face you once more. “Are you in any pain? Should I make something for you?” You stretch slightly to take stock of the injuries. The pain in your abdomen had dulled, but was persistent, however the headache had worsened. “Maybe something for my head?” She nods, eyeing you closely. “I’ll fix you something for general pain. For your head and chest.” Her smile is knowing and eyes remain fond. This expression… This was what had haunted you the years following her death. Not her corpse, but the expression that so exhibited the love she was full of. The love you would never be privy to again. Or so you had thought, at least. “Yeah, okay. Thank you.” You managed. <<link "She leaves, quietly shutting the door behind her." "1.03">><</link>>

<<set $return to "1.04">><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>><<if $choice_i is "flirt">> +5 $flirt_label $L <<elseif $choice_i is "genuine">> +5 Trust <<else>> Autosaved <</if>><</notify>><</if>> <<set $choice_ii to "">> <<if $choice_i is "genuine">> $L frowned, shifting in $his_L spot. “I know we usually don’t,” A pause as $his_L eyes shift from your face, “talk about this, but… Are you okay?” “I’m fine.” You answer immediately, a habit formed over the years though you weren’t sure if it was true. $L seems to pick up on this, but doesn’t push the subject. “Anything else we need to discuss? I know I’m not going to be any help as your new partner for a while, but-” “It’s fine.” $L cuts you off gruffly. “I’ll take care of a few contracts and give you a cut, just… Don’t do anything stupid and listen to Irina.” “There’s no way I’m going to be taking money I’m not doing any of the work for.” You protest, eyes narrowing and your shoulders rising. $L simply raises a scarred eyebrow as $he_L stands. A tactic you knew all too well from the past. As $he_L explained it when you finally pointed it out, $L had answered that it might have been a subconscious move at first, but had progressed into an actual method of imposing their opinion with their height. It was probably still subconscious at this point. “Don’t fight me on this.” You stand with great effort, holding back a pained groan. <<if $height is "very short">> You crane your head back to look up at $him_L with all the stubbornness you could muster into one glance.<</if>><<if $height is "short">> You crane your head back to look up at $him_L with all the stubbornness you could muster into one glance. <</if>><<if $height is "average">> You tilt your chin up a degree so you can look $him_L in the eye with all the stubbornness you could muster into one glance.<</if>><<if $height is "tall">> You easily glared back at $him_L with all the stubbornness you could muster into one glance, though you also felt a tinge of smugness when $he_L noticed the loss of $his_L height advantage.<</if>><<if $height is "very tall">> You look down at $him_L with all the stubbornness you could muster into one glance, though you also felt a tinge of smugness when $he_L noticed the loss of $his_L height advantage.<</if>> “I cannot and will not take the money you earned, $L.” $L stares for another moment, lips thinning into a line. “Fine. I’ll figure out a way so you can //earn// your share, you difficult bastard. Going to give you paperwork or something.” $He_L grumbles as $he_L moves away, gait tight with annoyance.<</if>><<if $choice_i is "joke">> $L chuckles, seeming to relax a little. “Good. It’s a bit weird seeing you so agreeable. Feels like you’re a different person.” “Well now, Sunshine, if I did have a change of heart you’d be having a hell of a time, huh?” You raise a brow playfully. “More like I’d have whiplash.” $L takes another drink, eyes shifting. “I’ll have to take on some extra contracts to share a cut with you until you’re back on your feet.” “There’s no way I’m going to be taking money I’m not doing any of the work for.” You protest, eyes narrowing and your shoulders rising. $L simply raises a scarred eyebrow as $he_L stands. A tactic you knew all too well from the past. As $he_L explained it when you finally pointed it out, $L had answered that it might have been a subconscious move at first, but had progressed into an actual method of imposing their opinion with their height. It was probably still subconscious at this point. “Don’t fight me on this.” You stand with great effort, holding back a pained groan. <<if $height is "very short">> You crane your head back to look up at $him_L with all the stubbornness you could muster into one glance.<</if>><<if $height is "short">> You crane your head back to look up at $him_L with all the stubbornness you could muster into one glance.<</if>><<if $height is "average">> You tilt your chin up a degree so you can look $him_L in the eye with all the stubbornness you could muster into one glance.<</if>><<if $height is "tall">> You easily glared back at $him_L with all the stubbornness you could muster into one glance, though you also felt a tinge of smugness when $he_L noticed the loss of $his_L height advantage.<</if>><<if $height is "very tall">> You look down at $him_L with all the stubbornness you could muster into one glance, though you also felt a tinge of smugness when $he_L noticed the loss of $his_L height advantage.<</if>> “I cannot and will not take the money you earned, $L.” $L stares for another moment, lips thinning into a line. “Fine. I’ll figure out a way so you can //earn// your share, you difficult bastard. Going to give you paperwork or something.” $He_L grumbles as $he_L moves away, gait tight with annoyance.<</if>><<if $choice_i is "anger">> $L’s face shuttered immediately, features flattening into a carefully blank expression. “Right, sorry- I overstepped.” “Yeah.” You reply shortly, back ram-rod straight. Silence falls over the room, heavy and oppressive. You knew $L well enough to know that $he meant it to be joking, but it didn’t make you feel any better about it. However, being upset wouldn’t make this interaction go any faster. “Anything else?” $L shook $his_L head, standing from $his_L spot on the couch. A pause. “Yeah, I’ll return when I have your cut from some contracts.” “I won’t take money I didn’t earn.” You argue. “Don’t fight me on this.” $L sighed, crossing $his_L arms over $his_L chest. “Then don’t make me, $L. I’m only taking money I earned.” You force yourself to stand, despite your ribs protests. $He_L glares at you, the muscles in $his_L jaw twitching. <<cyclinglink "You stand your ground confidently." "You barely manage to stand your ground.">> $He_L releases a deep sigh, raising a hand to run over $his_L face. “Fine. I’ll figure out a way so you can //earn// your share. Going to give you paperwork or something.” $He_L grumbles as $he_L moves away, gait tight with annoyance.<</if>><<if $choice_i is "shut down">> $L shifts in $his_L seat, pursing $his_L lips. “I just mean… You’re acting a bit strange. Are you-” $He_L pauses to clear $his_L throat. “-Are you okay?” “I’ll be fine.” The words fall from your lips without a single thought behind them. You’re unsure if they’re even true. $L’s eyebrows furrow in further, but doesn’t push the subject.“Anything else we need to discuss? I know I’m not going to be any help as your new partner for a while, but-” “It’s fine.” $L cuts you off gruffly. “I’ll take care of a few contracts and give you a cut, just… Don’t do anything stupid and listen to Irina.” “There’s no way I’m going to be taking money I’m not doing any of the work for.” You protest, eyes narrowing and your shoulders rising. $L simply raises a scarred eyebrow as $he_L stands. A tactic you knew all too well from the past. As $he_L explained it when you finally pointed it out, $L had answered that it might have been a subconscious move at first, but had progressed into an actual method of imposing their opinion with their height. It was probably still subconscious at this point. “Don’t fight me on this.” You stand with great effort, holding back a pained groan. <<if $height is "very short">> You crane your head back to look up at $him_L with all the stubbornness you could muster into one glance.<</if>><<if $height is "short">> You crane your head back to look up at $him_L with all the stubbornness you could muster into one glance.<</if>><<if $height is "average">> You tilt your chin up a degree so you can look $him_L in the eye with all the stubbornness you could muster into one glance.<</if>><<if $height is "tall">> You easily glared back at $him_L with all the stubbornness you could muster into one glance, though you also felt a tinge of smugness when $he_L noticed the loss of $his_L height advantage.<</if>><<if $height is "very tall">> You look down at $him_L with all the stubbornness you could muster into one glance, though you also felt a tinge of smugness when $he_L noticed the loss of $his_L height advantage.<</if>> “I cannot and will not take the money you earned, $L.” $L stares for another moment, lips thinning into a line. “Fine. I’ll figure out a way so you can //earn// your share, you difficult bastard. Going to give you paperwork or something.” $He_L grumbles as $he_L moves away, gait tight with annoyance.<</if>><<if $choice_i is "flirt">> “Oh.” $L's eyes shift away from your face, but $his_L expression simply looks confused. After a moment, $his_L features soften and $he_L turns back with understanding and amusement sparkling in $his_L eyes. “Having me as a partner won’t mean less work, $name.” Or maybe $he_L didn’t understand at all. You roll your eyes, raising a brow at $him_L. “Oh no! You caught me. My poor hopes and dreams.” $L's self-satisfied smile is almost enough to make you crack, but you manage to contain your laughter. “Being partners means we’ll have to do more work to make more money.” You dramatically groan. “Speaking of, I’ll be taking some more contracts so I can drop off your cut of the money when I can.” You blink, the amusement fading away as the words sink in. “I’m not taking money I didn’t earn, $L.” “Why not? I’m offering.” $L huffs as $he_L stands. A tactic you remember $L mentioning before- something about physically imposing $his_L opinion. You stand up, biting back a groan at the protest your ribs give. “I just won’t. It’s not my money if I did nothing to earn it.” $He_L glares at you, the muscles in $his_L jaw twitching. <<cyclinglink "You stand your ground confidently." "You barely manage to stand your ground.">> $He_L releases a deep sigh, raising a hand to run over $his_L face. “Fine. I’ll figure out a way so you can //earn// your share, you difficult bastard. Going to give you paperwork or something.” $He_L grumbles as $he_L moves away, gait tight with annoyance.<</if>> <<link "'Oh good, something I’m good at.' You huff, following after $him_L. $joke_label" "1.05">><<set $choice_ii to "sarcasm">><</link>> <<link "'Oh, well at least I can do that.' You limp after $him_L." "1.05">><<set $intelligence += 10>><<set $choice_ii to "genuine">><</link>> <<link "'Shit.' You frown, moving slowly to the door." "1.05">><<set $choice_ii to "gruff">><</link>> <<link "You stay silent, not caring one way or another for the task." "1.05">><<set $choice_ii to "silent">><</link>>

Onism is a short story pertaining to the canonical past of the main character ($name). This portion is not meant to be choice-driven, therefore it will have very little choice. This is on purpose and will not be changed. There is a few choices here, so if you elect not to play, it will just set them to default. [[Read Onism here|i]]

Bright lights, laughing kids, streets full of venders, and the bite of cold air... Yet it didn't feel real that the year was ending. Celebrations for the renewal of time were in full swing, yet instead of coming home to your mother with $L as you usually did, you were sent on a very specific mission. One that required more research than seemed necessary. "Am I the only one who believes this is definitely not //our// problem? Investigating some rebel insurgent should be something for dear Rautinte, not us." You sigh, breezing past $L who was approaching the alleyways far too cautiously. $L huffs, grabbing onto your arm. "Don't go storming around, that's how we get jumped, dipshit." $He_L lets go once properly assured that you would listen. "Anyways, questioning our mission isn't really our place." "Well, that's tragic... You don't think it's weird?" "$name, you..." $L trails off, sighing in defeat. "It's weird, but it is what it is. Not much we can do about it. Anton-" You scoff, turning down another path, the sounds of the bustling celebrations quieting as you walk. "-is a dick without a brain. I'm aware, $L." $L pushes forward so that $he_L's beside you, turning to you with a sly smile. "I was going to say he's a dick without ears." You offer a smile, knocking your shoulder into $him_L. You turn your attention back onto your surroundings, inspecting the cobbled walls in the dull moonlight of the alleyways. There was a warehouse that held important information about the insurgency or so that was what you heard from your tipster. //“Not sure what it is, but there’s been whispers here and there… It’s the best I’ve got to offer you.”// The kid had mumbled, eyes flitting around. $L, needing nothing more, passed a few coins- more than had been agreed on. The kid beams up at $him_L, as though she had just been given the moon. “Heads up, $name. I think we’re here… and we definitely have company.” $L warns, starting to pull up $his_L sleeves. Immediately you could tell $he_L was right about the company when you turned your eyes on the looming building. What kind of company was another question entirely… “$L, was anyone else assigned to this mission or was it just us?” “Just us. Anton would’ve told us otherwise so we don’t step on anyone’s toes. Why?” You gesture at the two figures who waited on either side of the building. “Lookouts.” Then directing a finger towards another figure climbing some scaffolding. “And someone breaking in. Someone’s poaching.” “Fuck. You think Catina caught wind of it? Couldn’t they be thieves?” $L’s eyes flickered between the three figures before scanning the rest of the street. You raise a brow, turning slightly towards your partner. “Stealing what? This hardly looks like a place worth risking jail-time over. No crates outside, no sign of what company owns it, nor something that shows what this is even used for. Hell, it doesn’t look like it’s been used in years…” “I suppose you’re right. Anton’s going to be-” You interrupt with slight urgency. “Wait, $L, if this is supposed to be well used spot for rebels-” “-Then why does it look unused?” $L finished, gaze snapping back towards the building where the person finally entered through a second-story window. “Dammit.” You only manage two steps forward before you’re being pulled back, by two hands gripped like iron shackles on your arm. “We need to go now before-” $L huffs, glaring at you with exasperation. “Plan?” You offer a feral smile. “Kick their ass and finish the job. What else is there to do?” <span class="next"><<button "Next" "ii">><</button>></span>

//''Weapons''// <<if $fam_dagger is true>>Your family dagger rests safely in its sheath. <<else>><</if>> //''Lea Coins''// You have $money coins. <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

$L stares for a moment as though $he_L was waiting for you to take it back. When you don’t $his_L face screws up, frustration flaring up like a fire in $his_L hazel eyes. “Seriously? You’re either extremely brave, stupid, or arrogant and currently, I don’t know which would be worst.” “Okay, but consider…” You quickly unsheathe your dagger from it’s home, lips still curled and eyes flickering over to the two guards. “There’s only three of them and the one on the inside probably won’t even notice us taking down their friends. We don’t //need// a plan for this, $L.” Without waiting for an answer, you push forward, weaving your way around the obstacles in your path, approaching the man on the right, who eyes you cautiously, hand going to sheathed sword attached to his hip. "Excuse me, sir?" You ask, slyly concealing the dagger from the man’s vision. "I think I’m lost, could you tell me the quickest way back to the plaza?" “You don’t look much like a traveler…” He replied, eyes scraping over your form, fingers twitching against the hilt of his sword. Tilting your head as though confused by his suspicion, you answer, “Who said I was a traveler? I’m here visiting to see the famous celebrations of the new year. I hear that the temple does some amazing work when time passes over.” You speak quickly, leaning into faux child-like wonder, lips stretching into a smile matching the ones you had seen in the crowds coming here. You continue on, letting your expression fall naturally as you take a few steps closer to him, finally within striking distance. “Which is why I’d really like to return to the plaza.” “I suppose… The city can get a bit confusing with all the festivities.” He huffs, shoulders relaxing as his hand falls away from his weapon. “Right so to get to the plaza you sh-” His words fall away when the hilt of your dagger meets his vulnerable temple. As you drag his limp body to rest against a box you hear a small cry and thud from the left. A few moments later $L reappears looking annoyed, but unharmed. “All good there, sunshine?” “Never better.” $He_L grunts, looking behind you and at the unconscious merc. “Right, both guards down, now what?” You hum, assessing your options. You don’t really have the time to go searching for more entry points, but that still leaves you with two options. You could sneak in the way the third merc had, using the scaffolding on the side of the building to enter through a window or there’s always the front door, which felt like the dangerously obvious option. "It’s a good thing we’re both pretty good at climbing, huh?" You ask, eyeing the scaffolding. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "iii">><</button>></span>

$L sighs, eyes shifting warily to the wooden platform. “Is sneaking in truly worth the danger?” “Hey, if Catina’s pet can do it, then it’ll be a cake-walk.” You snorted, making your way over to where your entrance lies. $L grumbles- something about arrogance not helping a cracked skull- but follows nonetheless. The scaffolding set up isn’t too bad, but it certainly wasn’t up to code, rickety and frail from age and disuse, shifting as you take your first step up the ladder. “Well, that’s reassuring.” “Regretting anything?” “Nope!” Countering $L’s smug tone, you race up the rungs, the platform swaying. “Come on, sunshine, the air is great up here!” “You’re a dumbass.” $L decided, following at a much more cautious speed. Climbing up one more set of rungs, your eyes land on the open window. Quickly you tap three times against the ladder and vaguely you could hear $L curse in response. Staying low as you finally reach the top, you move gingerly towards the sill, eyes narrowing and a hand coming up to bring up your mask. The window led to an advisory balcony level, iba stones casting light, making the shadows voids and drawing your eyes to the main level- or what you could see of it. Before you could climb inside, $L grabs your arm once more, $his_L eyes blazing only brighter against the monotony of $his_L mask. You raise a brow, purposely tilting your head towards the interior. $He_L shakes $his_L head, tapping the sill on either side. A question quite familiar to you. A reminder that plans were the only way your partner could operate. Well. Not this time. You slide your index finger across the surface before winking at $L. Shaking $him_L off, you climb inside, keeping your footing soft as you move closer to the railing. Voices filter in from below, soft but full of emotion. “-puppets to be used and discarded! Maybe somebody should remind you of that.” The threat was clear, though you weren’t sure of the context; however, that voice… Peeking over, your mind blanks as you take in the two figures. One shrouded by the shadows casted by the stones, while the other face twisted in anger was frozen stiff and pressed against a pillar. //Magic.// Your mind supplied helpfully. “Just one second, cub, we have more guests.” The shadow replied. Immediately, you went on high alert, pushing back from the railing, shooting a look over at $L. “Don’t make this harder than it has to be. If you are here about the piece of information located in this warehouse in regards to the insurgency, then you have found it.” A pause, a beat of silence where you debated your options. Underestimating a sorcerer never ended well and it was impossible to guess what would happen if you tried to run. “Right. Keep your spells off of us.” “Only if you don’t try to stab me like this one did.” Was the answer you received. $L stares in open disbelief, but you could only shrug. Rising from your crouch, you casually make your way down the steps to the ground level. A smile tugged at the corner of your lips despite yourself as you replied, “Well, any merc worth their coin knows not to engage a sorcerer they can’t get a read on.” “Right, as if you would do any diff-” The other cuts off as you lean your head into their line of sight. “Oh for fuck’s sake-” “Of course, //this// mercenary is barely worth the consulting fee. Hello, $Z.” You raise your hand and wiggle your fingers in lieu of a wave. “Of course you know each other, what did I expect?” “Before these two get into it,” $L starts as $he_L joins you, “maybe you could explain what’s going on here?” The moment that the shadow steps into the dim light, you step back instinctually. Straight black hair, violet eyes, a cloudy blue earring, and a necklace tucked into the collar of their shirt with only their blood red cape missing; these were features you heard in whispers and seen in passing from afar. “Following a lead usually doesn’t bring us into the hands of the famed Court Sorcerer.” $L’s voice was carefully neutral and to an outside eye, perhaps $he_L appeared to be unaffected, but you knew better. Without needing to look, you reach out and grab $his_L hand, stopping the fidgeting. “‘Usually’ isn’t always, my dear mercenaries.” They replied flippantly, crossing their arms. “Trust me when I say this, if I had another option or if this was not as serious, I would not be seeking your aid.” “‘Course you wouldn’t. The high and mighty can’t be seen with us lowly folk.” $Z sneers. The magic-user simply raises their chin, managing to look down on $Z whilst being shorter. “If you believe the reason to be a matter of class, then you are dimmer than any of the ‘high and mighty’ credit you to be.” “Then what is it?” $L cuts in quickly, whilst you nudge $Z to silence $them_Z. “It’s a matter of resources, mercenary. Not to say that you wouldn’t reach the same ending as our knighthood, but we have prerequisite knowledge and the funds to do widespread investigating. We’re more efficient.” You had to admit that it made sense, but from the tension rising in the air, you knew the other two wished it didn’t. “ Okay, this is all great, but if you have all that, then why entrap mercenaries to do this for you? Why not have a little kumbaya with your knights?” For a moment, they look distinctly uncomfortable. “I tried. It was disapproved of. His Majesty doesn’t believe there to be an issue.” You rock back on your heels. “If the king is so sure, then what makes you doubt him?” “Only one of us is actually invested in the dangers we face and no- I’ll save you some time, it isn’t the one with a nice little head chain.” “Which is to say… Rautinte didn’t trust you.” $L provided, crossing $his_L arms, mirroring the sorcerer’s stance in a way that’s less nonchalant and more aggressive. “He fancies himself a god amongst men, invincible and loved by his people. To him, I’m simply being paranoid and everyone else is too afraid of being caught up in this. If the fool king and his cowardly men will not protect the people then I will find someone who will.” Their eyes flit between you, your partner, and your rival. “Which is why I’m here. I’m paying handsomely and you have a chance to help with something bigger than yourself.” “Do you truly believe three mercenaries are enough to put down a rebellion?” You scoff, though your spine tingled from their words. “Well, firstly, I’m not expecting you to put it down completely. Start with finding out who is behind it, then go from there. Second,” They stepped closer, a dangerous glint in their eye, “It will be you three and myself, if it’s amenable.” You could almost feel $Z open $their_Z mouth- to bite out an insult of some sort, you’re sure- but you speak first. “A good sorcerer on our side is a first. I’m okay with it, but… Let’s introduce ourselves first, so you aren’t calling us mercenary and we’re not calling you sorcerer. This is my partner, $L and this is $Z. A bastard, but a good one.” You gesture to the two in order, before gesturing to yourself with exaggerated flourish. “I’m $name, and you?” They sigh, dropping an arm while leaving one over their heart. “My name is $Yo Popescu. Shall we get to work?” <span class="next"><<button "Next" "iv">><</button>></span>

Thankfully, the venue to discuss rebellion was //not// the decrepit dirty building, but rather a nice little cottage outside of Detca that you arrive at relatively quickly with the use of a waik carriage. Despite their discomfort, $Z and $L can’t find a way to complain about using the latest technological advancement in transportation. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t foaming at the mouth trying to figure out how much to save- or steal- to purchase one yourself. “Who’s home is this, Popescu?” $Z asks, squinting at the humble exterior and colorful garden surrounding the building. “Pay some poor fool to rent it to you for a bit?” $Yo, unbothered by the distaste in $Z’s tone, stepped forward and unlocked the door. “It’s mine. Maybe you should try to remember who is paying you when all of this is said and done, $Z.” $L places a hand on $Z’s shoulder, leading $them_Z inside after the sorcerer. “It’s okay, just have to cool it down until-” The rest of the reassurances fade as the two step out of hearing range. You recall the words of your childhood friend as you look at $their_Y garden. //The degree of care and choices of plants someone has says a lot about a person. Do they have ingredients for potions or poisons? Do they have it set up aesthetically or functionally?// It had been a nonsense ramble, a regular occurrence from $Raz, but now the words floated back to you. It was fairly obvious to you that $Yo cared deeply for $their_Y plants, all of them thriving and vibrant, not a sign of neglect in the garden. The colors blended well, but even past that, you could also tell that they were placed in such a way that made sense, so none were watered too much or too little. As you step closer, you realize you could recognize a few from what you used to gather for Irina. Medicinal herbs like goldenrod and calendula grouped near each other. You could even recognize daylilies, something you used to eat when pressed for money. //What does it mean when someone’s garden is cared for, pretty, and functional, Raz?// You wonder, pulling yourself away from the wonderful plants and heading inside. “Finally decided to join us, $name?” $Yo asked with a raised brow, gesturing to the couch where $Z and $L were already sitting. You slowly made your way over and sat down beside $L, who was strategically placed between you and $Z. $Yo sat across from the three of you in a plush seat, $their_Y legs crossed and an envelope in $their_Y hands. “What was so interesting that you got distracted from your mission, merc?” You lean forward eyeing the envelope, but finding no distinctive markings on what was enclosed in it. You sigh dramatically, placing your chin into your hand. “You got a lot of pretty flowers outside, I simply //had// to take a look. I mean the lavender… Is purple your theme or something?” $Yo looks distinctly unimpressed by the joke. “Lavender used in tea is said to cure headaches and help you sleep. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised by your lack of basic medicinal knowledge?” You open your mouth to protest, saying you grew up with a healer for a mother, but $L cuts into the conversation. “Is the envelope just for decoration or does it actually hold something that’s going to help us get through your damn job?” $Yo’s eyes flicker to $L, giving $him_L a once over and finally nodding. “Right well,” $They_Y begin<<s_Y>> as $they_Y take<<s_Y>> out the contents of the envelope- a few papers and tokens of three noble families. “I have reports from three distinct families in the south detailing disturbing changes in the cities preside over. Losing staff, embezzlement, and-” “This sounds like run of the mill rich bullshit to me.” $Z says, crossing $their_Z arms. You couldn’t help but agree on that end. This was the kind of regular shit you heard about all the time. The only thing that would make it even more like the complaints you hear from rich families was- “And poisonings.” There it was. You cover your mouth to hold back the laugh building up, but from beside you, you could hear $L’s amused exhale. “I’m sorry to inform you, but I think old Rautinte was right about this. This doesn’t sound like rebellion, $Yo.” At your words, $Yo only leans forward with a dangerous smile and throws down the last stack of papers in $their_Y hands. “I’m aware that this is all regular in the life of nobles, mercenaries, however… You follow the money and it all leads back to one man.” $They_Y pause<<s_Y>>, tilting $their_Y head. //Obnoxious.// “One man who //doesn’t exist.// When I performed my own investigation on this man I found that not only was ‘he’ a big investor, but he was investing into businesses run by foreign entities, namely-” “Ones ran by people from Sosilia?” $Z guesses, as $L perks up, both of them beginning to take the matter more seriously. Sosilia was a kingdom that Norocos was closely allied with, but after King Christopher took over, tensions had been rising until it came to a head as a war almost a decade ago. Norocos won, but the relationship between kingdoms was ruined and all business with Sosilia was taboo within Norocos. So someone was taking money from noble heads from Norocos to support people from enemy kingdoms… $Yo hums, looking between the three mercenaries. “Still think I’m just being paranoid?” “Well… Spending money on businesses doesn’t exactly equate to a rebellion.” $L points out, picking up what seemed to be investment logs. “True, however, the money doesn’t add up. Even with all this person has invested, they still should have thousands left over from what they embezzled. Then you also factor in missing staff and poisoned nobles?” $Yo holds up fingers as $they_Y say<<s_Y>> $their_Y list. “I would rather be wrong than unprepared.” “Where do we start with all of this?” You ask, moving to pick up a few papers to look over. A letter from a southern duchess asking for help from the Second Order and her financial logs with a list of discrepancies. A steady stream of leas unaccounted for and product bought that never arrived. And the man in charge of the treasury logs? Missing. “Enthever is a good start.” “Enthever?” You ask in disbelief, looking over at $L as if $he_L would immediately back you up. $He_L simply looked worried for a moment before a mask of indifference took its place. “You can’t be serious. That’s like a week’s worth of travel alone.” “Not with my carriage. It’ll take two days and a half with brief stops to eat and sleep. We have a place set up in Enthever for us to stay in, but we’ll have to deal with some inns during travel.” $Yo explains. You had almost forgotten that you were working with someone who had access to such luxuries, someone who didn’t need to bother with the obstacles that regular people had to find a way to work around. You were grateful, but seriously, nobles were a different breed, living in very different worlds. “How long should we expect to be away?” $L, of course, had to ask practical questions. You look over questioningly because $he_L sounded almost concerned about the time frame. It’s never been something to worry $him_L before, but maybe $he_H had simply discussed the matter in private. “If all goes well, I want us to be back here by the end of Tuluo’s celebration. Considering I play my own role in that festival, if I’m missing it may cause some concerns and undue attention.” $Yo frowns, looking at $L closer as $they_Y rub<<s_Y>> a hand up and down $their_Y arm, like $they_Y <<were_Y>> trying to warm $themself_Y up. “If there’s an issue, let’s discuss it together, I can make sure things are seen to you while you’re away.” $L stiffens, the barest hint of horror in $his_L eyes before $he_L forcibly relaxes and nods, looking away. $Z must’ve caught on to $his_L reaction as well, placing a gentle hand on $L’s forearm and glaring at $Yo, a hard set to $their_Z expression. The two had always been close, but $Z currently reminded you of a tiny dog trying to protect their owner. Trying not to laugh, you glance back at the sorcerer. “If we’re going to be going to the city of crime, we should probably be a bit more prepared than a flimsy explanation of a fake man and his piles of coins, right? Go over our plan for the city.” By noon the next day, the four of you were inside of the carriage and heading to Enthever as fast as legally permitted. You quickly discovered that sitting next to both $L and $Z was near impossible for any substantial amount of time and when $Yo noticed the uncomfortable shifting and knocking knees, $they_Y raised a brow and said in an exasperated tone, “One of you sit with me, I don’t bite, but I will if you keep grumbling over there.” <<link "You decided to take one for the team and sit next to $Yo." "v">><<set $seating to "Y">><</link>> <<link "You glare at $Z until $they_Z take<<s_Z>> a hint and moves to sit next to $Yo." "v">><<set $seating to "L">><</link>> <<link "When neither you nor $Z make a move, $L sighs and moves to sit next to $Yo." "v">><<set $seating to "Z">><</link>>

<<set $return to "1.03">><<set $choice_i to "">>A few days later you find yourself stumbling to the front door at the sound of knocking, groaning at the effort it required. Your most serious injuries were healed, but you couldn’t afford to have the priest fully heal you. Irina assured you that with proper rest, you’d be fine, just a bit uncomfortable. The tugging pain in your ribs was evidence of her words as you opened the door. “If you’re looking for medicine, Irina is- Oh.” You stop short, eyes widening. Outside the door, $L stood in $his_L casual clothing- a rich blue tunic with the sleeves torn from their place, revealing scars scattered across the tan skin of $his_L arms. Maybe it was the shock of seeing $him_L, but you couldn’t seem to tear your eyes away from a particular scar lining $his_L forearm. “Hey… You’re looking better.” $He_L observes, eyes roaming over your form critically. “Though, I suppose anything is better than bleeding out in a dirty alleyway.” Shaking yourself out of your reverie, you lean casually against the door frame, ignoring the twinge in your chest at the action. “So my knight-in-shining-armor finally visits, huh? To what do I owe the pleasure, Sunshine?” $L rolls $his_L eyes at the familiar nickname, though you could see $his_L lips twitch into the hint of a smile. “Anton handed me your pay cut for that mission and… I wanted to discuss something with you.” Sensing the severity in $his_L tone, you shift to the side and let the door hang open. “Come on in. Want something to drink?” “I’ll get us water. Just grab a seat.” $He_L says as $he_L moves past you and straight to the kitchen. Shutting the door and making your way to the couch, your mind wanders. These easy interactions, the back and forth and playful teasing almost felt foreign to you now. Somehow, you had forgotten there was a time where $his_L eyes were not soft the way you remembered them to be. “Here.” Startling out of your thoughts, you stare blankly at the glass being offered to you. The cup moves back and forth before you finally grab it from $L's hand. You express your thanks quietly, taking a sip and humming appreciatively at the coolness. “Right. About what we need to discuss.” You knew what was coming- vaguely, you could remember the day $L proposed being partners, but after seven years, the details were a bit blurry. You set the glass down onto the table before leaning forward. “Is this about what happened?” $L nodded, taking a drink, eyes lingering on your face. “I have an idea. How to keep… Us safe.” $He_L says it carefully, but you knew what $he_L really wanted to say. How to keep //you// safe. “We could run together. Become partners. So this won’t happen again.” Years ago, you had bristled at the idea. //How could $L of all people suggest you give away your independence?// You recalled how you had yelled about not being a child needing to be coddled. Now you could only feel your shoulder droop and a smile tug at your lips. “Alright.” Instead of looking pleased, $L’s face gave way to worry. “That easy? No argument?” You chuckle a little, leaning back. “Oh yes, let me argue against something I know makes sense.” “It hasn’t stopped you before and you know it.” $L replied shortly, brows closing in together. $He_L had a point and you //did// know it. “Has the reality of mortality changed your perspective?” And wasn’t that a sobering thought? <<liveblock>> <<link "'Maybe.' You allow, remembering your last moments." "1.04">><<set $choice_i to "genuine">><<set $trust_L += 2>><</link>> <<link "'It’s a one off, don’t take it for granted.' You roll your eyes, smile still present. $joke_label" "1.04">><<set $choice_i to "joke">><</link>> <<link "'Fuck off.' You grit out, eyes narrowing at $L." "1.04">><<set $trust_L -=2>><<set $choice_i to "anger">><</link>> <<link "'I don’t know what you mean.' Your smile falls, your shoulders tensing." "1.04">><<set $choice_i to "shut down">><</link>> <<link "'Maybe… Or maybe I see the benefits of having you by my side.' You answer slowly, eyes falling to your lap. $flirt_label" "1.04">><<set $choice_i to "flirt">><<set $romance_L += 5>><<set $trust_L += 5>><</link>> <</liveblock>>

Basic Help: Choices matter here. Depending on what you decide to do, stats will increase or decrease, though not having enough points in a certain stat won't bar you from making decisions, they will increase your chance of success. These stats include various combat methods, stealth, intelligence, etc. You will have free time events that will allow you to hone these skills, there will at least be one set of free time events each chapter. Unless you have mastered a skill, each time you make a decision based on proficiency, the outcome will be based on probability. For example, to dodge out of the way with low dexterity there might be a 30% chance of success. There are personality stats such as boldness, morality, There will be other, more over-arching stats that will decide how your story is shaped, but these won't be overt. Dialogue Indicators: Dialogue indicators are used to understand the tone of some decisions you can make. $flirt_label is for when the option is of a more romantic disposition. This will add points towards a relationship. Not all will respond kindly to immediate flirting, some will want to build trust before any flirting. $joke_label is for when the option is of a more joking/sarcastic manner. Different characters will react differently to a more joking MC. With relationships evolving, ones who originally find it annoying might find it endearing. [[Index]] <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<<set $return to "1.05">><<unset $choice_i>> <<if $choice_ii is "sarcasm">> $L, exhibiting a rare lack of restraint for the times, snorts. “Okay, maybe I’ll figure something else for you to do to help. Like negotiations or something until you’re well enough for low-risk missions.” “I’d appreciate that.” You reply with a small smile. “Oh, before I forget. Could I get my pay? Mom may need to restock soon.” $L nods, handing over a pouch of coins without hesitation. “‘Course. Give Irina my best.” You hum, tossing the pouch on to the counter. “Sure thing, Sunshine.” $L sighs, opening the door. “I wish you weren’t so insistent on that nickname.” $He_L complains as $he_L steps outside. You shrug, grabbing hold of the door, making it look more casual than what it was truly for– keeping you steady. “Blame the people who named you.” $L deadpans, dry mirth twinkling in $his_L eyes. “Let me know if you find out who it was.” “I’ll see you around, partner.” $L lazily waves as $he_L walks away. <<elseif $choice_ii is "genuine">> “One of us has to be able to.” $L shrugs. “I’m not exactly built for it.” You hum. “If you just had a bit more patience, I’m sure you’d be //almost// as good as I am.” $He_L scoffs, eyes sparkling with a bit of amusement. “Sure. Seeing as I’m not, I’ll trust it to you for now.” $He_L pauses, reaching into $his_L pocket and pulling out a pouch. “Before I forget.” You barely catch it in time. The jingle of coins reminds you of the earlier promise of your payment. “Thanks, Sunshine.” You toss the pouch onto the nearest counter. $L sighs, opening the door. “I wish you weren’t so insistent on that nickname.” $He_L complains as $he_L steps outside. You shrug, grabbing hold of the door, making it look more casual than what it was truly for– keeping you steady. “Blame the people who named you.” $L deadpans, dry mirth twinkling in $his_L eyes. “Let me know if you find out who it was.” “I’ll see you around, partner.” $L lazily waves as $he_L walks away. <<elseif $choice_ii is "gruff">> “Eloquent as always.” $L glances over, a grin tugging at $his_L lips. “Thank you, I know.” You bow your head dramatically, knowing your abdomen likely wouldn’t be able to commit to a full bow just for a bit. $L shakes $his_L head, making a breathy noise of amusement. “We’ll figure something out for the time being. Oh- and before I forget.” $He_L takes out a pouch, the jangling of coins filling the air as $he_L tosses it to you. You smile, tossing the pouch onto the counter. “Thanks, Sunshine.” $L sighs, opening the door. “I wish you weren’t so insistent on that nickname.” $He_L complains as $he_L steps outside. You shrug, grabbing hold of the door, making it look more casual than what it was truly for– keeping you steady. “Blame the people who named you.” $L deadpans, dry mirth twinkling in $his_L eyes. “Let me know if you find out who it was.” “I’ll see you around, partner.” $L lazily waves as $he_L walks away. <<elseif $choice_ii is "silent">> $L doesn’t seem to mind the silence, but $he_L pauses at the door. “Right.” $He_L mumbles, pulling out a pouch and handing it to you. The weight and sounds of coins reminds of the earlier promise of payment. “Thanks, Sunshine.” You reply, tossing it onto the counter. $L sighs, opening the door. “I wish you weren’t so insistent on that nickname.” $He_L complains as $he_L steps outside. You shrug, grabbing hold of the door, making it look more casual than what it was truly for– keeping you steady. “Blame the people who named you.” $L deadpans, dry mirth twinkling in $his_L eyes. “Let me know if you find out who it was.” “I’ll see you around, partner.” $L lazily waves as $he_L walks away. <</if>> <<link "You shut the door and stumble back to bed." "1.06">><</link>>

<<set $return to "1.06">><<set $choice_iii to "">><<unset $choice_ii>> About a week after finding yourself back in this body, Irina announces that you should be well enough to walk around without too much pain. Which, of course, was her way of saying that you should slowly be getting your body used to moving again. Emphasis on slowly. When she caught you trying to move a bag of seeds for your neighbors, she engaged in a lecture that lasted far too long for what should’ve been fairly easy. “I’m not even in too much pain.” You had muttered. “If you want to keep it that way, then listen to me.” She had snapped back. To be fair, it probably was the smart thing to do, but… After so many years of disregarding your own health, it was hard to not fall back into that habit, even if this body hadn’t exercised the pain threshold. It’s one of the many arguments that $L had taken up before giving up on you. One of the many things you had scoffed at and ignored until $L couldn’t take it anymore. Sighing deeply, you heave yourself off your bed, deciding to get ready for the day. When you look at yourself in the mirror… <<link "You sigh, taking in the sight of your weaker frame, unsettled by the sight of what your body had looked like seven years ago." "1.07">><<set $trans to "cis">><<set $choice_iii to "cis">><</link>> <<link "You frown, heart clenching at the sight of a frame that didn’t match who you knew you were. Before dying, you had it corrected with the help of talented healers and priests. Now it was wrong again." "1.07">><<set $trans to "pre-op">><<set $choice_iii to "trans sad">><</link>> <<link "You frown, knowing your body didn’t exactly match who you knew you were, but it was fairly familiar. After considering your options, you never underwent any changes before dying." "1.07">><<set $trans to "no op">><<set $choice_iii to "trans sad">><</link>> <<link "You sigh, taking in the sight of your weaker frame, but thankful that you had undergone changes when you were a bit younger." "1.07">><<set $trans to "post op">><<set $choice_iii to "trans happy">><</link>>

<<set $return to "1.07">><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Autosaved<</notify>><</if>><<set $shirt to true>><<set $top to "light tunic">><<set $bottoms to "dark loose pants">> <<if $choice_iii is "cis">>Seven years of grunt work, fighting, and training had made you bigger, but you hadn’t really acknowledged it before. Now, however, it was hard to ignore the direct difference of seven years. Your musculature wasn’t as developed, you still had a youthful shape to your face, and… Now that you were looking, you seemed almost //healthier//. You lacked the gauntness that had become your defining feature.<</if>><<if $choice_iii is "trans happy">> Trailing your eyes away from the reflection of your chest to your arms. Seven years of grunt work, fighting, and training had made you bigger, but you hadn’t really acknowledged it before. Now, however, it was hard to ignore the direct difference of seven years. Your musculature wasn’t as developed, you still had a youthful shape to your face, and… Now that you were looking, you seemed almost //healthier//. You lacked the gauntness that had become your defining feature.<</if>> <<if $choice_iii is "trans sad">> Ripping your eyes away from the shape of your body, your gaze rests on your face. At least there was one thing that seemed changed for the better. Your eyes didn’t look so haunted as they did before. You looked almost //innocent// compared to what you had before dying.<</if>> Though your lack of sleep recently was certainly making up for it. <<if $tortured is true>>//Veins burning, skins shifting and pulling, heart racing in a panic as you held back your screams. Blue eyes watched you with putrid cruelty as their hand digs into your flesh, causing fire to burn through you and the bugs to desperately rip through your skin. “Is it already too much for you?” And then your breath is gone.// When you wake, you’re frozen in fear.<<else>>//You’re floating endlessly, noises bouncing off you harmless, but even still your heart races as though you were reaching your end.// You always wake more than slightly unsettled.<</if>> <<liveblock>> Shaking yourself out of your stupor, you reach into your wardrobe and decide to wear a <<if $shirt is true>> $top and $bottoms.<<else>> $dress.<</if>><</liveblock>> //Tops// <<link "A light colored sleeveless shirt.">><<set $top to "light sleeveless shirt">><<set $shirt to true>><<update>><</link>> <<link "A dark colored sleeveless shirt.">><<set $top to "dark sleeveless shirt">><<set $shirt to true>><<update>><</link>> <<link "A light colored sweater">><<set $top to "light sweater">><<set $shirt to true>><<update>><</link>> <<link "A dark colored sweater">><<set $top to "dark sweater">><<set $shirt to true>><<update>><</link>> <<link "A light colored crop-top">><<set $top to "light crop-top">><<set $shirt to true>><<update>><</link>> <<link "A dark colored crop-top">><<set $top to "dark crop-top">><<set $shirt to true>>><<update>><</link>> <<link "A tucked-in light colored tunic">><<set $top to "tucked in light tunic">><<set $shirt to true>><<update>><</link>> <<link "A tucked-in dark colored tunic">><<set $top to "tucked in dark tunic">><<set $shirt to true>><<update>><</link>> <<link "A light colored tunic">><<set $top to "light tunic">><<set $shirt to true>><<update>><</link>> <<link "A dark colored tunic">><<set $top to "dark tunic">><<set $shirt to true>><<update>><</link>> //Bottoms// <<link "Light loose pants">><<set $bottoms to "light loose pants">><<update>><</link>> <<link "Dark loose pants">><<set $bottoms to "dark loose pants">><<update>><</link>> <<link "Light tight-fitting pants">><<set $bottoms to "light tight-fitting pants">><<update>><</link>> <<link "Dark tight-fitting pants">><<set $bottoms to "dark tight-fitting pants">><<update>><</link>> <<link "A long light skirt">><<set $bottoms to "long light skirt">><<update>><</link>> <<link "A long dark skirt">><<set $bottoms to "long dark skirt">><<update>><</link>> <<link "A short light skirt">><<set $bottoms to "short light skirt">><<update>><</link>> <<link "A short dark skirt">><<set $bottoms to "short dark skirt">><<update>><</link>> //Dresses// <<link "a long dark dress with tight shorts hidden beneath">><<set $dress to "long dark dress">><<set $bottoms to "tight shorts">><<set $shirt to false>><<update>><</link>> <<link "a long light dress with tight shorts hidden beneath">><<set $dress to "long light dress">><<set $bottoms to "tight shorts">><<set $shirt to false>><<update>><</link>> <<link "a dark dress with tight shorts hidden beneath">><<set $dress to "dark dress">><<set $bottoms to "tight shorts">><<set $shirt to false>><<update>><</link>> <<link "a light dress with tight shorts hidden beneath">><<set $dress to "light dress">><<set $bottoms to "tight shorts">><<set $shirt to false>><<update>><</link>> <<link "a short dark dress with tight shorts hidden beneath">><<set $dress to "short dark dress">><<set $bottoms to "tight shorts">><<set $shirt to false>><<update>><</link>> <<link "a short light dress with tight shorts hidden beneath">><<set $dress to "short light dress">><<set $bottoms to "tight shorts">><<set $shirt to false>><<update>><</link>> <<link "Continue" "1.08">><</link>>

<<set $return to "1.08">><<set $choice_iv to "">><<unset $choice_iii>> You get dressed quickly with only slight discomfort. As you grab your dagger to strap to your <<cycle "$dagger_placement" autoselect>> <<option "hip">> <<option "thigh">> <<option "forearm">> <<option "bicep">> <</cycle>> you can hear your mom call out, “$name? $L is here!” Making your way to the main room, you spot $L silently helping Irina place various jars onto the taller shelves. Amused by the sheepish expression on $his_L face, you watch without interrupting. Irina pats $his_L arm fondly after $he_L places the last one down. “Thanks, darling.” $L nods mechanically, eyes flitting away from her to land on you. “Oh, $name.” $L's voice is heavy with relief. “Don’t let me interrupt. It’s really something to watch //the// $L fluster,” You gesture between the two, “especially when it’s because of my mom. The least intimidating person ever.” $L shoots a quick glance at Irina before fixing $his_L glare onto you, while your mom simply raises a brow. “You don’t think I’m intimidating?” You purse your lips, looking away. “Uh… $L, why are you here?” Irina shakes her head and moves past you to enter the kitchen, leaving the two of you alone. $L’s mouth is quirked up, looking considerably more relaxed. “Here to discuss what you’ll take on for the contract I picked up. Still can’t do too much, right?” “No, $they cannot.” Irina answers for you, peeking her head back into the room. “Give it another week.” Sighing, you nod. “What the healer said.” $He_L nods. “Alright, another week it is. For now…” $L sets down a few pages on the counter next to your untouched pouch of coins. “I have the details of the mission in here, so you can look it over and decide what you think you’d do best at.” You nod, taking up the papers and skimming over it quickly. A series of burglaries, only deeply personal items missing such as heirlooms or medals earned in service to the crown. An interesting MO to be sure. “What’ll you be doing while I get my part done?” $He_L shrugs, tucking $his_L caramel hair behind $his_L ear as $he_L answers. “There was another contract I picked up- high-risk, but good pay.” You stiffen, eyes flashing back up to $him_L. “What’s the mission?” “Kid of a noble kidnapped for ransom. ‘Course they didn’t want to just pay the money.” $L scoffed, shaking $his_L head. “The usual bullshit we get from the rich.” When you had heard $L’s description originally, you thought $he_L had picked up a contract of a different assortment. The ones only the most desperate or nasty took. Ones you had specialized in //before.// <<cycle "$past_moral" autoselect>> <<option "The kind you both hated originally.">> <<option "The kind $he_L hated, but you didn't mind; money was money.">> <<option "The kind $he_L hated, but you liked; the challenge made them exciting.">> <<option "The kind $he_L hated, but you liked; some people just //deserved// it.">> <<option "The kind $he_L hated, but you loved; there was no good explanation you could give for the rush you got from them.">> <</cycle>> They had always paid well, but they were frowned upon. Aurum Guard was the largest guild that accepted the more morally reprimandable contracts. The kind of contract that ruined lives, that left kids without a parent, destroyed futures, and elevates the worst kind of bastards with money. //”Why? Why would you-” The woman is cut off by her own sobs as she watches her house burn down. Your gaze finally slips away when the roof caves in, watching her kneel in the grass, arms wrapped around her abdomen like it was the only thing holding her together.// It probably was. //You recall idly thinking.// <<cycle "$mindset" autoselect>> <<option "You shudder at the memory, disgusted by your actions.">> <<option "You sigh, not liking what you had done, but it was in the past.">> <<option "Maybe it wasn’t honorable, but it had felt good to see others hurting the way you had been.">> <<option "It had felt so good hurting others, seeing them crumble under the same despair you held that you couldn’t find it in yourself to care.">> <<option "Even before dying, whenever you thought back on what you had done out of grief you felt overwhelming self-hatred.">><</cycle>> $L’s movement towards the door snaps you out of your thoughts. “You’re doing it on your own?” $He_L hums affirmative, glancing back at you. “Splitting the contract three ways would be kind of useless, right?” <<link "‘Just be careful, okay?’ You ask softly, worried but ultimately knowing you couldn’t convince $him_L to not do it." "1.09">><<set $trust_L += 5>><<set $romance_L += 5>><<set $choice_iv to "one">><</link>> <<link "‘Don’t fuck around and get hurt.’ The words came from a place of worry, but the tone came out a little wrong.""1.09">><<set $trust_L -=1>><<set $choice_iv to "two">><</link>> <<link "‘Good luck, Sunshine.’ It wasn’t outright concern, but it was close enough." "1.09">><<set $trust_L +=2>><<set $choice_iv to "three">><</link>> <<link "‘Give them hell, Sunshine.’ Your smile is a bit too large, eyes sparkling with mischief.""1.09">><<set $trust_L += 2>><<set $choice_iv to "four">><</link>> <<link "Nod." "1.09">><<set $choice_iv to "five">><</link>>

<<set $return to "1.09">><<set $walk_1 = 2>><<if $choice_iv is "one">> $L freezes, eyes narrowing. Slowly $his_L features soften and $he_L answers haltingly. “I always am.” “I know that, but still… Come back in one piece, okay?” You speak carefully, eyebrows closing in slightly. He nodded once, before slipping out the door quickly.<</if>><<if $choice_iv is "two">>“I’m far more careful than you have ever been.” $L’s eyes narrowed, looking utterly unimpressed. “Why don’t you take that advice for yourself?” $He_L gives you no time to respond, waving a dismissive hand before leaving.<</if>><<if $choice_iv is "three">>“Won’t need luck, but… Thank you, $name.” $L at least seemed to understand, nodding towards you before leaving.<</if>><<if $choice_iv is "four">>$L shakes $his_L head. “That’s your job, $name. Heal fast and get back to it, hm?” “Will do, ser!” You salute. $L raises a single finger, eyes sparkling in amusement. “See you around.” “See you.” $He_L echoes before leaving.<</if>><<if $choice_iv is "five">>“Right.” $L nodded before slipping out the door, raising a hand in brief farewell.<</if>> It’s time to recuperate, which means you can do low-risk activities to pass time as you get better. It’s not what you usually are able to do during your down time, but you were not willing to risk Irina’s wrath. This left you with a few options, you could go on a <<link "walk">><<if $walk_1 >= random(1, 10)>> <<goto "Quest:Lila.01">> <<else>> <<goto "Walk">> <</if>> <</link>> and reacquaint yourself with the sights of Sinaia, visit the <<link "temple" "Temple">><</link>> and brush up on your faith, go to the <<link "library" "Library">><</link>> and read for a while, or you could forgo all of it to simply get down to <<link "business" "1.10">><</link>>.

<<set $return to "fto">><<if $ap_1 >= 1>><<link "Head to the temple for worship." "Temple">><</link>> <<link "Walk around Sinaia.">><<if $Lila is false>><<if $walk_1 >= random(1, 10)>> <<goto "Quest:Lila.01">> <<else>> <<goto "Walk">> <</if>><</if>> <</link>> <<link "Go to the library." "Library">><</link>> <<link "Work on the contract for $L." "1.10">><</link>> <<elseif $ap_1 ==0>> <<link "You've procrastinated enough, time to work on the contract." "1.10">><</link>> <</if>>

<<set $return to "qlo">><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Autosaved<</notify>><</if>><<set $carl_choice_i to "">> You wander through the streets of your city, drinking in the sights like a man dying of thirst. The place wasn’t anything special, just a pit stop between the capital of Detca and the port city of Enthever, but this was where you grew up. It’s the place that shaped you and to see it again… Most of the buildings were built out of dark brown stones, nestled together between swathes of trees. The trees loomed directly over the streets, not deterred by the incline and decline of the land, their strong scent of pine washing over you. After spending so long in Detca, you forgot just how wonderful that scent could be. Or maybe it wasn’t the scent, but what it meant to you that made your lips curl up. You glance around at the people standing around enjoying the good weather. Couples making their way down the roads, tired parents trailing excited children, stray dogs and cats bathing in the sun, and travelers making circuits around the city. Instinctively, you sidestep a herd of kids running past you with a golden dog trailing them on a leash, their giggles as raucous as their footfalls. “Careful now!” You hear a woman call out from a stall, following a big crash. The youthful wailing dulls as you continue on your path. Eventually, you find yourself standing at the end of the road, looking at the expansion of land where hundreds of trees had been cleared for the construction of the King’s newest project. A palace built in honor of one of the King’s favorite generals, a native to Sinaia, for exhibiting “great prowess in battle”, which you knew was a cover- as did half of all the locals. The summer you turned 23-the previous autumn construction had finished- there were whispers of the king himself spending his free time there. It could have been the mountain’s scenery or the general himself that the king found himself longing for enough to build the palace. Shaking your head, you turn away from the bare bones of the palace, continuing on your path through town. “Please, have you seen her?” The voice caught your attention immediately. You knew who that was. An elderly man clung desperately to the arm of a shopkeep, his head bowed, unkempt hair acting as a curtain to outside eyes. “Carl?” You call out, trudging over before the woman could panic and do something to the frantic man. “Carl, what’s wrong?” The man froze, head turning in your direction. “Is that little $name I hear?” “Yep, it’s me.” You answer, gently removing his hands from the shopkeep, nodding when she mouthed her gratitude. “Oh, thank the Euan.” He tips his head back, revealing his relieved smile and misty, fogged over eyes. “It’s Lila. I was eating next door, but I needed to use the restroom so I left her outside by herself for only a moment. Only a moment, $name, but when I came back out she was gone. Please help me find her.” “Lila..?” You question, trying to remember who that might’ve been, only to find yourself grasping for nothing. “She’s all I got left. My dog. I don’t know what I’ll do without her.” His tone is even, but his hands shake as he places them over his heart. <<link "‘Hey, it’s okay. I’ll find her, Carl. Can you just describe her for me?’ You ask gently, trying to soothe him." "Quest:Lila.02">><<set $carl_choice_i to "one">><</link>> <<link "‘We’ll get nowhere with this until I know what she looks like, Carl.’ Comfort means nothing when you could easily get to the point and just //find// the dog." "Quest:Lila.02">><<set $carl_choice_i to "two">><</link>> <<link "‘Just leave it to me, sir. All I need to know is her description.’ Maybe your confidence would be comforting enough for him." "Quest:Lila.02">><<set $carl_choice_i to "three">><</link>> <<link "‘Description?’ You ask simply, leading him over to a chair for him to rest on." "Quest:Lila.02">><<set $carl_choice_i to "four">><</link>>

<<set $return to "temple">>On the northside of Sinaia resides a temple, built out of various red and white stones with depictions of the Euan carved into the sides, with the patron Euan of Norocos<<if $religion >= 5>>, Leacul,<</if>> carved into the pillars. By the steps, a priestess instructs two children, speaking in soft tones as the duo watches in awe at the display of a plant growing between the fingers of the revered lady. You pass the trio by, going up the stairs into the temple. Inside, unlike the outside, is decorated in white and green, painted illustrations of man’s history with the Euan on the ceiling, strings of iba stones suspended in the air illuminating the chamber with pure lighting. A few faithful lined the benches, hands pressed over their hearts in prayer. Taking a deep breath, you take a place in the back corner. Eyes tracing over the various beings represented in the temple. <<if $religion >= 3>> You choose to pray to... <<link "Skymother, goddess of weather and queen of the Euan" "Free Time One">><<set $religion += 2>><<set $temple_ap -= 1>><</link>> <<link "Leacul, the goddess of health" "Free Time One">><<set $religion += 1>><<set $temple_ap -= 1>><</link>> <<link "Ceasom, the Timekeeper" "Free Time One">><<set $religion += 1>><<set $temple_ap -= 1>><</link>> <<link "Cadea, goddess of Death" "Free Time One">><<set $religion += 1>><<set $temple_ap -= 1>><</link>> <<link "Milenec and Agoste, the twin gods of love" "Free Time One">><<set $religion += 1>><<set $temple_ap -= 1>><</link>> <<link "Raspoame and Sarbatos, the twin gods of harvest" "Free Time One">><<set $religion += 1>><<set $temple_ap -= 1>><</link>> <<link "Mare, the deity of the seas" "Free Time One">><<set $religion += 1>><<set $temple_ap -= 1>><</link>> <<link "Fisseha, goddess of the arts" "Free Time One">><<set $religion += 1>><<set $temple_ap -= 1>><</link>> <<else>> <<link "You close your eyes, moving your hands over your heart and begin to pray." "Free Time One">><<set $religion += 1>><<set $ap_1 -= 1>><</link>> <</if>>

<<set $return to "library">>The building downtown is unassuming, not too much larger than a house, and the white stones weathered and dulled. A young girl sits on a bench beside the entrance with a book that seemed far too large for her hands. The inside is almost a wonder- walls of books, a sitting area complete with a small alcove, and a warm atmosphere that reminds you of sitting under a pile of blankets. The librarian greets you, peering down from a ladder and you offer a wave in response. <<link "You grab a book and settle in the alcove for a few hours." "Free Time One">><<set $intelligence += 1>><<set $ap_1 -= 1>><</link>>

<<set $return to "walk">>Your feet take you south, towards the edge of the city, overlooking the path you would take to leave the mountain range towards the ports of the seas you knew rested on the horizon. Maybe when you were healed enough, when you could afford it, you could take Irina and buy passage to another kingdom. Maybe that would be the way to truly start over. It's almost fate when you find some coins on the ground before turning back. <<link "Your smile is a little wistful as you consider what your future could hold now that you knew what to avoid." "Free Time One">><<set $ap_1 -= 1>><<set $money += 3>><</link>>

<<set $return to "qlt">><<set $carl_choice_ii to "">> <<if $carl_choice_i is "one">> He nods, taking a deep breath, hobbling over to take a seat. “I can’t… See her, so I’m not sure how well I can describe her, $name.” You wince, thinking over how he could narrow it down for you. “Do you know how long her fur is or how large she is?”<</if>><<if $carl_choice_i is "two">>He frowns, hesitating at the stern tone. He sighs, hobbling over to a chair before dropping heavily into it. “I can’t exactly describe what she //looks// like, but…” “Anything you can tell me would help.” You insist, crossing your arms.<</if>><<if $carl_choice_i is "three">>He seems to relax a degree. “I’m not exactly sure what I could tell you that could help.” You take a moment to think of the details you would need. “Anything to narrow it down. Her size, length of her fur, anything you can tell me.” <</if>><<if $carl_choice_i is "four">>He nods, letting you sit him down. “I’m unsure of what I can offer that would help.” You pause, making a mental list of what would help, then sorting it by what Carl could help with. It wasn’t much. “Let’s start with Lila’s size and maybe the length or texture of her fur.”<</if>> “She comes to my knees, so 50 centimeters or more. She’s well fed, but I don’t imagine she’s gotten too overweight. Her fur… I believe it would be considered longer. At least five centimeters.” He pauses, pulling at a strand of his hair. “You could ask Adam. He’s been around a lot lately.” “Adam?” “Some quiet kid who’s new to town. Don’t know where he’s from or who’s his parent, but he loiters around the river, just by the bridge.” Carl answers, dropping his hand. “You’ll find her, right?” <<link "'Of course I will. Don’t worry.’ You reassure." "Quest:Lila.03">><<set $carl_choice_ii to "one">><</link>> <<link "‘I’ll do my best to bring her back to you.’ You answer with a sigh." "Quest:Lila.03">><<set $carl_choice_ii to "two">><</link>>

<<set $return to "qlth">><<set $carl_choice_iii to "">> <<if $carl_choice_ii is "one">> “Thank you.” He offers a watery smile. “Not a problem, Carl.”<</if>><<if $carl_choice_ii is "two">> “I know you don’t have to, but thank you.” Carl lowers his head. “I’ll be back, just try not to worry too much.”<</if>> You make your way down the crowded paths to the river, eyeing various dogs critically, but many of them didn’t look right for a well-cared for pet. The ones that did look about right were either on leashes or not quite matching Carl’s description. It’d probably be smarter to hear Adam’s description of Lila before going after anyone with a medium sized dog with long fur. The sound of rushing water slowly gets louder as you distance yourself from the stream to your right and arrive at the bridge over the river. The bridge is full of travelers and merchants, but no children. You lean over the railing of the bridge searching the left side of the riverbank, but trees lined the bank with barely any space for anything else. Sighing, you weave through the crowd to the other side of the bridge. There sat a child, no older than ten years, staring down at a dagger in their palm. Moving closer to the riverbank, eyes flickering between what’s directly below you and the child, before you find the safest spot. Taking a deep breath, you climb the railing and drop to the bank two and a half meters below. There's a bit of protest from your bones, but you simply brush it off, smoothing out your $bottoms. In a flash, the child had the dagger raised, eyes wide as they stared you down. It would’ve been a bit more intimidating if they were standing and not sat criss-crossed in the dirt. You raise your hands to comfort them (and to maybe avoid getting stabbed in the thigh). “Are you Adam?” They blink, eyebrows furrowing. “Why do you wanna know?” “I’m looking for Lila.” You shrug, then with a smirk you tack on. “For the record, asking that never works.” He frowns, looking away, knife never lowering. “Wait.” Adam looks back, eyes wide. “Did something happen to Lila?” “Carl asked me to find her, she’s missing.” The dagger is lowered and Adam stands. “How can I help?” “Carl couldn’t exactly describe her too well, so I simply need to know the basics. What color is she? Or what breed, if you know.” Adam nods, tucking the dagger into the sheath on his hip. Idly, you wonder where a child got such a nice dagger, but you tuck the thought away for later. “She’s a golden retriever. If… If it helps, I got her a purple cloth to tie around her.” “That does help a lot, actually. Thank you, Adam.” You turn back, ready to actually begin your search for the dog. “Wait!” Adam scrambled after you, grabbing on to your <<if $top is "light sweater", "dark sweater", "dark crop top", "light crop top", "tucked in light tunic", "tucked in dark tunic", "light tunic", "dark tunic">>sleeve<<else>>arm<</if>>. “I want to help. I’ll recognize her and she’ll be comfortable with me. Please, let me come with you.” <<link "‘Fine.’ You agree, knowing what he said made sense." "Quest:Lila.04">><<set $Adam += 5>><<set $carl_choice_iii to "one">><</link>> <<link "‘I don’t know…’ You hesitate, conflicted. It made sense, but to take a random child to search the city…" "Quest:Lila.04">><<set $carl_choice_iii to "two">><<set $Adam += 2>><</link>> <<link "‘No. I don’t really want to be accused of kidnapping.’ You shake your head." "Quest:Lila.04">><<set $carl_choice_iii to "three">><</link>>

<<set $return to "qlf">><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Autosaved<</notify>><</if>><<if $carl_choice_iii is "one">> “Oh. Thank you!” Adam’s eyes lit up, the grin growing across his face showing the first hint of his childish nature. “Okay, let’s go find Lila!” He rushes past you, scrambling up the hill to the streets above.<</if>><<if $carl_choice_iii is "two">> “C’mon! You know what I said makes sense. My $dad_L told me that if an offer makes sense, then a smart person should accept the help.” Adam exclaims it in confidence, but the way his voice breaks in the middle contradicts it. It was peculiar, but not too noteworthy. “Fine, but… You need to let your $dad_L know you’ll be with me. I don’t want to get in trouble for kidnapping you.” Adam snorts. “No worries then, $Dad_L trusts me enough to leave me alone. I’ve been wandering the streets by myself for the past few days, no one else will notice.” You frown, but shrug. “If you say so.” You turn, making your way up to the streets above, listening to Adam scrambling up the hill after you.<</if>><<if $carl_choice_iii is "three">> “But-” Adam begins his protest, tossing his head back. “No.” You hold up a hand to stop Adam from speaking, only hesitating to say more when Adam flinches away. Adam’s eyes widened, seemingly surprised by his own reaction, gleaming with something that threatened a flood. “Sorry-” “Don’t.” You reply quickly, lowering your hand. “I’m saying no because your parents would be worried.” Adam perked up again, quickly wiping his face. “Then I can come with you! $He_L won’t mind, I’m sure of it. I was given my knife so I could go around by myself.” “You’re really stubborn, aren’t you?” “Yep.” Adam smiles and without meaning to, you find yourself softening just a little. “Okay, you’re in, but cause any trouble and I’m pawning you off with the nearest parent I can find.” You huff, turning on your heel and making your way back to the streets above you, listening to Adam hurry up the hill after you.<</if>> “So… Where do we start?” Adam asks, glancing around, bouncing slightly on the fronts of his feet. You hum. “Good question. Like you said, you know Lila better than me. Would she have run?” Adam quickly shook his head. “I don’t think so. Not without reason at least. She’s pretty clingy to Carl.” Nodding, you try again. “Do you know of any reason she’d leave?” Adam frowns, raising a hand to his bangs covering his forehead, pulling slightly at the middle-most strands. “She could’ve been lured away by food. I’ve seen that happen before, but Carl stopped them before they could take off with her.” You freeze, slowly turning your head towards the boy, quickly stamping down on your rising frustrations. “This has happened before? Who tried to take Lila?” “Some kids from the southside of town. They’re always trying to mess with Carl, apparently.” Adam pauses, looking up at you with wide eyes. “It was them, wasn’t it?” “Looks that way. Even if we’re wrong, it’s better than nothing. Lead the way, little man.” Looking scarily determined for a child, Adam stomps down the streets- impressing you with the knowledge he has of the streets for someone Carl had said was new around here, taking alleyways and shortcuts that very few were aware of. When he finally stops, you’ve passed your own house, but not quite the edge of Sinaia, though it was close. “There.” He points at a fairly familiar congregation of children, ranging in ages from eight to fourteen. Frowning, you take in the circular formation the kids have made, however you have a solid guess of what would be hiding in the middle. When it clicks, you almost laugh. These were the kids from earlier. The group that had crashed into the shopkeep’s products. “Right, well. We definitely have the right people. Saw them with Lila earlier.” Without any more words, Adam storms over to the group. “Hey! Give Lila back!” “Damn it.” You mumble, making short work of the distance between you and the pack of children who were quickly growing agitated with Adam. You could almost imagine the voice of Adam’s faceless parent yelling at you for letting their kid get beat up by a bunch of shithead kids. <<link "‘Listen, just give us back the dog and we won’t tell each and every parent of yours that you decided to steal a man’s pet. Which is a crime.’ You tack on the end, hoping that just a bit of intimidation and logic would work on them." "Quest:Lila.05">><<set $carl_choice_iv to "one">><</link>> <<link "‘Give us the dog.’ You command, doing your best to imitate an authority figure. Scowl and all." "Quest:Lila.05">><<set $carl_choice_iv to "two">><</link>> <<link "‘Let’s cut to the part where we walk away with Lila, okay? Without all the dramatics.’ You say it with a charming smile, resting a hand on your hip." "Quest:Lila.05">><<set $carl_choice_iv to "three">><</link>>

<<set $return to "qlfi">><<if $carl_choice_iv is "one">> “You wouldn’t!” A little girl cries out, pouting in full force. “Wouldn’t I?” You ask, raising a brow. A little boy leans over and whispers (quite loudly), “That’s $name! Ma said $they kill<<s>> people for money!” “Really?” The girl’s lower lip wobbles as she glances at you warily. She turns towards the oldest boy, tugging at his sleeve. “Let’s just give ‘er back, ‘kay? I don’ wanna die.” //This definitely wasn’t what I meant to happen.// You thought with growing panic as more of the kids looked ready to cry.<</if>><<if $carl_choice_iv is "two">> “Why should we?” What appeared to be the oldest boy questioned, eyes defiant. “We can take care of her better than that old man any day. She’s in good hands.” “She’s in the //wrong// hands. Doesn’t matter what you think, Lila belongs to Carl.” Adam insists, looking like he was one more word away from throwing a punch at the boy who easily had a head of height on him. <<cyclinglink "You rest a hand on his shoulder, hoping to calm him even a little bit." "You take a hold of his hand, gently squeezing in the hopes of conveying your support." "You can’t offer physical comfort to the boy, but you step a little closer, hoping he gets the message.">> “He’s right. Plus, I doubt that a group of kids could afford to take care of Lila. Anyways, isn’t it a bit cruel to take Lila away from her owner?” The question is rhetorical and thankfully, the kids didn’t try to answer it. “Let us take her back to where she belongs.”<</if>><<if $carl_choice_iv is "three">> “Why should we give her to you?” What appeared to be the oldest boy questioned, eyes defiant. The others shifted uncomfortably, probably confused in the face of being treated kindly after doing something wrong. “We can take care of her better than that old man any day. She’s in good hands.” “She’s in the //wrong// hands. Doesn’t matter what you think, Lila belongs to Carl.” Adam insists, looking like he was one more word away from throwing a punch at the boy who easily had a head of height on him. <<cyclinglink "You rest a hand on his shoulder, hoping to calm him even a little bit." "You take a hold of his hand, gently squeezing in the hopes of conveying your support." "You can’t offer physical comfort to the boy, but you step a little closer, hoping he gets the message.">> “Maybe they’re right?” A girl suggests, tugging on the boy’s sleeve. “Carl’s probably sad without Lila.” “So?” The boy snapped, tugging his arm out of her grip. “So… Adam and the girl are right. Plus, I doubt that a group of kids could afford to take care of Lila. Anyways, isn’t it a bit cruel to take Lila away from her owner?” The question is rhetorical and thankfully, the kids didn’t try to answer it. “Let us take her back to where she belongs.”<</if>> “Fine.” He huffed, obviously not happy about the outcome. The kids parted a bit and there she was, Lila the golden retriever, tail wagging wildly at the sight of Adam. She bounds over and circles him, barking happily. “Just… don’t tell our parents?” You nod slowly. “Don’t let me hear about you doing something like this again.” With the warning laid out, you pick up Lila’s leash and make your way back to Carl with a pleased Adam by your side. “Carl!” Adam exclaims in lieu of a greeting. You quietly hand Adam the leash and watch as the old man reunites with his dog. Carl lets out a relieved laugh, pressing his face into her fur, scratching a spot on her neck. “Did you get her back for me, Adam?” Carl questions in a shaking voice. “With a little help.” You speak up, stepping closer. “Oh, $name, I don’t know how to thank you. Either of you.” Carl sniffled, pressing a kiss to the top of Lila’s head before sitting up straight. “How can I thank you?” “Can I continue to spend time with Lila and you?” Adam asks softly. “Of course! Lila and I both enjoy the company, after all.” Carl reaches out and pats Adam’s arm. “That was never in question.” Adam grins. “Then I want nothing more.” “Right.” Carl chuckles. “And what about you, $name?” “I don’t need anything, right now, Carl.” Maybe you had been a little tempted to ask for monetary compensation, but… You doubted Carl could afford it and really, you were just happy to be doing something again. “Fine, but next time I’ll definitely have some way to repay you.” He insists. “Are you so sure there will be a next time, Carl?” His laugh is bitter and Lila’s tail slowed in its wagging, sensing the change in atmosphere. “I hope not, but it’s wishful thinking for anyone to believe trouble won’t find them. Especially for a man like me.” <<link "Those words haunt you as you leave." "Free Time One">><<set $Lila to true>><<set $Adam +=5>><<set $ap_1 -= 1>><</link>>

<<set $return to "1.10">><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Autosaved<</notify>><</if>>Sighing, you make a space at the table to review the contract and your options. A series of burglaries in Enfield has occurred in the past few weeks. The small town isn’t exactly unfamiliar with the crime, in fact, it seems to have been getting //better// recently. Leaning forward on your elbow, you read over the dates of the burglaries that had occurred in the past year. Scattered events with the notable exception of three burglaries in a week a few months prior and now the fourth so far in the past week. The natives of Enfield worry it’s becoming a pattern for someone to take from them in wild spurts. The last page in the pile is $L’s notes on the matter, ending with your options. $He_L offered you two ways to contribute to the mission: <<link "Investigating" "1.11">><<set $mission_route to "investigate">><<set $intelligence += 2>><</link>> into the matters using the information at your disposal and gathering more reports from their local authorities or <<link "interviewing" "1.11">><<set $mission_route to "interview">><<set $charm += 2>><</link>> the victims and other locals on the matter.

<<set $return to "1.11">><<set $invest_i to "">><<set $interview_i to "">><<if $mission_route is "investigate">>Groaning, you get up and gather the papers. Irina raises a brow, glancing up from the stitches she’s giving Nicholas Munteanu. You silently gesture towards your room with the papers in your hands and she nods in understanding, turning back to her patient who was talking about his <<if $Raz is "Erasmus">>son<<else>>daughter<</if>> in pained grunts. You feel yourself smile as she comforts him, slipping into your room without him noticing. You shuffle through the pages, spreading out the ones with information across your bed, setting the rest aside on your desk. It was a bit of a mess, your desk, but after some digging you found one of the best tools you owned that wasn’t meant to end lives: an iba pen. Expensive and rare, Anton managed to “buy” enough for his best mercenaries. Stretching, you move back to your bed, moving methodically to pin up the information on to your walls, labeling them with illuminating ink. To the left, the incidents that happened months ago. To the right, the cases that had just begun. For this, you should determine if this was the same criminal or not. <<link "Inspect the past burglaries." "1.12">><<set $invest_i to "past">><</link>> <<link "Inspect the new burglaries." "1.12">><<set $invest_i to "new">><</link>> <<elseif $mission_route is "interview">> You stretch after standing, waiting for the familiar pain in your chest that never comes. Smiling, you grab the papers fitting them into a bag before slinging it over your shoulder. Irina looks up from where she’s giving Nicholas Munteanu stitches, raising a brow at you. You gesture vaguely at the door and your bag, causing her to frown slightly, but nod. She turns back to her patient who’s talking about his <<if $Raz is "Erasmus">>son<<else>>daughter<</if>> in pained grunts. You feel your smile grow as she comforts him, stepping out the front door without his notice. It’s not too much of a walk to the bridge that crosses into Enfield, especially when you take shortcuts through alleys like you tended to. There’s less foot-traffic on the bridge than there has been recently, allowing you a moment to enjoy the sights of the river swallowed up by persistent trees. <<if $Lila is false>>Glancing to the right, you find a kid sitting beneath a tree, head in their hands, a dagger lay precariously beside them.<<else>>Knowing what you’ll find, you glance down to the right side of the river, seeing Adam lying back and staring happily up at the sky.<</if>> Shaking your head, you continue into Enfield, pausing at the first building you encounter, deciding who to talk to first. <<link "Talk to the victims of the past burglaries." "1.12">><<set $interview_i to "past">><</link>> <<link "Talk to the victims of the new burglaries." "1.12">><<set $interview_i to "new">><</link>> <</if>>

<<set $return to "1.12">><<set $invest_ii to "">><<set $interview_ii to "">><<set $nosy_choice_i to "">><<set $nosy_choice to "">><<if $invest_i is "past">>Moving to the left side, you once again go over the details. Three burglaries within a week, the suspect taking items with sentimental value and a portrait from the home. //Trophies// $L had noted in the margin. The suspect also left no evidence of their presence, except for a single coin in the place of what they had taken. The locations of the crimes were close together, concentrated into a single section of the city, the east side. Frowning, you glance over to the section describing the victims. Two of them were laborers for the construction of the palace in Sinaia, the other was a cleaning lady at the only inn Enfield has to offer. You take note of that, underneath the page of the victims, you write out //”LOW INCOME”//. Maybe it wasn’t relevant, but it did connect them. It might even reveal something more about the suspect if you really put your mind to it. Going back to the map of the crimes, you note under it //”EASTSIDE- targeted or convenient?”// It feels like it’s all you can glean from the past cases. <<link "Inspect the new burglaries" "1.13">><<set $invest_ii to "new">><</link>><<elseif $invest_i is "new">> Heading to the right side, you begin to go over the cases again. Four burglaries so far over the course of the past week, the suspect only taking items with sentimental value. Perhaps it was coincidental, but the items were also highly valuable.The suspect also seemed to be inexperienced, leaving behind shuffled items from where they had searched for something to take. The locations of the crimes varied, two in the northside of the city and two in the west. When inspecting the victims, you note that three are merchants and one is the baron’s son. //And likely the reason people were called in to help.// You scoff a bit, but take note underneath the victims, //”WEALTHY”//. You return to the map holding the locations of the crimes and note under it //”NORTH AND WESTSIDE- targeted or convenient?”// Likely anything else you can take from the new cases will pop up after comparing them to the old. <<link "Inspect past burglaries" "1.13">><<set $invest_ii to "past">><</link>><</if>><<if $interview_i is "past">>You open your bag and shuffle through the papers to consult the notes on the victims. Two laborers working on the palace in Sinaia and a cleaning lady for the only inn Enfield has. Their addresses were listed and also marked on the map meant for the crime locations. One of the laborers, Ronan Ariti, lived the closest in the south-east part of the city. You make your way to their home, readying a list of questions in your head. They’re all basic and should be easy to answer even after all this time. When you arrive at the small home, you can’t help but frown. It didn’t make sense to steal from someone who lived here. The house is small, run down, in a neighborhood of small run-down homes. It’s not beneficial to the poor to steal from another struggling citizen. Unless it wasn’t for the money. You make a mental note of that before knocking on the door. Voices rose from the silence, muffled bickering and shuffling. You shift on your feet, mind immediately flashing to your dagger on your $dagger_placement, before dismissing the distrustful instinct. //Not every raised voice meant a fight,// you reminded yourself. The door slowly opens, revealing a ruffled person with makeup a bit smeared, clothes hanging off their frame messily. Whoops. “Sorry to interrupt, ser. I was hoping to speak to Ronan Ariti?” Their eyes trail you over, eyebrows pulling down. “And who’s asking?” “$name. I’m here to ask about the burglary a few months ago.” It’s disturbing how much you expected the flicker of recognition or fear on their face at your name, only to be reminded you were basically nothing again when their expression remained the same. “Right and how should we be referring to you as?” “I go by $they and $them.” You answer quickly, finding the process of niceties somewhat annoying when you were just there for a job. They nod, tilting their chin up. “She and her for me, but Ro goes by xe and xem. I’ll get xem for you, just wait out here.” Without room for any other word, she closes the door behind her. You step away from the threshold, pacing slowly in the road, once more going over your questions. “Excuse me, $name? Relia said you wanted to talk to me?” A gravelly voice startles you out of your thoughts. When you turn, xe is scratching the back of xyr neck, cheeks flushed deeply. “Yeah, sorry for, uh, interrupting. I’ll try to make it quick.” You reassure in a stunted tone. Ronan shakes xyr head quickly, eyes wide. “No, no that’s okay!” Clearing your throat, you begin again with more composure. “So, Ronan, something very dear to you was taken a few months ago, correct?” Xe nods, crossing xyr arms. “Yes. My grandma’s wedding ring and a portrait made of Relia and I.” “And did they only take those items? Did they damage your property otherwise?” Shaking xyr head, xe frowns. “No. They just… It’s really weird, but they just left a coin where the ring was. Like they were trading it.” “That is… interesting.” You make a mental note of it- seems as though the suspect had a signature. “That’s what that baron bastard said when Aleksander and I approached him.” Ronan huffed. “Aleksander Melnyk?” You ask, recognizing it as the other construction worker. Xe simply nods in affirmation. “You two approached the baron? What about the cleaning lady?” “She hadn’t been hit yet. We thought we were going to be preemptive by asking the baron to put in a request for someone to catch the thief. Instead, we were told we shouldn’t worry since it wasn’t likely that the thief would do anything more with his men patrolling the city.” Xe laughs bitterly. “The bastard didn’t want to waste a single coin on us, more likely.” //What a mess.// You inwardly groan at the distinct scorn you could feel for the baron. “What about Terika? Did she go to the baron after she was targeted?” Xe shrugs. “She could’ve. I warned her not to. Told her the bastard baron wouldn’t help. Sorry I can’t tell you for sure.” “That’s okay. Thank you for your cooperation. By any chance, do you know if I’ll find Terika at her home?” “Not likely. She’s probably working right now.” Xe answers, glancing up at the sky. “Do you need directions to the inn?” “No, that’s alright. Enjoy the rest of your day, Ronan.” Xe nods, raising a hand in farewell before retreating back into xyr home. You begin to go over your mental notes as you walk to the inn downtown. So what do you have so far? The east side of town is where the victim pool was- possibly targeting people with low-income, the suspect seemed to act maliciously (taking trophies and leaving a signature), and the baron did absolutely nothing to help the victims. At this point, maybe it was better that you were here instead of $L. $He_L would’ve probably started shit with the baron as soon as $he_L found out. <<link "Continue" "1.13">><</link>><</if>><<if $interview_i is "new">> You dig into your bag and retrieve the information on the new burglary victims and the map detailing their locations. Two merchants in the west, then another merchant and the baron’s son in the north. //Hitting the baron’s son? Bold.// //Or reckless.// Another voice that sounded suspiciously like $L’s whispered in your head. It’s true, but it felt kind of pointed. You would never… It felt weird to lie to your very own $L in your head. You should reserve it for the actual $L. You make your way to the west, ignoring the part of you that warned you of the peril that comes with speaking to the rich. They were deceptive, selfish, and disconnected from reality. Worst of all, they were //annoying//. Around you, the buildings slowly become dispersed, fences rising around properties that become larger around you, and the skies turn purple. You make your way up the long drive to Mihaela’s door, the first merchant hit by the suspect. It’s almost disorientating the difference between this home and Ronan’s. You ignore the golden knocker and slam your fist against the door. //Should be able to hear that.// You think to yourself with a sly smile. The door opens, revealing what seemed to be Mihaela’s steward or butler, who seemed to be highly unimpressed with you. “I’m sorry, but Miss Mihaela isn’t available.” They say with a grimace that speaks of privilege. “Are you sure? I’m the mercenary hired to find whoever stole from Mihaela. Certainly she could make time for a few questions?” You cross your arms, tilting your chin up. “Certainly.” They sneer, opening the door wider for you to step through. “Please wait here and do not touch anything. Miss Mihaela would hate for more of her valuables to be damaged or end up… Missing.” //Do not punch them. Do not punch them. Do not fuck this up for $L.// You repeat the words like a mantra as you step into the pristine entrance hall. When they leave to find Mihaela, <<cycle "$nosy_choice" autoselect>> <<option "you choose to ignore their warning, walking over to the nearest display table to look over the baubles set out on it.">> <<option "you listen to their warning, begrudgingly– you definitely didn’t want to deal with an angry witness.">> <</cycle>> <<link "Continue" "1.13">><</link>><</if>>

<<set $return to "1.13">><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Autosaved<</notify>><</if>><<if $invest_ii is "new">>Heading to the right side, you begin to go over the cases again. Four burglaries so far over the course of the past week, the suspect only taking items with sentimental value. Perhaps it was coincidental, but the items were also highly valuable. The suspect also seemed to be inexperienced, leaving behind shuffled items from where they had searched for something to take. The locations of the crimes varied, two in the northside of the city and two in the west. When inspecting the victims, you note that three are merchants and one is the baron’s son. //And likely the reason people were called in to help.// You scoff a bit, but take note underneath the victims, //”WEALTHY”//. You return to the map holding the locations of the crimes and note under it //”NORTH AND WESTSIDE- targeted or convenient?”// Likely anything else you can take from the new cases will pop up after comparing them to the old. <<link "Begin comparison" "1.14">><</link>><<elseif $invest_ii is "past">>Moving to the left side, you once again go over the details. Three burglaries within a week, the suspect taking items with sentimental value and a portrait from the home. //Trophies// $L had noted in the margin. The suspect also left no evidence of their presence, except for a single coin in the place of what they had taken. The locations of the crimes were close together, concentrated into a single section of the city, the east side. Frowning, you glance over to the section describing the victims. Two of them were laborers for the construction of the palace in Sinaia, the other was a cleaning lady at the only inn Enfield has to offer. You take note of that, underneath the page of the victims, you write out //”LOW INCOME”//. Maybe it wasn’t relevant, but it did connect them. It might even reveal something more about the suspect if you really put your mind to it. Going back to the map of the crimes, you note under it //”EASTSIDE- targeted or convenient?”// It feels like it’s all you can glean from the past cases. <<link "Begin comparison" "1.14">><</link>><</if>><<if $interview_i is "new">><<if $nosy_choice is "you choose to ignore their warning, walking over to the nearest display table to look over the baubles set out on it.">>On the table, sat a dagger, what seemed to be a crown from a foreign country, and a necklace with a foggy crystal. An odd mixture, but you figured it was Mihaela’s trophies. The dagger had jewels embedded into the hilt and the blade made from gold. Pretty to look at, definitely not made to actually be used. Perhaps it was a ceremonial dagger. The crown //looked// heavy; carefully crafted silver lined with amethysts, with a branching design. When you picked it up, it only confirmed your suspicions. The strain it must’ve put on the poor bastard it had belonged to must’ve been at least part of the reason they no longer had it. The last item had your eyes widening as soon as you picked it up. The light buzzing raised the hairs on the back of your neck and you had to repress a shudder. //Now, what was Mihaela doing with the necklace of a priest?// “It’s rather beautiful, isn’t it?” You turn quickly, cursing yourself for not keeping your guard up. “However, I’m afraid those pieces are meant for display only.” You set the necklace down carefully, keeping your eyes on the new figure. “Mihaela, I presume?” “Correct.” She nodded, mouth pursed as she did a once over on you. “You have me at a disadvantage; I’ve no clue who you are.” How did she manage to make such a simple statement sound so ugly? “I’m $name. I’ve been hired to find the person who stole from you.”<</if>><<if $nosy_choice is "you listen to their warning, begrudgingly– you definitely didn’t want to deal with an angry witness.">>You stand stoically at the doorway, taking their words maybe a little too literally, but there’s something so fun about acting dumb with people who expect everything to go their way. //Especially// when they assume you’re uneducated. The way they can fluster and flounder by taking their pretty words seriously. This unfortunately means, you have to sit through the full minute of eye contact as, who you assume to be Mihaela, sashays down the stairs slowly. It takes everything in you not to roll your eyes at her. “Miss Mihaela?” She hums, cocking an eyebrow at you, her distaste for you carefully hidden behind a cursory smile. “That would be me, but I’m sorry, you are..?” “$name. Baron Andrei hired me to investigate the burglaries and catch the suspect.” You answer simply.<</if>> “Is that so.” She stated, placing a perfectly manicured hand onto her hip. “Then why are you //here//? Shouldn’t you be… Catching the suspect?” //Don’t punch her. Don’t punch her. She’s just annoying, not worth a charge.// “In an investigation, you tend to need information to find a suspect.” “Okay?” “Okay..?” You lean your head forward, trying to keep your mouth from curling into a grimace. “I don’t see why you’re here. I gave Baron Andrei all the information I had.” She rolled her eyes. “It was pretty straight forward. If you couldn’t understand it…” You raise a hand to cut her off. “I understood it //fine//.” You bite out. “Sometimes it’s better to go over it in person, just in case something new can be found out.” She raises a thin eyebrow, forehead wrinkling. “You think I would //lie// to the baron?” “No, I just believe that people can leave out details when they’re stressed.” Though the statement was technically true, you weren’t exactly sure that Mihaela //wouldn’t// lie to the baron. “All I need to do is to ask a few questions and go over some basic details, nothing to worry about, Miss Mihaela.” <<if $nosy_choice is "you choose to ignore their warning, walking over to the nearest display table to look over the baubles set out on it.">>She hums, eyes shooting over to the items you had just messed with. After a few moments, she finally says, “Fine, but let’s go into my office. Less distractions there.” <<else>> She hums, but waves you forward after a moment. “Alright, but come away from the doorway. We’ll go to my office.”<</if>> You follow after her, trying to gather your thoughts, but her decor was so… loud. Various portraits (a good percentage of them are of herself), statues, and plants, all the colors clashing unpleasantly. How nice it must be to have enough money to buy the ugliest shit and live miserably in it. You shake your head, trying to focus back on your task as you enter a room to the left. “Have a seat.” Mihaela smiles, gesturing across from her as she sits down on her office chair. Following her suggestion, you sit. “So, Miss Mihaela, what can you tell me about the crime?” She raises an unimpressed brow, but before she can speak, you tack on. “We’ve been through this, these are questions I need to ask. Walk me through what you told the baron.” She glares, but concedes. “Whoever the crook was, they took from my secret stash, saved for big spenders- it should’ve been a secret. It was an antique ring worn by the late queen, do you know how much that damned ring could’ve sold for? No, I suppose you wouldn’t.” She huffs, crossing her arms. //My job is literally seen as the money-hungriest job.// You bite back the comment, but you weren’t sure how long you’d be able to keep it up. “Left an absolute mess behind as well, what an amateur.” You note the last comment, then go back to a question that had been forming. “Mihaela, who exactly would’ve known about your secret stash?” “Like I said before, big spenders who buy from me. Though I only sell those items in person.” “Do these guests stay at your estate?” “Euan, no! I wouldn’t want to risk any unfavorable rumor. I have them stay at the inn downtown.” She waves a hand dismissively, but this catches your attention. “The inn?” You frown, something just at the edge of your thoughts, making your hands tingle in anticipation of a fight that wouldn’t be coming. You would need to check your contract once more, but you were definitely on to something. “Okay, thank you, Miss Mihaela. This has been //most// enlightening.” “That was all? Seriously?” “Yep.” You pop the ‘p’ just for the added effect. Her face grew red and as she went to stand, you got up and moved towards the door. “I think I’ll see myself out. Have a good evening, Mihaela.” When you shut the door behind you, you could hear angered ramblings muffled behind the mahogany. You allow yourself a small smile as you swiftly exit, a bounce in your step all the way back through town. <<link "Follow Mihaela's lead." "1.14">><<set $interview_ii to "past">><</link>><</if>><<if $interview_i is "past">>“Hello, darling! Welcome to Enfield’s finest establishment.” A cheery voice greets you when you step into the inn. You approach the counter, eyes flitting to various patrons, wincing at the raucous group in the center. “Ah, sorry about them, hun. The baron’s men can get a bit loud.” You wave away the apologies. “Not your fault. Anyway, I was hoping you could point me in the direction of Terika?” “Terika?” They ask, perking up, eyes narrowing suspiciously. “You’re not singling out any of my workers. Try anything funny and you’ll find yourself with the misfortune of coughing up poison ivy.” You watch stiffly as they raise their hands and the air seems to tighten like a band– suddenly, you can’t doubt their threat. “I was hired by the baron to solve an investigation. I’m just here to ask Terika a few questions.” You explain through clenched teeth, fingers itching to end this encounter with your dagger. They stare for a moment longer, dull grey eyes digging into your $eye ones. “Fine. She’s helping out the baron’s men. But you two speak where I can see you.” All at once, the air relaxes and you take a deep breath, moving your hand away from where it had been inching towards the sheath. “Thanks.” You start towards the table of loud men, getting ready for a headache. Terika, a victim who had been listed on the report from the past crimes, seemed to be struggling, speaking in low tones with a sweaty person who you could almost smell from where you stood. Then again, the entire band of annoyances smelled like the inside of a brewery, so it wasn’t all on them. When the person made to grab Terika’s arm, you stepped in easily, knocking into their shoulder so that their aim went askew. “Whoops, sorry didn’t see you there.” “Are you trying to start shit?” They sneered, clumsily moving their hands towards their sheathed sword. You smiled saccharinely, tapping your dagger. “I wouldn’t do that if you want to keep that pretty face of yours the way it is.” They move towards you, foregoing their sword, but Terika latches on to their arm frantically. “Darius, please! Fighting will only get you banned. Take a walk and cool down.” She pleads, pushing Darius towards the exit. They huff but eventually listen to Terika’s logic, getting a few of the others to join in the walk. You turn towards the woman, raising a brow. “I had that.” “Sure.” She snorts, grabbing a few cups and placing them onto a tray on a nearby table. “What can I help you with?” “I just need to ask you a few questions about the burglaries.” “The what?” She asks, eyes wide with surprise, movements stalled. //An odd reaction.// You muse to yourself. “The burglaries a few months ago. It was listed that you were one of the victims, was that not true?” “Oh! I’m sorry I just thought everyone forgot about that.” Terika frowns, adding on with a grunt, “The baron certainly likes to act as though it never happened.” “The baron certainly seems popular.” She scoffs. “The only people he’s popular with are his own kind. The rich. Lousy bastards, the lot of them.” Sometimes, it really was hard to disagree with that sentiment. “I actually wanted to talk to you a bit about the baron, Terika. May we sit? I feel like your boss won’t take kindly to me just hovering by you.” She nods, glancing over at the innkeep, eyes sparkling in amusement. “Byrni is a doll. She’s so protective.” She muses as she sits down in the corner booth. You slide in across from her, feeling the hairs raise on the back of your neck at the disadvantageous spot; no line of sight for the exit, nor the people entering or exiting. “She certainly has a way of making an impression.” You allow, recalling your instincts that told you to fight the woman. “Anyway, about the baron. I spoke to Ronan and xe told me about the baron’s dismissal of the concerns xe had. Did you have such a conversation with the baron?” She slowly nods. “I did. He was so sure that the thief would be too scared to continue targeting Enfield and I was so upset that he was wrong… I ignored what Ronan told me because I thought maybe xe was wrong. Maybe the baron would do something, but… He just told me he didn’t have the resources to allocate on such-” she spits out the next words, full of venom, “-small matters.” You pause, carefully keeping your expression blank as you give her another once-over. “He certainly left a sour taste in your mouth.” Her eyes snap back up to your face, her mouth opening and closing, but her words failed her for a few moments. “No one leaves any tastes in my mouth, especially not that bastard.” At your raised brow, she huffs and continues, eyes casted down onto the table. “Alright. Okay. It’s just that… Everyone in the east knows that we don’t matter to those with money. But it’s different knowing that we’re nothing intuitively and being told that you don’t matter directly by a man meant to protect you and yours. It becomes personal.” Her words trigger something in you, something akin to dread. “Personal? It almost sounds as though you’re planning your revenge, Terika.” Her posture changes immediately, her spine straightening and her eyes flared with defiance. “And what if I am?” “Then I’d tell you that there’s not much that fazes a man like the baron, unless you’re willing to get your hands dirty. You seem like a nice woman, Terika, I doubt blood suits you well.” You say it slowly, observing her face for even the minutiae. She blinks, caught off guard, but her shoulders stay tense. “I don’t think you get to decide what suits me. I think this… meeting is over. I need to get back to work.” She’s definitely hiding something, but right now, your focus is on your contract. If you really needed to, you could just warn the baron and his men about Terika. “Sure thing. Thank you for talking to me.” <<link "You figure that's all you're going to get from past victims." "1.14">><<set $interview_ii to "new">><</link>><</if>>

Euan- the deities of Tuluo. Nege- the spirits that embody the planets. Ydba- in general refers to darkness, in reference to magic, it's the branch of spellcasting that affects physiological functions. Iba- both in general and in magic, it refers to light- though iba in spellcasting helps with healing. Waik- "air" magic Asdavi- "earth" magic Viaren- "fire" magic Lasom- "water" magic <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<<set $return to "1.14">><<if $mission_route is "investigate">>It seemed fairly obvious to you that these were not the same suspects, unless the criminal decided to suddenly change their MO. The past suspect seemed to target the lower-class in the east, taking not only an heirloom, but also trophies depicting the victims. That suspect seemed to be acting of direct malice. The new criminal targeted only the wealthy and took only something that would be missed while also being valuable. They seemed to be new to crime, leaving evidence of their actions, but they also knew exactly what they wanted to take. Whatever reason citizens had to believe it was the same person, they were wrong. //Or,// some part of your mind whispers, //they don't know exactly what's happened.// You shake the thought away because it doesn't matter right now. //Just focus on what you know.// You scold yourself. Why choose the rich to target? Why not the middle-class? Why risk the attention? <<link "They needed the money." "1.15">><<set $invest_iii to "debt">><</link>> <<link "They simply hate the wealthy." "1.15">><<set $invest_iii to "robinhood">><</link>> <<link "They felt wronged by the wealthy." "1.15">><<set $invest_iii to "correct">><</link>><</if>><<if $interview_ii is "new">> You dig into your bag and retrieve the information on the new burglary victims and the map detailing their locations. Two merchants in the west, then another merchant and the baron’s son in the north. //Hitting the baron’s son? Bold.// //Or reckless.// Another voice that sounded suspiciously like $L’s whispered in your head. It’s true, but it felt kind of pointed. You would never… It felt weird to lie to your very own $L in your head. You should reserve it for the actual $L. You make your way to the west, ignoring the part of you that warned you of the peril that comes with speaking to the rich. They were deceptive, selfish, and disconnected from reality. Worst of all, they were //annoying//. Around you, the buildings slowly become dispersed, fences rising around properties that become larger around you, and the skies turn purple. You make your way up the long drive to Mihaela’s door, the first merchant hit by the suspect. It’s almost disorientating the difference between this home and Ronan’s. You ignore the golden knocker and slam your fist against the door. //Should be able to hear that.// You think to yourself with a sly smile. The door opens, revealing what seemed to be Mihaela’s steward or butler, who seemed to be highly unimpressed with you. “I’m sorry, but Miss Mihaela isn’t available.” They say with a grimace that speaks of privilege. “Are you sure? I’m the mercenary hired to find whoever stole from Mihaela. Certainly she could make time for a few questions?” You cross your arms, tilting your chin up. “Certainly.” They sneer, opening the door wider for you to step through. “Please wait here and do not touch anything. Miss Mihaela would hate for more of her valuables to be damaged or end up… Missing.” //Do not punch them. Do not punch them. Do not fuck this up for $L.// You repeat the words like a mantra as you step into the pristine entrance hall. When they leave to find Mihaela, <<cycle "$nosy_choice_i" autoselect>> <<option "you choose to ignore their warning, walking over to the nearest display table to look over the baubles set out on it.">> <<option "you listen to their warning, begrudgingly– you definitely didn’t want to deal with an angry witness.">> <</cycle>> <<link "Continue" "1.15">><</link>><</if>><<if $interview_ii is "past">>“Hello, darling! Welcome to Enfield’s finest establishment.” A cheery voice greets you when you step into the inn. You approach the counter, eyes flitting to various patrons, wincing at the raucous group in the center. “Ah, sorry about them, hun. The baron’s men can get a bit loud.” You wave away the apologies. “Not your fault. Anyway, I was hoping you could point me in the direction of Terika?” “Terika?” They ask, perking up, eyes narrowing suspiciously. “You’re not singling out any of my workers. Try anything funny and you’ll find yourself with the misfortune of coughing up poison ivy.” You watch stiffly as they raise their hands and the air seems to tighten like a band– suddenly, you can’t doubt their threat. “I was hired by the baron to solve an investigation. I’m just here to ask Terika a few questions.” You explain through clenched teeth, fingers itching to end this encounter with your dagger. They stare for a moment longer, dull grey eyes digging into your $eye ones. “Fine. She’s helping out the baron’s men. But you two speak where I can see you.” All at once, the air relaxes and you take a deep breath, moving your hand away from where it had been inching towards the sheath. “Thanks.” You start towards the table of loud men, getting ready for a headache. Terika, a victim who had been listed on the report from the past crimes, seemed to be struggling, speaking in low tones with a sweaty person who you could almost smell from where you stood. Then again, the entire band of annoyances smelled like the inside of a brewery, so it wasn’t all on them. When the person made to grab Terika’s arm, you stepped in easily, knocking into their shoulder so that their aim went askew. “Whoops, sorry didn’t see you there.” “Are you trying to start shit?” They sneered, clumsily moving their hands towards their sheathed sword. You smiled saccharinely, tapping your dagger. “I wouldn’t do that if you want to keep that pretty face of yours the way it is.” They move towards you, foregoing their sword, but Terika latches on to their arm frantically. “Darius, please! Fighting will only get you banned. Take a walk and cool down.” She pleads, pushing Darius towards the exit. They huff but eventually listen to Terika’s logic, getting a few of the others to join in the walk. You turn towards the woman, raising a brow. “I had that.” “Sure.” She snorts, grabbing a few cups and placing them onto a tray on a nearby table. “What can I help you with?” “I just need to ask you a few questions about the burglaries.” “The what?” She asks, eyes wide with surprise, movements stalled. //An odd reaction.// You muse to yourself. “The burglaries a few months ago. It was listed that you were one of the victims, was that not true?” “Oh! I’m sorry I just thought everyone forgot about that.” Terika frowns, adding on with a grunt, “The baron certainly likes to act as though it never happened.” “The baron certainly seems popular.” She scoffs. “The only people he’s popular with are his own kind. The rich. Lousy bastards, the lot of them.” Sometimes, it really was hard to disagree with that sentiment. “I actually wanted to talk to you a bit about the baron, Terika. May we sit? I feel like your boss won’t take kindly to me just hovering by you.” She nods, glancing over at the innkeep, eyes sparkling in amusement. “Byrni is a doll. She’s so protective.” She muses as she sits down in the corner booth. You slide in across from her, feeling the hairs raise on the back of your neck at the disadvantageous spot; no line of sight for the exit, nor the people entering or exiting. “She certainly has a way of making an impression.” You allow, recalling your instincts that told you to fight the woman. “Anyway, about the baron. I spoke to Ronan and xe told me about the baron’s dismissal of the concerns xe had. Did you have such a conversation with the baron?” She slowly nods. “I did. He was so sure that the thief would be too scared to continue targeting Enfield and I was so upset that he was wrong… I ignored what Ronan told me because I thought maybe xe was wrong. Maybe the baron would do something, but… He just told me he didn’t have the resources to allocate on such-” she spits out the next words, full of venom, “-small matters.” You pause, carefully keeping your expression blank as you give her another once-over. “He certainly left a sour taste in your mouth.” Her eyes snap back up to your face, her mouth opening and closing, but her words failed her for a few moments. “No one leaves any tastes in my mouth, especially not that bastard.” At your raised brow, she huffs and continues, eyes casted down onto the table. “Alright. Okay. It’s just that… Everyone in the east knows that we don’t matter to those with money. But it’s different knowing that we’re nothing intuitively and being told that you don’t matter directly by a man meant to protect you and yours. It becomes personal.” Her words trigger something in you, something akin to dread. “Personal? It almost sounds as though you’re planning your revenge, Terika.” Her posture changes immediately, her spine straightening and her eyes flared with defiance. “And what if I am?” “Then I’d tell you that there’s not much that fazes a man like the baron, unless you’re willing to get your hands dirty. You seem like a nice woman, Terika, I doubt blood suits you well.” You say it slowly, observing her face for even the minutiae. She blinks, caught off guard, but her shoulders stay tense. “I don’t think you get to decide what suits me. I think this… meeting is over. I need to get back to work.” She’s definitely hiding something, but right now, your focus is on your contract. If you really needed to, you could just warn the baron and his men about Terika. “Sure thing. Thank you for talking to me.” <<link "Unfortunately, you know what this means. Terika is obviously your lead suspect." "1.16">><</link>><</if>>

<<set $return to "1.15">><<if $invest_iii is "debt">>Okay, let’s run with this. The suspect needs the money. An amount of money only the rich could provide, maybe. This would imply the suspect is in heavy debt. Someone who gambles perhaps at the inn. Gambled away more than they had with someone that’s not so forgiving. Maybe a heavy drinker. It’s a start, for sure. <<link "You take notes of your theory, readying them for $L’s critical eyes." "1.16">><</link>><<elseif $invest_iii is "robinhood">>It’s a fair motivation. A sort of righteous retribution that inspires thieves to take from the wealthy. A low income suspect, most likely then, since those who have to work the hardest often burn the hottest with scorn for old-money and the corrupt. Maybe not a farmer or someone involved in business- they rely too much on the wealthy consuming their products or sponsoring them. Perhaps “low-skill” laborers or the self-employed, working for locals. It’s not much, but it is a start. <<link "You take notes of your theory, readying them for $L’s critical eyes." "1.16">><</link>><<elseif $invest_iii is "correct">>Obviously, a lot of folk will feel wronged by the wealthy, but this would be personal. Maybe it has less to do with their money and more about their power… //What an interesting thought.// You move back towards the center of the room, eyes flicking between the notes made on either side of the wall. Now why would they call in people for these crimes and not the ones beforehand? The answer is simple: the victims have power. Maybe money was never the point of the crime, but rather an afterthought. The goal was always the attention. The discrepancies between the cases being so obvious and yet the general public believing it to be the same suspect? Your thoughts from earlier resurfaced. Maybe it was because no one //knew// what had happened before. Maybe they didn’t know what was happening //now//. That had to be it. The details of the new cases weren’t reaching the locals, because those in power could keep it quiet and with enough luck they could make it disappear. You shake your head in disbelief. They truly cared so little about the citizens, they would allow fear to fester rather than admit it was only the rich being targeted. It’s all very interesting and explains why the suspect is escalating to carelessness, but it doesn’t give an explanation for why they started. They obviously felt the burn of the powerlessness they had in the face of the wealthy, but that could stem from just about anything when the rich are involved. You run your hand over your face, feeling a bit of a headache coming. Perhaps what you needed to focus on was the crime. Why burglarize? Why use such a specific MO? That could be a lousy attempt of copying the ones from before, but why- Oh. //Oh.// Why else but because they themselves were a victim to the previous crimes? You almost launch yourself back over to the previous cases. Three victims, two working on the palace and one working at the inn. Three relatively powerless victims who had never received help in finding the suspect. //Because they weren’t worth the resources.// You could almost laugh, picturing what shit excuse the baron must’ve given to cause such reckless pain. If you were correct, you narrowed the suspect pool to three people. <<link "You write down your theory quickly, eager to see $L’s reaction, confident in it." "1.16">><</link>><</if>><<if $interview_i is "past">><<if $nosy_choice_i is "you choose to ignore their warning, walking over to the nearest display table to look over the baubles set out on it.">>On the table, sat a dagger, what seemed to be a crown from a foreign country, and a necklace with a foggy crystal. An odd mixture, but you figured it was Mihaela’s trophies. The dagger had jewels embedded into the hilt and the blade made from gold. Pretty to look at, definitely not made to actually be used. Perhaps it was a ceremonial dagger. The crown //looked// heavy; carefully crafted silver lined with amethysts, with a branching design. When you picked it up, it only confirmed your suspicions. The strain it must’ve put on the poor bastard it had belonged to must’ve been at least part of the reason they no longer had it. The last item had your eyes widening as soon as you picked it up. The light buzzing raised the hairs on the back of your neck and you had to repress a shudder. //Now, what was Mihaela doing with the necklace of a priest?// “It’s rather beautiful, isn’t it?” You turn quickly, cursing yourself for not keeping your guard up. “However, I’m afraid those pieces are meant for display only.” You set the necklace down carefully, keeping your eyes on the new figure. “Mihaela, I presume?” “Correct.” She nodded, mouth pursed as she did a once over on you. “You have me at a disadvantage; I’ve no clue who you are.” How did she manage to make such a simple statement sound so ugly? “I’m $name. I’ve been hired to find the person who stole from you.”<</if>><<if $nosy_choice_i is "you listen to their warning, begrudgingly– you definitely didn’t want to deal with an angry witness.">>You stand stoically at the doorway, taking their words maybe a little too literally, but there’s something so fun about acting dumb with people who expect everything to go their way. //Especially// when they assume you’re uneducated. The way they can fluster and flounder by taking their pretty words seriously. This unfortunately means, you have to sit through the full minute of eye contact as, who you assume to be Mihaela, sashays down the stairs slowly. It takes everything in you not to roll your eyes at her. “Miss Mihaela?” She hums, cocking an eyebrow at you, her distaste for you carefully hidden behind a cursory smile. “That would be me, but I’m sorry, you are..?” “$name. Baron Andrei hired me to investigate the burglaries and catch the suspect.” You answer simply.<</if>> “Is that so.” She stated, placing a perfectly manicured hand onto her hip. “Then why are you //here//? Shouldn’t you be… Catching the suspect?” //Don’t punch her. Don’t punch her. She’s just annoying, not worth a charge.// “In an investigation, you tend to need information to find a suspect.” “Okay?” “Okay..?” You lean your head forward, trying to keep your mouth from curling into a grimace. “I don’t see why you’re here. I gave Baron Andrei all the information I had.” She rolled her eyes. “It was pretty straight forward. If you couldn’t understand it…” You raise a hand to cut her off. “I understood it //fine//.” You bite out. “Sometimes it’s better to go over it in person, just in case something new can be found out.” She raises a thin eyebrow, forehead wrinkling. “You think I would //lie// to the baron?” “No, I just believe that people can leave out details when they’re stressed.” Though the statement was technically true, you weren’t exactly sure that Mihaela //wouldn’t// lie to the baron. “All I need to do is to ask a few questions and go over some basic details, nothing to worry about, Miss Mihaela.” <<if $nosy_choice is "you choose to ignore their warning, walking over to the nearest display table to look over the baubles set out on it.">>She hums, eyes shooting over to the items you had just messed with. After a few moments, she finally says, “Fine, but let’s go into my office. Less distractions there.” <<else>> She hums, but waves you forward after a moment. “Alright, but come away from the doorway. We’ll go to my office.”<</if>> You follow after her, trying to gather your thoughts, but her decor was so… loud. Various portraits (a good percentage of them are of herself), statues, and plants, all the colors clashing unpleasantly. How nice it must be to have enough money to buy the ugliest shit and live miserably in it. You shake your head, trying to focus back on your task as you enter a room to the left. “Have a seat.” Mihaela smiles, gesturing across from her as she sits down on her office chair. Following her suggestion, you sit. “So, Miss Mihaela, what can you tell me about the crime?” She raises an unimpressed brow, but before she can speak, you tack on. “We’ve been through this, these are questions I need to ask. Walk me through what you told the baron.” She glares, but concedes. “Whoever the crook was, they took from my secret stash, saved for big spenders- it should’ve been a secret. It was an antique ring worn by the late queen, do you know how much that damned ring could’ve sold for? No, I suppose you wouldn’t.” She huffs, crossing her arms. //My job is literally seen as the money-hungriest job.// You bite back the comment, but you weren’t sure how long you’d be able to keep it up. “Left an absolute mess behind as well, what an amateur.” You note the last comment, then go back to a question that had been forming. “Mihaela, who exactly would’ve known about your secret stash?” “Like I said before, big spenders who buy from me. Though I only sell those items in person.” “Do these guests stay at your estate?” “Euan, no! I wouldn’t want to risk any unfavorable rumor. I have them stay at the inn downtown.” She waves a hand dismissively, but this catches your attention. <<link "Unfortunately, you know what this means. Terika is obviously your lead suspect." "1.16">><</link>><</if>>

<<set $return to "1.16">><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Autosaved<</notify>><</if>><<if $invest_iii is "debt">>When $L returns the next morning, a pouch filled with clinking coins in hand, you go over your theory, carefully explaining your thoughts to $him_L as $he_L splits up the pay. “So… I need to go to the inn and interview some people about the local drunk idiot. Good. Great.” “It’s not the worst thing we’ve had to do.” Shrugging as you move to your impromptu pinboard wall, taking the papers down. $L grunts, joining you in taking down the pages. “You’re not wrong, but when we partnered up before, you were //with// me for it.” “I’ll be with you in spirit.” You deadpan, <<cycle "$touch_i" autoselect>> <<option "dropping a hand onto $his_L shoulder.">> <<option "nodding at $him_L with faux severity.">> <</cycle>> $L makes a noise of disgust, taking the papers from your hands and stacking them neatly on your desk. “I don’t need to be haunted by a dumbass.” “This dumbass just solved the case, how about some respect?” You huff, plopping down onto your bed with your eyes closed. “That’s yet to be seen, don’t get too ahead of yourself.” You wave your hand dismissively, peeking up at $him_L through one eye. “Uh huh. Just go make the arrest without this dumbass.” “Alright, I’m going. Don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone.” <<if $L is "Lucian">>His<<else>>Her<</if>> voice is gruff, but $he_L has a small smile on $his_L lips, one you’ve never seen before. It looked private… Wrong to see, especially on the face of someone you knew hardly trusted you at this point. $He_L shakes $his_L head once, auburn coils falling into $his_L face. $He_L tucks the strands behind $his_L ear as $he_L exits the room, leaving you to your current crisis. Somehow you managed to make it through the next few hours without thinking too much about that smile offered to you, electing to help your mom with the patients that filtered through your house. At dusk when you’re mumbling reassurances to Mr. Munteanu there’s a curt knock at your door and you just knew who it had to be. Before you could get up to confirm your suspicions, however, Irina was already opening the door, her familiar concerned frown ever present. “Oh, hello, ma’am.” $L’s voice was muffled, but still came clear to you. From what you can see, your mom immediately began to fret over $him_L, much to $his_L dismay, you’re sure. You give Nicholas a smile before moving toward the doorway. “I’m okay, no injuries this time- Oh, $name.” It’s so reminiscent of what happened only days before that you could feel a laugh bubbling in your chest. “Hey, Sunshine, need rescuing?” “Shut up.” $He_L said, but $his_L eyes spoke of $his_L gratitude. “I’ll take care of it, ma, no worries. Mr. Munteanu still needs you.” It’s only half-true, but it kicks Irina into gear, nonetheless. She hurries over to the man, a litany of apologies bursting from her as she flits around the room to gather supplies. $L glances fondly over at the injured man. “Nicholas again?” At your replying nod, $he_L breathes out a small laugh. “No wonder his <<if $Raz is "Erasmus">>son<<else>>daughter<</if>> needed to be a healer.” You smile, shaking your head. “That and $he_E’s just as bad as $his_E old man.” “Denisa really holds them together, huh?” “She’s a tough woman, what can I say?” You laugh, letting the door shut behind $L. You guide $him_L to your room, your shared laughter dying down. “How did the arrest go?” “Poor guy was too drunk to put up a fight by the time I found him.” A pause where $L shifts in uncharacteristic uncertainty. “I’m not sure if he was the right guy.” Stomach dropping, you swallow around the bile that seemed to rise at $L’s statement. “Why not?” “He had no money on him, everyone I talked to about his debts with them told me he hadn’t paid them back yet, and he was drunk off the most unpleasant swill. We’re talking about the lowest quality stuff the inn had to offer.” Counting the points off on $his_L fingers, expression growing more unsettled as $he_L went on, $he_L finally looked back at you. “Does that sound like a man who had just stolen valuable pieces from some of the richest people around?” “Fuck.” “Sounds about right to me.” $L grunted, sitting down on your bed. Stretching $his_L legs out, $he_L digs out a fairly sized pouch. “Here’s your cut.” Frozen. That’s the only word to really describe how you felt. Despite your best efforts, you were rooted in place by the door. “You don’t think it was him, but you still turned him in?” $L frowned, turning away from your piercing eyes. “I brought Andrei’s men with me to make the arrest. They didn’t want to listen to my doubts. I fucked up.” “So that’s it then? Some poor man just gets put away because of our mistake?” You mumble, finally finding it in yourself to move from your and to sit yourself heavily down on your bed. An uncomfortable silence fills the room, oppressive in its weight. Finally when it’s about to become too much, $L mutters, “We’ll figure something out, we always do,” and it’s enough for you to breathe again.<</if>><<if $invest_iii is "robinhood">>When $L returns the next morning, a pouch filled with clinking coins in hand, you go over your theory, carefully explaining your thoughts to $him_L as $he_L splits up the pay. “So… We’ve narrowed it, what? Customer service and mercs?” “It’s something.” You point out, removing the papers from your wall. “It’s not enough.” rebuted $L, standing up from your desk to help you with the clean-up. “You know Baron Andrei will want nothing less than an arrest, $name. It’s a fine theory, but it won’t get us far.” “That's all I got, $L.” Frowning, you set the papers down to face $him_L. “I can’t pull a culprit out of nowhere, Sunshine.” “There’s got to be something. There’s always //something//.” You groan, knowing $he_L’s right. “I’ve looked at the reports. There’s nothing.” $L reaches out a calming hand, holding your shoulder gently. <<cycle "$touch_i" autoselect>> <<option "You relax into the touch, shutting your eyes.">> <<option "You stiffen, but don’t move away from the touch.">> <<option "You take a step back, an unknown feeling of repulsion rising in your throat.">><</cycle>> “I know. I trust you. I’ll follow your guidelines and do some recon. I’ll be back when I’ve got something, okay?” “Okay.” You nod, watching as $L leaves once more. You set out to help your mother with her work while you wait. The skies are transitioning from oranges and golds to dusty purple when there’s finally a knock at the door, a short one-two pattern. Irina is to the door before you could even stand from where you sat beside Mr. Munteanu, who had taken a nasty fall. “Oh, hello, ma’am.” You hear $L’s breathlessly grunt out. You smile as gently as you can at Mr. Munteanu before walking over to the door, where your mom fretted over $L who’s sporting a busted lip. “It’s honestly nothing, don’t worry- Oh, $name.” It’s so reminiscent of what happened only days before that you could feel a laugh bubbling in your chest. “Hey, Sunshine, need rescuing?” “Shut up.” $He_L said, but $his_L eyes spoke of $his_L gratitude. “I’ll take care of it, ma, no worries. Mr. Munteanu still needs you.” It’s only half-true, but it kicks Irina into gear, nonetheless. She hurries over to the man, a litany of apologies bursting from her as she flits around the room to gather supplies. $L glances fondly over at the injured man. “Nicholas again?” At your replying nod, $he_L breathes out a small laugh. “No wonder his <<if $Raz is "Erasmus">>son<<else>>daughter<</if>> needed to be a healer.” You smile, shaking your head. “That and $he_E’s just as bad as $his_E old man.” “Denisa really holds them together, huh?” “She’s a tough woman, what can I say?” You laugh, letting the door shut behind $L. You guide $him_L to your room, your shared laughter dying down. “How did the arrest go?” “You can see how it went.” $L shrugged, gesturing to $his_L bloody lip. You squint, reaching blindly over to your desk for your little kit Irina made for you. You pull out a bit of clean cloth, gently dabbing at your partner’s lip, frowning at the silvery skin revealed under the cut. “At least it won’t make a new scar?” You try, raising a brow at $him_L. “Wow. Amazing.” $He_L deadpans, staring blankly at the wall behind you. “Just trying to be positive.” You mumble, tossing away the cloth. “If you’re going to let that heal naturally-” “Salt water, I know. Not my first time, obviously,” grunted $L, shifting away as $he_L digs into $his_L pocket. “Here’s your cut.” It’s a fairly small bag, causing you to frown. “That bad, huh?” $L grunts once more, $his_L annoyance becoming more clear with each passing second. “Andrei cut the pay for starting a scene and failing to get a confession. Not that he needs one, the bastard just wanted a reason to spend less on the matter.” “No confession?” You frown, plopping down onto your bed. “Nope,” comes the reply after $L sits $himself_L next to you. “You still think we got the right guy?” You ask gently, something in your chest twinging at the idea of putting away the wrong person. //Probably projection.// $L shrugs, eyeing you carefully. “I followed your guide carefully, narrowed it down to my best ability. He denied it, but he had an absurd amount of money on his person for someone who worked as a cook at the inn.” You scratch the skin just below your ear, processing. “That… Is suspicious, but it could’ve been saved over time.” “300 lea on his person, $name. I can understand one hundred or something, but 300? Was he going to buy a house?” $L scoffed. “Okay… Yeah, maybe you’re right.”<</if>><<if $invest_iii is "correct">>When $L returns, a pouch filled with clinking coins in hand, you go over your theory, carefully explaining your thoughts to $him_L as $he_L splits up the pay. “So… It's either Ronan, Aleksander, or Terika?” “That’s the conclusion I came to.” You reply, pulling down the papers on your walls. “It’s… A good one.” $L admits, finally standing from your desk, moving closer to help with the clean up. “With any luck, I’ll be back tomorrow with the pay from this job. Good work, $name.” “Wow, a compliment?” You tease, tossing $him_L a pleased smile. “Is it my birthday?” “Shut the fuck up.” $L huffs, lips twitching. $He_L eyes you from $his_L peripherals as $he_L softly says, “You deserve to know when you do well.” Your smile widens a little. “Thanks, partner.” $He_L hums, nodding, eyes firmly on $his_L tasks as you both fall into companionable silence. When the last of the pages are down, $L sets them on your desk in a neat pile, tapping a finger twice against the paper before turning away from it. “I should head out and make an arrest then.” “Probably. Might get paid extra if we catch her before she can strike again.” “Right, maybe. Doubt it, but we’ll see.” $L shrugged, moving towards the door. $He_L pauses, hand on the doorknob. With a familiar smile, $he_L glances over $his_L shoulder at you. “Once again, good job, $name.” //Praised twice by $L in ten minutes…// You feel warm as $he_L leaves, riding the high of the compliments as you help Irina with patients. When Nicholas Munteanu limps in explaining the nasty fall he took it was dusk, you begin to worry that there might’ve been a complication with Terika’s arrest. As you reassure Mr. Munteanu, you can’t help the turns your mind took. When a curt knock sounds at your door you perk up, but when you look Irina has already beaten you to it. “Oh, hello, ma’am.” You hear $L’s breathlessly grunt out. You smile as gently as you can at Mr. Munteanu before walking over to the door, where your mom fretted over $L who didn’t exactly look the best, vessels in $his_L eyes had burst, leaving the whites streaked red. “It’s honestly nothing, don’t worry- Oh, $name.” It’s so reminiscent of what happened only days before that you could feel a laugh bubbling in your chest. “Hey, Sunshine, need rescuing?” “Shut up.” $He_L said, but $his_L reddened eyes spoke of $his_L gratitude. “I’ll take care of it, ma, no worries. Mr. Munteanu still needs you.” It’s only half-true, but it kicks Irina into gear, nonetheless. She hurries over to the man, a litany of apologies bursting from her as she flits around the room to gather supplies. $L glances fondly over at the injured man. “Nicholas again?” At your replying nod, $he_L breathes out a small laugh. “No wonder his <<if $Raz is "Erasmus">>son<<else>>daughter<</if>> needed to be a healer.” You smile, shaking your head. “That and $he_E’s just as bad as $his_E old man.” “Denisa really holds them together, huh?” “She’s a tough woman, what can I say?” You laugh, letting the door shut behind $L. You guide $him_L to your room, your shared laughter dying down. “How did the arrest go?” “You can see how it went.” $L shrugged, gesturing to $his_L eyes. “What happened?” You ask, leading $him_L to your bed, knowing there’s really nothing you could do for $him_L. “Were you choked?” $L shrugs, rubbing at $his_L throat. “Kind of. Waik user, took the air out of my lungs when I asked about Terika.” “Waik being used like that is kind of…” “Ingenious? It’s okay, I thought the same.” $L sighed, but immediately it devolved into a coughing fit. A painful one by the sounds of it. You frown, sitting down next to $him_L, waiting out the fit. “But otherwise, you got them, right?” $L nods, taking out a sizable pouch of coins. “‘Course I did. She even confessed…” “She? So it was Terika, then?" $L nodded, looking more troubled by the second. "What is it?” “It’s nothing.” You scoff. “I don’t believe that for a second, Sunshine. You don’t look like you got a good pay out for a job.” There’s a pregnant pause where $L seems to consider $his_L words. “It didn’t feel good to turn her in. The baron didn’t do his job and she was just hurt. She wanted to make a point.” “I know, $L, but-” “A job’s a job, I know. Just wish it wasn’t always the rich using us as a weapon against people they’ve wronged.” $He_L huffs. “I know, $L.” You sigh.<</if>><<if $mission_route is "interview">>Under normal circumstances, you would simply arrest her yourself, but if this turned south, Irina would kick your ass for putting yourself at risk while injured. Maybe the you in the past would first consider grabbing a few of the baron’s men, but you have more sense now. You know you needed to grab $L to ensure proper payment, which meant you had to wait for $him_L to return from $his_L current contract. You return home and make note of your findings during your interviews. Hopefully, it’ll be enough for $him_L. You return home and in the morning when the recognizable curt knock comes, you shoot past Irina, ignoring her protests in favor of letting $L in. $He_L fiddles with a pouch filled with clinking coins while you go over your theory, carefully explaining your findings to $him_L. “So… Terika, the barmaid is the culprit?” “That’s the conclusion I came to.” You reply, taking the bag from $him_L to split the pay. “You did… a good job.” $L admits, taking $his_L share and tucking it away. “With any luck, I’ll be back tonight with the pay from this job. Good work, $name.” “Wow, a compliment?” You tease, tossing $him_L a pleased smile. “Is it my birthday?” “Shut the fuck up.” $L huffs, lips twitching. $He_L eyes you from $his_L peripherals as $he_L softly says, “You deserve to know when you do well.” Your smile widens a little. “Thanks, partner.” $He_L hums, nodding, stretching as $he_L stood. “I should head out and make the arrest then.” “Probably. Might get paid extra if we catch her before she can strike again.” “Right, maybe. Doubt it, but we’ll see.” $L shrugged, moving towards the door. $He_L pauses, hand on the doorknob. With a familiar smile, $he_L glances over $his_L shoulder at you. “Once again, you did well, $name.” //Praised twice by $L in ten minutes…// You feel warm as $he_L leaves, riding the high of the compliments as you help Irina with patients. When Nicholas Munteanu limps in explaining the nasty fall he took it was dusk, you begin to worry that there might’ve been a complication with Terika’s arrest. As you reassure Mr. Munteanu, you can’t help the turns your mind took. When a curt knock sounds at your door you perk up, but when you look Irina has already beaten you to it. “Oh, hello, ma’am.” You hear $L’s breathlessly grunt out. You smile as gently as you can at Mr. Munteanu before walking over to the door, where your mom fretted over $L who didn’t exactly look the best, vessels in $his_L eyes had burst, leaving the whites streaked red. “It’s honestly nothing, don’t worry- Oh, $name.” It’s so reminiscent of what happened only days before that you could feel a laugh bubbling in your chest. “Hey, Sunshine, need rescuing?” “Shut up.” $He_L said, but $his_L reddened eyes spoke of $his_L gratitude. “I’ll take care of it, ma, no worries. Mr. Munteanu still needs you.” It’s only half-true, but it kicks Irina into gear, nonetheless. She hurries over to the man, a litany of apologies bursting from her as she flits around the room to gather supplies. $L glances fondly over at the injured man. “Nicholas again?” At your replying nod, $he_L breathes out a small laugh. “No wonder his <<if $Raz is "Erasmus">>son<<else>>daughter<</if>> needed to be a healer.” You smile, shaking your head. “That and $he_E’s just as bad as $his_E old man.” “Denisa really holds them together, huh?” “She’s a tough woman, what can I say?” You laugh, letting the door shut behind $L. You guide $him_L to your room, your shared laughter dying down. “How did the arrest go?” “You can see how it went.” $L shrugged, gesturing to $his_L eyes. “What happened?” You ask, leading $him_L to your bed, knowing there’s really nothing you could do for $him_L. “Were you choked?” $L shrugs, rubbing at $his_L throat. “Kind of. Waik user, took the air out of my lungs when I asked about Terika.” “Ah, so Byrni didn't take nicely to Terika's arrest.” “Can't say I wouldn't do the same for people I care for. Using waik like that was ingenious.” $L sighed, but immediately it devolved into a coughing fit. A painful one by the sounds of it. You frown, sitting down next to $him_L, waiting out the fit. “But otherwise, you got Terika, right?” $L nods, taking out a sizable pouch of coins. “‘Course I did. She even confessed…” “What is it?” “It’s nothing.” You scoff. “I don’t believe that for a second, Sunshine. You don’t look like you got a good pay out for a job.” There’s a pregnant pause where $L seems to consider $his_L words. “It didn’t feel good to turn her in. The baron didn’t do his job and she was just hurt. She wanted to make a point.” “I know, $L, but-” “A job’s a job, I know. Just wish it wasn’t always the rich using us as a weapon against people they’ve wronged.” $He_L huffs. “I know, $L.” You sigh.<</if>> $L stays around for only a few more minutes before vaguely mentioning something $he_L needed to do to excuse $himself_L. Irina peeks her head in moments after you hear the front door open and close. “Hey, hon. Everything okay?” The words are soft and there’s a wrinkle between her brows. Her type of purity was a rare thing and sometimes it just //hurt//. “A little complication with the arrest, but I don’t believe there’s any permanent damage.” “Good… Yeah, good.” She sighs, sitting down beside you in a careful manner. “And what about you, $name?” “What about me?” You raise a brow, turning towards her. “How are you feeling?” She clarified patiently. “I’m… okay? Feel a bit stiff, but no pain.” You stretch out your arms, wincing at the pulling, but thankfully it was without protest from your ribs. She beams, clapping her hands once. “Good! If you’re still fine in two days, I’ll fully sign off, okay? I know you must’ve been getting a bit stir-crazy, dear.” Instead of agreeing or denying the assertion, you simply reply, “Thanks.” <<link "Continue" "1.17">><<set $money += 140>><</link>>

<<if $cast_select ==1>> <<link "Yoshiko- she/her" "Cast Select">><<set $They_Y to "She">><<set $they_Y to "she">><<set $plural_Y to false>><<set $Yo to "Yoshiko">><<set $them_Y to "her">><<set $themselves_Y to "herself">><<set $their_Y to "her">><<set $theirs_Y to "hers">><<set $cast_select += 1>><</link>> <<link "Yoshiaki- he/him" "Cast Select">><<set $They_Y to "He">><<set $they_Y to "he">><<set $plural_Y to false>><<set $Yo to "Yoshiaki">><<set $them_Y to "him">><<set $themselves_Y to "himself">><<set $their_Y to "his">><<set $theirs_Y to "his">><<set $cast_select += 1>><</link>> <<link "Yoru- they/them" "Cast Select">><<set $They_Y to "They">><<set $they_Y to "they">><<set $plural_Y to true>><<set $Yo to "Yoru">><<set $them_Y to "them">><<set $themselves_Y to "themself">><<set $their_Y to "their">><<set $theirs_Y to "theirs">><<set $cast_select += 1>><</link>><</if>><<if $cast_select == 2>><<link "Catherine- she/her" "Cast Select">><<set $he_C to "she">><<set $Inima to "Catherine">><<set $He_C to "She">><<set $him_C to "her">><<set $his_C to "her">><<set $hers_C to "hers">><<set $himself_C to "herself">><<set $royalty to "princess">><<set $Royalty to "Princess">><<set $cast_select += 1>><</link>> <<link "Caspian- he/him" "Cast Select">><<set $he_C to "he">><<set $Inima to "Caspian">><<set $He_C to "He">><<set $him_C to "him">><<set $his_C to "his">><<set $hers_C to "his">><<set $himself_C to "himself">><<set $royalty to "prince">><<set $Royalty to "Prince">><<set $cast_select += 1>><</link>><</if>><<if $cast_select ==3>> <<link "Erasma- she/her" "Cast Select">><<set $he_E to "she">><<set $Raz to "Erasma">><<set $He_E to "She">><<set $him_E to "her">><<set $his_E to "her">><<set $hers_E to "hers">><<set $himself_E to "herself">><<set $cast_select += 1>><</link>> <<link "Erasmus- he/him" "Cast Select">><<set $he_E to "he">><<set $Raz to "Erasmus">><<set $He_E to "He">><<set $him_E to "him">><<set $his_E to "his">><<set $hers_E to "his">><<set $himself_L to "himself">><<set $cast_select += 1>><</link>><</if>><<if $cast_select ==4>><<link "Marilena- she/her" "Cast Select">><<set $he_M to "she">><<set $Mari to "Marilena">><<set $He_M to "She">><<set $him_M to "her">><<set $his_M to "her">><<set $hers_M to "hers">><<set $himself_M to "herself">><<set $cast_select += 1>><</link>> <<link "Marian- he/him" "Cast Select">><<set $he_M to "he">><<set $Mari to "Marian">><<set $He_M to "He">><<set $him_M to "him">><<set $his_M to "his">><<set $hers_M to "his">><<set $himself_M to "himself">><<set $cast_select += 1>><</link>><</if>><<if $cast_select ==5>><<link "Zenona- she/her" "Cast Select">><<set $They_Z to "She">><<set $they_Z to "she">><<set $plural_Z to false>><<set $Z to "Zenona">><<set $them_Z to "her">><<set $themselves_Z to "herself">><<set $their_Z to "her">><<set $theirs_Z to "hers">><<set $cast_select += 1>><</link>> <<link "Zenon- he/him" "Cast Select">><<set $They_Z to "He">><<set $they_Z to "he">><<set $plural_Z to false>><<set $Z to "Zenon">><<set $them_Z to "him">><<set $themselves_Z to "himself">><<set $their_Z to "his">><<set $theirs_Z to "his">><<set $cast_select += 1>><</link>> <<link "Zen- they/them" "Cast Select">><<set $They_Z to "They">><<set $they_Z to "they">><<set $plural_Z to true>><<set $Z to "Zen">><<set $them_Z to "them">><<set $themselves_Z to "themself">><<set $their_Z to "their">><<set $theirs_Z to "theirs">><<set $cast_select += 1>><</link>><</if>><<if $cast_select ==6>><<link "Laine- she/her" "Check">><<set $he_L to "she">><<set $L to "Laine">><<set $He_L to "She">><<set $him_L to "her">><<set $his_L to "her">><<set $hers_L to "hers">><<set $himself_L to "herself">><<set $dad_L to "mom">><<set $Dad_L to "Mom">><</link>> <<link "Lucian- he/him" "Check">><<set $he_L to "he">><<set $L to "Lucian">><<set $He_L to "He">><<set $him_L to "him">><<set $his_L to "his">><<set $hers_L to "his">><<set $himself_L to "himself">><<set $dad_L to "dad">><<set $Dad_L to "Dad">><</link>><</if>>

<<set $return to "1.18">><<if $choice_v is "genuine">>$L freezes for a moment, squinting at your face. “Thanks…” $He_L says slowly, visibly relaxing. “Whatever it is, be careful, okay?” <<if $L is "Lucian">>His<<else>>Her<</if>> brows furrow, looking away. “Got it. Don’t worry about it.” You hum, <<cycle "$nervous_habit" autoselect>> <<option "fiddling with the fabric of your <<if $shirt is true>>bottoms<<else>>dress<</if>>.">> <<option "playing with your hair.">> <<option "tapping your foot lightly.">> <<option "bouncing your knee.">> <<option "tapping your fingers to an unknown rhythm.">> <<option "picking absently at the skin of your lips.">><</cycle>> “So we’ll meet in Detca then?” “Yeah, I’ll be at Aurum’s on-board building. I’ll reserve you a room near mine.” $L stands, smoothing out $his_L pants. “Thanks, Sunshine.” This $L, this version of $him_L with fewer scars and a wild temperament, felt familiar and yet $he_L wasn’t at all the person you had spent a decade with, but slowly, that was starting to feel okay. Or maybe not even that. You had grown used to it in the past few weeks. Not that you had the right to complain. This $L who you had to figure out again was much better than <<if $tortured is true>>the broken and bruised $L you had watched be taken away. //$L is dead. I think they’ve been dead for a while now.// Nothing matched the pain that came from $Yo’s words.<<else>>a dead $L. Nothing could quite match the pain of finding out your partner was dead, when coming out of a numb headspace.<</if>> $L hums, breaking you out of your spiralling thoughts. “Just be safe making your way to Detca.” “No promises.” You reply out of habit, only processing the words as $L groans. “If you get into a fight in the middle of nowhere, then that’s not my problem.” “But we’re partners.” You drawl out, a teasing smile on your lips. “I don’t claim responsibility past any contracts.” Though the words were harsh, there was that hint of amusement ghosting $L’s features once more. You scoff, but $L doesn’t allow for further discussion, giving a salute before backing out of the room.<</if>><<if $choice_v is "gentle">>$L freezes, eyebrows pulling in as $he_L stares blankly at you. It takes $him_L a few moments to finally mumble out, “Thanks,” while turning to stare at the wall behind you. “Anytime, Sunshine.” You offer $him_L a small smile. $He_L grunts, tugging gently at $his_L hair. “You don’t need to worry about me, $name.” “Maybe, but I’ll worry anyways, I think.” $L huffs, but doesn’t say anymore. Your eyebrows furrow a bit, <<cycle "$nervous_habit" autoselect>> <<option "fiddling with the fabric of your <<if $shirt is true>>bottoms<<else>>dress<</if>>.">> <<option "playing with your hair.">> <<option "tapping your foot lightly.">> <<option "bouncing your knee.">> <<option "tapping your fingers to an unknown rhythm.">> <<option "picking absently at the skin of your lips.">><</cycle>> “So we’ll meet in Detca then?” “Yeah, I’ll be at Aurum’s on-board building. I’ll reserve you a room near mine.” $L stands, smoothing out $his_L pants. “Thanks, Sunshine.” This $L, this version of $him_L with fewer scars and a wild temperament, felt familiar and yet $he_L wasn’t at all the person you had spent a decade with, but slowly, that was starting to feel okay. Or maybe not even that. You had grown used to it in the past few weeks. Not that you had the right to complain. This $L who you had to figure out again was much better than <<if $tortured is true>>the broken and bruised $L you had watched be taken away. //$L is dead. I think they’ve been dead for a while now.// Nothing matched the pain that came from $Yo’s words.<<else>>a dead $L. Nothing could quite match the pain of finding out your partner was dead, when coming out of a numb headspace.<</if>> $L hums, breaking you out of your spiralling thoughts. “Just be safe making your way to Detca.” “No promises.” You reply out of habit, only processing the words as $L groans. “If you get into a fight in the middle of nowhere, then that’s not my problem.” “But we’re partners.” You drawl out, a teasing smile on your lips. “I don’t claim responsibility past any contracts.” Though the words were harsh, there was that hint of amusement ghosting $L’s features once more. You scoff, but $L doesn’t allow for further discussion, giving a salute before backing out of the room.<</if>><<if $choice_v is "curt">>“It’s fine.” $L waved a dismissive hand, eyeing you critically. “Anyways, I’ll meet you there. I’ll reserve a room near mine, okay?” You nod, muttering a quick, “Got it, thanks.” $L grimaces, standing from $his_L spot. “I’ll get going now. Travel safely.” “Of course.” You wave to $him_L as $he_L leaves, plopping back onto your bed as soon as the door shuts behind $him_L. Sometimes you forgot that this was no longer //your// $L. This was the wild and temperamental $L of your youth. Someone so familiar and yet so completely alien. Navigating this new (and old) dynamic is proving to be a massive pain in your ass. Not that you had the right to complain. This $L who you had to figure out again was much better than <<if $tortured is true>>the broken and bruised $L you had watched be taken away. //$L is dead. I think they’ve been dead for a while now.// Nothing matched the pain that came from $Yo’s words.<<else>>a dead $L. Nothing could quite match the pain of finding out your partner was dead, when coming out of a numb headspace.<</if>><</if>><<if $choice_v is "curious">>$L scowls. “Yeah and not your business, so it doesn’t matter.” You raise your hands in surrender. “I was just concerned. As your partner.” You prompted. $L stood, glaring down at you as $he_L snaps, “Just because I work with you, doesn’t mean you have full access to everything about me. Sometimes you need to know when to leave things alone, $name.” //Definitely pissed $him_L off.// You lie back after $he_L storms out, thinking back to the cold personality you had been used to for a while. You could say with no uncertain terms that you and $L weren’t close at the time of your execution, but even then whenever $L got angry, $he_L never snapped at you. $He_L’d give you an icy glare or an exasperated sigh, and continue on. It wasn’t exactly easy to connect that $L to this one who’s all temperamental and flighty. Not that you had the right to complain. This $L who you had to figure out again was much better than <<if $tortured is true>>the broken and bruised $L you had watched be taken away. //$L is dead. I think they’ve been dead for a while now.// Nothing matched the pain that came from $Yo’s words.<<else>>a dead $L. Nothing could quite match the pain of finding out your partner was dead, when coming out of a numb headspace.<</if>><</if>><<if $choice_v is "manipulate">>$L stiffens, eyes glinting dangerously. “It’s not as simple as you’d like to hope. I trust you with my life, but I don’t know if I would trust you with my secrets.” You frown, feeling a wave of frustration rising. “I would trust you with my secrets.” $L’s expression only darkens at the protest. “Is it my obligation to trust you because you ‘trust’ me? Is it my fault you expected to be trusted just because you decided to trust me? Be realistic, $name. We work well together, but don’t cross any lines.” “How can we work together if you don’t trust me?” You argued, glaring back at $L. “Trust is good, but not entirely necessary. I work well with even Anton.” If nothing else, those words certainly felt like a slap to the face. “$L-” “Don’t. I’ll see you in Detca.” With that, $L was gone like $he_L was never there in the first place. //$He_L probably won’t want to see me right away in Detca now.// You lie back, thinking back to the cold personality you had been used to for a while. You could say with no uncertain terms that you and $L weren’t close at the time of your execution, but even then whenever $L got angry, $he_L never snapped at you. $He_L’d give you an icy glare or an exasperated sigh, and continue on. It wasn’t exactly easy to connect that $L to this one who’s all temperamental and flighty. Not that you had the right to complain. This $L who you had to figure out again was much better than <<if $tortured is true>>the broken and bruised $L you had watched be taken away. //$L is dead. I think they’ve been dead for a while now.// Nothing matched the pain that came from $Yo’s words.<<else>>a dead $L. Nothing could quite match the pain of finding out your partner was dead, when coming out of a numb headspace.<</if>><</if>> Before you could linger on $L’s private matter for too long, you decide to pack for your time in Detca, trying not to focus too hard on the fact you would be near the man who sold you out and the place you had died. Turns out thinking about not thinking about something… Made you think about it more. There was something… Visceral about returning to the capital, where some of your worst memories took place. It has been nearly a month since you had come back and yet your memories from before that accursed mission were hazy. You could recall Thena’s icy smile as though they were still before you, but other things felt fuzzy, off-kilter in your head. Not that it truly mattered, but for some reason, you couldn’t move past trying to recall the face of the knight who helped you to the trial. <<link "No closer to the answer, you finish packing with the slightest tremor in your hands." "1.19">><<set $money -= 50>><</link>>

<<set $return to "1.17">><<set $choice_v to "">>On the promised day, Irina finally agrees that you’ve fully recovered, but only after making sure you had full range of motion without any sort of discomfort. When she almost demanded for you to take more time off at the sight of a wince from bending a bit too far back, you reassure her it’s only from disuse and not from your injury persisting. She begrudgingly let it go, but only after you promised to rest if it became too much. $L came to visit shortly after Irina’s examination, asking after your condition. “She’s given me her official approval.” You announce when $he_L enters your room, having heard the short muted conversation between $him_L and Irina. “I heard, that’s why I want to talk to you.” $L moves to your desk, carefully placing $himself_L in the chair so that $he_L still faces you. Crossing $his_L arms and settling back, $he_L begins, “Now that you’ve healed, I was thinking that we should go to Detca. I know you don’t like leaving Irina for long, but it would be good to get better contracts and to check in with Anton.” “Check in with Anton, huh?” You sigh, looking away as you try to ignore the rising anger in your chest. You had become too comfortable settling into the lull of life in Sinaia, but at the mention of your employer… The thought of seeing him again, after knowing that he would sell you out despite your best efforts. $L frowns, untucking $his_L arms as $he_L leans forward. “Did something happen between you and him? You seem… Angry with him.” “He’s an ass.” You shrug to emphasize your half-truth answer. “He’s always been an ass, but it’s never bothered you like this before.” You know $he_L has a point, but it also makes it much harder to lie to $him_L. “He’s come off as more of a scumbag recently.” “Nothing specifically, though?” The worry in $his_L voice was palpable, which was touching even though you knew it was more about $L’s disdain for Anton than anything else. You reply in halting words, unable to quite meet the hazel gaze drilling into you. “Do you ever feel like Anton would gladly sell any of us out for a bit of profit?” “Of course.” $L replied without hesitation. “He’s a man whose only desire is money, I have never doubted that. Is that what this is about? You’re worried he will sell you out?” You shrug, brows turning inward. “Don’t you think we deserve better than that?” “Sure, but we don’t have many options, do we? It’s not like Catina would welcome some of Anton’s men.” “We don’t really need a guild, do we?” $L shakes $his_L head. “Technically, no, but we don’t have the connections that Catina or Anton have. There’s a reason why any merc worth anything is either in a guild or owns a guild.” You sigh heavily, tapping a finger on your thigh. “When we have the chance, we should leave Anton.” “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, but for now: Detca? You’re in, right?” “Sure.” Not like you could avoid it forever. “When are we leaving?” “Ah.” $L looks away, tugging at a piece of hair. “I’ll be leaving on my own tonight. I need to take care of something.” “I can’t come with?” “No.” $He_L replies quickly, eyes flashing over to your face, but leaving just as rapidly. “It’s a private matter. Nothing to concern yourself with, $name.” <<link "'Okay, sorry about pushing. Good luck with that.' You reply genuinely." "1.18">><<set $choice_v to "genuine">><<set $trust_L += 4>><<set $habit to true>><</link>> <<link "'Okay, but… If you need help, you know where to find me,' softly you speak." "1.18">><<set $choice_v to "gentle">><<set $trust_L += 5>><<set $habit to true>><</link>> <<link "'Sorry.' You reply curtly, understanding the need for privacy." "1.18">><<set $choice_v to "curt">><<set $trust_L += 1>><</link>> <<link "'Private matter? That’s new.' You raise a brow." "1.18">><<set $choice_v to "curious">><<set $trust_L -= 2>><</link>> <<link "'You know you can trust me, though.' You reply gently, curiosity flashing in your eyes." "1.18">><<set $choice_v to "manipulate">><<set $trust_L -= 5>><</link>>

<<set $return to "1.19">><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Autosaved<</notify>><</if>>You depart right after noon the very next day, leaving Irina some coins just in case. The traversal isn’t too bad, but you do find yourself in need of rest after five hours, wishing you had been reborn in the years //after// waik transportation had been founded. The inn you stayed at was nice. Not too extravagant and expensive, but it was quiet and the rooms were kept clean. It was worth more than the 5 coins it costed, but you weren’t about to tell the innkeep that. In total, it took three days to get to Detca. Had you been in proper shape, it might’ve taken only two, but you could only push yourself so far in the state you were in. //Definitely need to do endurance building.// The last stretch before Detca rose from the horizon was surprisingly (and thankfully) flat. You stretch a little as you walk, trying to ignore both the tingle of relief in your spine and the fist of dread settling in your stomach. Emotions were simply too much to stand sometimes. They pulled you in and dragged you under. They were always something you struggled with to a degree, but it had gotten so much worse since your return. “Are you lost?” You jump, twisting towards the sound of the voice, just barely refraining from grabbing your dagger from its place on your $dagger_placement. “What?” The stranger- a knight, you realized belatedly- raised their hands placatingly. “You sort of seemed confused. Or dazed, I guess. Do you need help finding something?” You relax slightly, looking around. At some point, you had actually entered the capital. You frown at the realization. “Ah… I got a bit distracted, but I’m okay. I’m familiar with the city.” The knight lowers their hands, chuckling softly before stage-whispering, “That’s good then. I’m afraid I’m terrible at giving directions anyways.” You exhale in a semblance of a laugh, already calculating where you needed to go to reach the guild. “I pray for the lost soul that stumbles into you, then.” They snort, nodding. “They’re going to need a //lot// of prayers to help if I’m the one leading them around. Anyways, have a good day now.” “You too.” You reply quickly, offering a friendly-enough nod of farewell. //Well, at least it was a good knight…// You reassure yourself, wiping your sweaty palms against your clothing. You speed towards the nearest alley, on what should be the fastest route to Aurum Guard. It should be a nice and easy walk straight to the on-board building. “-your place, Kontos.” <<link "But of course, nothing could be easy." "1.20">><</link>>

<<set $return to "1.20">><<set $choice_vi to "">>At this point, you were sure the Euan thought of you as their personal entertainment. A venomous laugh bounces of the alley’s walls. “Learn //my// place? Maybe if you’d mind your own business-” “It becomes all of our business when //you can’t do your fucking job//-” You peak around the corner just in time to see a slight figure dressed in black launch themselves at the much more imposing group of men. It was brave, for sure, but also unbelievably stupid. And absolutely in character for $them_Z. Despite being outclassed and outnumbered, $they_Z held out on $their_Z own fairly well, striking quickly and dancing out of $their_Z opponents reach; however, a fight needs to be won quickly to avoid your opponents learning your moves. No matter how good a fighter, taking three on one was nearly impossible when you were so severely outmatched. When the three got their heads on straight, it was hard to watch the lone fighter get cornered. <<link "Sneak up on them and give the lone fighter the advantage $they_Z need<<s_Z>> to regain $their_Z footing." "1.21">><<set $choice_vi to "sneak">><<set $trust_Z +=3>><</link>> <<link "Not your problem, honestly; however, it might be interesting to see." "1.21">><<set $choice_vi to "watch">><</link>>

<<set $return to "1.21">><<if $choice_vi is "sneak">>You keep your steps light, hyperaware of the little scraping noises of your feet against the gravel. You clench your jaw, eyes glued on the figures before you, but so far they haven’t noticed your presence, nor have they escalated to assaulting the other. Yet. When you’re close enough, you peek between the two in front of you to make eye contact with the loner, whose eyes flashed with shock. You tilt your head towards the other one out of your reach, raising a questioning brow. <<if $Z is "Zen">>Their<<elseif $Z is "Zenona">>Her<<else>>His<</if>> lips thin, but $they_Z give<<s_Z>> an infinitesimal nod. You take in a deep breath, holding it for a moment before striking out- planting your foot into the back of one’s knees, using the momentum to latch onto the back of the other’s shirt, yanking him back before he could strike out. He didn’t fall over, unfortunately, but he did stumble, costing him a precious moment to regain his balance. In that moment, you move yourself to put the man you had kicked between the other, gripping the strands of his hair and yanking him forward to meet the brunt of your knee. You elect to ignore the crunch of his nose, glancing to check on your temporary partner. Everything seemed okay on $their_Z part, considering $they_Z had $their_Z opponent in a chokehold and he was slowly going limp. “Who the fuck are you?” The last man growled out, eyes glued to you. “Me?” You laugh, tossing a look over at the loner as $they_Z finally released the unconscious body and got up. “I’m just a friend.” The loner scoffs, but the man simply sneers at $them_Z. “You seriously needed to get //back up//, Kontos?” “I didn’t-” $They_Z begin<<s_Z>> to protest, glaring at you. “Whatever. I’ll be sure to let Catina know of your insubordination.” With one last look at the two incapacitated men, he storms away. “We’re just going to let him go, huh? Didn’t think- Oof.” You grunt as you find yourself shoved against the wall, a sharp sting at your neck. “What the fuck are you doing here, $name?” Bright green anger was all you could see for a moment, the black eye makeup smeared around them only working to make them look brighter. “Saving you, apparently.” The pressure against your neck increases, but you note that the stinging doesn’t. At least $they_Z <<were_Z>> not trying to kill you, yet. “I just got here when you launched yourself at them.” “I don’t need to be saved. Not by //you//.” “Ouch, such animosity.” “Shut //up//.” $They_Z growl<<s_Z>>. “Must we always fight? I literally just helped you.” You point out. $They_Z huff, glancing back at the the men’s bodies. “Fine. I’m not going to thank you, though.” $They_Z release<<s_Z>> you, tucking $their_Z dagger into the sheath strapped to $their_Z thigh. You rub your throat, smiling slyly. “That’s okay, I know what you mean, Kontos.” $They_Z pinch<<es_Z>> the bridge of $their_Z nose, clenching $their_Z eyes shut. “Is it really so hard to call me by my name? Or are you so dim that you’ve forgotten what it is?” “Or maybe you’re so forgettable that it never stuck.” You shrug, not mentioning that you, of course, knew $their_Z name. Their eyes snap open, the full force of their glare resting upon you once more. “Why do I even bother with you?” You raise your hands in surrender, shit-eating grin on your face. “Hey, just kidding. Can’t forget my self-proclaimed enemy, can I, $Z?”<</if>><<if $choice_vi is "watch">>Though it was hard to watch, it didn’t mean it was your responsibility to deal with it. In fact, you could argue that the loner would be more displeased at your interference. You watch from your spot as the three men belittle the loner, the main man who had been the one to speak before, had $them_Z pinned against the wall, hand wrapped around the slighter’s throat in a so-so sort of way- more of a threat than an actual assault. A promise of what’s to come, perhaps. “We’ll be sure to let Catina know about your behavior, Kontos.” He sneers, shoving $them_Z back against the wall before storming off with his goons. The sound of $their_Z skull against the wall of the building made you wince, a sympathy twinge shooting through the back of your own head. You watch as $they_Z slide<<s_Z>> down the wall and bury $their_Z face into $their_Z knees. Taking $their_Z distraction as your chance to sneak forward and continue on your way to the guild, you step out from the corner, focused on the alley adjacent to you, only just barely managing to duck at the sudden sense of danger and when you hear the solid thunk above you, you know it’s not a false alarm. You snap your head towards the loner to find $their_Z bright green eyes boring into you, black eye makeup smeared and dripping more from tears. “$name?” $They_Z ask<<s_Z>>, disbelief evident in $their_Z tone as well as expression. You stand back up, pulling the dagger out of the wall where your shoulders had been, tossing it back at the feet of the other. Offering a strained smile, you reply, “Hey, $Z, I think you lost your knife.”<</if>> <<link "Continue" "2.0">><</link>> <<if $past_moral is "The kind you both hated originally.">><<set $morals += 3>> <<elseif $past_moral is "The kind $he_L hated, but you didn't mind; money was money.">><<set $morals +=1>> <<elseif $past_moral is "The kind $he_L hated, but you liked; the challenge made them exciting.">><<set $morals -=1>> <<elseif $past_moral is "The kind $he_L hated, but you liked; some people just //deserved// it.">><<set $morals -=2>> <<else>><<set $morals -=3>><</if>><<if $mindset is "You shudder at the memory, disgusted by your actions.">><<set $sanity +=3>> <<elseif $mindset is "You sigh, not liking what you had done, but it was in the past.">><<set $sanity += 3>> <<elseif $mindset is "Maybe it wasn’t honorable, but it had felt good to see others hurting the way you had been.">><<set $sanity -=2>> <<elseif $mindset is "It had felt so good hurting others, seeing them crumble under the same despair you held that you couldn’t find it in yourself to care.">><<set $sanity -=3>> <<elseif $mindset is "Even before dying, whenever you thought back on what you had done out of grief you felt overwhelming self-hatred.">><<set $sanity +=3>><<set $self_hate to true>><</if>><<if $touch_i is "nodding at $him_L with faux severity.">><<set $touch_aversion +=1>><<elseif $touch_i is "You stiffen, but don’t move away from the touch.">><<set $touch_aversion +=2>><<elseif $touch_i is "You take a step back, an unknown feeling of repulsion rising in your throat.">><<set $touch_aversion += 5>><<set $touch_averse true>><</if>>

<<set $onism to true>><<set $relationships to true>>End of the current version of the demo, however, part one of Onism is up. The full version of will be out before Chapter Two, and will be available to skip or play before Chapter Two when it does come out. <<link "Read Onism: Part One" "Onism">><</link>> Also, if you'd like 5 out of 6 RO portraits are in 'Stats'. See you around!

<<set $return to "Notes">>''$name'' -<<link "Irina" "MC">><<set $drabble_mc to "irina">><</link>> -- written for Mother's Day in 2022. ''$Yo'' -<<link "The Bar" "Yo">><<set $drabble_Y to "the bar">><</link>> --About how $they_Y got banned from the bar in Detca. ''$Inima'' -<<link "red pen" "Inima">><<set $drabble_C to "red pen">><</link>> -- written for $Inima's birthday in 2022. ''$Raz'' - <<link "All I Want" "Raz">><<set $drabble_E to "all i want">><</link>> -- written for Raz's birthday in 2022. ''$Mari'' - <<link "Knight Out" "Mari">><<set $drabble_M to "knight out">><</link>> -- Fun side piece about $Mari and $his_M knights. ''$Z'' -<<link "High Horse" "Z">><<set $drabble_Z to "high horse">><</link>> -- About how $Z met $name. ''$L'' -<<link "Run Boy Run" "L">><<set $drabble_L to "run boy run">><</link>> -- contains spoilers for Chapter 2. ''Misc'' -<<link "Meant for the Flies" "Misc">><<set $drabble_misc to "meant for the flies">><</link>> -- written for another character's birthday in 2022, contains some spoilers. -<<link "don't want it" "Misc">><<set $drabble_misc to "don't want it">><</link>> -- written for another character's birthday in 2022, contains some spoilers. <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<<set $return to "Drabbles">><<if $drabble_E is "all i want">>People grew up and changed. $Raz knew this, logically. $He_E had been told this many times growing up by $his_E own parents and by Irina. So $he_E really should’ve seen it coming when $his_E best friend changed. It wasn’t as though it was an abrupt change, it was gradual and when $Raz really thought about it, the change had been building up for years. At first, it was the desire to hang around Irina more, then it was completing different miscellaneous tasks around town for some leas, and then… it was fighting other kids and snapping out at the baron’s guards, staring emptily out at the sky while Raz bandaged $them up to $his_E best ability because $they didn’t want Irina to worry. Now, Raz was busy cultivating $his_E power and studying to join the temple, so they hung out only a fraction of what they used to. They weren’t as caught up as Raz would like to be, so it was quite alarming that when $he_e was heading to the library in Sinaia and $he_E spotted $his_E best friend in the middle of what seemed to be a very brutal fight with someone who was a bit older and far more built. Raz halted in $his_E steps, eyes widening at the scene. $He_E had witnessed their friend in many fights over the years, but it never looked like this. $name's fights before were aimed to intimidate and scare others away, but this looked like $they <<were>>> aiming to maim. There was a malicious amount of energy packed to every hit and there was no reprieve after any landed hit. Raz may have panicked. $He_E ran to field, heart punching against $his_E ribs as $he_E whispered in the ancient tongue, zeroing in on the elder form. $He_E wasn’t amazing at iba yet (it was awfully hard to master), but $he_E managed what $he_E needed to: a ball of light that had the attacker covering $his_L eyes and crying out in surprise. “Are you okay?” Raz asked as $he_E dropped to $his_E knees beside $them, frantic hands fluttering over $his_E friend’s bruised and slightly bloody form. Underneath $his_E skin, their magic tingled, begging to be released- to help, but Raz kept a cap on it. $He_E wasn’t even sure how to help just yet. “What the fuck happened here?” “Raz, what the hell?” $name growled, struggling to stand. “$L, you good?” “Fine.” The other grunted, rubbing $his_L eyes while slightly bent over. Raz had never felt more clueless. “$L?” $name shrugged, gesturing to the older. “Raz, this is $L- my sparring partner. $L, this is my friend $Raz. Trying to blind $him_L was kind of uncalled for, $Raz.” Raz blinked as $they stood, glancing between $his_E friend and $L, who seemed to be getting over $his_E display of magic. “I was just trying to help. You were getting your ass kicked, $name.” “Was not,” huffed $name. $L raised a brow, a corner of $his_L lips tugging up slightly. “You were. It’s okay to admit it, $name. And you,” $L turned, addressing Raz who straightened $his_E posture instinctually, “-were just protecting a friend. All good.” “Oh. Okay. Glad you, uh, understood.” Raz visibly relaxed, beaming at $L. $L cleared $his_L throat, looking away for a moment. “Was that iba? That’s impressive.” Raz laughed, rubbing the back of $his_L neck, throwing a glance toward $name who’s eyebrows had pulled in. “It was iba, but I’m not very good at it yet. You’re not in any pain from it, are you?” $L shook $his_L head. “Nah, my eyes tingle and my vision is a little weird, but I’ll be fine.” $Raz sighed in relief. “Okay, good.” $He_L then glanced between the two with a cocked head. “So sparring partners, huh? Training to become a knight or something?” $L scoffs. “As if.” $name pats $L shoulder, shaking $their head. “What $L means to say is that obtaining knighthood is a bit too hard for people like us, Raz. We’re training to be mercenaries. Or, well, I’m training to become one, $L is one already.” Ah. It shouldn’t have taken this long for $him_E to notice. This was the obvious path $name was taking, but $Raz felt stunned in the face of the fact. When they were kids, Raz just sort of assumed that because they were so close, they’d do something similar with their lives in the future (hence knighthood being $his_E first thought), but that couldn’t be further from the truth. $He_E was truly naive to believe such a thing when all the evidence was already there. “Oh, wow! That’s so cool, $name. Who’s guild were you going to join?” Raz wished $his_E smile didn’t feel so forced. $He_E wished $he_E could force away all $his_E worry and just be happy for $his_E friend. $name pursed $their lips, shifting on $their feet. “$L’s in Anton’s, so probably his.” “Anton’s guild? The Aurum Guard?” Raz asked slowly, fighting against the instinct to take a step away. “Got a problem with it?” $L asks gruffly, eyes narrowed not in a threatening way, but in a way that made Raz feel thoroughly scrutinized. Raz shrugged, gulping around $his_E growing anxiety. “Anton’s not a good person. I’m just worried for you, $name. I don’t want you to get hurt.” “I’ll be a mercenary, Raz. ‘Course I’m going to get hurt.” Raz huffed, crossing $his_E arms. “I mean, I don’t want you getting fucked over by some man who obviously just cares about money. At least Catina has a rep for taking care of her people.” “But $L isn’t in her company. Plus, I was scouted by Anton.” $name shrugs as though it were obvious. Raz threw $L an incredulous look, as though to say ‘Can you believe this shit?’ which prompted $him_L to say, “You’re not wrong. Anton’s a dickhead and if I had done an ounce of research, I would’ve joined Catina. I’ve been trying to tell $them to not make the same mistake but-” “$name is stubborn beyond belief? I know.” Raz sighed, throwing a playful glare at $his_E friend who seemed to be pouting. A moment passed and $Raz grew somber, speaking up in a much softer tone. “I won’t be there like I have been in the past… Can you look out for them for me?” While Raz watched, there was a minutiae shift in $L’s expression, softening just a degree. “I’ll try… $name can be a bit of a dumbass though.” “Hey!” $name protested and all Raz could do was laugh away $his_E apprehension.<</if>> <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<<set $return to "Drabbles">><<if $drabble_L is "run boy run">>$L took in a deep breath, wiping off the blood on $his_L knuckles with the care of a man drying themselves of water. $L's feet carry $him_L through the familiar alleys of Detca, $his_L eyes hardly moving from an undefined spot before them, $his_L mind drifting away. //Things will never change.// A bitter part of $him_L snapped. //It’s necessary.// $He_L argued back. //There’s always a choice.// This voice sounded a lot like Irina, the mom of $his_L... Friend? Colleague? The person $he_L had trained with for years. Why her voice was turning into the part of $him_L that scolded $him_L for violent actions is hardly a mystery. Irina has always been someone who makes $L desperately wish for change. //This is how I survive. This is how I get a chance. There is no other option. Not for me.// They say the hardest things to accept are the ones that are truest. Maybe that’s why the thought caused $L’s stomach to roll and $his_L eyes to fall to $his_L bruised knuckles. People who believe in choices are idealist. Or rich. People with money do get choices. Plenty of them. $L never had a choice. Begging, biting, bartering, and brawling- anything to fill $his_L stomach and to ensure warmth in the lonely streets. “Oh, for fuck’s sake.” $L huffs, running a hand through $his_L hair to rid $himself_L of $his_L reminiscent thoughts, wincing when $his_L fingers catch on a few knots. It vaguely reminds $him_L of the time the menace of a mercenary had sat $him_L down during training to braid $his_L hair, advising $him_L to put $his_L hair up to avoid ruining $his_L hair. “Need help with that?” $L immediately evaluates the threat, but even before $his_L eyes fall on the figure, $he_L knows it won’t be problem. After all, that voice belonged to a child. Still, it was nice to know who $he_L was dealing with. The child, stepping away from the wall (no older than ten, $L notes), points up at $him_L. “Sis always had trouble doing her hair.” $L looks down and sure enough, $he_L had begun braiding $his_L hair subconsciously. “And what business of yours is the woes of my hair?” However, $L knew exactly what the kid must want. Their clothes were not only dirty, but shabby and worn, face sunken, eyes large and dark almost completely obscured by the long black hair that ran wild. “Nothing. Just looked a bit messy, that’s all.” The kid shrugged. $L’s eyes narrowed. “It’s better to ask for money now than try to steal from me later.” “I don’t want money for braiding your hair. Get real, ser.” They rolled their eyes. “And I don’t steal!” “Then you’re dumber than you look.” “Hey!” $L sighs, kneeling before them, raising a hand to hold on to their shoulder, only pausing when the kid flinches. $L’s frown deepens, deciding to hold the kid’s hand instead. “There’s no shame in surviving, kid.” Their eyes water, widening with tragic uncertainty. “It’s a crime though? I don’t wanna be bad.” “Survive and live to make up for the crimes, then. Just survive.” “I...” They take a deep breath, closing their eyes as the tears begin to fall. “I don’t know how. I couldn’t- She didn’t make it. How am I supposed to?” $L wasn’t really built to comfort others, floundering in the face of a wailing emaciated child. So $L does the one thing $he_L used to wish for at that age; $L pulls the kid into a stiff hug, a part of $his_L head disgusted by the idea of being this close to a stranger. “Who didn’t make it?” $L asked as softly as $he_L could, but $his_L voice came out stilted. “My sister. She didn’t- I couldn’t- We couldn’t afford the help.” At this, $L found that $his_L mask of indifference was impossible, holding them a bit tighter until their cries fade and their breathing evens out. “What’s your name?” $L asks as $he_L pulls away. “...Why?” They ask slowly, red and puffy eyes narrowing at $L. “I want to know. If it helps, mine is $L. No last name.” Their eyes widen. “No last name?” “None.” $L answered with a shrug. Everyone had a last name. Everyone, except for the forgotten. They stare for a bit longer before finally answering softly, “My name is Adam. No last name.” “Well, Adam, why don’t we make a deal?” $L genuinely smiles for what feels like the first time in years.<</if>> <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<<set $return to "Drabbles">><<if $drabble_misc is "meant for the flies">>The taste of blood was overwhelming, but it was nothing compared to the numbing shock filling Thena to the brim. Her hand shook with the effort of keeping the sword in it raised, muscles begging for a reprieve, sweat trailing down from her hairline. She stared into the eyes of the older boy kneeling before her, eyes filled with horror. She knew what was to come next but… In his eyes, she saw herself bruised and sweaty, blood dripping from her brow and nose, and all she could think was I don’t want to be a monster. It’s only her extensive training that keeps her from jumping when a slender hand claps her shoulder. “Nicely done, pup. Now… Just finish it.” “Mama… I don’t think I can.” Thena meant to say it in a way that was courageous, but it came out a whimper. The hand on her shoulder squeezed and out of her peripherals, she watched as long strands of blonde hair that weren’t her own fall over her shoulder. “You can and will. You must. For our future.” The words were dripping with venom as they were whispered into her ear. She managed to suppress the full body shudder threatening to take over her. “Please, please don’t-” “Hush! Listen to me, Thena. You want to be a good girl for me, right?” “Yes, of course, mama.” Thena answered without hesitation, knuckles turning white from her grip on the hilt. “Then do as I say, pup.” She snapped, stepping away from Thena. The girl felt a spike of panic from the abandonment, fighting hard not to whip around and search for her mother just to make sure she wasn’t gone. “Don’t please.” The boy whimpered, grasping her free hand, holding it to his chest. “You don’t have to. I won’t tell anyone, please.” “Thena.” And just like that, she knew she had no choice. At least, that’s what she told herself when she ripped her hand away and brought down the sword onto him. It’s what she repeated over and over in her head when his blood mingled with her own on her face. It’s what she cried softly when his body fell over, the red seeping into the ground around him like spilt ink on paper. She dropped the sword in favor of holding the offending hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry.” She whispered into her hand as though she could ever be forgiven. Arms wrapped around her loosely from behind, lips brushing softly over the crown of her head. “You did what you needed to, Thena.” The words were saccharine, the touch so gentle she ached with it, and despite it all, her horror didn’t fade a bit. But her fear of being abandoned abated. For now. “Yes, mama…” Thena whispered, closing her eyes, but the image of the lifeless boy haunted her lids. “I’m proud of you, pup.” The warmth that spread through her was instantaneous, her eyes flashing open as she turned towards the woman. “I did well?” She smiled, soft blue eyes twinkling, drawing Thena in like a moth to a flame. “You did amazing, darling.” Thena grinned helplessly, cheeks aching with effort. “Thank you, mama. I did my best for you.” The woman kneels before the tween, wiping away some of the blood with her thumb. “You sure did, but… Next time, make sure to keep a hold on this, hm?” She picked up the sword and placed it into Thena’s open hand. Thena’s heart twisted painfully, but she ignored it in favor of the addicting warmth of her mother’s praise. “Can do!”<</if>><<if $drabble_misc is "don't want it">>His fingers followed the pattern without conscious thought, watching blankly as he braided her thick black hair. “There, all done.” His smile was warm as he leaned over her shoulder. “Thank you, angel.” She glanced back, smile weak but to him it was brighter than the sun beating down on them. He wrapped his arms around her, just barely remembering to refrain from squeezing. He beamed. “Of course.” She reached up, running a frail hand over his hair. “What would I do without you, Adam?” He laughed, despite the pain within his chest. “Good thing we’ll never have to know, huh? You’ll always have me.” He meant to keep it light, he always does, but somehow it always turns out like this. Adam always gets a bit too sentimental, too emotional and he makes the mood darken. She frowns, placing her hand on his cheek. “And I’m so glad for it.” She shakes her head, forcing a smile back on to her face. “Enough of that, though! If I remember correctly, it’s your birthday, we should be celebrating! What do you want to do, angel?” Eat and sleep at the inn. That’s what Adam wanted. “Oh! Can we, uh, go swimming in the river? Please?” Her face tightened a bit more. “Oh, um... I don’t think I could make it that far, angel.” She bites her lip, eyes watering. “It’s okay, Lily! Um, how about we go watch the knights or, or we could watch the mercenaries? They’re just a block away. I’ll help you walk.” Adam suggested, gauging her reaction closely. She seems to relax, but brow remains furrowed. He’s beginning to suggest just hanging out all day when she says, “Okay. We can do that. If we go now, we should catch them training.” Adam jumps up, doing an excited little dance, delighting in Lily’s laughter. “Awesome! Okay, okay.” He flutters around, his mind scattered from his anticipation, but soon enough, his priorities are set once more. “Okay, up we go!” Lily grips onto him tightly as he hefts her into a standing position, only making a soft noise of discomfort at the sudden extra weight relying on him. “Okay, angel, let’s go have some fun.” It’s a slow process getting to the spot where they could watch the mercenaries train, but they have fun the entire way- Adam making it his personal mission to make Lily laugh as much as possible. It was a little disappointing to only see two people on the field, but they were interesting enough to watch. Together, Adam and Lily tried to guess what kind of people they were and when they were bored of that, they moved on to talking about who they wanted to be. Adam told Lily that he wanted to be a knight, so he could protect her forever. Her words, however, sent shivers down his spine, echoing through his head for the next week. “All I want is for you to be happy, even if I’m no longer around.” I want nothing if you’re no longer around. He laughed, slinging an arm around her. “I’m never leaving you, so there’s no worry!”<</if>> <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<<set $return to "Drabbles">><<if $drabble_mc is "irina">>"Honey, please go wash off before they get here." Irina requested with a fond smile despite her exasperated tone. $name groaned but complied, muddy nearly head to toe from playing in the rain with a few of the other kids. $name waddled awkwardly to the bathroom and when Irina heard signs of $them beginning to wash $themself off, Irina walked to $their room to grab $them some clothes she know $they had forgotten. She knocks gently at the door, before calling out, "I'm tossing some clothes in there, okay?" "Okay!" With that, she opens the door a crack and tosses the items onto the counter before shutting the door again. "Thanks, mom." "No problem, dear. Try not to be in there too long, okay? They should be over any minute." Irina warns before moving back to the kitchen, grabbing the last platter to bring to the table. After setting it down, she steps back, hands on her hips as she observes the meal she prepared with a satisfied smile. It wasn't often she could afford to go all-in on a holiday and prepare a big meal, but she took on a bit of a side-gig recently because she knew they hadn't been able to afford much recently and although it was hard and exhausting, she wanted $name to have fond memories looking back on these holidays together. When the knock came, she shook herself out of her thoughts, hurrying over to the door. Before opening it, she smoothed out her dress, burying any remaining regretful feelings. "Hey!" She welcomed the three inside. Nicholas Munteanu smiled brightly and immediately Irina's eyes dropped to the bandage on his arm. "How's it healing, Nic?" "I think it's healing very well, thanks to you, Rina." "I'm gonna be a healer. That way dad doesn't go into debt over this." $Raz smiles brightly, despite the words, which only causes the three adults to laugh. $He_E has always been so sweet in a disarming way that Irina truly believes $he_E would grow up to be a healer. Maybe even a priest and practice iba, unlike her. “Well, I’ll teach you whatever I can, Raz.” Irina smiled, ruffling $his_E hair. “Okay!” $Raz beams before sidestepping them all and running to the couch. “Where’s $name?” “Still washing off from your little adventure in the rain.” Irina answers, guiding Nic and Denisa to the dining table. “Now, come over here, sweetie. We’ll wait for $name at the table.” The four of them make amiable conversation, but Irina’s mind wanders once more. It was always quite hard to celebrate the day of life together with the Munteanu’s because it always reminded her of what she and her child was missing out on. Not that she needed anyone to help her raise her kid- quite the opposite really- but having enough money that she never has to worry about feeding $name? Stable wages and a smiling kid with ambitions of $their own... Whenever Irina asked $name about potential futures careers, $they would shrug and respond with something about helping her out. While sweet, Irina worries $name feels obligation... Which is not something $they should feel so young. Sometimes she found herself worrying that she was aging her child by accident. Sometimes, she worries that $name will grow to despise her for how $they <<were>> raised. “Mom?” Irina blinks, glancing over her shoulder, almost immediately feeling tears spring to her eyes. $name was fully cleaned, dressed in $their formal clothing (a little crooked, not that it mattered much), and holding up a few peonies. “I... I, uh, lost the money I had saved, but I found these. As a gift for today.” Irina took the flowers with gentle reverence, doing her utmost to keep her tears back. “Thank you, dear.” //Thank you, I love you so much and I just want the best for you.// And everything else she would say when they weren’t in the presence of others. When she could finally find the courage to broach these hard topics with her baby.<</if>> <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<<set $return to "Drabbles">><<if $drabble_C is "red pen">>$Inima could feel the countless eyes on $him_C as $he_C entered like a physical weight, crushing $him_C. $He_C knew better than to let the burden show- $his_C face carefully crafted into a serene expression, the stiffness in $his_C features going unnoticed. Every so often $he_C could feel $his_C eyes begin to glaze over, distributing a discreet pinch to pull $him_C out of the trance. Being the center of attention simply meant having self-inflicted bruises, as it turned out. “We are gathered here today in celebration of my child’s 16th year. Though we have a long road ahead of us, I know $he_C will prove $himself_C to not only me but to this kingdom and her people. As such, I wish to crown $Inima as the heir to Norocos.” Most of it was just traditional rubbish, but the beginning was pointed. Not good enough, but one day… $Inima fought hard against the itching heat of shame rising in $him_C. Court Sorcerer Popescu sidles up to $him_C as the High Priest begins to read from their script, the man leans over ever so slightly to whisper, “Happy birthday, Your Highness.” $Inima glances at him from the corner of $his_C eye, the corner of $his_C lips twitching. “Thank you, my lord. Where is $Yo?” “Somewhere in the crowd, I’m sure. $They_Y <<are>> allergic to gatherings, but $they_Y wouldn’t miss this.” He says it pleasantly enough, but $Inima’s shoulders tense at the undercurrent of disappointment in his voice. “I’m glad they could make it.” $Inima replies, throat constricting with the strain of holding back words defending $his_C friend. “Even if it is just a formality at this point.” “True. Not like there was another option for Rautinte to choose from.” He laughed softly. “Will you pay attention?” Rautinte’s harsh whisper elicited a small flinch from $Inima, $his_C eyes widening fractionally before $he_C can help it. “Sorry.” $Inima whispers back, $his_C spine straightening almost painfully. It was always ‘sorry’ because it was always ‘be better’. An endless cycle with no breathing room, no breaks, no rest even on $his_C birthday. On $his_C crowning day. Because no matter what, $Inima’s best will never be enough.<</if>> <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

Heir to the throne and the "heart of the kingdon", $Inima is someone you never interacted with outside of your execution.

Your executioner and Court Sorcerer, someone you've worked with at length for a mission. A strong conflict to reconcile with your memories of $them_Y.

$L... The person who stayed by your side after Irina died, who even after everything fell apart, tried to ensure your survival. $He_L shrouded $himself_L in secrets before, so you only know a few things about $him_L.

Your childhood best friend who became a famed priest before you died. You wonder how $he_E's doing...

Unofficial leader of the Second Order of Knights, you've fought alongside $him_M once or twice, but other than knowing $his_M battle prowess, you were strangers.

$Z, your self-proclaimed rival, who had disappeared after the mission in Enthever, never to be seen again in your past life. You never cared to pay much attention to $their_Y personal details before.

<<set $return to "Drabbles">><<if $drabble_Y is "the bar">>$Yo was tired. It just never ended. The incessant whining of $their_Y mother, the impossible expectations of $their_Y father, and the shitty norms of noble society. $They_Y wanted to just go. Leave. Move somewhere far away, where no one will know $their_Y name and no one will bother $them_Y. $They_Y'd take Iulianna and take her somewhere where the taint of this awful existence would never touch her. Some day. For now, $they_Y pulled the hood $they_Y borrowed from $Inima closer around $them_Y as $they_Y pushed the door open to the bustling inn. Maybe it was the normal teenage rebellion in $them_Y or maybe it was the itching feeling in $their_Y veins, the waves of everyone's wants and fears pushing against $them_Y that pushes $them_Y into the inn that night, all $they_Y knew was that $they_Y needed a drink. It always seemed to help $their_Y mom at least. $Yo's eyes flicker around the room, holding back the gag that rises from the crash of the crowd's inhibitions on $their_Y skin. When $their_Y eyes land on the bartender, $they_Y needn't even whisper the words for the spell to be released. When the pull of the spell finally connects to the man at the counter, $they_Y find a seat at the bar. It takes a few moments for the man to make his way over to $them_Y, but $Yo doesn't mind, still working through $their_Y nerves. "What can I get for ya?" The man asks with a charming smile, none the wiser. "Your best drink here." $Yo asks, hoping $they_Y sound more confident than $they_Y feel. From the flicker of doubt on the man's face, $they_Y knew $they_Y <<were_Y>>n't so lucky. "Feelin' adventurous or are ya just new to drinking?" He asks as he pulls out a glass and reaches for deep amber liquid. "Both." $Yo answers curtly. "Not much of a talker, huh?” $Yo shrugs instead of giving a proper answer. The man laughs, passing $them_Y the glass he had poured. “That’s fine, let me know if you like it. Not many people can afford to give an opinion on it.” $Yo hums, staring at liquid a bit suspiciously. Taking in a breath, $they_Y down it, scrunching $their_Y nose at the burning sensation. It tasted a bit like medicine, but $they_Y supposed $they_Y were supposed to grow to like it. “Tastes strong, I guess.” The man laughs, shaking his head. “Want another or wanna try something different?” “Different.” $Yo answers, sliding $their_Y glass back. It continues like that, $Yo trying out the man’s rarely used stock and giving short answers on $their_Y opinion. Everything grows number and $Yo has never felt... More at peace. Finally, $they_Y could feel how $they_Y used to. Before $they_Y pushed it. Before $their_Y skin always felt wrong and $they_Y could no longer sleep. As $they_Y take<<s_Y>> more drinks, $they_Y could feel $their_Y control slipping, but now $they_Y couldn’t remember why that mattered. The lack of control was freeing. Until it wasn’t. “Listen, asshole, you’re disturbing my guests, so if you won’t leave I’ll contact the knights to make you leave.” Andrew, the bartender as $Yo had learned, threatened in a flat voice. $Yo watched on, legs crossed, arm resting over $their_Y knee and glass loosely in $their_Y grip, simply glad Andrew finally caught on to what a bother that person was being. The drunk merc slams a fist on the counter and $Yo can feel their rising desire for violence tapping against $them_Y vaguely. “I’m a-a paying customer! Just like anyone else here!” “And you’re annoying.” $Yo mutters, tilting $their_Y head in slight amusement. “The fuck you say to me?” They growled, stepping closer. “Hey, stop! Leave before you do anything stupid, Luka.” Andrew tried again, eyes flashing with concern. “I said you’re annoying.” $Yo repeated, uncrossing $their_Y legs and setting $their_Y drink down casually. “Oh, you’re gonna regret-” “Am I?” $Yo asks with a slow blink. $They_Y reach<<es_Y>> out with $their_Y Ydba, allowing in the crawling feeling with a small smile. “Spiders, hm? For a person of your stature? Interesting...” “Spi- The hell are you talking about?” They acted brave and all, but the teen could still feel the spike of fear in them. Even as they grip the front of $Yo’s shirt and drag $them_Y up into a standing position, $Yo had a bored smile plastered on $their_Y face to match the flush of $their_Y inebriation. “If you don’t leave, you’ll find out exactly what I mean.” $Yo stage-whispers. “I’m not about to listen to some entitled, scrawny asshole.” They huff angrily, their grip tightening and knuckles turning white. $Yo shrugs. “If you insist.” The pull of $their_Y magic redirects, latching onto the person holding $them_Y. It feels like both victory and defeat when the fear envelops their expression, dropping $Yo as they uselessly swat at their arms. They wordlessly cry out, backing away as if it could expel what they were seeing. While $Yo knew exactly what they were seeing, the spiders sprouting from their pores, eager as they dashed across their body, no one else could. Shouts of confusion filled the room as people rushed to get out of the way of the panicked sell-sword. Only one set of eyes remained on $Yo. “Dealt with your problem.” $Yo smiled, turning toward Andrew, only pausing when $they_Y saw the anger resting on his face. “What?” “You’re a fucking kid. What the fuck? Did you play with my mind?” Well... Shit. “I-” “Out. Now.” “Andrew, listen-” “Ydba! You used Ydba on me! You know how badly that could backfire? You could’ve messed up my brain permanently... Get out and never come back, kid.”<</if>> <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<<set $return to "Drabbles">><<if $drabble_Z is "high horse">>$Z’s heart was currently in $their_Z throat. $Z’s knuckles hurt and $their_Z legs shook with the strain they were put through. It wasn’t the training, however, that was causing $their_Z heart to push into overdrive. It was the proposition $they_Z <<were_Z>> gearing up to ask $their_Z closest friend, $L. $They_Z wanted to have the elder join Catina’s guild with $them_Z. Not as partners, $they_Z understand how much independence means to $L, but to have $him_L out of Anton’s hands. If there was one man who screamed //BAD VIBES//, it would be Anton Petridis. “$Z? Is there something wrong?” $L asked, bent over awkwardly to meet $their_Z eyes, $his_L eyebrows pulled in as $he_L watched the younger. “Uh, not… Not really, but-” $They_Z <<were_Z>> cut off by $L turning suddenly. “You can’t scare me, you know that.” //Weird.// $Z thought, leaning over to see who exactly was trying to scare $their_Z friend. There stood a <<if $gender is "male">>man<<elseif $gender is "female">>woman<<else>>person<</if>> who appeared to not be too much older than $Z, $HairLength $HairColor hair, mischievous $eye eyes, and unmarred $skin skin. <<if $height is "very tall">>They were quite a bit taller than Z<<elseif $height is "tall">>They were a bit taller than Z<<elseif $height is "average">>They looked to be about the same height as Z<<elseif $height is "short">>They were a bit shorter than Z<<else>>They were much shorter than Z<</if>>, not that the fact mattered much. If it came to be a fight, skill was all that really mattered. And $Z //knew// $they_Z ha<<ve_Z>> the skill. "I'll get you one day, Sunshine." The stranger replies flippantly. $L simply rolls $his_L eyes, unamused by the nickname. "What are you doing in Detca, $name?" "Can't I visit a friend?" "No." $Z snorts, watching the interaction with mild confusion mixed with amusement. "You wound me, $L." $name replies dramatically. "If you //must// know, I met with Anton." $Z stands a little straighter, looking between the two. "I told you to wait to meet him until I could go with you." $L sighed, rubbing $his_L forehead. "And I didn't listen. Anyways, he said I'll have to go through his usual trials, but if you're sponsoring me, then I'm basically good to go." With each word, $Z feels a bit like the carefully worded proposal $they_Z had was useless. "So you're sticking with Anton then, $L?" Both their heads turned to $Z as if $their_Z presence had been completely forgotten. It probably had been. $L slowly nods. "Yeah, I mean, he offers me a room and good enough pay... I don't see the point in risking the acceptance process with another guild." $He_L pauses and glances towards the other. "Plus, Anton was willing to take $name on as well." "Why does that matter?" The words are out before $Z can stop them, but $they_Z just... Felt upset. Even though the offer was never given, this still felt like rejection and $Z wanted hide and yell all at once. //You deserve better. You're better than the others.// The words of $their_Z father filtered through $their_Z thoughts and even though $Z didn't agree anymore, the expected reaction was. "If they're good enough for you to sponsor them, they should be good enough to join a guild that isn't a cop-out." "$Z-" $L begins, but $name moves forward, those $eye eyes narrowed at $them_Z. //Fuck, this is not what I wanted.// "Oh yeah? You're in what guild? Catina's? You think your guild of thieves and assassins and other cowards are so much better? Don't ride your high horse when it's from the same goddamn stable as mine." $name snapped. "I'm sorry, am I supposed to believe a herd of brutes who drown in dirty or bloody lea are better? Perhaps you should be a jester, I'm sure Rautinte would get a good laugh from you." "I would rather be funny than a pretentious piece of sh-" "Okay, both of you: Shut the fuck up." $L demanded, grabbing onto the back of $Z's shirt and physically pulling them away from $name. "I'm joining Anton's guild, that's a fact, $Z. I get you're worried, but I'm a grown ass adult. I can take care of myself." $Z huffs, looking down, feeling properly scolded. $L continues, glaring at $name. "If you know what's good for you, you wouldn't be talking shit about another guild. Don't burn bridges before you know your destination, dumbass." "But-" "I know you're aware how shit of a boss Anton is, $name, you're not actually dumb. Don't feel too prideful about being a potential mercenary for him." $L shakes $his_L head. "Now, I'm going home before I can be held responsible for whatever shit happens between you two. Bye." $Z opens $their_Z mouth, but $L waves $them_Z off, leaving the field. $name turns toward them, glare evident, opening $their mouth, but $Z took a page from $L's book and left as well. //If I run into $name again, it'll be far too soon.//<</if>> <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<<set $return to "Drabbles">><<if $drabble_M is "knight out">>"Poor Andrew..." Daniel murmurs, $Mari barely catching onto his words over the steady noise in the bar. $He_M also felt a pang of sympathy for the overworked bartender as $he_M looked over the innebriated mercenaries interacting with $his_M knights. "I mean, good money for sure, but..." "Yeah, I'll make sure to leave a tip for the poor guy." $He_M vows, solemnly drinking out of the tankard. Daniel snorts, lightly elbowing $Mari. "We'll all pitch in, //Commander//. It's your night off, don't worry too much." "It's my job to worry about you fools." $Mari waved a dismissive hand. "Once again, I'll repeat: //your night off.// You can take a break from being a mother hen." $Mari rolls $his_M eyes, raising a brow at the younger knight. "If you volunteer to shut down the inevitable fight that'll rise, I'll relax." "Ye of little faith." Daniel sighs, taking his empty tankard to be refilled by Andrew. "$Mari! Would you like to join us?" An excitable squire named Phoebe asks, raising the cards in her hands as an offer. $Mari approaches slowly, glancing around the table and the leas piled on top of it. "Gambling? Aren't you, like, twelve?" That got some scattered chuckles, but Phoebe sticks her tongue like a tween would. "I'm sixteen, thank you, Ser $Mari." $He_M laughs, settling down next to the teen, waiting for $his_M hand to be dealt. "What exactly are we playing, Phoebe?" "Something simple to start, a warm-up-" "Phoebe, just answer, please." "Blackjack, Ser $Mari." Phoebe answers with a shit-eating grin, dealing $him_M two cards, one facing up. $Mari sighs as $he_M looks at $his_M hand, settling in for a long night of losing money, but as $he_M looks at $his_M knights, smiling and laughing raucously, the same people who swore an oath and would die beside $him_M if the time ever came... $Mari decided to spend a little extra, buying rounds and playing games.<</if>> <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<<link "Fuck off." "0.08">><<set $response to "Fuck off.">><</link>> - <<link "Fuck you." "0.08">><<set $response to "Fuck you.">><</link>> <<link "..." "0.08">><<set $response to "...">><</link>> <<link "This is kind of hot, you know?" "0.08">><<set $response to "This is kind of hot, you know?">><</link>> <<link "No. Let's get this over with." "0.08">><<set $response to "No. Let's get this over with.">><</link>> <<link "I hope you find the real murderer. I truly do." "0.08">><<set $response to "I hope you find the real murderer. I truly do.">><</link>> <<link "Cao ni zu zong shi ba dai." "0.08">><<set $response to "Cao ni zu zong shi ba dai.">><</link>> <<link "Mortem non timeo." "0.08">><<set $response to "Mortem non timeo.">><</link>> <<link "Death to all kings." "0.08">><<set $response to "Death to all kings.">><</link>> <<link "Your mother must be very proud." "0.08">><<set $response to "Your mother must be very proud.">><</link>>

<h3> Chapter Two- Short-Staffed </h3><<if $choice_vi is "sneak">>"You're a fucking menace." $Z grumbles, moving away from you, pushing $their_Z mousy brown hair back. You couldn't help but watch $them_Z closely. Yet another person who had been damned in your last life.

<<if $seating is "Y">>You move to the other bench, trying to make sure there is still plenty of room between you and the raven-haired sorcerer. Logically, you knew it would be best to keep your mouth shut around someone who qualified as the best sorcerer in the kingdom. Logically, you knew you shouldn’t poke the bear. You were never good at following logic. “So…” You began, facing $Yo with analyzing eyes. “There’s been a lot of whispers about the new Court Sorcerer, but… Popescu is the name of the previous one. Are you related to the late Court Sorcerer?” “Yes,” was the curt answer that came, which should’ve tipped you off that this was not a topic to get into. “How? Was he your uncle or-” “He is my father.” You sit up a little. Perhaps it would be a bit too much to accuse $them_Y of getting $their_Y position from nepotism, but it was tempting. Thankfully, there was a different part that caught your attention. “You said ‘is’, but is he not dead? I heard he died with the highest honor of protecting His Majesty, the king.” $Yo’s jaw worked for a moment and $their_Y carefully crafted image of relaxation shifted, $their_Y eyes flashing dangerously as they settled on you. “I said I don’t bite, but if you can’t keep your questions to yourself, I will do much, much worse, darling,” $They_Y lean<<s_Y>> forward, whispering with a small smile, “I promise.” You sigh, leaning back. //Maybe I pushed too much.// You thought as you moved the small curtain away from the window and watched the scenery fly by.<<elseif $seating is "L">>When $they_Z eventually acquiesce<<s_Z>>, it’s begrudgingly and $they_Z close<<s_Z>> $their_Z eyes like $they_Z could block everything out by doing so. There’s a small poke to your side and you look over at $L’s visible discomfort on $his_L face. “Are you sure we should let //$Z// be next to $them_Y?” It was a good point considering the distinct distaste $Z had shown for $Yo, almost rivaling $their_Z distaste for you, but… “Would //any// of us be the better fit? You with your hate for the rich and-” “Your inability to be quiet?” $L sighs, running a weary hand over $his_L face. “I suppose you’re right, but I still don’t like this.” “You don’t need to like it, we just have to run interference until we can make it to Enthever.” You shrug. “Unhelpful as always.” $L rolls $his_L eyes, but $his_L expression also relaxes. “Yep, and you’re welcome.” You reply cheerfully, throwing an arm around $him_L. $L shakes $his_L head and glances out of the window, reminding you of $his_L behavior the previous day. You frown, asking in a soft tone. “Did you figure everything out that you were worried about?” $L freezes, surprised that you caught on to that or that you cared enough to ask, you didn’t know. “Uh, yeah. $Yo helped me out, said $they_Y would cover someone taking care of my… business until I return.” You squint, for some reason, the hesitance in $his_L tone raising flags in your mind. It’s like you should know what exactly the business $he_L was referring to was. “That’s good, I’m glad $Yo could help.” $L offers a weak smile and glances back out the window.<<elseif $seating is "Z">>Surprisingly, when $L settles down next to $Yo, there’s not as much tension as you had expected to see there. Maybe the discussion they had the day previous had settled some of the animosity there. You glance over at $Z to see if $they_Z feel<<s_Z>> as surprised by this as you were and it does seem like $they_Z <<were_Z>> taken off guard as well. When $they_Z notice<<s_Z>> where your eyes were, $they_Z glare<<s_Z>> back at you. “What?” $They_Z snap<<s_Z>>. You smile immediately. Ever since your first meeting, there was a sort of satisfaction in riling $Z up. $They_Z couldn’t feel so high-and-mighty if you never felt ashamed. “Nothing, just looking at my newest partner, is that so bad?” $Z groans, crossing $their_Z arms. “Do //not// call me your partner.” “Why not? Are we not working on a case together?” You ask with faux-innocence. $Z deadpanned, gesturing vaguely towards $Yo across from you. “Try calling the sorcerer your partner, I dare you. No, actually, I //beg// you.” You raise a brow, shit-eating grin firmly taking over your expression as you wiggle your eyebrows. “Oh, begging, are we?” “Shut the fuck up.” You tap a finger against your chin, pretending to consider it. “Hm… No, I don’t think I will. Why don’t you just //beg// me to be quiet?” “How about I just make you be quiet?” “So aggressive, Kontos.” You laugh, tapping $their_Z tucked away dagger, not a single ounce of worry in you. “You pull this out and this ride will get a lot more interesting.” “Can you two behave?” $L asks, frowning as $he_L watches. “Are you sure you three can handle this?” $Yo asks in a bored tone, only a small hint of distaste in $their_Y expression. $Z sighs and resolutely moves away, closing $their_Z eyes to avoid looking at you.<</if>> Other than the awkward tension brewing within the carriage, nothing notable happens on the way to Enthever. The inns you stopped at were mediocre, not shit like some you had rested at, but far from the luxury ones you were sure $Yo was used to. When you had asked $Yo why you //weren’t// staying at a nice place, it was obvious $they_Y could afford it, after all, $Yo had given you an incredulous look. $They_Y said slowly as $they_Y carried $their_Y bag inside, “A noble making a trip to Enthever will get people talking, dear. I believe the point is to be //undercover//.” It felt foolish now, but you were kind of looking forward to having a nice bed for a few nights. //Still hope for wherever we stay at in Enthever.// You think, though it’s a bit naive. Arriving in Enthever was almost like entering a new world. Gone were the mountains and soft-colored buildings, brightly colored stalls, and the ever-patrolling knights of the Second Order. Enthever had long been abandoned when the First Order was sent to deal with Sosilia. If what $Yo had found out turned out to be true, the irony would be outstanding. “We’re not staying downtown, right?” $L asks, eyes glued outside of the windows. You could see flashes of grimey buildings and dark alleys, but as long as you were still in the carriage, you wouldn’t be able to see anything more. “No, of course not. We’ll be staying at a house I’ve secured on the east side.” $Yo answers, barely looking up from $their_Y book. Every now and then, you catch $Z trying to peek at what the book is, growing more and more frustrated as $they_Z can’t catch a glimpse of the name. $L relaxes slightly, letting the curtain fall back into place. You frown, but don’t comment on it, a memory tugging at your brain. Something about $L’s past that you had learned early into your relationship that you hadn’t cared about at the time. Maybe $L was from Enthever? Whatever it was, $L was the first one out of the carriage when it stopped, making sure to help an unsteady $Z out after $him_L. You had all learned the hard way that $Z had motion sickness that first day, but $Yo figured out a way to cure $their_Z nausea, but not $their_Z dizziness, citing that $they_Y did not have the necessary ingredients to pop out every potion under the sun without notice. Turns out the two and half days of travel made you all slightly irritable. You inspect the house with surprise, glancing back at $Yo. “You sure you won’t die in these conditions, my liege?” $Yo’s glare was no joke as $they_Y pulled out a set of keys. “Your jokes are boring and I’m growing tired of listening to your voice.” The house might have once been a nice shade of blue, but now it was gray-ish green, the windows in serious need of being cleaned, and a depressing garden of wilted and rotted plants. It was the exact opposite to $Yo’s cottage. When you step inside, your nose crinkles at the strong scent of mildew and the heavy dust in the air clogging your airways. “Euan, this place needs to be cleaned.” You mumble, wiping off some dust from the counter in the kitchen, wiping it away quickly after. “Are you volunteering?” $Z asks as $they_Z stumble<<s_Z>> past you, making a beeline to a bedroom. “I’ll take care of this tomorrow when you three are out, but for now…” $Yo trails off, following after $Z, presumably to clean the bedrooms for you all. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "vi">><</button>></span>

You sigh, glancing back at $L. “Coin for your thoughts?” $L glances up from where $he_L had been staring blankly down at the stained couch. “Huh? Oh, just,” $He_L pauses as if to gather $his_L thoughts, “weird to back here. It’s been so long…” “How long exactly?” “Don’t know exactly, but around a decade.” $L sighs, moving $his_L hair back into a ponytail. “Made my way to Detca as soon as I could.” //So $he_L is from Enthever…// You try to picture it, a child alone on the streets of the city of crime, starving and filled to the brim with the rage you only caught glimpses of now. You know $L wouldn’t want your pity, so you only reply with, “Thank the Euan for that, otherwise I would be dead in an alley somewhere.” $L shakes $his_L head, a small smile on $his_L lips. “Dead or Irina’s assistant. Quite the range you had for options.” You wave a dismissive hand. “I wouldn’t have been able to be my mom’s assistant. I would say some shit that would get me into deep trouble.” “Obviously.” “Okay, the bedrooms are safe to sleep in,” $Yo announces as $they_Y come<<s_Y>> back into the living room, looking more exhausted than $they_Y had before. The excessive usage of magic will do that, though you have to wonder what kind of spells $they_Y had to have casted to cause $them_Y to be so visibly drained. Simple cleaning shouldn’t be that hard for the Court Sorcerer. “Thank you,” $L nods to $Yo which is… Surprising. “Goodnight.” “Goodnight, sunshine.” “Sleep well, $L.” $Yo replies with a ghost of a smile. Once $L was gone from sight, you rounded on $Yo, observing $them_Y closely. $They_Y looked dead tired, pass-out-any-second kind of exhaustion. Though you were curious about what $they_Y did to earn that degree of $L’s respect, this was much more pressing. “What the hell did you do?” $Yo looks up, clearly affronted by your tone. “I’ve done a lot, $name, you’ll need to be more specific.” “Magic cleaning does not drain a sorcerer of your caliber like this. What did you do?” $Yo sighs, leaning heavily against the wall, trying to make it seem more like casual resting than using it like a crutch that it was. “Some preparations, so I’m not drained all day tomorrow.” “Preparations?” “Yes, unless you have a better idea of how to ensure not only your safety, but the safety of any evidence?” You slowly nod, stepping closer. “Okay, you got me there, but you literally look like you’re about to fall over.” “Probably,” $Yo shrugs. “Let’s… Let’s get you to bed,” You raise your hands slowly, trying to encourage $their_Y movement without touching $them_Y. When that obviously wasn’t going to work, you let out a defeated sigh and moved to throw an arm around $their_Y waist, using your other hand to grip $their_Y arm and half-drag $them_Y towards a room. $Yo allows this with barely a sound of protest… Or any sound really. $They_Y <<were_Y>> so quiet you thought $they_Y really had fallen asleep standing. “Thank you,” was the first word $they_Y said and that’s only when you finally got $them_Y into bed. “Yep, no worries, $Yo.” “Sleep well, $name.” $They_Y mumble<<s_Y>> as $their_Y eyes close. “Night.” You reply, leaving the room and closing the door softly behind you. You then basically drag yourself to bed, asleep almost as soon as your head is on the pillow. <<link "End of Onism: Part One" "2.0">><</link>>

<<if $relationships is false>> Nothing to see here! <<else>> $Yo <<if $Yo is "Yoshiko">>[img[$Yo|Images/Yoshiko.jpg][Sorcerer]]<<elseif $Yo is "Yoshiaki">>[img[$Yo|Images/Yoshiaki.jpg][Sorcerer]]<<else>>[img[$Yo|Images/Yoru.jpg][Sorcerer]]<</if>> $Inima <<if $Inima is "Catherine">>[img[$Inima|Images/Catherine.jpg][Heir]]<<else>>[img[$Inima|Images/Caspian.jpg][Heir]]<</if>> $Raz <<if $Raz is "Erasma">>[img[$Erasma|Images/Erasma.jpg][Sage]]<<else>>[img[$Raz|Images/Erasmus.jpg][Sage]]<</if>> <<link "$Mari" "Knight">><</link>> $Z <<if $Z is "Zenon">>[img[$Z|Images/Zenon.jpg][Rival]]<<elseif $Z is "Zenona">>[img[$Z|Images/Zenona.jpg][Rival]]<<else>>[img[$Z|Images/Zen.jpg][Rival]]<</if>> $L <<if $L is "Laine">>[img[$L|Images/Laine.png][Partner]]<<else>>[img[$L|Images/Lucian.png][Partner]]<</if>> <</if>>