TSoE

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Welcome, traveler, to The Songs of Eternity. This is a high-fantasy interactive fiction game where you play as your own character and work with four romantic interests to find out the history of your race, one most believed to be extinct. There is currently no option to not choose a romance route in the future, so be aware of that. First thing's first; what is your name? <<textbox "$name" "">> And your last name? <<textbox "$lastname" "">> <div class="choice">[[next|1]]</div>

<<if settings.achievements>><<notify 3s>>Name set!<</notify>><</if>>It's a pleasure to meet you, $name $lastname. Next, let's define a few key characteristics about you. (Hover over certain words to cycle through the options!) You have <<cycle "$haircolor" autoselect>> <<option "red">> <<option "blonde">> <<option "brown">> <<option "black">> <<option "white">> <</cycle>> hair and <<cycle "$eyecolor" autoselect>> <<option "red">> <<option "amber">> <<option "gold">> <<option "green">> <<option "blue">> <<option "violet">> <<option "silver">> <<option "black">> <<option "brown">> <</cycle>> eyes, which go nicely with your <<cycle "$skincolor" autoselect>> <<option "porcelain">> <<option "ivory">> <<option "olive">> <<option "tan">> <<option "light brown">> <<option "brown">> <<option "deep brown">> <<option "pitch black">> <</cycle>> skin tone. You also <<cycle "$uniquefeature" autoselect>> <<option "have freckles">> <<option "have a few beauty marks">> <<option "wear spectacles">> <<option "have a noticable scar">> <</cycle>>. <div class="choice">[[next - pronoun setting|2]]</div>

<<link "Credits">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Credits"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Codex">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Codex"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("codex").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>

Asher

The Songs of Eternity

An interactive story

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

Please select your pronouns: <<liveblock>>$they <<are>> happy. I really like $them. <</liveblock>> <div class="choice"><<link "She/Her">><<set $they to "she">><<set $them to "her">><<set $plural to false>><<update>><</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "He/Him">><<set $they to "he">><<set $them to "him">><<set $plural to false>><<update>><</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "Xe/Xem">><<set $they to "xe">><<set $them to "xem">><<set $plural to false>><<update>><</link>></div> <div class="choice"><<link "They/Them">><<set $they to "they">><<set $them to "them">><<set $plural to true>><<update>><</link>></div> <div class="choice">[[next - ro gender setting|3]]</div>

<a href="https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs/">Sugarcube 2 Documentation</a> <a href="https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2">Chapel - custom macros collection</a> <a href="https://github.com/cyrusfirheir/cycy-wrote-custom-macros">Cycy's custom macros</a> <a href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a> for sidebar images (<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/4CpyhNQ-LdU">light mode</a> and <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/1L71sPT5XKc">dark mode</a>)

Yaafena - The largest city and capitol of the nation of Syleric, the location of its palace, and the home of a widely-renowned hub for merchants and artists alike, with a population of about 10.5 million. A melting pot of cultures and races, with many prominent families there having previously traveled from other cities or nations to live in Yaafena. Astary Pilaze - The second largest city in the nation of Syleric, also known as the city of colors. With a population of about 10.2 million, Astary Pilaze is filled to the brim with creative residents who cover the walls of the city with murals and fill the streets with blooming flowers. All who visit are sure to feel right at home. Monadh - The third largest city in the nation of Syleric, widely known across Syleric for its loyalty to the Gods. It is the home of one of the most highly-respected temples in the nation, that of Her Divinity, as well as the Monadhi High Priest, and has a population of about 9.8 million. Syleric - A relatively well-known region with a population of around 130 million that highly values the principles of business. Syleric consists of three major cities and many smaller towns and villages on the outskirts. Her Divinity - The Goddess worshipped by most of Syleric, also known as Iarae, and a symbol of peace and unity throughout the nation. It is said that, thousands upon thousands of years ago, Iarae lived a happy life among her people. However, her brother, another God by the name of Corvine, was jealous of his sister's success. Corvine, being the God of Devastation, terrorized the people of Syleric with famines, plagues, and droughts for years on end, until her Divinity used nearly all the power contained within her current form to banish her brother to the Afterlife, damning him to eternal suffering for his crimes. This noble act drained nearly all of her vitality, and she retreated to her empire among the stars, where she would enter a deep slumber, one from which she would not soon awaken. Her followers now send her offerings of their best fruits and jewels, hoping to wake their savior once more. The Forsaken Brotherhood (or The Forsaken) - A large group of mercenaries who live on the outskirts of Astary Pilaze, and occupy the space between the city and Yaafena that previously belonged to a small group of Qresha. It consists entirely of men, with the single exception of Nasiphe. Qresha - Forest spirits, said to have been created by Her Divinity in her own image, that posses great wisdom and are considered the guardians of the natural world. They are a widely-spread species, and are estimated to consist of only 500 across the whole earth.

Good to know! This IF game features four love interests, two of which (Faelyn and Elsare) are gender-selectable. The Musician: Faelyn Once a petty theif, they were born in the nearby city of Monadh, but fled their land of birth in their youth to avoid being prosecuted for their crimes. Playful and bubbly, you'll rarely see Faelyn without a smile on their face. They have recently become quite a popular musician in Yaafena due to their incredible gift in both lyricism and playing many instruments. They travel often and have been to many other nations to perform, but, in their opinion, none can measure up to the great land they are so proud to call home. What gender would you like Faelyn to be? <div class="choice">[[male|4m]]</div> <div class="choice">[[female|4f]]</div> <div class="choice">[[neither|4n]]</div>

<<set $faethey to "he">><<set $faethem to "him">><<set $faetheir to "his">><<set $plural to false>><<update>> <<if settings.achievements>><<notify 3s>>Faelyn is now male!<</notify>><</if>>The Laird: Elsare Your childhood best friend and the heir to the throne of Syleric, a kind and gentle soul known for their wisdom and compassion, Elsare has always been the perfect child, and will soon become the perfect ruler. You haven't spoken in over a decade, but, from what you can see, they are still the same curious and hardworking person as they were when the two of you were just children. They can often be seen in the palace library, perusing through the various books they have most likely read many times over. What gender would you like Elsare to be? <div class="choice">[[male|5m]]</div> <div class="choice">[[female|5f]]</div> <div class="choice">[[neither|5n]]</div>

<<set $faethey to "she">><<set $faethem to "her">><<set $faetheir to "her">><<set $plural to false>><<update>> <<if settings.achievements>><<notify 3s>>Faelyn is now female!<</notify>><</if>>The Laird: Elsare Your childhood best friend and the heir to the throne of Syleric, a kind and gentle soul known for their wisdom and compassion, Elsare has always been the perfect child, and will soon become the perfect ruler. You haven't spoken in over a decade, but, from what you can see, they are still the same curious and hardworking person as they were when the two of you were just children. They can often be seen in the palace library, perusing through the various books they have most likely read many times over. What gender would you like Elsare to be? <div class="choice">[[male|5m]]</div> <div class="choice">[[female|5f]]</div> <div class="choice">[[neither|5n]]</div>

<<set $faethey to "they">><<set $faethem to "them">><<set $faetheir to "their">><<set $plural to true>><<update>> <<if settings.achievements>><<notify 3s>>Faelyn is now gender-nonconforming!<</notify>><</if>>The Laird: Elsare Your childhood best friend and the heir to the throne of Syleric, a kind and gentle soul known for their wisdom and compassion, Elsare has always been the perfect child, and will soon become the perfect ruler. You haven't spoken in over a decade, but, from what you can see, they are still the same curious and hardworking person as they were when the two of you were just children. They can often be seen in the palace library, perusing through the various books they have most likely read many times over. What gender would you like Elsare to be? <div class="choice">[[male|5m]]</div> <div class="choice">[[female|5f]]</div> <div class="choice">[[neither|5n]]</div>

<<set $elthey to "he">><<set $elthem to "him">><<set $eltheir to "his">><<set $plural to false>><<set $eltitle to "Lord">><<set $elthemself to "himself">><<update>> <<if settings.achievements>><<notify 3s>>Elsare is now male!<</notify>><</if>>Congratulations, you have now given all information that is required to start the story! Enjoy your journey, $name. You've earned it. <div class="choice">[[next|6]]</div>

<<set $elthey to "she">><<set $elthem to "her">><<set $eltheir to "her">><<set $plural to false>><<set $eltitle to "Lady">><<set $elthemself to "herself">><<update>> <<if settings.achievements>><<notify 3s>>Elsare is now female!<</notify>><</if>>Congratulations, you have now given all information that is required to start the story! Enjoy your journey, $name. You've earned it. <div class="choice">[[next|6]]</div>

<<set $elthey to "they">><<set $elthem to "them">><<set $eltheir to "their">><<set $plural to true>><<set $eltitle to "Laird">><<set $elthemself to "themself">><<update>> <<if settings.achievements>><<notify 3s>>Elsare is now gender-nonconforming!<</notify>><</if>>Congratulations, you have now given all information that is required to start the story! Enjoy your journey, $name. You've earned it. <div class="choice">[[next|6]]</div>

<<set $chapter to "Prologue">> <h1><i>$chapter</i></h1> You sighed, leaning an elbow on the counter of the bar of your favorite tavern, The Sleeping Nomad. It was only a few streets down from where you lived, so you came there often to unwind after a stressful day at the shop. Levias, the owner of the tavern and the night's bartender, slid your beverage over to you while resting on the other side of the bar. "Tough day, love?" He asked, usual teasing tone ever-present in his smooth voice. "Business was just slow is all, just like it usually is." You half-joke, picking up your glass and taking a sip. Your friend just tutted and shook his head in mock disapproval. "People these days are so picky, I remember back when you could just bottle some water, tell people it was blessed by the preistesses in Monadh, and sell it for 500 Nari. Making money was so easy back then." You roll your eyes and use your arm to gesture about the crowded room. "Because you have such a problem with business, right?" Levias chuckles under his breath and opens his mouth to say something in return, but a customer comes stumbling up to the bar and captures his attention before he can. Just as he gets away from them and begins to make his way back to you, the tavern door slams open. A cloaked person walks in, clad almost entirely in black and brown and sporting more weapons than anybody else you think you've ever seen casually walking around the city. They walk up to the bar, making a beeline for Levias and completely ignoring the silent stares of those around them. "Hello there, darling, what can I do for you?" He asks them, tone flirtatious as it always is with a new customer, it surprisingly gets him more orders than you'd think. "I'm here for the wine." Levias internally rolls his eyes, which you can see from his expression, and smiles charmingly at the customer. "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I only sell bottles of wine to those who order at least a day in advance." The customer sighs and pushes back their hood, revealing a head of short white hair that almost looked sawed off. "It's me, Levias." The person, now identifiable as female, says, venom laced in her tone. Someone had a bad day, you mused to yourself. "Oh, I see." Levias says, placing a hand on the counter and leaning closer to her, recognition flooding his face. "Is there anything else I can get for you this time? Dinner, perhaps?" He says, flashing the woman a winning smile as he flirts with her. Based on her unamused expression, this isn't the first time he's done it. "No. Just the wine, and make it quick. You know Brother Xabat hates waiting." Levias, pushing his luck and, clearly, her patience, slides his hand a bit closer to hers, which was previously resting on the bar. "Are you sure? You know, there are plenty of women who-" He cuts himself off as, just as he was about to touch her hand, a sharp dagger swiftly plants itself in between two of his fingers. "I don't care what other women think, I am in no mood to deal with you today." Levias moves his hand away from her knife and gives her a sheepish smile. "Alright, I'll have your wine out in just a minute." <div class="choice">[[next|7]]</div>

Levias leaves the bar to get the shrouded woman her wine and, once he does and their conversation ends, you are able to hear the hushed exchanges of the various patrons at the tavern, most of whom have gone eerily quiet upon the arrival of this woman. "Did she just say Xabat? Isn't he the leader of The Brotherhood?" A young man whispers to another man sitting across the small table at which they converse. The other young man, face pale, leans over to him and gives the woman a wary glance as he speaks. "How on Earth does she know him personally?" One of the men freezes and his hand shakes as he lifts it up to his face, cupping it around is mouth as if to muffle his words. "You don't think this is her, right? She never comes into the city." "It must be." "Wow, she's even more beautiful than the stories describe." You glance at the woman, who now sports an annoyed expression, obviously able to hear the gossip being spewed about the tavern. They weren't wrong, she was gorgeous, in an odd way that you couldn't quite place. Her hastily-cut hair and somewhat ripped clothes made her look like any other peasant, but something about her piercing amber eyes and her general demeanor betrays a strange sense of divinity and intimidation, as if one should apologize for even daring to breathe the same air as her. Her eyes flick over to you and you quickly avert your gaze as you continue to listen in on the conversation of the two men. "She's also deadlier than the most powerful nightshade, have you forgotten what she is?" "You're right." "I know I am, now stop fawning over every woman you see and finish your drink so we can leave." You tuned out of the conversation just as Levias returned with five bottles of expensive wine, arranged in a lovely basket for ease of transport. "There you go, Nasiphe. Tell Brother Xabat that I say hello when you see him." The woman, who you now know as Nasiphe, takes the basket from him and tosses a coin pouch on the counter in front of Levias. "Keep the rest." She says. "My brothers would want you to have it, anyway." <div class="choice">[[Just as Nasiphe turns to leave the tavern with her wine, yet another figure bursts in.|8]]</div>

This one is clad in elven silks and various pieces of gold jewelry, just one of which is most likely worth much more than The Sleeping Nomad and everything, and everyone, in it. Elsare Pharele, heir to riches unfathomable and the throne of Syleric, the Golden Sovreign, and your former best friend. As $elthey make<<s>> a beeline towards you, with a finely-crafted wooden box in hand, $eltheir outfit flutters behind $elthem almost supernaturally, as if some inperceptible force were lifting it in order to further contribute to the air of regality surrounding $elthem. "$name! Oh, thank the Gods, I've finally found you!" The silence within the tavern is deafening, but Elsare doesn't appear to notice. You haven't spoken to $elthem in over a decade now, but all potential discomfort of yours immediately dissipates upon seeing the panic on $eltheir face. "Elsare? What are you doing here?" Elsare spoke quickly as $elthey took off the box's lid and rifled through its contents. "This morning, I found some of your old belongings as I was looking through my childhood mementos. I was simply going to have them sent to you, but, as I looked through them for nostalgia's sake, I found-" Cutting $elthemself off, Elsare glances around the crowded room and sighs. "I suppose I should tell you this news somewhere more private. Come with me, please." As you wordlessly stood to follow $elthem, Levias, ever the nosy man, slips out from behind the bar and bows before your friend. "Pardon my intrusion, $eltitle Elsare, but, if $they permit<<s>> it, may I accompany you two? As $name's trusted friend, and the owner of the tavern in which you are having this particular conversation, I feel an odd sense of obligation to know the details of this situation so that I may be of assistance." As someone who knows him very well, it's painfully obvious that he's just curious, but Elsare, fooled by his charisma, nods. "I have no issue with that, Sir Aubenet. $name?" You catch Levias giving you a strangely desperate glance. "Alright." Levias stands and begins to lead you two to a door which you know leads to the staircase that lead to his quarters. "My deepest thanks, Youe Excellency." He says as he opens the door for you two. <div class="choice">[[next|9]]</div>

As the three of you settled in Levias' parlor, Elsare pulls a gilded amulet, imprinted with a sacred seal you don't quite know the meaning of, out of the box and presents it to you both with a grave expression. Along the edge of the amulet is an engraved sigil, one you recognize from your foggy childhood memories. "Is this...the sigil of the Monadhi High Priest?" You breathed out, instictively reaching forward to touch the symbol. As you do, however, a feeling akin to that of being impaled with a white-hot metal stake spreads throughout your hand, immobilizing you, and your vision seems to go red from the insurmountable pain. The suffering feels like it lasts forever but, when you finally manage to pull away, you find it's only been a few seconds. Your breath is ragged as you snatch your hand away from the gilded object, Elsare placing a hand on your arm in an effort to keep you grounded as you recover from the pain. Levias picks up the amulet cautiously, but feels none of the agony you do. He carefully turns it over and finds an inscription, a poem. He begins to read it out loud. "Our race is one of the divine, Silent and respected as an emperor of the night. Kneel, write thou throughout the land, "The perfection of our people is unmatched, And, should we fall, Our descendants shall share the burden of restoring our glory." Bow to our will as prey doth bow to a predator, Thou in posession of the amulet of Iarae." Both you and Levias are frozen in shock at the words carved into this small object, but Elsare simply looks as composed as ever, if only a bit more solemn. "I went through the archives in the palace library, looking for any information on the amulet of Iarae, but I found a surprisingly minimal amount. The only real facts I discovered were that this particular item was indeed crafted by the Monadhi High Priest, at the request of your grandfather. The race he speaks of is one that I previously believed to be entirely extinct, the Ixtal." Your friend speaks quietly, but it appears someone still overhears you, from the quiet gasp you hear from behind the door leading to the staircase from which you came. <div class="choice">[[next|10]]</div>

The door flies open, and in tumbles Faelyn, an immensely popular musician who happens to play in the tavern often, and one of your good friends. The redhead is flushed, the various fabrics and accessories on $faetheir person tangled from the fall. "My deepest apologies, My $eltitle! I had no intention of intruding on your conversation." Elsare, a bit surprised, stands and walks over to $faethem. "What, pray tell, was your intention?" Says Elsare, with the practiced elegance of a true leader. The musician stands and hurriedly bows to $elthem, fear evident on $faetheir face. "I spotted a young woman following the three of you, and went to stop her, but she had entered the room by the time I reached the door. I hope you can accept my sincere apology for intruding." Faelyn is shaking like a leaf in the presence of the $eltitle Pharele, but Elsare simply gestures for $faethem to rise from $faetheir bow. "Is there anyone else who might have more information about this, Elsare?" You ask, still in a state of shock. Elsare hums, placing a hand on $eltheir chin as $elthey think<<s>>. "Well, I suppose we could ask the Monadhi High Priest, and maybe Brother Xabat as well. After all, the young woman hiding in the room with us now has personal connections to him. Isn't that right, Miss Nasiphe?" You hear an exasperated sigh from above you and, only moments later, Nasiphe gracefully drops from the rafters overhead, landing near Elsare with a barely-audible sound. "Your intention, unlike that of Faelyn here, was indeed to gain information, wasn't it?" Elsare asks, as calm and put-together as always. Nasiphe keeps one hand on the dagger strapped to her left leg, one which you recognize as the one she tried to impale Levias' hand with, but otherwise shows no indication that she even knows the rest of you are there. Elsare, unbothered by her silence, continues to speak. "I fail to comprehend your reason for this, however. Care to enlighten me, Miss Nasiphe?" <div class="choice">[[next|11]]</div>

The pale-haired woman stares at $elthem and raises an eyebrow, an expression you're sure nobody has ever dares to make towards a noble such as Elsare. "Frankly, My $eltitle, I see no reason as to why I shouldn't have followed you. Brother Xabat has spoken to me of that amulet and, as you surely know, his priorities are my priorities. If he wishes to know more about the amulet of Her Divinity, it is my sworn duty as his Sister to retrieve it for him. It just so happens that you are the one who holds possession of it as of now." She speaks coldly, as if the status of the person with whom she was having a conversation did not demand respect. Elsare, however, seems thoroughly unperturbed by this behavior, and even smiles a little at her aggression. "Very well, then. I will make a deal with you. I alone possess all this information about the amulet, and know far more about it than what I've told you. We seek to know more about the Ixtal race, and I have reason to believe that your Brother, well-traveled as he is, as well as the Monadhi High Priest would have this particular knowledge that we seek. If you can find a way to get them to tell us what they know, I will tell you what I know. Does that sound fair to you?" Nasiphe hums to herself, contemplating the offer, before she takes her hand off the blade strapped to her leg to cross her arms and narrow her eyes. "I must say, My $eltitle, assistance isn't exactly one of my strongest skills, I would much prefer to accept your offer if there was somebody you needed me to take care of. Also, how, pray tell, do you expect me to believe that you won't simply run off with the amulet after I help you? With no due respect, Your Excellency, I have spent over one hundred years being conditioned to work alone and to trust nobody besides my Brothers, especially not people like you." You glance at Levias with a worried expression, almost as if you are asking him why exactly his acquaintance is trying to provoke someone with this much power. He simply looks back at you with the same emotion, clearly at a loss for words at her behavior. Even Elsare's facade of elegance and perfection seems to crack at Nasiphe's comments. The two stare at one another, the atmospherre between them so thick that one could almost see the tension in the air. "I must say, Nasiphe, you do have a point. I can guarantee, however, that my word is more reliable than steel. In fact, I swear upon all my family, my friends, and my fortune that, should you assist me in this, you will be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams. Anything you ask for, you shall receive. Would you like uncountable riches? To become a Lady of the Court? As long as it is within my power to grant your wish, I will. If I should deceive you, I give you complete permission to take every last Nari that I possess, strip me of my titles, and throw me out into the streets to become a lowly beggar, and I will not resist." <div class="choice">[[next|12]]</div>

Nasiphe contempates the offer, narrowing her eyes briefly before she walks over to Elsare and shakes $eltheir hand. "Alright, I accept." She says, quickly pulling them forward by $eltheir hand to get $elthem closer to her face. "Do not make me regret trusting you. I have killed people like you, and I would gladly do it again." Elsare nods, calm smile ever present on $eltheir face. "Of course." The two pull away from one another, but Elsare's attention is once again captivated by another individual, this one being Faelyn, calling out for $elthem. "If you'd like, $eltitle Pharele," $faethey start<<s>>, "I would be happy to accompany you and assist with the portion of your journey that will take place in Monadh. I don't doubt your navigational prowess, either of you, but the Monadhi tend to be somewhat apprehensive to residents of the other cities. I happen to be Monadhi, so I would be happy to help in that regard." Elsare smiles, more genuinely than before, and gestures at Levias. "Very well, I suppose both you and Sir Aubenet are incredibly curious, and I would hate to have you two swear an unnecessary vow of silence about this predicament if I can help it. If you shall permit it, Nasiphe, we will meet at the gates at dawn and set off for The Forsaken Brotherhood." Nasiphe doesn't respond, but $elthey take<<s>> her silence as a 'yes' and claps $eltheir hands in contentment. "Great! I will see you all tomorrow at dawn!" With that, $they exit the room, and, evidently the tavern, with Nasiphe followinh soon after $elthem, which leaves you alone with your friends Levias and Faelyn. "Are you alright, $name?" The redhead to your right asks, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. <div class="choice">[["tell faelyn you're fine"|13A]]</div> <div class="choice">[["tell faelyn you're a bit shaken"|13B]]</div> <div class="choice">[["tell faelyn you don't know"|13C]]</div>

"I'm fine." You say dismissively. Faelyn gives you a sympathetic look and a pat on the shoulder. "Alright. I'm going to finish my performance and head home, I'll see you tomorrow, we can talk then, if you'd like." You nod wordlessly, and $faethey give<<s>> you a strained smile before leaving the room. When you get home, you spend hours tossing and turning in your mildly comfortable bed, yet were unable to get to sleep or find the motivation to eat breakfast before you leave for the gates. As you arrive, you find the other members of your entourage already there. Nasiphe is leaning against a wall, trimming her hair with her dagger, Faelyn is absentmindedly playing $faetheir flute, Elsare is rifling through a sturdy adventurer's backpack, and Levias is reading a small book off to the side of them all. You probably have time to talk to one of them before you set off. Who do you wish to talk to? <div class="choice">[["nasiphe"|14N]]</div> <div class="choice">[["faelyn"|14F]]</div> <div class="choice">[["elsare"|14E]]</div> <div class="choice">[["levias"|14L]]</div>

"Honestly, I'm still a bit shaken by all this." You breathe out, staring at the door from which your childhood best friend and a mercenary you recently met had just exited. Faelyn gives you a sympathetic look and a pat on the shoulder. "I completely understand. I'm going to finish my performance and head home, I'll see you tomorrow, we can talk then, if you'd like." You nod wordlessly, and $faethey give<<s>> you a strained smile before leaving the room. When you get home, you spend hours tossing and turning in your mildly comfortable bed, yet were unable to get to sleep or find the motivation to eat breakfast before you leave for the gates. As you arrive, you find the other members of your entourage already there. Nasiphe is leaning against a wall, trimming her hair with her dagger, Faelyn is absentmindedly playing $faetheir flute, Elsare is rifling through a sturdy adventurer's backpack, and Levias is reading a small book off to the side of them all. You probably have time to talk to one of them before you set off. Who do you wish to talk to? <div class="choice">[["nasiphe"|14N]]</div> <div class="choice">[["faelyn"|14F]]</div> <div class="choice">[["elsare"|14E]]</div> <div class="choice">[["levias"|14L]]</div>

"I don't know." You answer honestly. Faelyn gives you a sympathetic look and a pat on the shoulder. "I completely understand. I'm going to finish my performance and head home, I'll see you tomorrow, we can talk then, if you'd like." You nod wordlessly, and $faethey give<<s>> you a strained smile before leaving the room. When you get home, you spend hours tossing and turning in your mildly comfortable bed, yet were unable to get to sleep or find the motivation to eat breakfast before you leave for the gates. As you arrive, you find the other members of your entourage already there. Nasiphe is leaning against a wall, trimming her hair with her dagger, Faelyn is absentmindedly playing $faetheir flute, Elsare is rifling through a sturdy adventurer's backpack, and Levias is reading a small book off to the side of them all. You probably have time to talk to one of them before you set off. Who do you wish to talk to? <div class="choice">[["nasiphe"|14N]]</div> <div class="choice">[["faelyn"|14F]]</div> <div class="choice">[["elsare"|14E]]</div> <div class="choice">[["levias"|14L]]</div>

Nasiphe's eyes snap to yours as soon as you even entertain the thought of approaching her, but her nimble hands stay focused on their task. You finally reach her after a long and uncomfortable walk, but she doesn't seem at all thrilled by your presence. In fact, it seems she is quite the opposite. "What do you want?" She asks, her voice quiet and so cold you almost shiver. Nasiphe glares at you as you stand in front of her, now feeling significantly more uneasy than you had been previously. "What?" She spits the word out as if it were poison, yanking at a particularly long strand of hair and slicing at it uncaringly. "Why are you cutting your hair now, of all times?" You ask, the words escaping you before you can even consider stopping them. Her sharp gaze bores into as an uncomfortable silence settles between you two, but Nasiphe doesn't answer. Instead, she continues to stare at you as she chops at her pale tresses, the pieces of which scatter around her as they fall. Finally, after a lengthy pause, she elegantly sheaths her dagger and straps it back to its place on her left thigh. "It was getting too long for a journey like this." She finally says, her voice the smallest bit softer than it had been when you first approached, if only slightly, but you can't quite put your finger on why that might be. Before you can speculate further, however, she turns back to you and shoves a wrapped portion of bread into your arms. "Eat. I don't get paid if you die." She says, her tone gelid as she does so. Your conversation ends there as she walks pas you and towards a small backpack which, based on the bow and basket of wine laying beside it, is hers. You aren't quite sure what to make of that interaction, so you head to where the rest of your group has congregated, ready to go. <div class="choice">[["next"|15]]</div>

You approach Faelyn who, based on $faetheir absent flute-playing, is incredibly bored. The two of you lock eyes and $faethey shoot<<s>> you a bright grin, waving you closer to $faethem. "Good morning, $name! Are you feeling a bit more adjusted to all this today?" Asks the redhead, slipping $faetheir flute into the custom-crafted carrying case strappedd to their belt, a gift you had given $faethem about two months prior to that day. You hum in response to the question. "I suppose." You answer dismissively. You would much rather talk about something that isn't your feelings at this moment. Faelyn nods understandingly at your response, $faetheir grin morphing into a somber smile. "I understand. Just let me know if you ever need somebody to talk to, I'll be happy to help you in any way I can. Of course, if you'd like, you know I am always looking for a musical apprentice." It's obvious that $faethey <<are>> joking, but you know for a fact that $faethey would happily teach you $faetheir trade if you desired for $faethem to do so. You smile softly at $faetheir attempt to cheer you up, and that acknowledgement of $faetheir efforts visibly gives $faethem joy as well. "Thank you, Faelyn, I appreciate your support in all of this." You respond genuinely, and $faethey soon hug<<s>> you in return. "Of course, it's no trouble whatsoever. Do let me know if there is anything I can do for you, my friend." With that, you end the conversation andhead to where the rest of your group has congregated, ready to go. <div class="choice">[["next"|15]]</div>

You approach Elsare as $elthey shuffle<<s>> through the bag, evidently searching for something and getting quite frustrated when $elthey cannot find it. "Are you alright?" You ask, and $elthey jump<<s>> in surprise from your sudden appearance. However, $elthey soon recover<<s>> from the scare to speak to you. "Yes, I'm quite alright, just checking on the supplies is all." Elsare does a good job of hiding $eltheir anxiety but, as someone who has known $elthem for the better part of both of your lives, you see right through the facade. "Are you sure?" You inquire, essentially ignoring $eltheir previous statement and looking over $eltheir shoulder into the bag, which holds basic necessities like food and clothing. Elsare sighs and pulls away from the bag to face you with an exhausted expression. "I just lost a book that I swore I had in this bag, that's all. I'll find it soon, no need to worry." You immediately knew what book $elthey <<were>> talking about, considering that it had been $eltheir favorite for as long as you have known $elthem. Said book is a thick romance novel by the name of Serendipitous Agony, an aged story written about two centuries before the day on which $eltheir family had purchased it. Elsare enjoyed the plot so much that $elthey had memorized just about every word within it, and continued to carry it on their person almost constantly, for nostalgia's sake. The two of you search among the pack's various contents, but the book doesn't turn up. After a few more moments of looking, you turn back to Elsare. "Did you look in the pockets of your robes?" You ask, you knew that wealthy-man's clothes tended to have large pockets, and $elthey answer<<s>> while patting down $eltheir outfit. "Of course I did." Starts your elven friend, but the volume slips out of a hidden pocket in $eltheir cloak before $elthey can finish. Thanks to your quick reflexes, however, you are able to catch the novel before it can get damaged on the stone below. As you stand to hand it to Elsare, you note the cerulean tint to $eltheir sky-colored skin, a behavior similar to that of a human blushing. "Oh dear, I suppose I didn't search thoroughly enough." You laugh softly and give $elthem the book. "It's okay." Your friend holds the novel close to $eltheir chest with an embarrassed chuckle. "Thank you, $name." You nodded back and head to where the rest of your group has congregated, ready to go. <div class="choice">[["next"|15]]</div>

Levias shoots you a charming smile as you approach his distracted form. "Good morning, my dear." He says as you reach him, closing his book with one hand and leaving the other free to grab your own with a flourish and kiss it as if you were a Member of the Court. You, however, are unfazed by his behavior. After all, he's always like this, and it's quite difficult to be surprised by an almost-constant habit. "Yes, good morning, Levias." You say, feigning annoyance as a melodious laugh erupts from your friend. "I really do miss the days when you were easy to fluster." He laments, referencing how easy it was to embarrass you during the early stages of your friendship. You simply ignore his arbitrary complaint and change the subject before Levias can poke fun at you more than he already has. "I assume you left Nina in charge of the tavern in your absence?" You say, only half joking about his trust in the small reptile. Nina was his pet lizard and also supposedly his best friend. He found her in the forests near Astary Pilaze while on his way to bring home a foreign wine he had purchased in order to sell it at his tavern. When he first saw her, Nina was barely one month old and severely dehydrated, and Levias ended up bringing her home and nursing her back to health. However, when he tried to give her to someone more skilled in animal care than himself, she refused to leave him, and the rest is history. Levias chuckles again and runs a hand through his hair. "Of course. My employees wouldn't dare to induce her wrath, so I didn't see why not." He jokes, crossing his arms and sticking his nose in the air with a proud expression on his face. "My Nina is the most responsible reptile I know." You give him a fond smile and turn to leave as you notice the others gathering near the gates. "Good luck with all this, $name." You hear from behind you, Levias' voice soft and kind. You can tell from his tone alone that he's being uncharacteristically genuine. "I hope you find out everything you need to know." You thank him with a sincerely and are soon off to where the rest of your group has congregated, ready to go. <div class="choice">[["next"|15]]</div>

The other members of your small entourage are waiting at the gates as you arrive, and Elsare claps $eltheir hands to call the attention of the others unto $elthemself as if $elthey <<were>> a schoolteacher rather than a respected noble. "Is everyone quite ready to head out now?" As the rest of the group either nods or mumbles their affirmation, $elthey smile and lead you all out of the city. The guards standing at attention at the gates seem about to wish you well on your journey, but they stop in their tracks as they see who exactly accompanies you. Faelyn, however, is unbothered and simply gives them a cheerful wave. The five of you walk through the forest to your first destination rather than taking horses or a coach (Nasiphe said it would make her Brothers much less likely to trust you), sure to reach The Brotherhood before dusk. This is the end of the story so far! Please save on this page to continue on the next update.